Hardtail Mountain Bikes For Every Rider
Where would we be without the hardtail? For some, it’s the one and only bike they’ll ever need. A hardtail mountain bike can be your workday commuter, kid trailer hauler, World Cup race rocket, and of course, your backcountry trail rambler. Hardtails are efficient, playful, and—most of all—simple machines made for having fun. From lightweight aluminum models made for relaxed rides to long-travel trail rigs designed for downhill speed, hardtails can handle any type of trail you’ll encounter.
Trek Marlin 6
The Trek Marlin 6 is a great example of an entry-level model found at bike shops around the country. It’s built with a lightweight Alpha Silver aluminum frame, a 16-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 100mm travel suspension fork to smooth small bumps in the trail. It’s great for someone just getting into the sport of mountain biking who might also use the bike for casual riding around town.
Salsa Timberjack SLX 27.5+
After you’ve been mountain biking for a few years you’ll get a better feeling for the type of riding you like to do. Salsa's Timberjack SLX 27.5+ is a sporty bike that will allow you to ride challenging terrain while improving your skills. It features a 130mm travel suspension fork, a wide-range 11-speed drivetrain for ease of use and reduced weight, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and plus-size tires for tons of traction and control.
Norco Torrent HT S2
When your skills progress beyond the challenges of typical trails, it’s time to join the rowdy crowd. Rowdy hardtails are designed for stability on jump lines and gnarly downhill tracks. These bikes, like the Norco Torrent HT S2, have all the capability of a full-suspension bike, but appeal to riders who prefer the feel of a hardtail. The Torrent features a 150mm travel fork and aggressive geometry that lets you smash through rock gardens and launch over jumps with confidence. Components include 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a wide-range 1x12 drivetrain, and a chromoly steel frame for maximum durability.
Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro
Serious cross country racers know that a hardtail’s efficiency is tough to beat. Pedaling power is translated directly into forward motion, giving you a real-time connection to your bike and the terrain that is hard to find in a full-suspension bike. A great example of such a bike is the Specialized Epic Hardtail. The Epic’s frame is extremely lightweight and designed around 29-inch wheels that carry momentum better than smaller sized wheels. It also features a slack head tube angle for more control when the going gets rough, and finely-tuned tube shapes that help absorb and disperse small bumps in the trail.
Your Bike, Your Bike Shop
Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned expert, your local bike shop has everything you need to get out the door and on your favorite trails. Browse hundreds of hardtail mountain bikes right here, and click the Buy Local Now button to locate your dream bike at a shop near you. Stop by to chat with the knowledgeable staff if you have any questions along the way. They can set you up on a test ride and help you find the best bike for your skills and budget.