If you’re looking for the best hardtail mountain bike, there’s a wide range of choices. And finding one that suits you can be difficult. We’ve taken a look at 9 of the best hardtails on the market to help you make an informed choice. And if you need help, we have reviews and buyer guides for everything from the complete beginners looking for their first mountain bike all the way up to advanced riders who demand fast handling and performance.
A hardtail mountain bike is a mountain bike that has a front suspension fork. It’s often lighter and more nimble than a full-suspension bike. Hardtails are mostly used for mountain biking and trail riding but there are some hardtails that are designed for urban riding. They are sometimes also called “touring bikes”.
A suspension fork allows the suspension of a bike to adjust using a robust axle system to match the terrain above and below. These forks also provide additional stability at the front of the bike for increased control and comfort. For a single-speed bike suspension forks are only used at the rear for increased gearing and power transfer.
Got lost? If you’re looking for the best road bikes, check out our review of the best ones under $1000.
We scoured the mountain bike market and found some of the best hardtail mountain bikes that are worth every penny — a real steal if you will. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced rider, these bikes will take you through any trail with a smile on your face!
IBIS DV9 Deore Mountain Bike
The IBIS DV9 Deore Mountain Bike is not just a bike – it’s a beautiful, carbon-made work of art. Its lightweight durable frameset is designed for both expert and novice riders. With its high-quality braking system, you’ll be able to stop on a dime no matter what. You’ll love everything about the IBIS DV9!
There are many things to love about the Ibis DV9 and so many things that make it one of the best hardtail mountain bike options, but here are a few of my favorites: 29er wheels — they’re taking over! Clearance for up to 2.6″ tires — that’s what I like to hear! Front travel of 100mm or 120mm — your choice! Headtube angle is 68.5-degrees with the shorter travel fork, or 67.
With a well-balanced geometry, this bike is sure to please. It will make your heart race and your adrenaline flow faster than ever before. Its front suspension technology absorbs shock and smooths out every bump in the road. It features a Shimano Deore drivetrain, which comprises everything you need to conquer any terrain.
The Ibis DV9 is a steal, weighing in at lightning-fast 1,204g. Usually, that superlightweight comes at a super expensive price tag. But the Ibis DV9 shatters the mold by being on the money.
If this is way more than you’d ever spend on a mountain bike, consider the alternatives. There are mountain bikes for sale under $500, and they’re not bad! Definitely check them out if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank.
DIAMONDBACK Sync’R 29 Carbon Mountain Bike
On the trail, there’s something about the DIAMONDBACK Sync’R as one of the best hardtail mountain bike options that make your hair stand on end. Perhaps it’s the way it seems to get faster and faster as you speed up. Or maybe it’s the way that the bike anticipates your moves — like it almost knows what you’re going to do before you do it, even when you’re flying downhill.
You’ll love the way you can just yank its bars up and jump over anything you want to. I mean, have you ever seen a better bike geometry? You’re going to be begging your friends to try it out! The DIAMONDBACK Sync’R 29 Carbon Mountain Bike is a marvel of engineering; just like the design team that created it, it’s built to be exactly what passionate cyclists are looking for.
With the DIAMONDBACK Sync’R and its BMX-inspired design and progressive geometry, you’ll be able to ride over any obstacles in your way and experience the joy of a trail ride, without having to worry about your bike. It’s a do-it-all machine that boasts the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain for an incredible range of usable gears.
If you’re looking for a mountain bike with stability in the air, you’ve got to check out Diamondback’s Sync’R 29 Carbon Mountain Bike. This incredible piece of machinery is constructed with optimal head angle and travel for superior aerial agility!
The Diamondback Sync’r is a carbon hardtail frame with all the stability of a beefy 29er, but the agility of a more nimble ride. It was built for mountain bikers who don’t want to compromise on any terrain.
The DIAMONDBACK Sync’R 29 Carbon Mountain Bike is a fantastic bicycle for the discerning cyclist. It features FOX suspension that’s easy to change depending on how much each rider weighs, how aggressive they like to ride in any given terrain, and how much they’d like to pedal or coast.
You’ll find that the DIAMONDBACK Sync’R 29 Carbon Mountain Bike is a pricier option than the IBIS DV9 Deore, but you’ll find that it’s a superior piece of equipment with features that make it well worth the added price point.
Even if you’re on a budget, you can still get a top-notch hardtail mountain bike. In fact, I did all the legwork so you don’t have to! Instead of having to scour the depths of the internet for hours upon hours, you can simply check out my top picks here.
PIVOT LES SL Carbon Race XT Mountain Bike
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Forget what you know about mountain biking — the PIVOT LES SL Carbon Race XT Mountain Bike ditches all preconceived notions of what a good ride is, and takes you on a fun-filled journey from which you’ll never wish to return.
If you’ve ever had a bike that’s too heavy, you know how much energy it sucks to carry it — but PIVOT’s new LES SL is here to change all that. This top-of-the-line carbon fiber bike is perfect for the hard-charging rider, with the goal of providing a lightweight and planted ride across any trail surface.
Lighter than its predecessor, the LES SL scales in at a mere 12.3 pounds, and yet it weighs in at only a few ounces less than what other brands consider their ‘ultralight’ bike. At that weight, you might assume something shoddy about it. Well, you’ll be very glad that this hardtail is stronger and far more efficient under power than ever before! The LES SL is easily one of the best hardtail mountain bike options and even one of the most powerful climbing bikes in the line-up, as well as one of the fastest rolling bikes on descents.
PIVOT’s unique carbon lay-up is the key to the LES SL’s lightweight, stiff, and compliant nature. It achieves this thanks to Pivot’s proven hollow-core molding technology using cutting-edge carbon materials. This winning formula means you get the perfect balance of weight, stiffness, and compliance — so you can shred downhills in comfort.
Did we mention the Cable Port System? Because it’s pretty great. The simple, elegant solution to routing your cables cleanly and easily — no matter which drivetrain you have, or what sort of dropper post you’re running.
The LES SL’s frame geometry is a definite highlight — it features a moderate head angle, longer reach, and shorter stem, which creates a stable ride that still maintains the agility you need to be competitive. It’s the perfect blend of stability and agility, with all the speed you need to take on the track.
There are used mountain bikes for sale at CycleLogik.com. If the prices of the hardtails here are too high for you, you can find good hardtails with a few more miles on them at a much affordable price there.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing the right hardtail mountain bike for yourself and your uses will have a huge impact on your riding experience. Don’t underestimate the power of these hardtails. Each of them has its own advantages and can make a great investment for your needs.
For the ladies! If you don’t like the hardtails here, know that we have a separate article about the best mountain bikes for you!
If you prefer a smoother ride on trails, something like the PIVOT LES SL Carbon Race XT Hardtail can help you navigate bumps or holes in the road. But if you’re looking for a fun, hardtail that will get you through the trails, look at the IBIS DV9 Deore Mountain Bike. And if you’re looking for something that’s durable and can take you further than the average hardtail bike, look at the DIAMONDBACK Sync’R 29 Carbon Hardtail.
If you are looking for the best hardtail mountain bike and have your heart set on a carbon fiber frame, look no further. The Hardtail Mountain Bikes reviewed here are without a doubt some of the best on the market, offering real-time satisfaction to the rider — beginner and pro alike.
Breaking the bank never felt so good! Yes, these hardtails may leave holes in your pocket but they provide an amazing experience that will leave you satisfied with your purchase — and they’re totally worth it.
Your turn: Which hardtail mountain bike did you choose? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
