While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – this month, Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget. Keep an eye on the magazine for reviews on the 2016 models starting to arrive on our shores.
1/6
Specialized Rockhopper Pro Evo 29
All Specialized Evo models are engineered with slacker geometry, and specced with a longer-travel fork, wider tyres, and wider handlebars. This set-up suits riders who want a bike that can be ridden more aggressively, on a wider range of trails. Adding to an already superb package is the Rockhopper Pro Evo’s cable-activated 100mm dropper post, which sets it apart in this category.
PRICE: R14 999*
*Prices correct at time of publishing (April ’15). Prices may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates. Prices in stores may vary.
While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – this month, Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget.
2/6
Scott Scale 960
You just have to attend a local MTB event to realise just how popular Scotts are among the legions of South African mountain bikers. Sharing the same geometry with its carbon cousins,
the Scale 960 has inherited its race pedigree thanks to years of R&D and feedback from the
likes of multiple-XCO world champion Nino Schurter. While Scott has recently put a lot of energy into its 650bs, local riding spots are still dominated by 29ers like the Scale 960. The reason? Confident handling, and straight-line speed. And when it comes to spec, the Scale 960 offers a great package at an affordable price point.
PRICE: R14 800*
*Prices correct at time of publishing (April ’15). Prices may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates. Prices in stores may vary.
While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget.
3/6
Momsen AL329
Victor Momsen prides himself on giving riders additional value by complementing his race-ready framesets with features that make Momsens trail-ready from the get-go. When it comes to the AL329, this means a set of tubeless-ready Alex rims, and Kenda SCT tyres that are designed for tubeless – saving you time and admin. An integrated top-tube bag is another great feature, for carrying all your essentials while keeping your back pockets free of clutter. Another small detail: red, Momsen-branded silicone race grips add a touch of flair and comfort to the package.
PRICE: R14 250*
*Prices correct at time of publishing (April ’15). Prices may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates. Prices in stores may vary.
While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget.
4/6
Giant Talon 29ER 1
The Giant Talon 29er 1 blends weight, comfort and affordability to create a sporty hardtail offering value where it matters. A RockShox Recon Silver fork with 100mm of travel features a remote lockout (that means the lockout lever is situated on the handlebar) that’ll keep your hands closer to the grips at all times, so your ride’s safer because you’re more in control. Other highlights are a well-specced Shimano 3×10 drivetrain that’s a mixture of XT (rear derailleur), Deore (shifters) and SLX (front derailleur) parts, as well as a set of Schwalbe Rapid Robs that are sure to keep you in tune with the terrain.
PRICE: R13 850*
*Prices correct at time of publishing (April ’15). Prices may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates. Prices in stores may vary.
While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget.
5/6
Titan 29R Elite
At R12 999 the 29R Elite straddles our two price limits; it’s a great option for someone who wants a performance hardtail but needs to free up some cash to complement their new bike with some new gear – perhaps a new helmet, shoes or tools. With a 180mm disc up front and 160mm at the rear, the performance of the Shimano hydraulic brakeset is sure to be sharp and pin-point accurate, while a set of high-volume Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres (a popular choice at the Cape Epic) will keep you firmly planted on the trail.
PRICE: R12 999*
*Prices correct at time of publishing (April ’15). Prices may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates. Prices in stores may vary.
While we all dream of riding and racing range-topping, feather-light mountain bikes, dripping in the latest bling, our budgets and household commitments often force us to scale down our dreams to a more affordable reality. But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre bike – Gear Ed Oli Munnik runs through a comprehensive range of performance hardtails that will still suit your budget.
6/6
KTM Ultra Fun 29
Like all KTM bikes, the Ultra Fun 29 is made in Austria, and specifically from triple-butted 6061 alloy. The first thing that strikes you when looking at the Ultra Fun 29 is its bright, catchy paintjob with matching cable routing and 100mm SR Suntour front fork. The attention to detail extends all the way to the saddle, and even to the headset spacers and seatpost clamp. Like most other bikes in this price range, a 3×10 Shimano drivetrain takes care of business; while a highlight here is a set of high-volume Continental 29×2.2” X-King tyres.
PRICE: R11 995*
*Prices correct at time of publishing (April ’15). Prices may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates. Prices in stores may vary.