Updated September 2, 2024
If you’re looking for a versatile mountain bike suitable for a variety of off-road terrain that just might not require emptying your bank account, a hardtail model could be your best choice. With front suspension only, there is some smoothing out of the bumps but you are still left with a feel for the trail that encourages the development of handling and maneuverability. Lightweight and with a frame geometry that enables a comfortable riding position, beginners and experienced riders alike can find their level of adventure riding a hardtail.
Choosing the right bike for your style can require substantial research considering the huge number on the market. To whittle that effort down to size, some top models with a range of pricing and features have been selected as an introduction. With one exception they are all moderate to low-priced. To begin there is a comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes of 2023
- Diamondback Overdrive 29 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Diamondback Lux 1 Women’s Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Raleigh Ziva Comp Women’s Hardtail Mountain Bike
- SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike
- Schwinn Axum Dropper Seatpost Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Raleigh Tokul 1 Hardtail Mountain Bike
Hardtail Mountain Bike Comparison Table
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Gears | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Diamondback Overdrive 29 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 11 | 4.7 | $$ |
 | Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Hardtail Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 3 x 8 | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Diamondback Lux 1 Women’s Hardtail Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 2 x 9 | 4.6 | $ |
  | Raleigh Ziva Comp Women’s Hardtail Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 11 | 4.6 | $$ |
  | SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike | Carbon Fiber | 3 x 10 | 4.6 | $$ |
 | Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 11 | 4.7 | $$$$ |
 | Schwinn Axum Dropper Seatpost Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 8 | 4.3 | $ |
  | Raleigh Tokul 1 Hardtail Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 1 x 11 | 4.5 | $$ |
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Drive Train | Rating | Price |
Diamondback Overdrive 29 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike
Made of lightweight and durable 6061 aluminum, it comes with a nice package of components that includes Rockshox front suspension with 100mm of travel for a cushion against bumps.
This year’s model has a quality 11-speed SRAM drivetrain great on the trail and across logs and rocks with a granny gear sufficient for steep climbs.
The brakes are a superior Shimano hydraulic version with excellent stopping power.
It comes in an attractive red gloss in 4 frame sizes for riders from 5’4” to 6’4” and has a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and a moderate price.
- Best For: cross-country
- Sizes: S (16-inch), M (18-inch), L (20-inch), XL (22-inch), suitable for riders 5’4” to 6’4”
- Weight: 29.5 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 T6 aluminum
- Front Suspension: Rockshox Reba RL, 100mm travel
- Tires: 29-inch x 2.1-inch Vee Rubber Mission
- Rims: double-wall alloy, 32 hole
- Gears: 1 x 11 SRAM GX drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: tool kit, alloy platform pedals
- Color: red gloss
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty on the frame
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Hardtail Mountain Bike is a good bike for beginner to intermediate-level riders with a nice package of features at a moderate price.
The Shimano 24-speed drivetrain provides plenty of gearing options for climbing that will perform well on rougher trails along with its SR Suntour front suspension that has 100mm of travel to smooth out the bumps.
With a sturdy frame of 6061 aluminum, it has Shimano M315 hydraulic brakes that deliver precision stopping power.
It comes in 4 sizes to fit a range of body sizes in a tough-looking matte black color and has a generous lifetime warranty on the frame and 2 years for the Shimano components.
- Best For: entry to mid-level riders for climbing and trails
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, suitable for riders 5’6” to 6’5”
- Weight: 33.5 pounds (M)
- Frame/Fork Material: SLA 6061 aluminum
- Front Suspension: SR Suntour SF15-XCM, 100mm travel
- Tires: 29-inch x 2.1-inch Kenda
- Rims: durable Mingda aluminum
- Gears: 3 x 8 Shimano Acera drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: Tommaso Velo steel rails saddle, composite flat pedals
- Color: matte black
- Warranty: lifetime on the frame, 2 years for Shimano components
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
Diamondback Lux 1 Women’s Hardtail Mountain Bike
The sleek, sturdy 6061 aluminum frame has easy maneuverability and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes give you precise stops.
The SR Suntour front suspension with 100mm of travel and 27.5 x 2.35-inch tires smooth out the bumps on rugged trails and the 18-speed Shimano drivetrain gives you plenty of gearing options.
It comes with a women-specific comfort saddle in an attractive blue color at a low price with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame.
Two upgraded models in the line, the Lux 2 and Lux 3 offer a few additional features and benefits if you are looking for a bit more.
Note: This model occasionally appears with some variation in components as you can see in the video below, so check carefully the features when you place your order.
- Best For: women, entry to mid-level riders on single-track trails
- Sizes: S (15-inch), M (17-inch), L (19-inch), suitable for riders 5’3” to 5’10”
- Weight: 32.5 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 T6 aluminum
- Front Suspension: SR Suntour XCM-HLO, 100mm travel
- Tires: 27.5-inch x 2.35-inch
- Rims: double-wall alloy, 32 hole
- Gears: 2 x 9 Shimano Acera drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: DB Women’s Performance MTB Saddle, tool kit
- Color: blue
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty on the frame
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $
Raleigh Ziva Comp Women’s Hardtail Mountain Bike
It has an 11-speed SRAM drivetrain with plenty of gears for cross-country and wide 27.5 X 2.25-inch tires, a Suntour Raidon front suspension, and comfortable women’s saddle to absorb the bumps.
This bike too has hydraulic brakes for premium stopping power.
The Ziva Comp currently comes in a striking white color.
Raleigh prides itself on good service. Be sure to ask about the terms of the warranty.
- Best For: women, cross-country, recreation, fitness riding
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, suitable for riders 5’0” to 6’2”
- Weight: 26.6 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum
- Front Suspension: Suntour Raidon XC Air, 100mm travel
- Tires: 27.5-inch x 2.25-inch
- Rims: double-wall alloy, 32 hole
- Gears: 1 x 11 SRAM NX drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: Raleigh Women’s Mountain saddle, front and rear through axles
- Color: white
- Warranty: ask about the details of the warranty
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Hardtail Mountain Bike
It is available in 3 frames and 3 wheel-size combinations to suit men and women in a wide range of heights.
The ultra-lightweight T800 carbon fiber frame has slack and low geometry that is matched with an SR Suntour hydraulic fork and cushioned leather saddle for maneuverability and shock absorption over rough trails.
The Shimano mechanical brakes are reliable and the 30-speed Shimano drivetrain provides a multitude of easy-shifting gear options for any requirements you might have.
It’s available in 3 lively colors and color combos with minimal assembly necessary upon delivery.
- Best For: men or women, beginners or experienced, cross-country, single-track trails
- Frame Sizes: 15.5-inch, 17-inch, 19-inch, suitable for men and women
- Frame/Fork Material: T800 carbon fiber
- Front Suspension: SR Suntour hydraulic fork, 100mm travel
- Tires: 3 options – 26-inch, 27.5-inch, 29-inch
- Rims: double-wall alloy
- Gears: 3 x 10 Shimano drivetrain and shifter
- Brakes: Shimano mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: leather saddle with memory foam, streamlined internal cable routing
- Color: black/blue, green, white
- Warranty: ask the seller for details
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike
The Diamondback El Oso Tres Hardtail Mountain Fat Bike is uncharacteristic for a fat bike by having front suspension. That adds one more measure of shock absorption to the underinflated wide tires that make fat bikes so effective on sand, snow, and other unstable surfaces.
With a durable 6061 aluminum frame, it is lightweight for the category at 35.6 pounds.
A high-quality Shimano 11-speed drivetrain has all the gearing you need and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes offer superior stopping power.
There is also a dropper seat post that improves maneuverability on tricky downhill runs and front and rear through axles to add stiffness for more precise steering.
With this package of features, pricing is much higher than that of the other models reviewed here. There is a lifetime warranty on the frame.
- Best For slippery, unstable surfaces, remote and technical trails
- Frame Size: 16-inch, 18-inch, 20-inch, suitable for riders from 5’4” to 6’1” pounds
- Weight: 35.6 pounds
- Frame/Fork: durable, lightweight 6061 double-butted aluminum frame
- Front Suspension: RockShox Bluto, 100mm travel
- Tires: wide 26 x 4.5-inch all-terrain
- Gears: 1 x 11, Shimano SLX M7000 drivetrain and shifters
- Brakes: dual Shimano Mt 500 hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: comfortable saddle with a dropper seat post, DB DNC platform pedals, through axles front and rear for enhanced steering precision
- Color: purple
- Warranty: lifetime on the frame for the original buyer
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$$
Schwinn Axum Dropper Seatpost Hardtail Mountain Bike
It has an 8-speed Schwinn drivetrain with an easy-to-use trigger shifter and reliable mechanical disc brakes for precise stops.
The alloy and steel front suspension fork with 100mm travel cushions the ride and a dropper seat post adjusts seat level using a remote switch on the handlebars while in motion for a more efficient position during ascents and descents.
With such a low price you could consider spending on some additional accessories to customize the ride.
It comes in rugged black or blue colors and is backed by a Schwinn warranty.
- Best For entry-level and intermediate riders, cross-country trails
- Sizes: 18.5-inch, suitable for riders 5’4” to 6’2”
- Weight: 35.32 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum frame/aluminum alloy and steel fork
- Front Suspension: suspension fork with 100mm travel and lockout
- Tires: 29-inch x 2.6-inch tires
- Rims: 3mm double-wall alloy
- Gears: 1 x 8 drivetrain with Axe trigger shifters
- Brakes: mechanical disc brakes
- Other Features: 125 mm dropper post (for adjustment as you ride) with internal cable routing, alloy platform pedals
- Colors: black or blue
- Warranty: ask for details on the Schwinn warranty
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
Raleigh Tokul 1 Hardtail Mountain Bike
Combined with a Suntour coil spring front suspension with 130mm travel and wide 27.5 x 2.6-inch tires it handles well over the bumps and obstacles on technical trails.
The SRAM NX 11-speed drivetrain is equipped with smooth trigger shifting and the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable, precise braking to enhance performance and safety over tricky patches of terrain.
Suitable for a wide range of rider sizes, it comes at a moderate price with a warranty on the frame.
- Best For: cross-country and technical single-track trails
- Sizes: S (15-inch), M (17-inch), L (19-inch), XL (21-inch), suitable for riders 5’4” to 6’4”
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 heat-treated aluminum
- Front Suspension: SR Suntour XCR 34 coil spring, 130mm travel
- Tires: 27.5-inch x 2.6-inch
- Rims: double-wall alloy
- Gears: 11-speed SRAM NX drivetrain and trigger shifter
- Brakes: Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes
- Other Features: front and rear through axles, Raleigh MTB saddle
- Color: dark grey
- Warranty: 30-day returns, frame warranty
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
View More From Raleigh Bicycles
Hardtail Mountain Bike Buying Guide
Frame Materials
Steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber are the materials used, each with advantages and weak points.
- Steel is the heaviest and is used on many rigid bikes and a few hardtail models. It’s durable and absorbs shock well, but is susceptible to rust and corrosion. Cost-wise, it is a little more expensive than aluminum but much cheaper than carbon fiber.
- Aluminum is strong and light and the cheapest of the three, but tends to be rigid and less shock absorbing. It is commonly used for all types of mountain bikes.
- Carbon fiber is exceptionally lightweight and durable and the most expensive by far of the three materials. While it is used in the moderately priced SAVADECK300 model reviewed here, that is the exception to the rule that carbon fiber bikes will normally be very expensive in comparison.
Wheel Size
Hardtail mountain bikes come with several possible wheel sizes depending on the type of riding the bike is designed for and a rider’s size, secondarily.
- 29-inch wheels take a little momentum to reach top speed but once there maintain it with minimal exertion. This makes them especially suitable for cross-country riding. They are not as maneuverable as smaller wheels making them less effective on narrower more technical trails where going around obstacles rather than over the top is necessary. Many taller riders find 29-inch wheels a better fit.
- 27.5-inch wheels are the choice for bikes to be used on trails that require avoiding obstacles. They are best on technical trails demanding agility and maneuverability.
- 26-inch wheels were the standard for mountain bikes historically but now see service mainly on models aimed at smaller riders and on fat bikes. They offer superior maneuverability.
- Fat bikes use 26-inch wheels with very wide tires that were originally designed for better traction on soft surfaces like sand, mud, and snow. They are finding increased use on all manner of trails due to their stability and built-in shock absorption with tires that are underinflated.
Suspension
Hardtail mountain bikes have front suspension with travel generally from 100 to 140mm to absorb shocks and smooth out the ride. (Travel is a term that describes the distance that the suspension moves while absorbing shock.) Mountain bikes designed for the most rugged technical trails and downhill riding may have up to 200mm of travel.
Drivetrain/Gears
The drivetrain refers to the complete gearing mechanism that consists of 1-3 chainrings in the front and the cassette of cogs or gears in the back. If there is 1 chainring and a cassette with 9 cogs it is referred to as a 1 x 9 drivetrain or 9-speed. A drivetrain with 2 chainrings and 8 cogs would be called a 2 x 8 drivetrain or 16-speed. When there is a wider range of speeds, there are more control and acceleration options across different terrains and conditions. The number of speeds you select should be based on your riding style and the type of terrain and is largely a matter of personal preference. How to Use Bike Gears
Brakes
Better quality hardtail mountain bikes use disc brakes rather than linear-pull rim brakes due to superior stopping power for safety and performance. There are two varieties, mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes. Mechanical disc brakes are less expensive but don’t generally have as much braking power. Mechanical Versus Hydraulic Disc Brakes
For more information on other categories of bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
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