Hardtail

From parkways to paths, paved roads or dirt, this versatile flat-bar bike can help you reach new fitness goals or add some spice to your daily commute. All-terrain versatility With a mountain bike style flat handlebar and suspension fork, you can ride road or dirt with confidence. Lightweight and durable Frameset constructed with high-quality ALUXX aluminum. Comfort and stability Frame geometry puts the rider in a position that balances efficiency with stability on rough roads, paths or trails. Wheel size: - Sizes XX-Small – Small: 26-inch - Sizes Small – X-Large: 27.5-inch

Push the pace on climbs, let loose on the descents. This aluminum hardtail gives you a feel for the trail with balanced, confident handling and a plush suspension fork.

Push the pace on climbs, let loose on descents. This aluminum hardtail with a plush suspension fork delivers balanced, confident handling on the trail. Key Performance Factors: Proven alloy performance ALUXX aluminum frameset is hand-built in-house by the world leader in aluminum engineering. Balance and stability Frame geometry is designed to optimize the balance and roll-over capabilities of 29-inch wheels or the liveliness of 27.5-inch wheels (depending on frame size). XC control Suspension fork offers either 80mm or 100mm of smooth travel for added XC control. Highlights: Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features classic hardtail design and the balanced riding characteristics of either larger diameter 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, Talon is a great choice for XC and trail riding. The frame geometry is specifically designed to adapt to its respective wheel size and either an 80mm or 100mm suspension fork (depending on frame size). It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level. Wheel Sizing: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

Better performance. Better value. Better Rockhopper. By tapping the fit and handling advantages of pairing each rider with their ideal wheel size and suspension that works its hardest for everyone thanks to our size-specific Rx Tune, we've baked in added performance to the Rockhopper without dialing up the price. The reliable and crisp Shimano drivetrain provides a robust 2x9 drivetrain that can handle everything you're throw down while confident braking from Shimano hydraulic disc brakes seals the deal of the century. - A heart of gold, presented in our lightweight yet durable Premium A1 Aluminum, the Rockhopper’s butted aluminum frame features hydro-formed top and downtubes in order to keep weight low and strength high, all while providing increased standover clearance, slick internal cable routing and dropper-post compatibility. - With the goal of making sure that the Rockhopper offers both the best fit and best performance for every person, no matter their measure, we’ve paired each Rockhopper frame size with the optimal wheel size. The result is a Rockhopper to fit every rider and the assurance that every Rockhopper is rolling on the best-handling wheel for its frame size. - Bringing our Rx Tune to Rockhopper for the very first time, the lockout-equipped SR Suntour XCM with custom Multi-Circuit damping brings size-specific travel and spring rates to the show in a performance that’s sure to impress while also ensuring consistent geometry, handling, and suspension performance, regardless of frame or wheel size. - Pair dead-reliable hubs from Formula with our 25-millimeter internal diameter, rims for a wheelset hat-trick: strong, light, and durable.

GET ON THE DIRT AND RIDE YOUR WAY TO YOUR FIRST SINGLETRACK. TEMPT IS THAT FRIEND THAT OPENS A WHOLE NEW WORLD TO YOU. KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS Confidence Inspiring Perfect as your first mountain bike, the ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame is lightweight, capable and durable. Versatile Tempt’s performance-minded yet comfortable geometry gives it the versatility for both commutes around campus and off-road rides. XC Control A suspension fork offers control, comfort and stability over bumpy terrain. Depending on frame size, the fork comes with 80mm or 100mm of travel. HIGHLIGHTS ALUXX ALUMINUM This performance level frame material features 6061 alloy with single-butted tubes to produce strong, lightweight framesets for a variety of different bikes and riding styles. FRONT SUSPENSION 80mm (XS) or 100mm (S-L) with hydraulic lockout and preload adjustment. DISC BRAKE EQUIPPED Powerful disc brakes for confidence and control. 2.4-INCH TIRE CLEARANCE Enough room to run up to 2.4-inch wide tires, for added traction. LOW STANDOVER HEIGHT For confidence while maneuvering the bike on dirt trails. INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING Derailleur and rear brake cables are routed internally for a weight-saving, clean look with better performance. DROPPER SEATPOST COMPATIBLE 30.9mm seattube diameter and clean internal cable routing allows for easy dropper seatpost upgrade. 1X OR 2X COMPATIBLE Frameset is designed to work with either a single or double chainring crankset. For 2x setups, either a side-swing or down-swing front derailleur can be used. INTEGRATED MOUNTS Mounts on the seatstays and chain-stays make it easy to accessorize with racks, fenders or a rear kickstand. Wheel size: - Sizes X-Small – Medium: 27.5-inch - Sizes Small – Large: 29-inch

Designed for young riders looking to try out the dirt or pumptrack, this all-new shredder is built on a lightweight, super-strong aluminum frame with quick, responsive 20-inch wheels. Key Performance Factors Versatile Built with a lightweight, strong and durable ALUXX-grade aluminum frameset, the bike cruises the pump tracks, trails, and streets with ease. Quick and Responsive The frame geometry is designed for 20-inch wheels and a low saddle height, with a taller front end for a responsive, confident ride quality. Maximum Control Powerful disc brakes and a 60mm suspension fork with a lockout option (available on select models) gives her safe and confidence-inspiring control. One Size: 3’9” - 4’3”

Push the pace on climbs, let loose on descents. This aluminum hardtail with a plush suspension fork delivers balanced, confident handling on the trail. Key Performance Factors: Proven alloy performance ALUXX aluminum frameset is hand-built in-house by the world leader in aluminum engineering. Balance and stability Frame geometry is designed to optimize the balance and roll-over capabilities of 29-inch wheels or the liveliness of 27.5-inch wheels (depending on frame size). XC control Suspension fork offers either 80mm or 100mm of smooth travel for added XC control. Highlights: Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features classic hardtail design and the balanced riding characteristics of either larger diameter 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, Talon is a great choice for XC and trail riding. The frame geometry is specifically designed to adapt to its respective wheel size and either an 80mm or 100mm suspension fork (depending on frame size). It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level. Wheel Sizing: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

Get on the dirt and ride your way to your first singletrack. Tempt is that friend that opens a whole new world to you. Key Performance Factors Confidence Inspiring Perfect as your first mountain bike, the ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame is lightweight, capable and durable. Versatile Tempt’s performance-minded yet comfortable geometry gives it the versatility for both commutes around campus and off-road rides. XC Control A suspension fork offers control, comfort and stability over bumpy terrain. Depending on frame size, the fork comes with 80mm or 100mm of travel. Wheel Sizing: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

All barn-burner and no benchwarmer, the Rockhopper Sport throws out the playbook when it comes to putting performance points on the board while playing some serious defense on behalf of your wallet. Game-ready with Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano CUES shifting, and an SR SunTour XCM fork that's built to hustle, the Rockhopper Sport can tack up the win on any given Sunday—and the rest of the week too for that matter. - A heart of gold, presented in our lightweight yet durable Premium A1 Aluminum, the Rockhopper's butted aluminum frame features hydroformed top and downtubes to keep weight low and strength high, all while providing increased standover clearance, slick internal cable routing, and dropper-post compatibility. - To ensure that the Rockhopper offers both the best fit and best performance for every person, no matter their measure, we've paired each Rockhopper frame size with the optimal wheel size. The result is a Rockhopper to fit every rider and the assurance that every Rockhopper is rolling on the best-handling wheel for its frame size. - Bringing our Rx Tune to Rockhopper for the very first time, the lockout-equipped SR Suntour XCM with custom Multi-Circuit damping brings size-specific travel and spring rates to the show in a performance that's sure to impress while also ensuring consistent geometry, handling, and suspension performance, regardless of frame or wheel size. - Beautifully beastly, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes pack a mean bite but deliver their power with a refined, intuitive feel to make for a package that punches way above its pay grade. - Keep things simple with a durable 1x Shimano drivetrain with plenty of range and a clutch-equipped rear derailleur that keeps your ride quiet—and your chain on. - Pair dead-reliable hubs from Formula with our 25-millimeter internal diameter, hookless Specialized rims for a strong, light, and durable wheelset hat trick. Wheel size: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Medium – X-Large: 29-inch

Get On The Dirt And Ride Your Way To Your First Singletrack. Tempt is that friend that opens a whole new world to you. Key Performance Factors: - Confidence Inspiring Perfect as your first mountain bike, the ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame is lightweight, capable, and durable. - Versatile Tempt’s performance-minded yet comfortable geometry gives it the versatility for both commutes around campus and off-road rides. - XC Control A suspension fork offers control, comfort, and stability over bumpy terrain. Depending on frame size, the fork comes with 80mm or 100mm of travel. - ALUXX Aluminum Technology This Performance level frame material features 6061 alloys with single-butted tubes to produce strong, lightweight framesets for a variety of different bikes and riding styles. Wheel size: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Small – Large: 29-inch

Push the pace on climbs, let loose on descents. This aluminum hardtail with a plush suspension fork delivers balanced, confident handling on the trail. Key Performance Factors: Proven alloy performance ALUXX aluminum frameset is hand-built in-house by the world leader in aluminum engineering. Balance and stability Frame geometry is designed to optimize the balance and roll-over capabilities of 29-inch wheels or the liveliness of 27.5-inch wheels (depending on frame size). XC control Suspension fork offers either 80mm or 100mm of smooth travel for added XC control. Highlights: Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features classic hardtail design and the balanced riding characteristics of either larger diameter 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, Talon is a great choice for XC and trail riding. The frame geometry is specifically designed to adapt to its respective wheel size and either an 80mm or 100mm suspension fork (depending on frame size). It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level. Wheel Sizing: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

Push the pace on climbs, let loose on the descents. This aluminum hardtail gives you a feel for the trail with balanced, confident handling and a plush suspension fork. Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features classic hardtail design and the balanced riding characteristics of either larger diameter 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, Talon is a great choice for XC and trail riding. The frame geometry is specifically designed to adapt to its respective wheel size and either an 80mm or 100mm suspension fork (depending on frame size). It's a confident ride that's perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level. Wheel size: - Size X-Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Small – Medium: 27.5-inch or 29-inch - Sizes Large – XX-Large: 29-inch

Get on the dirt and ride your way to your first singletrack. Tempt is that friend that opens a whole new world to you. Key Performance Factors Confidence Inspiring Perfect as your first mountain bike, the ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame is lightweight, capable and durable. Versatile Tempt’s performance-minded yet comfortable geometry gives it the versatility for both commutes around campus and off-road rides. XC Control A suspension fork offers control, comfort and stability over bumpy terrain. Depending on frame size, the fork comes with 80mm or 100mm of travel. Wheel Sizing: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Small – X-Large: 29-inch

Make the world your playground with STP. A longtime favorite for dirt jumping, street shredding and whatever style you dream up, it’s powered by a lightweight, super-strong frame and responsive 26-inch wheels. Key Performance Factors Trail-inspired geometry Lightweight, durable aluminum frameset with a longer top tube, tighter rear triangle and slacker head angle for agile handling on dirt jumps, trail or street sessions. Quick and responsive Frame geometry is designed for 26-inch wheels with a low saddle height and taller front end for quick, confident ride quality. Maximum control Powerful disc brakes and 120mm suspension fork with remote lockout put maximum control in the rider’s hands. Grippy, high-volume 26-inch tires are optimal for streets, trail or park riding.

Designed for young riders looking to try out the dirt or pumptrack, this all-new shredder is built on a lightweight, super-strong aluminum frame with quick, responsive 26-inch wheels. Key Performance Factors: Versatile Built with a lightweight, strong and durable ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frameset, the bike cruises the pump tracks, trails, and streets with ease. Quick and Responsive The frame geometry is designed for 26-inch wheels and a low saddle height, with a taller front end for a responsive, predictable ride quality. Maximum Control Powerful disc brakes and a 120 mm suspension fork with a lockout option gives her a safe and confidence-inspiring control.

Push the pace on climbs, let loose on the descents. This aluminum hardtail gives you a feel for the trail with balanced, confident handling and a plush suspension fork. Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features classic hardtail design and the balanced riding characteristics of either larger diameter 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, Talon is a great choice for XC and trail riding. The frame geometry is specifically designed to adapt to its respective wheel size and either an 80mm or 100mm suspension fork (depending on frame size). It's a confident ride that's perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level. Wheel size: - Sizes Small – Medium: 27.5-inch - Sizes Medium – X-Large: 29-inch

Excuse the brag, but we’ve really outdone ourselves here. Proving that true trail-taming capability doesn’t have to come at an intimidating price—the Rockhopper Expert is the culmination of 30 years of redefining the relationship between value and performance. - A heart of gold, presented in our lightweight yet durable Premium A1 Aluminum, the Rockhopper’s butted aluminum frame features hydroformed top and downtubes to keep weight low and strength high, all while providing increased standover clearance, slick internal cable routing, and dropper-post compatibility. - To ensure that the Rockhopper offers both the best fit and best performance for every person, no matter their measure, we’ve paired each Rockhopper frame size with the optimal wheel size. The result is a Rockhopper to fit every rider and the assurance that every Rockhopper is rolling on the best-handling wheel for its frame size. - Beautifully beastly, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes pack a mean bite but deliver their power with a refined, intuitive feel to make for a package that punches way above its pay grade. - Keep things simple with a durable 1x Shimano drivetrain with plenty of range and a clutch-equipped rear derailleur that keeps your ride quiet—and your chain on. - Pair dead-reliable hubs from Formula with our 25-millimeter internal diameter, hookless Stout rims for a strong, light, and durable wheelset hat trick. Wheel size: Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch Sizes Medium – X-Large: 29-inch

Excuse the brag, but we’ve really outdone ourselves here. Proving that true trail-taming capability doesn’t have to come at an intimidating price—the Rockhopper Expert is the culmination of 30 years of redefining the relationship between value and performance. Start with a painstakingly engineered Premium A1 Aluminum frame, add in modern geometry that keeps one eye on efficiency and the other on confident capability, and you have the rock-solid foundation of our best Rockhopper yet. Pair that with a parts list that just doesn’t quit (can we get a shoutout for RockShox’s Judy SoloAir fork and Shimanos’s always-in-charge MT-200 hydraulic disc brakes?), and you have a tubeless-ready, SRAM NX 1x12-equipped Rockhopper that’s absolutely prepared to fly. - A heart of gold, presented in our lightweight yet durable Premium A1 Aluminum, the Rockhopper’s butted aluminum frame features hydroformed top and downtubes to keep weight low and strength high, all while providing increased standover clearance, slick internal cable routing, and dropper-post compatibility. - To ensure that the Rockhopper offers both the best fit and best performance for every person, no matter their measure, we’ve paired each Rockhopper frame size with the optimal wheel size. The result is a Rockhopper to fit every rider and the assurance that every Rockhopper is rolling on the best-handling wheel for its frame size. - Beautifully beastly, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes pack a mean bite but deliver their power with a refined, intuitive feel to make for a package that punches way above its pay grade. - Keep things simple with a durable 1x SRAM drivetrain with plenty of range and a clutch-equipped rear derailleur that keeps your ride quiet—and your chain on. - Pair dead-reliable hubs from Formula with our 25-millimeter internal diameter, hookless Stout rims for a strong, light, and durable wheelset hat trick.

Feel More Connected To The Trail With The All-New Lurra. Built for charging up singletrack climbs and diving into fast, flowy descents, this hardtail trail bike is simplicity at its best. Key Performance Factors: - Optimal Trail Design Lightweight ALUXX SL-grade aluminum hardtail frame with a steep seat tube angle optimizes your input when powering up climbs and hammering on the flats, resulting in greater efficiency and speed. A 66-degree head tube angle offers confidence on steep descents, while the 438mm chainstays keep it feeling stable and playful. Frame sizes are paired up with wheel sizes, providing the ideal fit for you and where you want to ride. - Boosted Confidence Take on technical terrain with the 130mm of plush front suspension, high-volume tubeless tires offering extreme traction on roots, rocks, and ruts, and a dropper seatpost allowing you to get low and ride with control. - Adventure-Ready The Lurra comes equipped with mounts for two water bottle cages and additional mounts on the underside of the top tube allow riders to add a small gear bag for stowing tools. Internal cable routing keeps the important stuff tidy and protected, so you can stay focused on the ride ahead. Wheel size: - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Small – Large: 29-inch

Rangefinder is Salsa's confidence-building trail hardtail. Built for riders who want to start discovering their local trail systems, Rangefinder offers geometry and spec designed for the perfect introduction to mountain biking. Rangefinder opens up singletrack and doubletrack adventures and offers provisions for bikepacking setups so riders can expand their off-road repertoires. Rangefinder is mountain biking for the masses. - 6061-T6 alloy frame - Internally-routed shift, brake and dropper post housing - 159 mm suspension fork and dropper post - 1x drivetrain keeps shifting simple with plenty of gear range - Hydraulic brakes offer confident stopping power - Compatible with 29" or 27.5 plus wheels and tires - Carry what you need with the integrated top tube bag mount, two bottle cage mounts in the frame on M, L, and XL sizes, one accessory mount under the down tube, and rear rack mounts

Sail up steep climbs with smooth efficiency. Swoop down singletrack descents with speed and confidence. This aluminum hardtail delivers a balanced ride on XC terrain. Key Performance Factors: Trail tuned design Balanced geometry with a 75-degree seat tube angle puts the rider in a powerful pedaling position on climbs, while a slacker 66-degree head angle boosts confidence and control on technical descents. Responsive handling Lightweight ALUXX SL aluminum hardtail frame offers agile acceleration and maneuverability to help riders climb, corner and hammer the flats with efficiency and speed. Smooth control Giant Crest 34 suspension fork with 130mm of travel absorbs roots, rocks and ruts. Grippy, high-volume tires boost traction on rugged terrain. And a dropper seatpost with handlebar remote lets you adjust saddle height on the fly for confident positioning

Feel more connected to the trail with the all-new Lurra. Built for charging up singletrack climbs and diving into fast, flowy descents, this hardtail trail bike is simplicity at its best. Key Performance Factors: Optimal Trail Design Lightweight ALUXX SL-grade aluminum hardtail frame with a steep seat tube angle optimizes your input when powering up climbs and hammering on the flats, resulting in greater efficiency and speed. And a 66-degree head tube angle offers confidence on steep Boosted Confidence Take on technical terrain with the 130mm of plush front suspension, high-volume tubeless tires offering extreme traction on roots, rocks and ruts, and a dropper seatpost allowing you to get low and ride with control. Adventure-Ready Equipped with mounts for 2 water bottle cages and a small gear bag on the underside of the top tube for extra tools and snacks. Internal cable routing keeps the important stuff tidy and protected, so you can stay focused on the ride ahead. Wheel Sizing: Size X-Small - Small: 27.5-inch Size Small - Medium 29-inch

Calm under pressure, yet deft and precise, the Fuse is an entirely different kind of hardtail. Featuring an all-new longer, lower, and rowdier chassis and 27.5x2.3 wheels and tires, the Fuse 27.5 handles rough, sketchy descents and steep, technical climbs with absolute confidence. - 130-millimeters of suspension courtesy of an X-Fusion fork. - Highlights include hydraulic disc brakes, a dropper post, and single-ring drivetrain. - Durable 29mm internal width alloy wheelset.

Feel More Connected To The Trail With The All-New Lurra. Built for charging up singletrack climbs and diving into fast, flowy descents, this hardtail trail bike is simplicity at its best. Key Performance Factors: - Optimal Trail Design Lightweight ALUXX SL-grade aluminum hardtail frame with a steep seat tube angle optimizes your input when powering up climbs and hammering on the flats, resulting in greater efficiency and speed. A 66-degree head tube angle offers confidence on steep descents, while the 438mm chainstays keep it feeling stable and playful. Frame sizes are paired up with wheel sizes, providing the ideal fit for you and where you want to ride. - Boosted Confidence Take on technical terrain with the 130mm of plush front suspension, high-volume tubeless tires offering extreme traction on roots, rocks, and ruts, and a dropper seatpost allowing you to get low and ride with control. - Adventure-Ready The Lurra comes equipped with mounts for two water bottle cages and additional mounts on the underside of the top tube allow riders to add a small gear bag for stowing tools. Internal cable routing keeps the important stuff tidy and protected, so you can stay focused on the ride ahead. Wheel size: - Sizes X-Small – Small: 27.5-inch - Sizes Small – Large: 29-inch

Hammer up climbs, accelerate on smooth singletrack, carry your speed as the trail dips and dives. This lightweight aluminum 29er delivers efficiency and balanced control. Key Performance Factors: Lightweight acceleration The lightest aluminum hardtail mountain bike frameset Giant has ever produced helps XC riders and racers climb and accelerate with speed. Unyielding efficiency With a best-in-class stiffness-to-weight-ratio, the all-new XtC SLR 29 sets the new standard for alloy-XC efficiency. 29er confidence and control Larger 29-inch diameter wheels roll over rough terrain with balance and stability, giving you the momentum to tackle technical climbs and the confidence to fly on fast singletrack descents. Highlights With a frameset that’s engineered using ALUXX SLR, our highest-grade aluminum, this superlight and agile 29er delivers speed and efficiency for XC riders and racers. Designed to ride with a 100mm suspension fork, it’s a race-bred climber with quick acceleration. The 29er-specific frame geometry offers an ideal balance of stability and maneuverability on all types of XC terrain. Boost hub spacing gives you added tire clearance and wheel stiffness, and a new Giant WheelSystem with tubeless tires delivers a smoother, more efficient ride plus a reduced risk of flats.

MASTER OF FUN Laufey is our most clever and versatile bike. Instead of saying that Laufey is tailored for one type of rider, we're going to go ahead and claim this fun-loving machine is perfect for everyone. Laufey is omnipotent: it's a slack, simple trail bike that relishes new terrain. Laufey may be someone's first bike or their latest bike. It's inexpensive and attainable, and it's a niche bike that feels at home in even the most exclusive bike collection. It's for first-timers and expert shredders. Ride it in Lycra, shred it in jeans. Laufey is a jack-of-all-trades and master of fun with 29" wheels and a 140mm fork. 29" Wheels MAXIMUM CAPABILITY AND SPEED For long, fast rides over varied terrain with the greatest versatility, 29" is the clear choice for Laufey. Wide 2.6" tires offer a bigger contact patch, which means more grip. More knobs are digging into the ground at any one time, increasing cornering and braking traction? Trail Geometry - SLACKER HEAD ANGLE - Great Stability - LOWER BOTTOM BRACKET - Corners Naturally - LONGER COCKPIT - Room to Move While Maintaining Balance - LONGER WHEELBASE - Stability at High Speeds - STEEP SEAT ANGLE - Proper Pedaling Position - SHORT SEAT TUBE - For Long Dropper Posts HYDROFORMED We manipulate the shapes and wall-thickness of our aluminum tubing to increase strength and resistance to unwanted flex. Many of the tubes are butted to save weight in the middle of the tubes, away from the stress of the joints and the weld zones. Using aluminum technologies as advanced as our carbon manufacturing ensures our aluminum bikes are never second-best. RELIABILITY Laufey is designed to see a lot of action. While keeping the frame light, we aimed for the added durability required for a bike that will be ridden hard. Butted and hydroformed tubing ensure the burliness is where it's needed.

Wide open, dawn to dusk. The Highball is our race-bred XC hardtail. When the trail (or the competition) calls for the direct drive efficiency that only a hardtail can offer, the Highball is the choice. It looks straightforward but that belies the high-tech features and design hidden within. This is a modern take on the simple machine that many still choose to put battery acid in their thighs and fire in their lungs in order to conquer something. Whether you’re chasing medals, personal demons, or just some riding buddies, this is a hardtail you’ll be happy to log long hours upon. Hard on the throttle, soft on the body Hardtails are about as subtle as bikes come, and in the case of the Highball, simplistic refinement belies engineering effort. We’ve learned from our road biking pals that a great deal of a hardtail’s compliance comes from the Seatpost: the smaller the diameter, the softer the feel, and with more seat posts exposed to daylight, more compliance is had— which is the reason the Highball features low slung top tube and the smaller, 27.2mm diameter post. But you need not be sitting to recognize the ‘soft’ feel of the Highball— the dropped seat stays are made of custom laminate, finely tuned here in Santa Cruz for vertical compliance— and they’re oriented to isolate the top tube from high-speed trail chatter, reducing feedback to the, uh, engine.