RACER’S PICK
Rockhopper Expert 29er R16 500 Starting at R8 000, Specialized offer five Rockhopper models, of which the R16 500 Expert 29er hits the sweet spot between value and performance with a Manitou M30 29 front shock, with stiffer 30mm stanchions – that’s a step up from the lower-specced Comp 29’s airsprung SR Suntour fork. Having ridden a few iterations of the Rockhopper over the past few years, we can attest to the quality of Specialized’s Trail 29er DE L I V E R S C ONF IDEN T H A NDL ING – T H A NK S T O A L O W B O T T O M B R A C K E T, ROOM Y T O P T U B E A ND S H O R T 4 4 2MM C H A IN S TAY S . geometry, which delivers confident handling – thanks to a low bottom bracket, roomy top tube and short 442mm chainstays, while a 720mm handlebar adds control and stability, especially at high speeds. Scott Aspect 910 R15 700 Inheriting a lively feel from the Scale, Scott’s premium racing hardtail range, the Aspect is designed specifically to offer aspiring racers an affordable bike that’s capable of standing up to the demands of off-road riding, but that won’t break the bank.
Despite the Aspect 910’s WI T H C U R R EN T T R E NDS , R A C E R S WA N T T IGH T E R G E A R ING , S O T H E 9 1 0 I S P E RH A P S B E S T S U I T E D T O ROUTES WITH VERY S T E E P C L IMB S . 3x10 crankset being nonseries Shimano, a two-piece bottom bracket as opposed to a cheaper octalink improves performance. The 3x10 crankset gives more range; but with current trends, racers want tighter gearing, so the 910 is perhaps best suited to routes with very steep climbs.
For nervous riders, the 720mm Syncros handlebar will be less twitchy, improving confidence through techie sections. Axis A10 R15 399 The Axis A10’s stellar build kit makes it hard to ignore in this price bracket. While other brands often fit non-series cranksets, the A10 comes specced with a Shimano SLX 2x10 crankset that’s part of a drivetrain sporting various Shimano SLX, Deore and XT parts. The spec is further bolstered by a RockShox Recon Gold front fork that features 32mm anodised stations and a 15mm thru-axle, greatly improving stiffness; while a handlebar- mounted remote lockout improves safety by A HANDLEBAR-MOUNTED R E MO T E L O C K O U T I MP R O V E S S A F E T Y B Y KEEPING YOUR HANDS ON YOUR GRIPS. keeping your hands on your grips.
A set of 29x2.2 Maxxis Ikons perfectly complements the rest of the build, giving the A10 true trail credibility. Titan 29er Elite R16 000 Specced with a full 2x11 Shimano SLX drivetrain, the Titan 29er Elite offers the most accurate and reliable shifting of this selection of bikes – not to mention being the only model offering 11 rear gears. Add into the mix T H E T I TA N 2 9 E R E L I T E OFFERS THE MOST A C C U R AT E A N D R E L I A B L E SHIFTING OF THIS SELECTION OF BIKES. a set of ZTR Rapid rims and tubeless- ready tyres, and it’s clear the 29er Elite is built for racing, straight off the showroom floor.