COTIC BFEMAX £549 frame £3,538 custom build

From the brand that helped rejuvenate the steel hardtail back in 2003, the BFeMAX takes the DNA of Cotic’s hard-hitting, 650b-wheeled BFe and gives it bigger 29in hoops, inspired by their smooth-riding SolarisMAX trail hardtail. Despite a burly build, it’s the lightest 29er here, with a frame made from butted chromoly and plenty of custom spec options. The Peak District-based brand were one of the early ‘long, low and slack’ pioneers, too.