BIG-WHEELED HARDTAIL
In the age of compression rates and leverage ratios, Bianchi continues to produce refreshingly simple bikes. This aluminum hardtail is tough enough for the roughest trails but doesn’t need the constant tweaking of a full-suspension rig. The 29-inch wheels roll so smoothly, you can forget you don’t have rear suspension. The blend of mid-tier SRAM and WTB components offers a great mix of price and dependability. Though 28 pounds sounds heavy for a hardtail, we felt differently after riding. “It’s as nimble as a bike half its size,” said one tester. 28.1 lbs, L; bianchiusa.com