It actually shares the same frame as many of its much more expensive siblings, meaning just the cheaper components separate it from the top-tier models.Īnother neat touch is the handlebar-mounted remote lockout which lets you firm up the well-controlled SR Suntour fork on the fly. Although, it is a little more complicated than some of the 1x or 2x options available.Ĭube’s mainframe uses a mix of technically shaped tubes, which gives it a really premium feel, especially for an entry-level bike. The wide range of gear ratios means there are gears for both powering down the tarmac road on the commute and for winching up testing off-road pitches. Adding to the multi-use party is a 3x8 Shimano drivetrain. However, if you’re looking to get your fun on the gravity-fed sections of trail, something longer and slacker will be better suited.Ĭube’s Aim Race uses a more traditional frame shape, which works brilliantly if you’re looking for a bike to use for both tarmac commuting along with some light off-road trail use. The geometry does favor riders who value climbing performance over anything else, and adding in the wide 2x8 gear range and lightweight aluminum frame means this bike is a sorted performer in these scenarios. While basic in construction, the 100mm SR Suntour XCE helps to keep things calm and grippy when the going gets rough. Covering the wheels is a set of super-fast rolling, low profile Kenda tires, and thankfully, there’s a set of well-modulated Shimano brakes in place to control this energetic speed demon. There is a drawback, though, and the steeper angles mean noticeably less confidence on steeper terrain, but if you live in a flat region the playful characteristics can enhance on-trail fun.ĭepending on frame size, there’s the option for either 27.5 or 29-inch wheels, an option that lets you tailor the handling even further. Plus, if you have a GoOutdoors card you’ll save even more money at the till.Ģ7.2mm seatpost limits dropper upgrade potentialĪt 70-degrees, the Orbea MX 50 has the steepest head angle out of all of the bikes on this list, which makes for nimble steering and accurate front wheel placement when threading up testing trail center climbs. Even if the tan sidewall does look sick, the overall traction isn’t comparable to big-name brands.Īs with most Calibre bikes, the amazing overall ride quality doesn’t match the highly affordable price tag – the handling is comparable to bikes that are twice the price. ![]() The only thing that lets the Cutter down slightly is the non-branded tires. Thanks to the generous 760mm wide handlebar you can put the front wheel exactly where you want it to go. The Cutter holds a naturally high trail pace, and luckily, there’s a set of trusty hydraulic disc brakes to keep things well under control. With the bottom bracket being so low, you do have to be slightly more careful about pedal strikes when pedaling in technical terrain, however, it’s a worthy trade-off for sublime stability. A 65mm bottom bracket drop leads to a superbly planted and safe feeling sensation when cornering. Sporting 29-inch wheels and relaxed frame angles mean the faster-rolling speed from the bigger wheels can be confidently carried through technical sections of trail with ease. Its aim is to provide confident handling on proper mountain bike trails at a bargain price, something it totally nails. The fact it’s available in lots of retail shops means it can easily be tried for size, too.Ĭalibre is known for making some of the best entry-level bikes on the market, with the Cutter being one of their top performers. We’re not sure this makes total sense in practice, although it’s said to offer optimum handling for each individual size.įinished with three killer color options, lock-on grips and fully internally routed cables and hoses gives the pitch a really premium feel. Interestingly each frame size gets a different amount of travel. ![]() Providing comfort and grip is the coil-sprung SR SunTour suspension fork. The double front chainrings mean there’s a perfect gear for any gradient and speed. Propelling the Pitch forward is a 2x8 drivetrain with a wide 11-42 cassette. Continuing the theme of control is a set of hydraulic Shimano disc brakes that predictably and reliably manage trail pace in all conditions. The short stem and wide bar provide accurate steering precision across all speeds, and the 68.5-degree head angle tames steeper trails.Ĭonnecting the Pitch to the floor is Specialized’s legendary Ground Control tires, which provide tons of grip on a mixed bag of surfaces and trail conditions. ![]() We’re not convinced by the frame size specific fork travelĬombining generous reach measurements across the board, a relatively slack head angle and a wide bar/short stem combo gives the latest Pitch great up to date handling characteristics.
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