Six of the best mountain bikes

Mark Alker of Singletrack magazine gives his verdict

1] Specialized Hardrock XC (£269.99) The perennial Hardrock has always been a great starter bike, offering assuring-but-fun performance and solid build quality. www.specialized.com

2] Specialized Hardrock Sport Women’s (£299.00) The same good value and sound build as the men’s Hardrock, but re-jigged for womens’ shorter torsos, longer legs and wider hips. www.specialized.com

3] Cannondale F700 SL (£1,299) A stiff and responsive machine designed for the speed freaks, it will slash through trails like a laser through butter. www.cannondale.com

4] Marin Rock Springs  (£1,345) For those who want to cover lots of off-road miles in a day and still be able to walk at the end of it. This is a very capable mile muncher. www.atb-sales.co.uk

5] Independent Fabrications Ti Deluxe (£2,199) Although expensive—the price only buys you a frame—this custom-built bike has a titanium hardtail, which means it’s rigid at the back end, something to seduce purist mountain bikers who don’t like technology interfering with “the ride”. www.sidewayscycles.co.uk

6] Scott Ransom Limited Carbon (£4,199.99) Using lots of Formula 1-style carbon fibre in a full-suspension frame construction, this is the bleeding edge of mountain bike technology. www.scottransom.co.uk