Montra is an Indian bicycle manufacturer under the T.I Cycles of India group. This performance bicycle brand has Hybrid, MTB and Road bicycles in various designs and models. The 2019 range was recently launched and we got the opportunity to test ride the Montra Backbeat 27.5 (2019) and here is what we thought.
Weight: 15.5 kgs
Usage: Leisure - Trails/Commute
The Montra Backbeat 27.5 (2019) is built on a 6061 hardtail Alloy frame. This frame has a conventional geometry with a slightly slanting top tube. The top and bottom tubes are fused at front which makes for a solid piece of the frame which can take in a lot of hard hitting and vibrations of the trail and other rough surfaces. The riding geometry was comfortable and ideal for flat trail rides and rides on urban roads.
This hardtail MTB comes with Zoom branded Suspension Fork with a 60mm travel and a useful mechanical lockout. The lockout feature makes the suspension rigid and hence makes the ride smoother and easier to accelerate on flatter roads.
The Backbeat 27.5 (2019) which I test rode came in a Graphite Grey primary colour on the frame with Neon Yellow was the secondary colour for graphics. The dark and bright contrasting colour combination blended well. The matte finish paint job was smooth and premium in quality. The Quick Release on the front/rear wheels and seat post are useful design features, which make it easier and faster to remove/install the wheels and adjust the seat post height.
This hardtail MTB’s gearing department comes with Shimano’s Tourney TZ at the front and a standard Tourney at the rear. This 3x7-Speed drivetrain was entry-level but the shifting was smooth and is ideal for quick shifts on flat trails and urban roads. The Tourney 21-Speed trigger shifters were easy to shift with clear numbered gear indicators.
Logan branded Mechanical Disc brakes handle the braking power on the Backbeat 27.5 (2019). These brakes were balanced and powerful when using it on flat trails and even on urban tar roads. The standard brake levers were easy to operate with only 2-3 fingers.
The Zoom Alloy handlebar was wide and gave optimum control on fast turns and a comfortable riding posture.
This Montra Backbeat (2019) rolls on a pair of 27.5” x 2.125” MTB tires. These tires were heavily treaded with a uniform tread pattern which made sure riding on flat trails was safe. The double walled Alloy rims were strong enough to take in a lot of hard hitting from the surface. The XMR PU Saddle was ergonomically designed to make sure the rider is comfortable and sore free on bumpy rides.
Overall Rating
This hardtail MTB comes with a full Alloy frame with a front suspension fork and a useful front suspension lockout for smoother riding on flatter surfaces. The Mechanical Disc brakes were powerful and the 27.5” tires had heavy treads for efficient flat trail rides. Priced at Rs.19,125(as on 26th June 2019) the Montra Backbeat 27.5 (2019) is an ideal choice for anyone looking to buy a bicycle for both flat trail rides and urban roads.
Prices and Specifications/Components are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.