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Cycle and Work
A performance focused and value for money hardtail MTB.
Montra, the Indian performance bicycle brand under the T.I Cycles umbrella have been part of the yearly launch of their new models. The 2018 launch of Montra’s new range of bicycles was long awaited. Easily the most awaited model was the Montra Madrock 29”, which was a huge success last year, in terms of performance, design and its price tag. We got the opportunity to test ride the Montra Madrock 29” (2018) and here is what we thought.
Frame, Fit and Comfort
The hardtail alloy frame was a perfect mix of comfort and aggressiveness
The Montra Madrock 29” (2018) is built on a hardtail alloy frame. The frame material is quite standard which echoes the strength which a trail bicycle requires. The welding isn’t the smoothest but does the job required. Frame contributes to the majority of your riding experience and this frame gives a perfect mix of comfort and aggressiveness to the rider.
This MTB comes with a Zoom front suspension fork. During the test ride this suspension fork’s travel worked up to 60-65mm easily which was more than sufficient for flat trails with a bit of climbs and drops.
Design
The Madrock 29” comes in a single colour variant, Matte black with yellow and white graphics
The Madrock series is in its 3rd year now and the changes to the frame’s design and geometry have been very minimal. The two-year-old Madrock 29’’ has seen a very evident slanting top tube and a disconnected top and bottom tubes making the bicycle look less bulky. The bicycle I test rode came in a matte finished full black frame with yellow and white graphics. The yellow of this year is certainly brighter and flashy than the subtle yet neat blue colour last year. As the 29er comes in only 1 colour variant it will be interesting to see how the colour change impacts the aesthetic quotient of this successful hardtail MTB.
Gearing
The Shimano Tourney 21-Speed derailleurs worked well during the test ride with just some minor glitches
Montra have gone with the same Shimano Tourney derailleurs at the front and rear for the gears. Even though these are the most basic gearing components, they still perform well enough to give a smooth ride in different speeds on flat trails. During the test ride there was some difficulty in shifting up in the front which has been an on and off issue since the last year’s edition of the Madrock. But this does not affect the performance in any way as some minor tune up in the cables can make the shifting up a little better. The 21-Speed Shimano EF-500 trigger shifters were easy to use.
Brakes and Steering
The mechanical disc brakes on this hardtail MTB was perfect for those fast rides on flat trails
For 2018, Montra have gone with the same Mechanical Disc brakes. These front and rear disc brakes felt balanced during the test ride with not much drag. The EF-500 brake levers also felt responsive and easy to use. Overall a decent braking unit for an entry level trail bicycle.
The XMR alloy handlebars on the Madrock 29’’ measures 680mm with a slight raise in the middle. I felt the length and raise of the handlebar contributed quite a bit to that mix of comfort and aggressiveness in the riding posture.
Ride Quality
The doubled walled alloy rims along with the Wanda 29er tires gave fast rolling assistance and good traction on muddy surfaces
The Madrock series comes in 3 different tire sizes and the 29” variant is by far the most exciting to ride on. Mainly because it did not feel as heavy as a 29er would, which I believe is not just because of the alloy frame but also the lightweight doubled walled rims. The Wanda 29” x 1.95” tires was treaded just enough to provide the traction needed for flat muddy trails.
The stock XMR trail saddle looks all smooth and shiny but they in fact are comfortable and not so slippery thanks to its ergonomic design. The overall ride quality was comfortable and balanced on flat trails with a bit of jumps and climbs.
Overall Rating
- A mix of comfort and aggressiveness in the frame geometry
- Well treaded MTB tires with strong rims
- Value for money
- Up-shifting on the front derailleur felt hard
When compared to the 2017 version of this bicycle, nothing drastic has changed in terms of performance which is a good thing as the last year’s model was successful. This bicycle is built for fast and muddy trails and the balanced brakes and comfortable ride position helps the rider zip through the up’s and down’s. Priced at Rs.15,850 the Montra Madrock 29” (2018) is a value for money entry level hardtail MTB best suited for anyone looking to start trail riding.
Prices are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.
