Montra Backbeat 27.5" (2018) - Review

The Montra Backbeat 27.5” has the same frame as its 26 inch variant. This hardtail frame has been made using 661 alloy which is not only lightweight but also durable and agile. The frame has been welded with precision, the top quality welding is evident in the smooth and neat appearance of the edges. The frame has an ergonomic geometry, allowing for a combination of aggressiveness for controlling the bicycle on the trail as well as being slightly upright for a comfortable posture. The frame houses mounting options for two water bottle cages. Additionally, it has mounting options for mudguards, in the front and rear. Montra offers a lifetime warranty on the bicycle frame. This bicycle is available in three sizing options - Small (16), Medium (17.5“) and Large (19’’).The Backbeat is fixed with a Zoom 389 front suspension fork. This fork has a working travel of 8mm which is sufficient for flat trails with minor jumps and rough urban roads. The mechanical suspension lock-out feature on this bicycle is easy to operate and useful while accelerating on flat surfaces.

The Montra Backbeat 27.5” is a 21-Speed bicycle that is equipped with Shimano Tourney front and rear derailleurs. This componentry is expected, given the price point of the bicycle. During the test ride these gears felt smooth and no lag was experienced. Riding on muddy surfaces needed quick transmissions and this was possible without any difficulty. The 21-Speed trigger shifters are well placed and crisp to shift from one gear to another with no delay in transmission.

This hardtail MTB which I test rode came in a red primary colour with black and grey secondary colours. The matte finish paint job was top notch in quality and definitely looked like a much more expensive bicycle. The design positives on the MTB are not restricted to just the colour combinations but also the lengthy handlebar, the 27.5 inch wheels and the slanting top tube. All these make the bicycle look rugged and ready to tackle the trails.

The Montra Backbeat 27.5” comes equipped with Logan LG-3 Mechanical Disc brakes with 16mm rotors at the front and back. The brakes worked well during the test ride on flat trails. Both Interval braking and abrupt braking felt stable and safe. The Shimano EF-5 Alloy Brake Levers were placed well within reach, requiring only two or three fingers to operate. The brake levers required only a light pull to ensure effective braking. These brakes work effectively on both wet and dry surfaces.The XMR Alloy 68mm handlebar on the Montra Backbeat 27.5” is impressive in length. This width enables superior control and maneuverability of the bicycle when riding fast on single track trails. The handlebar grips were fairly cushioned and worked well to ensure minimal transfer of vibrations from the handlebar to the hand and arms while riding.

This hardtail MTB comes equipped with Wanda P1197 27.5” x 1.95” MTB tires, this makes the bicycle trail friendly as it could roll over even soft muddy surfaces and harsh natural trails with ease. The wheels do not have a Quick Release option, which could be slightly time consuming when tackling a puncture while on a ride. Though, this is not a negative affecting the bicycle's performance, as an MTB one might find themselves requiring to remove the wheels for puncture and also for transporting the bicycle. The Montra Trail saddle that comes on this bicycle is worth praise. When on the test ride on flat trails, we found the saddle to be comfortable, without any unnecessary bulk. The seat post comes equipped with a Quick Release for the saddle, which is convenient when it comes to adjusting the saddle while on the move. The overall ride quality of this bicycle was comfortable and safe on harsh flat trails.