Montra Backbeat 29" (2019) - Review

The Montra Backbeat 29"" (2019) has a 661 hardtail Alloy frame. The frame has a conventional geometry with a slightly downward sloping top tube. The top and bottom tubes are fused at the front, making a solid front area of the frame that can easily handle a lot of hard hitting and vibrations on trails and other rough/rugged surfaces. The riding geometry was comfortable and ideal for flat trail rides as well as rides on urban roads that are rugged and smooth. This hardtail MTB comes with a Zoom branded Suspension Fork with a 6mm travel. Additionally, the fork has a mechanical lockout, which is handy. Activating the lockout makes the suspension rigid, thereby making the ride smoother and easier especially when the need to accelerate on flatter roads arises.

The Montra Backbeat 29” (2019) comes equipped with a ShimanoTourney TZ front derailleur and a standard Shimano Tourney rear derailleur. While the drivetrain componentry is entry-level, the shifting was smooth and is ideal for quick shifts on flat trails and urban roads. There was no evident lag in the gear transmission when on the test ride. The Tourney 21-Speed trigger shifters were easy to shift with clear numbered gear indicators.

The Backbeat 29" (2019) comes in two colour variants; Graphite Grey with Neon Yellow and Carbon Black with Cyan. The bicycle that was test ridden came in a primary colour of Graphite on the frame, with decals and graphics in a secondary colour of bright Neon Yellow. The colours used are contrasting, and the combination works - with the bright Neon Yellow uplifting an otherwise dull Grey. The matte finish paint job was smooth and premium in quality.

The Backbeat 29"" (2019) comes equipped with Logan Mechanical Disc brakes. The braking power offered was sufficient to bring the bicycle to a stable halt on both flat trails and urban roads. The standard brake levers are well placed, and are easy to operate requiring only 2-3 fingers to access.The Zoom Alloy handlebar was wide enough to ensure optimum control on fast turns while being stable. Additionally, the width of the handlebar ensures an ‘open-chested’ comfortable riding posture.

This Montra Backbeat 29” (2019) rolls on a pair of Kenda 29” x 2.1” MTB tires. The tires were heavily treaded with a uniform tread pattern, ensuring stability and safety while on uneven rugged surfaces. The double walled Alloy rims were strong enough to handle a fair bit of hard hitting from the surface. The XMR PU Saddle has been ergonomically designed to ensure that the rider is comfortable and sore free on bumpy rides.