Montra Rock 1.1D (27.5") (2017) - Review

The Montra Rock 1.1D (2017) is built on a 661 alloy hardtail frame. This 661 alloy frame has a higher tensile strength with tapered single butted tubes. The top tube has a smaller diameter on the top when compared to the bottom; this obtains a higher resistance in this area of the frame, a higher rigidity and a better stability of the bicycle. The frame geometry was aggressive and helped be in control on trails.The Rock 1.1D (2017) comes with a SR Suntour M33 front suspension forks. During the test ride this suspension fork performed well to tackle all the bumps. The 75mm travel sure did work to its limit. This suspension fork also comes with a preload adjuster.

The Rock 1.1 D (2017) is powered by Shimano Altus derailleurs at both the front and rear. Altus is an entry-level MTB component but it isn’t the most basic in the Shimano hierarchy. It is one step above Shimano Tourney. During the test ride I shifted up at both the front and rear together with a few pedals in between each shift and this worked well without any lag or glitches. The Shimano ST-EF5 24-speed shifters were easy to use and responded quickly as well.

The Rock series has always been known for its striking graphics. The Rock 1.1D (2017) is no different from its predecessors when it comes to head turning designs. The model which I test rode came in a full black frame with orange and grey graphics. The placement of names and logo are top notch with unique fonts for each of them. The yellow coloured Montra brand name adds a nice contrast to the black frame. The matte finish paint job definitely uplifts the aesthetics of this bicycle. The Rock 1.1D comes only in this 1 colour variant.

Being a hardtail MTB the Rock 1.1D requires a reliable braking system. As the name suggests this bicycle does come with mechanical disc brakes. The C-Star BX-35 disc brakes comes with 16mm rotors which reacted well and felt balanced during the test ride. The ST-EF5 brake levers were easy to use and required only 3 fingers to engage.The XMR MTB handlebar was straight and wide which gave optimum control for the rider on faster trails. The 62mm wide handlebar made sure it was easy to tuck and ride while going downhill.

The tires are probably the best part of this hardtail MTB. The Kenda Komodo 27.5 x 2.1 inch MTB tires has big and heavy buttons as threads that were spread out well all over the tires. The heavily treaded tires made sure rugged trails are rolled over with ease and did not cause unnecessary skidding while braking hard. The Montra trail saddle had just the right amount of padding but could have been wider. The overall ride quality was both comfortable and balanced.