Hero Octane Barracuda 27.5 - Review

The Hero Octane Barracuda 27.5 is built around a Hardtail Alloy frame. The frame is strong but not too heavy for a MTB, which ensures that it can handle a lot of hard hitting from the surface. The frame is designed to be built taller from the ground up, giving larger ground clearance making it safer to ride over obstacles.The Suntour XCM HLO Suspension fork was smooth in functioning during the test ride with a large 1mm travel making sure that most of the vibrations of the surface are absorbed. The suspension lockout was easy to use and was useful when riding faster on flatter patches.

Shimano's Alivio 2-Speed at the front and Altus 9-Speed at the rear form the drivetrain on the Barracuda. These gearing components from Shimano mid to performance-level MTB components and were smooth and quick in transmission during the test ride. The 18-Speed gear range with a 2-Speed front derailleur has become with norm for performance MTBs and has a deep range of gears for climbs and acceleration.

The Barracuda 27.5 which I test rode came in a Matte Black primary colour with Red and White as the secondary colour for the text and graphics. The sleek chain and seat stays looks elegant on the frame. The graphics were simple yet bright with a colour-coded fork and rims. The lengthy handlebar and heavily treaded tires gave this bicycle the perfect rugged MTB look.

The JAK Hydraulic Disc brakes on this bicycle were as powerful brakes as it can get on a mid-level hardtail MTB. During the test ride, the brakes were powerful and felt balanced to use on both wet and dry conditions on both trails and rough urban roads.The 68mm Alloy MTB handlebar was lengthy and not the most comfortable if you are looking to commute with this bicycle. But they are perfectly suited for trail rides with drops and inclines.

This hardtail MTB rolls on a pair of Chaoyang Victory 27.5’’ x 2.2” tires. These tires are heavily treaded and the treads cover the tires evenly, which makes it grippy on rough trails and rolls fast on flatter surfaces. The Hyper Aero MTB saddle is perfectly designed and is ergonomic to make sure the rider is safe and sore free on bumpy trail rides.