Montra Rock 2.1 27.5" (2018) - Review

The Montra Rock 2.1 is built around a hardtail alloy frame. The top tube is slanting from the front to the seat tube. This gives extra standover clearance for the rider, which is helpful when riding over bumpy trails. The seat stays are shaped in a way which helps absorb vibration off the surface and thus making it comfortable for the rider on the saddle. The heaviness of this bicycle is its strength as it can take a hard hitting of the surface. This frame comes in 3 sizes; Small, Medium and Large.The Suntour M33 front suspension fork has a 75mm travel which works well on flat trails with occasional bumps. There was a fast slope on the trail during the test ride and this suspension fork worked well on it and took in the pressure which made handling safer at that speed.

The Rock 2.1 27.5” (2018) comes equipped with Shimano Altus at the front and rear as derailleurs. These derailleurs worked well during the test ride with no lags experienced. The 24-Speed drivetrain has the range for sudden steep climbs as we as to go all out on high gears. The Shimano Altus trigger shifters were easy to use and in good reach from the handlebar grips.

This hardtail MTB which I test rode came in a full black primary colour on the frame with orange and white graphics. The gloss paint job is of good quality with a shine to it. The design graphics are simple and elegant with minimal work. The slanting top tube, new seat stay design and heavy treads all make this bicycle look good. The colour coded brake cables and saddle enhance the aesthetics of this bicycle.

The C-Star BX 35 mechanical disc brakes handle the stopping power on the Rock 2.1 27.5” (2018). These are basic mechanical disc which are enough to keep the bicycle in control on flat and slippery trails. Both jamming of the brakes and interval braking felt safe even at high speeds. The XMR Alloy 68mm handlebar on this hardtail MTB is impressive in length. This width enables superior control and maneuverability of the bicycle when riding fast on flat trails. The handlebar grips were comfortable but it did lack some cushioning which would have been nice on bumpy trails.

As in the name of this bicycle, the 218 Rock 2.1 rolls on a pair of 27.5” x 2.1” Kenda Komodo tires. These tires had bulky treads which were evenly spaced out including the corners. These treads helped the cycle roll over natural trails easily. The XMR trail saddle has perfect length and width to keep the rider sore free and bumpy trails.