Montra Rock 2.1 27.5" (2019) - Review

The Montra Rock 2.1 27.5” is built around a hardtail Alloy frame. This 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 hard hitting of the surface.The Suntour XCT front suspension fork with a lockout feature has a 75mm travel which works well on flat trails with occasional bumps. The pre-load adjuster helps adjust the suspension travel.

The Rock 2.1 27.5” (2019) 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 are comfortable to reach from the handlebar grips.

This hardtail MTB which I test rode came in a full Black primary colour on the frame with Blue graphics. The matte finish paint job enhanced the colours. The graphics are simple and elegant with minimal work. The slanting top tube, thin tubes and heavy treads all make this bicycle look like a rugged MTB. The internal cable routing for the gears made the frame look neat.

The Logan Mechanical Disc brakes handle the stopping power on the Rock 2.1 27.5” (2019). These are standard Mechanical Discs which are enough to keep the bicycle in control on flat, slippery trails. Both jamming of the brakes and interval braking felt safe even at high speeds. The Alloy 68 mm handlebar on this hardtail MTB is impressive in length. This width enables superior control and manoeuvrability of the bicycle when riding fast on flat trails. The handlebar grips were comfortable but it did lack some cushioning on bumpy trails.

As in the name of this bicycle, this Rock 2.1 27.5” (2019) rolls on a pair of 27.5” x 2.1” Kenda Komodo tires. These tires had bulky treads which were evenly spaced out including at the corners. These treads helped the cycle roll over bumpy trails easily. The XMR Trail Saddle is of the perfect length and width, the cushioning is enough to keep the rider sore free on bumpy trails.