The debate over hardtail vs. full-suspension mountain bikes is never-ending, and there is a dedicated camp of riders on both sides. While there are numerous benefits of a hardtail mountain bike over a full-suspension mountain bike, the two options are evenly matched when it comes to the pros and cons, but which has the edge in terms of popularity and versatility?
Key specs: Frame: Custom-butted 6061-T6 alloy, dropper-ready, internal routing Fork: 100 mm Suntour XCM Air - tunable spring rate, rebound, and lock-out Wheels: 26 in, reduced spoke count, trail rims with Vee Crown Gem tyres Drivetrain: Shimano 1×9 (30 T × 11-36 T) - wide range, reliable shifting Brakes: Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic discs, 160 mm rotors front and rear Contact Points: Youth-specific grips, saddle, and 152 mm crank length Colours: Two options - Aqua with coral orange & purple with yellow One size RRP: £649
The brand has been pioneering belt-driven bikes for over a decade with great success, and it is taking its knowledge to the next level. Today, Priority dives headlong into full suspension bikes with the all-new Vanth. With 165mm of rear wheel travel, a Pinion C1.9i gearbox, and Gates Belt Drive, the Vanth is a serious contender for one of the most intriguing bikes of the year, and an exciting new endeavor for the brand.
I'm gonna start this off by saying this bike looks freaking awesome. It really stands out from the crowd of similar-looking carbon and aluminum bikes with oversized tubes and familiar suspension designs. I don't want to overstate it, but like many handmade bikes, it's more like a functional piece of art than any mass-produced bike could ever hope to be.
The Mars 3.0 is an upgraded version of the Mars 2.0 750W. That means it comes with a wide range of improvements over the previous version. For example, it swaps out the cadence sensor for a torque sensor. The result is a smoother pedal feel and a more consistent delivery of pedal assistance from the electric motor. Moreover, the Mars 3.0 has a higher travel range than the previous model, increasing the travel range from 45 miles to 65 miles.
The single biggest performance upgrade is the move from a basic cadence sensor to an advanced torque sensor. Instead of just detecting if you're pedaling, the torque sensor on Ranger 3.0 Pro precisely detects real-time pedaling force, enabling the motor to instantaneously provide the right amount of assistance. This brings a seamless and natural-feeling boost that feels like an extension of your power, making climbs easier and the ride incredibly smooth.
