Surly describes the new Sorceress as a 'progressive hardtail built for ever-evolving trails and the humanoids who can't get enough of them.' The frame's design emphasizes low standover height and maximized dropper post travel to enhance rider comfort and control across different body types.
Kona is one of the brands that seems to recognize this more than most and has maintained a healthy selection of affordable hardtails in its lineup for years. After all, the brand started out and built its early reputation on hardtails. And despite some uncertainty surrounding its future, the rider-owned brand isn't forgetting its roots. For 2026, Kona has refreshed three of its most accessible entry-level hardtail models with updated geometry and size-specific wheel sizing to improve handling, fit, and stability for riders just starting out on their mountain bike journey.
Listen, the Ramblas is already a great eMTB at an affordable price. Priced at $2899, it's one of the only sub $3000 center-drive eMTB hardtails out there. Aventon's proprietary A100 center-drive motor is 36v, 250W (sustained) and 750W (peak), and has a claimed 100 Nm of torque. with an IP67 rating. The Ramblas comes from the factory with a decent spec.
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