Wrapped up in beefy Ground Control Sport tyres, the result is a bike that’s always up for playing out. With an emphasis on fun and manoeuvrability, it uses more compact 27.5-inch wheels rather than the larger 29-inch standard. This little hooligan of a hardtail from Specialized is more than ready to pop a wheelie or huck a jump. The best aggressive mountain bike for under £500: Specialized Rockhopper 27.5 However, despite the wide-range it provides, our personal preference would be for a simpler single-ring setup for ease of maintenance – something that would also have improved the look of the already very attractive Aim Race.įrame: Aluminium Lite Fork: SR Suntour XCM (100mm) Gears: Shimano Acera 3x8-speed Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc Tyre size: Schwalbe Smart Sam 29 x 2.1-inch Additional features: N/aīuy now from Wiggle for £499 3. The all-Shimano 3x8-speed gearing uses a quality Acera derailleur to shunt the chain. As speedy a bike as you’ll find at this price, it’s ideal for quick blasts, and could even serve as an entry-level XC racer.Īlong with a fairly low and lean chassis, fast 29-inch wheels and rapid Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres help the Aim make efficient use of its rider’s efforts. Leaving you a quid for a post-ride Mars bar, the Cube Aim Race is as fast as its name suggests.