Nicolai Argon-GLF QLFLINE

€4749 The German hardcore making all other hardtails look PG.

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First, that name needs a little translation. GLF stands for Geometron Low Fat – Geometron indicating the radical geometry developed in conjunction with Mojo, and Low Fat because of its plus-sized tyres. QLFLINE refers to the finishing kit, though it’s not a range of ‘own-brand’ bits. It’s actually a reference to northern Germany’s Külftal valley – known locally as the QLF-valley – where Nicolai bikes are created and tested. The QLFINE spec consists of all the same parts the Nicolai riders favour in the QLF.

It’s an extreme bike even for an enduro hardtail. The 160mm Fox Float fork sits at 63 degrees, while the seat tube is a steep 74 degrees and the bottom bracket is low – dropping 37mm below the axles – for well-planted cornering and massive stability. The front centre is huge, too, dwarfing even the ‘radical’ competition, while stand over also remains low.

Despite the burly parts, the huge 2.8in tyre clearance and the crazed intent, weight is a manageable 13.5kg (29.8lb). The frame – not painted but anodised, in medium – represents 2650g (5.8lb) of that.

It’s available in four sizes, and each frame comes with a spare mech hanger – why don’t all manufacturers do this? – and the option of adding external routing for a dropper post (it’s Stealth as standard) and bottle cage mounts.

Tom’s Transition Scout Carbon £2800*

Mud’s posing no issues for the Scout