After an in-depth 12-month evaluation, Sean White of MBR magazine has bestowed high praise on the Sonder Signal Steel hardtail mountain bike, ranking it among his top picks after a 35-year history with mountain bikes.
After 12 month's testing the Sonder Signal, and 35 years riding MTBs, it's earned a spot as one of my all-time favourite hardtails - MBR
According to Sean, this mountain bike strikes an impressive balance between the classic allure of its handmade 4130 steel frame and the demands of modern trail-riding through its contemporary geometry and size-specific chainstays.
On the XL model, the chainstays are specifically sized to a compact 435mm, which is 15mm shorter than those on the Whyte 629, a model Sean regards as a standard-setter for 29in trail hardtails.
The inclusion of the upgraded Cane Creek Helm air fork, offering 130mm of travel, enhances the bike's robustness, while the comprehensive SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, now featuring an expansive 10-52t cassette, delivers versatile gearing for challenging inclines.
Despite a slight increase in weight due to the beefy Hope Fortus wheelset, Sean believes the bike's unmatched durability more than compensates.
He commends the Signal for its fusion of up-to-date geometry, premium components, and the stylish steel frame, asserting it as a prime choice for both winter excursions and all-year-round trail bike.
Sean notes the competitive pricing of the Sonder Signal, starting from an accessible entry model, emphasising its extraordinary value. For Sean, whether it's enduring long rides or playful dashes through local woods, the Sonder Signal Steel hardtail stands out as a multifaceted, enjoyable option.
Read Sean's full review on MBR.
Sonder Signal
- SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Recon Silver RL fork
- Sonder Nova 29" UK Made wheelset
£1,299.00
or from £23 /month
- SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Revelation RC fork
- Sonder Nova 29" UK Made wheelset
- X-Fusion Manic seatpost
£1,799.00
or from £31 /month
- SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Pike Ultimate fork
- Sonder Alpha 29" UK Made wheelset
- X-Fusion Manic seatpost
£2,549.00
or from £44 /month
- SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Pike Ultimate fork
- Sonder Alpha 29" UK Made wheelset
- X-Fusion Manic seatpost
£3,499.00
or from £60 /month
- Shimano Deore M6100 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Recon Silver RL fork
- Sonder Nova 29" UK Made wheelset
£1,549.00
or from £27 /month
- Shimano SLX M7100 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Revelation RC fork
- Sonder Nova 29" UK Made wheelset
- X-Fusion Manic seatpost
£1,949.00
or from £34 /month
- Shimano XT M8100 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Pike Ultimate fork
- Sonder Alpha 29" UK Made wheelset
- X-Fusion Manic seatpost
£2,599.00
or from £45 /month
Aggressive steel 29er hardtail frame
- Hand-welded steel frame
- Aggressive trail geometry
- Clearance for 2.6" tyres
- Boost thru axle standard
£699.00
or from £12 /month
- SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Recon Silver RL fork
- Sonder Nova 29" UK Made wheelset
£1,799.00
or from £31 /month
- SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Revelation RC fork
- Sonder Nova 29" UK Made wheelset
- X-Fusion Manic seatpost
£2,299.00
or from £40 /month
- SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Pike Ultimate fork
- Sonder Alpha 29" UK Made wheelset
- X-Fusion Manic seatpost
£3,099.00
or from £53 /month
- Shimano Deore M6100 12-speed groupset
- RockShox Recon Silver RL fork
- Sonder Nova 29" UK Made wheelset
£2,049.00
or from £36 /month
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