While the full-suspension bike has developed in frantic spasms under marketing and media spotlight, the hardtail's recent evolution has almost gone unnoticed. Far from extinct, the species has now diversified to encompass every facet of the riding spectrum

Whether you’re upgrading from your first mtb, or simply looking for a do-it-all hardtail, £800 gets you a whole lot of bike these days. We hammered six of the best to find our champion...