Hydraulic brakes and 120mm of fork travel are what the step up to the Big Seven 20 buys you, and on a first mountain bike those two things count for more than almost anything else on the spec sheet. Shimano MT200 discs take far less hand effort and stay consistent when it is wet and muddy, while the SR Suntour XCM32 coil fork gives a bit more margin for getting things wrong on rough ground.

The frame is the TFS V in double butted 6061 aluminium, with a tapered head tube, full internal routing and inboard disc mounts that keep the caliper protected, on 27.5in wheels for a more manoeuvrable feel. Gearing is Shimano's Essa 1x8 with a 32 tooth Prowheel chainset and an 11-45 cassette, so there is one shifter to learn and still a low enough gear for a steep climb. Kenda Booster tyres at 27.5x2.4 use the frame's full clearance and add welcome volume, mounted on Merida Comp CC rims laced to Shimano hubs.

Features

• TFS V double butted and technoformed 6061 aluminium frame
• Tapered head tube, full internal cable routing, chain stay mounted disc brake
• SR Suntour XCM32 coil fork, 120mm travel, SR Suntour 5TA axle
• Shimano Essa 1x8 drivetrain, U2000 GS rear mech
• Shimano CS-HG300-8 11-45 cassette with Prowheel Epro-MD26S 32 tooth chainset
• Shimano MT200 two piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Kenda Booster 27.5x2.4 tyres
• Merida Comp CC rims, 20mm internal width, on Shimano TX505 and QC300-HM Centerlock hubs
• Mudguard and kickstand mounts, BSA threaded bottom bracket, 135 x 9mm rear axle
• Frame clearance for 27.5 x 2.4 tyres