You simply can’t get more fun for your money than with a 456 Summer Season. It’s based on On-One’s steel 456 all-rounder frame, but with a two-degree slacker head angle (66.6 degrees with a 130mm/5.1in fork) and plain gauge chromoly steel tubing.
The result is a super-tough, crash-proof, CEN-approved bargain for your summer trip to the mountains or if you just want to try a downhill hardtail without spending a fortune. It’s not light but the solid feel still removes more trail sting than an alloy bike, especially if you add some fat tyres.
We plugged in a Fox 36 fork and we’ve been loving it for cross-country trail blasts and general downhill use. An ISCG mount simplifies chainguide fitting, it’ll take a 160mm (6.3in) fork and at less than £150 it’s a total bargain.