A Capable Hardtail for Trails, Paths and Everyday Adventure
The Apex Terrain 29-1 is a versatile hardtail mountain bike for riders who want one bike for everyday riding, gravel paths and proper off-road trails. Its lightweight 6061 aluminium frame, Shimano CUES 1×9 drivetrain, SR Suntour air fork, dropper post and hydraulic disc brakes create a practical, confidence-building trail package.
The XS size uses 27.5-inch wheels and 100 mm of fork travel, while sizes S to XL use 29-inch wheels and 120 mm of travel. This gives smaller riders a more manageable wheel size while taller riders benefit from the momentum and stability of 29-inch wheels.
Shimano CUES 1×9 LINKGLIDE Drivetrain
The Terrain 29-1 uses Shimano CUES 1×9 shifting with LINKGLIDE technology, a 32T chainring and an 11–46T cassette. The wide-range gearing provides a genuinely useful low gear for steeper climbs, while the single-chainring setup keeps shifting straightforward and easy to manage on the trail.
The Shimano CUES Shadow rear derailleur sits closer to the frame to reduce its exposure on rougher trails. The LINKGLIDE chain and cassette are designed to provide smooth shifting and dependable durability for regular riding.
Air Suspension Tuned to the Rider
The SR Suntour XCM32 Air fork gives the Terrain 29-1 a more controlled and adjustable ride than a basic coil fork. Air pressure can be set to suit the rider’s weight, helping the fork remain supportive under braking while absorbing bumps and rougher sections of trail.
The XS size has 100 mm of fork travel, while sizes S through XL have 120 mm. All sizes include low-speed rebound adjustment and lockout, allowing the rider to adjust how quickly the fork returns and firm it up for smoother roads or climbs.
Size-Specific Dropper Post
A Kind Shock KSP900-i dropper post lets the rider lower the saddle from the handlebar while riding. Dropping the saddle creates more space to move around the bike on descents, corners and technical sections. It can then be returned to full height for efficient seated pedalling.
Dropper travel is matched to the frame size: 100 mm on XS and S, 125 mm on M, 150 mm on L and 170 mm on XL.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes and Trail-Ready Wheels
Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide controlled stopping power in wet and dry conditions. The Terrain 29-1 uses a 180 mm front rotor and 160 mm rear rotor for confident speed control on steeper trails.
Double-wall alloy rims, 2.35-inch CST all-terrain tyres and a Shimano Boost front hub with a 15 mm thru-axle create a stable front end for trail riding, gravel roads and rougher shared paths.
Key Features
- Lightweight 6061 aluminium hardtail frame
- Internal cable routing and replaceable derailleur hanger
- 27.5-inch wheels on XS and 29-inch wheels on S–XL
- SR Suntour XCM32 Air fork with lockout and rebound adjustment
- 100 mm fork travel on XS and 120 mm on S–XL
- Shimano CUES 1×9 LINKGLIDE drivetrain
- Wide-range Shimano CUES 11–46T cassette
- Size-specific Kind Shock internally routed dropper post
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- 180 mm front and 160 mm rear brake rotors
- CST 2.35-inch all-terrain tyres
- Shimano Boost front hub with 15 mm thru-axle
- Resin MTB platform pedals included
- Midnight Black finish
Who Is It For?
The Terrain 29-1 suits riders wanting a capable hardtail for trail riding without moving into the extra cost and maintenance of a full-suspension bike. It is equally at home on Christchurch bike paths and gravel roads as it is on flowing singletrack, forest trails and weekend adventures.
Our Thoughts
This is a very well-equipped hardtail for the money. Shimano CUES LINKGLIDE gearing, an adjustable air fork, hydraulic brakes and a dropper post are features that make a real difference once you leave sealed paths and start riding proper trails.
The size-specific wheels, handlebar widths and dropper-post travel are also welcome details. The 27.5-inch XS option gives smaller riders a bike that should feel more manageable, while the 29-inch versions deliver the stability and rolling performance many taller riders prefer.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Help choosing the correct frame and wheel size
- Professionally assembled and safety checked by our workshop team
- Gears, brakes and suspension checked before handover
- Dropper post and suspension setup guidance
- Independent Christchurch bike shop with ongoing workshop support