From the Canary Islands, comes the second evolution of the Bardino from Nordest.
For those who have ridden there, the Canary Islands has great trails and an esteemed local mountain bike frame builder, in Pedro Jerónimo. He is the man behind boutique bike brand, Nordest, and just in time for that singletrack Christmas wish list, is the Bardino 2.0.
Nordest established its reputation with the first generation Bardino. The concept is decidedly simple: a chromoly hardtail with geometry more concerning with descending than climbing.
For the second-generation Bardino, Pedro has remained committed to the 4130-grade chromoly steel tubing used on the original. One of the frame design changes includes a new CNC machined chainstay yoke.
Built for hard-and-fast riding, the Bardino 2.0 can run forks up to 170mm, although Nordest recommends 160mm as the most appropriate specification for the bike’s geometry. A stout 44mm headtube ensures steering accuracy in even the most technical terrain.
For those hardcore hardtail riders who wish to run a chain guide, ISCG tabs are present and with a generously sized 31.6mm seat tube, dropper post options for the Bardino are plentiful.
Although hydration is not a primary consideration for most committed trail riders, the Bardino has two bottle cage mounts in the triangle and a third on the underside of the down tube.
Nordest has fashioned its second-generation Bardino with very progressive geometry. Running the recommended 160mm front fork, you will be riding behind a 64.5-degree head angle. The bike is roomy too, across its front centre profile, with a size large Bardino measuring 485mm of reach.
An interesting aspect of the frame design is its comparatively short chainstays. They only measure 425mm and should appeal to those hardtail devotees who like lifting the front wheel easily over trail features.
The Bardino 2.0 owners will have the option of running high-volume big tyres on their bikes. Frame clearance specifications rate at 29 x 2.8” or 27.5 x 3”.
Nordest is marketing the Bardino frame at €599. Custom paint adds another €150.
