Co-op DRT 2.1 Review: Is It Any Good?

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In this Co-op DRT 2.1 hardtail mountain bike review, you learn whether it’s worth your money.

I will highlight its pros and cons, scrutinize its features, and compare it with its alternatives.

In short: It’s a good hardtail for beginners, especially if you buy it discounted for around $1300. It has modern 1X gearing (SRAM SX Eagle), hydraulic disc brakes, and Suntour SR AIR-Boost. And if you are an REI member, you also get some cool perks. Feel free to buy DRT 2.1 here or continue reading to learn more.

Co-op DRT 2.1 Pros and Cons

Here are the main pros and cons of this bike:

Main Features

Let’s now talk about its main features.

Frame and Geometry

The DRT 2.1 features an aluminum frame which is a common choice for entry-level mountain bikes because it is both durable and affordable. The frame appears to be well-made, including the welds.

Its geometry is optimized for trail riding. It has a slack head angle and a long reach that make it stable and easy to handle on descents.

Additionally, it has a long reach and a short stem, offering a more aggressive riding position and better control over the bike.

NOTE: Previous generations of this bike had slightly different geometry. Especially the reach was much shorter.

Suspension Fork

The Suntour SR AIR-Boost is a widely used entry-level fork. It’s decent for the money but pretty heavy. But you can always replace it with a better one if you want.

Remember that the sizes XS and S have only a 120mm travel fork, while the M-XL sizes have up to 140mm travel.

This travel is standard on trail mountain bikes and comparable with other alternatives (like the RockShox Judy.

Of course, it’s adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your riding style and preferences, and has a hydraulic lockout.

1X Drivetrain

DRT 2.1 follows modern trends by using a 1X drivetrain (SRAM SX Eagle), which means it only has one chainring in the front and a wide-range cassette in the rear.

This simplifies the shifting process. You only shift the rear gears and avoid cross-chaining. It also reduces the overall weight.

The 1X drivetrain eliminates the need for a front derailleur, which can be prone to malfunctions and require frequent maintenance. Additionally, 1X drivetrains are lighter.

The 12spd 11-50T cassette provides a wide range of gears for climbing steep hills and descending fast descents.

Wheels

This bike comes with 27.5 tubeless-ready wheels and WTB Ranger Comp 27.5 x 2.8in tires.

The 27.5 wheels are more agile and accelerate faster than the 29-inch wheels. At the same time, thanks to the “Plus” tires, you get better traction and ride comfort than with the standard 27.5.

Also, remember that the stock tires are not tubeless, so if you want to go tubeless, you have to swap them.

Dropper Post

This bike also features an X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost with 125mm of travel. It’s a handy feature you will appreciate mainly on trails, in descents, and in technical terrain.

By dropping it, you get more space between you and the saddle, allowing you to change your center of gravity for better maneuverability.

PRO TIP: Double-check that the dropper post works properly when picking up your bike.

Other Things to Consider

The Co-op DRT 2.1 comes with relatively thin and hard grips, so you might need to replace them depending on how they fit you.

On the other hand, it comes with platform pedals, so you don’t have to buy them separately.

Co-op DRT 2.1 Specifications

Here are the most important specifications of the Co-op DRT 2.1.

Co-op DRT 2.1 Alternatives

DRT 2.1 has many alternatives (basically all mountain bikes for under $1500). Anyway, I want to highlight the Polygon Siskiu D6, a full-suspension MTB, and Trek Roscoe 7 with 29-inch wheels and longer fork travel.

The Siskiu is more suitable for rougher terrain as it has front and rear suspensions. The Trek Roscoe 7 is more stable than DRT 2.1 thanks to its 29″ wheels.

Co-op DRT FAQ

Conclusion

The Co-op DRT 2.1 is a solid choice for beginners. I recommend buying it when discounted because the full price might not be as easily justified, and REI discounts it often.

Don’t forget that in addition to the product, REI membership also buys you other services, such as free tuneup.

The main advantages of the DRT 2.1 are the high-quality aluminum frame, dropper post, and SRAM SX Eagle groupset. On the other hand, its weight is quite high compared to the alternatives.