Which Patrol hardtail is best for me? Patrol C09 or Patrol 09?

patrol c091 review singletrack world
We explore the differences between the Patrol C09 carbon and Patrol 09 alloy hardtails to help you choose the best bike for your riding.

For 2021 we announced a new hardtail, the carbon-framed Patrol C09 range. The C09 hardtails take the lessons we learned with the 691 Evo enduro bike and brings a similar level of handling to hardtail lovers.

Since the introduction of the C09 we have been contacted by customers wondering which Patrol hardtail would suit them best? Should customers choose the new Patrol C09 or opt for a bike from our alloy Patrol 09 series?

Below we’re going to explore some of the features, and highlights of each of our hardtails in order to help you choose the best bike for your type of riding.

Patrol C09 carbon hardtails

The Patrol C09 series of hardtails consists of 3 models, the C093, C092 and C091. Each of these new bikes uses the same carbon fibre frameset, a frameset developed with the help of professional mountain bikers from Europe to suit a wide range of riding styles.

Patrol C09 carbon hardtail

With our carbon frameset, we wanted to offer a Patrol hardtail that would suit new riders with a confidence-inspiring ride, but also suit more seasoned riders on rough and more technical terrain.

Our engineers managed this by adopting and new geometry formula, one which is loosely based on the latest Patrol 691 Evo. By increasing the reach measurement, slackening the head angle and steepening the seat tube, we have produced a hardtail that is comfortable and efficient on the climbs, but stable and inspiring on rough technical descents.

Capable of high-performance and faster speeds on challenging terrain also highlights the benefit of the carbon construction of the C09 hardtail. Our tuned carbon layup allows the C09 series of bikes to absorb trail shocks and hits. This energy would normally be transferred to the rider resulting in fatigue over a long ride, but our carbon frames cushion the rider from these impacts.

In addition to these geometry and construction changes, we designed the Patrol C09 hardtail with a bolt thru-axle, with enough clearance for aggressive 29in mountain bike tyres, and space for 2 water bottles for those long rides. Each C09 frameset also sports a smart storage space in the downtube where a spare mech hanger is kept for emergencies.

Patrol C09 carbon hardtail

Developing the C09 alongside our riders and components partners also allowed us to include new MY21 components such as the headset with clean internal cable and hose routing.

Patrol C09 geometry


SmallMediumLargeX-Large
Head Tube Angle67°67°67°67°
Head Tube Length105110110115
Top Tube Horizontal606631655685
Reach425450475500
Standover701709743781
Stack630630635645
Seat Tube Length400420460510
Seat Angle74°74°74°74°
Bottom Bracket Height308308308308
Bottom Bracket Drop-62.5-62.5-62.5-62.5
Chainstay Length430430430430
Wheelbase1147117211991226

Patrol C09 Hardtails

  • Suitable for: All-mountain, trail and enduro riding.
  • Type of trails: All-terrain types.
  • Level of rider: Novice to Expert

Learn more about the Patrol C09 here.

Patrol 09 alloy hardtail

The Patrol 09 range is our alloy 29in platform and is still the go-to bike for riders wanting to get into mountain biking or for riders who spend most of their time on trails with fewer technical features.

patrol 09 alloy hardtail

Following the bike industry and current trends, it would be easy for people to believe that all mountain bike riders are aggressive enduro racers who spend all of their time riding down the steepest and most dangerous trails, but we know that this isn’t always the case.

There are many riders who spend 90% of their time riding local mountain bike routes on flatter trails, with fewer jumps and perhaps tighter tree-lined switchbacks. These riders still want a bike that can handle technical terrain but don’t require the all-out geometry and reach for most of their riding.

This is where the Patrol 09 range of bikes comes into play. Our alloy hardtail features a more compact front centre and slightly steeper angles to give it a playful and agile ride even on flat trails. The 09 doesn’t require steep mountains to put a smile on your face and is the perfect mountain bike for riders who want to sit up and enjoy the scenery rather than set the fastest Strava KOM/QOM down the side of a mountain.

patrol 09 alloy hardtail

Manufactured from alloy, the Patrol 09 series offers a fast, direct feel, perfect for flow lines and fast local loops.

Patrol 09 Geometry


SmallMediumLargeX-Large
Head Tube Angle69.5°69.5°69.5°69.5°
Head Tube Length100100110120
Top Tube Horizontal570600620644
Reach395425443465
Standover704742763783
Stack608608617624
Seat Tube Length400445470495
Seat Angle74°74°74°74°
Bottom Bracket Height313313313313
Bottom Bracket Drop-55-55-55-55
Chainstay Length440440440440
Wheelbase1093112311441169

Patrol 09 Hardtail

  • Suitable for: Cross-country and trail riding.
  • Types of trails: Fast flow lines, and cross-country race loops.
  • Level of rider: New-comer to Pro.

Learn more about the Patrol 09 here.

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