Voodoo’s Bizango is the Halfords brand’s flagship hardtail. For the 2022 release it receives an overhaul, making it, Voodoo says, a fast and agile trail hardtail that could appeal equally to first-time mountain bike buyers and more experienced riders.
When we reviewed the 2018 Voodoo Bizango, we found it fantastic value for money and a very capable hardtail. While the bike has had an overhaul in geometry and components, it is still a bargain and comes ready to take on even burlier terrain.
Voodoo Bizango frame
The low-slung triple-butted frame is available in four sizes, all with 29in wheels and routing for dropper posts.
A 120mm Suntour Radion suspension fork takes care of bump-smoothing duties, with Shimano's Deore 1x11 drivetrain providing a wide range of gearing.
The new Bizango gets the lower-longer-slacker treatment, although Voodoo is careful to note its relatively conservative numbers compared to some hardcore hardtails.
The company says it can tackle steep and technical terrain while retaining a fast and fun character on mellower trails. For UK riding and especially trail centres, then, it should be just right.
Voodoo Bizango geometry
A size large Bizango 2022 has 461mm reach, which is just 9mm shorter than the recently launched Roscoe from Trek (a bike at the upper end of aggressive hardtail geometry).
Chainstay length is 435mm across the sizes (5mm longer than the Roscoe), which is neither excessively long nor short. As Voodoo says, the Bizango is for a bit of everything and not about pushing the limits of geometry.
Similarly, the frame’s revised angles aren’t at the extreme end of the spectrum, but they position the bike in the ‘hardcore hardtail’ category.
The new Bizango’s head angle is 1.5 degrees slacker than the previous version, at 66.5 degrees. Meanwhile, its seat angle is now 74.5 degrees.
Voodoo Bizango spec
The Bizango features a range of quality components in an almost unbeatable package at this price point.
The bike’s 1x11 Shimano Deore M5100 drivetrain comes with a 32-tooth chainring and an 11-51 cassette, providing a wide range of gearing for most situations. Meanwhile, Shimano MT200 brakes take care of stopping duties.
Its 29in×2.25in Maxxis Ardent tyres are fast-rolling numbers that should perform well on a trail centre ride. For more aggressive riding, as we noted in our review of the previous model, an upgrade to something a little wider and with a deeper tread might be advised.
Suntour’s 120mm air-sprung Radion fork is capable and performs well for a budget fork; you won’t find much better in this price range. Rebound adjustment, lockout and a 15×110mm thru-axle are signs of a solid package.
For a bit of comfort in the uphills, Voodoo says it has worked with WTB on a special edition Volt saddle with added gel inserts.
The size small bike has a 760mm handlebar, with the other sizes all coming with wide 780mm handlebars – a significant improvement over the narrow bars on the old model. Stem length is 45mm across the sizes.
Voodoo Bizango models
Voodoo bikes are available from Halfords stores in the UK. The Bizango comes in four sizes and two build options, the Bizango and the Bizango Pro.
Voodoo Bizango
The Bizango has 29in wheels and 120mm of front suspension travel.
- Frame: Triple-butted aluminium with 141mm Boost QR rear axle
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Fork: 120mm Suntour Radion Air Spring – 15×110mm thru-axle
- Gearing: Shimano Deore M5100 1×11 – 11-51 cassette, 32t chainset
- Brakes: Shimano MT200
- Tyres: Maxxis Ardent 29in×2.25in
- Wheels: Voodoo 29in with 24mm internal tubeless compatible rims
- Saddle: WTB Volt custom spec with added gel insert
- Price: £750
Voodoo Bizango Pro
A higher-spec Pro model features upgraded brakes, fork and tyres but still has a bargain price tag.
- Frame: Triple-butted aluminium with 12×148mm Boost thru-axle
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Fork: 130mm RockShox 35 Gold – 15×110mm thru-axle
- Gearing: Shimano Deore M5100 1×11 – 11-51 cassette, 32t chainset
- Brakes: Shimano MT410
- Tyres: Front – Maxxis High Roller II MaxxTerra EXO TR 29in×2.3in / Rear – Maxxis Rekon EXO TR 29in×2.25in
- Wheels: Voodoo 29in with 24mm internal tubeless compatible rims
- Saddle: WTB Volt Medium custom spec with added gel insert
- Price: £925
