An In-Depth Review of the Magna Excitor 26” Mountain Bike

Mountain biking is an exciting hobby that allows you to explore off-road trails and terrain. Investing in a high-quality mountain bike designed for rugged activities is important to have the best experience and stay safe on the trails. One popular model to consider is the Magna Excitor 26” mountain bike.

With its sturdy alloy frame and reliable components, the Excitor offers good value for the price point. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the features, pros and cons, and what owners have to say about this hardtail MTB.

Overview of the Magna Excitor Mountain Bike

The Excitor mountain bike from Magna features an aluminum frame and fork for durability on rugged terrain. The 26-inch wheels allow it to roll over obstacles with stability. This is a hardtail bike, meaning there is no rear suspension. It relies on the front shocks only.

Key Features:

• Strong and lightweight aluminum frame
• 26” alloy rims with 2” wide mountain bike tires
• Suspension fork with 80mm travel
• 21-speed Shimano drivetrain
• Front and rear disc brakes
• Alloy crankset and pedals
• Adjustable stem and seatpost

Intended Use: Trail, cross-country riding, commuting

With its blend of durability, trail capability, and affordable price, the Excitor is a versatile entry-level MTB for recreational riders and commuters. While the lack of rear suspension limits very technical downhill riding, it can handle moderate trails well.

Detailed Review of Components and Performance

Examining the components equipping the Excitor provides insight into the overall performance. Here is a more detailed look at the mountain bike’s parts and how they deliver on the trail:

Strong and Lightweight Aluminum Frame

The Excitor features an aluminum frame, which provides better shock absorption and a lighter weight than a steel frame. Aluminum has good strength for the price.

The geometry includes an angled top tube for standover clearance. The frame accommodates rider heights from around 5’4” to 6’2”.

Pros

• Lightweight compared to steel
• More affordable than carbon fiber
• Durable for trail riding conditions

Cons

• Not as lightweight as carbon fiber frames
• Can feel stiff without rear suspension

26-Inch Alloy Rims and 2” Wide Tires

The Excitor comes equipped with 26” double wall alloy rims. Combined with 2” wide mountain bike tires, this provides good traction and control on loose surfaces.

The tread pattern strikes a balance between low rolling resistance and grip. It features raised shoulder knobs for cornering and grooves in the middle for speed.

Pros:

• Strong 26” alloy rims
• Wide tires provide traction
• Balanced tread pattern

Cons:

• Narrower than wider 2.35-2.5” tires

80mm Travel Suspension Fork

To absorb impacts over bumps, the Excitor has an SR Suntour suspension fork. It has 80mm of travel, which is suitable for cross-country riding.

The spring system and damping allow it to compress when hitting bumps and rebound smoothly. Turning the lockout dial stiffens the fork for riding on paved roads.

Pros:

• Cushions bumps and increases control
• Lockout for firmer feel on pavement
• 80mm travel appropriate for trail/XC usage

Cons:

• Less travel than 100-120mm forks on pricier MTBs
• No rebound adjustment

21-Speed Drivetrain for Versatile Shifting

A Shimano drivetrain powers the Excitor with 21 speeds operated by a pair of easy-to-use twist shifters. The gears provide a wide range for tackling uphills as well as fast downhills.

Up front is a 42/34/24T alloy crankset. In the rear is a 7-speed Shimano Freewheel with an 11-28T cassette. Combined, these provide a good range of gearing.

Pros:

• Wide gear range with 21 speeds
• Shimano Tourney components
• Easy twist shifting

Cons:

• Heavier than higher-end derailleurs
• May require more maintenance

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

The Excitor is equipped with both front and rear disc brakes, which provide excellent stopping power in all conditions. They use mechanical actuation for simplicity.

The 180mm rotors have ample braking surface area. This crucial safety component inspires confidence on fast downhills.

Pros:

• Disc brakes with 180mm rotors
• Strong braking power
• Work well when wet

Cons:

• Rubber brake pads require replacement
• Not as tunable as hydraulics

Adjustable Stem and Seatpost

To dial in the fit, the Excitor has an adjustable alloy stem and seatpost. This allows tweaking the handlebar and saddle position for comfort.

The stem uses a four-bolt faceplate to change the angle and height. The seatpost has a quick-release clamp for raising and lowering.

Pros:

• Customizable fit for riders
• Raised handlebars for upright position

Cons:

• Limited height adjustments

Overall Performance and Handling

The combination of quality components like the drivetrain, brakes, tires, and fork allow the Excitor to cover ground well on trails. The wide gear range makes climbing manageable. The front suspension smooths out roots and rocks.

Handling is stable at speeds up to 20mph on straightaways and sweeping turns. The 2” tires provide sure-footed traction through loose gravel and dirt. The disc brakes ensure controllable stopping when needed.

While the lack of rear suspension does limit technical descending, the Excitor handles moderate singletrack and dirt paths well for an affordable hardtail. Just be prepared for a rougher ride over very rooty trails.

Sizing, Assembly, and Set Up

Choosing the right size is important for proper fit and control of the Excitor. Measure your inseam length to determine the suitable frame size:

• 15-17” inseam = 13” frame
• 17-19” inseam = 15” frame
• 19-21” inseam = 17” frame
• 21-23” inseam = 19” frame
• 23-25” inseam = 21” frame

The bike arrives partially assembled in a box. All necessary tools for completing assembly are included. With some mechanical skill, it typically takes 30-60 minutes to fully assemble. Be sure to check all bolts are tightened before the first ride.

Proper set up helps optimize performance and comfort. Follow these tips:

• Inflate the tires to the pressure listed on the sidewalls (40-65psi). Use a pump with an air pressure gauge.
• Straighten the handlebars to align with the front wheel. Tighten the stem bolts to secure.
• Adjust the seat height so your legs have a slight bend at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
• Fine tune the shifters and brakes so they operate smoothly without rubbing.

Common Upgrades Owners Make

While the stock components work sufficiently, Excitor owners commonly make upgrades to enhance the bike’s capabilities:

• Wider mountain bike handlebars for better steering control on descents
• New saddle for more comfort on long rides
• Clipless pedals for power transfer when pedaling
• Hydraulic disc brakes for more stopping power
• Suspension seatpost to smooth out the rear
• Wheelset with wider rims to fit larger volume mountain bike tires
• 1x drivetrain conversion for simpler shifting

What Owners Are Saying

With over 100 reviews on Amazon, the general sentiment on the Magna Excitor is quite positive. It has earned an average 4.1 out of 5 star rating. Here is what owners highlight:

Pros

• Excellent value for the affordable price
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Capable on basic trails and paths
• Smooth shifting between gears
• Quick assembly out of the box

Cons

• Seat is uncomfortable for some riders
• Noisy chain and derailleur need adjusting
• Pedals are on the cheaper side
• Less capable on very rough downhill sections

For riders looking to get started with mountain biking at a budget price, the Excitor offers good specs like disc brakes and front suspension. Most agree it delivers noticeable value at this approachable price point. Just be mindful of the limitations compared to pricier full suspension bikes.

FAQ

How much does the Magna Excitor weigh?

The Excitor has an average weight around 35 pounds, depending on the frame size. This is considered relatively lightweight for an affordable hardtail mountain bike.

What is the difference between the Excitor 1.0 and 2.0 models?

The updated Excitor 2.0 features a lighter aluminum frame, 24 speeds vs 21 speeds, and mechanical disc brakes vs V-brakes on the 1.0. It also has an alloy suspension fork instead of steel.

What are the tire dimensions?

The Excitor comes with 26 x 2.10 inch wide tires for traction and stability on trails. Many owners choose to upgrade to wider 2.35-2.5” tires for even better grip and puncture protection.

Does it work for taller riders?

The Excitor accommodates riders from around 5’4” to 6’2” depending on the frame size. The 21” frame fits riders between 6’ to 6’2” in height. All riders should ensure proper standover clearance given the sloped top tube.

Can you install a dropper seat post?

Yes, the Excitor has compatible frame tubes to install an aftermarket dropper post. This can improve descending by allowing you to lower the saddle out of the way.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Magna Excitor 26” mountain bike is a strong choice in the entry-level category. It balances durable trail-capable components with an affordable price accessible to new riders.

While the lack of rear suspension does limit very rough terrain, it handles basic trail riding respectably. Upgrading components like the pedals, saddle, and brakes can further dial in performance for your needs.

For the price, the Excitor delivers proven mountain bike parts that stand up to recreational use. Take it for a test ride to experience its well-rounded capabilities yourself.