I wish everyone could have the opportunity to ride a great custom built hardtail like this. I think they'd be blown away at how different they feel (assuming the builder was worth their salt). I really look forward to showcasing more small builders who put their heart and soul into the frames they build. To me, it's like the difference of having clothing tailored to you, vs buying something off the shelf hoping it fits well. Sometimes you get lucky off the shelf, but a good tailor can make clothes fit better than off the shelf every time.
This is great. There's always going to be a place for the factory bikes. But we really need to get to a place where its normal that when you want a bike, head over to your local builder (because every major city in my dream will have local builders) and get set with a work order. We need this with everything. Young married couple just closed on their first home and need a dining table in 3 months? Head to the local carpenter. Bikes should be no different. They fun, they're toys. But they're also so much more. They're transport. They're health. They're the caretakers of that childhood spirit that we struggle to keep in our otherwise not really fun adult world. They're freedom. Wouldn't we want the thing that is all this to be with us for all our days?
I have never heard of this builder before, so this will be cool to see more of some lesser known builders in the future. Beautiful HT, looking forward to how it rides for you.
@@hardtailparty I hope one builder you possibly can get a bike to review is Strong Frames out of Montana. I have read numerous customer reviews that had frames built by him that were very positive. I only discovered Strong by accident when just doing a search on Pinterest of custom bike builds.
I really encourage everyone to try a custom or EVEN BETTER, build one yourself! It took me a while to build my hardtail from concept to reality but there is nothing like riding a bike that you built completely the way you want it!
Nice frame. Hope it rides as good as it looks. I am only 158lbs and love that he picks out tubing based on what the rider needs as opposed to a one bike for everyone. I can ride as hard as I want but I am not going to stress the frame like a 210lb guy so I don’t need a frame so overbuilt that it rides stiff and harsh. Definitely interested in this one. Thanks HP for the video.
That bike is just beautiful looking! Hat's off to Nick for the design. Love the way the oval top tube looks so thin in profile... Hope you enjoy it Steve!
The bike looks great in all aspects and the builder sounds a pro. Now we just need to wait for the ride review. Sounds and looks like a dream bike. Not a word on cost for such a bike...
Sweet bike, and a fantastic channel. After watching a few of your videos and doing some of my own research, I just built up a Banshee Paradox and I’m loving it!! Might do a custom frame in a few years…
What an beauty frame, I think steel is real with this one ☝️!!! What a great new series to feature on the channel Steve!!! Giving these custom builders a spotlight and something different than the regular MTB RUclips stuff is fantastic!!! Can’t wait for more of this series to be showcased as well as the ride review!! Outstanding job, great work 👍👍👍!!!
Great vid Steve! Thanks to Nick for lending his thoughts for the channel! I hope you get more opportunities for these one on one chats with builders, loved getting a look into how he approaches frame design. Tec Gnar did an insane job with the paint, unquestionably one of the coolest paintjobs I've ever seen. Can't wait for the ride review!
You just can’t beat the quality of a build with the most important equation is perfect as possible. That is one of the most if not the most beautiful frames I’ve ever seen on this channel kudos to the builder
Love your channel and he seems like A great builder!! Curious of why you’re into hardtails so much and haven’t transition to full suspension bikes? Used to be into hard tails..really light Hardtails lefty single speed but now that I’m older I’m definitely into full suspension bikes!! I love your passion for bikes remind me of myself in many ways!!
I feel like the bike industry does everyone a disservice with the idea that you have to "transition" to full suspension bikes. It's like it's just always the next / logical step. Hardtails are hardtails. They are great and no one has to transition to a full suspension. I also really like FS bikes - just don't currently own any.
It is absolutely amazing how the clearances are absolutely equal on both sides after throwing in that oversize tire that’s just goes To show the quality of this work of art
@@hardtailparty I want to go titanium. Sadly my dream custom built bike is off the table for this year, I had other things I needed to take care of that ate up that money. Oh well I'll keep dreaming and be ready for next year. I really like the bike frame he built though. Gotta say this is going to be a great series. There are so many custom frame builders here in the states and I'm glad to see you shining a spot light on them.
@@buckroger6456 thanks. Hopefully i can get more of them on board and feature their work. It's a big time and energy investment for them to build a custom frame like this. Fingers crossed we get MANY more small builders on the channel soon.
@@hardtailparty 🤞 big time. I say it'd a big win for everyone. The channel gets more great content for us to watch, the builders get to show off their builds and what makes them unique and the riders win cause we learn about builds that we may not have even heard about. Sure these builds aren't cheap but I honestly believe that most of us that love cycling are definitely in the market for something like that.
IS mounts? i actually prefer IS since it eliminates any possibility of shortening the frames lifespan via worn threads. I hate that magnesium forks lowers are using post mounts, i feel like im being forced to use a 4 bolt adaptor and stupidly big rotors.
I am really looking forward to this series. Good job on not going with sliding drop outs. What is the rear axle width and diameter if you don't mind me asking.
Just put down a deposit for a Manzanita frame! Now to stress over Geo numbers :) I originally got a Ragley Big Al based on your review. Certainly affordable, but I really don’t love that frame at all. New to all this, so had to learn the hard way, but I find the reach too short, seat tube too slack and the rear end way too harsh. I’m sure there are aluminum frames that ride comfortably, but I’ve yet to ride one I liked and I’ve owned 4 aluminum bikes over the years. Looking forward to getting this Manzanita and hoping we nail the Geo for me!
Interesting. The big al is one of the softer aluminum frames. Which wheels were you running? I agree on the geo though, too short in reach, too slack sta, cs too long.
@@hardtailparty - I have a set of aluminum Stans wheels that came on the build. Hopefully they’ll be replaced with a nicer wheel set before my Manzanita arrives!
Hi Steve! Just one question, planning to change my fork on my bobcat trail 2021 from 120mm to 100mm head angle is 67.5 and seat tube angle is 74.5. My question is after changing to 100mm, what would be my new head angle and seat tube angle? Thanks alot!
Interesting. Having a custom frame is a great idea if you are really committed to that bike because it is perfect for only one person so selling it would be a bit more difficult.
I know the feeling. I was bikepacking just outside of Pine, AZ two weeks ago and the manzanita destroyed my legs (and my frame's paint job, and even scratched up my carbon wheels).
I fell into manzanita bush on the Galena Forest Trail, Reno. A branch stuck into my left side knee, had to ride few miles back to the truck with a piece of manzanita bush before heading off the ER.😂
I know, right? It's funny the big companies struggle to figure this out. Yet another reason custom builders rock. They're often more creative than big brand designers, and they're often more willing to think outside the box and try something new.
It seems like most people either have a budget bike with time to ride it, or a high paying job with no time to ride their nice bike. Which would you choose? World's nicest bike with one day a week to ride, or a budget bike with time to ride it every day?
@@hardtailparty I would choose 2nd. Even simpler bikes offer much fun, as long as they are not the cheapest crappiest one. Personally I ride a Scott Aspect 730 from 2018, not a high end bike but still a nice XC hardtail which got an air fork this year as an upgrade.
I'm probably showing my ignorance here, but what was the reasoning for the cable brakes vs a hydraulic setup? Absolutely stunning bike, I can only imagine what it feels like to ride. I grew up with a German bike builder across the street from me as a child, always happy to help us air up tires, or tweak derailleurs; shamefully, I never truly appreciated what I had at my fingertips until after he passed and I grew older. His roadie bikes were gorgeous; my father painted some of them for him.
Great question. Typically, cable brakes have been weak and inferior. However, these Paul Klampers are in a completely different league. These Paul Klamper cable brakes are my favorite brakes. They're a little heavier, but the power, feel, and ease of use make them my favorites. They're nothing like the cable brakes of days gone by. I have several videos talking about them on my channel. I also love that they will outlast me in my lifetime.
@@hardtailparty thanks for the response. I'm a subscriber, but unfortunately I don't catch every video, I'll have to look back for your opinions on them. I'm intrigued.
There are some pretty innovative small builders like Nick who are able to stay two steps ahead of the "big players" and I'm glad about that. The big players beat custom builders on price, but the custom builders will always have an edge over the big guys in customization, adaptability, and speed to market for bee tech/standards etc.
It actually is for tire clearance, just not at the bb. It's for tire clearance in the middle of the seat tube. In order to get the seat angle where it needs to be, and to keep it as long as possible for a dropper and to keep the seat tube joined to the bb shell, the bend had to be where it was. The only other option is to have the seat tube intersect the DT ahead of the bb shell like my Maniak does.
I agree that handbuilt bikes are great. Its not fair to say that a lot of bikes overseas are made by robots. I suspect that most of the ones that viewers of this channel will buy are made by actual humans.
But a lot of bikes overseas are actually made by robots. There are also plenty of people welding frames overseas by hand as well. Robot welding is often more consistent. To me the biggest difference is in the design where the builder is selecting tubing types, thickness, lengths for the rider rather than cranking out the same 200 bikes on the assembly line.
Another legit video! I dunno if you saw this, but this video from the local Reno news has a few shots of this bike & what looks to be him working on the bike too. ruclips.net/video/_EwTxYHGoxY/видео.html
Please stop clamping frames. Clamp the post. Signed: former and current bike shop employees. Otherwise keep up the great detailed and thorough reviews.
Clamping a frame is fine as long as you don't overtighten it. Signed: former bike shop employee. :) I usually only clamp it until i get a seat post installed anyway.
I wish everyone could have the opportunity to ride a great custom built hardtail like this. I think they'd be blown away at how different they feel (assuming the builder was worth their salt). I really look forward to showcasing more small builders who put their heart and soul into the frames they build. To me, it's like the difference of having clothing tailored to you, vs buying something off the shelf hoping it fits well. Sometimes you get lucky off the shelf, but a good tailor can make clothes fit better than off the shelf every time.
This is great. There's always going to be a place for the factory bikes. But we really need to get to a place where its normal that when you want a bike, head over to your local builder (because every major city in my dream will have local builders) and get set with a work order. We need this with everything. Young married couple just closed on their first home and need a dining table in 3 months? Head to the local carpenter. Bikes should be no different. They fun, they're toys. But they're also so much more. They're transport. They're health. They're the caretakers of that childhood spirit that we struggle to keep in our otherwise not really fun adult world. They're freedom. Wouldn't we want the thing that is all this to be with us for all our days?
Beautiful frame love the color and the highlights Reno at night 👌🏾. That purple 💜 dropper switch 😍 nice! Absolutely can’t wait to for the review.
Great job with using your platform to highlight the custom builders! I hope you have a lot more like this lined up!
Not quite as many as I'd like but I'm hoping this changes as more people see this vid.
I have never heard of this builder before, so this will be cool to see more of some lesser known builders in the future.
Beautiful HT, looking forward to how it rides for you.
That's one of my big goals with this channel. Hopefully other small builders will see the value in sending bikes in for review.
@@hardtailparty I hope one builder you possibly can get a bike to review is Strong Frames out of Montana. I have read numerous customer reviews that had frames built by him that were very positive. I only discovered Strong by accident when just doing a search on Pinterest of custom bike builds.
@@johnnydoe66 I'd love to. Thanks for the suggestion.
@@johnnydoe66 I just went to their website. He is closing up shop soon for retirement.
@@vinnylivoti9567 Sad, the reviews from past customers were really good
Absolutely love this. Forget donating it to charity, let Nick keep the money. We need to make sure these custom builders stay in business.
I really encourage everyone to try a custom or EVEN BETTER, build one yourself! It took me a while to build my hardtail from concept to reality but there is nothing like riding a bike that you built completely the way you want it!
That's a goal of mine. I'll definitely be picking your brain
@@hardtailparty I'm all yours! :D
Nice frame. Hope it rides as good as it looks. I am only 158lbs and love that he picks out tubing based on what the rider needs as opposed to a one bike for everyone. I can ride as hard as I want but I am not going to stress the frame like a 210lb guy so I don’t need a frame so overbuilt that it rides stiff and harsh. Definitely interested in this one. Thanks HP for the video.
That paint job is PERFECT for this channel. Super rad!
Check out his Instagram, it's amazing what he does.
Beautiful - that things is 🔥! I can't wait to hear the ride review on this one. Too good. 👍
That’s one of the best frames I’ve ever seen on this and any other channel. Wow!
Agreed. What about it do you like the most?
@@hardtailparty Geo, ability to fit long dropper, paint job, it’s classic clean looks!
@@GokkunGuru You are such a hardtail party fan😂
Anyway agreed
I've been waiting for this series and man it's off to a good start. What a gorgeous bike.
That bike is just beautiful looking! Hat's off to Nick for the design. Love the way the oval top tube looks so thin in profile... Hope you enjoy it Steve!
Sickest paint job I've seen since my 95' Breezer Lightning in blue and cue ball white.
The bike looks great in all aspects and the builder sounds a pro. Now we just need to wait for the ride review. Sounds and looks like a dream bike.
Not a word on cost for such a bike...
What a cracking bike - looks so versitile - keen to see how it rides.
Love that graphic.
Perfect looking cable routing too!
Very interesting a 74.5 seat tube angle . I had a hardtail with a 77.5 seat tube and it was way to steep for me ............. Bike looks so good !!!!
Sweet bike, and a fantastic channel. After watching a few of your videos and doing some of my own research, I just built up a Banshee Paradox and I’m loving it!! Might do a custom frame in a few years…
Awesome choice!
What an beauty frame, I think steel is real with this one ☝️!!! What a great new series to feature on the channel Steve!!! Giving these custom builders a spotlight and something different than the regular MTB RUclips stuff is fantastic!!! Can’t wait for more of this series to be showcased as well as the ride review!! Outstanding job, great work 👍👍👍!!!
I have high hopes for this bike
Great vid Steve! Thanks to Nick for lending his thoughts for the channel! I hope you get more opportunities for these one on one chats with builders, loved getting a look into how he approaches frame design. Tec Gnar did an insane job with the paint, unquestionably one of the coolest paintjobs I've ever seen. Can't wait for the ride review!
Fortunately, this video is getting a lot of views and interest from my viewers, so I'll do more of them.
super sick looking bike cant wait to see how you like it
Unreal idea Steve! What a great series!
I hope to DIY a frame some day. It's so awesome!
Can't wait to see the Review😍
You just can’t beat the quality of a build with the most important equation is perfect as possible. That is one of the most if not the most beautiful frames I’ve ever seen on this channel kudos to the builder
That bike looks so sick. Basically giant bmx..which I likey
I can't wait for the ride review!!!
That frame looks incredible.
I love the Color sheme and diffrent tubing for different parts of the frame
This is awesome I love promoting small business and real mtb people. I rather support smaller brands then bigger when possible.
Same here
Cool bike. Great colab guys.
Nice review, this is such a classy channel! Tech Gnar, is this guy a Terminator fan? The first movie has a night club called Tech Noir…
Love your channel and he seems like A great builder!! Curious of why you’re into hardtails so much and haven’t transition to full suspension bikes? Used to be into hard tails..really light Hardtails lefty single speed but now that I’m older I’m definitely into full suspension bikes!! I love your passion for bikes remind me of myself in many ways!!
I have full suspension bikes too, but my true love is hardtails. A great hardtail is so much fun to ride. This channel is dedicated all to hardtails.
I feel like the bike industry does everyone a disservice with the idea that you have to "transition" to full suspension bikes. It's like it's just always the next / logical step. Hardtails are hardtails. They are great and no one has to transition to a full suspension.
I also really like FS bikes - just don't currently own any.
I’ve “transitioned” several times, but always come back to hard tails. Maybe a full squish one day, but I’m only 52.
Dudes the paint 🎨 and frame from the Metaverse 🌬🛸
That is a gorgeous ht!
It is absolutely amazing how the clearances are absolutely equal on both sides after throwing in that oversize tire that’s just goes To show the quality of this work of art
Great looking bike!!!
I absolutely LOVE your channel.
I love that you love it. Thanks for watching!
I really liked this video. A custom built frame is what I'm working towards.
I've been very impressed with Nick's work, I highly recommend him.
@@hardtailparty I want to go titanium. Sadly my dream custom built bike is off the table for this year, I had other things I needed to take care of that ate up that money. Oh well I'll keep dreaming and be ready for next year.
I really like the bike frame he built though. Gotta say this is going to be a great series. There are so many custom frame builders here in the states and I'm glad to see you shining a spot light on them.
@@buckroger6456 thanks. Hopefully i can get more of them on board and feature their work. It's a big time and energy investment for them to build a custom frame like this. Fingers crossed we get MANY more small builders on the channel soon.
@@hardtailparty 🤞 big time. I say it'd a big win for everyone. The channel gets more great content for us to watch, the builders get to show off their builds and what makes them unique and the riders win cause we learn about builds that we may not have even heard about. Sure these builds aren't cheap but I honestly believe that most of us that love cycling are definitely in the market for something like that.
IS mounts? i actually prefer IS since it eliminates any possibility of shortening the frames lifespan via worn threads.
I hate that magnesium forks lowers are using post mounts, i feel like im being forced to use a 4 bolt adaptor and stupidly big rotors.
Please do a review of the Chumba Stella Ti.
Killer looking frame!!!! Side question, which TI bar do you like more the Roost or the Stanton?
I can't tell a difference. Pick the one with the rise you like most. I have a feeling they both come out of the same factory but i can't confirm that.
outstanding paint job !!
Tec-gnar does an amazing job. Check out their Instagram for some of their amazing work.
thanks for the tip.
Indeed magnificent artistic designs !
That's a stunner 🌟
I am really looking forward to this series. Good job on not going with sliding drop outs. What is the rear axle width and diameter if you don't mind me asking.
148 boost rear spacing.
Just put down a deposit for a Manzanita frame! Now to stress over Geo numbers :)
I originally got a Ragley Big Al based on your review. Certainly affordable, but I really don’t love that frame at all. New to all this, so had to learn the hard way, but I find the reach too short, seat tube too slack and the rear end way too harsh. I’m sure there are aluminum frames that ride comfortably, but I’ve yet to ride one I liked and I’ve owned 4 aluminum bikes over the years. Looking forward to getting this Manzanita and hoping we nail the Geo for me!
Interesting. The big al is one of the softer aluminum frames. Which wheels were you running? I agree on the geo though, too short in reach, too slack sta, cs too long.
@@hardtailparty - I have a set of aluminum Stans wheels that came on the build. Hopefully they’ll be replaced with a nicer wheel set before my Manzanita arrives!
Hi Steve! Just one question, planning to change my fork on my bobcat trail 2021 from 120mm to 100mm head angle is 67.5 and seat tube angle is 74.5. My question is after changing to 100mm, what would be my new head angle and seat tube angle? Thanks alot!
I truly enjoyed this 👍👍👍
Interesting. Having a custom frame is a great idea if you are really committed to that bike because it is perfect for only one person so selling it would be a bit more difficult.
Yup. But if you know what you want, it can be pretty amazing.
Great looking bike, awesome build. That paint is nutso. I need to hit the lottery. did you get around to riding the wren fork?
Yes, but it had issues so i sent it back
Can you please review a Surly MTB or the Kona unit X
Can you do a review on the canyon stoic 2
Looks very sick
Such a cool video. Just came across ur channel, got ya self another sub 👊
Hey hardtail party it’s me Quincy from the team, that is an amazing build… it’s probably a little less amazing with the cost of that build
Hey Quincy, great to hear from you! Yeah, it's a very special bike. I'm exited for practice to start back up soon
I still have scars on my legs from screaming through manzanita bushes in Pinetop az
I know the feeling. I was bikepacking just outside of Pine, AZ two weeks ago and the manzanita destroyed my legs (and my frame's paint job, and even scratched up my carbon wheels).
I fell into manzanita bush on the Galena Forest Trail, Reno. A branch stuck into my left side knee, had to ride few miles back to the truck with a piece of manzanita bush before heading off the ER.😂
2 water bottles with a dropper 👍
I know, right? It's funny the big companies struggle to figure this out. Yet another reason custom builders rock. They're often more creative than big brand designers, and they're often more willing to think outside the box and try something new.
Send it 😎
I need to work more. Or bike more an get sponsored. Decisions lol . Nice frame.
It seems like most people either have a budget bike with time to ride it, or a high paying job with no time to ride their nice bike. Which would you choose? World's nicest bike with one day a week to ride, or a budget bike with time to ride it every day?
@@hardtailparty I'd have to take the nicest bike one day a week. I'm already doing the budget bike thing 😆
@@hardtailparty I would choose 2nd.
Even simpler bikes offer much fun, as long as they are not the cheapest crappiest one. Personally I ride a Scott Aspect 730 from 2018, not a high end bike but still a nice XC hardtail which got an air fork this year as an upgrade.
I'm probably showing my ignorance here, but what was the reasoning for the cable brakes vs a hydraulic setup? Absolutely stunning bike, I can only imagine what it feels like to ride. I grew up with a German bike builder across the street from me as a child, always happy to help us air up tires, or tweak derailleurs; shamefully, I never truly appreciated what I had at my fingertips until after he passed and I grew older. His roadie bikes were gorgeous; my father painted some of them for him.
Great question. Typically, cable brakes have been weak and inferior. However, these Paul Klampers are in a completely different league. These Paul Klamper cable brakes are my favorite brakes. They're a little heavier, but the power, feel, and ease of use make them my favorites. They're nothing like the cable brakes of days gone by. I have several videos talking about them on my channel. I also love that they will outlast me in my lifetime.
@@hardtailparty thanks for the response. I'm a subscriber, but unfortunately I don't catch every video, I'll have to look back for your opinions on them. I'm intrigued.
@@thethepete731 They're not cheap. They're a lifetime brake. I'm in love with them though.
@@hardtailparty buy once, cry once.
I wish they were not so expensive. Would love them on my bike.
That hub sounds pleasant! Wow! What brand is it? Thanks in advance!
Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #KeepBiking
Nukeproof. It's louder in person. This is the audio from my microphone I'm wearing, so the volume is lower. I forgot to switch it when editing.
Very nice..
Very nice
Good job bro, the "big players" should take notice.
There are some pretty innovative small builders like Nick who are able to stay two steps ahead of the "big players" and I'm glad about that. The big players beat custom builders on price, but the custom builders will always have an edge over the big guys in customization, adaptability, and speed to market for bee tech/standards etc.
Why is the seat tube so curved? because not for tire clearance.
It actually is for tire clearance, just not at the bb. It's for tire clearance in the middle of the seat tube. In order to get the seat angle where it needs to be, and to keep it as long as possible for a dropper and to keep the seat tube joined to the bb shell, the bend had to be where it was. The only other option is to have the seat tube intersect the DT ahead of the bb shell like my Maniak does.
@@hardtailparty Thanks for quick reply:)
Can you build me a grim donut ht?!?
Whoever buys this frame should donate it to HTP.
I would love to own this frame. I'll be bidding on it too. :)
28 pounds is impressive .
Agreed!
I agree that handbuilt bikes are great. Its not fair to say that a lot of bikes overseas are made by robots. I suspect that most of the ones that viewers of this channel will buy are made by actual humans.
But a lot of bikes overseas are actually made by robots. There are also plenty of people welding frames overseas by hand as well. Robot welding is often more consistent. To me the biggest difference is in the design where the builder is selecting tubing types, thickness, lengths for the rider rather than cranking out the same 200 bikes on the assembly line.
/*Canyon Stoic still missing...*/
You noticed that too?
Another legit video! I dunno if you saw this, but this video from the local Reno news has a few shots of this bike & what looks to be him working on the bike too. ruclips.net/video/_EwTxYHGoxY/видео.html
I hadn't seen that, great addition!
Please stop clamping frames. Clamp the post.
Signed: former and current bike shop employees.
Otherwise keep up the great detailed and thorough reviews.
Clamping a frame is fine as long as you don't overtighten it. Signed: former bike shop employee. :)
I usually only clamp it until i get a seat post installed anyway.
Since this frame is cromoly I see no problem here.
With CF frames of course it's a different story.