The Ultimate Sleeper Hardtail - Reviewing The BC Originals Podsol (They Knocked it Out of the Park)
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- Опубликовано: 7 июн 2021
- The long-awaited BC Originals Podsol Review is here, and it's even better than I had hoped. This thing is the ULTIMATE sleeper. Understated, sleeper graphics, and a ride quality to blow most other bikes out of the water. Finally, a lightweight trail bike that's designed a short fork, with modern, slack geometry. Today we take it on the trail to see what makes it tick. Learn more about this bike here: bit.ly/3weVulz
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Subtle graphics, understated brand, minimal flash and show, yet big performance. This thing is the ultimate sleeper. It's like the Miata you pull up to at a stoplight, which actually has a Corvette motor stuffed inside it, but nobody would know looking at it. What a treat! This is the bike that got Cody on board with modern, slack hardtails. Better hurry, this one will sell out fast.
@hardtail party Great video! Do you know where I can buy a complete bike like this one in the US?
It's sold as a frame only, and only in Europe. This one will have to be built up piece by piece.
So... it's a hardtail frame built by Flying Miata. Nice. ;-)
@@ianfurqueron5850 except flying Miata ain’t cheap.
@@sickmak90 LoL! Quite true!
Pulls out the pencil, puts it on the “short list” with the Nimble 9, the Big Al and possibly a Paradox V3.
Keep them coming Sir.
Just built up my Nimble 9 last week. Got it based mostly off of Steve’s review. Mind blown by how great it is at everything... climbing, descending, cornering, roots, rock gardens, ledges. It’s not scared of anything.
@@patricklindsay4626 I feel the same way about mine! 150mm fork on it currently
Nimble 9's ride is sublime. Highly recommended. Running 140mm
Placed my order last night!
Can't wait!
Been riding a size large podsol for the past few months after watching this video, and it’s been fantastic. I am 5’10” and the large is absolutely perfect, fits like a glove. Slapped on a pike at 140mm and it climbs and descends fantastically. Routing is a pain, but aside from that it’s an incredible long day in the saddle hardtail that can get you down anything.
Already got a 27.5 hardtail. Tempted to build a 29er hardtail now after watching this review.
Another amazing review of a brand I know nothing about. It's so good to see great hardtails are out there. Hopefully more people see your reviews and all hardtails go in this direction.
Another great review!! It’s great 😊 seeing these off brands make a great bike for a reasonable price!!! A no nonsense review telling us what we need to hear not what we want to hear 👂 an unbiased opinion really goes a long way and speaks for itself when the frames are sold out after the review drops!!! Great job 👍👍
Thank you so much for your reviews, easily one of the very best mtb related channels on youtube. This one is going on the shortlist.
I've recently discovered this channel and this video really hit home for me. I actually purchased a new bike before discovering Hardtail Party which I am enjoying but finding some nuance with geo, fit, and comfort that I'd love to sort out one day. Keep up the awesome content!
Great Video, Thank you Steve!
Built it up with a SID Ultimate, Advent X, MT5, Newmen wheels and Wolfpack Tires. 12kg of pure fun. I love it!
sounds like a killer build.
Great review Steve. I knew you liked it by how much you were laughing. That is what riding is supposed to be like. I also checked stock of the frames on the weekend and they had some of each size in both colours. I checked again a few minutes ago and the S,M and L were gone in the black and the S and M were gone in the grey/beige. You called it that they were sell quickly, I bet a lot of people were waiting for your blessing before they pulled the trigger. Thanks for the video.
I always give patrons the inside info before i drop a review, so if you're on the fence on a bike I've got in, patreon is a good way to beat that.
I thought this was a super sleeper bike since it wasn't on any reviews (popped up on PB early in 2020, but just as a short blurb on new products). Glad I pulled the trigger before @hardtail party shone the spotlight on it!
My Podsol XL arrived this week! Parts are trickling in for the build. Looking forward to getting this built and on the trail.
I've been trying to decide on my next MTB to build for about a year. I came close to getting a spot, not ready to deal with crashing and damaging carbon fiber and I like to play/build my own bikes. Thank you for the review
Just got mine assembled last week. This bike shreds pretty well. I'll be hammering it on Santa Cruz area trails. Yewwww!
Thanx for the review, great watch and nice to hear your joy when reviewing. I must admit though, that I decided to buy the Podsol after you first look and no to wait for your ride review, cause I thought " if Steve likes the ride, this thing will he sold out in minutes".
Nice, congrats on a great bike. I always give my patrons an idea of how each bike rides before the review drops.
Nice, have been looking forward to this review.
I've been waiting for this review. I ordered a frame and bar based on your first look a couple of months ago. I built it up with a shimano wheelset and drivetrain and a fox float 34 (130mm)
I'm ridiculously in love with this bike.
My YT Jeffsy has been completely neglected since I finished the build.
I believe it! Congrats on such a rad hardtail.
@@hardtailparty I appreciate you and your hard work on the channel.
Patreon incoming
Hey Douglas, which headset and BB did you bought? I'm about to press the trigger on this.
@@badagaioo I used a cane creek headset and a raceface bb. All required specs are listed on the site
Thanks for another great review. Cody is such a stylish rider 🤙
Agreed, he's super fun to follow.
I just built up a Podsol after looking at everything from a Kona to a Why Cycles hardtail (maybe not being financially realistic, but they were in stock). Goal is to build it capable of riding trail, endurance races, bikepacking, and commuting. Basically take the wear and tear off my fancy enduro bike. Still need to weigh it, but it feels nimble and fun just futzing around the street. I can't believe the value of this frame, even with shipping to North America.
The main reason I purchased it is the sizing. The Germans know that an XXL frame needs proportionate chainstays to remain stable and not turn into a wheelie machine. When you're 6'6" (198cm), that becomes the most limiting factor of purchasing a frame. I feel like I'm sitting "in" the frame, not on top or falling off the back of it.
Wish list: more bottle mounts (so much room for more bosses!), sliding dropout option, north american dealer network.
I personally like the cable routing. Its easy to service and the housing is kept clear of the BB shell and all the mud, wear, and tear that comes with it.
Some day I hope to have a dentist titanium hardtail like a Why, but I'm tempted to build this up with some high end components and run it into the ground instead. Until then, its built with workhorse SLX components, mismatched wheels, and a used Pike to handle all the after-work rides and 100km races coming this summer in CO.
Riding this as a fully rigid singlespeed, love it. Super versatile frame. Nice review.
what fork did you put on it to get the appropriate axle to crown?
@@petercroce Im running a "Aerlite" carbon fork that has a 510 axle to crown. I think it can be found under other brand names too (planet x for example).
Just a great everything bike. That’s what I always tell people about my ns eccentric alu 27.5 I’ve been riding for three seasons. It’s just really enjoyable in every situation I even commute on pavement with it. Really enjoyed the review. So cool to see affordable awesome do it all bikes.
Just came home from a 4hour ride and there is nothing better to watch after a Hardtail ride than Hardtail Party😎👌
That's the review i've bin waiting for 🤩 Sadly this frame can't fit 27,5+ I love everything else about it.
I hope i can get my hands on an Mmmbop this year.
Dude the Hardtail Party effect is real! I looked this morning and they had frames in stock, just checked and they are all gone. happened the same with Canfield and Nimble 9 (still waiting for mine to be delivered).
And yet i still struggle to get some companies on board with sending a bike in for review. I remember when we crashed the ragley website when the big Al review dropped. Thanks for the kind words, i owe all this to my amazing viewers.
Let's be real though, right now any bike will sell out super quickly. The demand is still completely through the roof and the market cannot satisfy all of that.
@@Dark__Thoughts this bike has been in stock for 2 months in all sizes and colors. 12 hours after the review, all s, m, and L in both colors were sold out.
I can confirm it. Already bought mine when the first video came out. And there was plenty of stock. Good thing that I jumped on it quick :) Sourcing components was the hard part.
amazing review and looks like a rad and affordable sleeper!
Nice to know that when you asked what you're ideal hardtail numbers were and I spit mine out, I wasn't that far off for a great all-rounder. Half a degree on the ha and I had had a lower bbd but that's it.
I got mine about 2months now, kightweight xc style built, and mullet i feel playfull. Ive even broken an xc PR on this bike, thats pretty amazing . ( Fox 34,k 140 mm, dt swiss 1700, xc tyres, fox k dropper sram x0q,) under 11.9kg. loving it. So many amiles per miles
Bought this frame in the "sand" colour a few weeks ago to make a "spare part" build with all the stuff, I had in my garage. Accidentally I created a monster! My absolute favourite at the moment, normally i am more the 27+ type of guy. Maybe I try it with the smaller wheels... regards from Germany, home of the Podsol :-)
Nice review! I am onboard with the aggressive geo with a 130 fork on a hardtail. Makes is so versatile, just change your tires to match the ride.
Great review enjoyed, really like the seat tube, top tube junction on this bike nice clean and simple, I have a ragley blue pig and in this area there seems to be a lot of complicated tubing that serves no purpose and stops me slamming the seat as far down as I would like
I share your pain
Bought it, build it and since finished I had fun
Bought the frame based on Hardtail Party's review. Just did a first ride today on my xc build with SID Select 120mm, Hunt wheels and 2.25 Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal tires, 12 kg /27 lbs. Don't need more in the Netherlands. Will take some getting used to the modern geo when coming from a 2012 old school xc bike, but it felt very confidence inspiring. Also more compliant frame than my old alu frame.
This looks awesome for an all arounder and the price is attractive. The only negative I can see is the single bottle cage. I like longer rides sometimes and the extra mounts can come clutch for snack/water storage. Rather have em' and not need them. Currently on a 2020 XL timber jack which is a smidge small and looking to upgrade (I'm 6'5)... think I might go with a pole taival in their largest size w/ a 130mm to get a similar geo to this but with a slightly higher stack/more cages/steel frame. Hoping it won't be too much of a boat but I think any bike for my height will look a bit ridiculous to most lol. Thanks for the thorough and unbiased reviews Steve!
Just saw this as a random video. Little late to the party but subscribed. I ran the podsol in 140 and 130, bought a Nukeproof scout and made the Podsol into an 120 agressive xc'ish bike. It performed well in all of the settings. I am now thinking about changing it back again because I feel like the Podsol rode better for me, just to make your point. Also the thing looks awesome with the narrow tubing and wide tires. Only thing I don't like is the long steerer tube which get even longer with the external bearings. Good luck finding a 2nd hand fork for that one.
What you would say is the best option between those options 120, 130 and 140mm travels ?
Definitly buying this frame, especially since their headquarter is really close to me.👀
Thanks for reviewing bike brands from all over the world! (Especially from my home country ;-) ). I would have loved to give it a go. Unfortunately the frame is sold out and won't be produced anymore. I talked to a guy from the customer service. They obviously had issues with the production facility. Now bc is looking for a new place to produce a new frame. Also big shout out to the company - they are really customer friendly and have a great selection of products.
I have one,buy it the one week ago...fox 36 at 120mm,sram axs,carbon wheels...11.kg....best bike for do everything 🤘🏾
Seriously, you need to have a shirt for sale that says “What a joy!”
another great review on a bike
Another review that’s out of stock. I can buy Marin but keep breaking my frame. Not complaining to you. It’s like reviewing a Studebaker and hoping there will be one available new😂. Want to buy the Marin dsx2 but only have one in large. Even my LBS dude said good luck on finding an xl. You do great work Steve thank you for teaching us.
Are you going to take a look at the giant fathom 29? I would love to see your insight on that bike.
great review.
Ahh yes been waiting on this! Aachen is next door 👍
Seeing you're still running the Advent stuff too - about to slap that stuff on my Honzo. How is it fairing?
The XXL frame size that BC is offering is SO tempting, being 6 foot 6.
Thanks for another great review! For anyone reading this who doesn't throw Hardtail Party a little cash every month for all this amazing content, please consider doing so.
Depending on your country a shimano 10 or 11 speed groupset can be so much cheaper then advent x, both work absolutely great so i'd get whats cheapest
@@luukarends6946 I’ve already purchased the advent system- installing on Thursday!
I can confirm, the XXL feels great under a 6'6" body. I just built it, and it looks almost comically huge, but fits like a glove. 40mm stem, 18mm of steer tube spacers, and a 25mm rise 800mm bar.
I'm 6'6", 37" inseam with 6'5" wingspan and a medium-long torso.
I'll likely drop the stem to a 30mm and cut the bars to 780 for my ideal long-distance trail bike. I definitely don't need it any longer.
I have a bike built on this frame and it's so much fun. It's my first hardtail. Coming from numerous full suspension bikes I need to relearn a few things, creating traction going up is one. Review is spot on. However I would put even more emphasis on how easy it is to get around corners. The geometry is slack and modern enough, don't get me wrong. But the way my bike is set up I just lets me chose my lines like nothing I've been on (Canyon Neuron, Orbea Occam and Oiz).
Can you do a review of the Nordest Britango?
Loving the beard Steve!
Any ideas how well this frame would sit on a 120mm SID Rockshox fork? Thinking about setting up one up as a lightweight XC/Trail.
Watched the video right when it published…ordered a large Podsol immediately while I was in the car. I think I got the last Large, in gray/tan. I’m ditching my full suspension, turns out I like a hard tail better.
never seen you laughing this hard Steve! you have the best job in the world. keep it coming!
See my video or the exploding tubes, that one had some good laughs too. :)
Nice. Definitely tempting at the price. How do you think it compares to a Chameleon AL?
If it ever comes back in stock, I may build a rigid via enve.
I would love to see a review of the Nukeproof Scout!
I am from Germany and I bought a Podsol frame from the first patch, after bike components released them last year. I build it up with xt components, RS Pike 130, dt swiss wheels and other, rather worthy parts from Syntace and bikeyoke. I like this bike really very much. Its realy an all in one bike, which suits very well for any purpose. The frame's build quality is very well and you get a full package with all parts you need, and two sets of droppouts in different colours. There are online three things I dislike:
1. The fixation of the cables on the down Tube is rather troublesome to work with, but who works with that every day?
2. The chainstays are a bit wide in the heels area, but I am a "bigfoot" (size 13,5)
3. There hast been some rumor in a german forum about loosening screws from the dropouts and in deed, they dont loock very reliable. I fixed the screws with locktide medium and have no problems until now.
Anyway, it is a phantastic bikeframe and bike components is a very reliable online retailer.
I coudn't wait your review and shot blindfolded. Now I complete rest of the components to built my dream bike. My project is to creat capable trail bike, but still kept it fairly light. Unfortunately Garbaruk 11 speed cassette which is important part to keep it on light side is out of stock and needs to be ordered..
You can always become a patron and pick my brain before reviews drop.
Amazing bike ! I've got an XL Podsol frameset for sale, like new, with Marzocchi Z2 140mm and cane creek headset. Can ship anywhere !
Seems a god frame to build with 120mm and have a xc happy bike.
Aww great thanks ...! Now I want one while I don’t need it at all !! 😂
Sweet review Steve! What trail were you riding there?
It's a new trail in Sedona called little rock
So good! haha love it
It would be interesting to see a comparison of this kind of bike to a low budget bike like the Rockrider AM100 HT which is a pretty nice bang for the buck
Since tire width is somewhat limited in 29, could a 275+ fit?
So looked at the geometry numbers for a Medium and they're so similar to the Ragley BIG AL... with the Ragley having longer stalk
Finished watching the review still happy with buying the Ragley. 🤙🏻
Great review, which reflects my experience with this awesome bike. What is your take on the experience compared to the Cotic SolarisMax? (I find the Cotic is especially a little softer, as I had less pain in the knees and feet).
Yes, the cotic is noticeably more compliant
So is this bike available in the U.S from the BC website?
Any chance you'll get the opportunity to review the new Polygon Syncline Carbon Hardtail? Really interested to see what you'd say about it.
I've reached out to them many times. Maybe if enough of my viewers send them kind emails explaining why they'd like to see it on the channel they'll want to send one in for review.
If you could only have one hardtail what would you ride. Love the reviews, keep them coming. But you do make the choices hard.
I need to quit watching reviews like this. It's easy to watch reviews of super high end bikes because I'm not in danger of buying one. Reviews of bikes like these, however, are dangerous. I guess I could sleep on my couch and turn my bedroom into more bike storage.
And, this is a very reasonable bike for okie country!
@@czechnolike you aren't helping...
@@oklahotb3217 they're all sold out, so I guess you'll be alright!
@@czechnolike lol I had checked and breathed a sigh of relie
@@oklahotb3217 after testing 30 mountain bikes, I still can't pull the trigger. Bought a surly bridge club.....
Had to see this review again after seeing your last ride with Kody on this bike (Little Creek Mesa). Now that you’ve reviewed more bikes, how would you compare it to the Sherpa you liked? Also, would you go bikepacking with it?
Review still stands. For direct comparisons between bikes, i share that in Patreon for my bike consultation tier. Cody bikepacks this frame all the time.
U know that size L black is sold out right now, yes?
Reminds me of my timberwolf, which I should just rebuild!
Is it possible to run Podsol with 150-160mm fork ???
Have you done a video on the Norco Torrent??? If not, need to plz. 👍🏼
Coming soon...
Interested to see a review of the new Kona Honzo DL. Looks like they gave it the 66 degree head tube you asked for with the steel Honzo. Plus it has sliding dropouts.
Coming soon...
hey mr hardtail, will you be at the Sedona festival this November ? I have a ultimate hardtail enduro project that I would like to discuss with you.
Yes. I live in Sedona. I'll be leading a handful of group rides there, so it might be tough to catch me.
can you review the dartmoor hornet next month?
I don't know who's having more fun between you or Cody...Single speed it pls
Podsol is sold out at the moment but I will wait...U need to do Liteville H3 ASAP axaxaxax
I've always wanted to ride a liteville
i would love to see a review of Nicolai Argon , another very cool german bike company .
I'm looking to switch from hard enduro and motocross to bike riding .
I'm 173 cm height , what bike would you recommend to a newcomer to this sport ?
Right now I'm considering The big all , Mmmbop and this podsol.
also i would love to see your review of dartmoor hornet , it seems to be very popular here in austria and germany.
Keep up the good work ! I love your content
I'd love to review a Nicolai too. Sadly, I haven't been able to get one in. I do my bike consultations over on Patreon. I'd be happy to help you over there. Patreon.com/hardtailparty
I have one (XXL) coming my way right now after the chainstays of my Bigwig bent like butter (steel issue...?) and has been returned. The Podsol is so minimalist, I am glad it is so good!
Interesting. The bigwig does have tapered stays... crazy to hear about one bending.
Im 185cm should i go for a L or XL ?
Cool bike
How can this bike be obtained in the US? I can’t find it online anywhere
It's sold out. The bike shortage is real.
Can you compare it to the solarismax ? Geo seems quite similar except chainstay
Solaris max has much longer reach, longer chainstay, in steel it’s almost 2 pounds heavier. I’m very happy with mine but at 28 pounds
on the heavy side for me. Would love to demo the Podsol .
@@jamessher6956 heavier but it's the old debate between steel vs aluminium. Would love to have a side by side comparison of two European brands with good geometry. It would give us bad idea of having both with one lighter build 🤣
The geo chart on the large really land in the sweet spot for me. I think I am learning that I like the geo of bikes described as modern, but not super-so.
FYI for anyone googling, it seems this model comes in frame only; no complete bikes.
Isn't a 74° seat angle pretty slack these days? Must not hold this back though since you said it climbs so well.
Yes, it's slacker than some, but with a shorter reach it works out well
How would this one compare to the Ragley Big Al?
Haha sorry when I sent this I haven’t watched the second half of the video where you compare it. Thanks!
Well kinda unrelated. But I keep sending emails to Viathon to send u a bike to review. I know it’s a XC bike but u reviewed that spot rocker. They market it as a general trail bike so want to see what u think. I have there gravel bike and love it, i think they offer a fantastic value (at least with the gravel bike)
She's a beauty
what about a little more tire?...rims and clearance allow for a 2.6 or 2.8 or +?
Sure, more tire clearance is never a bad thing. I think you'll dig the bike I'm designing.
Max 2.5 for 29ers. But the stays grow with the sizes, that could help a bit.
I have the large frame. I managed to fit maxxis rekons in a 2.6 (29er) the knobs on that particular tire are pretty low profile.
Also worth noting my rim is 30mm internal so slightly narrow for that size tire.
"Oh joy"....nuffsaid...its a good bike...
Man a medium in beige would be perfect! Wonder how it would be with 27.5 and a 140 fork?
Why would they still use a straight head tube?
It's a tapered head tube
@@hardtailparty so why use an EC44 bottom cup? Isn't that to be able to run a tapered fork on a straight head tube?
It has that "special sauce"!
Do they still make these?
Curious how this would do with some old 26er wheels
Also, is it only UK seller?
A little surprised by the shrimpy tire clearance in 2021! So not plus friendly eh?
Not 29+ friendly, but now you've got me curious to try a 27.5x2.8 in there. I think it really suits 29ers well though.
@@hardtailparty mullet???
I'm sure it's possible, but it's so good as is that I'm not sure a mullet setup would actually improve it. I think it would actually detract from this bike.
@@hardtailparty Taiwan frame, I'm guessing? Under $500 if I'm converting EU to USD properly?
@@hardtailparty i have the podsol in 29" and mullet, and still playing with both setups (in Netherlands) with 130mm. 29 is really fast. Getting within 5% of my xc timeattack rounds, crazy! 27,5 is not as fast, but way more playfull, it wants to shred and jump more.
You should check out the Stif Squatch!
I've been trying to get one for months. No luck.
@@hardtailparty a guy dropped his off at our bike shop and had us convert it to wireless shifting, and man it was a beautiful bike! Very aggressive geo and sporting a modest 130mm fork. I hope you get one soon! Does it help when viewers of your channel email the companies to do bike reviews?
Yes, it definitely helps!
Your first prototype???
yes only if i can buy one
They had every size and color available this morning.
Can you do some riding lesson videos for us?
Love the bike reviews. You do incredible work. Btw, what brand is your helmet? Custom for you?
It's a discontinued specialized ambush pro. It's my all time favorite helmet. I'd buy 10 more right now if i could find them.
@@hardtailparty Thanks!
love the goatee!