easy to maintain and more budget on drive train, cockpit, pedals, tires and fork. But I've been dreaming to own full suspension bike, sadly full suspension bikes or too expensive for me.
I'm 61 years old and have only ridden hardtails since 1986, when I could barely afford my $300 35 Lb. first Mountain Bike. I'm still riding hardtails, and enjoying it even more that I did when I was in my twenties. I'm still cranking out 20-30 mile rides in the hills and mountains around where I live, and just so grateful to be able to do it at an age when most of my friends are glued to a couch, or playing Golf.
Hardtail is all you need - used it for commuting well over a decade, took it on the weekend race or trail ride. Sold my road bike and now do road races on my hardtail. It is the only bike you need. Super low cost, low maintenance and with a 2.4 tyre on the back it is comfy.
Just got a Vitus hardtail after been riding full sus past few years and it's the best thing I have done. Started on a hardtail and it's made the riding fun again.
I'm debating whether to buy a really good light hardtail or a nice carbon FS like the Canyon Neuron CF9 (13.5kg). I never had a full sus.. So what do you like more about your hardtail compared to full sus?
One thing I would like to add is consistency with how it rides. It's more predictable because you don't have all the added variables a rear shock adds. I was actually talking to a friend of mine the other day about rear shock setup for jumping and other types of trails and how we like to adjust rebound for certain situations and so on. I once had my rebound too high and I went off a big floater jump at speed and got bucked forward. Luckily I was able to prevent myself from going over the bars at 25 plus MPH, but it was super scary. With a hardtail, it's always the same feel and motions off of a jump and while doing other technical things. It's consistently the same thing every time. It's 100 percent predictable as far as how the bike will handle a given situation. That leaves it up to the rider's skill level, which you mentioned many times in this video. But once you have that down, you can absolutely shred because you always know exactly what the bike is going to do.
Have been riding an enduro full sus for years. Recently got XC hard tail and love it. Definitely agree with better price and easier maintenance. Full sus links and bearings are a faff. The hard tail has become my wet weather mtb and I love the different riding style. Don't know if I necessarily agree that hard tail builds riding skills over full sus. I think they're just slightly different skills. Definitely easier to get bad habits on full sus. I've had to relearn how to bunny hop as I've been bouncing off the rear shock - but now I don't have one. hard tail also gives a different appreciation of the same terrain.
Just bought my first full sus a couple months ago. Already thinking about going back to HT. The full sus is great (especially if your more casual like me and like the extra cush) but I just can't get over the overall cost and maintenance down the line! I'd rather have a do it all, hassle free bike!
I’m 53. I grew up racing BMX in the early/mid 80s, rode hard tail MTBs through the 90s into early 2000s. Stepped away for over a decade busy with kids, career, moving about, etc…. When I decided I needed to get back into MTB a few years ago, I got my first dual suspension bike (mid level enduro). It is very nice and my old(ish) bones have enjoyed the dampening, but I really miss the connectedness, light weight, and simplicity of a good hard tail. I think I need to pick one up soon!
I've only ridden hardtail since I began cycling (weekend warrior) and never moved on to an FSB. I love it so much and built a lot if skill handling a hardtail that I comfortably ride my no suspension gravel bike in single track trails (double black diamond included). Hardtails are an absolute must for anyone starting to bike, even roadies (I'm a weekend roadie too). Thanks for sharing Blake! Much love to all at GMBN!
My first bike was a hard tail and I have good memories of riding it but in my area that is all mountains and very rock trails. I will take my FS bike every single time. My hard tail definitely got me in shape and comfortable on a bike again after not riding for 20+ years.
I have a Ragley Big Al and man oh man she is near to my heart. So much fun to ride and far exceeds my capabilities. You learn to stay light in the rear when on a hardtail which is a great skill to learn. An aggressive hardtail just looks awesome too.
This is one of the most beautiful declaration of love for the hardtail I have ever seen. I love my NP Scout (2021) too and bought it based largely on your videos, Blake. Since 1994 I am riding only Hardtails. I am a member of the Nukeproof Scout Owners Group too and i am honored to be a part of it. All there are enthusiasts and big fans of this excellent hardtail.
Blake, as far as I'm concerned, you have properly argued for our trusty hardtail mountainbikes! I'm not complaining. Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking
After coming from years on a dual suspension to buying both a gravel bike and a steel adventure bike I have discovered just how much fun and difficult these bike are. Absolutely love them. If I had steeper terrain yes I would go back to a full suspension bike.
After 20 years Im back on a MB. Was really daunting what to go for so exactly what you said wanted to get the foundation on a HT and love it. Got a lot of bike for my money and used the spare cash for accessories. You are spot on and LOVE your channel by the way. Thanks!
Also.... NUKEPROOF was originally founded in 1990, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. I had a 1994-5 Titanium hardtail from them on like kinda loan/review for a year when I was 18 and a bike shop mechanic/student. The bottom bracket was flexy as Hell, but it was feather light, exclusive, handmade, and quick on the flat trails of Southern Michigan. It also had the Nukeproof Carbon-shell/Aluminum hubs that were notorious for separating and ungluing the main shell from the flanges. Awesome!! I should have bought that frame for dope-ness factor this many years later!!
The thing that I really enjoyed about my hardtail was it really taught me how to maneuver my bikes and in turn that flowed into my single speed in my roadie I've often found it seemed a lot easier to maneuver over rocks on the 275 hardtail setup but even then I really appreciate my 29 inch wheel
For XC I use a RedShift suspension seatpost. It's like the best of both - cheap, lightweight, no maintenance and no power loss when climbing out the saddle. But like a full sus, it lets me stay in the saddle and pedal over more of the rough. Yes it has its limitations and can't have a dropper but for XC it's great.
I've learned to ride XC on a hardtail and have now upgraded to a Canyon Neuron Trail Bike. Honestly, I love the rear suspension to really hammer down the rougher trails, but I have setup minimal sag :)
I'm having this dilemma right now. I want a really good bike, I've never had a FS bike. So I have no idea whether to buy an IBIS DV9 v2 carbon (really light, about 11kg, perfect geometry, aluminium wheels), or the canyon neuron CF9 (13.5kg, carbon wheels). Oddly enough, price is about the same @ 4k euro. Will the Neuron seem sluggish and less.. sharp? I'm afraid it won't feel engaging. Will I be disappointed or on the contrary? What are your thoughts?
started MTBing in 87 on peugeot ranger 10sp mountainbike a pure rigid beast with a vey flexi frame lol....jump ahead a few decades and im living large on my Orbea Laufey i love having a 140mm sus upfront but thats all the luxury this old dog needs
Hardtails for life 👊🤘 Love my Scout and now I will always own a Scout best bike I've owned. Great video Blake and yes that community is a great one so friendly and helpful and all love their Scout. Great stuff #GMBN 🤘
Love my Banshee Paradox and RSD MiddleChild! Nothing against squishy, had one in the past and still ride one now and again, but the HT is my jam. Fun Factor is my gauge, no matter what you ride.
I love my Custom Pivot Les Carbon 29er, Shimano XTR Shadow 10-speed derailleur with XTR shifter, XTR hydraulic brake system, Fox Float 32 29 CTD FIT Factory fork with Kashima coating, Race Face 6SixC carbon cranks, Wolftooth Drop Stop chain ring 34T, XTR cassette, Race Face Next riser bar, Next seat post, Prologo saddle. Swinger dropout and alternate HB and Seat/saddle combo( 6Six riser bar and seat post), Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels, and Tubeless. WTB Vigilante 2.3 tires. A rocket ship. What I love is that the time I put into building it piece by peice gives me a confident feeling when i ride it. Its fast and secure. Its a looker. Just need to look at dropper post. Great upload GMBN!
Love my Trek Marlin 7 hardtail. I ride trails 2-3 times weekly and it provides a comfortable, efficient ride up hills, corners, roots and everything else. I love your channel and content. Cheers
I still have the Schwinn Homegrown Bassboat Blue hard tail that I raced on back in the 90’s. It’s still in great shape and trail ready today. These days though at 58 I primarily enjoy the comfort of a full suspension bike. But I love my old hard tail and wouldn’t sell it for anything.
Bought my first MTB yesterday and it’s a hard tail. I rode it today and found this video after … you couldn’t have said it better for anyone wanting to get into the sport … do yourself a favor and take this man’s advice.
Great episode! Big fan of the hardtail...I started on one many years ago, and after many years on a full squish, I made the switch to hardtail back in march and I have not missed my full squish. As a local resident/rider of the North Shore and Squamish, I can attest that you can ride almost everything on this rigs and have fun doing it...think of it as the same as driving a stick shift sports car, or telemark skiing....it makes everything that much more connected. And while it's great for new riders to develop their skills on, it's also great for experts looking to refine their skills further....or just have fun. Cheers!
From Blake to Blake... still riding my 1999 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 26" wheel, although a few bits have been replaced along the way. Okay, almost all of them. Steel frame and 13.38 kgs, it is lighter than most carbon fiber full suspension bikes. It is reliable, tough and fast: climbs, descents, XC whatever. It also tells the truth on the trail: I never have to wonder if my technique was good on a feature because the bike doesn't hide my mistakes. I have have rented a bunch of different full squish bikes, and it appears that I would have to buy something in the $8K range to find a bike as nimble and fun as my hardtail. I love this bike!
I technically started out on a bargain box store hardtail for years and years, and while I enjoyed mountain biking, it didn't really peak with me... After so many years, I got a full suspension trail bike of decent quality, and that absolutely changed everything for me. A year later I bought a full suspension XC focused bike, but then..... I ended up buying a Santa Cruz chameleon at the end of last year, and immediately threw a couple of mods into it after a few rides, namely a Fox 36 performance 150 mm travel fork and Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires with a cush core... And now it's a weapon! Love it! I've taken it almost everywhere that I've taken my trail bike! Just to try to push my boundaries more, I've tried my best to get both my trail bike and my chameleon set up almost identically. 150 front travel w/ 35/36mm stanchions, same tires, same bar, grips, pedals, etc... That way I can move from the hardtail, where I'm learning better skills, and putting it to use on my full suspension, and then using my experience of hitting bigger features with my full suspension, and taking that confidence over to the hardtail to try those big features and then learn how to do them better with the hard tail, then transfer it back again to my squish bike.... 😎
As of the price, it would be good to clarify that full suspension frames are just more expensive, especially carbon ones (+ cost of the shock, but it's not that high). Everything else could be exactly same. So hardtail can easily cost 3-4k, especially if you build it yourself. You can find reasonably priced alloy frames these days though, like commencal, where HT vs FS builds would be prices very closely.
Love my hardtail. Admittedly never owned a full suspension so can’t comment on that. But have never felt any reason to get one. My hardtail does everything I want it to.
every time i bring the hardtail out on group rides somebody makes a comment about how they wouldn't be riding one of them on the terrain were going to encounter, then i blast past them all on the way back down, love my Bird Zero AM, sometimes you just need to ride a wild stallion instead of a pony, i also have a Bird AM160 Enduro bike, the HT can make tamer tracks feel wild and that's why i love it.
Been riding fullsus for years yeti, spez, ibis, etc, now feelin excited about hardtail. Some said i'd been downgrading. But i said to them it's a new experience. Totally new, more fun less hassle, yeah 🤟🏻🤟🏻
Love my hardtail, I don't miss a thing on it. Never hat a Full Sus though, never wanted one. Got a full spec Orbea Laufey H-LTD last year for less budget than an entry level Full Suss, and it's awesome. Hardtail for life. Only way to upgrade would be a proper steel HT.
There is a beauty in siplycity. There is one thing you never mentioned= on HT you can mount a baby seat and take your little ones with you ( for a nice day or even as a chalenge to you, with this exta weight)
I too love my hardtail. I've been riding a hard tail since '92. I have raced DH and XC. Still love the hardtail. All my kids start out on a hardtail to build those skills.
In my opinion hardtails on rocky chunky trails come alive if you can run it as a 27.5+ . I get beaten up if I ride my Chromag as a 29er on the more technical trails I ride , when I switch out to 27.5+ with 2.8s its perfect . The extra squish helps keep momentum through chunk and absorbs the hits so well .
I got into cycling two years ago when I was trying to save money and decided to buy a hardtail to daily commute to work since there was a section of the shortcut that is a bit offroad-y. Best choice I've ever made in my entire life. Now it's my go-to bike for every occasion ❤
I started mountain biking with a hard tail. It's been more than 20 years since I started. Now I have Downhill Bikes, Enduro Bikes, and even EMTB. But I always get my hands on the hard tail when I go around a nearby trail and go grocery shopping. The more complicated the world becomes, the more attractive it is to simplicity.
Definitely decided on a hardtail. Key word, simplicity! I ride a fixed gear on roads & fire roads. I want to venture up a little higher, explore the hills and get away from the noise and the cars, challenge some climbs and safely negotiate the returns. Thank you for the great insights and fun presentations. I do have to say though, comparing what I will be doing to what you do I may as well be on my unicycle. You’re an amazing rider! All the best! 👍😎
Blake is a huge part of why the Nukeproof Scout Riders Group has been soo successful. Thanks Blake and GMBN for the constant support . Richard- Nukeproof Scout Riders Group. ☢️
Can’t agree more! I love riding hardtails, my HT is commencal meta ht and I use it to do everything, pump tracks in the citys, bike park trails, downhill trails not fast but interesting, even riding with my bmx or jump bikes friends in the streets. I also use it for backpacking travel or free riding with road bikes. I got lots of skills by riding hardtails.🎉
All my bikes have been hardtail, I've never owned, let alone put my leg over a full sus! I don't know if that will change in the future but I'm really happy with my new bike right now!
I bought an '04 Devinci Hucker brand new. That bike still does EVERYTHING and is the most fun to ride😁. The beasty hardtail delivers the highest amount of smiles/hour. LISTEN TO BLAKE, GO GET ONE!!!!
Wow! What an inspiring speech! My eyes are full of tears, I'm not sh**ing you. Recently I was reconsidering buying (again) some FS, but this wonderful episode makes me go on my garret to blow the dust and upgrade my modest but trustworthy Giant Talon and ride it once more time like I was :ahem:... 48 again!
Love my NP Scout. Something about riding it on the DH trails and eyeing the best line and adjusting on the fly just makes it more fun than plowing through whatever line I want on my FS.
I bought mine for mountain biking originally but it's ended up becoming a commuter, It's very cumbersome for a commuter but I do appreciate the flexibility and extra suspension as someone who hates road riding.
Over the last 30+ yrs of riding mtn bikes I have owned more Hardtails than Full Suss. When plus tires came about, I felt that was the best thing ever for Hardtails. Don't get me wrong, I like Full Suss bikes, but love the simplicity of the hardtail.
I started riding my hardtail about a year ago. I've improved a lot, but I think I'll need another year to where I'll feel comfortable buying a full sus enduro bike.
Love hardtails and fatbikes. So ordered custom built titanium frame with similar geometry. Two wheelsets: 26x4.8 and 29x3.0. Both are Minions. It's almost like having two bikes!
Thanks (inpart to Blake) I got rid of my Cotic Bfe26 and got a scout 27.5, I love it altho I'm yet to do propper trails on it (some of bristols roads could count) I use bit for everything including carrying my bass to band rehearsals. I run Murl as a 3x10 asI think 1x whatever sucks - side note- it was he high bb on the cotic that made me change bikes not the wheel size.
If I had discovered your youtube channels before shopping for a new bike last year, I probably would've bought a new 29" hardtail. I've been riding on a 26" hardtail that I bought in 2003 until December 2022, haha.
I love to roll my 1996 (Yeti made) Schwinn Homegrown 26" hardtail with a Carbon Cycles rigid Al fork, V-brakes, and 3x8 drivetrain!! It's a big change from my full-sus Carbon Stumpjumper 29. It keeps you on your toes, responsive, and remembering where this awesome sport came from. 45 yrs old here, been rolling hard since my Schwinn Predator Freeform Pro BMX..... pink & chrome.
As someone from who’s ridden BMX street and trials for 20+ years, I have never understood the “need” for any suspension. I dropped 9ft garages on both bikes to flat and learnt to soak it up. Had a ride on my mates front sus bike the other week and at the end of one run went “that felt mint!”, turns out Id left the forks locked out after the hill climb 🤣 That said, I have a Ribble HT 275 on order and I expect I will quickly learn to appreciate the front sus, but its nice to know I will never be reliant on it. 💪🏽😬 happy riding everyone whatever you ride!
I love how it's capable of pumping a track/trail so well! Also super affordable! Get some bigger tires with a lower psi and a nice handlebar to motogate as much chatter as possible.
Blake has a straight series about the love of hardtails!)) My Fully sus Santa Cruzes stores tons of dirt in rainy weather on their VPP. These are horses that need to be walked mostly on dry! That's why I started with custom built Yeti arc. . A very cheerful bike! On light wheels, this is a 9kg racing machine that shoots at races. To get high in local rides, I put plus wheels on it. And it went so well that i spent the entire warm season on the Yeti, leaving other bikes gathering dust in the garage. However, despite the seemingly royal gaps, dirt still creates a fair amount of problems with plus tires (mud rubs the chain) . So probably for a "hardtail high" in the mud, i'll have to put narrow wheels in one of my fatbikes. Cheers!
I've a 2022 Scott Spark. Changed the forks to a RS Pike Ultimate recently. Need a hardtail? Just lock out the rear suspension...voila, HT on demand. It's slightly heavier than a conventional ht but it's one nonetheless. Best of both worlds 😬
I've got a full sus trail bike, all mountain emtb but I love my Nukeproof Scout hardtail...it's a BEAST It makes you ride every metre of the trail...rather than just another trail💪🤩👍
Just sold my Levo SL Expert because I ride my Stif Squatch A LOT more. Use it as a all day bike to go everywhere and it can shred trails whenever I want it to. The only upgrade it will ever get is a Huhn Zero frame when I think the Squatch did its duty.
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What do you love about your Hardtail MTB? Let us know down below! 👇
@@rottieshepcalibre9156 Hear, hear!
Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking
My Ht is my first self build bike, lots of fun, this year only on the Ht 🤘🏻
easy to maintain and more budget on drive train, cockpit, pedals, tires and fork. But I've been dreaming to own full suspension bike, sadly full suspension bikes or too expensive for me.
My Hardtail makes the trails more challenging again and that means a lot more fun. Also more riding, less maintaining
Ideas, to keep speed in check
I'm 61 years old and have only ridden hardtails since 1986, when I could barely afford my $300 35 Lb. first Mountain Bike. I'm still riding hardtails, and enjoying it even more that I did when I was in my twenties. I'm still cranking out 20-30 mile rides in the hills and mountains around where I live, and just so grateful to be able to do it at an age when most of my friends are glued to a couch, or playing Golf.
I m 64 mate...
You guys give me hope ;)
Living proof why the Hardtail is ❤
So happy for you💚
Nothing wrong with playing golf
I love my hardtail. And now i have to go ride my hardtail.
Who doesn't love their hardtail? Safe riding out there! 🤘
@@gmbn That"s for Sure..
My hardtail with its plus size tyres is the most fun bike I've ever had and I'm 58 so I've had a few!!
Hardtail is all you need - used it for commuting well over a decade, took it on the weekend race or trail ride. Sold my road bike and now do road races on my hardtail. It is the only bike you need. Super low cost, low maintenance and with a 2.4 tyre on the back it is comfy.
Hardtails + Plus size tires are the best. Great video.
Totally agree! Thanks, Mike! 🤘
Fr I got a a trek small whit 29ers but there big and it rips
Just got a Vitus hardtail after been riding full sus past few years and it's the best thing I have done. Started on a hardtail and it's made the riding fun again.
Great bike. 🎉
Vitus Sentier VRS+ 2018 it's my choice!
I'm debating whether to buy a really good light hardtail or a nice carbon FS like the Canyon Neuron CF9 (13.5kg).
I never had a full sus.. So what do you like more about your hardtail compared to full sus?
I feel like I've seen this episode a view times. I get that feeling more and more on this channel.
I just left a similar comment 😂
GCN is the worst for this. Every few months its another "10 tips on how to be more aero"
Blake great episode mate,your such a great presenter and always give the best advice.
Kind words. Thanks Raphael
One thing I would like to add is consistency with how it rides. It's more predictable because you don't have all the added variables a rear shock adds.
I was actually talking to a friend of mine the other day about rear shock setup for jumping and other types of trails and how we like to adjust rebound for certain situations and so on. I once had my rebound too high and I went off a big floater jump at speed and got bucked forward. Luckily I was able to prevent myself from going over the bars at 25 plus MPH, but it was super scary.
With a hardtail, it's always the same feel and motions off of a jump and while doing other technical things. It's consistently the same thing every time. It's 100 percent predictable as far as how the bike will handle a given situation. That leaves it up to the rider's skill level, which you mentioned many times in this video. But once you have that down, you can absolutely shred because you always know exactly what the bike is going to do.
Man, that upload came just when the mail man delivered my yellow scout 275 frame this morning 😯
Have been riding an enduro full sus for years. Recently got XC hard tail and love it. Definitely agree with better price and easier maintenance. Full sus links and bearings are a faff. The hard tail has become my wet weather mtb and I love the different riding style. Don't know if I necessarily agree that hard tail builds riding skills over full sus. I think they're just slightly different skills. Definitely easier to get bad habits on full sus. I've had to relearn how to bunny hop as I've been bouncing off the rear shock - but now I don't have one. hard tail also gives a different appreciation of the same terrain.
Yes more hardtail content, love it and keep it coming. I genuinely think it is more fun and better suited to trails most ride.
Just bought my first full sus a couple months ago. Already thinking about going back to HT. The full sus is great (especially if your more casual like me and like the extra cush) but I just can't get over the overall cost and maintenance down the line! I'd rather have a do it all, hassle free bike!
same here. went back to HT and haven't regretted it for a second. In fact, now I know I'll never have to think about a fullsus ever again
I’m 53. I grew up racing BMX in the early/mid 80s, rode hard tail MTBs through the 90s into early 2000s. Stepped away for over a decade busy with kids, career, moving about, etc…. When I decided I needed to get back into MTB a few years ago, I got my first dual suspension bike (mid level enduro). It is very nice and my old(ish) bones have enjoyed the dampening, but I really miss the connectedness, light weight, and simplicity of a good hard tail. I think I need to pick one up soon!
I've only ridden hardtail since I began cycling (weekend warrior) and never moved on to an FSB. I love it so much and built a lot if skill handling a hardtail that I comfortably ride my no suspension gravel bike in single track trails (double black diamond included). Hardtails are an absolute must for anyone starting to bike, even roadies (I'm a weekend roadie too). Thanks for sharing Blake! Much love to all at GMBN!
My first bike was a hard tail and I have good memories of riding it but in my area that is all mountains and very rock trails. I will take my FS bike every single time. My hard tail definitely got me in shape and comfortable on a bike again after not riding for 20+ years.
I have a Ragley Big Al and man oh man she is near to my heart. So much fun to ride and far exceeds my capabilities. You learn to stay light in the rear when on a hardtail which is a great skill to learn. An aggressive hardtail just looks awesome too.
This is one of the most beautiful declaration of love for the hardtail I have ever seen.
I love my NP Scout (2021) too and bought it based largely on your videos, Blake.
Since 1994 I am riding only Hardtails.
I am a member of the Nukeproof Scout Owners Group too and i am honored to be a part of it. All there are enthusiasts and big fans of this excellent hardtail.
Blake, as far as I'm concerned, you have properly argued for our trusty hardtail mountainbikes! I'm not complaining.
Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking
Right on! Hardtails will always have a place in MTB! 🤘
Blake + hardtail = the perfect gmbn video
Built myself a Scout 290 this year in that beautiful yellow. I love that thing so much. Total fun machine.
Blake Samson speaks the truth!
After coming from years on a dual suspension to buying both a gravel bike and a steel adventure bike I have discovered just how much fun and difficult these bike are. Absolutely love them. If I had steeper terrain yes I would go back to a full suspension bike.
Got my Santa Cruz Chameleon with plus tires :) that thing can ride anything :)
Thanks, Blake! :)
After 20 years Im back on a MB. Was really daunting what to go for so exactly what you said wanted to get the foundation on a HT and love it. Got a lot of bike for my money and used the spare cash for accessories. You are spot on and LOVE your channel by the way. Thanks!
This mad! I have just bought a commencal hardtail this morning. I can't wait to get it delivered 🙌
Also.... NUKEPROOF was originally founded in 1990, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. I had a 1994-5 Titanium hardtail from them on like kinda loan/review for a year when I was 18 and a bike shop mechanic/student. The bottom bracket was flexy as Hell, but it was feather light, exclusive, handmade, and quick on the flat trails of Southern Michigan. It also had the Nukeproof Carbon-shell/Aluminum hubs that were notorious for separating and ungluing the main shell from the flanges. Awesome!! I should have bought that frame for dope-ness factor this many years later!!
Never knew that! I always figured they were founded in Europe.
The best video I've seen of/over and with hardtails! I love it and so do your other hardtail videos. 1000 times thank you. Greetings from Germany.
The thing that I really enjoyed about my hardtail was it really taught me how to maneuver my bikes and in turn that flowed into my single speed in my roadie I've often found it seemed a lot easier to maneuver over rocks on the 275 hardtail setup but even then I really appreciate my 29 inch wheel
For XC I use a RedShift suspension seatpost. It's like the best of both - cheap, lightweight, no maintenance and no power loss when climbing out the saddle. But like a full sus, it lets me stay in the saddle and pedal over more of the rough. Yes it has its limitations and can't have a dropper but for XC it's great.
I've learned to ride XC on a hardtail and have now upgraded to a Canyon Neuron Trail Bike. Honestly, I love the rear suspension to really hammer down the rougher trails, but I have setup minimal sag :)
I'm having this dilemma right now. I want a really good bike, I've never had a FS bike.
So I have no idea whether to buy an IBIS DV9 v2 carbon (really light, about 11kg, perfect geometry, aluminium wheels), or the canyon neuron CF9 (13.5kg, carbon wheels).
Oddly enough, price is about the same @ 4k euro.
Will the Neuron seem sluggish and less.. sharp? I'm afraid it won't feel engaging. Will I be disappointed or on the contrary? What are your thoughts?
started MTBing in 87 on peugeot ranger 10sp mountainbike a pure rigid beast with a vey flexi frame lol....jump ahead a few decades and im living large on my Orbea Laufey i love having a 140mm sus upfront but thats all the luxury this old dog needs
Hardtails for life 👊🤘
Love my Scout and now I will always own a Scout best bike I've owned.
Great video Blake and yes that community is a great one so friendly and helpful and all love their Scout.
Great stuff #GMBN 🤘
Agreed! The Nukeproof Scout is such an awesome bike! Thanks for watching, Ross! #hardtails4life
Recently got a new one, much better and wow, I love it. Feels great on steep, tech, jumps. Everything !
Love the way all is explained. You can't only love Hardtails after watching this video...
Haha! We couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching! 🤘
Blake and Hardtails is a match made in MTB heaven
Love my Banshee Paradox and RSD MiddleChild! Nothing against squishy, had one in the past and still ride one now and again, but the HT is my jam. Fun Factor is my gauge, no matter what you ride.
I love my Custom Pivot Les Carbon 29er, Shimano XTR Shadow 10-speed derailleur with XTR shifter, XTR hydraulic brake system, Fox Float 32 29 CTD FIT Factory fork with Kashima coating, Race Face 6SixC carbon cranks, Wolftooth Drop Stop chain ring 34T, XTR cassette, Race Face Next riser bar, Next seat post, Prologo saddle. Swinger dropout and alternate HB and Seat/saddle combo( 6Six riser bar and seat post), Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels, and Tubeless. WTB Vigilante 2.3 tires. A rocket ship. What I love is that the time I put into building it piece by peice gives me a confident feeling when i ride it. Its fast and secure. Its a looker. Just need to look at dropper post. Great upload GMBN!
Love my Trek Marlin 7 hardtail. I ride trails 2-3 times weekly and it provides a comfortable, efficient ride up hills, corners, roots and everything else. I love your channel and content. Cheers
Hello from Italy🤟
I love my hardtail cannondale.
Simplicity and efficiency to have the most fun.👍
I still have the Schwinn Homegrown Bassboat Blue hard tail that I raced on back in the 90’s. It’s still in great shape and trail ready today. These days though at 58 I primarily enjoy the comfort of a full suspension bike. But I love my old hard tail and wouldn’t sell it for anything.
Bought my first MTB yesterday and it’s a hard tail. I rode it today and found this video after … you couldn’t have said it better for anyone wanting to get into the sport … do yourself a favor and take this man’s advice.
love my hardtail cos it's an all rounder...I use it almost for anything...going for a quick spin,commuting,and ride to work at times...
Great episode!
Big fan of the hardtail...I started on one many years ago, and after many years on a full squish, I made the switch to hardtail back in march and I have not missed my full squish.
As a local resident/rider of the North Shore and Squamish, I can attest that you can ride almost everything on this rigs and have fun doing it...think of it as the same as driving a stick shift sports car, or telemark skiing....it makes everything that much more connected.
And while it's great for new riders to develop their skills on, it's also great for experts looking to refine their skills further....or just have fun.
Cheers!
From Blake to Blake... still riding my 1999 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, 26" wheel, although a few bits have been replaced along the way. Okay, almost all of them. Steel frame and 13.38 kgs, it is lighter than most carbon fiber full suspension bikes. It is reliable, tough and fast: climbs, descents, XC whatever. It also tells the truth on the trail: I never have to wonder if my technique was good on a feature because the bike doesn't hide my mistakes. I have have rented a bunch of different full squish bikes, and it appears that I would have to buy something in the $8K range to find a bike as nimble and fun as my hardtail. I love this bike!
I technically started out on a bargain box store hardtail for years and years, and while I enjoyed mountain biking, it didn't really peak with me... After so many years, I got a full suspension trail bike of decent quality, and that absolutely changed everything for me. A year later I bought a full suspension XC focused bike, but then..... I ended up buying a Santa Cruz chameleon at the end of last year, and immediately threw a couple of mods into it after a few rides, namely a Fox 36 performance 150 mm travel fork and Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires with a cush core... And now it's a weapon! Love it! I've taken it almost everywhere that I've taken my trail bike! Just to try to push my boundaries more, I've tried my best to get both my trail bike and my chameleon set up almost identically. 150 front travel w/ 35/36mm stanchions, same tires, same bar, grips, pedals, etc... That way I can move from the hardtail, where I'm learning better skills, and putting it to use on my full suspension, and then using my experience of hitting bigger features with my full suspension, and taking that confidence over to the hardtail to try those big features and then learn how to do them better with the hard tail, then transfer it back again to my squish bike.... 😎
As of the price, it would be good to clarify that full suspension frames are just more expensive, especially carbon ones (+ cost of the shock, but it's not that high). Everything else could be exactly same. So hardtail can easily cost 3-4k, especially if you build it yourself.
You can find reasonably priced alloy frames these days though, like commencal, where HT vs FS builds would be prices very closely.
Love my hardtail. Admittedly never owned a full suspension so can’t comment on that. But have never felt any reason to get one. My hardtail does everything I want it to.
every time i bring the hardtail out on group rides somebody makes a comment about how they wouldn't be riding one of them on the terrain were going to encounter, then i blast past them all on the way back down, love my Bird Zero AM, sometimes you just need to ride a wild stallion instead of a pony, i also have a Bird AM160 Enduro bike, the HT can make tamer tracks feel wild and that's why i love it.
Riding hard tails since the 80’s and always will.
My bike is a buttercup. Best intro ever.
Nice, Christopher! Glad you enjoyed! 🤘
you’re literally the reason i bought a hardtail (2021 ragley marley) which i’m putting a 36 fox performance on. i love hard tails now!
My mom doesn't think I am beautiful, but Blake does every time!😍
Been riding fullsus for years yeti, spez, ibis, etc, now feelin excited about hardtail. Some said i'd been downgrading. But i said to them it's a new experience. Totally new, more fun less hassle, yeah 🤟🏻🤟🏻
Love my hardtail, I don't miss a thing on it. Never hat a Full Sus though, never wanted one. Got a full spec Orbea Laufey H-LTD last year for less budget than an entry level Full Suss, and it's awesome. Hardtail for life. Only way to upgrade would be a proper steel HT.
There is a beauty in siplycity.
There is one thing you never mentioned= on HT you can mount a baby seat and take your little ones with you ( for a nice day or even as a chalenge to you, with this exta weight)
I too love my hardtail. I've been riding a hard tail since '92. I have raced DH and XC. Still love the hardtail. All my kids start out on a hardtail to build those skills.
In my opinion hardtails on rocky chunky trails come alive if you can run it as a 27.5+ . I get beaten up if I ride my Chromag as a 29er on the more technical trails I ride , when I switch out to 27.5+ with 2.8s its perfect . The extra squish helps keep momentum through chunk and absorbs the hits so well .
As Neil said it: The hardtail is the Swiss army knife of bikes!
💯%
I love my Whyte 905, does everything I want it to do. Taking it one step further could you do a video on single speed hardtails..
I got into cycling two years ago when I was trying to save money and decided to buy a hardtail to daily commute to work since there was a section of the shortcut that is a bit offroad-y.
Best choice I've ever made in my entire life. Now it's my go-to bike for every occasion ❤
Blake speaks sense 👏
I started mountain biking with a hard tail. It's been more than 20 years since I started. Now I have Downhill Bikes, Enduro Bikes, and even EMTB. But I always get my hands on the hard tail when I go around a nearby trail and go grocery shopping. The more complicated the world becomes, the more attractive it is to simplicity.
I have both. If I could only have one, out goes the suss. Love the versatility of that Scout.
Definitely decided on a hardtail. Key word, simplicity! I ride a fixed gear on roads & fire roads. I want to venture up a little higher, explore the hills and get away from the noise and the cars, challenge some climbs and safely negotiate the returns.
Thank you for the great insights and fun presentations.
I do have to say though, comparing what I will be doing to what you do I may as well be on my unicycle.
You’re an amazing rider! All the best! 👍😎
I love to have something that I can go to the trails and also commute. Just got myself an Commencal Meta. loving it.
Just got the same Scout, elite version but in 27.5. I'm in love! 💛
Blake is a huge part of why the Nukeproof Scout Riders Group has been soo successful. Thanks Blake and GMBN for the constant support . Richard- Nukeproof Scout Riders Group. ☢️
Can’t agree more! I love riding hardtails, my HT is commencal meta ht and I use it to do everything, pump tracks in the citys, bike park trails, downhill trails not fast but interesting, even riding with my bmx or jump bikes friends in the streets. I also use it for backpacking travel or free riding with road bikes. I got lots of skills by riding hardtails.🎉
All my bikes have been hardtail, I've never owned, let alone put my leg over a full sus!
I don't know if that will change in the future but I'm really happy with my new bike right now!
I love my rochopper comp and my giant fathom e+ pro both are hardtails because i like to feel the ride it makes me feel alive. 👍
I bought an '04 Devinci Hucker brand new. That bike still does EVERYTHING and is the most fun to ride😁. The beasty hardtail delivers the highest amount of smiles/hour. LISTEN TO BLAKE, GO GET ONE!!!!
Well said as always mate ! Cheers !
Cheers Jack
I love my Orange P7 hardtail, your legs are all the rear suspension you will ever need.
Nice! I have an orange chromoly Ragley piglet.
Wow! What an inspiring speech! My eyes are full of tears, I'm not sh**ing you. Recently I was reconsidering buying (again) some FS, but this wonderful episode makes me go on my garret to blow the dust and upgrade my modest but trustworthy Giant Talon and ride it once more time like I was :ahem:... 48 again!
I own a Merida big nine hardtail, love it. Best bike I have ever had a love my hard tail
Love my NP Scout. Something about riding it on the DH trails and eyeing the best line and adjusting on the fly just makes it more fun than plowing through whatever line I want on my FS.
I have a full suspension plus a seat post suspension. I love all the cushioning and I've never had an issue with any extra maintenance in 19 years.
I bought mine for mountain biking originally but it's ended up becoming a commuter, It's very cumbersome for a commuter but I do appreciate the flexibility and extra suspension as someone who hates road riding.
Over the last 30+ yrs of riding mtn bikes I have owned more Hardtails than Full Suss. When plus tires came about, I felt that was the best thing ever for Hardtails. Don't get me wrong, I like Full Suss bikes, but love the simplicity of the hardtail.
I started riding my hardtail about a year ago. I've improved a lot, but I think I'll need another year to where I'll feel comfortable buying a full sus enduro bike.
I'm 34 and only ever ridden hardtails and love my nukeproof scout which I've had a couple of years now
Great video 😃 I have one Hardtail 😃 but it is in the bedroom on a smart trainer ❤️ outside I ride on a full suspension ❤
Love hardtails and fatbikes. So ordered custom built titanium frame with similar geometry. Two wheelsets: 26x4.8 and 29x3.0. Both are Minions. It's almost like having two bikes!
Thanks (inpart to Blake) I got rid of my Cotic Bfe26 and got a scout 27.5, I love it altho I'm yet to do propper trails on it (some of bristols roads could count) I use bit for everything including carrying my bass to band rehearsals. I run Murl as a 3x10 asI think 1x whatever sucks - side note- it was he high bb on the cotic that made me change bikes not the wheel size.
If I had discovered your youtube channels before shopping for a new bike last year, I probably would've bought a new 29" hardtail.
I've been riding on a 26" hardtail that I bought in 2003 until December 2022, haha.
I love to roll my 1996 (Yeti made) Schwinn Homegrown 26" hardtail with a Carbon Cycles rigid Al fork, V-brakes, and 3x8 drivetrain!! It's a big change from my full-sus Carbon Stumpjumper 29. It keeps you on your toes, responsive, and remembering where this awesome sport came from. 45 yrs old here, been rolling hard since my Schwinn Predator Freeform Pro BMX..... pink & chrome.
As someone from who’s ridden BMX street and trials for 20+ years, I have never understood the “need” for any suspension. I dropped 9ft garages on both bikes to flat and learnt to soak it up. Had a ride on my mates front sus bike the other week and at the end of one run went “that felt mint!”, turns out Id left the forks locked out after the hill climb 🤣
That said, I have a Ribble HT 275 on order and I expect I will quickly learn to appreciate the front sus, but its nice to know I will never be reliant on it. 💪🏽😬 happy riding everyone whatever you ride!
I love how it's capable of pumping a track/trail so well! Also super affordable! Get some bigger tires with a lower psi and a nice handlebar to motogate as much chatter as possible.
I’d consider a chromoly hard tail like my old DMR 26”. Only with big wheels, more front suspension and slacker angles, yep that’d rock 🥳
Blake has a straight series about the love of hardtails!))
My Fully sus Santa Cruzes stores tons of dirt in rainy weather on their VPP. These are horses that need to be walked mostly on dry! That's why I started with custom built Yeti arc. . A very cheerful bike! On light wheels, this is a 9kg racing machine that shoots at races. To get high in local rides, I put plus wheels on it. And it went so well that i spent the entire warm season on the Yeti, leaving other bikes gathering dust in the garage.
However, despite the seemingly royal gaps, dirt still creates a fair amount of problems with plus tires (mud rubs the chain) . So probably for a "hardtail high" in the mud, i'll have to put narrow wheels in one of my fatbikes. Cheers!
I've a 2022 Scott Spark. Changed the forks to a RS Pike Ultimate recently.
Need a hardtail? Just lock out the rear suspension...voila, HT on demand.
It's slightly heavier than a conventional ht but it's one nonetheless. Best of both worlds 😬
I've got a full sus trail bike, all mountain emtb but I love my Nukeproof Scout hardtail...it's a BEAST
It makes you ride every metre of the trail...rather than just another trail💪🤩👍
Love your german and Hardtails to. Ordered a Ragley BigWig yesterday.
Just sold my Levo SL Expert because I ride my Stif Squatch A LOT more. Use it as a all day bike to go everywhere and it can shred trails whenever I want it to.
The only upgrade it will ever get is a Huhn Zero frame when I think the Squatch did its duty.
I have a Nukeproof Scout and moved from a full suspension the scout will never be beaten awesome bike
I love those Dominion A4 brakes!! Super underrated!
The only mountain bike I have is a hardtail, love it. Some once said it is nice to be under biked on the trails ,I live in so cal
Trek Stache 7...absolutely love it