In my case is quite opposite. So many times I want to reach the places that are pretty elevated (going up) or pretty low (coming back). So I finally got my eMTB for a very good offer (I will not say cheap) but it was. So, for me it will be the money well spent this year! And is TREK… soo
Soon, there is going to be the rapture. It's when there will be trumpet sounds, and after the trumpet sounds, God will lift his people from here. Also, God said people should be living by the Bible. Amen, and God bless you. ❤* John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have eternal life". ❤
@@markdennis5150while I don’t doubt you it’s a tough comparison. You would crash way more riding that and break parts consistently. Today’s base level components are exponentially better than the best parts from 20 years ago.
4 pods aren't mandatory or even necessary for most, it's better to focus on getting a bike with good brake levers, the 2 pod Deore works amazing for me, I can one finger brake with it no problem. All other points tho I totally get them, they may be pricey but are so worth it for many of us.
@@FIGHTTHECABLE my eqiupped weight near 85kg,no probs wit stopping. Have 2pot shimano slx 203 front 185 rear. Dont forget that your stopping ability ,depends also from tyres set.
Great channel. Really stoked by the fact you documented your experience as a noob and growing into it, finding out what suits you, your style and improving. There's endless channels of pros riding insane lines and that's all good but there's a ton of folks who want something they can relate to along with the common questions people have regarding bikes. Unfortunately the industry pushes the most extreme of everything from terrain to top end bikes and people probably think they cannot even bother but it's so true you can ride almost all trails with a hardtail. For the longest time, it was standard and people rode crazy stuff on them.
@user-to2de3sp3m I currently have a fused lumbar and right foot. Prior injuries from Iraq. Also, I just turned 50 years old. I've been shredding colorado for years, my man!
You canbride a hard tail anywhere. But if your hitting bike park trails above blue level a full squish bike will make it more enjoyable. And safer. @@ericbeech2652
Last year I bought lightly used previous gen Polygon N9 for $860. If you know any experienced rider just ask them to help finding a bike that fits in your budget. It's always fun to find good deals in used market.
I race enduro on a 2019 specialized enduro It’s ridiculous how expensive suspension and drive train has become!!!! I spend thousands of dollars to keep my bike in shape and race. The industry is going nuts!!!
yeah i agree. Mountain biking is quickly becoming one of the most expensive (leisure) sports out there. Kind of getting silly now and if I'm honest its actually putting me off a little.
Are there any cheaper options than the top of the line that are good enough for racing? If you need to replace the drive train frequently, you aren't buying quality that lasts anyways. Does anyone just use lower level stuff? Idk i wouldn't lol.
Totally agree with you on the hardtail. I own a bike shop, get to try lots of bikes and I still prefer hardtails 90% of the time. I'm currently on a Marin El Roy, I love it.
For old men like me - the bumps, the roots and rocks beat on your body and full suspension is huge. I got taken for a bit of a ride on a recent new Trek 9.8 XT - I thought it was a 2023 but it was a 2022 and paid 5.5k. I got that pit in the stomach feeling - but I don’t want to cause any problems with the local bike shop. To be fair he didn’t tell me the year - I ASSUMED. So my bad. Anyway. Looking back I feel like he was trying to move inventory and not meet a need - 😮
woa Marin still make bikes, i used to ride in the 90s, Marin something woods, my mate had that bike, i had a beast of the east. dont people buy 2nd hand bikes? seen some amazin deals, what does everyone think of 2nd hand?
Dude your channel is killing it! I think you are just a genuinely kind/fun person that bleeds through your videos and that has led to your success. You deserve it! As for me, I love it simple. I love my Specialized Fuse with mid fat tires and a simple air fork. I'd like to maybe upgrade my fork but overall, as long as my body can take it I think I'll stick to the simplicity of the hard tail. Only thing I don't like is even though the fatter tires give nice cushion they are annoyingly bouncy at times. I love riding a hard tail around guys that think they need a full suspension.
Well said ! Need and Want when choosing a bike is like "peer pressure". I almost fell into a trap back then but my instinct helped out . Loved how you put it out and thanks.
A couple years ago, I bought a Giant Trance for about $2,500 (I'd have probably gotten the Polygon D7 if it would have had a boost fork at the time). There are definitely some big steps up a guy can take on spec, but you wind up paying a lot for them and unless you're a really particular rider, a lot of them aren't huge. The biggest difference I've felt was from buying a used set of carbon fiber wheels and lighter tires. It goes to show how good the "low midrange" actually is. So much of the stuff doesn't actually function worse, it's maybe a bit heavier - like Shimano Deore vs. XTR.
My wife’s Polygon Siskiu D7 was $1199 and does its job every bit as good as my 4K+ Trek Fuel EX…$1200 isn’t cheap but it’s a ton of bike for that money.
Bought a Polygon D6 for one of the tweens in my family about 2 years ago. Many a bike trip and dirt jump sessions later, it’s still alive on all stock components-just an occasional tune, brake bleed, and wash. As a former professional bike mechanic, I’m impressed with the build. Lighter riders like younger teens really don’t push the suspension hard enough unless you’re riding the bike park every single weekend-if you are, you are in the minority. Some things I would change: the Suntour fork requires a fork wiper/stanchion clean and lube every ride, otherwise there is a lot of stiction. If the bike cost $100 more and came with a a ubiquitous Rockshox Recon or even Judy, it would have been worth it. I worry about the availability of suspension bearings/bushings and bolts/pins-at the rate that they change models and as an online only entity in the USA, I need to look into getting spares soon.
Just snatched up a great deal (IMHO).....Canyon Spectral 125 CF8 for, get this, $1200 off!!! That sale lasted a whopping 2 days and it's back down to just $400 off now. That put this amazing full XT build for less than the lower model AND lower than the Aluminum models. My wife is considering MT'ing with me, and I'll most likely go with a Polygon to keep the costs down while she figures out how dedicated she'll be.
You are spot on with all that. I'm done with chasing full-sus performance. The next bike I buy will likely be a hardtail -- half the price, and plenty of fun on the flowy trails I like to ride. I could care less about 12-speed. An 11-speed Shimano Deore drive train with an 11-51 cassette in a 1X set up will do me fine. Push the boat out and get an XT shifter for a bit more comfort and precision. BTW: I've ridden Shimano's Deore 4-piston brakes quite a bit, and I can't tell the difference between them and the XT variety. But, they are a fraction of the price. And when it comes to forks, I'll pick Marzocchi Z1 or Z2 over Fox or Rochshox. All in all, you get what you pay for. But the middle ground is where all the value sits. And, importantly, it's much cheaper to replace when things wear out or break. Cheers
You are correct: You will not feel a difference between Deore and XT 4-piston brakes, as they are performing the same. The difference is only weight, materials and ergonomic features. So Shimono, being a good guy here, giving all the performance already at Deore pricepoint. Thanks for that, by the way.
4 years ago I bought an unwanted rental bike, a 2019 GT Sensor from an out of state bike shop for $1500 ( including shipping). I still love riding it, and predictably, I’ve replaced almost everything except the frame over the years. You don’t have to spend a lot initially, but over the years, things wear out or you just want some bling parts and you’ll eventually keep spending money regardless of if you buy on the cheaper or not, if mtb is your thing
@@cccycling5835 Yes it is and I'd like to hand down the bike or at least be able to get parts for it to be able to hand it down. Back in the days we used to have antiques.
Its all about the law of diminishing returns. My first mountain bike was a voodoo bizango it was about 750 stirling, it had pretty good specs for the price. then i pulled the trigger on 2500 bike with sram eagle and fox forks. Was it 3 times a better bike . No way.
I accidentally found polygon bikes and its otw. I'm so excited! After bad experiences with Specialized and trek I was about to give up but then I stumbled up polygon bikes and was amazed at the features you get on these "budget" bikes! Your video was very encouraging! Also, that bike trail looked awesome!!
You’re right I made a really bad mistake and bought a hardtail frame and a bunch of PNW components and I decided to buy Marin Riftzone 3 27.5 since it was discounted now I have a brand new frame and a bunch of parts just laying around and the bike shop offered me $500 for around $1200 worth of parts brand new and think I learned a valuable lesson.
@@lmaowhatzz welp the thing is my local bike shop has a Marin Riftzone 3 27.5 in a medium my exact size it’s been their since 2022 and it retailed for $3000 it’s $2400 and I took my opportunity and got it and I’m left with this frame and a bunch of parts I’m still thinking about it I may just keep it and put it away for a future project. $500 isn’t really worth it it’s a trek Roscoe 7 2023 black and silver frame and near $1300 worth of parts :(
@@waldowsxxghostxx8577so just ride both man! Different bikes for different trails. I have an old single-speed hardtail that I ride a lot, but am also getting a full suspension again so I don’t feel so beat up
I got a t8 last fall and it's more then capable on any trail I've ridden so for. I come from a bmx background and just wanted to get into the mtb world to explore my local trails. I have no regrets.
At 60 I wanted to ride like I was 26 again. So I grabbed a Trek Fuel EXe 9.7. With that I am able to keep in zone 2 and 3 and ride 2+ hours daily. When looking at costs of a bike I look at how many hours I get out of it over the year, then divide that into the cost. This bike, while probably the most initial outlay will probably yield the lowest cost per hour because I can simply get so much use out of it by staying at better target heart range and reducing the load on the knees
I bought a used like new specialize stumpjumper for $1,100 and it works very well and I sure have lots of fun with it over a year now. So yeah, you don’t need to spend like $3000 bike to have fun.
Some of this depends on the type of riding you do and how sensitive you are to feel. For me personally, I like hubs with instant engagement. ( I like to techy rock stuff) and a good shifter. I also like to have compression adjustments in my suspension minus a lockout. I don't use lockouts but my bike is also on the dw platform. What he is talking about will cover probably 99% of the people. The other 1% are the faster more technical riders that are sensitive to feel and need something that is more precise.
Hey, Matty! I was subbed to your channel all through the Treks, and somehow lost you for a while, but I'm glad I found your channel again. Your video quality has improved TREMENDOUSLY!
I rode a 24 inch Dirt Jumper on actual MTB trails for years to start 😂 then borrowed my brothers FS cross country bike and was blown away, like man that thing has a shock! Ended up buying an older FS frame, 2008 cannondale, built it with parts from my Dirt Jumper and new drive tran/forks/tires… love that bike been riding it for 7 years now no issues and gives me extra satisfaction blowing past the dorks riding 6-11k bikes who don’t have the ability to use them close to their potential.
Riding the 24 dirt jumper, full steel frame and clapped out front forks on actual MTB trails made me a lot better rider and was funny seeing people turn their heads at me 😂
My first MTB was a Diamond Back Line, I paid $600 in 2015! Last year I wanted to upgrade and received the same advice “you want a full suspension”. I almost gave in, instead I went with a Guerrilla Gravity hardtail (sadly closed down) But I love my hardtail.
Where im from the Polygon siskiu D5 costs 2000$ I ride a 670$ full suspension bike which people always overlook or ignore its the rockrider st530s doesn't bother me that it doesn't have 29" wheels 27,5 is good enough, don't need preinstalles dropper or internal routing im glad it has a 120mm coil shock/fork and hydraulic disk breaks and 1x9 drivetrain I like that bike, when interacting ur interacting with the rider not the bike
You have to ask yourself if diminishing returns are worth the investment. I have a trail bike, a dirt jumper, and a commuting bike. I have all that I need already.
I bought my T7 in Feb 21´ right when the market was nuts during covid. 1999€ including 19% vat and shipping, it literally was the only AM full-sus below 3k that i could find and i tried hard. Not only that everything was 1k more with some weaker components, it also was the only affordable bike with good geometry being the just refreshed model and a good drivetrain. Components might be basic and some people will call it shit nonetheless, but the components are well combined and although at entrey level point, they are really good enough even for ambitious riding. 4 pot front and *working* suspension. Drivetrain is a gem, the Deore 12s is so good! I swapped my forks to a Yari and added the MegNeg to the shock. It also looks sick (lime/turqoise). Bike is really fun to ride (i run a medium 27.5 at 5"11, so a little on the smaller side for me.) I plan to keep this bike for a long time. Looking into a big Enduro next, its probably also gonna be Polygon. Just not easily available here, since the only importer is a small brick and mortar store in eastern Germany, but that kinda adds to the charm. Never seen another Polygon here once and the kids around town love it although some of them have "better" bikes.
I rode a Trek Marlin 5 for 9 years - they are fantastic bikes. I'm happy I upgraded to a Canyon Spectral 125 AL5 (I think they are like $2900 now) though.
7:16 Keep in mind the DH trail you rode is a easy trail, nothing super rough, no massive jumps, that's what the Status is for. Usually those bikes are more expensive, they are beefier, more travel, so nice for the gnarly stuff. But if the rider can handle it it's fine to go without it I guess. But I've seen that there're plenty of people breaking the Polygon bikes, I've seen pretty much all of them breaking. I've seen plenty snapped. 6:26 I've seen cracked D6 at the seat tube above the pivot, seen snapped chain stay at the rear. Cracked top tube at 2021 and 2023 D7 in front of the seat tube brace weld. several of these, one says 2.5 years before it happen. The brace got redesignated. T8 cracked at the chain stay at the front. One guy had a d6 it bent the front end. There''s even a Facebook group for it. So I'm scared of them.
These bikes were designed for xc and basic trail riding. Taking them to a bike park and hitting black trails are going to be above these bikes capabilities. Use them for what they were intended for and you should be fine.
I got into mountain biking on a trek Marlin V. After a year I needed to replace pretty much everything. All the upgraded replacement parts were going to cost me 1800ish. So I came acrossed Polygon and bought the T9 for a few hundred dollars more than it would have cost me to fix the Marlin. I love that thing. I take it to trestle, keystone, copper mountain and all over colorado springs and it's fun.
Got into MTB with my dad's Specialized stump jumper made in the 90s, was a hard tail with 25" wheels and ended up bending a wheel and couldn't never find a replacement. But a week ago I got a GT Aggressor Pro that used to be on sale but the Dicks Sporting goods forgot to take off the sake sticker but I still got it for $299, rode the trails here in Pueblo Colorado all weekend, felt great. I'll get a full sus hike here eventually when I find a good deal but I just wanted something affordable that I could take and go. I'll definitely look into the Polygon brand, never heard if it before. I definitely gotta hit Trestle
Most people overestimate how much bike they actually need. Personally I don't like full suspension, best bike I ever owned for me was a specialised hardrock hardtail. In the 90s small suspension hardtail were the norm and we were still doing stuff that a beginner would not be doing. Fast forward 15 years and I was doing MTB tracks and very rocky bridleways on a skinny tyre no-suspension cyclo-cross bike - quite painful and I broke lots of bearings but it still worked on almost any natural MTB terrain and flow trails, it ould do drops and more than a beginner on a MTB normally does, though I tended to avoid jumps. Going for a fully rigid drop bar MTB now but a good one, it's still being built but I'm super excited. Just pick any hardtail from a good brand if you are starting out. They are capable of alot more than you think.
Coming from a background that included about 10yr working in bike shops, I tend to agree with the sentiment. I have owned a $7K+ bike. My last three bikes have been well optioned used/demo bikes picked up at about half price and I am currently on a $3600 last year's model bike that I got for under $2K. For most riders a $1-2K bike is more than enough to handle all their needs. I will say that in chunky terrain higher level suspension is noticeably better at it's job.
Hardtails are the best man. The simplicity and weight savings are so worth what you lose in "capability" because they force you to build your technique. Love these videos, stay active!
I ride in a group. We are known as the Trek Boys. We ride Marlin and Roscoe 6 and 7. No more than $1500 is all good. Don't get the money-pits from big box stores. Go to a bike specialty store. Great video! You got it down
I have my faithful specialized since 2007. I upgraded it with brand new components, but it is time to upgrade. Now I'm building my own with 29ers. So excited!
Really appreciate this perspective. As someone who lives in Bentonville and is learning to ride it is intimidating being surrounded by $5K-$10K full sus luxury bikes. Meanwhile I’m in year 2 on my $1200 Giant Fathom 2 and have yet to find a trail I can’t shred on it!
I started out on a Trek Marlin 5 for $600 start of COVID. Did so much on that bike! 3 years later I got my second bike : Santa Cruz Tall Boy full suspension $2,500ish dollars end of last summer. Been riding for almost 4 years now!
My first bike I got for MTB was the Siskiu D6. Fast forward 10 months later I upgraded the fork and rear suspension and feels like a brand new bike! Loving my Siskiu D6!!
Popular brands can be expensive and not always worth it. That's why I chose to buy a bike from a less popular brand that still offered quality and value for money. I was considering Trek or Giant at first but they were too expensive. I initially planned to get an MTB, but in the end, I bought a road bike because I often saw road bikes being used on GCN, and I primarily ride on the road. I bought my bike for $440, and I'm really happy with it. You're right, it's just a status symbol.
As many are aware, prices for components went bonkers during COVID. Worrying about breaking $275 XTR derailleurs changed my perspective. Picked up a $50 1992 rigid Rockhopper, changed out the drivetrain with some older parts on hand (1X9) - changed the cockpit with about $70 in parts and went to 2.4" tubeless tires. It ended up being way more capable and fun than expected. Beyond the fun, you can ride without any fear of damage. Reliable too!
I have a couple of Santa Cruz bikes and love them... one bike needed the pivot bearings replaced (lifetime warranty) and it took months for SC to cover the cost of the bearings. My Tallboy has a Reverb RockShox dropper post that lasted for about 30 cycles (and failed) and it's been off the bike being warrantied by RockShox. The problem, it's been over for 6 months. If I had to do it again I would choose a less expensive bike and have money left for additional parts... it doesn't matter if the warranty is good if it takes a year to get results. We are in an age of you're on your own. This is just not SC, my friend has had the same experience with a Scott dealer... sorry we can't get that part (for a bike that was a month old).
I am just now getting into mountain biking and the only thing that worries me is the older you get the longer it takes to heal lol. But I am getting me a Walmart Schwinn and gonna upgrade it as I can afford and enjoy it until then lol
Excellent video. To be fair, seeing the trail you were riding...it could have also easily been done on a hard tail with plus sized tires too! I only avoid places with nonstop chatter like rocks/roots on my hardtail. It can do it but it's no fun to me anyway coming from road riding where everything is so much smoother. I like it fast and flowy.
People underestimate SUPER BAD how much a set of chonky tyres can change a "normal" bike. Ever since i rode my first set of 2.5s i just don't want anything that's notizably smaller, especially when i had a blast with a fatbike (wich are underrated AF btw)
On my hardtail I put some 2.5 tires on it and it turned the bike from a definite cross country bike into something that I could take on just about every trail around.
Appreciate the video as someone who's also started off on a hard tail trek. There's definitely a lot of people out on trails that are crazy judgemental if you don't have the most expensive rig......at the end of the day the bike doesn't make you the best rider or the one having the most fun.
Never had problem buying used bikes or cars... For the trails I'm capable to ride... an old cannondale prophet is more then good... old XT or XTR is stil good stuff... ofcourse I wanted to try more modern geometry... got me a 2018 Mondraker Dune... nice bike both up and down the hill... It's how much you are willing to invest,,, like in any other hobby...burning desire to try it... If the fancy 6K machine will boost your motivation... I can understand.
Im still riding my 1998 Specialized M2 Stumpjumper Comp I bought brand new. I paid $1100 for it...and it still rides like a champ. Id never pay the prices they want for a bike now.
I have an Ozark trail ridge and I put about $800 into it to upgrade pretty much everything. I took it on some pretty serious Tucson AZ trails this past weekend and it did everything I asked of it.
I just picked one up with the same intention to get into riding for physical therapy on knee and then later expanding as far as I can until I know I want something higher value range.
That is why I do not buy a new highend fork but just a USED Yari or select and let it custom tune. Still far cheaper but better than highend stuff of the shelf. Example for shocks: Bomber Cr/VanRC used for under 200 euro+custom tune for 160 for bike,ridingstyle and bike from M-Suspensiontech (pistons and shims). Works better than 1000 buck shicks of the shelf. Just lacls the climb switch. Or get the used float x,then you have the switch. Same price relations for the forks.
My friend has been looking at YETI bikes and waiting for a sale for months. Meanwhile he's missing all the thursday night rides, weekend rides and having fun. I'm doing all the rides on my Trek Roscoe 8 i got used for $1300
My first bike was a hardtail Giant Talon 2 (2021) and I love it, it cost about $650 with taxes and it was able to handle so much. I took it to Spider Mountain in Austin with no issues. I’m sure if I were do to upgrades (Tires, Front fork, brakes) it could handle much more but I’m still entry level. I do eventually want a full suspension for downhill and jumps but they say a hardtail can handle as much as you can
Some things to thing about are you don’t have to buy new and resale value. I bout a Santa Cruz Bronson in 2018 that was one year old for $2700. This bike originally was $5,000. The previous owner also put 1400 wheels on it. I rode that bike until 2023 and sold it for $2000. In that time I did upgrade the drive train from a 1x11 to 1x12 and also upgraded the rear shock and pedals. I have trails out here in Utah literally in my backyard that are downhill trails with jumps that a full suspension bike definatley helps.
When i was a young lad the only bikes around were steel and ridged. Bit the bullet and bought a lavish roscoe 8 and haven't looked back. It eats absolutely everything i can throw at it. Tried full suspension but just didn't dig it. Too much pedal bob, Too much kinetic energy waste. Hardtails will always be king IMO.
That is why I bought my trek rosco 7 saltin color, I feel so happy with that bike. Thanks to you my boy I did my right choose watching your videos. I’m just a beginner mountain bike
I just literally bought a Hiabike E-mountain bike 2023 ALLMTN 4 was £4,899 ($6,168) reduced to £2,979 ($3,760) There's some great deals for all makes of mountain, gravel, road and E-mountain bikes here in the UK. My first mountain bike was a Marin Bear Valley back in 1990/91 you could strike a match on the frame it had a strange coating and the cost... £419 ($528).
I’ve been riding a Polygon D7 for a couple of years now and for me 75 yrs old it has been a great buy. No real jumps on our trail so plenty of suspension for me. Ride it almost every day throughout the season…
Nukeproof Scout with Marzocchi Bomber Z1. I ride it hard and usually crash at least once per ride …….. and only worry about me getting hurt. Great video!!!!
The Scout is bombproof. It may be my favorite bike that I own. I’ve got a Marzocchi on it at well. I take it to the DH trails and Bike parks and can outrun most of the people there on their expensive FS bikes. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the ease of plowing through the wrong line on my FS bikes, but the Scout is a blast.
I spent 130 dollars on a new hardtail I had to assemble myself but it came with a warped brake rotor, bend derailleur hanger, broken derailleur and the worst grips I've ever seen. But $35 in parts to fix it up and $10 dollars on new grips and I got myself a pretty good hardtail. It probably wouldn't hold up on big jumps and fast rides through rock gardens but for $170, I've got no complaints.
Agreed that one does not need the most expensive bike. What I am trying to figure out is this. Both my buddies bought budget hard tail MTB brand new. Specialized rockhopper and a polygon hard tail. Not sure on model. I had my used salsa horsethief mid range MTB. Al about same skill level. Riding loca Chicago trails so nothing more than some basic XC trails with mild features etc. My bike has had no issues at all over last few years riding. They both collectively keep breaking things, bending derailure, snapping chains etc. This leads me to believe the components are just poorly made? Or could be their riding habits? Not quite sure on the final ruling
I did the same thing: I bought a Santa Cruz Tallboy and it was awesome but I found it boring on lighter trails, and downright scary how fast you could do steep technical stuff. It made me go way too fast for my skill level. I sold it, and now will probably get a carbon hardtail for light duty all day riding to complement my All-Road/Gravel bike.
Keep in mind second hand is also an option, you can save lots of money. even a ex demo bike, rental bike from bike park or shop. Due to my back problems a hardtail guarantees a thrown out back, but full suspension greatly minimises the risk for this. But I still need to work more on my back. I can't blast trough rough terrain on a xc bike as I did when I was a kid.
I agree with your thinking. I started mountain biking with a Trek 3700 doing simple cross country stuff. Then as my skills and enthusiasm grew I tried more expensive bikes such as the Giant Anthem X and a Scott Spark full suspension. In the uk the price for the Giant was £2000 and for the Scott £4000 however the Scott was not £2000 better than the Giant Anthem. So for me the Giant Anthem suits the riding i do at a price which I can justify.. I'm so glad I started with the Trek because it helped me develop my skills and did'nt cost me a lot of money if it turned out that I did'nt like mountain biking after all.
I am just getting into the sport in Australia, I have a 2015 specialised crave (hardtail, cross-country, 80mm front travel) now doing some pretty crazy down hill. I almost got put off the sport when a friend and I had a bad experience at an arrogant bike store the other day, it's sad how arrogant the mountain bike industry is becoming. I have however now discovered our local family owned trek store and plan on getting a Roscoe 7 as soon as I can. I love your content, enjoy the trails 🤙
I went to my local bike shop shopping for an eMTB. I was interested in two bikes both around $6000. I asked if they had some loaner bike I could take to my local trail. You know what they said. But I told them no way am I dropping 6 Gs on something I can't try out on more than a parking lot! Went out and spent $6,400 on a motorcycle instead, after a full road test.
Back before all the new tec there was no suspension and before that only 10 speeds and yes I've been there. I'm 57 and riding with my wife and grand children. I have probably been my last bike , I have a Huffy rock creek.
I like your approach. I feel sorry for those who came into the sport on a full suspension bike and have known nothing else. I feel that they would be at a distinct disadvantage if they were to find themselves on a hard tail riding technical trails. I was fortunate in that my introduction to mtb’ing was on a fully ridged bike in ‘94. I honed my skills on that bike and now modern bikes are just the icing on the cake. Sort of like when I learned to drive. My father taught me on a stick shift. His rationale was that “if you can drive this, you can drive anything on the road”.
I have a Status. Love it, but it was also a purchase rooted in hours of research and test riding. You're right, buy the bike you love and that you connect with.
I was a roadie and wanted an MTB to expand my horizons. Back when Performance Bike still had storefronts all over, I found a GT Helion Comp full suspension xc aluminum bike in my size for like 1200 bucks. I bought in 2015 and still ride it today albeit casually. My only complaint about full suspension at an affordable cost is the weight. My GT Helion is a tank. I may replace it soon after 9 years of ownership, but it's hard to justify current bike prices. The GT is capable other than being heavy.
Nice video with an important message. I do agree 100% with you. I am in my 40s and have mountain biking since early teens. Done a lot of lift based park riding on hardtail xc and dj bikes, last years on a slacker Marin San Quentin hardtail. I do se the benefits of better bikes, full suspension, slacker head tube angle, e.c.t. But you can have hell off a good time with less expensive equipment. I think your polygon are equipped with a Rocxshox Recon silver solo air, or something; it’s not a Fox, but it’s a great inexpensive fork which preforming great, and it’s like 4 times cheaper than a Fox, and almost as good as one. I know because I also have some of that expensive stuff, it’s better, but not that much. You can get far with a cheap Dirtjumper or even an xc bike. And if you can afford it; better brakes, gears, more suspension and modern geometry doesn’t need to cost a fortune to work good, like your Polygon.
I’ve been riding for 25 years and just bought a Trek Fuel EX 5 for 3 grand. It does everything from bike parks to all mountain. My last bike lasted 11 years with maybe a couple grand in parts and repairs. I recommend the Trek Fuel EX 5.
Another cool thing about the polygon T series, is you put it together yourself and adjust the cockpit and suspension yourself. It's fun and educational
6:04 Nice drivetrain, shifts smoothly, cheap and works, but the cassette is heavy compared to a high end one. but does the job. But keep in mind this cassette uses plastic spacers which are easy to break if you fiddle with them, step on them. I use a different version of this RD, it's M6100 SGS, this one is M5100 SGS, but apart from the logo it's the same RD. Maxxis tyres are nothing to brag about, I've had so many faulty ones, it was hopeless, first ones I got were fine, but all after that were faulty. And see so much of people showing the issues with warped tyres. Quality control was horrible, as every tyre I bought was faulty. I bought like 20 tyres maybe. I gave up, returning was not an option as they were out of stock, I needed tyres, I emptied stock, got faulty tyres I had to use, some I looked at and never used as they had thread that pointed to the right. fork is not that good, but a second hand upgrade will not cost you much. 6:02 would have be nice if it had tru axle.
I love your channel and videos Matty. Please keep em coming. I ride a Specialized Turbo Levo which I bought during the Specialized big sale 9 months ago. Having this eBike is a wonderful in that this 73 y/o can keep up with our sons and grandsons. You’re fortunate to have great places to ride. We’re fortunate to have great riding weather here in SoCal. Cheers friend.
Hey Matty, Polygon just came out with their Siskiu T9. Are you able to get your hands on one for a review maybe? I would appreciate your take on the bike. Thanks
The best bikes I've seen at Walmart are a select few Mongooses. I got a full sus and a hard tail Mongoose for in town run around bikes and they've been great. You just have to pay attention to weight and quality of construction. Their frames were much nicer than most there. Most others are no bueno. There was one thing about them that was different than all the others, they were both in a matte finish. Also, look on RUclips for guys doing reviews of big box bikes. *Not that the finish matters, it just happened that the best 2 were in matte finishes.
Nice video Matty! I do some wrenching on my bikes but don't have much experience with rear suspension maintenance. So, I gravitate toward buying from a local shop instead of online. That being said, the Polygon lineup seems like a good deal.
for any beginners i always recommend looking something with a 1x drivetrain. Why? It takes the thought process out of shifting and typically any 1x drivetrain comes with a clutch derailleur. The other thing i really push for is finding something with hydraulic brakes and leaving budget for a dropper. With these things any beginner can really grow into the bike. And these features can be found for around $500 if you look for a great deal. Example the Canyon grand canyon was on sale this past holidays for that price. It came with a 1x12 shimano drivetrain. Purchasing and upgrading the drivetrain later is a waste of money imo.
Best time I’ve ever seen to buy. Got my new Norco sight c3 for almost half off brand new and included the build. I’m feeling pretty good right now. But never buy anything to impress anyone. To thine own self be true.
When I got into the sport I started out with a budget ht(scwhinn axum). After a couple months of progressing on it I started making it more capable over the next several months. It took about 1200$ to make it capable of how I was riding. But I was able to pick and choose over time what it needed (18months). Now it’s a trail shredder. The only stock parts on it besides the frame is rear spokes and rim hoop, seat post, and clamp. No regrets, it fits me perfectly and is completely customized to my preferences and I was able to learn a lot about working on bikes, geometry, and developing a machine that has characteristics that I was after. I did what to get a full sus to handle larger hits, and after months of research and saving money, and now knowing what I wanted from a bike,( fitment and ride characteristics), I was able to buy a Marin Riftzone XR for $2400 new. I love both of my shred machines equally, but definitely spent the time had to learning what I really wanted. Out of the box the XR came exactly how I needed it to, but depending on what I want to do on the trail, I grab the bike that suits that goal. Always have fun and keep riding! Thanks for the vid
I always like to see budget hardtailers whip it up on big squishy uber expensive enduro bikers, so much is actually about skills and not the pricey components and high tech bikes. I have seen this phenomena on some of the most demanding techy and DH trails, so many people think that the can buy skill through expensive upgrades and not actually develop the requisite skills, MTBing more about skill than tech.
Bro I take my orange crush to dyfi bike park in wakes UK super fast super gnarley and that hardyail takes a hammering hardtail for the win. Get it slacker then 65° with some 2.6 wide tyres and your good
I bought a really nice full suspension mountain bike in 2015.. skipped the carbon and got aluminum with the top parts.. fast forward to today the only thing I upgraded was to an eagle drivetrain.. short of regular repairs.. I’m going to ride it until it’s completely destroyed.
You can ride everything with a hardtail, full sus will give you more confidence and is more forgiving. You can send everything with a hardtail, big drops and huge jumps will be a lot harsher. You want a more forgiving ride, you have the money, full sus is worth it. You're bored with your local trails, want a bit more challenge, switch to a HT.
Keep preaching it brother, don’t have to spend big bucks to have a big time, good message
In my case is quite opposite. So many times I want to reach the places that are pretty elevated (going up) or pretty low (coming back). So I finally got my eMTB for a very good offer (I will not say cheap) but it was. So, for me it will be the money well spent this year! And is TREK… soo
Soon, there is going to be the rapture. It's when there will be trumpet sounds, and after the trumpet sounds, God will lift his people from here. Also, God said people should be living by the Bible. Amen, and God bless you.
❤* John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have eternal life". ❤
@@allenvayner4987 Does heaven have skiing?
@@spookyshark632 I can't even imagine how amazing it is. I .
@@allenvayner4987 If there's no skiing, I'm not going.
They are worth the money if you don’t buy a new one every other season.
Haha. So true. Some people need a new 8k bike every year...😂
@@Anth230
But.... it's got the newest gimmic...😂
Was on the same full suspension from 2008 until this year. It’s vastly different but still a bike.
Every 5 years is probably the sweet spot.
@@petesahad3028 haha. Yeah...gotta love those gimmicks.. 😂
@@Anth230 Dentistry can pay well
When people tell me I can't do a downhill without rear suspension, I remind them that I come from a time BEFORE rear suspension existed!
We didn't even have suspension forks when I started 🚲
same here
@@markdennis5150while I don’t doubt you it’s a tough comparison. You would crash way more riding that and break parts consistently.
Today’s base level components are exponentially better than the best parts from 20 years ago.
@@markdennis5150 interesting. my bike was broken every 2 weeks with LX parts
Exactly
Some things that are worth spending on imo :
- Good 4 pot brakes
- Good tires
- 1x drivetrain
- dropper post
- suspension service
- a bike trip
4 pot brakes are very controverse point.
4 pods aren't mandatory or even necessary for most, it's better to focus on getting a bike with good brake levers, the 2 pod Deore works amazing for me, I can one finger brake with it no problem.
All other points tho I totally get them, they may be pricey but are so worth it for many of us.
4 piston brakes depend how heavy you are and how hard you ride. I have shimano saint with metal pads and I still have trouble stopping.
@@FIGHTTHECABLE my eqiupped weight near 85kg,no probs wit stopping. Have 2pot shimano slx 203 front 185 rear. Dont forget that your stopping ability ,depends also from tyres set.
@@serjturischev9557 Yeah I'm with gear around 120kg. 😄
And I use Schwalbe Magic Mary as tyres. 😉
The bike I riding is the one I already got.
I love it!
Great channel.
Really stoked by the fact you documented your experience as a noob and growing into it, finding out what suits you, your style and improving.
There's endless channels of pros riding insane lines and that's all good but there's a ton of folks who want something they can relate to along with the common questions people have regarding bikes.
Unfortunately the industry pushes the most extreme of everything from terrain to top end bikes and people probably think they cannot even bother but it's so true you can ride almost all trails with a hardtail.
For the longest time, it was standard and people rode crazy stuff on them.
I'll ride a hardtail anywhere. Chances are, those people who said that you can't ride a hardtail here and there, have only rode full squish.
Well,...how many career ending back injuries do you have...?
@user-to2de3sp3m I currently have a fused lumbar and right foot. Prior injuries from Iraq. Also, I just turned 50 years old. I've been shredding colorado for years, my man!
You canbride a hard tail anywhere. But if your hitting bike park trails above blue level a full squish bike will make it more enjoyable. And safer. @@ericbeech2652
@@ericbeech2652 thats all we had back in the day was hardtails and it didnt stop us from riding the gnar.
@@sergiolandz6056 fully rigid single speeds are what we grew up on.
Last year I bought lightly used previous gen Polygon N9 for $860. If you know any experienced rider just ask them to help finding a bike that fits in your budget. It's always fun to find good deals in used market.
I race enduro on a 2019 specialized enduro
It’s ridiculous how expensive suspension and drive train has become!!!!
I spend thousands of dollars to keep my bike in shape and race.
The industry is going nuts!!!
They prey on piece by piece part buyers. You’d be further ahead to replace your entire bike every 5 years.
yeah i agree. Mountain biking is quickly becoming one of the most expensive (leisure) sports out there. Kind of getting silly now and if I'm honest its actually putting me off a little.
Are there any cheaper options than the top of the line that are good enough for racing? If you need to replace the drive train frequently, you aren't buying quality that lasts anyways. Does anyone just use lower level stuff? Idk i wouldn't lol.
Totally agree with you on the hardtail. I own a bike shop, get to try lots of bikes and I still prefer hardtails 90% of the time. I'm currently on a Marin El Roy, I love it.
cool
Agreed. Only time I'm on my FS is at the bike park. There's nothing here in PA that can't be ridden on a hardtail.
Sethsbikehacks has a hardtail way over 10k.
For old men like me - the bumps, the roots and rocks beat on your body and full suspension is huge. I got taken for a bit of a ride on a recent new Trek 9.8 XT - I thought it was a 2023 but it was a 2022 and paid 5.5k. I got that pit in the stomach feeling - but I don’t want to cause any problems with the local bike shop. To be fair he didn’t tell me the year - I ASSUMED. So my bad. Anyway. Looking back I feel like he was trying to move inventory and not meet a need - 😮
woa Marin still make bikes, i used to ride in the 90s, Marin something woods, my mate had that bike, i had a beast of the east. dont people buy 2nd hand bikes? seen some amazin deals, what does everyone think of 2nd hand?
Dude your channel is killing it! I think you are just a genuinely kind/fun person that bleeds through your videos and that has led to your success. You deserve it!
As for me, I love it simple. I love my Specialized Fuse with mid fat tires and a simple air fork. I'd like to maybe upgrade my fork but overall, as long as my body can take it I think I'll stick to the simplicity of the hard tail. Only thing I don't like is even though the fatter tires give nice cushion they are annoyingly bouncy at times.
I love riding a hard tail around guys that think they need a full suspension.
Well said ! Need and Want when choosing a bike is like "peer pressure". I almost fell into a trap back then but my instinct helped out . Loved how you put it out and thanks.
A couple years ago, I bought a Giant Trance for about $2,500 (I'd have probably gotten the Polygon D7 if it would have had a boost fork at the time). There are definitely some big steps up a guy can take on spec, but you wind up paying a lot for them and unless you're a really particular rider, a lot of them aren't huge. The biggest difference I've felt was from buying a used set of carbon fiber wheels and lighter tires. It goes to show how good the "low midrange" actually is. So much of the stuff doesn't actually function worse, it's maybe a bit heavier - like Shimano Deore vs. XTR.
My wife’s Polygon Siskiu D7 was $1199 and does its job every bit as good as my 4K+ Trek Fuel EX…$1200 isn’t cheap but it’s a ton of bike for that money.
Nah
That’s what you get for buying a trek bike.
Bought a Polygon D6 for one of the tweens in my family about 2 years ago. Many a bike trip and dirt jump sessions later, it’s still alive on all stock components-just an occasional tune, brake bleed, and wash. As a former professional bike mechanic, I’m impressed with the build. Lighter riders like younger teens really don’t push the suspension hard enough unless you’re riding the bike park every single weekend-if you are, you are in the minority.
Some things I would change: the Suntour fork requires a fork wiper/stanchion clean and lube every ride, otherwise there is a lot of stiction. If the bike cost $100 more and came with a a ubiquitous Rockshox Recon or even Judy, it would have been worth it. I worry about the availability of suspension bearings/bushings and bolts/pins-at the rate that they change models and as an online only entity in the USA, I need to look into getting spares soon.
Just snatched up a great deal (IMHO).....Canyon Spectral 125 CF8 for, get this, $1200 off!!! That sale lasted a whopping 2 days and it's back down to just $400 off now. That put this amazing full XT build for less than the lower model AND lower than the Aluminum models.
My wife is considering MT'ing with me, and I'll most likely go with a Polygon to keep the costs down while she figures out how dedicated she'll be.
You are spot on with all that. I'm done with chasing full-sus performance.
The next bike I buy will likely be a hardtail -- half the price, and plenty of fun on the flowy trails I like to ride.
I could care less about 12-speed. An 11-speed Shimano Deore drive train with an 11-51 cassette in a 1X set up will do me fine. Push the boat out and get an XT shifter for a bit more comfort and precision.
BTW: I've ridden Shimano's Deore 4-piston brakes quite a bit, and I can't tell the difference between them and the XT variety. But, they are a fraction of the price.
And when it comes to forks, I'll pick Marzocchi Z1 or Z2 over Fox or Rochshox.
All in all, you get what you pay for. But the middle ground is where all the value sits. And, importantly, it's much cheaper to replace when things wear out or break.
Cheers
You are correct: You will not feel a difference between Deore and XT 4-piston brakes, as they are performing the same. The difference is only weight, materials and ergonomic features.
So Shimono, being a good guy here, giving all the performance already at Deore pricepoint. Thanks for that, by the way.
4 years ago I bought an unwanted rental bike, a 2019 GT Sensor from an out of state bike shop for $1500 ( including shipping). I still love riding it, and predictably, I’ve replaced almost everything except the frame over the years. You don’t have to spend a lot initially, but over the years, things wear out or you just want some bling parts and you’ll eventually keep spending money regardless of if you buy on the cheaper or not, if mtb is your thing
My $5500 full suspension bike is broken after 10 years. I'm just trying to get back on a bike and polygon looks like the way to go.
10 years is a reasonable amount of time for a regularly ridden bicycle imo
@@cccycling5835 Yes it is and I'd like to hand down the bike or at least be able to get parts for it to be able to hand it down. Back in the days we used to have antiques.
What do you mean by broken? Surely it can be fixed?
Its all about the law of diminishing returns. My first mountain bike was a voodoo bizango it was about 750 stirling, it had pretty good specs for the price. then i pulled the trigger on 2500 bike with sram eagle and fox forks. Was it 3 times a better bike . No way.
I accidentally found polygon bikes and its otw. I'm so excited! After bad experiences with Specialized and trek I was about to give up but then I stumbled up polygon bikes and was amazed at the features you get on these "budget" bikes! Your video was very encouraging! Also, that bike trail looked awesome!!
You’re right I made a really bad mistake and bought a hardtail frame and a bunch of PNW components and I decided to buy Marin Riftzone 3 27.5 since it was discounted now I have a brand new frame and a bunch of parts just laying around and the bike shop offered me $500 for around $1200 worth of parts brand new and think I learned a valuable lesson.
Ouch, what's keeping you from putting the bike together? Building a bike is pretty fun and rewarding. Definitely expensive though
@@lmaowhatzz welp the thing is my local bike shop has a Marin Riftzone 3 27.5 in a medium my exact size it’s been their since 2022 and it retailed for $3000 it’s $2400 and I took my opportunity and got it and I’m left with this frame and a bunch of parts I’m still thinking about it I may just keep it and put it away for a future project. $500 isn’t really worth it it’s a trek Roscoe 7 2023 black and silver frame and near $1300 worth of parts :(
@@waldowsxxghostxx8577so just ride both man! Different bikes for different trails. I have an old single-speed hardtail that I ride a lot, but am also getting a full suspension again so I don’t feel so beat up
As we sometimes say in the dirt bike racing world. Sure the type of bike your ride helps but it really comes down to riding skill that makes you fast.
I got a t8 last fall and it's more then capable on any trail I've ridden so for. I come from a bmx background and just wanted to get into the mtb world to explore my local trails. I have no regrets.
One of the Polygon factory riders raced Enduro World Cup on th T8. Bike is really good on itself, price point just comes on top.
@@erraldstylerI wanna see it do you have the name or something?
Great video brother glad to have you join the shredding club.
Thank you Steve! I really appreciate it
At 60 I wanted to ride like I was 26 again. So I grabbed a Trek Fuel EXe 9.7. With that I am able to keep in zone 2 and 3 and ride 2+ hours daily. When looking at costs of a bike I look at how many hours I get out of it over the year, then divide that into the cost. This bike, while probably the most initial outlay will probably yield the lowest cost per hour because I can simply get so much use out of it by staying at better target heart range and reducing the load on the knees
I bought a used like new specialize stumpjumper for $1,100 and it works very well and I sure have lots of fun with it over a year now. So yeah, you don’t need to spend like $3000 bike to have fun.
Some of this depends on the type of riding you do and how sensitive you are to feel. For me personally, I like hubs with instant engagement. ( I like to techy rock stuff) and a good shifter. I also like to have compression adjustments in my suspension minus a lockout. I don't use lockouts but my bike is also on the dw platform. What he is talking about will cover probably 99% of the people. The other 1% are the faster more technical riders that are sensitive to feel and need something that is more precise.
dw link is goated
Hey, Matty! I was subbed to your channel all through the Treks, and somehow lost you for a while, but I'm glad I found your channel again. Your video quality has improved TREMENDOUSLY!
I rode a 24 inch Dirt Jumper on actual MTB trails for years to start 😂 then borrowed my brothers FS cross country bike and was blown away, like man that thing has a shock! Ended up buying an older FS frame, 2008 cannondale, built it with parts from my Dirt Jumper and new drive tran/forks/tires… love that bike been riding it for 7 years now no issues and gives me extra satisfaction blowing past the dorks riding 6-11k bikes who don’t have the ability to use them close to their potential.
Riding the 24 dirt jumper, full steel frame and clapped out front forks on actual MTB trails made me a lot better rider and was funny seeing people turn their heads at me 😂
My first MTB was a Diamond Back Line, I paid $600 in 2015! Last year I wanted to upgrade and received the same advice “you want a full suspension”. I almost gave in, instead I went with a Guerrilla Gravity hardtail (sadly closed down) But I love my hardtail.
Where im from the Polygon siskiu D5 costs 2000$
I ride a 670$ full suspension bike which people always overlook or ignore its the rockrider st530s doesn't bother me that it doesn't have 29" wheels 27,5 is good enough, don't need preinstalles dropper or internal routing im glad it has a 120mm coil shock/fork and hydraulic disk breaks and 1x9 drivetrain
I like that bike, when interacting ur interacting with the rider not the bike
You have to ask yourself if diminishing returns are worth the investment. I have a trail bike, a dirt jumper, and a commuting bike. I have all that I need already.
I bought my T7 in Feb 21´ right when the market was nuts during covid. 1999€ including 19% vat and shipping, it literally was the only AM full-sus below 3k that i could find and i tried hard. Not only that everything was 1k more with some weaker components, it also was the only affordable bike with good geometry being the just refreshed model and a good drivetrain. Components might be basic and some people will call it shit nonetheless, but the components are well combined and although at entrey level point, they are really good enough even for ambitious riding. 4 pot front and *working* suspension. Drivetrain is a gem, the Deore 12s is so good! I swapped my forks to a Yari and added the MegNeg to the shock. It also looks sick (lime/turqoise). Bike is really fun to ride (i run a medium 27.5 at 5"11, so a little on the smaller side for me.)
I plan to keep this bike for a long time. Looking into a big Enduro next, its probably also gonna be Polygon. Just not easily available here, since the only importer is a small brick and mortar store in eastern Germany, but that kinda adds to the charm. Never seen another Polygon here once and the kids around town love it although some of them have "better" bikes.
I rode a Trek Marlin 5 for 9 years - they are fantastic bikes. I'm happy I upgraded to a Canyon Spectral 125 AL5 (I think they are like $2900 now) though.
7:16 Keep in mind the DH trail you rode is a easy trail, nothing super rough, no massive jumps, that's what the Status is for. Usually those bikes are more expensive, they are beefier, more travel, so nice for the gnarly stuff. But if the rider can handle it it's fine to go without it I guess. But I've seen that there're plenty of people breaking the Polygon bikes, I've seen pretty much all of them breaking. I've seen plenty snapped.
6:26 I've seen cracked D6 at the seat tube above the pivot, seen snapped chain stay at the rear. Cracked top tube at 2021 and 2023 D7 in front of the seat tube brace weld. several of these, one says 2.5 years before it happen. The brace got redesignated. T8 cracked at the chain stay at the front. One guy had a d6 it bent the front end.
There''s even a Facebook group for it. So I'm scared of them.
These bikes were designed for xc and basic trail riding. Taking them to a bike park and hitting black trails are going to be above these bikes capabilities. Use them for what they were intended for and you should be fine.
Yes, that's the point I was trying to make, two different bikes.@@downhilljedi
I got into mountain biking on a trek Marlin V. After a year I needed to replace pretty much everything. All the upgraded replacement parts were going to cost me 1800ish. So I came acrossed Polygon and bought the T9 for a few hundred dollars more than it would have cost me to fix the Marlin. I love that thing. I take it to trestle, keystone, copper mountain and all over colorado springs and it's fun.
Got into MTB with my dad's Specialized stump jumper made in the 90s, was a hard tail with 25" wheels and ended up bending a wheel and couldn't never find a replacement. But a week ago I got a GT Aggressor Pro that used to be on sale but the Dicks Sporting goods forgot to take off the sake sticker but I still got it for $299, rode the trails here in Pueblo Colorado all weekend, felt great. I'll get a full sus hike here eventually when I find a good deal but I just wanted something affordable that I could take and go. I'll definitely look into the Polygon brand, never heard if it before. I definitely gotta hit Trestle
Most people overestimate how much bike they actually need. Personally I don't like full suspension, best bike I ever owned for me was a specialised hardrock hardtail. In the 90s small suspension hardtail were the norm and we were still doing stuff that a beginner would not be doing.
Fast forward 15 years and I was doing MTB tracks and very rocky bridleways on a skinny tyre no-suspension cyclo-cross bike - quite painful and I broke lots of bearings but it still worked on almost any natural MTB terrain and flow trails, it ould do drops and more than a beginner on a MTB normally does, though I tended to avoid jumps.
Going for a fully rigid drop bar MTB now but a good one, it's still being built but I'm super excited.
Just pick any hardtail from a good brand if you are starting out. They are capable of alot more than you think.
Coming from a background that included about 10yr working in bike shops, I tend to agree with the sentiment. I have owned a $7K+ bike. My last three bikes have been well optioned used/demo bikes picked up at about half price and I am currently on a $3600 last year's model bike that I got for under $2K. For most riders a $1-2K bike is more than enough to handle all their needs. I will say that in chunky terrain higher level suspension is noticeably better at it's job.
Hardtails are the best man. The simplicity and weight savings are so worth what you lose in "capability" because they force you to build your technique. Love these videos, stay active!
I ride in a group. We are known as the Trek Boys. We ride Marlin and Roscoe 6 and 7. No more than $1500 is all good. Don't get the money-pits from big box stores. Go to a bike specialty store.
Great video! You got it down
I have my faithful specialized since 2007. I upgraded it with brand new components, but it is time to upgrade. Now I'm building my own with 29ers. So excited!
Really appreciate this perspective. As someone who lives in Bentonville and is learning to ride it is intimidating being surrounded by $5K-$10K full sus luxury bikes. Meanwhile I’m in year 2 on my $1200 Giant Fathom 2 and have yet to find a trail I can’t shred on it!
I have fathom 29 1 And was blowing by guys on $5k bikes
Hard tail mtb’s and hard tail ev mtb’s are more than enough for the average user.
Polygon is changing the game with quality bikes at affordable prices
I totally agree, idk exactly how they are pulling it off but if they keep it up then I think it will definitely change a lot of things
@@MattyActive In part, it must be the direct-to-consumer business model. There is a LOT of overhead in a brick and mortar store!
Thats true. Besides that, my T7 (lime/turquiose) looks phenomenal. Some people even thought it was the new Trek back then :D
Started with a t7. Snapped the frame after 2 years. You get what you pay for
I started out on a Trek Marlin 5 for $600 start of COVID. Did so much on that bike! 3 years later I got my second bike : Santa Cruz Tall Boy full suspension $2,500ish dollars end of last summer. Been riding for almost 4 years now!
My first bike I got for MTB was the Siskiu D6. Fast forward 10 months later I upgraded the fork and rear suspension and feels like a brand new bike! Loving my Siskiu D6!!
Popular brands can be expensive and not always worth it. That's why I chose to buy a bike from a less popular brand that still offered quality and value for money. I was considering Trek or Giant at first but they were too expensive. I initially planned to get an MTB, but in the end, I bought a road bike because I often saw road bikes being used on GCN, and I primarily ride on the road. I bought my bike for $440, and I'm really happy with it. You're right, it's just a status symbol.
As many are aware, prices for components went bonkers during COVID. Worrying about breaking $275 XTR derailleurs changed my perspective. Picked up a $50 1992 rigid Rockhopper, changed out the drivetrain with some older parts on hand (1X9) - changed the cockpit with about $70 in parts and went to 2.4" tubeless tires. It ended up being way more capable and fun than expected. Beyond the fun, you can ride without any fear of damage. Reliable too!
I have a couple of Santa Cruz bikes and love them... one bike needed the pivot bearings replaced (lifetime warranty) and it took months for SC to cover the cost of the bearings. My Tallboy has a Reverb RockShox dropper post that lasted for about 30 cycles (and failed) and it's been off the bike being warrantied by RockShox. The problem, it's been over for 6 months. If I had to do it again I would choose a less expensive bike and have money left for additional parts... it doesn't matter if the warranty is good if it takes a year to get results. We are in an age of you're on your own. This is just not SC, my friend has had the same experience with a Scott dealer... sorry we can't get that part (for a bike that was a month old).
I am just now getting into mountain biking and the only thing that worries me is the older you get the longer it takes to heal lol. But I am getting me a Walmart Schwinn and gonna upgrade it as I can afford and enjoy it until then lol
Excellent video. To be fair, seeing the trail you were riding...it could have also easily been done on a hard tail with plus sized tires too! I only avoid places with nonstop chatter like rocks/roots on my hardtail. It can do it but it's no fun to me anyway coming from road riding where everything is so much smoother. I like it fast and flowy.
People underestimate SUPER BAD how much a set of chonky tyres can change a "normal" bike. Ever since i rode my first set of 2.5s i just don't want anything that's notizably smaller, especially when i had a blast with a fatbike (wich are underrated AF btw)
On my hardtail I put some 2.5 tires on it and it turned the bike from a definite cross country bike into something that I could take on just about every trail around.
Appreciate the video as someone who's also started off on a hard tail trek. There's definitely a lot of people out on trails that are crazy judgemental if you don't have the most expensive rig......at the end of the day the bike doesn't make you the best rider or the one having the most fun.
Check out the polygon colossus N9.
Never had problem buying used bikes or cars... For the trails I'm capable to ride... an old cannondale prophet is more then good... old XT or XTR is stil good stuff... ofcourse I wanted to try more modern geometry... got me a 2018 Mondraker Dune... nice bike both up and down the hill...
It's how much you are willing to invest,,, like in any other hobby...burning desire to try it... If the fancy 6K machine will boost your motivation... I can understand.
Im still riding my 1998 Specialized M2 Stumpjumper Comp I bought brand new. I paid $1100 for it...and it still rides like a champ. Id never pay the prices they want for a bike now.
I have an Ozark trail ridge and I put about $800 into it to upgrade pretty much everything. I took it on some pretty serious Tucson AZ trails this past weekend and it did everything I asked of it.
I just picked one up with the same intention to get into riding for physical therapy on knee and then later expanding as far as I can until I know I want something higher value range.
@@KevinBaumann88 even in its stock form it’s a great bike. I think you will love it.
That is why I do not buy a new highend fork but just a USED Yari or select and let it custom tune. Still far cheaper but better than highend stuff of the shelf. Example for shocks: Bomber Cr/VanRC used for under 200 euro+custom tune for 160 for bike,ridingstyle and bike from M-Suspensiontech (pistons and shims).
Works better than 1000 buck shicks of the shelf. Just lacls the climb switch. Or get the used float x,then you have the switch. Same price relations for the forks.
My friend has been looking at YETI bikes and waiting for a sale for months. Meanwhile he's missing all the thursday night rides, weekend rides and having fun. I'm doing all the rides on my Trek Roscoe 8 i got used for $1300
My first bike was a hardtail Giant Talon 2 (2021) and I love it, it cost about $650 with taxes and it was able to handle so much. I took it to Spider Mountain in Austin with no issues. I’m sure if I were do to upgrades (Tires, Front fork, brakes) it could handle much more but I’m still entry level. I do eventually want a full suspension for downhill and jumps but they say a hardtail can handle as much as you can
Some things to thing about are you don’t have to buy new and resale value. I bout a Santa Cruz Bronson in 2018 that was one year old for $2700. This bike originally was $5,000. The previous owner also put 1400 wheels on it. I rode that bike until 2023 and sold it for $2000. In that time I did upgrade the drive train from a 1x11 to 1x12 and also upgraded the rear shock and pedals. I have trails out here in Utah literally in my backyard that are downhill trails with jumps that a full suspension bike definatley helps.
When i was a young lad the only bikes around were steel and ridged. Bit the bullet and bought a lavish roscoe 8 and haven't looked back. It eats absolutely everything i can throw at it.
Tried full suspension but just didn't dig it. Too much pedal bob, Too much kinetic energy waste. Hardtails will always be king IMO.
That is why I bought my trek rosco 7 saltin color, I feel so happy with that bike. Thanks to you my boy I did my right choose watching your videos. I’m just a beginner mountain bike
I just literally bought a Hiabike E-mountain bike 2023 ALLMTN 4 was £4,899 ($6,168) reduced to £2,979 ($3,760) There's some great deals for all makes of mountain, gravel, road and E-mountain bikes here in the UK. My first mountain bike was a Marin Bear Valley back in 1990/91 you could strike a match on the frame it had a strange coating and the cost... £419 ($528).
I have some pretty good money in a few bikes. But I have tons of fun on early 2000s classic Cannondales and Schwinn. Eff the haters. 😂
Those don’t shift as well as modern bikes, and have like one inch or suspension travel, lol
I’ve been riding a Polygon D7 for a couple of years now and for me 75 yrs old it has been a great buy. No real jumps on our trail so plenty of suspension for me. Ride it almost every day throughout the season…
Nukeproof Scout with Marzocchi Bomber Z1.
I ride it hard and usually crash at least once per ride …….. and only worry about me getting hurt.
Great video!!!!
The Scout is bombproof. It may be my favorite bike that I own. I’ve got a Marzocchi on it at well. I take it to the DH trails and Bike parks and can outrun most of the people there on their expensive FS bikes. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the ease of plowing through the wrong line on my FS bikes, but the Scout is a blast.
i love seeing the respect for polygon bikes. I got a siskyu D-seven and it has been more than capabale for so much of the riding that i do.
I spent 130 dollars on a new hardtail I had to assemble myself but it came with a warped brake rotor, bend derailleur hanger, broken derailleur and the worst grips I've ever seen. But $35 in parts to fix it up and $10 dollars on new grips and I got myself a pretty good hardtail. It probably wouldn't hold up on big jumps and fast rides through rock gardens but for $170, I've got no complaints.
Agreed that one does not need the most expensive bike.
What I am trying to figure out is this.
Both my buddies bought budget hard tail MTB brand new. Specialized rockhopper and a polygon hard tail. Not sure on model.
I had my used salsa horsethief mid range MTB. Al about same skill level. Riding loca Chicago trails so nothing more than some basic XC trails with mild features etc.
My bike has had no issues at all over last few years riding.
They both collectively keep breaking things, bending derailure, snapping chains etc.
This leads me to believe the components are just poorly made? Or could be their riding habits? Not quite sure on the final ruling
I rode full suspension in the past and now that I'm older, I love a good hardtail. My Roscoe 9 and I are inseparable.
I did the same thing: I bought a Santa Cruz Tallboy and it was awesome but I found it boring on lighter trails, and downright scary how fast you could do steep technical stuff. It made me go way too fast for my skill level. I sold it, and now will probably get a carbon hardtail for light duty all day riding to complement my All-Road/Gravel bike.
Keep in mind second hand is also an option, you can save lots of money. even a ex demo bike, rental bike from bike park or shop.
Due to my back problems a hardtail guarantees a thrown out back, but full suspension greatly minimises the risk for this. But I still need to work more on my back. I can't blast trough rough terrain on a xc bike as I did when I was a kid.
I agree with your thinking. I started mountain biking with a Trek 3700 doing simple cross country stuff. Then as my skills and enthusiasm grew I tried more expensive bikes such as the Giant Anthem X and a Scott Spark full suspension. In the uk the price for the Giant was £2000 and for the Scott £4000 however the Scott was not £2000 better than the Giant Anthem. So for me the Giant Anthem suits the riding i do at a price which I can justify.. I'm so glad I started with the Trek because it helped me develop my skills and did'nt cost me a lot of money if it turned out that I did'nt like mountain biking after all.
I am just getting into the sport in Australia, I have a 2015 specialised crave (hardtail, cross-country, 80mm front travel) now doing some pretty crazy down hill.
I almost got put off the sport when a friend and I had a bad experience at an arrogant bike store the other day, it's sad how arrogant the mountain bike industry is becoming.
I have however now discovered our local family owned trek store and plan on getting a Roscoe 7 as soon as I can.
I love your content, enjoy the trails 🤙
I went to my local bike shop shopping for an eMTB. I was interested in two bikes both around $6000. I asked if they had some loaner bike I could take to my local trail. You know what they said. But I told them no way am I dropping 6 Gs on something I can't try out on more than a parking lot! Went out and spent $6,400 on a motorcycle instead, after a full road test.
Back before all the new tec there was no suspension and before that only 10 speeds and yes I've been there.
I'm 57 and riding with my wife and grand children.
I have probably been my last bike , I have a Huffy rock creek.
I hope bikes online sees this and gives you a sponsorship
I like your approach. I feel sorry for those who came into the sport on a full suspension bike and have known nothing else. I feel that they would be at a distinct disadvantage if they were to find themselves on a hard tail riding technical trails.
I was fortunate in that my introduction to mtb’ing was on a fully ridged bike in ‘94. I honed my skills on that bike and now modern bikes are just the icing on the cake.
Sort of like when I learned to drive. My father taught me on a stick shift. His rationale was that “if you can drive this, you can drive anything on the road”.
I have a Status. Love it, but it was also a purchase rooted in hours of research and test riding. You're right, buy the bike you love and that you connect with.
Where is the bike trail? I'd like to ride there.
I was a roadie and wanted an MTB to expand my horizons. Back when Performance Bike still had storefronts all over, I found a GT Helion Comp full suspension xc aluminum bike in my size for like 1200 bucks. I bought in 2015 and still ride it today albeit casually. My only complaint about full suspension at an affordable cost is the weight. My GT Helion is a tank. I may replace it soon after 9 years of ownership, but it's hard to justify current bike prices. The GT is capable other than being heavy.
Nice video with an important message. I do agree 100% with you. I am in my 40s and have mountain biking since early teens. Done a lot of lift based park riding on hardtail xc and dj bikes, last years on a slacker Marin San Quentin hardtail. I do se the benefits of better bikes, full suspension, slacker head tube angle, e.c.t. But you can have hell off a good time with less expensive equipment. I think your polygon are equipped with a Rocxshox Recon silver solo air, or something; it’s not a Fox, but it’s a great inexpensive fork which preforming great, and it’s like 4 times cheaper than a Fox, and almost as good as one. I know because I also have some of that expensive stuff, it’s better, but not that much. You can get far with a cheap Dirtjumper or even an xc bike. And if you can afford it; better brakes, gears, more suspension and modern geometry doesn’t need to cost a fortune to work good, like your Polygon.
Ive been riding for 40 years on a hardtail and never wanted to up grade to a full suspensión
Same 👍
I’ve been riding for 25 years and just bought a Trek Fuel EX 5 for 3 grand. It does everything from bike parks to all mountain. My last bike lasted 11 years with maybe a couple grand in parts and repairs. I recommend the Trek Fuel EX 5.
Another cool thing about the polygon T series, is you put it together yourself and adjust the cockpit and suspension yourself. It's fun and educational
6:04 Nice drivetrain, shifts smoothly, cheap and works, but the cassette is heavy compared to a high end one. but does the job. But keep in mind this cassette uses plastic spacers which are easy to break if you fiddle with them, step on them. I use a different version of this RD, it's M6100 SGS, this one is M5100 SGS, but apart from the logo it's the same RD. Maxxis tyres are nothing to brag about, I've had so many faulty ones, it was hopeless, first ones I got were fine, but all after that were faulty. And see so much of people showing the issues with warped tyres. Quality control was horrible, as every tyre I bought was faulty. I bought like 20 tyres maybe. I gave up, returning was not an option as they were out of stock, I needed tyres, I emptied stock, got faulty tyres I had to use, some I looked at and never used as they had thread that pointed to the right. fork is not that good, but a second hand upgrade will not cost you much.
6:02 would have be nice if it had tru axle.
I love your channel and videos Matty. Please keep em coming.
I ride a Specialized Turbo Levo which I bought during the Specialized big sale 9 months ago. Having this eBike is a wonderful in that this 73 y/o can keep up with our sons and grandsons. You’re fortunate to have great places to ride. We’re fortunate to have great riding weather here in SoCal. Cheers friend.
Hey Matty, Polygon just came out with their Siskiu T9. Are you able to get your hands on one for a review maybe? I would appreciate your take on the bike. Thanks
I'm trying to get into mountain biking, and I hear the Walmart Ozark trail bikes are good for department store bikes. Would u recommend one for 300$
The best bikes I've seen at Walmart are a select few Mongooses. I got a full sus and a hard tail Mongoose for in town run around bikes and they've been great. You just have to pay attention to weight and quality of construction. Their frames were much nicer than most there. Most others are no bueno. There was one thing about them that was different than all the others, they were both in a matte finish. Also, look on RUclips for guys doing reviews of big box bikes. *Not that the finish matters, it just happened that the best 2 were in matte finishes.
Did you ever get a bike? I know Seth bike hacks built up an ozark and seemed to really like it. Hope you found something! I’d be looking at used bikes
I got a marlin 6 i bought 4 yrs ago. Still goin strong. Just keep it clean and everything lubricated and it'll last forever.
Nice video Matty! I do some wrenching on my bikes but don't have much experience with rear suspension maintenance. So, I gravitate toward buying from a local shop instead of online. That being said, the Polygon lineup seems like a good deal.
I wish I could wrench on my bikes! That’s the way to go for sure because then you could save tons of money
for any beginners i always recommend looking something with a 1x drivetrain. Why? It takes the thought process out of shifting and typically any 1x drivetrain comes with a clutch derailleur. The other thing i really push for is finding something with hydraulic brakes and leaving budget for a dropper. With these things any beginner can really grow into the bike. And these features can be found for around $500 if you look for a great deal. Example the Canyon grand canyon was on sale this past holidays for that price. It came with a 1x12 shimano drivetrain. Purchasing and upgrading the drivetrain later is a waste of money imo.
Best time I’ve ever seen to buy. Got my new Norco sight c3 for almost half off brand new and included the build. I’m feeling pretty good right now. But never buy anything to impress anyone. To thine own self be true.
When I got into the sport I started out with a budget ht(scwhinn axum). After a couple months of progressing on it I started making it more capable over the next several months. It took about 1200$ to make it capable of how I was riding. But I was able to pick and choose over time what it needed (18months). Now it’s a trail shredder. The only stock parts on it besides the frame is rear spokes and rim hoop, seat post, and clamp. No regrets, it fits me perfectly and is completely customized to my preferences and I was able to learn a lot about working on bikes, geometry, and developing a machine that has characteristics that I was after. I did what to get a full sus to handle larger hits, and after months of research and saving money, and now knowing what I wanted from a bike,( fitment and ride characteristics), I was able to buy a Marin Riftzone XR for $2400 new. I love both of my shred machines equally, but definitely spent the time had to learning what I really wanted. Out of the box the XR came exactly how I needed it to, but depending on what I want to do on the trail, I grab the bike that suits that goal.
Always have fun and keep riding! Thanks for the vid
I bought a Gary Fisher X-Caliber 29er hard tail ,for 1500.00 ,15 years ago , and it still shreds trails like a champ to this day .
I always like to see budget hardtailers whip it up on big squishy uber expensive enduro bikers, so much is actually about skills and not the pricey components and high tech bikes. I have seen this phenomena on some of the most demanding techy and DH trails, so many people think that the can buy skill through expensive upgrades and not actually develop the requisite skills, MTBing more about skill than tech.
Bro I take my orange crush to dyfi bike park in wakes UK super fast super gnarley and that hardyail takes a hammering hardtail for the win. Get it slacker then 65° with some 2.6 wide tyres and your good
I bought a really nice full suspension mountain bike in 2015.. skipped the carbon and got aluminum with the top parts.. fast forward to today the only thing I upgraded was to an eagle drivetrain.. short of regular repairs.. I’m going to ride it until it’s completely destroyed.
You can ride everything with a hardtail, full sus will give you more confidence and is more forgiving.
You can send everything with a hardtail, big drops and huge jumps will be a lot harsher.
You want a more forgiving ride, you have the money, full sus is worth it.
You're bored with your local trails, want a bit more challenge, switch to a HT.