Props for wearing a face shield instead of just safety glasses. When those disks fail, they can mess you up. It helps to make sure any of your squishy bits aren't in the same plane as the disks when grinding/cutting. Loving this new mental series.
That frame looks so much better now, they should manufacture that model like that. Also makes sense with the length of dropper post available nowadays, just like you have been preaching for a while now.
Great Build! The only thing I love more than a + hardtail is a fixie. If you ever get tired of running trails on this you could put gravel tires and a rack on it and use it to run around town. A really cool grocerie getter.
Homie, you is insane! Two rides on my Al middle child with a 120 fork and it is absolutely perfect. But I do list for the Ti version, then here you go and chop it! My inseam is 38” so even a 210mm dropper isn’t enough lol. You’re quickly becoming perhaps my favorite YT channel over just a week or so. I particularly love the little nuggets of knowledge you drop throughout each video. Keep at it!
I'm so glad to see you cut the frame gusset off. I hope bike manufacturers take note and do some of the same. I keep looking for frames to fit my desires, but there are so many that have huge gussets. I have not YET committed to cutting one up. I think with dropper posts improving and getting longer, we may see a shift away from the gussets being so significant. Rock on man. Absolutely love the hardtail appreciation.
Let's hope we see frame companies moving away from the dreaded seat tube gusset. Its all personal preference, but i like a clean double diamond triangle.
@@hardtailparty Part of my issue with the seat gussets is that I have a long torso, but short legs. I always struggle to find a frame that has a long enough reach/stack, yet has a short seat tube to allow the seat to move down far enough I can move around and bunny hop completely. I have an RSD Sergeant I will be selling soon for this exact issue, with a dropper fully slammed, the seat is still in the way when compressing for hops and technical maneuvers.
I did that exact same frame mod to my Orbea Loki so I could use it as a XL DJ bike. Has been working a treat for over 3 years now. Only difference is I have the seat slamed, not set at flag pole hight and it only gets sat on before dropping in to the jumps or resting between pump track laps. A small sticker will cover the hole no worries to keep water and mud out 👍
The seat post was already at the ideal height. Lowering it would ruin my max height. I now need to find a 170mm post to see if it'll fit. Even if it doesn't, I'm glad with the modification. I love the look, I can now fit bikepacking bags up against the seatpost, and it's unique. Mission accomplished. If I can fit a 170mm dropper in there, even better.
100% alex is the man. How many companies have a chat with the ceo right on the home page? Pretty awesome. I've worked with Alex and lot and he has an incredible amount of integrity. Such a breath of fresh air in this industry.
Oh man! Steve you are going to have a blast on that thing! In my opinion, the 180 rotor is perfect for rigid bikes. I find that I don’t want too much grab when I’m flying down a steep bumpy down hill. Especially when I’m just letting the bike do it’s thing under me. Also, pretty funny to see you stuffing that thing in the port-a-band!
If you put the sander down on its face, change the paper before use, the paper is now contaminated and will most likely make deeper scratches because it doesn't math the papers grit. Just a little psa
I remember subscribing when you had about 10,000 subscribers. Awesome to see your channel continue to grow. I love the creativity, the challenge the norms and the riding on the edge (no pun intended) of your videos and ideas as they relate to riding and building bikes. Awesome job! Keep it going!
I've been riding my new to me ragley blue pig, and I will verify steel is real, no more full squish for me , less is more!, so much fun on a steel hardtail feel like a kid a gain after I ride
Ragley does something special with whatever material they use , would love to try others, I still have aluminum hardtails a Kona blast with triple 8s on it, and a Norco sasquatch, with 170mm Manitou fork, and they are great riding bikes, but the ragley magic keeps me up at night
Wow you rocked this one! When I saw you remove the top tube extension, I thought this is going to be interesting... Excellent craftsmanship and you took this build to the next level. Bravo Steve!!
This is my favorite video of yours yet! I love that you modified that frame. Thanks for sharing it. What a beautiful build (ti frame, enve and oneup carbon parts, plus tires, longer dropper, singlespeed). I can't wait to see your ride review. Please record several rides actually.
I like it . Job well done . I like the Idea of a rigid fork . I put 140 psi in my fork so it doesnt do the dive as much and still absorbs the bumps . Yes you have to ride it a bit different but for me it made my steeper hardtail safer to ride downhill steps . I took my flat bar and put more sweep in it just because I wondered how it would feel which many would say your nuts but nothing wrong with being the crazy scientist as long as it doesnt kill you . I do like the addition backsweep on the bars and I did not have to buy one to try it out . You simplified the bike which improves the look . I think you can take the bike just about anywhere with those tires at lower pressures and may surprise you
Drill a second hole at bottle cage distance and couple of rivnuts. Sure it could be used to mount something for bike packing? It will look like it’s meant to be there?
Glad your doing this. Most people will shun you because a magazine didn’t tell them what to do but expect all the r@d out their bike they bought and get offended when there bike isn’t the pick of someone like yourself as if they engineered them self. Hole for gas shielding titanium tig weld cromo should be don’t that way also. Glad you did this my Marin b17-2 and riftzone 3 I’ve cracked that gusset you cut off at the top tube I’m under 2 warranty frames. I’m thinking of cutting the weld at the top tube and sliding a .92 wall peace of 6061. And stitch weld on the long sides and only tacking the corners and re welding the gusset fully on the added plate. I bought the bike in March of 2018 with a 5 year warranty. I have a couple more years left. If it brakes again I’ll do that mod after the third replacement. I can tell when it’s getting ready to crack. The clear coat starts to blister in spots only on the straight short gusset that’s not curved🙄 welded to a straight top tube🙄😂 with almost 2’ of leverage against it. All good I’m 230-235 without gear I’m humble about it. I wheelie all the time with my son. I also installed a longer dropper for better insertion. Your a wonderful mentor. Thank you
You don't have to keep doing crazy stuff to keep us entertained while we wait for the El Roy review video!!! That being said it takes some serious stones to do this. Looks great!
@@hardtailparty gottcha. Here's hoping I'm in the same situation BTW. Short legged for my hight and stuck in a sizing gray area. The dropper is always an issue. Moded my YT to make it perfect
Looks like you’re going to be limited in dropper length by the kink in the seattube, and possibly where the actuator for the post meets the cable? - Hope it works out for you, but I’m a little worried it might not.
100% agree on rigid forks on trials that don't need it. Why I have a gravel bike with xc tires on & rigid fork on my KM. I was going to save up for a new bike with more modern geo and lower weight, but that fork has me going hmm.
Looking slick! Cheers. I love that your interest is tilting toward SS and now rigid, I’m just about to finish my first rigid SS build myself so i’m eating it all up! Keep the awesome content coming man.
Went away for my anniversary with the wife and came back to see Steve cutting titanium. So choice on both counts had a narly weekend and I love to watch hardtail party pioneer an idea regardless of the outcome.
That’s beautiful. I’m sold, I’m putting my carver rigid and 29+ wheelset on mine. I’ll try it out on the Desert Classic trail when I’m in AZ next month
All right, now that's my kind of single-speed mtb: rigid, single, tall dropper. And I'm sure you'll do wheel lifts when you should, unlike Blake who just plowed into roots and complained it was bumpy.
@@hardtailparty It shows! you're a great teacher when it comes to explaining bike specs. You are really good at breaking down technicals into easy to understand bits of info. I've been turned into a dedicated watcher 😎
I'll bet that's a blast. Stay tuned for a review of the new carbon rocker coming soon on the channel. Oh man, a 2.0 ratio would be awful here in Sedona. I don't know anyone who runs higher than a 32:18, and those guys are machines. Most people are on 32:20 here. Just goes to show how the ideal ratio is different for different parts of the country.
Welding titanium is pretty hard. The weld has to be shrouded in inert gas from both sides for a longer time than Aluminium or steel, hence the holes for backing gas. Guess it's one more reason why Ti frames are expensive. Edit: I watched more of the video and you explained the same thing.
What happened to mudguard at the end of vid!? Looks kewl... but, seems counter intuitive i.e. need 170mm dropper due to riding ESD - which you loved on rowdy terrain (dropper & bike)... and then you go and rigid out the front!? Re, cutting seat tube down... I did same thing on a 2012 Transition Bandit 29... Removing 15mm was just what it needed.
Definitely cringe-worthy, but I'm glad I watched to the end; good-looking finished result. Depending on the size of that hole in the top tube, it can be filled with a rubber grommet meant for a water bottle braze-on. Or, you can go the opposite direction and add another hole for rivnuts and add bolt-on top tube bike packing bags?
Really wanting a hardtail. Would love an XT build, think it would be fun to go titanium. Wanting 120-150 travel. Use, fun trail riding and longer endurance rides/races. Don’t want an XC style bike, but a hardtail around 25lbs that climbs really well and fun for longer rides. Would like to be under $5k what do you recommend? I have a beefier full suspension and an e-bike.
Looks like you got a lot of seat post sticking out of there. Is that the lowest you could get it or is that where you need it to fit you? How much does that bike weigh set up like that? Looks like a sweet single speed setup.
Those are some sweet Purgatory 3.0"s, Steve 😁 That bike should be even more awesome now. Curious - what's the weight as you have it set up there - rigid + singlespeed?
@@hardtailparty Wow! That's light! You putting together that I'm the one that sent you those tires, right? It's kinda weird seeing my old tires on the interwebs!
@@andrewdwight934 no, i had forgotten who sent them to me. Thanks so much Andrew, they're my favorite tires for this setup. I've bought a few more since then.
You are a bold one but it came out really nice I would not have had the nerve to cut into the titanium bike it looks really good with that gusset cutout but I wonder if that will affect the overall strength
You mentioned in one of your earlier videos about an eccentric bottom bracket you used that was pretty good and could take a 30mm crank axle. Can you share the make/brand of that EBB?
Dude, you truly are mental. But well executed from what I can tell. You might want to think about not only putting a sticker in that hole bit actually plugging it. You've now creted a spot in the frame where slight movement might happen and that was never inteded. An open hole like this could actually start to rip (worst case scenario though). A thread insert and screw would be a cheap, fast, and easy solution. You might even find something to put it to good use. Party on!
Great video Steve! Looks like you have a lot of seatpost showing. When are you going to put a longer dropper on there and how long can you fit? 175? 200?
This dropper is already at the perfect height. Dropping it would make my saddle height too low. Now I need to find a 170mm dropper and see if I can fit it.
Looks killer, never liked hardtails with that style gusset. Old school lines look much cleaner. Fork looks nice as it should for the price of a good suspension fork, but that fender looks useless especially with those big tires
Love watching frame hacks. I will agree its a beautiful bike. I am impressed with the portable hacksaw table. I built a table for mine a few years back. I am a journey man weld and don't know anything about titanium but is it possible to silver solder the hole in the top tube?
Hi! I'd like to ask, I have a Marin Bobcat Trail 5 model year 2018. How do I know im pushing it into territories its not meant for or like past its limitations? I'm also learning how to jump, rather small and wouldn't want to go any bigger for fear of damaging and breaking the frame. How do I know if my frame has suffered some damage? Would it be repairable? assuming cost wasn't an issue, what material frame would you go for that ( I know nothing is indestructible ) would strongly resist cracking/ extreme bending/ catastrophic failure? Sorry for the long question, I ride trails where other riders are on enduro full suspension bikes and some actual hardtails ( I've seen some Chromag's and Marins San Quentins ), I just fear the worst for my bike I bought with my hard earned cash
Ride it hard. It takes a lot to break a frame. Keep an eye on it and inspect the welds and tubes periodically if you suspect failure. Usually the frame is the last part to break if you're ruining lots of wheelsets, i might worry, otherwise I'll bet you're fine.
I remember a couple years ago I cut the brake mounts on my 96’ specialized rockhopper and turned it into a fixie gravel bike with drop bars and bmx cranks. Does the 170mm dropper go down far enough on your frame with that curve?
I don't know, I had to send the kona back before I could experiment with a 170mm dropper on the bike. I think some 170mm droppers might fit, and some won't. It's going to be close.
@@hardtailparty can’t wait for the Marin el Roy review video I work next door to Marin cycles headquarters. I had the Marin pine but wanted something more slack and longer after watching your videos I like xc bikes but they have a limit and I want to get better at riding steeper and more technical downhill and faster flow so I’m excited for the el Roy bike I think it’s a good price for an enduro hardtail that can be upgraded with time
How much lower were you able to get the dropper? That curved seat tube looks like it's restricting insertion depth. That is one sweet looking bike, standing by for the ride report!
This dropper was already at the perfect height before mods, so dropping it would actually make my saddle height too low. I'd like to see if I can fit a 170mm dropper one day.
@@hardtailparty Gotcha. I put a 170mm "brand X" dropper from Chain Reaction Cycles on my Nimble 9. Looks like I could have fit a 200, but I've avoided measuring to be sure. I'm 5'9" with about a 32 inseam. BTW, you might want to try one of these Brand X dropppers, working great so far.
@@hardtailparty yeah because from the look of it there will be a lot of vertical forces with the current angle considering it is carbon one. With steel no problem. Lol.
Hole in the top tube solution: Hardtail Party Sticker.
Doesn't want to void the fork warranty, but proceeds to hack up a titanium frame....lol
looks way sicker tho eh? that frame?
Ridiculous projects drives social media clicks. Like Tavarish does with car projects.
I love that you didn't even take wheels or anything off before taking the grinder to it. Send it!
Hilarious. I thought the same.
Think you've taken "5% off" a bit too literally!?
Props for wearing a face shield instead of just safety glasses. When those disks fail, they can mess you up. It helps to make sure any of your squishy bits aren't in the same plane as the disks when grinding/cutting.
Loving this new mental series.
Face shield and flip flop combo is solid
Sooo...does the 5% saving also mean we get 5% less frame as in the case with your one here?? :D
That frame looks so much better now, they should manufacture that model like that. Also makes sense with the length of dropper post available nowadays, just like you have been preaching for a while now.
100%
Ti Frame = $2,270........."Goodbye resale value!" = Priceless
Loved it!
Oh man, this was terrifying to watch.
This was so awesome, I watched it twice. Favorite video so far.... just wish you had ridden it before the video ended.
Ride video coming soon.
If it rides as good as it looks, you're a genius.
Great Build! The only thing I love more than a + hardtail is a fixie. If you ever get tired of running trails on this you could put gravel tires and a rack on it and use it to run around town. A really cool grocerie getter.
Homie, you is insane! Two rides on my Al middle child with a 120 fork and it is absolutely perfect. But I do list for the Ti version, then here you go and chop it!
My inseam is 38” so even a 210mm dropper isn’t enough lol.
You’re quickly becoming perhaps my favorite YT channel over just a week or so. I particularly love the little nuggets of knowledge you drop throughout each video. Keep at it!
Thanks for the kind words brandon
I'm so glad to see you cut the frame gusset off. I hope bike manufacturers take note and do some of the same. I keep looking for frames to fit my desires, but there are so many that have huge gussets. I have not YET committed to cutting one up. I think with dropper posts improving and getting longer, we may see a shift away from the gussets being so significant. Rock on man. Absolutely love the hardtail appreciation.
Let's hope we see frame companies moving away from the dreaded seat tube gusset. Its all personal preference, but i like a clean double diamond triangle.
@@hardtailparty Part of my issue with the seat gussets is that I have a long torso, but short legs. I always struggle to find a frame that has a long enough reach/stack, yet has a short seat tube to allow the seat to move down far enough I can move around and bunny hop completely. I have an RSD Sergeant I will be selling soon for this exact issue, with a dropper fully slammed, the seat is still in the way when compressing for hops and technical maneuvers.
@@Thenickandonly the new sergeant v5 looks interesting. Hopefully we can run a longer dropper on it
It is beautiful. Does seem a little mental taking such a great hard tail and installing a rigid. Looking forward to seeing how it rides.
The helm isn't going anywhere, I can still swap it back on.
I did that exact same frame mod to my Orbea Loki so I could use it as a XL DJ bike. Has been working a treat for over 3 years now. Only difference is I have the seat slamed, not set at flag pole hight and it only gets sat on before dropping in to the jumps or resting between pump track laps.
A small sticker will cover the hole no worries to keep water and mud out 👍
wondering how much lower you inserted the seat post cause it looks like you didn't even need to cut it. curious that's all..
The seat post was already at the ideal height. Lowering it would ruin my max height. I now need to find a 170mm post to see if it'll fit. Even if it doesn't, I'm glad with the modification. I love the look, I can now fit bikepacking bags up against the seatpost, and it's unique. Mission accomplished. If I can fit a 170mm dropper in there, even better.
@@hardtailparty oh ok! I thought that was the new post :)
Curve in the seat tube might be a problem for 170mm post insertion ???
I ordered a v3 sergeant xl frame and I love it. I'm a bigger guy and they were super helpful with my questions. Best costomer service ever.
100% alex is the man. How many companies have a chat with the ceo right on the home page? Pretty awesome. I've worked with Alex and lot and he has an incredible amount of integrity. Such a breath of fresh air in this industry.
Oh man! Steve you are going to have a blast on that thing! In my opinion, the 180 rotor is perfect for rigid bikes. I find that I don’t want too much grab when I’m flying down a steep bumpy down hill. Especially when I’m just letting the bike do it’s thing under me. Also, pretty funny to see you stuffing that thing in the port-a-band!
If you put the sander down on its face, change the paper before use, the paper is now contaminated and will most likely make deeper scratches because it doesn't math the papers grit. Just a little psa
Drooling over this build...and you know I'm a sucker for anything that can go 29x3".
I remember subscribing when you had about 10,000 subscribers. Awesome to see your channel continue to grow. I love the creativity, the challenge the norms and the riding on the edge (no pun intended) of your videos and ideas as they relate to riding and building bikes. Awesome job! Keep it going!
I've been riding my new to me ragley blue pig, and I will verify steel is real, no more full squish for me , less is more!, so much fun on a steel hardtail feel like a kid a gain after I ride
the mmmbop feels really nice too, despite being aluminum.
Ragley does something special with whatever material they use , would love to try others, I still have aluminum hardtails a Kona blast with triple 8s on it, and a Norco sasquatch, with 170mm Manitou fork, and they are great riding bikes, but the ragley magic keeps me up at night
Wow you rocked this one! When I saw you remove the top tube extension, I thought this is going to be interesting... Excellent craftsmanship and you took this build to the next level. Bravo Steve!!
Thanks Alex. It's not perfect, but I'm really glad I did it.
This is my favorite video of yours yet! I love that you modified that frame. Thanks for sharing it. What a beautiful build (ti frame, enve and oneup carbon parts, plus tires, longer dropper, singlespeed). I can't wait to see your ride review. Please record several rides actually.
I like it . Job well done . I like the Idea of a rigid fork . I put 140 psi in my fork so it doesnt do the dive as much and still absorbs the bumps . Yes you have to ride it a bit different but for me it made my steeper hardtail safer to ride downhill steps . I took my flat bar and put more sweep in it just because I wondered how it would feel which many would say your nuts but nothing wrong with being the crazy scientist as long as it doesnt kill you . I do like the addition backsweep on the bars and I did not have to buy one to try it out . You simplified the bike which improves the look . I think you can take the bike just about anywhere with those tires at lower pressures and may surprise you
Drill a second hole at bottle cage distance and couple of rivnuts. Sure it could be used to mount something for bike packing? It will look like it’s meant to be there?
Glad your doing this. Most people will shun you because a magazine didn’t tell them what to do but expect all the r@d out their bike they bought and get offended when there bike isn’t the pick of someone like yourself as if they engineered them self. Hole for gas shielding titanium tig weld cromo should be don’t that way also. Glad you did this my Marin b17-2 and riftzone 3 I’ve cracked that gusset you cut off at the top tube I’m under 2 warranty frames. I’m thinking of cutting the weld at the top tube and sliding a .92 wall peace of 6061. And stitch weld on the long sides and only tacking the corners and re welding the gusset fully on the added plate. I bought the bike in March of 2018 with a 5 year warranty. I have a couple more years left. If it brakes again I’ll do that mod after the third replacement. I can tell when it’s getting ready to crack. The clear coat starts to blister in spots only on the straight short gusset that’s not curved🙄 welded to a straight top tube🙄😂 with almost 2’ of leverage against it. All good I’m 230-235 without gear I’m humble about it. I wheelie all the time with my son. I also installed a longer dropper for better insertion. Your a wonderful mentor. Thank you
You are a brave man, but it came out great, looks amazing.
You don't have to keep doing crazy stuff to keep us entertained while we wait for the El Roy review video!!!
That being said it takes some serious stones to do this. Looks great!
Is that dropper post actually sitting any lower? Did the curve of the tube stop it?
The dropper was at the right height before i cut it. I now need to find a 170mm dropper to see if it'll fit.
@@hardtailparty gottcha. Here's hoping
I'm in the same situation BTW. Short legged for my hight and stuck in a sizing gray area. The dropper is always an issue.
Moded my YT to make it perfect
@@YoungDoug13 the new honzo nailed it with the short seat tube.
@@hardtailparty i saw that review. Looks killer!
@@hardtailparty that’s the one thing I don’t like about my Honzo ST (2018). That stupid gusset. I still need a 190-200mm dropper though. 😂
Looks like you’re going to be limited in dropper length by the kink in the seattube, and possibly where the actuator for the post meets the cable? - Hope it works out for you, but I’m a little worried it might not.
I’ve been thinking of concerting my Honzo ST to SS. Then eventually a rigid fork.
This won't stay rigid all the time, but it's sure fun to have the option.
@@hardtailparty absolutely
Im getting ready to do this to a aluminum frame.. may use hack saw and file .. those cutting wheels seem sketchy .
Good call
@@hardtailparty done deal..was 21.5 , now 15.5 center to top of seat tube ,24.75 actual top tube .took forever .glad i seen this video.
100% agree on rigid forks on trials that don't need it. Why I have a gravel bike with xc tires on & rigid fork on my KM. I was going to save up for a new bike with more modern geo and lower weight, but that fork has me going hmm.
Looking slick! Cheers. I love that your interest is tilting toward SS and now rigid, I’m just about to finish my first rigid SS build myself so i’m eating it all up! Keep the awesome content coming man.
I still have geared bikes too, but ss is a blast.
I think the holes are for purging to tig weld
@1:10 -"And I'm bored" HAHAHAHAAAAAA!!
Went away for my anniversary with the wife and came back to see Steve cutting titanium. So choice on both counts had a narly weekend and I love to watch hardtail party pioneer an idea regardless of the outcome.
That’s beautiful. I’m sold, I’m putting my carver rigid and 29+ wheelset on mine. I’ll try it out on the Desert Classic trail when I’m in AZ next month
It'll be great for desert clsssic
Gonna love those safety flip flops while cutting titanium with an angle grinder.
I agree with your view on the seat tube gusset. I think those big ones look horrible as well.
All right, now that's my kind of single-speed mtb: rigid, single, tall dropper. And I'm sure you'll do wheel lifts when you should, unlike Blake who just plowed into roots and complained it was bumpy.
This channel is awesome, man. I've learned wayyyy more about bikes here in a few months compared to like 3 years of gmbn lol. keep it up!!
Thanks! I always try to include an educational piece in each video.
@@hardtailparty It shows! you're a great teacher when it comes to explaining bike specs. You are really good at breaking down technicals into easy to understand bits of info. I've been turned into a dedicated watcher 😎
Yes no doubt about it. Envy gear is top notch
I was thinking about doing this to my Marin bolinas ridge. It’s a nice bike and would be a lot easier to throw it around with the seat slammed lower
I love that you're going fully ridgid...I've been hooked on my ss29er w/ carbon fork on my 2012 rocker. On my trails I'm on a 2.00 ratio
I'll bet that's a blast. Stay tuned for a review of the new carbon rocker coming soon on the channel.
Oh man, a 2.0 ratio would be awful here in Sedona. I don't know anyone who runs higher than a 32:18, and those guys are machines. Most people are on 32:20 here. Just goes to show how the ideal ratio is different for different parts of the country.
I'm more in a urban environment...and fire roads.
Can't wait to see the brand's new rocker.
Is there a video of you riding this bike after your modifications?
Welding titanium is pretty hard. The weld has to be shrouded in inert gas from both sides for a longer time than Aluminium or steel, hence the holes for backing gas. Guess it's one more reason why Ti frames are expensive. Edit: I watched more of the video and you explained the same thing.
Can you tell us the brand name of the deburring tool you used on this one please 🙏
You crazy man!!!!
Frame does look better. Gorgeous build!!
What is the product name of that cone tool that you used to clear the tube after using the pipe cutter?
Stunner. Can’t wait to see the ride video ...
What happened to mudguard at the end of vid!?
Looks kewl... but, seems counter intuitive i.e. need 170mm dropper due to riding ESD - which you loved on rowdy terrain (dropper & bike)... and then you go and rigid out the front!?
Re, cutting seat tube down... I did same thing on a 2012 Transition Bandit 29... Removing 15mm was just what it needed.
The rigid fork won't always be on this bike. It's going on for a few upcoming review videos.
Great video! How does the mmmbop compare to the BFeMAX or the Honzo?
Definitely cringe-worthy, but I'm glad I watched to the end; good-looking finished result. Depending on the size of that hole in the top tube, it can be filled with a rubber grommet meant for a water bottle braze-on. Or, you can go the opposite direction and add another hole for rivnuts and add bolt-on top tube bike packing bags?
New Merida big.trail has a decent low seat tube. So you basically size your bike by reach. Some manufacturers are actually waking up.
I saw that. I'm stoked to see more people catching on
Loving it. Customize and personalize. Thanks.
Metal work in flip flops. Pro dad stuff right there.
Really wanting a hardtail. Would love an XT build, think it would be fun to go titanium. Wanting 120-150 travel. Use, fun trail riding and longer endurance rides/races. Don’t want an XC style bike, but a hardtail around 25lbs that climbs really well and fun for longer rides. Would like to be under $5k what do you recommend? I have a beefier full suspension and an e-bike.
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Looks like you got a lot of seat post sticking out of there. Is that the lowest you could get it or is that where you need it to fit you? How much does that bike weigh set up like that? Looks like a sweet single speed setup.
See below
Killer build! I have a Whisky carbon fork that is too short for my Chameleon, or I'd be running similar at times.
Those are some sweet Purgatory 3.0"s, Steve 😁 That bike should be even more awesome now. Curious - what's the weight as you have it set up there - rigid + singlespeed?
23.7 lbs with pedals
@@hardtailparty Wow! That's light! You putting together that I'm the one that sent you those tires, right? It's kinda weird seeing my old tires on the interwebs!
@@andrewdwight934 no, i had forgotten who sent them to me. Thanks so much Andrew, they're my favorite tires for this setup. I've bought a few more since then.
Did you get enough insertion on the dropper before it bottomed out in the bent seat tube?
Yaaaaaaaaaaas get it!!! ✂️ Haha... The hole is possibly for back purging while welding... Edit: Nevermind you just said that 🤣
Running 203mm front rotor on the rigid Singular Gryphon and regret nothing :)
@ hardtail party hi mate, did I miss a video where you rode this one? I don't see it anywhere.
I haven't published it yet. I've ridden this bike a lot, just not with the rigid fork.
Beautiful Bike Brother, WOW! 🤝🏾🇺🇲💪🏾👍🏾
Perfect work !
You are a bold one but it came out really nice I would not have had the nerve to cut into the titanium bike it looks really good with that gusset cutout but I wonder if that will affect the overall strength
Maybe if I had a super tall seatpost, but I'm still nowhere near min insertion on the seatpost.
You mentioned in one of your earlier videos about an eccentric bottom bracket you used that was pretty good and could take a 30mm crank axle. Can you share the make/brand of that EBB?
Did you end up getting a 170 drop in there or did you run into the kink in the post and end up sticking with the 150?
I haven't tried a 170 yet, i don't have one to put in. A 160 fits though.
Dude, you truly are mental. But well executed from what I can tell.
You might want to think about not only putting a sticker in that hole bit actually plugging it. You've now creted a spot in the frame where slight movement might happen and that was never inteded. An open hole like this could actually start to rip (worst case scenario though).
A thread insert and screw would be a cheap, fast, and easy solution. You might even find something to put it to good use.
Party on!
I want to watch the dartmoor hornet hardtail here in this channel 😊
Me too, but I've had a hard time getting i touch with Dartmoor.
Dude, what is that little orange hex key torque wrench type tool you used there? I could really use something like that
It's a torque wrench. It came with my 9point8 stout stem and dropper.
Great video Steve! Looks like you have a lot of seatpost showing. When are you going to put a longer dropper on there and how long can you fit? 175? 200?
I don't have a longer dropper to try. I don't think a 200 is going to fit with the curve of the seat tube.
Apparently Esker just added another bike. Called the Japhy. Maybe your community can work its magic.
Yup, pretty sweet bike I'm already in touch with them. They're interested ins sending me one. Woot.
Could you actually get the dropper lower after the cut? Since the slight bend in the seattube might limit insertion length...
This dropper is already at the perfect height. Dropping it would make my saddle height too low. Now I need to find a 170mm dropper and see if I can fit it.
Such a thing of beauty! 🌟
Looks killer, never liked hardtails with that style gusset. Old school lines look much cleaner. Fork looks nice as it should for the price of a good suspension fork, but that fender looks useless especially with those big tires
I wanna do this go my aluminum frame
Love watching frame hacks. I will agree its a beautiful bike. I am impressed with the portable hacksaw table. I built a table for mine a few years back. I am a journey man weld and don't know anything about titanium but is it possible to silver solder the hole in the top tube?
Good question. I dunno.
Beautiful! Turned out great. Can't remember...is that a Med Middlechild? It looks so similar to my small Vassago Radimus SS.
yes, it's a med middle child.
Lol, I cut the ST gusset off my On-One.
@Imma clown I guess so...
Beautiful work man
I have a Carver rigid carbon fork I might copy you with my Ti Middlechild
Hi! I'd like to ask, I have a Marin Bobcat Trail 5 model year 2018. How do I know im pushing it into territories its not meant for or like past its limitations? I'm also learning how to jump, rather small and wouldn't want to go any bigger for fear of damaging and breaking the frame. How do I know if my frame has suffered some damage? Would it be repairable? assuming cost wasn't an issue, what material frame would you go for that ( I know nothing is indestructible ) would strongly resist cracking/ extreme bending/ catastrophic failure? Sorry for the long question, I ride trails where other riders are on enduro full suspension bikes and some actual hardtails ( I've seen some Chromag's and Marins San Quentins ), I just fear the worst for my bike I bought with my hard earned cash
Ride it hard. It takes a lot to break a frame. Keep an eye on it and inspect the welds and tubes periodically if you suspect failure. Usually the frame is the last part to break if you're ruining lots of wheelsets, i might worry, otherwise I'll bet you're fine.
@@hardtailparty Alrights! Thank you for the reply! Ill keep an eye out on welds and tubes 😬
Does cutting off the st gusset affect the strength of the frame?
you got balls Dude!
What you thinking about the honzo Ti ?
I think geo trumps frame material. Is there a new 2021 honzo ti i don't know about?
Hi Hardtail party. Can you review a Stanton switch9er Ti?
I can review a steel one
@@hardtailparty Please do, Would really appreciate it. For me, the bike is insane.. amazing bike
I remember a couple years ago I cut the brake mounts on my 96’ specialized rockhopper and turned it into a fixie gravel bike with drop bars and bmx cranks. Does the 170mm dropper go down far enough on your frame with that curve?
I don't know, I had to send the kona back before I could experiment with a 170mm dropper on the bike. I think some 170mm droppers might fit, and some won't. It's going to be close.
@@hardtailparty can’t wait for the Marin el Roy review video I work next door to Marin cycles headquarters. I had the Marin pine but wanted something more slack and longer after watching your videos I like xc bikes but they have a limit and I want to get better at riding steeper and more technical downhill and faster flow so I’m excited for the el Roy bike I think it’s a good price for an enduro hardtail that can be upgraded with time
Reminds me a lot of Jones bikes but without the Jones fork.
and without the compact geo. Jones is doing some cool stuff.
How much lower were you able to get the dropper? That curved seat tube looks like it's restricting insertion depth. That is one sweet looking bike, standing by for the ride report!
This dropper was already at the perfect height before mods, so dropping it would actually make my saddle height too low. I'd like to see if I can fit a 170mm dropper one day.
@@hardtailparty Gotcha. I put a 170mm "brand X" dropper from Chain Reaction Cycles on my Nimble 9. Looks like I could have fit a 200, but I've avoided measuring to be sure. I'm 5'9" with about a 32 inseam. BTW, you might want to try one of these Brand X dropppers, working great so far.
What is that ridged spacer beneath the stem?
It's my macride mount for my daughter.
I think you should design and build your own bike.
Me too. We'll see what the future has in store...
Hardtail Party edition!
Where did your front fender go?
Does the rigid fork has a headtube angle range limit?
Good question. I couldn't find any info that it does.
@@hardtailparty yeah because from the look of it there will be a lot of vertical forces with the current angle considering it is carbon one. With steel no problem. Lol.
"Cutting up the middle child" title in the thumbnail seems so sadistic lol.
what's more sadistic, the title, or actually cutting up a ti frame? ;)
@@hardtailparty
Lol
And I'm bored.....😄
Oh yeah, and gorgeous result. I hope we get to go with you when you take it out.
Looks cool! Like a grown ups BMX bike 👍🏽
It rides that way too!
How much rise is on the oneup handlebar? Thanks man!
This is the taller rise, since the bike was designed around a 140mm fork.
So it’s 35mm rise?
@@kumagka1599 yup. Sorry, i couldn't remember what their max measurement was. 35mm rise.
@@hardtailparty thanks bud! Happy shredding!