Bro I just saw this come up and lost it. I f*ing love the idea of a hard tail and I’m about to ditch the full sus complexity in favor of building a hard tail to try something new and bring it back to the roots.
You wont regret it, really shows where you get away with mistakes on a full squish! I prefered my commencal meta HT over my full squish's, so much so I bought a chromag rootdown too(sold the commencal to fund a new dh bike though) 😂
Traded my easy bike for a fun bike 3 years ago and have zero regrets. If you haven't already, scope out Hardtail Party for some good advice and reviews on a ton of models. I hope you find something in stock! (I saw today the Pole Taival was in stock.)
Love the different style of bike check vid. I still prefer the traditional style just bc u can visually see the bike and stuff, but it was nice to mix it up. Maybe somehow combine both next time? Idk, just my feedback! Cheers man, rad bike and I love the channel.
Just picked up a chromag wideangle in large (I’m 5’10”) and found the combination of the short chainstays and longer reach give a great balance of playfulness and stability. I’m coming from a Reign though, so really anything I can actually manual is a huge improvement in that department. The guy has a pretty questionable build so I’ve got lots of upgrading to do, I wish everyone wasn’t sold out of dropper posts! Fun video! First I’ve seen of you, I’ll be along for more 🤘
Really like this format. I used to have an RSD Middle Child (Steve from Hardtail Party convinced me to buy it lol), which is really similar to the Stylus. That was such a fun bike. If I could have afforded to keep it and have two bikes, I would still be taking that thing out all the time
As a Chromag Samurai owner, I couldn’t agree more with what Jeff says on the capability, feel and ‘Fun-ness’ of a hardtail. I have been rocking just a hardtaill since I sold my full squish, (2 years) but I don’t miss the squish much. I’m a Grandpa now and don’t need/want the speed but it has made my local Victoria BC trails even more fun. I also love the kudos I get for riding everything on it in my group rides 😜. Great 👍 bike check Jeff 👍👍
I like this format! It’s easier to watch POV ride footage than stare at dolly shots of components. Plus, it emphasizes the whole purpose of the components in the first place, which is to go ride trails!!!
2020 Rootdown for me :) Z1 coil and it feels pretty much like a tank diving through all the same stuff I do on the Spectral. I tend to lean towards my Rootdown for most rides and only get on the Spectral when I feel guilty that it's sitting so much.
I’ve been riding hardtail a exclusively for my entire mtb career ~26 years old or so. For the super technical janky and awkward New England single track I ride, they’ve always worked well for me. I’ll happily stipulate that a full suspension bike is likely more comfortable and faster- but I’m riding for fun. I’m currently on a custom Waltworks with geometry built to fit my ape index arms and suit the trails I ride. 27.5 x 2.8, high bb, short chainstays, 140mm fork. I’ve been on Shimano 4 pot brakes and 180mm rotors this season, but I’m moving to a 203 for the front (because I’m a bit of a chonky boi).
Got a loaner Guerrilla Gravity Pedalhead. I have months to wait for an incoming Ripmo V2 and a buddy had it as an extra bike. Crazy low slung, but lots of fun. Took it through a minefield of baby heads today which reminded me why I like full sus bikes.
I have the same frame in m/L with a 150mm fox fork and I love it , DH casing tires with no insert and XT wheel set it’s lasted waaaay Lon her then expected and I hang with 170mm enduro bikes. Living in bc this was the bike of choice for me and works really really well . Can pump it up and make firm for dirt jump session days and loosen it up for dh runs, love the multi use and simplicity. Thanks Jeff ! Been following for a long time and when I seen you purchase my same frame I’ve been hooked on your responses ! Thanks for the great content and keep it comin 🤘🏾
Just built up a new hardtail, modern but not aggressive, more of the middle of the road as far as geo but as far as components go, pretty much well a bling build. Love it and my full sus is just sitting there now.
I really enjoyed this format. Similar to what Steve does. It tricks me into thinking I'm not just wasting time watching a guy shred a bike trail, but getting educated on bikes, bike parts, and technique. Also, a big YES to the hardtail. Thanks for posting. Oh yeah, since you asked, I've got a GG Pedalhead and just built up a Kona Honzo ESD. Love 'em both. I have a Trust Message I run from time to time too. That fork makes a ton of sense for a hardtail as it does a better job of keeping a consistent geometry through the travel compared to a telescopic fork, I just wish it had more (any) small bump compliance.
Love my Nukeproof scout Pro! Super aggressive hardtail with a 65 degree head angle. And that Lyric fork though, with 150mm travel... I can ride any trail with this bike.
I have a steel hardtail I had custom made by Marino, and I love it. 415-430 chainstay (sliders), 488 reach, and a 64.5* head angle makes for a super playful ride.
Great bike check Jeff! We're the same height and I'm on the ML Wideangle. Same frame, just made across the pond. I'm running a mullet setup with 150 travel and it plays! Super fun and it can go mach chicken no problem. Keep up the great riding and videos!
I also have a 2020 Chromag Stylus (size small, I am 5'6", about 145lb) with a Marzocchi Z1 (coil), and and still totally in love after a year. The Z1's stiffness works so good on this frame. I opted for coil for low maintenace and small bump sensitivity on long rides, however, I will also ride bmx and the comp/reb/preload on the coil work well to find a sweet spot for both styles of riding for me....as this IS my "do all" bike. Can't wait to see what other fork you throw on there!
As a dedicated hardtail rider, mostly SS but also a geared bike that switches between 29-27.5 plus and mullet. I have been a sub and patron of Hardtail Party and Steve has the best channel on hardtail’s . I completely agree CushCore or some other worthy insert for tubeless is the way to go on your set up. I also suggest wider rims i35 or i40 and 2.6” or 2.8” tires. It’s so much better on the faster chunky sections. My modern hardtail’s are the Esker Hayduke and Japhy, my forever bikes🤟🏽
Liking the new format Jeff, great to see a variety of riding locations/conditions along with multiple layers of info/impressions/thoughts on top. Also, hardtails are cool.
Thanks JKW, always enjoy your videos and this one has motivated me to continue riding my Cotic Solaris max for the next six weeks, between you and Hardtail Party Steve the hardtail motivation will continue. PS, I prefer my dual sus but variety is the spice of life.
No, I don't have a modern, aggressive, hardtail. Still riding a 23 year-old Klein Pulse while I save up to get a modern, aggressive hardtail. Between you channel and my friend at Hardtail Party I have narrowed it down to a few great (but currently unavailable) choices for a new bike. Hoping to up my skills and take on some of those harder Sedona trails that look so amazing in your videos. Keep up the great work and the awesome content!
I’m 5’ 10” and Chromag has ONE Large stylus left for this year and I managed to snag it. Still waiting on my fork but once that’s in The build will be done! Hoping it’s not too big for me, but considering it was the only thing available I’m sure I’ll make do!
Love the modern hardtail. Like you retired to flat pedals, see no point in clips but that is just me. Agree with you an Steve the hardtails are fun and you see different lines because you can. Have a production privee, and a Stanton. So much fun and low maintainance, just let's you enjoy without the fluffing about. Enjoy your content thankyou.
Yes I do ride an aggressive HT and I really love it. I’m tempted to try those Vigilante tires as I live in an EXTREMELY wet are and they look like a good gripper
I don't have a modern aggressive hardtail, but I do have an older aggressive hardtail.... And if I were to only own one bike for the rest of my life, it'd be a hardtail. I love being able to use it for trails, dirt jumps, skatepark, commute, etc. I do love riding my full suspension, but I will always have a soft spot for a gnarly steel hardtail.
Love my Niner ROS 9, definitely a more interesting and involved ride, than riding my full suspension. Almost like driving a manual. Awesome video and love the build.
I have a 2020 Trek Roscoe 8, it's not an aggressive hardtail, but then I am not an aggressive rider. I am on a limited budget, because of life in general, but it suits my type of riding. I have owned several full suspension bikes over the last 29 yrs of riding mtn bikes and always seem to end up going back to a hardtail. The introduction of the plus tire was the perfect fit for hardtails and after test riding multiple bikes, I was sold. I have swapped the bar and stem to a 780mm bar and a 40mm stem which made a big difference. I love slow techy trails with good rocky climbs. A friend asked if I regret not buying a full suspension and my answer was NO!
Currently on a 2021 RM Growler 50 and I'm far more confident on it than my old (2012, I think...) Stumpjumper FSR. I took 7 years away from mtn biking and ALL the things have drastically changed.
I have three bikes; one is a single-speed aluminum hardtail, one is a titanium geared hardtail that is very trail-oriented with durable components, and a custom long travel 29ner suspension bike. Up until 10 years ago, all I would ride is a suspension bike. However, after my Yeti 575 broke, and my next suspension bike sucked, I decided to build a hardtail single speed and have had a hard time getting excited about suspension bikes ever since. For me, there is just something about hardtails that is more engaging on the trail; maybe it's because they climb better, are typically lighter, or maybe it because they make you choose your lines more carefully. Both of my hardtails ride distinctly different from one another; the SS is a custom-made Ventana, and the titanium bike is from Lynskey. The Ventana is not really slack but is long in the front and still has razor-sharp handling which works well for a single speed application. The Lynskey is slacker, has a long top tube and short chainstays; it corners well, jumps well, and soaks up the trail rather well. I don't have a favorite between the two, but I do ride both more than the suspension bike..
Some ppl may not believe that a "forever bike" is a thing because N+1 but I can confirm that I definitely found a forever bike for road a couple years ago and haven't thought about changing it since...The other week I'm pretty certain I found my forever Enduro bike (Aluminum Sight A1)...The forever bike is real.
I do have a modern, aggressive hardtail, and I love it. It's a Giant Fathom 1, and it's more capable than I am lol. Totally stock, with the exception of Ergon grips and PNW Range bars and stem.
Always loved Hardtails With Last 5 FS bikes blowing 1-3 shocks on each with my aggressive riding style and semi-clyde weight I gave up. Too much downtime waiting on warranty shocks. Built up a Chromag Wideangle (Stylus wasn’t available) with the parts from my Transition Patrol and the bike is a blast! 170mm up front the smooth to medium trails the bikes so fast, the chunky ones get a bit reckless but who cares I’m riding for fun and turned Strava off years ago! 🤘🏻
We built-up a rowdy hard tail for my 12yo son (Octane One Prone 27.5) - had the privilege of using it myself whilst waiting for shock parts to arrive. Was super fun, and still holds (begrudgingly) a couple of PR's that my big-bike is yet to claim back. I did find it hard to NOT go 'Mach Chicken' on it however - which did end up costing me a new back wheel after loosing a few spokes and cracking the axle - oops. Not sure my old knees & ankles would've handled the abuse in the long(er) term - but would definitely be high(est) on the N+1 list. Thinking something like a Ragley Big Wig (or Big Al) ;)
Great footage man! So relaxing to watch! Great video in general, too! I really like your stuff. Wish you'd do some more hardtail stuff ;) got myself an aggressive Marino hardtail. So much fun. the chromag stylus will probably be my next one, the geo seems to be perfect. maybe the bb could be a little lower.
Great video and wonderfully produced content. Im down the road in Portland and have been riding a Kona Unit X. Id like to get something with some suspension and am debating hardtail vs FS. ive been up to Galbraith once, lovely spot
I just bought a brand new full sus, and still have my old 2017 full sus, might swap the frame on that for a hardtail... I think I could have alot of fun on a hardtail and progress to ride even better on my fs.
I recently built up a 2021 olive green stylus medium (I'm 5'8") At first it felt a little small compared to my other bikes, after some adjustments, longer stem & riser bars it feels like the most perfect fitting bike I have ever had, though if building it again would prolly opt for the plus size med so I could stick with a shorter stem. Now have a full suss Marin & full suss haibike gathering dust, really thinking about getting rid of them so I can finance a 29r rootdown build :)
I rode a hardtail for many years until it was stolen. I had a 2009 Specialized Rockhopper. Now I have a full suspension bike but sometimes miss the hardtail for more flows trails. I really enjoy the content from Steve from Hardtail party and Jeff. Maybe someday I will end up with a Chromag myself. I have been casually liking ever since the first hardtail video that Jeff posted. Also really like the Banshee Paradox. Steve did an awesome video with that model as well.
I've got a Commencal Meta HT AM I am similar in size to you. I was torn between their size small and medium. It is my only bike so appreciate the comment on you sizing up if the Cromag was your only bike, any particular reasoning for that? My front end doesn't come up nearly as easily as you make it look but that could also be a lack of skill. Have enjoyed your videos and appreciate the effort.
I'm the same height and I got the same size frame, but my legs are really short so I've gone with 155mm cranks on a 28T oval ring. I love my Stylus so much that it's my only ride.
Holy crap?! 155s?! Back in the dark ages (the 90s) I was about the only one to run 170s; everyone else ran 175s or at the least, 172.5s. I can’t even begin to imagine what those short little 155s feel like; no power going up at all! I think I understand why you went with a tiny 28T chainring; you need it to compensate for your tiny cranks. Have you tried 170s? Or at least 165s? 155mm cranks are ridiculously short. And BTW, oval chainrings had a moment back in the 90s too, and we all gave them up and went back to circular. They just didn’t spin right.
@@keirfarnum6811 it came with 170s and I tried to use them for a while. I had 165s on a previous bike and they were better that the 170s. The 155 length feels great to me. My legs are actually abnormally short, though. More typical of someone who is 5'5" if they have normal proportions. Correct crank length was something I researched a LOT before spending money on. The oval chainrings you're thinking of from the 90s were indexed completely wrong and didn't spin right at all, you're right. The modern ones are indexed to match your power output instead of compensation for it so they actually feel much better. And I've still got plenty of power. I knocked 20% off my previous climbing PR on my first ride with this combo and my riding overall has gotten consistently faster and better since switching. Actually, my only PRs that aren't on this bike are downhill runs, which seem to favour my previous bike with 29" wheels. It wasn't nearly as fun, though.
My friends are all pestering me to buy a dirt jumper. I kinda feel like this would be a more useful option that can do a bit of the DJ snappy efficiency off a lip.
Wicked bike set up!! I’m curious why you went with 30mm rims for those tires rather than 35mm? The Vigilante 2.8 and Trail Boss 2.6 is a wicked combo but I recently discovered that a tough casing 2.8 ranger as a back tire with the 2.8 Vigilante up front is a lot more capable than it would appear and I’m really enjoying it
Man, how do you even manual through such chunky stuff... cool riding, cool bike. I have a stif squatch, which is sort of a short travel enduro hardtail. It's pretty long and slack, but I run it with (the recommended) 130mm fork.
@@mathewmccabe2658 What Hardtail do you have? I was considering one of these Cotic,RSD 491,Switch9er, or the Radical all mountain chilly dog. And yes we are on the pivot page together.
I got 20% off my Stylus Darkside 3 weeks ago. Build almost finished. Built with Fox 36 Factory Grip2. Would it be possible to get your input on the MRP Ramp Control if you have ever used it?
What would u say to someone who has never had a full squish? I’m looking to upgrade to a trail-style hardtail like this but I have been riding a XC-style Stumpjumper HT for the last ELEVEN years. Would I miss out?
My stylus is a very similar build to yours, same color, same wheels, just a different drive train and fork (Sram nx/gx frankenstein & a rockshox pike). The bikes a ton of fun, makes me have to use the whole trail to get down, not just pick the straightest line and go like I would on an enduro bike. I've been trying to run the cushcore in it as well, but every time I install it, the wheel seems to mis-shape and twist so I haven't been able to ride with it. It also makes the rear tire very heavy. I'd be curious of how you like the low stack compared to other similar hardtails, it definitely took some getting used to.
I have a 2021 Lynskey Livewire. I’m just under 5’7 and ride the medium, which I think is a bit large. According to R.A.D guidelines, it’s a bit big and the small wont help much. Do you subscribe to the R.A.D bike fitting guidelines?
Do you find that the stack of this frame to be a bit too low? I am on Medium running lyrik 160mm, Renthal 33mm stem, 30mm riser bar, and 1" spacer, but still find it low. I am only 5'6.5". I see you are running several spacers.
I have a 2020 Stylus and the low stack is my main issue with it. I'm running 40 mm riser bars with max spacers and even this isn't enough, I'll try 50 mm riser bars next, hopefully it will help a bit. The stack is so low that I have most of my weight constantly on my hands which makes my hands hurt quickly and it's also not comfy for my back. It's also sometimes a bit sketchy when doing steep downhills with the bars being so low. Let me know if you find a solution...
hey Jeff how to you like running the 2.8 tyres on the 30.5 mm width rim. I'm thinking about getting some 27.5 industrie nine enduro wheels and putting 2.8s on them for when it's wet and slippery. my hardtail is a 29er right now. cheers
