I really respect yhe disclaimer in the beginning - too many people getting butt hurt over what bike and parts tjat YOU prefer lol . Its all subjective just like you mentioned. I appreciate the time & money you put into your content 💪😎👍
Hey thanks man, I appreciate that! Yeah everyone always thinks their bike is the best haha, which honestly isn’t a bad thing, it’s great they’re stoked on it! But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be best for everyone else
I just purchased a TREK Marlin 7 XL, oh I’m 6’8”. It’s for light trails, commuting 5 miles to the beach, and family rides. Already bought tires, pedals, riser handlebars, DUB, extra wide Shimano cranks and a 34T. Upgraded from a Giant iguana from 2001.
Yeah, getting a larger chainring is something that a lot of these hardtails need. Many of these come with 30t chainrings which isn't necessarily enough and really put wear on the longest gears.
The Trek Marlin is a solid bike. I rode the 8 pretty hard for two years and ended up slightly bending the rear triangle and now the shifting is a bit wonky, but to be fair, I was using it more like a trail bike than cross country. As long as you're not doing anything too sketchy with it, then the Marlin will serve you well.
I recently got the Trek Roscoe 8 on sale, $520 off in total for sale and staff goodwill (I helped out with some holiday rides). I agree that full price is questionable. But, sub $2000 was an easy choice for me. I am very impressed with how much modern hard tails have improved.
I really wanted the roscoe 9, but after tax, the 8 comes out to nearly $900 less with the sale where I couldn’t deny the logic in savings. It’s coming in on Wednesday blue black I’m excited first mtb ❤🎉
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Different, sure I guess. But I don't think really better. Different is not always better. In fact, with something as simple as a hard tail bicycle, different is more often a sales pitch to people who don't understand the physics that are better, which is most people from public schools today. For example, a one chain ring bike is all the rage, and I found out my 28 year old hard tail bike will smoke it for top speed, and has a lower creeper gear. A 30lb hard tail was a department store bike in the 90's. More fork travel means slacker head tube angles, not really great if you like to corner. The only real advantage I can see between my modern Trek, and my 1995 hard tail is disk brakes. The new 29" wheel bike is more stable, but pretty much needs a berm to turn decently.
And to add, air forks are not really better than coil spring forks. They are a bit lighter, (which is a good plus IMO), and they are easier to adjust for spring rates. You have to take a spring fork apart at least some to change to a stiffer spring, but once your spring rate is set (either air or coil spring), for your weight and riding, you usually don't mess with it anymore. Coil springs actually offer a bit better action than air when both tuned well, especially when the travel gets longer.
The bike I ride the most is my Dartmoor 26Player DJ. It is a little bit long and and has a lower than normal BB for a DJ. My Kona Honzo ESD is my go to bike for most mountain bike trails. It has ruined all of my other mountain bikes. My full suspension DMR SLED almost never gets used since I built the Kona Honzo ESD. There is just something amazing about that frame that makes it really good. Finally I built a Dartmoor Primal 27.5. This bike is very playful with its smaller wheels. I use the Primal in flatter trails with jumps and technical features where the Kona Honzo ESD would not be much fun.
All such rad bikes! The primal was the supposed to be bike 3 but the footage was corrupted 🙄 Where are you from by the way? It’s so hard to find Dartmoors in the US
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I am loving your channel. Hardtail content is my favorite. I live in Nebraska. Not a place known for mountain biking but there is a group of us here that build public and private dirt jumps and trails. If you know where to look you can find some good stuff to ride. I built my bikes frame up mostly from part you can find on ebay. There aren’t a lot of places to buy a mountain bike from around here and get exactly what you want. The Dartmoors are available very affordably on ebay and are shipped directly from Poland. I ended up building the 26Player in order to take advantage of the many private dirt jump locations and skate parks. The Primal is dialed. It would be my #1 if it wasn’t for the Kona Honzo esd.
Dude, I have a 2021 Giant Fathom. It's a custom build.i bought the 2, stripped it sold the stock parts and built up a killer hardtail. I'm running 29X 3.0 tires with plenty of clearance. That's why I chose the fathom.the only stock part on the bike is the cranks!
Nice man! Ya I’m kinda the same way too, I’ve not lots of relatively inexpensive completed and then just upgraded to parts to suit my liking as I went. Definitely a good way to go 🤙🤙
Thank you for clarifying that Ryan! I’m a bit embarrassed I missed that while researching the video, and also a little annoyed that we can’t all standardize how we measure geo haha
I have the Roscoe 9 and love it. The second water bottle mount is a _must_ for summer riding, and I don't find it gets in the way of the dropper post. I have a Wolf Tooth Resolve dropper on mine with 160mm of travel, which I find to be more than enough to get the seat completely out of my way. I bought it just before the holidays for $2200 new, which is a fantastic deal for this bike.
I got my Trek Roscoe 8 (blue) for $1585 USD taxes included. Awesome bike for the money and couldn't be happier. I got the ML size as that's what the sizing chart recommended, but found it too short and exchanged it for the L at the LBS. I'm 5'9 1/2". Fits perfect and it takes a beating on my rocky trails in BC Canada.
I prefer the 65.5-67 HTA, it’s the perfect trail/downcountry bike geometry. Great middle ground. Good for climbing and descending. 64-65 is more downhill oriented. Not my style. But great Video nevertheless💯💪
Thank you Joshua! Ya, definitely depends on riding preference. For what I like to do 65 is just about perfect, but I know people who love their 63 degree and 68 degree HTA bikes just as much! Glad we have options 🤙
Just finished building up an '23 Dartmoor Primal 29er, set up more for XC riding (no dropper post and flat bar) in a XL.frame Rockshox Revelation 150mm forks, Shimano XT 1X12 with XTR cranks, custom WTB wheels with DT Swiss hubs built by me with Vitoria Barzo 2.6 tires
That rank my ride is a great idea. I have 3 hardcore hardtail’s all frame only purchased and built up with my choice of parts. I just posted a video on my RU-vid channel with and updated view of my lasted upgrades. Even though you didn’t mention a few hardcore hardtail that I would add, your videos are very informative and well done!
Thank you! Just subscribe to your channel, looks like you’ve got some rad stuff on there 🤙 Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the Berd spokes!
Just bought my first bike; an On-One Hello Dave, pretty crazy geo but for the price (£999) the spec is unbelievable - GX drivetrain and a Lyrik select 150mm.
Staying on topic., forgot to mention. I purchased the '22 Growler 50. I was thinking of the 40 but decided to go a little extra with the 50. The manufacturer has a good sale and figured it was a dialed frame as you mentioned and decent part spec. with little to no upgrades, I may be a little nervous about the extra slack head on right switchbacks and climbing but we'll see how it goes this summer. Cheers Comrade.
I'm gonna say that the Rocky Mountain Growler series should be in the top 3. I say that as someone who chose the cheaper Trek Roscoe 7, the Rocky Mountain Growlers are excellent. And they are on sale right now here in Canada
It was on the original top 10 video; this list was made up from the bikes suggested in the comments of that one. Check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OHY20bEKbs4.html
My wife got me the employee discount through epic mountain on the Roscoe 7 and I have been loving it. Honestly I probably would have chosen the canyon stoic 3 if I didn’t have the discount but I couldn’t pass it up for the price.
I just got a Trek X-Caliber 9 for 250 bucks off msrp. I use it for light/easy singletrack and bike path rides, Very smooth. I really like it. The Recon Gold is a sweet fork.
A bike that I'm sure you haven't heard of.Drag Shift 7.1.Assembled in Bulgaria.HTA 65.5 ;Chainstay Length-430mm.I bought it 2 days ago but the bad weather is stopping me from really testing it. Great content, take care.
I have a giant fathom 2 with some nice upgrades! 2.8 dhf up front snd stock 2.6 in rear. Cush core plus in front and rear! Some nice grips as well! I like the stock seat
I have a Chameleon MX R in that exact color I got in October. LOVE it! My only complaints were the tires (very slow! Lost speed downhill! Replaced quickly with Schwalbe Hans Dampf super trail 2.6 Addix-Soft and now it rolls way quicker and is much tougher too. Also added a cushcore and run 20-24 psi rear. My other complaint(s) is the Sram NX shifter and brakes.... In that the shifter doesnt allow index finger upshifting like the Shimano on my two full suspension bikes and also the integrated handlebar mounts doesn't allow for different separation angles between the shifter/dropper and the brake levers. Other than those things, bike is absolutely amazing!
I feel if I upgrade the fork, I should go for a 150mm RockShox Pike? I have a 150/135 trail bike that feels fairly similar to my Chameleon (has RockShox 35 Gold), and I'm thinking the Pike 150mm on that too. Match the forks would be a good idea?
Sounds like a great bike, gladded you’re stoked on it!! 150mm might be a bit of a stretch, but it’d probably be ok, just keep in mind you’ll slacken your head tube and increase your stack quite a bit, as well as marginally reduce your reach
Enjoy the Marin. I've got a 17 marin nail trail 6 . Handles nicely with the old school geo. Built up a v3 scout 290 recently lyric 160s i9s running Vittoria syerras with Vittoria airliner. Super fun
Thanks for your videos. Really like to look at them, although I have already made up my mind. Bought a Nukeproof frame on sale and built it up. However Rose Bonero, German value brand (some similarities to Canyon in my opinion) looked very, very interesting to me. Would have been fun to hear your thoughts about that one (on a third list perhaps...). Thanks for your videos!
Thank you man! Ya, I’ve seen the Bonero and it looks like a great value! I’m not a huge fan of the geometry, but if you are than it’d be hard to beat. Enjoy your Scout, I’d love to ride one some day!
Great video! I do have a Diamondback Mason 2 that I feel like should be on one of your hardcore hardtail list. It’s got solid geo with a RockShox Judy Gold fork and 27.5+ tires.
Just picked up the 2022 Kona Honzo it was on sale at the The Path bike shop in Tustin Cali Orange County and I was reluctant at first because this being a hard tail and the rest of my stable being agro slacked out enduro/trail AM full suspension bikes, wasn’t sure exactly how the ESD was going to perform and much to my surprise I felt right at home on the Kona, it’s weird it has enough flex in the rear that it feels like it’s a locked out shock?? The bike is super dialed right out the box and I use her on my local cross country trails with some mild downhill, took her to Skypark bike park in lake arrowhead a couple of times and I have to say, I’m not disappointed at all to have this hard tail as a new addition to my stable-maybe taking her to snow summit next season but will see, I kinda like to get rowdy with the Canfield balance at the bike parks but will consider taking the ESD for a couple runs at summit…🤷♂️🚴 #KonaHonzoESDrocks🤘🏽
Indeed it was a blast especially on the new pump track anyways gon spend more time on her just getting back to hard tail mode excellent channel my guy keep up the great work 🤙
Awesome vid man, really interesting thoughts and opinions. I’m new to mtb (bought first mtb, marlin 6, two months ago) and already wanting to upgrade. I was wondering what your thoughts were on where the Devinci Kobaine, Rocky Mountain Growler, and Vitus Sentier.
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I signed up for my first XC race and competed a week ago. Super fun, got 10th out of 50! As Im so new, I’ve been dabbling in what I can drive out to and check out here in Texas. So far single track but I truly want to play in all the settings as my skills progress. I’ve done some blue trails. No dh or enduro yet. I do have some goals to do bike packing + pack rafting so the review you did on the Timberjack made it appealing.
Nice! The Growler is definitely more enduro focused, so I’d take that off the list first. Between the Vitus and the Devinci, the Vitus has a bit better spec for the money and the frame geo is more closely aimed at XC riding. The Kobain is the most “all around” bike, but the value’s not quite as high
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Awesome! Thank you for taking your time and sharing some of your knowledge! I’m so new idk what direction I want to go in as far as riding style except that I want to race again bc that was pretty fun to meet everyone in the community. Great content and pretty cool that you engage with us in the comments. Would you still take the San Quentin 3 over all of the bikes mentioned? As far as overall value and versatility?
Gotcha, I think I could have definitely gotten down with that generation other than the head tube angle, 67 degrees is just a bit to steep for me. What did you prefer most about the older model?
Lol Yeah that 67 head angle almost steered me away too but It turned out not to be an issue.. it cornered turned and railed sooooo well I run a 140 fork and 50mm riser bars ‘not everyone’s cup of tea’ but ‘415’ chain stays made wheelies manuals bunny hops 🤙🤙yep! This new one has all the same dna but it feels slightly heavier and stiffer also you really can feel the small changes they made in geo.. feels more capable and enduro like ... the mx set up has taken some getting used too but I like it now and totally get why mullets are a thing... I’m glad I kept the old frame though and I intend to build it up back up with as an urban /enduro assult weapon in mind ;)
for me it has to be the infamous............ nukeproof scout, outrageously brilliant on 90% of riding styles as well as terrain, super impressed with the scout, this is after 30 years of cycling & testing a huge range of bikes.
Super rad bike! I actually included it on my first top 10 list that this video is in response to; check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OHY20bEKbs4.html
Interesting to see that hardtails came back. They struggled for long years because of fullies. There are a lot of capable frames out there. I wonder how those hardtails work in technical xc and marathon style stuff. I feel myself sometimes underbiked on a carbon race hardtail. The descents are part of the race and they can be mean and scary if you are not on a fully.
That depends on the wheel size and amount of suspension. I would compare several similar bikes that are on your list and know that the bikes with a higher BB will probably be more agile/playful, and a lower BB will be more stable/planted
l am old school KONA (lava dom) 1995 and it's getting tired to say, am a KONA fan myself and next year will going to a new bike and will look at the KONA line then, ride with with a great group of mix brands, am riding the oldest bike in group..
Team san quentin fist bump 👊 (though mine is the older gen) I'm sure you wont regret it bro. Had always tried to save money to buy another bike,i end up buying parts to upgrade my current SQ 😂 the money is now nowhere to be seen
I love your analysis. I always learn about a new frame or two on these to add to my shopping list. Long live high bottom brackets! I will take a higher bb and longer chainstay than a low bb and short chainstay. Maybe I am just weird but I like pedal clearance and the feel better. I like trail hardtails. If you can race an Enduro on them competently, I'm out. I'm not hardcore. Just "enthusiastic".
awesome vid man!! thanx for doing it... Just curious exactly what black tech are ya'll doing on a HT? cause id love to see some of u do even some of the double blue tech at my home MT!!! :)
Thanks 🤙 I’d say one of the gnarlier trails I’ve ridden lately was Hiline trail in Sedona. It’s a blast if you like chunky tech! Definitely some HABs, but an awesome trail nonetheless!
Ragley Marley 2.0 on sale chain reaction cycles, 2022 or 23 I think is still $990.00, and Voodoo Wazooo is $951.00 shipping cost included from across the pond, both great budget options.
Hello Good Day! I am a hardtail user ever since. I love watching your content every time. Can you make a review on DARTMOOR HORNET hardtail frame? I think this frame is underrated in some countries but here in the Philippines, it is the go-to hardtail frame for enduro and trail riding. It is also the most popular enduro hardtail frame. I hope this will get to you and make a good content about this. Thank you in advance.
Great video! I would be interested in know your thoughts on the Orbea Laufey. Also, as a parent of a 11 years old kid I would love to see from you a similar video for the coolest hardtails for kids, specially for those like mine that are just in between a big kids bike or and xxs adults size. Thanks for the great job!
Great variety here Josh… cool video and thanks for looking at the On One hello Dave… it’s been a killer bike for me so far, 5-6 rides in to it so far after just having it built up at the local shop.
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Yeah it really is a lot of fun! but you're spot on, it's not a bike I'll probably take to the bmx park. It smashes the downhill tho and so far seems to jump pretty well too! I'm not a great jumper but I can tell it'll handle anything you throw at it. I really like the long and slack feel... this is the first bike I've had where I didn't feel at least a little bit cramped in the cockpit. I haven't been able to really give it a proper break-in up at Galbraith yet due to the weather, but I know it's going to shred up there for sure!
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy oh yeah absolutely man! I’m thinking if not Bend then maybe Galbraith in Bellingham for sure if y’all make it up this way! I’d like to try either the RSD or the Marin… we can swap for a couple trails 🤙🏻
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I’m a touch over 6’ with a long reach and I feel like you’ve mentioned your over 6’ too so it’ll probably fit you well, other than the long chain stays!
Glad you’re stoked on it!! I featured a growler on the previous top ten, check it out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OHY20bEKbs4.html
It seems though a lot of these videos I see on these hard-core hot tails they seem to run just single track or pump tracks I've never seen them actually riding trails other than the one I ride myself which is a Vitus Sentier . Which I love only problem is is I think they're gonna go out of business used to be able to get a hold of somebody in the US to speak with them now it seems wiggle and chain reaction are only doing business in the UK so I think I'm poop out of luck if something happens to it
Hello Good Day! I am a hardtail user ever since. I love watching your content every time. Can you make a review on DARTMOOR HORNET hardtail frame? I think this frame is underrated in some countries but here in the Philippines, it is the go-to hardtail frame for enduro and trail riding. It is also the most popular enduro hardtail frame. I hope this will get to you and make a good content about this. Thank you in advance.
Yo l!!! You only had 9 bikes on the list, you missed #3 But the Kona Honzo ESD rips I used it on double black trails, Hardtail party had good reviews on it
Haha ya I mentioned that in the video; was supposed to be the Dartmoor Primal. And yes, absolutely killer bike!! Wish it wasn’t quite so low and slack for more dirt jump/jib riding but you could always change that with an angle adjust headset
Really good video, it helps newbees like myself alot. I have a question, I dont expect an answer back, but il try anyway 😊 - Last year I bought a Bianchi Magma 9.S, and I have changed a few parts out and im pretty happy with my bike, but I dont know if its any good and what category it is? I think beginner bike? But is it a cross country or what is it? Please enlighten me 😊 I dont know all the specs, but the fork is a rockshox 100mm air with remote lockout, deore 1x12 speed cassette, deore chain, xt derailleur, xt shifter, 29inch wheels and the weight is measured in at 13.3KG. The brakes are some shimano hydraulics, nothing special I think. I use it for light trails and commuting 50 kilometers twice a week and I think its super for that, but I wouldnt think its good enough for serious mtb stuff?? I still got my 7kg roadbike with dropbars, but my body doesnt like it so much anymore. Hardtail bikes are way better for me, I think its the best bike ever. Best regards from Denmark
Hey man, thanks for the kind words, always happy to help! It’s definitely more of an XC bike, but it’s still a pretty rad setup! I’d say throwing a 120mm fork on it would do a lot to make it more capable on more technical trails
Hello Good Day! I am a hardtail user ever since. I love watching your content every time. Can you make a review on DARTMOOR HORNET hardtail frame? I think this frame is underrated in some countries but here in the Philippines, it is the go-to hardtail frame for enduro and trail riding. It is also the most popular enduro hardtail frame. I hope this will get to you and make a good content about this. Thank you in advance.
Ya, memory card crapped out on me 🤦♂️ Two of those three bikes are on my first list of top 10 hardtails though, check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OHY20bEKbs4.html
Just bought a Rocky Mountain fusion 40 on sale haven’t got to ride much as it’s been too cold, but got one ride and I’m liking it curious what your expertise opinion of it is?
It hadn’t been released yet, but I did a full video on that bike, check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VpX3F4lEYXo.htmlsi=o_0rMzQLY2BNoPuS
Thanks Tony! I personally run composite pedals with metal pins, they’re lighter, cheaper, and offer 99% of the grip of an alloy pedal. I’m running the e.thirteen basic pedals right now and haven’t had any issues with them!
Just some advice on the Stoic that it's pretty long, lazy, and is not compliant at all. It is certainly very capable and good value but the frame is a little harsh and lacks versality compared to other hardtails
I bought a 2021 haibike seet 9 29 with rockshox forks but i dont now hom much i can push it to the limits. Can i go doownhil with some rocks can i do jumps with it. And there arent any youtube videos about the bike. Any information about the bike is apreciated.❤
It’s definitely not made for super aggressive riding, but I think you’d be okay to start progressing towards that style of riding and upgrade some parts as you go! If/when you choose to buy some new parts for that bike I’d start with the brakes and tires, that’s probably the best bang for your buck. Let me know if you choose to do this and I can give you some suggestions!
Check out the Sram DB8 brakes. They’re on sale right now for a great deal! SRAM DB8 Disc Brake Black, Rear a.co/d/fmTwu30 For tires I’d look at Delium and run whatever looks best for your typical terrain. The fork will need to be replaced at some point for sure, but that’s a bigger purchase and I wouldn’t say you need that right off that bat
I was into Mt. Bike riding (and worked for a manufacture) in the mid 90's, and am just getting back into it for exercise. I never had a dropper seat post, and not totally sure I would like it because of my riding style. When I go downhill, for great control, I like to get back on the bike, off the seat, but pinch the seat with my inner thighs, (and even put my weight on the seat like that) so I can relax my arms. Can you pinch the seat like that with the seat dropped? If not, you are missing some bike control.
You're right, it's definitely a different riding style! I think if you spent some time on a modern bike you'd learn to like and find you'd actually have more control because you'd open up tons of movement for your upper body over the bike. But that said, if you've got something that already works for you why change!
Orange used to be a good Yorkshire brand steel framed made in GB.....now they are made in ali and not in the UK.🤷♂️ My Old 26" P7 is solid, but the new ones do nothing for me.
The Grand Canyon is a great entry-level hardtail, whereas the Stoic is aimed more towards aggressive trail riding. The difference come down to frame geometry/quality and the components the bikes are specced with.
@@ridingwithjoshandwendy thanks for the response! I'm definitely not doing aggressive trail riding. The Grand Canyon 8 looks awesome, but the $300 shipping charge, ouch! Plus no stock and long delivery times. I'm looking at the Xtrada 7 instead.
It looks like the frame isn’t compatible with a through axel hub, which will make it quite a bit harder to upgrade/replace your back wheel down the road. Check out the Polygon Xtrada 7, it’s probably the best bike for under $1,000 right now if you ask me
