Why I Gave Up On Fancy Bikes: The Truth You Need to Know 

Most of us don't ride like the pros in the videos. We ride simply to enjoy the trails, the scenery, the exercise, and a nice day.

I've been a bike mechanic for 26 years. You are absolutely correct. A functional bike is the best bike. I fix other people's bikes, but I ride steel frames with simple parts. No hydraulic stuff to bleed, no batteries to charge, they always work. Keep bikes simple. Excellent video.

I gotta admit, the worst thing about most mtb channels is how the bikes they test are top spec and incredibly expensive. It's hard to relate when the frame of the bike being reviewed is already more expensive than my entire e-bike. It's great to find a relatable channel for a change, keep up the great work 👍

Preach! Just ride and have fun, that's the entire point of mountain biking.

100% agree. i've been riding the same 26" hard tail since 1999. still a lot of fun. when i first started MTB in 1997 I used to see this guy on a road bike bombin down the trails. he was better and faster than me. shows it's the rider not the tech.

I love this philosophy. It can be applied to most things in life. Most often, simple is better, assuming a reasonable level of quality. Simple things break less. When they do break, they’re easier to fix. They tend to last longer. Simple things force you to develop your skills, rather than relying on the tech. Often, you are forced to be more creative. Typically, they are cheaper as well. Though I have been known to spend more to get something simple, but high quality. Good for you! Thanks for sharing this message.

I have two bikes. I have a Roscoe 29er and a FS carbon Canyon. My Canyon is a cross country, so not tons of travel. But, its plenty for me. I’m 61, and don’t do anything too crazy. I just have fun and try to stay healthy!

Matty is the type of dude that should spin up some mtb clinics. Get people involved, keep it basic, and has the best demeanor for helping others start or continue journey in bikes.

Matty the truth has set you free! Don’t let people hate

Exactly! Keep it functional and fun. It's so funny to hear you say these things because I have found myself on the same track. I'm desperately in search of a 90's Specialized Stumpjumper. Such an awesome ride. Cheers from Montreal QC😊

I went to full suspension due to comfort as I got older and it was way better on my over 50 joints. Rode HT for about 48yrs. Now I have more smiles after my rides:) love simple nice bikes since i was a kid.

You’re the most real mountain biker on RU-vid. Keep it up!

I like working on bikes more than actually riding them, so often times I'll just grab whatever because they "ideal bike for the ride" is in pieces.

I can relate bro, it's called aging in biking .😂We are going through a process called realization.

This is exactly why I purchased a Roscoe 9 after not having a hardtail for like 5 years. Now I am back to choosing the best lines and it has made me a better rider again.

I so appreciate your perspective on riding bikes. I’m the kind of person who can too easily think the best stuff will automatically be the best experience. It’s weird, but you have given me permission to be satisfied with simple enjoyment of the riding experience!

You are basically talking about the joy of “underbiking”. I’m with you. I have access to pretty nice mountain bikes, but I’ve been enjoying the simplest ones most lately

I owned a bike shop in Colorado about 30 years ago and I love this video! I fell into the mindset of keeping pace with the latest and greatest. You are so spot on with your words regarding cycling. It should be for personal enjoyment not “showing off” unless that’s your thing or are competitive. Unfortunately I started to resent cycling “snobs” so I stopped cycling for a while. Silly I know but I recently bought an e-trike and love it. Your analysis reaffirmed my thoughts on just get out and enjoy getting out! Riding around, taking in the sights. Age does make a difference but i really enjoyed your video.

finally some one who ride to have fun and don't ride to show bike :) respect!

I love your attitude thank you... we jump into every new hobby as a family so that means we have to buy everything 3 times so finding a budget option is always the goals

I don't even ride mountainbikes, I live in the flat Netherlands, I commute to work. I really enjoyed the video though, you're enjoyable to listen too. Stayed for the personality and energy, very comfortable. Keep it up! Greetings from the Netherlands!

This is why I love your channel man! You're always humble and you made a great point with this one... Just go ride and have fun, don't get caught up in the bike hype. As some someone who has also came full circle, I'm back on a simple hardtail and loving it! Rock on Bro!

Preach.... as i get older my mindset is more and more like yours. I get so much out of my hardtail and reach for it more than i reach for my full sus. Love your videos brutha

Thanks for helping us "regular bike" people feel justified in our choice (or need) not to go into debt to have fun.

I don't talk down cheap bikes but I'm very vocal about manufacturers that will sell you something labeled as a "Mountain bike" that will fall apart after a year of riding green trails. Happily they're getting scarce 😅

You have a great attitude on the simple fun of riding. I ride a fully rigid hardtail but embarrassed to say I spent too much.

Thanks Matt for sharing this video with us. I ride 90’s mountain bikes with some upgrades done to them. I’m old school Cannondale, Trek, Proflex kinda guy. I don’t look down on people who are starting out biking I show them you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun on a bike. Keep up the great work and stay safe out there.

Word! Just get out and ride! For those regular guys like most of us are that have regular jobs and regular responsibilities like families biking has to fit in and not be a potential problem that could affect the main things…family life, job life, and other responsibilities. Good stuff. Keep ‘em coming!

I am so glad I found you and your channel, Matty!! Thank you so much for everything you give us!

I share your philosophy. Great observations. Another point is security. Almost no one will want to steal my bike. Could it happen? Yes, but it’s not worth the time or money to take it. Thanks for sharing!

Love this philosophy! I just have one bike I got about a year ago and I'm loving it - my Marin Eldridge Grade, a rigid steel framed bike from 1985. Also, I got it from a local charity that takes donated older bikes, fixes them up and sells them on for very reasonable prices, giving their profits to good causes. If you find something like that near you, they'll have a lot of stuff that would otherwise be going to the dump and could be just this sort of old skool genius! Mine cost £65 GBP. I could pay more for a couple of new tyres. I commute on it. I go wild camping on it. I ride just for the enjoyment, and I hardly have to adjust anything ever. Consumers have been sold more and more nonsense upgrades for decades.

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing. I truly enjoy your position on simplicity.

Dang I love this channel. Such a good message, such a good mindset.

AMEN TO EVERYTHING! That's what I'm about too, only more on the road bike side, but now combining simplicity of "regular" steel road bikes and now the versatility of gravel riding, it's like you enjoy riding even more when you are not concerned with scratching/messing up an expensive bike or "stuck" with having to take bike lanes/trails, I just like going everywhere and being able to enjoy every moment and not just select moments during the ride!

I really appreciate your perspective on this. I’ve done 15 years of riding on a basic specialized hard tail with all the original parts on it and except for a few trails and obstacles at a bike park I’ve never felt like I’ve been held back because of it. I ride for the challenge of the obstacles and the natural scenery on the trails. I’m thinking of buying a new bike now and although some of the innovations in the last 15 years like 1x12 drive trains are more reliable and simple other aspects require more care and maintenance and it’s easy to allow that to start to take away from the time on trail and just enjoying riding.

Great vlog as long as you feel comfortable on your bike and are enjoying riding trails on it. It is all about enjoyment and not how much money a bike cost. Imagine coming off a high end bike!!! That would make me cry.

I’ve been riding bikes all of my life and I’m a 60 year old man. My first ever full suss was my 2022 Trek Rail 5 custom. Up until then, it’s been a hardtail all day long (always with front suspension forks). Today I have two bikes, both peddle assisted e-bikes. My first e-bike was the Giant Fathom E+3 29er hardtail, which is now my all round commuter and touring bike. Having suffered from sciatica for the last four years riding a fully rigid bike simply wasn’t an option, so I thank God everyday for the comfort my Rock Shox Judy provides when I’m dodging potholes etc. The sad fact is there is a lot of elitism in cycling which has really spoiled an otherwise great sport, so it’s really nice to hear somebody else expressing the same view When you jump on your bike for a session, remember, it’s not a fashion show and leave your bad attitude at home, where it belongs.

I just hung up my 90s steel hybrid. You prompted me to remember how much fun I had with that 40 lb beast on fire roads & impromptu stunt parks. Now I'll have to get it down & find some space for it on the floor.

The cheap bike niche, we’ve all started somewhere with mountain bikes. I’ve recently sold all my bikes, now down to just one. Simple now, just go ride that’s the only choice now.

I appreciate your message man! My 7 year old son got me into mountain biking this year, and he and I have been having a blast. I've been riding an old mongoose racing bike I had lying around, and it has been totally fine to learn on. Now that I know I enjoy the sport I am researching purchasing an actual mountain bike. But, it's been really hard to make a decision with all the options and talk of needing this and that. This video has just reinforced my thoughts that I want a good hardtail, and I dont need anything too fancy.

Love it man. You bring the every day commuter/player/thinker up to speed on current events in the industry. Thanks from the voices not heard.

This video is so good. You articulate my thoughts precisely (better than I've ever done). I ride a hardtail and it gives me the thrills I'm after, more easily and more often. From time to time I'm hitting bigger drops and wish I had some cushion on the back wheel but mostly the HT is more than enough and keeps my skills sharp and my vibes high.

Truth must be spoken. I can enjoy so many different things on my bike. Simplicity has lasted me a very long time. Keep doing what you're doing!

I'm with you 100%. The most beautiful thing about bikes is that you don't need anything fancy to generate the same smile and feeling. I rode full suspension for years, then got sick of all the maintenance and setup BS myself, so I've been riding rigid for the last few keeping it pure and simple. I'm ready to try some of the newer full sus bikes now though. A lot has changed since I last rode them.

Just found your channel. 5 videos in and learning a lot. Thanks for your content

Wow, great post! Thank you for the grounded perspective.

Love the direction you're heading in on your journey Matty. A budget bike is not a bad term but the way. There is a whole budget bike subculture developing now. It is a clear rejection of the gatekeepers in the cycling and mountain biking community. I'd love to see you build a budget bike up. Like the Ozark Trail Ridge. Get you out of your comfort zone and start tinkering. It's a great way to learn the mechanics and wrenching on your own equipment.

Like all things, it's all about diminutive returns and bell curves. The sweet spot IMO is the middle grade, and when something breaks, replace it with higher end version if its in the budget at that time and if you feel like you still need/want to. Also, you right on the hardtail turning green into blue/black. Well said.

This is 100% the best way to look at all things in life but especially an expensive hobby like this. When I was a kid the guy that got the biggest props at the jumps was the one that was doing the same tricks on the beater bike that they borrowed from a buddy. I have a beater hard tail that I’ve been riding for years that I ONLY upgrade a part if it breaks beyond repair and so far I’ve only spent maybe $100 on it in the last 10 years lol.

I'm not a roadie, but I'm learning my fellow mountain bikers and cyclists as a whole have a gear obsession problem. I ride dirtbikes mainly, but got a $1500 dollar FS bike I'm bombing down black diamond trails like nobodies business. People need to learn and accept its the rider not the bike. Yeah, bike shaped objects are freakin garbage, but any entry level $500 hardtail can get the work done. I can't ever see me exceeding the capabilities of what my bike is intended for, and as its a trail bike, its good at a lot of different stuff.

I went out and got the ozark explorer because of this channel. This past week i have been riding around with my kids, riding up hills just to bomb down them. You inspired me to ride with my kids. And I forgot just how fun it can be to just ride a bike down a hill. Thank you

Amen! I appreciate you and the honest, relatable content you're making. I would like to see you play with putting a 100mm suspension fork on that Breezer Thunder, though... 😊

As someone that is getting back into bikes for mental and physical fitness, I find this channel totally relatable. Thank you.

Love your content. Keep up the good work.

your message is spot on…we tend to get caught up in “the stuff” , and all it does is complicate “ the reality”…it’s not about the price…it’s about how the bike feels…some bikes feel cheap and lack quality that aren’t cheap at all… i bought a used walmart bike because of the size and design of the aluminum frame…yes, some of the components were of lesser quality, but still very functional until i upgraded them as desired…and it’s pretty safe to say that i’ve now invested as much as buying a less budget friendly brand, but it no longer feels like it is lacking in any way…and you might not even get that with buying a much more expensive brand…i don’t mountain bike yet, but would like to start…when i do, i’ll be riding a rigid frame with rim brakes and 1x gearing…i have a real appreciation for fine things, but keeping it simple has become my motto for most everything i do… good to see someone out there who gets it , and passes on this huge secret to a large audience! good on you brother!

This video hits deep. I've been riding my Marlin 6 for almost 3 years and have loved it but things gotten dull and had me think about other bikes that I see people on, like full suspension. I recently had a great ride on my Marlin which surprised me how capable it was. Glad I didn't fall into a new bike purchase. Keep posting videos, great content which has me think and critique my riding style.

Nice. Love it. Im on a marlin 6 2nd gen right now. Before that i still rode the hell out of my gary fischer that i brought in 99 when i worked at Trek.

Love this, man. Best bike video I've seen all year. Just get out and ride, with whatever you've got...

Best video and statement I have seen in a long time! Keep going.

I love your approach, Matty! I started mountain biking because it was a way to get outside and enjoy the scenery. And while I love my full suspension, I miss not having a hardtail as an option. I have a gravel bike, but I might grab a Roscoe at some point in the future.

Agreed. The guys at the trek store told me there is no way I could ride my Roscoe 6 at the bike park. It’s the nicest bike I’ve ever had. I upgraded from a 30 year old mongoose switchback. I hit jumps, drops, and some techy blues with no issues.

I really enjoy your content sharing the joy of biking for everyone.

thanks for this video. this will help keep me focused what's import, which having fun. I just got into mountain biking, so I'm definitely green. I've already started seeing how expensive things can get from the bike to the accessories.

Huh, you know what? I'm looking to get into mountain biking, and the mentality you described at the start of the video is the mentality I'm currently in, but you've really given me food for thought. I've been eyeing up numerous expensive bikes, but I have one already that I can upgrade a bit instead. This was very informative. Thank you!

Thank you for this video! I’m getting my first bike this upcoming weekend. I just want to enjoy the scenery and ride nice trails too! ❤🚵‍♀️

I hear you brother, I'm on the same wavelength. I've always ridden used or reasonably priced bikes and parts, they never let me down, and I've been riding since the late 80's. Stoked on the vibe you're putting out there, it's the truth about MTN biking. If I ever spent $5000 + on a bike my wife would go ballistic! If you are ever up in Canada, hit me up and we'll hit the local trails for a rip!

Great perspective! Couldn’t agree more!

We have a MTB festival in the ADK Mountains which is a totally chill trail rides. The vibe is ride a bike. They don't care what you have! Super fun

I love full suspension for park, but for everything else I'm a major ridged single speed enthusiast. Always a joy when you come across someone who is like minded

Your video encouraged me to buy a “ regular bike “ Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Hey Matt great video have 2 e-bikes but my favorite is my 2006 trek y-26 love riding that bike keep up the good work on these videos…

I’ve found going back to basics. I don’t have to compete If my friends are riding fast down the trail or doing the jumps, I don’t need too. I’m riding full ridged there riding full sus ebike. I’m Riding my own ride having fun 😎

You are the rare and very well spoken counterweight to all the marketing BS that is aimed at separating people from really enjoying this sport without spending too much money based on the fear of missing out. That same marketing creates a barrier between rider / ambitions and / experience. By introducing and keep pounding on that fear of missing out. That introduced insecurity is where they make money. Which the customer should absolve by overspending on overreaching tech developed for aspiring racers & semi Pro's.. MTB is not about competing a Red Bull record, it is about riding trails & enjoying Nature. Away from cars. Underbiking trails with rigid bikes or hard tails actually enhances the experience of the green & blue trails. And improves bike handling skills, trail reading, safety & overall a more complete & fulfilling enjoyment. Without having to worry about the next, very costly front- / rear- & dropper service. and the time that service will prevent you from being able to using that bike. And you probably do not need that tech anyway. Developing your MTB skills is far more challenging and rewarding than buying into expensive and fragile so-called solutions... That will be obsolete anyway within a guestimated three years... Likewise the necessary parts... Keep it simple! Max out the experience!

Matty, I’m glad you did this video. I’m in 100% agreement with you. I had the exact same dilemma in recent years. Being in my 50’s now, I just want to ride my bike and enjoy a trail not wanting to fidget with my bike and worry about a million things. That’s why I’m pretty content with my 2020 Roscoe 8. I have a hybrid for road use as well.

Awesome video Matty.

The funny thing is looking at your fleet you have expensive bikes 🤣. My mini fleet are entry level local bike shop bikes, but at 53 my bikes work for me. Plus, having two kids in college, it will be a while before consider upgrading my fleet, but my mountain, gravel, and road bikes allows me to have options where I decide to ride to stay in shape. Another great video 👍🏿

All good points! I ride a carbon full suspension, and I’m constantly tweaking things here and there. It can be a headache.

Thanks for keeping it relatable.

Good points. Suspension adds yet another layer of service needs and $$ and if you don’t NEED it don’t waste your $$

Great perspective mate. 👍

I ride a FS bike and I rarely mess with the suspension….like the channel….i also enjoy a good hard tail

💯 agree, had a budget hardtail that I upgraded to be capable and fit me just right. My friend gave me an insane deal on a full suspension. Loved it at first but started pushing limits and the bike never really fit me quite right and had old parts needed replaced and got hurt multiple times on it. Was slower and nervous on it. Had sold the hardtail from excitement and now sold the full suspension back to my friend and will get another hardtail.

Yeah man preach it!!!! Hopefully you'll help a young rider on a budget realize they don't need to go into debt for a bike they don't need and all they are doing is keeping up with the "cool kids". I'm older than you (55) and started mountain biking in the late 80s and only new rigid bikes. Handlebars were flat and narrow, wide tires with 1.95", all drive trains were 3x, brakes were cantilever, etc. and guess what? Me and my pals rode trails and drops and it was as fun AF. My trail bike these days is a Surly Wednesday fat bike - rigid front and rear, simple & easy to service parts and I love riding it.

Good points matty and i agree with you. I feel a hardtail or full rigid teaches you how to be a better rider since you have to have the skills to ride a trail fast and smooth on one of those. Thats what i did. I started on fs then switched back to hardtail. During my time with the hardtail, i did regular sessions at my local pump track and incorporated what i learned there into my riding. And the. Switched back to full suspension using the skills i picked up with the hardtail and pump track and i feel im a much faster and smoother rider.

You nailed it. That’s what all the kids need to hear as well. As a teen I was so obsessed with gear (bought it myself with my paper route money lol) but I should have spent a lot more time riding than analyzing and day dreaming about it. I’m a drummer and the same thing happened there; countless hours, even years wasted geeking out on gear, when actually practicing and playing would have done a lot more for me.

I knew you played professionally, didn't know you were on the Red Sox!! Awesome

Great video! Subbed! I am working on a similar concept video about "Do you need a top of the line bike to be a competitive racer" or something like that. While my bike is not "budget" it is a 2017 full suspension and I can still throw down with people on brand new bikes. Like you said, 95% of riders are not even utilizing their bikes full potential. I started biking 12 years ago on a fully rigid GT Timberline! It got me to the trails, I had fun, and every root, rock, drop was a BIG obstacle. I really like your approach on just grabbing the bike and going! I went with a coil fork for this reason so I can set it up how I like it and then forget about it for a year! I really learned some editing/video creation techniques from your video so thanks for that! Good work.

Ride what you like & be happy! Great video and perspective!!

Love your honesty! I watched KevCentral and bought a Mongoose Grit because of him. You can buy a cheap bike and then upgrade as you go. Love your perspective! And I'm from Rogers AR! My step dad was from Pine Bluff. My dad was from Dardanelle Take care.

Dude, I love your channel because you have a much more down to Earth attitude to the sport which appeals much more to newer riders. Mountain biking is awesome and it was awesome when I started back in the 90s with 26" wheeled hard tails and rigid bikes. Like you said, I like to enjoy the scenery too. Mountain biking has kinda lost the adventure aspect in favor of "bike parks", gnar etc but when I started it was really about just finding out where this trail went. It was just a trail. No cool name, no bermed corners, just a trail. Anyways, keep Em coming.

I just ordered the OT and gonna pick it up today. Thanks for the reality check

My biking history is similar to you. Just in a much longer time frame. Ive learned ( once i went broke on expensive bikes and parts) that its not the bike its the rider. Plus nowadays theres such good affordable stuff out there that can get the job done. Ive gone from full sus to now complete rigid. Im rolling up on 60 and i prefer the feel the efficiency that it gives. Thanks for the content.

I’m new to this channel since I got my Merlin 6 and because you seem to speak from the heart about just owning a bike. And you remind me of my hero ice cube . That aside keep up the great work 👍

I hear you Matty! Truth right here.

I have an upgraded Axum and a trek fuel ex7. For a less expensive bike the axum is a decent ride. But, I must say, imo the full suspension is the way to go. So much better for what I do on the trails. You played for the Red Sox. That's awesome, a beloved team of the new england area. Thanks for sharing.

Videos like this are nice to watch for a change. I’ve bought a used hardtail 26inch mtb for 120€ and it rides beautifully. My first road bike cost 120€ and I still ride it occasionally. I have no idea how much they weight, but I do know that it doesn’t even matter because I should get rid of my own excess weight first.

Awesome video. Keeping it real.

I ride a retro Gt aggressor that I built from the frame up.And have recently built my own gravel bike from an old frame I found on the street.I smile when I see people riding bikes that cost thousands,knowing I’m having just as much fun for practically no money at all.😄

Appreciate your vids!

I do exactly the same. 2 full sus in the garage and mostly riding my old city mtb with a steel fork. The blue trails are simple around and I tend to avoid the red trails anyway - same reason as you. Then I use more time riding harder and less time on maintenance! Yes, sometimes I need to step off, but hey - part of the training