Five Pitfalls to Avoid When Deciding Which Bike to Purchase - Hardtail Party
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2024
- In this episode, we discuss some of the common pitfalls to deciding which bike to purchase. These tips apply to hardtails as well as full suspensions.Did you learn something valuable? If so, show your appreciation and support this channel by becoming a Patron today: / hardtailparty
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Yes am struggling for choosing bike coz of my height
Hi Steve! I'm stoked between 2022 Nukeproof Scout 290 vs. 2022 Roscoe 9, if you're to choose, which one do you prefer?
@@JuanTonyoRides It depends. That's the kind of thing i save for my patrons.
Buy the lightest, most expensive, over-spec'd, aggressive geometry, long-travel, carbon bike you can find....and never ride it because you can't afford to break it and it'd be a shame to get it dirty.
Then sell it to me half price because its "used"
gabotrial lol
heh!
And ride only fire roads
@@gabotrial yeah right, doesnt exist here , down here people sell bikes like gold ,lol
I'm in phase broke. In this phase I just adapt to the bike I have because I just want to go ride. 😂 Great video Steve! This is so true!
I don't know how broke, but I saved $500 and got a used 2017 specialized fuse comp with a 27.5x3inch tire on Facebook. It's One size to small but it'll due for now.
Me too I'm in faze 30 year old rigid steel bike which is more suitable for commuting
I built a hardtail from scrap parts. I was too poor at the time to afford something new. Probably it cost me $20 at first--all junk parts, mostly free stuff. Later I added some new parts to give me a better gear ratio spread, but that wasn't entirely necessary. I used to live in Portland, and they have bike scrapyards all over there. So you can really build a bike pretty cheaply if you go that route. Then you're up and riding! You can then save for the bike you really want!
Myself, I still ride my scrap bike. It's perfect for me, so I never decided to get another one later.
That... is my story.
Same here. I’m riding some kids hard tail trek he outgrew in highschool and now that’s my bike 😂
I used to work in the composites industry, including one bike company. The owner had a great saying that I have taken to heart with regard to bike purchases: "Nine out of ten composites engineers prefer metal".
Here we have a saying from the Automotive industry: he who knows bonding will weld.
As an engineering student who's been working on cars and heavy equipment most of my life, carbon fiber has it's place. Amateur weekend hardtail mountain bikes are not that place. Can they be good? Absolutely, but you can get more than enough performance with steel or aluminum for 98% of riders.
I think there are at least two more phases. The “Reviewer Knows Best” phase, in which someone depends solely on the reviews, and will even convince themselves that the bike is no fun, even if they had fun, if the reviewers say it’s a bad bike. And the “Fun” phase, in which someone finally forgets all the reviews, the spec sheet, the geometry nitpicking, just gets the bike that they like, that they find fun.
This is so true. One person's opinion and riding style should not be making your decision for you. And, of course, some CZcamsrs are compelled to give good reviews when they're getting hand-outs. Not on this channel though.
I am passed the Carbon stage thankfully and love my aluminum Stache 7!
I remember when I was getting in to mountain biking I wanted a 180mm traval enduro bike, now I ride a 100mm xc bike perfect for my local trails.
I avoided Phase 2, 4 and skipped 5. I went from Phase 1, to Phase 6 and started building a bike from the frame up. I can't wait to be able to afford to go through Phase 3! 😂
Very fitting name lol
@@stevecabrera6718 Thanks! We've been through the Cuyuna Crusher, a 12 hour endurance race, the Maah Daah Hey 100, and almost 800 road miles on Strava last year. The only modifications I've made were a custom saddle, raised handlebars, and a dropper post. I'm keeping it as my XC/commuter bike, and building an aggressive hardtail.
@@adventuresona700dollarhard5 nice that is defintly impressive! The beauty of a hardtail is truly in its simplicity and reliability.
I’m just going to paste a link to this vid every time someone asks me what kind of bike they should get.
Please do! There will be more videos on this topic. Sadly, a lot of people just want me to tell them which bike to buy, rather than doing the research themselves.
No way. You just retold my first 5 years of mountain biking.
True! Good advice!!! More power to your channel!
Thanks for taking the time to provide this information.
Good stuff Steve. Good points here.
Always sharing great advice!
Great bike buying tutorial. I can definitely identify with each of the phases you talked about. This information is great for someone buying a bike and is in any of these phases.
So glad to see someone throw these facts out there dude 👌🏻
Nice video
After a few months of researching, I've definitely hit phase 6. I have your Banshee videos to thank for that. I'm starting to lean into just buying a frame and building the bike myself. Looking forward to more of your content!
Hello, the more I watch your channel, the more I learn and I like that. I have experienced many of these phases.
Currently in stage 6 and trying to learn to compare geometry charts. Thanks to you I am going to purchase a Banshee Paradox V3 and I am going to do my best to build it myself. Thanks for all the info and for replying to my questions I truly appreciate all the help. Have a Awsome weekend.
Hey man, really enjoyed your perspective, thanks!
Steve this is by far the best review on how to choose a mountainbike. This would really help a lot including me in choosing my next bike. I am guilty I think once I have left you a message asking which bike is better. Grateful that we your subscribers have this to refer on if we decide to get our first or next bike! Will always support you and Dusty Betty's channel! Ride safe always! 😃
Watching your channel put me in phase 6 for the last couple years. Thank you Steve.
Totally agree. Great video. Thank you!
Cool. My phase sequence was scrambled I think because I came from road and gravel. I learned what’s what with those disciplines first.
My mans out here preachin! so many good points. I remember in like 2008 not wanting to buy any bike unless it had horizontal drop outs so i could convert it to ss if i wanted to haha
You forgot the very last phase Steve...... the addiction phase. This as we all know is the sum of all parts......... excellent video man. Keep ‘em coming ...... ride semi safe
Can’t beat a demo ride. Totally agree!
Lovely sharing, U r one of the best in sharing. Love it. Happy riding.
Well done Steve!!
I've learned to compare frames and how easily it will be to up grade components. Wheels are a big thing also. I'm currently looking to upgrade . Hardtail , 27.5 + and I think I have in narrowed down.
Phase 5. Wished I'd known your channel before buying a bike. Next time I buy a bike I'll try to match phase 6.
Great advice. If you are out there looking for a bike, listen to this man.
Good word mate, I think I am becoming intuitive in phase 6 recently and which bikes are doing their role right and if the money is being invested in the right components. Having a point of reference also plays a role for me. I am still not as experienced as many but I think am going there and who knows I might even land a job in one of these bike show rooms trying to sell MTBs.
I was in phase 1 for years, early 90s to about 2017 then phase 4 and purchased an enduro bike (I love it but....) now in the full on research phase and seeking to understand which frame material and geometry will work for my next bike...a hardtail. Love the videos!!
I agree with your on phase, I have 3 mtbs I ride them for very long. Many started with XC - i.e fastest, lightest....etc. but I am in a phase where I wanna enjoy the trails. Love your commentary and advise. Thank you. I am on your last phase. Learning about geometry. We in Malaysia - hardly we can test a bike before we buy it.
This was super helpful Steve. Thank you...
I'm so glad it helped, thanks for letting me know. Feedback has been so positive on this video that I'll end up doing some more like it in the future.
Just got my Marlin 7 and I love it!
Just found this channel and just got into mtb. Picked a budget Marlin 6 as my first bike and I love it. Added a cheap lever dropper post, new grips, seat, pedals, and will be adding a new air fork soon. That's it for the components. It's fun as heck and I'll be leaving it like this for a while. Going to use this thing to learn some skills.
Great channel...
Great info...
Thks ...👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Well done,very informative.Will help lots of people buying bikes, especially when bike marketing tells everyone that they need the newest tech and they need to spend huge amounts of cash!
thanks, a good guideline for comparing bikes.
I think this is pretty much bang on. I recently returned to MTB after quite a few years of either not riding or on skinny tyres. A lot has changed, geometry is nothing like it was and suspension travel is at an unimaginable level from when I was riding. I looked at all sorts of bikes both full sus and hardtail. I originally wanted a boutique steel custom build hardtail that would have cost more than some of the full sus bikes I was looking at. In the end I opted for an aluminium hardtail as I new from test riding it along with reading a few reviews that it was a well respected frame and it felt right. The bike ended up costing me two thirds what I was going to spend originally even after a couple of upgrades such as bars and grips etc. Another thing is nothing in the groupset is so high spec I can't afford to replace it quickly and I can be back riding as soon as possible.
Wow I agree 100 on all these points. Its funny, I move in the exact reverse though! I start at phase 6, start with geometry and work my way back through components etc etc..
I’m just getting back into biking after like 12 years, snagged a Kona kahuna off Craigslist for $400 and just been riding the pants off it.
Now I’m in the research phase and trying to figure out my riding style/ability so my next bike will be the right one, thanks for the awesome reviews!
It was 41.4c here in Western Australia today so watching videos and overthinking stuff… helpful upload…
Thanks to your channel, I could make a more informed decision on which bike to buy.
This is good info. Not sure why this just popped up on our feed... but I learned early about frames when I went to upgrade our GT's and realized they had a straight neck instead of a tapered neck effectively reducing our fork options to 2-3 choices. That's when I realized that crap parts can be replaced, but crap frames can't. They have to be gotten rid of and you have to start over... even if it's something as simple as upgradability.
Great video
Im in the 25 year old steel hard tail with 80mm travel fork phase.
This video is so helpful
I avoided all the stages while watching this video. Great stuff
Good points! I rode hardtail for many years as it is fun and versatile. Full squish was off the budget chart. Also those hardtails were large and xl. Did not fit me. I upgraded, rebuilt, & replaced parts , then found a modern geo XXL marin nail trail 6. It changed the way I viewed mountain biking. Next got a deal on a bad habit 2(was a rental) more dirt cravings. When I pushed the bike to it's limits, I got a hightower lt. Now I want to demo the Ibis ripmo, and pull the trigger. Ride everything, but my favorite rides are those 5 mile climbs with swooping flowy descents .
Excellent video on this topic. Geometry is pretty much where I started and I am still so hung up on climbing efficiency and acceleration because it's so fascinating and engineering is a wonderful thing to know. I actually ended up buying a rockhopper sport (large) because it fit my budget for a decent bike to ride while I'm on vacation in Romania (the trails and city of Cluj is an amazing place to ride) and when we return to SC I'll start the upgrade process. I am still learning how the geometry affects the ride and I'm sure there are lots of other elements but I am very much enjoying watching all of your videos and gathering intelligence/data for my next purchase. Thanks for all the information and I am subscribing to learn more. Take care.
I think I'm in phase 6+ as I am designing my own steel hardtail frame so I can tweek the smallest aspects of the geometry to fit my style. 160mm travel will probably be overkill for most things I will do with it, but coming off of a DH bike back to a hardtail I wouldn't feel comfortable with less and as I designing it to be my only bike I would like it to be as versatile as possilble.
My phase is making my bike pretty so I can at least cover the fact that I can’t ride!
There's more people in this phase than just about every other phase out together lately.
Yeah the pretty it looks no one pays attention to your riding.
Lol I call these bike lures. I love flying up behind them because they're so pretty.
Awesome insight here!
A quick history on my riding the last decade:
I was riding a Santa Cruz Superlight 26" Alloy. I enjoyed it until I got sucked into "Carbon"...LOL. I demo'd an Ibis Ripley V1 and was blown away with the 29" wheels and of course Carbon frame. I eventually bought a good used V1 Ripley and road that thing for about 5 years. Loved it to death! Most recently, I was contemplating between Carbon and Alloy, due to getting a crack on the downtube of my Ripley. I was thinking of getting the RIpmo AF or the Ripmo V1 (Carbon). Again, I found a good deal on a V1 Carbon and pulled the trigger - couldn't be happier!
Now, going from the Ripley to the Ripmo, the travel increased by about 30%. Furthermore the frame is a bit more robust. As much as I loved the Ripley, I appreciate the increased stability. It does add to my confidence on the descents.
About the time I pulled the trigger on the Ripmo I was also contemplating the "best bang for the buck" and also " Hardtail Vs. FS" !!....LMFAO!!
In the end, I'm happy with my decision with the Ripmo based on my riding style ( I live in NorCal). However, this is a testament of how many factors are involved when deciding on a new bike.
I'd say I'm at phase 6, just picked up a used 2019 Santa Cruz chameleon, and I couldn't be more excited for spring to roll around!
Congratulations! Got that bike and it is great. So maneuverable and just fun.
what size did you get and how tall are you? this is the step i am at and theres none in stores to try
I could not agree more, picking the right frame is definitely the most important. You can always find other parts new or used to dial in the rest of it, but if you don't have the right frame, you will just waste time and money on a bike that will never be perfect for you.
GREAT stuff dude!!! In the market for my first HT currently, you know I'm gonna be picking your brain!
I'd be happy to chat with you about it. Bentonville is the perfect place for hardtails.
Great advice.
Dude, you are a breath of fresh air, bravo... 👏🏻
Thanks Jon. I try not to be clickbaity and provide quality info. It means slower channel growth, but engaged, quality subscribers. Thanks for watching.
Thx for the info yet again. I’m new to this literally looking at a new hardtails as I write this. I guess I’m in the phase 4 group what am I actually paying for components wise. And now I need to consider the frame to and how I can upgrade it as my confidence grows
Great video!!
Sound advice mate, very good watch
I'm glad you emphasized taking it for a ride. The 2023 San Quentin bike frame comes to mind. The geometry tells me that this bike should be a flat ground trick happy bike with the 425mm chain stay length and short reach.. then you ride it and it's like, what the hell, why can't I manual this thing?!.
Yeah, always try to find a way to test ride before buying.
I'm a phase 6! I used this channel and a few others to determine which frame i wanted to purchase to build my own bike. I ended up buying a RSD Middle Child aluminum!
Great info!
I feel like I went through all 5 phases in a day. Now I'm hooked on geometry.
A very informed, and sage like essay there sir.
Phase 5 / 6.. Definitely leaning heavily towards the DV9 for Sant Cruz long miles and lots of climbing, fire roads, some roots and flow... and some roads to get to and fro.... Now I'm stuck on budget and leaning most likely to the entry NX build (not sure if that's the best value though). Frame, wheels and shock seem awesome, not worried about the drive train really, wondering about the brakes though since I find myself in steep, fast and wet situations... and I'll want a dropper stem. Which takes me to looking at a LBS or online which can save me roughly $300 that I can put towards the dropper post but online sells Ibis discontinued wheel set but ones with pretty similar specs to Ibis current stock build aluminum wheel set. I'm 6" 2" or 3" and have no idea what stem legato though.... round and round we go ;-)
Im in phase 'credit card debt'. After 4 years of riding, research, and understanding mtb tech, I custom built an Ibis Ripmo for 6k and don't regret a single thing and proudly get it dirty.
Great vid! That's sound advice. It's all about the frame geometry and how it feels. After many demos, I came to Ibis because the geometry and suspension linkage felt best for what I wanted: climbs easily and comfortably, descends great, and supremely agile.
Great point on blonde vs Burnett = marital bliss. Love that analogy.
My bike is CARBON and I eat Carbonara everyday. :-) The truth is I'm a big fan of Chromo frames.
Spot on. I hate when people spout out components. Pretty much all components now a days work really well. 15 - 20 years there was a huge difference but I'd ride anything today.
In Phase 6 of a Stargazer builder now for some chunkier gravel and some bikepacking. Then on to a new MTB, ,maybe the Maniak actually. Frame up has been fun. I get to decide every little part instead of buying a bike I know I want to replace stuff on before I even buy it. More expensive overall, but every piece is exactly what I want. Now all I need is wheels and some odds and ends.
Great info right here! Everyone should learn these steps before buying a bike.
This is a great video packed with lots of stellar information. 👍
Personally, I find myself between phase 5 and 6. I'd like to think I'm closer to 6 than 5, but I know deep down that I'm still too shallow.
This is me. Sometimes trying to figure out frame geo and how that design might ride supple or stiff gets to be too much and I start looking for the weight...
I'm on a 100mm XC hardtail and having a blast. I can make a round trip on the road and hit some trails. I have realized while riding with others that I want some better frame geometry for a designated trail bike, I'm looking into the Trek Roscoe or Rocky Mountain Growler, maybe the Marin El Roy but that thing might be overkill.
Good vid. My phases were similar but different. I think you are dead on that many times we get caught up in numbers that don't matter or are negated by some other factor. Probably just need to take in a few factors. Starting with frame geometry is where I finally learned to start at within in my budget.
So glad I still rock the XTR from 20yrs ago on my Zaskar LE. I beat the snot outta everything back in the day. Only broke 1 frame DH racing. Still ride it today.👍 If you can afford Titanium buy it. Odds are it will last forever.
I did a little research before I bought my first one. Went over to the Trek dealership near me and got a Marlin 5. Been riding a year now and I'm pretty happy with the bike! Now I've got the itch for a full suspension.
I did a minimal amount of research when I was about to buy my first bike too. I bought the 2019 marlin 5 too. I was also a complete victim of marketing. I saw internal routing, hydraulic brakes, 29er wheels... I saw it, I wanted it now, so I bought it. Emptying my little savings account in the process.
My lbs saw me coming a mile away too. I shouldn't have bought that bike. I needed something twice as expensive to ride the trails I ride and not 29er.
I was totally grossed out on how under preforming the m5 was for me, I just spent $700+ cad on a bike that had an ultra stiff fork that gave me 15mm of travel with my entire weight on the bars, pedals and tires that made everything dangerous to ride due to the threat of slipping both off the bike and with it, and a rear derailleur that spent more time slapping around than it did being quiet.
After a season of upgrading it with quality used parts (for budget reasons) I am finally quite happy with it. To the point I have a new Eagle SX 1x12 on it's way from somewhere in Asia.
But as you mentioned, I have the itch for a full sus aswell.. I'm looking at the Polygon Siskiu D7 but will likely save up for the T7 Anniversary edition. I am in no rush tho. I can't afford another "bike fever" purchase.
I'm like you when it comes to buying. I won't buy a bike until I have ridden it. This has been my fear in buying direct to consumer as well.
I always go custom. First i choose the category: for example enduro. Second i choose the frame accoding to geo, size, ease of access and maintenance and price. Then i choose the components according to my preference and budget.
Good afternoon. Great video. I have gone back and forth on what bike is best for me and this video made me think again. So I’m now very confused. I ride road, I’m in Quantico VA and shop diversity is very limited. I like the Roscoe, Chameleon, and Honzo, but now I am concerned because of the head angles on the first two. I like climbing, chunky trailers, and swooping trails but downhill scares me. Even on my road bike, I get nervous because my bike feels twitchy. With the head angles on the Roscommon and Chameleon, I’m now worried I will not like to ride it because of its downhill instability. Not being experienced off-road, I am now uncertain of what model to go ride because I really have to travel. Am I overthinking the downhill issues on these bikes considering my riding style. I go downhill because the trails require it and I believe in concurring your fevers, I just prefer stability because I get less freaked out. I absolutely want a 27.5 plus. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I have quickly become a huge fan of your site. I appreciate your honest approach to mountain biking...so refreshing compared to the onslaught of gritty hardcore shredding and the commercialized glossy stuff.
Thank you so much, that means a lot. I try really hard to keep that junk out.
Getting back into mtn biking after 17 years. Bought a Ibis Ripmo AF, should be here in 2 weeks. I’m pumped AF. Thanks for the video!
Ive ridden the ripmo, but not the af. Excellent bike for the price, congrats!
Very interesting video👍
We all have been down that road🤣🤣🤣. But I do enjoy trying different components and what runs fast and together. Rolling GX Eagle on my 2016 GT Force while running a box 2 components drive train on my GT Avalanche hard tail.
I have an iterative phase, where I take a helicopter view of the bikes I'm looking at, and where I will ride it, and how often those conditions occurs. I have a trail bike, live in Denmark (flat) and a few times per year go to Sweeden, Germany or the alps (bike park). Initially I thought I wanted ("needed") a Transition Spur (170 mm). By doing the reality check I realised that would be sitting in the basement most of the year, so to get a bike fare from the trail bike I went the other way. XC hardtail, which is perfect to work on skills in the same trails I ride every week and has made them like new again. Weapon of choice is a BMC Twostroke 01 (good progressive frame), with mediocre to high spec (full GX, Reba RL, Level TL, and yes carbon frame, handlebar and seat post), at a reasonable price, at a bikeshop local (my 3rd mtb in 5 y). Love the video
The true beauty of a hardtail or fully rigid bike is how much the frame matters, how much a great frame can translate into a near magical ride. I've ridden steel and alloy frames that are lively and springy and smooth and just incredible and frames of each of those materials that feel dull and plodding and sluggish. It's in the material and angles and tube thicknesses and dimensions and butting and how it fits you and how you ride and it's an art you can ride and enjoy and ultimately, love.
Well said, I couldn't agree more. You basically wrote my next video where I say almost the exact same thing.
First great video! Myself, been riding fpr 34 year. Def phase 6. Some of my reg riding crew just now are coming outta Phz 5 (bit still suffer Phz 3 😂) My first 2 mtbs were steel and rigid. My currentl hardtail is an RSD Middlechild steel XL, ( I agree) ⅓çin gatage build. When i saw that geo chart ❤❤❤. At 6'4" (and 240+) I it has truly only been the last 3 years most manufacturers have actually made bikes in "my size". There were outliers (the first gen Honzo🤯) Banshee & Transition. That RSD is built 1 (kinda 2)x 10, and I love it. I under forked it w/ a Fox 34. Jist got my new (used) Lyrik 4 days ago. Them bones are worth it.
I really think you should start your own hardtail bike company! I’m sure you’d make the bests ones!
Thanks for the kind words. It takes a TON of energy to start a bike company from scratch. I'd rather design models for other companies at this point. Stay tuned for more news on that front.
Yeahhh! Amazing news! Well, keep us posted because I’m in the market for a light, modern steel hardtail :)
Great video. I was stuck on the travel for a long time. Which was really dumb on my part. I live in Illinois. I do travel a bit but the 130 on my 5010 has handled every single trail in Illinois. Wisconsin. Indiana. Iowa. All the places that are in weekend driving distance for me. Would love to hear more of your thoughts on geometry!
I'd like to do a gemonetry breakdown series where i talk about each measurement and how it changes the way a bike rides. Thanks for your feedback.
hardtail party that will be great. So much I’ve never really thought about before I started watching your videos. Used to just hop on and ride but you really spend time explaining the moving parts better than I’ve come across on any other you tubers videos. Thanks
I agree with you 100%
Best video on internet for those who can’t decide which bike to buy. I’m at phase broke and phase 1. Most of the local shops here sell XC bikes but I want a trail hardtail.
Yeah, it's frustrating how many shops push xc bikes, when trail bikes are what most people need.
I kinda was stage 1 + 5 + 6 at the same time. Price of admission was low so a trail hardtail plus bike was my genre of choice. A decent fork and component set on a second hand current year Roscoe 8 got me out partying. Previously was partying on my CARBON cx bike ;)
Sit on many bikes and really be picky. Go to geo comparison websites once you know what starts feeling good. Compare geo to your current bike if you fit and love it. Remember hardtail party knows his bikes take his advice but remember if his favorite bike does not fit you it is still the wrong bike. Also remember that he really knows the bikes and can break them down and knows what makes each one different and may be able to notice things the average rider may not notice. One thing I like to think about is if it’s a bit older do you need a new bike. Can you find a used but good bike. So many good things here
Awesome video, honest and down to earth. Was I living under a rock or are trail-hardtails rather new. I also follow the classic introduction of : start with a HT, has to be a XC-HT, got a FS-Trail bike which is much more fun.
trail hardtails aren't marketed very well. They've always existed, but flown under the radar because suspension bikes always had the spotlight.
Just came across your channel. Love it. I suppose it's confirmation bias but I have been saying for awhile now: Geometry then suspension then wheels in that order. Everything else is easier, and cheaper (in a relative way) to change. I heard about your channel from a friend who knows I am in the hunt for a new hard tail.
Right on! Props to your friend for turning you on to my channel. Welcome to the party.
Back to add: Your bike shop mechanic/you, if you're the mechanic, have a larger influence over how well your bike shifts, than what components you have.
Thanks for the info. By the time I have the money saved up I'll be in phase 6
Great channel man. this video is very help full. I think im in faze 6. I have narrowed it down to the San Quentin 3 and the Commencal meta ht am essential. Being a ht guy, what do you think about these 2? keep up the great videos!
I just released a review of the commencal. The San quentin has a super low stack, so it needs riser bars. And the sizing is a bit off on the san quentin.
@@hardtailparty i did see that. and took into consideration. i pretty much wanted to hear about the Marin, so thanks. Probly going with the Meta. Seems like a great bike for socal trails. thanks again.