XC Race Bike Vs Trail Hardtail | Which Is The Better Mountain Bike?
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 23. 06. 2018
- A Stallion vs a Donkey. A Supercar against an SUV. Neil and Blake compare their favourite hardtails. Both bikes might have a solid rear end, but that's where the similarities end...
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Neil's on a top of the range Canyon Exceed CF SLX, an all out cross country racing machine. It's got steep head angles and short travel. It's light. It's fast. How does it compare?
Blake's riding the Nukeproof Scout, an aluminium do it all trail bike. With wider tyres, a dropper seatpost and aggressive geometry. It might be heavier, but there is very little that this can't do.
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đč Dolomiti Superbike Challenge | gmbn.eu/MTBvsGravel
đč Blake pushes the Hardtail's limits | gmbn.eu/hardtaillimits
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Leave us a comment below! - Sport
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Which bike would you choose? Let us know!
Global Mountain Bike Network definitely nukeproof better for jumping around
Nukeproof - one do it all!
Nukeproof
Global Mountain Bike Network I guess I have more of a trail hardtail that I use to race
If I could only have one bike - the Nukeproof.
BUT!
If I could have two ... Enduro and a cheaper XC bike. Something I can afford to maintain.
I ride my XC bike like a trail/enduro cause I canât afford a different bike and it gets sketchy sometimes but thatâs what makes it fun
Sebastian Glenn You can still ride some crazy shit even on xc hardtails
Yesto mine is a full suspension but I honestly wish it was a hard tail. Yeah Iâve seen some pretty crazy shit being ridden on an XC bike and itâs awesome watching people push the limits of their bike.
Sebastian Glenn really? I hear having rear suspension saves a significant amount of energy in XC
I ride trials on my XC bike. I feel like itâs the best option for trials and trails.
Hey, put a wider bar, shorter stem and some Minions on the bike and boom you have a xc trail bike!
ÂŁ1,699 is affordable? I'm in the wrong job!
it is, if ur comparing it to the other bike for 4,5k
4,5k is affordable... compared to a ferrari
2nd hand baby
Complain more
You could buy a motorbike for that money.
I am so freaking stoked hardtails are getting so much love lately! It always makes me sad when people apologize for only having a hardtail. đ Love the bike you've got and let's go ride!
A-MEN!
Won't get me apologizing for having a hardtail. Nor will you get me back on a soft girly bike (aka full sus) ;)
Hardtails become fun when u have tested full suspension. There is just something in hardtails... they are fun.
I always do these trails in the vid on a hardtail. Only done the first drop in the woods on a full sus
I love my Scott Scale 29"!! It will humble you to no end and make you respect every trail you ride on. It'all about riding skills for me.
Only 1500 so 'ok to lock up outside the pub' - spoken like a man who doesn't pay for bikes . .
T Noltae well if you get a bike lock with an insurance payout you're likely to have less trouble claiming a 1600 bike than a bike worth over 4k. I don't even think there is a bike lock with an insurance payout to cover the xc bike.
And here I am taking the wheels and seat off my $400 bike to run in a store for 2 mins while itâs on my car carrier like a schmuck.
Spoken from somebody who isn't living in poverty. I leave my ÂŁ3000 alloy road bike outside where I work... It's insured.
An indication of his, er, IQ perhaps: He seems to have problems stringing a sentence together.
Exactly - I have enormous respect for the GMBN crew but they do need to reality check every so often. That Nukeproof would be jackpot for a thief regardless of what you locked it with.
Loving the camera chase style, feels like I'm riding with them
Backwards???
Thereâs some really interesting comments about this video. I largely take from this that both bikes are out of a lot of mtb enthusiastâs price bracket. I saved months to get myself a high end carbon race bike but it
would be great to see GMBN review two bikes between ÂŁ500-1000. Weâve all had these bikes and importantly it makes you appreciate what you have now!
I like that you started including the price of the bikes in the videos, adds extra info on the comparison
Blake: the full saying actually goes like this: "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one". Which is very fitting for your nukeproof vs Neil's Canyon.
r00t 1010 I did not know that!
it actually doesn't
english.stackexchange.com/questions/408782/is-jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none-really-just-a-part-of-a-longer-proverb
Thanks for doing my video suggestion. I suggested it in the last video and u guys smashed it and brought it to the fans. Thanks GMBN .
That intro b-roll! Soooooo good!
Filming and editing in this video is top notch. Great riding too, of course, lads.
Sick video as always.. Love the edit
rad video! love the different editing style! and all that Hardtail LOVE!!!
Might be the greatest GMBN edit/comparison. The camera leading the riders on the trail was a great visual.
Thanks IronicStompin!
Anybody else love watching these guys ride? And I also love their conversation. Super appreciate the videos GMBN posts...
I like this GCN style rear view recording
i love the comparison. thankyou GMBN
Iâm miss these types challenge series. Ive learned so much from these type of videos.
im new to mountain bikes and just scored me a 2013 specialized epic comp 29er love the front and rear suspension on it been looking at doing alot of xc this summer on it
I want that Nukeproof! That bike is sick.
you can get one for 500 quid or so less that has tektro brakes and shimano deore shifting everything else is the same realy nice bike for the money its a nukeproof scout aswell just a cheaper modek
Excellent comparison video guys, thanx for answering my question I had since day one. Wether there are XC specific hardtails and trail/enduro specific hardtails. Always thought their design philosophy was the same. Turns out i was wrong :)
This is an honest video. Good job!
so many variables when trying to decide what bike to get.
One of each would be nice but if that's not an option the lads at GMBN will test them all and let you make up your own mind.
Loving the channels lads,
Keep it up đ
This is the kind of video we hardtail fans want!
Another great, GREAT vid you guys !!
Love the music at the beginning xD
This channel is so good, the content and the action shots are on a whole other level.
Thanks Ronald Tartaglia! We work hard!
Global Mountain Bike Network it shows, totally pro channel.
I race on a Carbon hardtail, they are rapidddd, I've taken mine to BPW for training and its insane going down red runs!
Ive actually been and ridden here, thought i recognised it!! Charterhouse is beautiful
Love the content boys
Thanks Reid!
Once again, Blake: the voice of reason and wisdom on the channel
Hardtails are so much fun! I builed up a Dartmoor Primal last week and its nuts!
Blake your bike is so Dope! great vid Gmbn
Great video guys, this really helps, I'm about to buy a new bike and trying to decide between two Whyte models, the 629 and the 905, both a lot of money for me to spend and I want to make the right choice, I'm guessing the 629 having a steeper head angle than the 905 would be a bit like comparing these two bikes in the video in terms of ride purpose... I do like the 629 and at the moment I'm basically riding xc and distance type riding as opposed to downhill all mountain type riding, I will never have the ability to grab air and thrust down everest but it would be nice to have a bike that could cope with it if the same bike would be comfortable for my fitness and xc type riding. I'm still undecided and unsure which way I will go with the choice between the 629 and the 905, but this video kind of puts the two types of bike into perspective. Any suggestions to other bikes similar to the Whytes would be appreciated as I'm a bit of a newbie to this. Cheers.
Blake was on fire with the jersey and sending jumps on clipless! Nice!!
You can visibly tell the difference in body position and where each one helps or hurts depending on the position of the rider. Super cool to see these side by side
Yoo!! That jersey that Blake has is MONEY!
Thanks for helping
Would love to see you guys do a comparison on frame material in an all-mountain aggressive hardtail, carbon vs alu vs. steel.
as always, you have an awesome trails
Geral vĂdeo! Cheers!
I ride a Trek Roscoe 8 27.5+ hardtail. It's much like the Nukeproof in this video and I love the ride and cornering ability. XC bikes are awesome on flats and straightaways, but I'm all trail rider all the way.
Towards the End of the video
Should have SWITCHED RIDERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and compared the Rides
I've been wanting to move over to a full susser this year but the more I see Blake tearing it up I feel like I want another hard tail!
I have been riding the canyon exceed for over a year now. Added a 150 mm reverb dropper and 2.3 ikons and it is a great xc/trail racer.
Shredding vid!!!đ€đ€đ€Trail bike for me....I like versatility.
Amazing video.
Did Blake use clips? Great video!
About to write the same. He did!
do you know Blake shoes?
track-ID please!? I want the first track for my uphill playlist!!!
(p.s.: thanks for including price conversions)
Do you have any video coming about the training for the EWS ?
Wow, love the new jersey color scheme! Definitely going to get one, I'm a sucker for retro colours. As for the bike, I would go for the nukeproof since I already have an XC 29er, but the all carbon xc bike is quite alluring. Keep up the great content, you guys are singularly responsible for getting me back into mountain biking.
Glad you're liking the new designs! Send us a pick when you get one!
Great video: you should do a video on full suspension xc s trail full suspension bike
Super RadâĄïžđ€đŒâĄïž video guys!!
Mmm Rowberrow. My favourite trail in the Mendips too. Nice editing in the only drop on it no less than 5 times :-D
Iâm on a lower end xc bike right now. I mostly ride rough trails. This video got me really excited to get a proper trail bike soon.
Awesome! Let us know what you get đ
Global Mountain Bike Network Well, because I live in the US (so sadly no Nukeproof or Vitus bikes) my best option seems to be a Diamondback. Most likely a Mason 2 when itâs back in stock. :)
Hello good day, may i ask you if the KTM lycan LT 272 is a fun bike? I always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks đđœđđœđđœđđœđđœ
Great video. The trail bike looked significantly more effortless coming downhill...way more fun. I have a Diamondback Syncr 2019... Which is almost same as the Scout trail bike in this video. I also just bought a xc racing bike for my son. Im still debating with myself if I made right choice in getting the trail bike. The trail bike is way more comfortable to ride. It feels way more solid and smooth downhill too... especially the front shocks at 140 mm travel. But a compatible sx bike is about 4 pounds lighter...and has 29 wheels. I am a team leader on my son's high school cross country team...and I typically beat 90 percent of the team riders. But the lighter xc bikes with big wheels can sometimes leave me in dust on the flat and uphill climbs no matter how good of shape I'm in...and again I'm faster than most riders...it just takes more work on bigger, heavier bike. But I plan to go on bigger mountain downhill rides when race season ends and I have no doubt it will kick any xc ass downhill.
Super cool follow shots!
Cheers Sam Bookbinder!
Iâm not sure why, but you guys look strange not wearing knee pads on this haha! Great vid though đđ»đ€đŒ
I've installed a 150 mm reverb on my xc carbon racing bike. I feel much more in control on downhill parts now, without being afraid of getting thrown over the bars by the saddle.
We approve of that upgrade!
Love your videos, what is the trail called you were riding?
I gotta say, I have a full enduro bike, and a hardtail (or workhorse). And something I've notice is that even though the enduro bike is the spoiled bike (the one I've spent the most money on) it's the hardtail the one I ride the most, and the most versatile. I use it for commuting to work, XC, and even enduro (when the other bike is at the workshop), and I just love it!. Yes, you'll go slower than a full enduro bike, or a XC bike, but that won't erase the smile on your face. Actually, I'm most likely to change my enduro bike in a near future than my hardtail.
I suffer with a choice of size bike-Nukeproof Scout 275. Please, advise and help to understand that will suit me. My Height (Metric) is 178 cm, Inside Leg (Metric) is 83 cm. I have once made a mistake with the choice of bike, very afraid to make a mistake again. What ETT and Reach will I feel good about?
Dope jersey Blake!!!
What do you think about focus raven elite 2018 and carbon frame though?
Great video! I love my hardtail.
Alright, who's bike was creaking?
ThunderStruckCoach it was so loud - it would really do my head in!
Neil's was definitely the creaky one on the climb
This sound is called press fit
Sorry! Just fixed it, my BB was very dry
That's wwhat she said!!
I need opinions please :) I just bought a Trek 820 to start getting into some beginner trails and jumps. Will it do just fine?
Cool video great music guys
Great video aa per, would have been good if you swapped bikes for a direct comparison(Blake was hinting to Neil at the end of the vlog!).
Cool video. I would go for the nukeproof
Quick question. Was there a chance you've upgraded an XC bike to a Trail or All Mountain set up? If so, what is the travel of front suspension?
I never understand how those XC guys don't get thrown off by the saddle. Speaking for myself, the dropper post surely is the best invention EVER.
I agree, even on my XC racing, I run a 100mm dropper
Practice mate. I do downhill stuff with sadle up. It never blocks my abbility's
Awwwwww Blake was showing off !! Awesome
This video was sickkkkk, guys! And I love how Blake is.. well, heâs Blake đ€đœđ cheeky bugga.. I love the man! That wheelie riding through that bushy section was the best for me.. all in slow motion too. I canât feel bad for jake, Iâm sure he has an enduro of his own too, anyways :)
Cheers, guys! Sexy post!
Is that Blake using clips? Also loved the video
that was awesome
The nukeproof it looks so nice
What is the best on technical climbing? Thanks
Rowberrow Warren, Beacon Batch, Burrington Coombe...my home turf...looks like you guys loved it as much as I do...đ
maschy pee is that actually where that is? That looks sick!!
Joel Billington Yeah it is, here's the location on MTBtrails: www.mtbtrails.info/Trail_Venue_Map_TrailViewer.aspx?VenueNumber=111&TrailNumber=173&Unique=636655106985534439
They didn't ride the best part though, the superfast rocky downhill with mini waterfall at the Burrington end of the trail...
I like the looks of the Canyon, nice color as well
Can you please make a review about on one parkwood?thanks in advance!
Had two racing hard tails Trek Elite 9.8 and Superfly 29ner. Both great bikes. Now injured & older and not taking part in races or events. Wanted bike that's little more relaxed and could take bit more pushment on the trails. But still felt nible like racing HD. So went for a Giant Fathom 1. Looked at Whyte and Nukeproofe. Between two bikes on show here go for Nukeproof. If had bigger budget Sant Cruz Chameleon 27.5 Carbon.
Super fun video. Change the length of you front suspention on the XC bike to make the bije more slacker. Works a treat
From XC to let's See and put in a dropper. With the fox stepcast 34 and KS lev ci you would be adding minimal weight, it would still climb and accelerate like an xc bike but would handle far better when pointed down. Of course thatâs not going to be cheap
Rory Johnson is any upgrade really ? Im changing my one XC bike to more of a all mountain. Replacing the 29 wheel with a 27'5 then go plus tire. Longer suspention up front. 100mm to 130mm. Should be a blast.
Thatâs what a ride (a 27.5 plus bike w/130mm fork) super fun. Youâre going to love it. And you can always go back to your xc setup if you have a need to
Niel vs Blake challanges are soo friggin good.
Premium... Premim Neil- Blake, had me dead đđ»
Neil I think your super light bike is CREAKING AS HELL :D :D
Would love to see how you made this video, with the camera in front of the riders! Was there a rider in the front with a camera mounted on his back with a gimbal? However ever it was done, good job!
Neil what size of frame are you using for that canyon xc bike?
XC bikes are usually more affordable, I've got a 1000 ⏠xc bike myself (scott aspect 920) and it handles really well on the trail inspite of the 100 mm of travel, that's because of the plus size tires that absorb a lot of shock and make the bike more forgiving, I know that for any future bike I'll own, I'll probably make it a priority to change the tires to something bigger if it doesn't have big ones already, changing tires is probably the best "cheap" upgrade you can give to your bike that makes a big difference to the kind of riding you have, so in my opinion the trail hardtail if priced at around 1600 isn't the most compeling option, a good entry level XC should be bought at around 700 and could totally ride trails (with no big drops), if fitted with right tires. Testing out a 1700 ⏠good quality enduro full suspension that was lended to me by a friend, I'm pretty sure that for more extreme trails, the full sus is the way to go instead of the similarely priced trail hardtail, but of course, some riders will prefer the hardtail for it's easier maintenance, less weight and perhaps different handling so your choice I guess, both seem fine to me
#GMBN is there a middle ground? 130m 27.5 or the newer 100m 29? Would love to see you guys ride that new Yeti SB 100 to see how much it can handle.
Which bike would I pick? Both! But with the same wheel size, and dropper on both. The alu frame for general riding and training, the carbon for racing. However the costs of both bikes in this vid made me cringe. I never spent more the $1400 USD on a mtb. And raced over 40 races in sport class (Norba, CORPS, local series events), & 4 endurance races. Maybe if I was expert/elite, and made 2x of what I made now, of course these 2 would be an option. Love the vid, none the less! Keep up the good work guys!
Freakin awesome music and edit in the beginning, love it, please more of that! I'd take blake's bike any day, crap loads of fun with a cheap price tag.
Blake is on clips!!
âPremium Neilâ love that, is going to have to stick,as usuall
B.A.T.U...đ
26 inch ragley blue pig mk1. Still feels epic and able to ride it just as quickly as those on big bikes :-)
Very simple: When itÂŽs a CC-race, i will go for the CC-bike. For the fact that my last CC-Race was in 1998 and i never did a marathon, i will always choose the "work-horse" because it will take me everywhere, with proper comfort and speed, creating the fun i need.
you can do even more with a XC race bike. i ride my giant XTC advanced in vancouver north shore without any inconvenience in black trails with drop offs and really rough sections
Iâve been looking for a new helmet what do you recommend