My 5 Nominations for the "2023 Hardtail of the Year" Award
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- čas přidán 29. 12. 2023
- I've been lucky enough to ride and review more modern hardtails than anyone else on the planet. I have a wonderful job reviewing some of the most exciting hardtails on the market on this channel, and some of them truly stand out above the rest. Today we go over my five nominations for the "2023 Hardtail of the Year Award." Which bike would you vote for hardtail of the year? What did I miss? What did you like most?
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I normally stay away from top 5 and top 10 lists. These listicles get great views, but I don't feel like they're very helpful when choosing bikes. I see far more value in in-depth deep dives on each bike.
I want to sincerely thank every person who has supported this channel and made this community what it is. I'm grateful for every patron who has used my bike consultation service or who has signed up to support. This channel wouldn't exist without you. I'm grateful for anyone and everyone who has purchased using the links in my description or kicked a few bucks my way via buymeacoffee. I'm grateful for everyone who makes this amazing Hardtail Party community what it is. Thank you to the wonderful industry leaders who send me bikes to review. And I am especially grateful to my wife and family who supported me when I took the chance to make this my fill time job.
My health issues still persist and I appreciate your patience in advance as i try to get healthy and continue to review hardtails as often as i can.
Stay tuned to this space, I have some BIG announcements and projects that will be dropping in the next month.
Which hardtail do you want me to see review next on the channel?
I'm a newbie to the channel...and, just trying to get back into MTB in over a decade. Been roadie for 20+ years...soured on the road life during CV19. The dynamics here have changed within ride group. And, found myself questioning my ability based on others performances, etc.. Not cut-out for the Strava scene, 100-mile or nothing rides & redneck drivers. As such, pretty much no real riding in past three years. Body is changing with age. And, mindset is more in tune with being out on trails & solo. Have been researching MTB in hopes of finding that riding "itch" again. Originally, FS. Until I came across your channel & forums on Reddit. Now, trying to nail down a purchase before end of year that will fit everything on my wish-list without breaking the bank. All this is really unnecessary babble...but, the point is this: I had lost that JOY of riding following divorce, middle age, CV19, etc.. Allowed my surroundings & mindset to affect my here and now...and, those things that brought me happiness. Watching your reviews reminded me of the true joy...purity...of riding. That riding isn't about setting PRs, blowing the competition/friends away, logging miles that mean nothing internally. I heard the JOY in your voice. And, it has reignited something in me to seek that once again. I once had a guy tell me that, prior to him riding, he saw me on the road (15+ years ago) and he couldn't stand or understand the (stupid) smile on my face while I was out there riding with people I truly enjoyed. "Why on earth would anyone enjoy that type of torture?" He now leads the riding group I was once active in & regularly logs huge miles and busting PRs. He understands now. You're an inspiration! And, I appreciate your joy & happiness in the art you've perfected. Continue to inspire & lead! And, get healthy! The world needs more energetic, positive people like yourself...in more places that just on a bike. Keep partying!
Thanks...and best wishes for a healthy & hardtail new year!
Can you review the best hardtail one might find for sale at a local bike shop? Specialized, Santa Cruz, Giant, etc…
Say for under $4,000 or so…not a carbon frame but a solidly built bike with top shelf components.
Thanks.
@@markcrowell9678 i can provide that info via my bike consultation service over on Patreon. I'd be happy to help you over there. Patreon.com/hardtailparty
@markcrowell9678 what did you end up going with? I recommend just getting out there and test riding each since shops that have those aren't too easy to find.
Hi! Just wanted to thank you for another great year of content. Everytime I see a new video posted I feel like I did when I was a kid and the new issue of BMX Plus dropped. I hope the New Year brings you big progress with your health issues and happiness for you and your family .
Thank you so much for your kindness and for making this community what it is.
Just put this video on out of pure interest… only to then find out we are in the list 🤯
Stoke level is crazy, what a way to end the year! Thanks Steve 🍺
Thanks for making rad bikes!
Me too! Great way to start the morning : )
LEGEND
LEGEND
@@celilocycles6424
of course you guys are on the list.
Maybe one day there will be a review of the Radical Grim Ripper!
I have been drooling over the Turner! I'm making it a New Year's resolution to get one of these this year.
Definitely one of the best years for the hard tail! Thanks for all you do Steve and a happy new year to you and yours!
I haven't been on CZcams for a bit, but I'm happy to see your still grinding out the videos. Thanks Steve, I hope your holidays were good, and I hope your health is improving.
Lots of in depth knowledge goes into these videos. Great content! Thanks.
Nice list of the top 2023 hardtails!!! Thanks for all your hard work and making this one of the best CZcams channels for information, entertainment!!! Great job Steve, can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in 2024!!!
Thank you for the all the great content that you have put out in 2023. Your videos are something I definitely look forward to. All the best in 2024 Steve.
We appreciate all the hard work you have put in this year. I look forward to next years top 5.
I hope you are feeling better, happy new year and the best for 2024!
Thanks for all the great reviews. I get excited every time you post a new review. I definitely like the scenery over there too👍
I was convinced you were going to pick the Turner. I love these year end reviews, especially when bikes are included that were reviewed early in the year and that I'd forgotten about.
Happy new year and thanks for another great year of reviews, rides and other stuff. Hope 2024 sees you getting closer to full strength again.
Happy New Year Steve! Hope you have a blessed new year with great improvements in health!
Thank you so much for your dedication and enthusiasm to hardtails. Last year I sold my Kona Explosif and have a light trail fully now. I do really enjoy it but have continued to tell my friends I just miss a hardtail, for so many reasons. Your content has kept that spark going in me and decided it's time to add a hardtail back in and do my own build. Bought a frame and will be a great winter project! Cheers to 2024!
Good to see you smiling and excited about bikes, Steve!
Especially when its cold/snowy/icy here. I need to borrow stokedness from others to carry me through some a few months o' winter.
Im looking forward to my next party in the sort of hilly areas and looking forward to you continually improving your health and back ripping' as often as you'd like!
After 2 months of studying and research I bought a Ibis DV9 frame. Thank you for all your videos and information.
Nice roundup video to end the year on. I hope you and your family have a safe new year!
I'm so glad to see you're still making content. I hope your health is holding up and you're still able to get out for rides. Cheers!
Thank you for the hardtail party in 2023.
Picked one of your 5 special one‘s.
Thanks for all of the content this year, Steve!
I built up a Banshee Enigma a few weeks ago and am so stoked on it. Single speed, Z1 fork, Stan’s / Hydra wheelset. Wrapped it candy purple for fun! Rad bike. It’d be fun if you did a community rides video where folks could share what they’re riding
The enigma is such a cool bike. Good idea about the community rides thing. I worry about copyright and the headache of transferring all those files, but I like the idea.
I just bought a banshee enigma as well. Good luck with your build. Cheers🍻
@@hardtailparty At the very least, we could share photos, specs, and the terrain we ride! Doesn’t have to be a big video production. Something along the lines of Vital’s “MTB of the day” :)
The wood one sounds super interesting. Congrats to Will on winning your Hardtail of the year. If I were him I’d take that as the biggest win. I don’t think any other source has as much experience and credibility as you on Hardtails.
Thanks for the content! I always have a smile on my face when I ride my Kona Honzo ESD!
That bike is pure smiles.
Thanks Steve! This video really made me curious to go back to see the Scharen DG review
Thank you Steve for all the amazing work that you do! Your channel got me back into Hardtails. After 22 years…And just got me a new Tyaughton Ti. Love it! Based on your comments I reviewed geometry numbers and frame features of 6 bikes or so just to see what to look for in a hardtail. Close call. But in the end the Knolly got my blessing😅. Heading to Sedona in March. Can you pretty please do a Sedona trail review for visitors? That landscape is unbelievable!
So happy to see a video from you at the end of the year! Hope 2024 brings you better health! Seriously thinking about the DV9 especially at the $2600 sale price. Would make a great second bike to my Ripmo AF.
Hello, Sir. Thank you for your wonderful channel. I truly enjoy your videos and information. I am new to MTB at almost age 50, but I love it. I’m also a fan of the hardtail and never plan on buying a full suspension. I am a green and blue trail kinda guy with no jumping or dangerous riding. The hardtail is the perfect bike for my style.
I hope your health stays strong my brother. Godspeed.
Just found your channel and I think you make awesome, awesome videos, man. Subscribed.
Thank you Steve for all your content this year.
Including the wooden bike 😳😳
Wishing you the very best for 2024!!!
Look after yourself First & Foremost.
Me and my Hardtail will be coming to Sedona early/mid March. The mud in the UK has become too much 😂😂
I wanted to thank you. Your channel, this community gives riding a new, warm feel to it. Today I joined the party with a Rose Bonero 😊.
Just finished building up and went for a couple rides on a Stanton Ti Switch9er because of this channel. its an amazing bike, but now I want another frame haha!
Thats a killer bike.
I really like this channel and I salute to you how you still tackle these tech climbs despite your health issues. I want to be able to do similar stuff and I am just not fit 😊. And please try to review the Rose B-o-n-e-r-o, I love it! All the best!
What an awesome channel! I am so into getting a hatdtail, even though I already got an short travel trail bike.
Great video Steve (as always : ) Thanks for the love!!
Thanks for making innovative, awesome riding bikes. I can't wait to see what the future holds in store for your bikes. Thank you for the opportunity to connect and ride one in person. Still one of my favorite bikes.
Best bicycle CZcams channel 💯
I went with a DV9, don’t have a lot of miles on it but it is a blast to ride.
Steve, Another great video, all the best to you and your family for 2024- Nick in Australia
I’ve never ridden a hardtail😮 but enjoy watching your channel a lot! Maybe 2024 is my year to hardtail party🎉
I just wanted to say Thankyou! I Purchased a Banshee Paradox V3 off yr review... Spot on with yr anylisis and am absolutely loving it! I know this comment does not apply to this video in away... But how u describe the frames u review is fantastic... 👍💯👍
I (literally couldn't wait) can't wait to hear your review of the Priority 600HXT.
I preordered one.
Honzo ESD!!! Kona's last sweet kiss.
Happy New year
Hope y'all had a Merry Christmas and wishing y'all a Happy New Year. Can't get my mind off that Nitrous 😄
Great video and nice end-of-year recap...it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the Niner SIR 9 which you praised highly a few years ago. Has it held up?
@hardtailparty happy new year. Wish you all the best. Thank you for your content you have put out in 2023. 2024 will Amazing.🎉
Great group of bikes! Spot on
Thanks for your top 5 bike info for 2023 Steve and hope you are on the mend mate.
Just a quick question and that is I am loving the idea of building up a Binary Maniak for 2024 and would love to fit the new SRAM GX Eagle transmission to it and wondering if the frame is compatible for this transmission?. Thanks again for your reviews as love what you do🙏🏽
Built a DV9 this year with Noble/Berd wheels. 120 mm fork is perfect on less gnarly trails close to my house. I think it’s a perfect complimentary bike to my Stumpjumper EVO.
It rides confortable or it’s too rigid? Thanks!
Yo! Same deal. Bought the frame and built it up as XT spec w Roval Control carbons and a 130mm Pike.
The other bike is an SJ Evo Alloy.
The Ibis DV9 was the bike that spoke to me, but yeah the $3499 price (NGX build) is pretty steep. BUT, with the 25% factory sale I jumped on it! Still going on too! It’s a few tenths lighter than my Trek Procaliber, with bigger tires, more travel, and a dropper seatpost.
I’ve been shredding on mine since it came out last Spring. It’s an awesome ride. Definitely worth the investment. Starting to consider some upgrades to turn it up🤔
Fit the next Binary with a sleeve in the headtube like the old Commencal Supreme....
Machine the bearing cup into the lower end and a 44mm I.D. into the top for a semi intergrated bearing race.
Thats how it would work in my mind !
Thanks Steve, with your help from your channel and your Patreon I bought a rsd middlechild, Santa Cruz chameleon, built my first bike a ragley mullet. So much fun. With all those bikes I got my wife back into mountain biking. She hadn’t been biking since our 1990 Marin bikes. She has so much fun I got her a Juliana (5010). Some times the hardtail hurts an old back injury she had. Anyway I wanted her to continue to have fun riding. I sold the mmmbop frame because your right, a 63.75 hta is not necessary in the Marin hills. But the mmmbop was still pretty fun. Have a Stanton slackline coming any day now! Can’t wait. I’ll ride it normal for a while, but I’ll try mullet for sure. Focus on fun and joy! It’s good medicine. For me I find the negativity is taxing on my physical system.2024🎉
I don't blame you Steve for disqualify your own bike, this is amazing content out of all the hardtail I have watched the Transam Steel bike have is the best one, & happy new year to everyone here.
That bike is a good one, but it didn't make my top 5 list this year.
That Scharen gravel bike has been on my radar ever since Russ from Path Less reviewed one. The only con for me was the max of 2.0mm but being custom I'm sure one can ask for 2.25 to fit some faster xc tires like the Ardent Race or Thunder Burts. What was the fork offset on the DG again?
That Turner is real tempting to get over another Sherpa; but price(& Dan Stanton) has me leaning towards the Sherpa again. It's great we have a lot of fun ht options on the market & I thank you for introducing us to them.
DG does look awesome.
For turner, I think their Scrub frame looks better than the nitrous and it's less expensive
I suppose it depends on your riding style and goals. Thats the downside of making top 5 lists, theres no one bike that's perfect for every rider and every trail. Thanks for being part of the hardtail party.
Hey Steve…
Acros (german company) is making flipable headsets - can’t post a link here, sorry.
Inspired by your input over the year i build my own tailor made trailbike, with a hugh help from Thomas of TitanBikes. Made out of titanium, newschool geometry, super light…and i love it. So thanks again for your point of view…
amazing ideo have a happy ew year! thinking of getting the middle child for pump track trail and dirt jumping in florida or would you reccoment one of these on the list better?
Steve, some models of Specialized bike come from the factory with an adjustable headset where the nominal cups are 0 degrees and then there is a set of 1 degree cups that can be installed forwards or backwards for + or - 1 degree, so a total of 2 degrees adjustability. I believe the cups fit into an ovalized head tube so the cups have the mating oval shape. You could look into something like that for your Maniac if you are looking for a factory head angle adjustment that doesn't change stack height. Of course as you change the head angle, with the fork going from more upright to flatter, the BB height will end up changing with it unless you adjust the stack at the crown race.
Yeah, my stumpjumper evo has that. Id love something similar on every bike
1st my kona honzo esd😂 Happy New Year!
I was hoping to see the pole on the list. I really likethat it has a high stack and it dosent break the bank. Lots of good bikes on that list
I reviewed that bike in years past. This list only contains bikes I've reviewed in 2023.
@@hardtailparty my bad,for some
Reason I thought it was 2023. I better pay attention to the dates alittle more hahaha. Keep up the excellent work and positive vibes for 2024!
Great video, super surprised too, I would have put money on the Hummingbird.
You are a real master on hardtails reviews. What about you as a rider? Man, you are excellent. Show us more of your expertise as a rider on those hiper technical trails on a hardtail.
Thanks for the kind words. I hope to be healthy enough to be able to ride technical trails again one day.
Just like Johnnyontherocks1 down below, I too am always excited to watch a new hardtail video of yours!
As far as my own personal #1 for 2023, you already know, my new Norco Fluid HT wins 1st place, hands down, and I've sold all of my other bikes. However... I sure would like to throw a leg over that Turner Nitrous!
Thank you so much for all of your help and all that you do!
Happy New Years Steve!!
Cheers!
I'm currently building an Ibis DV9 with a carbon rigid fork, 29", no dropper post and going back and forth on single speed or GX eagle AXS which I know sounds weird.
Commencal used to have a rotatable headtube insert that was + or - 1 degree
We need more of this. My Stumpjumper evo has that. It's great.
I think Guerrilla Gravity had something like this, too.
Hey I would really love to see a Marin San Quentin 3 review because there is the new fork on the 29er. And would love to see your opinion.
Hey Steve, I would love to see a review of the Vassago Radimus Ti. I own one and really love it, but would love to see your take on it.
I was hoping the Sour Crumble would be listed, but I mostly want it because they offer raw steel as an option 😊
I reviewed that one last year.
The Turner is one I’ve been lusting after, but need to look into that Ibis even though I’d prefer Ti. I do also like the specs of the Pace RC429, I know it wouldn’t win your list since you tend to go more towards slack bikes, but where I ride and how I want to ride a HT something more middle ground makes sense. I just don’t like that it’s cheaper steel so it is “way” heavier than the Ti bikes like Turner.
Binary Maniak: What about putting an eccentric in the tapered head tube? You might have to offer multiple eccentric sets but each would give 2 different angles depending on how they are set.
Could have it set up to rotate with a pin spanner and lock in with set screws or some kind of cam quick lock system.
@@Super-Dave-Outdoors That's essentially what an angleset is, but they're press-in. I would love to see an easy way for people to experiment with head angle and to be able to change it in 5 min. Keep the great ideas coming.
@@hardtailpartygive me some size specs and if i have time this weekend and i will try to draft a picture and email it to you.
Try 2023 Sage Powerline. It’s diff from the one you tested out a few years back.
I’ve read a lot of glowing Neuhaus Hummingbird reviews from owners. That one intrigues me, but not enough to drop my Stanton Slackline.
The hummingbird was my 2022 hardtail of the year. It's phenomenal for what it does.
I just picked up a Scout for a steal of a price to hang out with my Hightower :D
The Nukeproof Scout was 100% the best buy this year. I just picked up a race model Scout 290 for $799 shipped.
nukeproof is in financial trouble. hopefully they stick around. $799 for a complete bike is insane no matter what frame it has.
@@hardtailparty yeah I couldn't pass on the $799 price tag for a complete bike with decent components...had looked at the scout a bunch of times so a big win for me...sucks for the company, hope they turn it around.
got the 290 earlier this year, love it!
Love my mullet Santa Cruz chameleon such a capable an fun bike
Krampus!
Hey Steve I’d love to see you review the new Haro Saguaro.
Id love to review it when im feeling healthy enough
Hi! When u designed the binary, did you think about differently built riders? I am pretty tall and much more legs than corpus, so i was thinking how u could potentially prefer different geo than me.
Keep up the content and i would love to see u do a tier list for each hardtail sub genre!
I offer personalized advice and recommendations in all budget ranges of hardtails over on patreon. Patreon.com/hardtailparty
Review the bearclaw buck macho!
Much as I appreciate this, in future would you consider price point best frames? For instance in the UK the aluminium Scandel is a steal. I have one and a BFeMax and there's nothing in it in terms of power transfer and compliance. Cody would like the Scandel based on what he's already taken to in the past.
I do that as part of my bike consultation service over on patreon. Patreon.com/hardtailparty
Was hopeing for the esd to be on that List because I just ordered one. Justify your decision Steve. 😂
I didnt review the ESD this year, that was last year.
😅 oh.
great reviews, hoping that you review frames from asia
I'd love you to review a Bird Cycleworks Forge from the UK
I might get laughed at for this but I would add the Trek Roscoe 9 to this list. Its just a shredder and a very capable do it all trail bike.
I won't laugh at you, they did a great job on the new Roscoe.
I like my middlechild 😇 and 9point8 slack-R kits
Cool you just posted your list for the year the day after I bought a hard tail. Time to cancel the nukeproof scout 290 elite order. Jk jk lol. I found it built and brand new for half off. Nice recommendations though, sir!
Knolly Tyaughton Ti.
Ragley Big AL.
Be interested in what Fat Chance is doing...have you looked at them..?
Yeti ARC
I reviewed that one in years past. Cool bike.
What you said at 9:00 is spot on.
Rocky mountain growler
Anyone looking for a M/L Binary Maniak frame, hit me up.
Steve
Thanks as always
How about a best value hardtail award
Including current sale prices
Not everyone can afford a 5,000$ hardtail
I couldn't possibly do a relevant video including sale prices, as sales change every week or two. If I did that, as soon as I released the video, it would be out of date. Not to mention, everyone has a different budget, different needs, etc. People who want a top 5 list are selling themselves short because they should pick the best bike for their terrain and budget, not just budget. If you need relevant, up-to date sales and purchase info, my patreon service is the best option for you.
Thank you Steve,
I just picked up a Lynskey titanium hardtail based in large part on your reviews.
It came with an industry 9 wheelset and a cane creek helm, standard.
It was almost 50 percent off.
It’s a great bike, and if you get the chance you should review it 🎉
Happy new year to you and your family
EE
"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." _Motivation