Our Favorite Value Hardtails: Round Table Discussion | 2022 Pinkbike Value Field Test
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- čas přidán 1. 05. 2022
- Our four value hardtails have been ridden, tested, timed, and scrutinized for the individual reviews, but now it's time to cast the votes for our favorite bike of the bunch.
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More Pinkbike videos:
Commencal Meta HT AM: Capable All Rounder | 2022 Pinkbike Value Field Test
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Marin Team Marin Review: Wallet Friendly XC Race Bike | 2022 Pinkbike Value Field Test
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Salsa Timberjack Review: Jack Of All Trades | 2022 Pinkbike Value Field Test
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For a few years now it's bothered me who Levy reminds me of, finally it's clicked,an adult Dewey from Malcolm in the middle ! 😆🤙🏼
You have just completed a level that wasn’t even a level !! Secret bonus level completed !!!!
This is the best mtb channel. Videos are so cool, not boring at all , form is compact , visually attractive, with a ton of information. I also like that 3 people give their opinion. Some times they overlap but that's life. It makes easier to choose a bike. After watching your video I know what to expect from the bike. :)
I just can’t get into rear suspension I’ve rode all the different styles of rear and I just can’t get into it. I dig the dig 😎 hardtailgang for life. Modern slack tube angles and rear suspension style geometry has been a total gamechanger in frame design over the years. I just love hard tails through and through
Living the advice, particularly from alica! Feels like she is giving real world advice. Love it!
have the meta ht 2020 and its still chuggin strong! it grows with your ability and it's such a dependable frame. 9.5/10
Thanks PB team for a helpful comparison. Only one question about the Salsa Timberjack - saw a detaile ride review of the Timberjack with 27.5 tires and the rider complained of (and in the video appeared to suffer from) a very stiff ride. He found the frame too stiff. I think he was 6 ft tall. Did you think it's possible your 29 tires smoothed out a stiffer frame?
Nice video👍 Just jump up to the next build on the meta, get the dropper and better fork etc.
just picked up my Team Marin 1. Loving it so far!!! I had a Canyon Stoic that was stolen recently and that was an awesome bike too. The Stoic was def more downhill and a slog on the flats and easy riding. The Marin just wants to go fast! and makes the green and blue trails more fun. Def a true hardtail!
Hey sorry for replying to this old comment but do you have any other observations about things like comfort and efficiency compared to the Stoic? Looking to make the same change (although fortunately not due to bike theft - sorry to hear about that!)
Go ahead and byt the TM1@@ElderlyAnteater
@@danielfl.9347 Thanks for the advice but I never did because of the whole seat stay durability issue.
my Comencal was ordered and it was taking a long time to get frames so they flew a few batches in early and I got my bike a month EARLY!!! Love my Meta!!!
Had my meta for a couple of weeks now, damn, it just gets better all the time👍
I’m tryna get the race model but says available in September f me
@@User18dog Thats why I own a Dartmoor Two6Player and not a Canyon stitch. Doesn't matter how great it is if you can't ride it. Good luck!
I have an Esker Hayduke with 27.5 plus wheels and it’s a great way to get more rowdy with a hardtail. If you like to plow through chunk on a hardtail as if it was a full squish then try a plus hardtail. Just my thoughts since that’s exactly what I do on my hardtail’s.
I just picked up new niner air 9 hardtail last week. Very nice bike. getting new industrial nine 1/1 trail wheelset put on end of the week and TRP brake for better stoping power 👍
love my metta HT. For me it's still different enough from my full suspension bike to warrant having both haha
I just like commencal, always have since getting a 2010 55 meta 26er. Still riding it, still loving it
Great work ! Thanks
There are no Treks in this lineup, so Mike is happy. He wont have to contradict himself year after year like he normally does. That Meta is awesome though. A few of my buddies have one and they love it.
That commencal meta is 🔥🔥
Probably will be my next bike to purchase. And the upgradability it has I like a lot 🤠
Did you get one and do you recommend it for a first hardtail
Having recently gotten on a bike after +30 years, and purchasing a Sync'r as a new "first" bike, and having done ZERO research prior to purchasing it, with minor upgrades: saddle & pedals it has surprised me. It's proven, at least to me, to be an avid climber, and the MT501 brakes have been amazing.
My background is in freestyle BMX (80's), so I'm a Shimano fanboi for sure. Sram didn't exist when I was last on a bike. The Sram SX Eagle drivetrain has been pleasant, though not perfect.
I intended to buy a full suspension bike, but sticker shock, lol 🤣
Currently researching a LOT before I purchase a full suspension bike in the not so distant future.
Current contenders are the Marin Alpine Trail XR, Canyon Spectral AF 6, Ibis Ripmo AF, YT Jeffsy Core 3, Trek Fuel EX 8, & Trek Remedy 8. Very, very torn on the 27.5" vs. 29" dilemma 🤔the BMX'r in me says stick with 27.5's & Shimano.
I used to ride the Salsa Moto Rapido and damn.... that was a GREAT f'ing bike!! I wish they would bring out a modern version of that. Loved the Scandium rear triangle. It climbed like no other.
Bought a Trek Stache in 2016 and have upgraded it over time, I'm still in love with it. 😉🤙🏽
Buying the 2021 on Sat!!! Glad to hear you are digging it!! I looked at everything. Just buying the frame and building it out. Love the short chain stays, slack head tube and the ability to run multiple sets of tires. I live in KY and we def have seasons that need diff tires. Cheers!! i rode the Roscoe but think the Stache will be even more of what I want in an all around rig.
@@marcdemichele2689 what on earth makes you think a 68* head tube angle is slack?
@@conman1395 Well.... I was thinking the 2021 I'm buying has a 67*. While it isn't the "slackest" it isn't super steep for a hard tail as my last bike had the same and compared to my buddy's'Santa Cruz, my other buddy's Procaliber, and my other Scott it is "slack". It ain't Enduro slack, or down country slack, it's just HT slack. Does that work Mr. Popo? Ha!!
@@conman1395 Also, I'm 51 and been riding mtb's since i was 18. So, compared to what I rode and raced in my 20's and 30's it is SUPER SLACK!
What do you think about the Trek Xcaliber 8?
For people who don't have the full suspension bikes to go ride, I think the commencal is the way to go since you can get much rowdier on it. You can also still find them in stock
People have different objectives, of course. Some may not want to get rowdy. Some may want to support their LBS and not order a bike online.
The Commencal absolutely rules. This year will be my third season on mine and I couldn’t be happier. It’s fast, stable, versatile, and just plain fun. I’ve used it for everything from jump lines and fast techy downhill to 50 mile XC and gravel rides. Planning to use it for bikepacking trips this year too. You can’t go wrong
@@TheyForcedMyHandLE support your local shops by purchasing parts, outerwear, and service from them
How is the Commencal for taller riders? 6’2” 34 inseam, longish arms. Seems like the cockpit may be a little tight. Also how about the chainstay length, does it make manuals more difficult? I am looking at hard tails because I like to play ride more than charge downhill (I have dirt bikes for charging up and down hills), I want to cruise, hit obstacles and some slow speed trials and hitting “bmx” loops/jumps. Never owned a bike with suspension at all… so lost with all the options.
What about the Commencal allows you get “rowdier”? What about it compared to full sus but but without the rear travel?
How about a Fat Mullet Hardtail ? Fat tire 27.5 in the back and standard 29 front end on the Meta HT frame. Would it be any good ?
About plus tires- my 2019 Timberjack came with plus tires. The next spring I put 29” wheels on it and the bike really came alive. I like plus tires for late fall (leaf), and early spring (mud) riding, and it’s okay on some snow. But everything else, they’re heavy and corner weird and just don’t do it for me.
I would be interested to see the Orbea Laufey tested.
Older (ok, old) mt bike rider here and I really appreciate this well done video. While I do like my fully, there is something about a good handling and lighter weight (vs fully) hard tail that has me shopping. I'm a long time fan of Marin (close to me) for their solid quality, but I'm also going to check out the Salsa if I can find one.
Would be careful with the whole "solid quality" thing considering the Team Marin's reputation to crack.
You'd mentioned liking the MT-500s brakes, which bikes in the line up had them? Sounds like only a couple of the bikes had them.
Do a review on the Roscoe 9
Just got my new Meta in the mail over the weekend. Was super excited to try it out, but noticed that they sent 27.5 wheels on the XL frame. Apparently this is due to the sand color being the 2021 model year instead of the green 2022 which is when they started including 29s on the L and XL frames. Other than that can't wait to get it on the trails
What website did you order it off of? If u dm
love the way you talk about upgrade compatability especially the freehub body of sram hg and sram xd
I keep seeing people building up Chisel frames with high end stuff...seems like another good one as far as upgradeability..?
I had the MT500 brakes on my previous bike and for what they are they are pretty great.
yeah ,b ut nothing compared to xts or codes
You should try the Merida big trail series
Are you guys still out in Tucson currently?
Probably will take the Marin Team 1 or Syncr as XC or Trail bike for me.
I am a bit old school love hardtails...
Been looking into frame building and it seems attention to detail and geometry is the key.
Trickle down tech is really coming to the fore with Shimano leading the way.
A great time to get into MTB's l would like to see steel frames make a reappearance....👍
Norco Torrent has a steel option now
@@mattjc1021 Just got my first MTB yesterday and besides the stripped out preload adjuster on one leg of the XCM fork a really great machine .
Alloy frame .😎👍
Does Q have any Timberjacks in stock though? I mean, you've sold me.
I have the Salsa. A hell of a bike. Just charges! I can’t stop grinning when riding it 😁
Still loving my Rocky Mountain Growler 50
KONA Honzo ESD
I had MT500s on an ebike commuter and they weren't horrible.
I have the Stumpy Alloy and I also find the Eagle SX to be slow. Otherwise I like the bike a lot. I'd be curious to know what might be a worthy upgrade for the drive train.
Get X01 shifter and derailleur with everything else GX. You still get great durability with GX but the X1 derailleur with shifter is snappy.
STOKED to see the timber jack. It was my first bike back in 2020 and its eaten all the chunk I have thrown at it. Just made the jump to a Status 160 but man did I love thats also ( still have it). I rarely see one though??
How do you like the status? I have been debating the 140 my lbs has in stock
@@brennanfetterly3449 one word. Reckless. It’s slack, fast, and a mullet bike. I haven’t ridden the 140 but on paper I feel like it’s an odd spec to have something 63.5° slack in a 140 mm.
I can't say definitively, but 2nd hand from a shop owner that used to sell Salsa's, he quit when they started hanging quotas on the shops. Says they basically only stock to the largest shops that put out sales meeting their desired flow. If you can't hit those numbers (which is most shops in the country), they don't supply you. Great way to shoot yourself in the foot, Salsa.
Hightower V3 vs Hugene? Anyone ridden both?
nice tees mike!
there is also the canyon stoic and the rose bonero
I'd have the Salsa for sure.
I have Shimano mt 500s on my personal bike. They are basically deore without the logo. Super nice brakes for the money way better than some of shimanos lower end stuff.
I have a 2016 Sync'r Pro beater with 11 sp XT and a Fox 34 that is both indestructible and fun to ride. Maybe newer bikes are just that much better?
Newer bikes are basically just slacker that’s all
No Nukeproof Scout?
I really like my sync’r…but I paid a lot less than 1500 and ended up putting a much nicer wheelset on it with maxxis recon+…I wonder how much your tests were hampered by the junky wheels and cheap tires.
Same! I upgraded a few of its components and went with the Maxxis Rekon 2.6 with Cushcore in both wheels on my Sync’r. Love it! It shreds for its price point.
What about Banshee Paradox
I would love to see them review Sub $1000/£1000/€1000 bikes, not saying these aren't value bikes but seeing other budgets catered for would be good!
You're not going to see it because sub $1k bikes aren't built for the riding these folks do. Sub $1k bikes are curb hoppers and backyard trail. You'll destroy it on anything more rugged.
Commencal Meta AM hands down:)!
Check out the Giant Fathom 29 2
🔥🔥🔥
Should of had the new 29er Trek Roscoe in this test?
Was looking forward to the Roscoe also, ordered one anyway ;)
Commencal is way too capable for a hardtail, those plus tires get way too much traction, and the bike has too much grin inducing fun factor. It'll also make you ignore your full suspension bike. Don't buy it.😅
It’s such a great ride. Absolutely love mine
French garbage
It's suitable for those who don't have fs bikes
Where is ragely Big Al?
Diamond back just the frame and I'll build it myself. I dont know what Cass is talking about the drive train upgrade. You can get any AXS shifters and derailleurs and it will work with any cassette, you can change the cassette to XT or XTR and the any AXS set will work. Also, Sram stated that any Sram groupset will work with the NX cassette. I have a GX set up p with the NX cassette and it works good.
The words NX and good should not be used together, that NX cassette weighs as much as a fat girl with a donut addiction
Point was that nx casette weights more, increasing unsprung mass.
GX cassette uses an XD driver, NX cassette uses HG driver.
I love a good hardtail, the Meta pick of the bunch for me all day but plus size tyres can suck big sweaty balls
I put almost 2,000 miles on 2.8” Rekons the last two seasons on my Meta HT and I loved them
Why your forget epic specialized ht ? Is very very good 🤷♀️
Everything functions properly czcams.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of CZcams. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!
Orange P7
Plus tires , carbon wheels, tubeless on a hardtail, you won't want to give them up. I ride a 27.5+ with carbon and tubeless and a fatbike set up the same. Light, fast, no flats in ten years.
As for the modern crop of hardtail or bikes in general ill say the head tube is too short on all of the large frames. Im 6,1 with a 39.5 inch saddle ht. If i cant get a bike with a ht of at least 5 " i end up with a huge stack of hs shims to get the bars level with the saddle, riser bars. I did my xc race penance, i dont want the be leaning so far over anymore.
BMC?
9:40 I dont wanna ride the Meta HT without dropper
Hard to follow this series without an intro into these bikes
The Commencal is the best. Just saying. 😎
bruh yall shouldve reviewed the San Quentin 2 instead of the Team Marin One
It would be nice to know specifically what it is about the DB you don't like. Is it the geometry? Too heavy? Plus tires? The external cable routing? Are the frames not reliable? All of the above? I get it, you don't want to "trash" the industry, but you're not trashing if you're talking about specific things you don't like. TL/DR You're a bit vague about why you don't like the DB Synchr.
They like Maxxis + tires a lot more than cheap VEE 2.8 + tires like everyone but they blame traction, speed, grip, weight on overall bike intentionally. All this videos how conducted it's wild how obviously biased and or sponsored they are by other brands.
you shoud test datrmoor
I feel bad for anyone trying to get into mountain biking when all the "value bike" videos start at $1500 and go up. Best bike to start on is one you can afford. It's the reason I have a specialized rockhopper, $200 on marketplace. No plans on upgrading it, but the serious trails around me need a dirtbike since there aren't many big hills. I also don't even have $1500 in the dirtbike.
Roundtable hardtail talk.... - im running out of new Pinkbike oploads!!!
Commencal has a cultish following which is obvious in all forums/reddit/comments here etc, but I tend to dissagree: Pinkbike has tested and gave good review on the Norco Torrent HT, actually pitting it against FS bikes: that bike is easily better than the Meta HT in the roudy/all-mountain HT class. So is the Kona ESD.
But as someone how actually owned one of these Torrents and riden a Meta HT, I'd be 100% with wanting something like the Team Marin as my next HT: any trail worth of 150mm travel, will ride much better on a FS.
The Team Marin has most of the travel you need for a modern HT, it is more compliant and zippier, to make green and blue trails more fun.
If you want something more aggressive, the Timberjack, the '22 Roscoe, the Canyon Stoic, all are better than the Meta HT, which has dated reach and HTA for its travel.
So the Rocky Mountain Growler didn’t make this video, but in the favorite hard tails under $1700 it did. In that video the growler seemed to be favored over the meta, yet the meta is included here.
We need an in depth Meta HT AM vs Growler 40 video to resolve this.
you can go on the hardtail party channel and see the reviews of the two bikes back to back he goes really deep with how the bikes feel and ride
Hello!
is the guy in the middle german?
Why does this have to come out 2 days after I bought my hardtail lmao
The beta adverts are so annoying.
Can i have a mtb
Too much 'you guys'. More everyone/folx please :) Reviews are great though thanks for making these. Super useful and insightful. Thanks!
“Value” hardtail st $2100? Ouch (says my wallet).
Ah lads (including lady) ... Smile! It's not a job interview
That woman is extremely beautiful.
Three planks of wood as presenters.
I can't believe manufacturers are still selling bikes made out of bone shattering aluminum. Steel frames are going to dominate the market.
I completely agree! I have no idea why most rowdier hardtails aren't steel or chromoly
@@torfossberg1137 Good steel is more expensive than aluminum. It is purely cost savings to keep at a competitive price point.
@@torfossberg1137 Steel is it's own suspension system.
@Whispyyy Because aluminum fails faster and need to be replaced more with a much lower fatigue threshold, that's the "reason" manufactures don't push forever-bikes like steel. 😊
@@joehanchoi Absolutely, but even a mediocre steel frame is going to ride better than aluminum and last a lot longer.
There's almost no such a thing as a bad steel bike.
Intro = poor, commenatry = poor, music = nah; audience attention retention? = Nah.....subject matter = good......delivery 0/100 - sorry folks, presentation, critiqu and delivery were unwatchable
Really making me regret upgrading my diamondback... the only thing left stock on it is the cranks lol 😅🥲