For those interested in keeping up with my health journey and recovery process, I'm posting those videos and updates over on patreon. Patreon.com/hardtailparty. And I want to share my heartfelt appreciation for all my patrons who are supporting this channel and helping keep it afloat while I recover. The outpouring of love and support has been unreal and it has helped me stay positive through this difficult diagnosis.

I am a long time singlespeeder. It is hard to convince new people what makes it "better". It's really just different. It is simplicity, silence, and efficiency. It's a challenge, and it does make you feel like a kid. I tell new people on single speeds that every bike ride is not a race, and it's OK to walk techy or really steep parts. It's all part of the fun.

@annkirton9918

10 ай бұрын

Good insight for sure! I just think of the walking as "cross training" which is what I say to people too. I love the learning progression of attempting more technical climbing sections and maintaining momentum through them. It is really satisfying to get through a new section.

@larkinkelly3754

9 ай бұрын

There are a lot of places where walking is the only option even with gears

@theblishknovk

2 ай бұрын

I used to love single speeds when i lived in New Jersey but after moving out west to the mountains, i desired gears badly haha. Singles are def cool tho.

@ninjasrose1653

Ай бұрын

I bought a Kona Unit 8 months ago and I will NEVER look back. Never had so much fun!

Honestly Steve, I believe your channel does an absolute ton for people's understanding and exposure to hardtail and singlespeed MTB and I'm so glad you're sticking with it despite your health issues (saying that, health has to come first!). Your content is well informed, cleanly presented and no nonsense while still being engaging and accessible. There's so much utter guff out there, from other channels who somehow have twice your subscriber count without having an ounce of talent, knowledge or a single original idea. Keep on keeping on, man - we're all happy to support you and hope you keep making content for a long time to come. 🙂

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the kindness and support.

Hang in there Steve. It's great to see you back in the shop. Best wishes for your future bike life health balance.

I love thin tubed, classic looking frames. I guess it's because I rode an original Cotic Soul & a Mark 2 back in the 2006-2010 days and I was a Cotic fanboy. 😍

My take on single speed goes like this: Friend on 1x12: "You're never going to get up that climb on a single speed, I rarely get up it myself!" Me on SS: "I'm not helping you push your bike up the hill" Seriously though, the number of times I've sprinted past people crunching gears into a small climb, only to carry momentum mixed with a few hard pedal strokes to the top of the climb before them. Extended climbs are another matter though...

Any day a new Hardtail Party video drops is a good day, and single speed content makes it even better!

Haven't ridden gears since 2009. I'm never going back.

awesome video Steve, good to see you in the shop doing your thing, yes take your time, and just enjoy it no matter how long it takes, Hardtail Party is not a race, and never was, we appreciate you, for you. :)

I'm so glad you brought up the idea of being "over-tired". Putting on a set of fast rolling tires that take almost a pound off the wheels can make you feel like you're borrowing Lael Wilcox's legs for the day.

I love my Bianchi SS. It weights just under 20lbs. It's my go to bike when I'm riding by myself. 😎

That is the coolest color! Single speeding is such a blast and a challenge at the same time.

Steve, if you only did Neuhaus Metalworks reviews from here on out, I'd STILL watch 'em all! That mint colorway looks fantastic, and I love to see the sliding dropouts!

It's great to see the Hummingbird again. I keep on coming back to this frame as the hardtail I think I want. I hope you are feeling better and able to get out on the bike a bit.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

Unfortunately I'm still not able to ride and stick taking 2-3 hour naps a day. But I'm hopeful...

@komoonkh

10 ай бұрын

@@hardtailpartyits gonna settle down man. Use magnesium and dont force it. You have to be kind to yourself, like treating your own kid. As a MS patient myself, I know it works😊

@navsnipe

10 ай бұрын

@@hardtailparty Sending positive thoughts your way! I watched your ME/CFS video again and I really feel for you and your family.

Long time single speeder. That frame is just beautiful.

I'm a simple man - I see a new HP video I watch immediately. Build videos are comfy.

Sweet Hardtail Party stem cap! Would be a cool fundraiser to sell those!

Magic carpet, if you get the right one and dial it in. Like being a kid again, but riding a magic carpet. Best riding and most fun I’ve ever had on a bike, at age 56. Recently lost my pre-2004 steel Spot SS that I had tuned to that exact magic carpet / kid again experience. Just sitting here waiting on a new carbon Spot Rocker that’s supposed to be arriving here today, bought almost solely on Steve’s video about the bike. Expectations and anticipation are very high 😂please come soon, first new dirt bike in 20 years.

@hardtailparty

9 ай бұрын

Congrats on a great bike, that thing is magical.

I learned the joys of single speeding by riding my kids' bikes with coaster brakes. So simple and joyful.

Youre right in many ways. I follow a similar path. Chumba sendero, light trail wheels (alloy rear rim for comfort, fast pick up hub, carbon front rim), pike ultimates, hope xc brakes, ardent tyres. (Disector front in the mud). Hope you are well enough to ride it soon. Its steep here too so 30/20 too

Great timing, I was just looking at Neuhaus bikes yesterday. Just "looking" though, haha 😅 on a side note, I am really impressed with Specialized Grid casing tires. I got about 1,000 miles out of a pair, riding through Northwest Arkansas rock also. Great value to performance ratio 🤠

@hammertime7740

10 ай бұрын

Yep, I've been digging the Specialized steve recommends. The last twice as long!

Always stoked when I see that teal banner on a video. The build looks beautiful.

The frame is a beauty! These sleek lines and welds! 🤩

You are a wealth of knowledge and inspiration! I love my singlespeed, and having the options of sliding dropouts ⚙️such a fun time!

Stay strong Steve, you're the man! Psyched for another one of your vids. Sick build. Can't wait for you to shred it.

always enjoy your reviews and thoughts. i'm glad you're transparent with imperfections that you find. kudos. keep up with your passion!

NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN REVIEWING HARDTAILS!!!

Nick is the best. I'm so stoked on my Hummingbird.

Beautiful bike and build. Have fun!

Great video Steve, beautiful bike and great info. Hope your feeling well.

Love to see you back in the shop! Such a beautiful frame and I look forward to seeing how it compares with a Ti version.

That is a Way cool green , glad to see your videos. Hope you're feeling well today

Glad to see you Steve, keep it smooth Brother........🤝🏾🇺🇸💪🏾🙏🏾

Oh! Thank you so much for this video. Definitely, that is my dream bike. The color and everything about it. That color is for me for sure. Steve, I have been plunged over the edge of bike nerdiness with this one, and I love it. I imagine that will ride like a dream. It would be perfect for Mooser Hollow and Turkey here in Tulsa. Thanks for sharing. You own my dream bike! ❤

Great video! I appreciate all the information you share with us. I have learned a lot watching your videos. I did not ride for 10 years and got back on a Mountain Bike 3.5 years ago. Hardtail party helped shape me into a modern mountain biker. You were talking about modern geometry and the different riding style. I have fully embraced modern bike geometry and hardtail party was a big part of that. I love modern bike geometry and how modern bikes ride. I also agree with you on how a hardtail can make the green and blue trails more fun. I love riding my hardtail. I have a small bike fleet and the hardtail is one of my most ridden bikes. I agree with you on not over biking. I made that mistake a few times on this journey. I am now a believer I want the bike that fits 80% of my riding style. That includes the right tires. A lighter quicker rolling bike for me is more fun and enjoyable to ride. I cannot thank you enough for all the help you have given me. I am truly loving riding my bike and Hardtail party was a huge part of that for me.

So well said with the 'over biking'....❤

nailed it as usual Steve. right weapon for the right use is such an important and often overlooked part of choosing the direction and build of the bike. I love that I can share your videos because they have the same opinions that I have and advice that I give people when they ask me about bikes and my bikes. Singlespeed is not something that can be easily explained, you almost need to force someone to try yours to get them to understand it. quiet bike, lightweight and magical. I ride steep things and nailed my gearing for my local terrain and it's actually a 30-25 which is perfect for standing up and letting your body weight push through and winch the bike up the hills here on the west coast of Canada. Your videos on the Kona Honzo ESD led me to build my own, overfork it, and run it single speed. Now I cant give you all the credit, Tom over at Dirtwire TV put me on this path when I was sitting at home after dislocating my shoulder in early 2021, but many thanks for doing what you do and geeking out like you do, freaking love your content.

I'm a huge single speed fan. Definitely my go bike most of the time, especially in winter. Hope you to start feeling better soon and can get out riding. Looking forward to the ride review and comparison with the Ti version. Keep up the amazing work.

Great video. Beautiful bike. Get well soon

A really beautiful collection of stuff far outside my budget. Love it.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

Mine too. If companies didn't send this stuff in, I wouldn't know what I was missing. :)

Stunning Simple SS! Agreed, it takes 3 or 4 rides to really "get" it...but once you do it's addictive for sure. I run similar gear ratio here in Northern Utah for long extended climbing & terrain. So much fun. Keep recovering and look forward to you getting this one dirty soon...

my dad has lovingly called his bike he got in 1940-ish a "one speed". 🤣 he was tall, so he added a ~14" post with a big padded seat. 🤭 its now the favorite of all the grandkids--whether they can sit on the seat to pedal, or not!

I've been curious about Single Speeds from the first time a heard of them, took me a while to actually commit to them (mainly fear of knee injuries) Now I have 2 Single Speeds, a Ragley Big Al and 1999 Trek 820 (converted them with tensioners) I love that it's dirt cheap maintenance, and that I feel totally confident to build/re build my drivetrain without help from a bike shop

That's a gorgeous bike!

so much useful information! thanks steve. i wish i would have known the trick on how to stop the wobbly tire (my friends were making fun of me, thought i had a bent rim). For single speed i use the Problem solvers "Zinger" adapter, it seems ok.. but i don't ride SS very much any more. Also, that 30/20 is what i run here on the front range and sedona. Good choice. One more thing: I over-biked my chameleon for my recent trip to squamish. I put 160mm fox, assegai front and minion dhr in the rear... it was wonderful! And because it's a hardtial and i have all the old parts i can easily return it to the daily driver.

I love single speeds. So much that I want to convert everything to single speed. I started on Canfield N9, then Pipedream Sirius, and now Esker Japhy. I even rode a Wabi single speed road bike for a while. Longest ride was 75 miles - worst leg cramps of my life 😂.

@davidbolam71

10 ай бұрын

Which bike frame do you like best and why ? thank you

@awshupe5705

10 ай бұрын

The N9 was a 2017 boost frame and my first SS. It had a great feel but was very old school in geo. The Sirius was the geo I was after but I missed the feel of the N9. The ‘23 Japhy is a good combo of feel and geo.

@michaelharmer8591

10 ай бұрын

how was the sirius SS?

@awshupe5705

10 ай бұрын

@@michaelharmer8591 I liked the geometry overall. My N9 was much more compliant by comparison, but take that with a grain of salt. Not sure if that says more about the Sirius or the N9.

I remember the 26" Ground Control Extreme from about 1991, loved that tire. I run a 32 front 21 rear in Colorado, but I only take the SS to parks that have shorter climbs. Some of our trails are a climb for 30 minutes or more. One ride that I do is a 21 mile climb, not single speeding that, not me. Feel better soon!

As you know I've been riding SS for over 15 years and have absolutely loved my Spot Rocker SS that you recommended. It gets far more playtime than my Stanton Ti and I'm REALLY wanting to convert my Stanton Ti and put on easier 32-20/21 gearing for the Truckee and Tahoe trails. That way I'll have an arrow for the foothills and another for high country. Or maybe I sell the Stanton and get one of these...good to see you making more content. Rest up and all the best.

What an awesome bike...

I've been single speed rigid for 8 years and 3 frames (broke the Al, crashed the Ti), moving the parts from one to the next and upgrading when things wore out. I've never converted anyone to SS, though I've tried. They can't let go of their fear of running out of gear. One day I might try a suspension fork, but for now it's a rigid fork and a 2.35" front tire at 21psi.

I SS for yeeeeeaaaaars. My first bike was a FS trek Y3. Then DB FS that fell into traffic off rack. I bought the BASS and raced my second race in it and discovered a new fast love. I had only SS for 13 years in the dirt. It really improves your cycling. The only thing gears are good for is getting you to trail head faster.

I also went with sliding dropouts on my hummingbird but more to play with effective CS length than to run SS. For bikepacking 420mm is a little tuct.

Very cute bike

dream bike right there!

53 years old, specialized Fuse SS, 130mmMRP, 27x2.8’s. Not my daily bike, but damn is it fun on any ride with climbs under 1000’.

Just built up a monstercross/ single speed. It's good for techy singletrack with steep climbing but spinning out crazy on the flats with 32x23

Great vid... feel like there's a shortage of SS content on YT... tips like longer crank arms make sense and are very helpful... thanks!

I run singlespeed on a Trek Farley converted to 29+ with Maxxis Rekons and it’s such a blast. 30/20 is just about right for the greens and blues here in northern Utah, but still plenty of hiking going on. I really love that bike you got there though. Properly dream bike material. I have my sights on building up a single speed Steel Jones LWB in the future.

@andyflaw

10 ай бұрын

i've converted a farley to ss 29 plus too. Is yours rigid?

Got hooked on single speed 5 years ago, love the simplicity and how it makes the trail feel so different than a full suspension! Ive converted a few friends over the last couple years, I told them you just have to read the trail infront of you a little differently, using speed and momentum to attack hills and obstacles instead of changing gears, which makes it a new challenge and really fun! I live in Vegas, our trails are rocky, and I love my Pivot Les singlespeed..its an xc rocket! But I would consider this bike for a future build for sure as the geo is more updated, and the softer feel. I rode a Salsa El Mariachi for a few months and loved the feel of that frame, and have not ridden anything steel since that has felt like that..Im wondering if the Hummingbird steel rides similar?

Gahhhh... What a bike!!! Yeesh that thing is beautiful!!! Loved this bike nerd video!

Shave off the derailleur hanger and cable guides. Clean

I run double Ground Control tires on my Hummingbird here in northern CA and love the combo.

@chrisfreer6329

10 ай бұрын

I’ve been running Ground Controls front/rear on Colorado’s front range for a year and love them. Great combo of lighter weight but with plenty of grip. Also have been really enjoying a set of Specialized Purgatory tires. Much “faster feeling” than DHR or DHFs.

I purchased a lilac colored sliding dropout Hummingbird per your recommendation via Patreon. I'm running Hope brakes, an Ignite Crankset, a Doom Bars Bikepacker's Deligh handlebar, Onyx Hubs, and a Fox 34. I have been very happy to with your recommendations and I really like this bike.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

So glad to hear it. It's a special one for sure. Lilac was my second choice for color. I'll bet yours looks great.

Awesome seeing you in action and back on KZread. I have been a single speeder for years. This build is boss!

My tip for a tight dropper cable routing is to use graphite powder on the cable. Also, Wolftooth makes a longer lever for lighter actuation.

I love single and fixed speed bikes I tow a trailer behind mine with all my mowing equipment in the back off my trailer

I've got to quite watching your channel. Every time I see another review like this, my n + 1 gets bumped up! 😄

I've been thinking of doing my Chameleon in single speed. First I need another bike though because the Chameleon is my main trail rig.

@russelrivera5044

10 ай бұрын

Just do it already!! I converted my chameleon to single speed and love it. Keep your drivetrain for big days, but don’t be surprised when your components just end up sitting in a box.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

∆ this

@dadbod4life

10 ай бұрын

@@russelrivera5044 I appreciate your advise and experience!!

Such an awesome machine but I would loved to see it with a silent hub.

I run my bike SS off and on and one cool thing about sliders? Remove your gear slider with that derrailiuer attached, cables attached and swap in that SS slider. Never worry about b gaps again. Given the cost of SS conversion kits, a second freehub is also nice if you have HG cogs or worry that SRAM might abandon mechanical.

You must've read my mind! I was wondering if you were going to use a single speed adapter. Problem Solvers also makes a very good single speed adapter for Xd and MicroSpline called the "Zinger". Good stuff, they are game changers!

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

I have a zinger adapter for MS, but this wheels mfg setup is far more elegant in my opinion. And it feels noticeably lighter. I'm glad we have so many options.

Of course SS BMX as a kid and teenager. Never had a suburban MTB like all my friends. Then got my KHS SS softail ~20 years ago and essentially only rode that on the local trails until a few months ago and get a super bling '17 Scalpel Race...now the SS is getting a refresh. Flat Midwest terrain - 32 x 16 ish is great. It is quite the enjoyable experience and is my preferred way of riding anything that can be ridden by me with an SS. =)

My favourite kind of builds single speed!!! Looks fantastic Steve, I’m curious on the narrow wide cog, if it’s aluminum how does it hold up compared to say a Surly steel cog? Can’t wait until the ride review however take care of yourself and body no rush for that!!!

Sweeeet looking bike...WOW I got 4 bikes all single speed... Each way different from each other. The only thing that I would change on your bike build is the i9 hub to a Onyx...But its still a awesome build.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

I would too.

Gorgeous bike. It’d be really sweet if they used that additive manufactured yoke at the seat tube/seatstay to run an internal brake hose…it could go in the top tube behind the head tube, then around the seat tube thru the yoke & down the seatstay. I know not Steve’s preference ‘cause he builds/unbuilds bikes frequently, but for the typical person who builds it up and leaves it alone for 2-3 years, that would be a really clean construction.

@hardtailparty

9 ай бұрын

See axial, they do that on their builds.

I've been single speed-ing since the 1970's, granted, it was called BMX riding back then. My current single speed bike it's a covid project where I built a Trek Marlin with nearly all free parts. Prior to that I had a Trek Stache that I sold when it was worth twice what I paid for it.

First! Love that frame...

I love my 2019 Chameleon ss but this bike might be perfect for Florida too

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

the 2019 chameleon is an awesome florida bike.

If it’s not a Hardtail party review, it’s just publicity!

Ive been waiting for the SOLO XD! Only problem is the blue is delayed and i really want it to match my SID and grips 😢 guess ill wait another week or two and just go with black if i get impatient

Love a mint green. Sad my new Surly Ice Cream Truck went from a similar color to the new "safety mask blue" (their words). 😷 I'm sure I'll come around, or custom paint is always an option!

My dream build is this frame in 27.5"

I love the concept of the XD driver adapter. Do you know if it's possible to use any HG cog on the adapter?

@hardtailparty

9 ай бұрын

No, it's not. You have to use their cogs, the splines are WAY bigger than hg

Hardtail Party is one of the reasons I got into single speeding. Now I usually ride it to improve my strength and endurance. Steve, have you ever tried HT Components pedals?

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

Not yet

Awesome, SSing for the win! Want one so bad, thou getting hung up on why did the internal headset. Should I not worry since it is still frame and less chance of wear in? Also for east coast rooty trails, would you go hummingbird or solstice single speed?

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

My first hummingbird didn't have issues with the internal. I'm old school and I prefer press in cups too, but I haven't had any issues with this.

A bell 🛎️ is needed for SS LOL

I really like the ground control tread pattern but the side casing folds way to easy for me to push them.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

We're you using grid casing or a different casing? Here in Sedona we have a lot of rocks but they're not very sharp. I've had good luck with them, but I'm pretty careful what my wheels/tires slam into

The only bad thing about single speeding is the ghost shifting with your right thumb...

@mattvanderwalt6220

10 ай бұрын

😛or forgetting you can shift on your geared bike...

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

So true!

@scstinger5

10 ай бұрын

I have never ghost shifted my single speed, however I constantly reach for the dropper post lever (I have no dropper post)on my single speed lol! In fact, I find that I get annoyed that I need to change gears on my geared bike 🤔

@chrisfreer6329

10 ай бұрын

That is funny stuff-I too have done all those things when switching between bikes. 😂

You really read my mind, i was thinking "it would be totally awesome for Steve to get a ti hummingbird in" 😂. Im super excited to see how they compare.

Steve, in your original review of the hummingbird, you said you wouldn't like it as a single speed bec. its too supple and you would flex the BB too much. What changed for you? Full transparency, I just pre ordered one but I am still curious what changed... I am planning on setting it up as a SS for the Denver / front range area. I am a big, strong guy and in convo's with the Neuhaus folks, they are confident they can build it stiff enough for me. Point of reference, I also have a Chumba Stella Ti SS so I am going to gear this differently but I have not had any BB flex on that bike. I have been switching btw. geared Lynskey Pro 29 and the Chumba and I have come to prefer the SS over the geared bike.

What a beauty, id love to see a silent hub like an onyx on there. Just to expand on having a simple bike and enjoying the trail in single speed without any distraction (or bee hives) and ads to the oldshool vibe like the older coaster hubs. I havent tried single speed but i find myself riding with my fiance on flatter blues and staying in one gear alot. This bike would be perfect What are your plans for the dented hummingbird?

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

Agreed, an onyx classic would be perfect.

What is the purpose/pros/cons etc of a single speed? I never rode one, so I don't know but it doesn't make much sense to me.

@scstinger5

10 ай бұрын

I can only speak for myself on this. I only ride SS about half my rides, and the other half I usually wish I was on my SS lol! Single speed is really fun and you will ride very differently than on a geared bike. It feels absolutely nothing like staying in one gear on a geared bike. For some reason SS bikes have a lot more power and range than you think. Also you will start to think of your geared bike as a little silly and a bit of a buzz kill (for me that is)

what brand is your crankset?

Hey Steve, is your new Hummingbird the same size as your old one (M+)? I think we're about the same height (5'6") and proportions and wanted to get your thoughts on sizing.

Can I use oval rings on singlespeed?

You said on all your geared bikes you use Eagle. Have you stopped using Advent X? Thanks for another great video.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

I have advent x on a couple bikes, but due to how often I swap drivetrains, I've invested in 6 axs gx eagle drivetrains. This saves me so much time in the shop.

Unfortunately in grassy wet Wales singlespeed doesn't work too well. Spin out on climbs unless running ridiculously grippy mud tyres. So I had to give it up.

@hardtailparty

7 ай бұрын

I'll bet it's a challenge there!

@hardtailparty I see Ergon SR Allroad Core Pro Saddle is intended mostly for a road biking but do you also recommend this or a different one for mountain biking trails as well? Have you tried the Ergon SM Pro Saddle?

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

I prefer the road saddle. In fact, I usually prefer road saddles over mtn saddles. Saddles are very personal.

CAN YOU PLEASE BUILD A LYNSKEY PRO 29 AND DO A FULL REVIEW!!! I OWN A CUSTOM LYNSKEY PRO 29 THAT I BUILT 1 YEAR AGO AND LOVE IT, BUT I WANT YOUR OPINION ON IT 🎉

I know you've had oval chainrings on some bikes in the past, would you ever run an oval for a single speed setup? Nice to see you getting out new videos on a regular basis, I need my HT Party fix.

@mattvanderwalt6220

10 ай бұрын

I've run a oval on my SS - in fact have one bike fitted with one at the moment. It really depends on your riding style and what you ride... If you are spinny then you can get a weird flop just after the power stroke - but if you're a more grindy hill climber then its a match made in heaven (game changer on a SS). It does work better with a chain tensioner over fixed length setups IMO. I've heard some guys don't like them for ratcheting - but I've never had a problem.

@glenlyman2882

10 ай бұрын

I run an oval on my SS Reeb Hooptie...it is helpful, kind of gives a little "extra" at the top of the pedal stroke.

@hardtailparty

10 ай бұрын

I get too many tight spots with an oval, but some people do it.