Learning how to do basic maintenance… super underrated I’m blown away by how many people bring their bikes to the shop for basic things like changing brake pads, changing tires, adding sealant, etc

@YarriqBlazting

Жыл бұрын

This!

@YarriqBlazting

Жыл бұрын

And even simple things like fasten screws

@BennyTheChiller

Жыл бұрын

good for the bike shops because they make easy money and they can pay their staff

@mcvrs1223

Жыл бұрын

Sometimes we just want to go to the bike shop to have a chat about bikes or check out new things and use that as an excuse

@123moof

Жыл бұрын

Went on a ride with a fellow who had a horribly squeaking chain. I offered up my tiny bottle of "emergency" lube, and he didn't want it. He was planning to take it to the shop soon, so he was going to have them do that. WTF?! It sounds like he just takes his bike in for a basic tuneup every couple hundred miles. If he was some rich SOB it would be one thing, but he was blue collar working in a flour mill.

I love hardtails. The good looks, the simplicity…and the direct surge forward when you stand up and apply power is exhilarating and addicting

@jeremyprovonsil7886

Жыл бұрын

100% agree. I converted both of mine to single speed and it’s even more fun.

@HardtailLife

Жыл бұрын

I agree, but I may be biased 😜

@mojo3398

Жыл бұрын

me too, but even more i like to ride the hardtail one day and the enduro the other day. same trail, different styles.

@michaelxcx

Жыл бұрын

hardtails are for poor people.

@darealkcthehunchoboy

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelxcx idiot, what happened to common sense and being respectful

I'm so glad you mentioned carbon vs aluminum. I had aluminum, then carbon, then went back to aluminum. Not because I cracked a frame, but because I actually just like riding aluminum bikes.

@mountaincruiser817

Жыл бұрын

Just twice as heavy😊

@lanuyey4593

Жыл бұрын

@@mountaincruiser817 bruh is like 3-5 pounds heavier not twice.

@paulwintermute1495

Жыл бұрын

I have zero complaints about aluminum rims and frames... except I break them. I'm over 200 lbs, raced DH and Enduro at the expert level and in my experience carbon is just much stronger and more durable. Honestly I don't care much about the weight or flex (aluminum has alot more) but I need wheels and frames that last.

@taylorhickman84

Жыл бұрын

@@paulwintermute1495 Carbon is more durable?

@lanuyey4593

Жыл бұрын

@@paulwintermute1495 more flexible yes, but we can debate the durable part.

Agreed Hardtails are definitely underrated. Carbon bikes overrated.

I think carbon frames are properly rated - mostly because I race XC. I remember the time I raced on my friend’s borrowed carbon hardtail I was just blown away at the difference it made. I was finally able to really compete in highschool. Carbon weight saving helped me do that

@user-ys2wc5od6r

Жыл бұрын

Agree, even besides raw performance light weight bikes are inspiring.

Totally agree on the electronics. I ditched AXS after about a year because I really prefer wire drive. Your thumb sort of works like a pressure clutch for smoother shifting in my experience!

@topspot4834

Жыл бұрын

I went from X01 to GX AXS and now I'm back on X01 ... I didn't like the loud noise and chain flopping around, which I'm guessing it's due to the clutch. I'd get the AXS Reverb dropper if it was *A LOT* cheaper cause I'd like being to take it on and off without having to reconnect the cable.

@stolimano3723

Жыл бұрын

@@topspot4834 definitely the noise on axis, my buddy rides it and it just sounds like squirrels humping or something 😂

@vapo27

Жыл бұрын

100% 👍Analogue FTW. I also studied electronics engineering and know how temperamental they can be.

I think everything can have a reason to be either underrated or overrated. Just an individual point of view. I've been mountain biking since the late 80's, so I was on a full rigid bike. Suspension forks came out and I thought they were overrated, expensive and uneeded. Years went by and I discovered they actually helped. Fast forward a couple of decades and now I have rheumatoid arthritis. Riding was hurting a lot. I was on a hardtail and it just wasn't working anymore, due to the pain. I always told myself I would never need a full suspension bike. I finally tried a full Suspension bike and it felt so much better! So, I got an aluminum full squish. Joints get worse and now a full suspension isn't helping as much. Do I need to stop mountain biking? I do some bike demos and decide to try an enduro bike. Wow, what a difference! The trails felt so smooth. Wait! Was it the geometry, suspension travel, frame material, or a combination? I discovered carbon frames feel much better on my joints with the more plush suspension. So, been riding a carbon enduro bike for a few years now and the bike still feels great. To help with the RA in my fingers, I got the AXS derailleur and dropper. Easier to push a button thana lever. What is the point of all this? Point of view changes how one feels about mountain bike products.

@ameraldas3641

Жыл бұрын

I know some older riders who have gotten axs for the same reasons as you. like you say its a matter of perspective.

@chameleonpogono

Жыл бұрын

@@ameraldas3641 Sucks being that "older" rider. At least people tell me I look younger than I am. Guess that's something. One's thinking changes as you age. See things differently.

@mydearriley

Жыл бұрын

I think the point of the video isn't to say that there aren't uses for the particular components, but that the marketing shouldn't push the "cutting edge" technology as the "most premium" (hence being overrated). AKA, just because it is marketed as a more expensive product doesn't necessarily mean it is a better product for the general bike rider.

@chameleonpogono

Жыл бұрын

@mydearriley I can see your point. I guess I don't notice the marketing. Everything I have is based on finding those things on my own and then researching it. The wireless mtb components, as an example, I've never seen a commercial/advertisement or product placement for them. I only saw/read reviews on them till I went out and looked for them.

@jokermtb

Жыл бұрын

Braking bumps on a hardnose hardtail 80’s mtb days….I never want to go back there!

E-MTB are underrated

I guess I agree with you on several of these items, but have had the opposite experience on others. I'm 6'5' and over 200 pounds and used to break aluminum frames regularly,. But, after moving to carbon fiber bikes, have never broken a frame. I've got a couple bikes with AXS and love how smooth and precise the shifting is. I still have cable actuated shifting on other bikes, and although they shift well, it just doesn't feel as responsive to me as the AXS. Like you said, in the end it all comes down to personal experience and preference.

At 180lbs, the 38 is amazing. It's definitely all of the things you've said, but the second I demo'd a bike with the 38 I fell in love with it and bought one immediately. I'm not the most aggressive rider but all I feel are benefits, definitely a 10/10 from me.

@BryonWilliams88

Жыл бұрын

Way less arm pump with 36. Never Zeb again Even in 60 lb ebike

Hardtails- underrated! Excited to hear that you’re getting a hardtail. Love to see more hardtail riding on the shore.

@HardtailLife

Жыл бұрын

Ride with me! 😜

@scoutingwithanthony

Жыл бұрын

@@HardtailLife I wish I could but I live in NYC. Someday when I visit the Shore we can ride together. However, I do watch your videos.

@HardtailLife

Жыл бұрын

@@scoutingwithanthony One day!

@richrider5884

Жыл бұрын

I have a hard tail that was made onto a mullet just out of curiosity (front change). Rode the same trail before and after the change. Definitely a Jeckel and Hyde ride for the better. Trail riding in Colorado.

Personally the AXS dropper was a revelation for me. I can use the dropper on my full suspension bike during summer and then used it to my fat bike during winter. It takes like 5 minute (not even) to swap. The dropper works flawlessly in -20celcius weather.

@ericbarbertattoos3089

Жыл бұрын

Love the shit out of mine. Never fussing with cable tension or worn out cables. And I like to kind of micro adjust where I’m at a lot and I never got that from my cabled dropper. Not nearly as well anyway. Not to mention it’s suuuuper fast

@ferranox

Жыл бұрын

but you could by probably 4 descent droppers for a price of one AXS. or only 2 but great and definitely lighter and have some spare cash..😄

I'm 100% with you on the electronics. For most use cases, the main benefit of an electronic "upgrade" is that the manufacturer's marketing department gets to feel successful.

@michaelstape5437

Жыл бұрын

As someone who has used both cable derailleurs and electronic, today's electronic groupsets are phenomenal and most definitely an upgrade. Have you seen Srams new eagle transmission? C'mon

@mattgies

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelstape5437 Seen it, definitely don't need it. C'mon.

Really great stuff Nic, I think all your points are spot on. I just switched from a carbon SJ Evo to an alloy SJ Evo and I'm surprised at how much better I like the ride feel. Regarding forks, I'm a 155 lbs rider and would agree that at my weight there is technically no need for 38mm stanchions, but I love the stiffer feel. Something about it just gives me more confidence to let go of the brakes on the downs.

Upgraded my 2022 Trek Roscoe 7 from Shimano MT-200 to Magura HS Trail Sport (4 pistons front, 2 pistons rear, 1 finger brake lever). Fantastic upgrade - I get so much more confidence with them. Also the ergonomics of the brake lever are above and beyond the MT-200. Before my hands kinda cramped up a lot no matter how I adjusted them and now my fingers just rest naturally on the grips and brake levers. With the 1 finger levers braking is really powerful and effortless and that is with the dirt cheap ~8€ 180mm shimano rotors which came on the bike.

along the lines of jumping: coming into a berm high and fast, worrying you are on the edge of traction, fighting the compression and then shooting out of the exit is oh so satisfying. And plus that on many lines you need to nail berms to get enough speed for the next jump. so yeah, cornering is underrated

@olik136

Жыл бұрын

I think the reason behind all that is the availability of tracks though- not whether or not people like it more or less. There simply are no berms or jumps in my area. Coming from motocross that really annoys me... and in some of my local woods you even get fined with a bike.. I am pretty sure that 95% of all sold MTBs here have not been jumped a single time.

*carbon vs alloy:* agreed *axs:* agreed *weight:* agreed, but all things being equal I'll go lighter *38/Zeb:* I'm 155 lbs and 36 is plenty of travel *hardtail:* amen *brakes:* disagree, love the modulation of RSC *jumping:* it's why I started riding, continue riding mostly bike parks and watch your channel Great video Nick!

I asked the manager at my LBS today if the GX AXS he had on a particular bike was worth it (because I had read a lot of comments from people saying the price doesn't justify it). He said, "The AXS is the best product SRAM has ever put out. It's (AXS) simply the best derailleur. Wires are too finicky. AXS is smooth." It pisses me off when my LBS bullshits me because he wants to sell an expensive bike. That's why I read online reviews... I can't trust my LBS.

The piece of gear that made the BIGGEST difference in my riding is the squat rack and barbell in my basement. 😄

you know.. when anyone says they want something but understand 99% of other people might not and then proceeds to give tips about it, they immediately earn my respect and in this case also a subscription.. you're awesome man

Quite a thought provoking video: I've not ridden with electronic components but having built up a new bike in the past year the shifting is SO good that I struggle to imagine how much better electronic shifting can be... so that's a cross in the overrated column from me. Hardtails.... whilst I do have a 'bouncer', most of my bikes are hardtails and it'll be great to see just how differently you ride the trails we see in your videos. I watch your channel with amazement at what you are able to do, so the sooner we see you on a hardtail the better. As for rating a hardtail I sense that most observers look at hardtail riders as a bit strange and probably dont 'get it' so put a cross in the 'underrated' columns just because people dont know what they're missing. Weight... I ride a hardtail, so almost everything else is heavy. Not so long ago a 30lb bike was a heavy one. It feels like that threshold is nearer 40lbs. Whilst spending cash to chase a minor weight saving is a fools errand I do think we've lost sight of the experience of riding a 25-27lb bike so I think bike weight is underrated. Brakes... is our riding style shaped by the type of brakes we use? I'd take a modulated brake and a bigger diameter disc any day over a fierce brake that stopped on a penny but if I'd only ever ridden that type of brake then perhaps my style would be different. Jumping... the ONLY time I'm in the air is a split second before a big crash, so in my world air time is vastly overrated!

@aygwm

Жыл бұрын

What I have found with electronics is that the shift quality isn’t as much of an impact as shift effort and shift reliability, as well as lack of maintenance. The bike shifts the same as it does the day I set it up with electronic. The same can’t be said for cable.

Everything you mentioned is spot on, especially bike weight and carbon frames. My Spire XL aluminum is 37 lbs, and I love riding that bike. The carbon frame bikes I have had I am constantly worried about everything.👍

@NiohNiohYT

Жыл бұрын

Why? Carbon is incomparably stronger usually than alu, and much longer lasting too, it isn't prone to metal fatigue. Every test I have ever seen in my life has shown carbon is incomparably more durable and stronger. Also, all bike manufacturers actually do break tests, and impact resistance too, and even some third party companies do that, like german EFBE. Don't believe clueless uneducated myths that alu is stronger in any imaginable way - even impact resistance literally.

Hardtails are most definitely underrated. They sure don't ride the same as a fully, but that doesn't mean it's a worse experience. In fact, since they're a bit less forgiving than fullies, the ride is more challenging and feels more satisfying in the end... To me, at least. I'm not a fan of battery powered electronics on bikes though. On an E-MTB, with everything connected to the same battery, I can see a benefit. But that's about it. I struggle with keeping my front and rear light charged at all times already, so keeping track of even more batteries is an absolute nightmare to me.

@the_derpler

Жыл бұрын

I kind of agree with you on the hard tail thing. Modern mountain biking does not appeal to me because the bikes are so capable that you basically have to risk your life to get the same feel you used to get w/ rigids and hard tails on normal trails lol.

@GeirEivindMork

Жыл бұрын

For us who grew up on hardtails, they are not underrated since well. We know very well how they ride. Heck, my only mountainbike is still one and I miss my old full suspension bike every time I ride it. ;)

@cedricclark1461

Жыл бұрын

​@@ostankovalex1176 Why do you not like trail bikes? Just curious.

I love my alloy hardtail. It's an absolute workhorse that I didn't have to spend a small fortune on. €2500 with all necessary accessories and I've got a bike that can carry me on my 300km+ XC ultramarathons or longer bikepacking tours. On such long rides you often have to jerry-rig some repairs until you get to the nearest bike shop. Aluminium deals with that just fine, carbon might get pissed off if you stare at it wrong. Carbon full-suspension bikes are where bike manufacturers find a lot of room for margins. I, for one, am perfectly happy with that being the case - they effectively subsidize the less popular setups, softening the blow of all the price hikes.

I completely agree with your take on electronics being overrated. Part of what I like about riding a bike is disconnecting from computers and electronics, and I have enough crap to charge already.

235lb of steel worker meat here - It definitely feels like we're playing a different game here. Zeb up front and a DH shock out back for every damn bike

If I had a carbon frame it would have been cracked multiple times by now. My stumpy evo alloy is beat to hell but still rides amazing, aluminum all the way! She's 37 or 38 pounds with my magnetic pedals but still makes it up the hills fine and the downhills are what I'm riding for. I've also heard from others that the AXS derailleur jumps around more in the chunk causing noise at the back end. Derailleur with a cable keeps tension and doesn't bounce around as much in chunk.

@tinglestravels

Жыл бұрын

@@69peterpumpkineater I'm saying my aluminum frame has plenty of battle wounds where a carbon frame would have cracked. Don't think I mentioned anything about being good or Aaron Gwin. Woosh!💨

Hardtails are underrated. I've got 4 and love em. I probably don't need four, but I sold my fs to explore hardtails further.

When i first got a dropper i found it the most useful thing ever

Im looking to get a fs in the future, right now im on a 160mm ht, slackish. gotta say i feel like it really is getting me back into riding proper after a decade not riding mtb! Its amazing on how you realize improvement on local/known trails! Personally i feel like tires are underrated.. I consider them a 10/10 factor, cause its such an easy way to change the behavior mig your bike etc

Having worked as a mechanic at a shop, I could not agree more with this video. The industry pushes so many unnecessary things that don't have a lot of benefit, especially people just getting started riding any kind of bike. Clipless pedals, overrated. Internal cable routing? Electronics? Really? Some things like tubeless are great, but it has tradeoffs of course like anything else. There is so much push to "be like the pros". The pros don't pay for their equipment! It's a completely different ball game than somebody buying their own bike to have fun.

I agree 100% . I bought an aluminum Enduro fully , spent extra money on the brakes, no electronics. One thing should be mentioned is that carbon is nearly non recyclable. The biggest reason not to buy it. Apparently very few people I have met really care about that.

Great choice! I totally agree, my 6yr old got a new bike with better breaks and she instantly said that the better breaks were boosting their confidence. My personal favourite are the formula cura4 breaks. If you like biting breaks try them, they are special. What’s totally underrated for me are small wheels. They give more benefits than advertised like more pump. 29er are good, but not fir everyone or every riding. I want to build a 26 steel ht, so I can do easy trail laps pumptrack laps and dirt jumping and be as playful as in a dj bike.

Before watching: For me personally, I would say underrated are bash guards, and overrated are high engagement hubs haha After watching: I also agree 100% on your alloy vs carbon take. It would be nice to see a lot of brands adopt what Transition has done tbh where they have carbon and alloy versions, and they don't save the carbon bikes for their premium builds...you can get any build in either material

@topspot4834

Жыл бұрын

I agree on hubs as far as performance. There's a point of diminishing returns, which is after about 50 points of engagement. If you're going from 36t to 72t, then I do think there's a performance increase, albeit a small one. The reason I have high engagement hubs is cause I like the sound.

@filipkryspin8726

Жыл бұрын

I'd say bash guards are underrated but at the same time overpriced.

@BasicBodThor

Жыл бұрын

@@topspot4834 Yep, I'm the same way (re-sound)

@jokermtb

Жыл бұрын

I’d disagree about quick engagement hubs. Wheelies are so much easier to initiate with quick engagement hubs….

It's such a more intimate ride when you're on a hardtail. Makes you really think about your line and forces you to dampen your appendages so you maintain good wheel contact. sweet vid!

@BasicBodThor

Жыл бұрын

Totally, I've been riding for 2 years now and just bought a HT. Found myself losing my feet on a few trails where that's never been an issue with the full suspension, and it's mainly down to line choice and being "lazy" with my legs/feet.

@peterfreeman3317

Жыл бұрын

Try riding a rigid SS hard tail…awesome

@ceversonaspen

Жыл бұрын

I'm in my mid 50s and brought my nice new hard tail out on my good old trails in the rocky mtns. I returned battered and in some actual pain and realized that I have different bikes for different purposes for real reasons.

@benw4401

5 ай бұрын

And shreds your asshole.

ive only rided what ever brakes where on my bike, of and their all rim brakes so how different do disk brakes feel

Just wondering how did you fit the RRP mudguard on the zeb as am trying to do so to mine???

Bought a Norco Torrent hardtail after riding a carbon Optic for a few years. Its so much dang fun that I sold the optic.

I ride an aluminum bike, no dropper post, routinely ride 25-30 mile cross country single tracks and I have a blast. Those accessories you mentioned are nice, but for me, not needed.

Nobody ever talks about wheels. Wheels are a mystery to me. I recently put a super old 26 wtb from an old bike of mine on my kids bike and made him a mullet. He crushes on a 13 yo wheel. I cannot explain why it works so well.

I used to think that about 38mm forks.... until I got one and the difference is HUGE! my riding got way better because I can trust more on the front end of my bike, but I think is needed mostly with 170-180 travel forks, maybe for 160 or less can be overrated.

I think these are all fair-didn't even call anything out as bad besides the electronic shifting (which will surely improve). It's always good to step back and think about what we really need to have a good time on a bike.

Jumping is the absolute greatest part of riding I work on my jumps every week and ride the hell out of um nothing brings me more joy

I got so used to the modulation on my code r. And when I got on a set of SLX brakes on a rental bike I was like a teen learning to drive for the first time.

I have two Easton aluminum hockey shafts from the 90s that a still play pond with, dents, ding and all. On the flip side I usually go through 2 to 3 composite sticks in a season. That said I'll never use carbon bars or cranks, nor will I purchase a bike with a carbon frame.

I have gx axs. I'm running it with an x01 cassette and xx1 chain. It shifts flawlessly even under load. I love having no cable and I like the feel of the shifter. I haven't charged the battery in a month and it' still at 50%. It adds weight compared to the cable actuated derailleur but I have it on an aluminum hardtail so weight really was never a concern. I would buy the axs dropper in a heartbeat if it was on sale. I love wireless stuff on bikes.

@franzobenhauser6364

Жыл бұрын

Same here, got the gx axs and it shift flawlessly. Batteries last a long time plus I always carry a spare, but never had to use it. There's no way I ever go back to cable.

@MichaelFaughn

Жыл бұрын

Me too. I have GX AXS and really like it. Wife has DI2 and that's great too. I've run all kinds of groupsets and I'm not looking to go back to wired xtr or xo.

hey vancan, what is your bolt on zeb fender?

My buddy LOVES GX Axs. I run shimano but it’s wild to see how much he likes it.

Underrated - Picking the right size bike. I see 5'6 or 167cm riders jumping on larges.

Ive got my self a custom enduro hardtail with a 180 zeb ultimate and i love it

As a 170 pound rider, zeb over the 38 all day. Had a zeb went to a 38 factory on new bike and would love to go back to the zeb ultimate

Carbon - agree. Overrated unless you are looking for a super-light race whip. Electronics - agree. Value equation is not good for very little or no performance improvement. 38mm stanchion forks - agree - unless you are big and send hard (you qualify). I'm 260 and just trail ride, no jumping. My 36 is fine. Overly light bikes - agree. Some heft gives you some stability and momentum thru the jank. My Rocky Mountain Instict-e just plows thru stuff that sends me all over the place on my acoustic bike. Hardtails - agree. I love them. My acoustic is a 27.5 plus HT - but I always ride clipped on my HT. I get bounced around too much for flats. Brakes - I only ride Shimano XT brakes, too. I like the lever shape, and the instant power! Jumping - 1st disagreement...but only for me. I'm pushing 60, and I shredded my patellar tendon a few years ago. I get a little air on some trails, but my leg just can't handle the landings on the big ones. But if I was young and in the shape I used to be, especially with the equipment I have now, I'd be sending it hard! But "sending it" is in direct conflict with current #1 goal of coming back healthy so I can ride again tomorrow. Oh - and while I know a bad digger can happen at any time, I try to keep a good balance in my trail Karma account and do at least one bit of trail work every time I ride. Thanks for your vids - always good stuff.

The KZread algorithm suggested this, so even though I don't ride mountain bikes, here I am. I'm answering with regard to road bikes, but the points are mostly still relevant: Carbon frames, electronics, lightness for lightness' sake, and disc brakes are all overrated. To your list I'll add aerodynamic efficiency and integrated cabling. All of these have their place, but they are not the end all and be all of cycling they are often touted to be.

Just discovered this channel. Great content!

Another great video! For me jumping is underrated for sure! I turn 44 this week and my goal for the upcoming season is to put time into learning to jump... better / with more confidence. I'm not talking levelling up to the moon booter but being able to do a top to bottom on runs Ridden Art, Garbage / Rip n' Dip / KK, Giant Killer, Hoots without being sketched out. I think the jumping skills would also help on the technical trails like Deliverance. I love the trail but there are still 1/2 spots where I walk around because the drop has me feeling uncomfortable. I think I am also going to up my Warden to the 175mm coil with Zebb fork. I'm also a heavyweight rider ;)

The advantage AXS has for the derailer is not having a wire that stretches over time, and a housing that gets gunked up causing more friction over time. Having a non-stretched wire and a clean housing is key for good shifting. With AXS you can dial in each gear and get it shifting perfect. The draw back is the battery. I currently have a wired X01 and I'm always having to adjust the barrel for specific gears to get rid of clicking or to get it to shift up and down better. AXS doesn't need the constant adjustment. The AXS dropper is 100% overrated, as long as the post goes up/down it doesnt matter what you run. If you aren't gonna race a bike, weight doesn't matter, and neither does frame material. Aluminum is cheaper and you can get 99% of the same geo as carbon and not affect performance.

@franzobenhauser6364

Жыл бұрын

Keep a second battery in your bag.

@lucasek3285

Жыл бұрын

Well, I'd say it's an advantage in name mostly, you could argue that while wires stretch and housing can gunk batteries also die and electronics can get fried, the price of replacing those being way higher. Although I'm an old fart who likes friction shifters so take it with a grain of salt.

I would love to see more hardtail bike content. Jumping the hardtail too would be a plus in my book.

Jumping bikes about took me out but now it's when I feel the most alive!! Can agree with you on pretty much all of this except for those Shimano stoppers lol. Fun Video!!

On point. Fantastic video.

Was nice to meet you on the North Rd trail today! Hardtails rule! Agree with everyone on hardtail content for sure.

I agree on so many points... Hardtail (lover my Canfield Nimble 9 and so different riding than my Ripmo), weight, bigger forks, electronics... Excellent video!

Knolly makes imo the best real deal mtbs on the planet right now. Simply fantastic designs and easy to work on with no proprietary shocks etc.

Definitely agree on carbon vs aluminum. I rode my aluminum bike for 5 years and would happily still be riding it if it wasn't stolen toward the end of last year. I purchased a carbon bike (which I do love) mostly because it was what was available and semi-similar to what I was used to. But the two bikes weigh about the same so "lighter" isn't a great argument. Stiffer, maybe. But the aluminum was plenty stiff enough for me so I can't say I notice a difference. I completely agree about electronic components as well. A cable is cheap to replace and easy to repair. One could try and argue that electronic groupsets are relatively maintenance free and cite having to adjust cable tension. However, they leave out that that takes way less time than it takes to charge the battery. Even if you have a second battery ready to go, you don't really save any time over a general adjustment. Furthermore, you can also argue that you're not physically doing anything while the battery is charging; that is still time you aren't able to ride your bike. Let's not get started on batteries going bad and by that time, they may not even make new batteries that fit your groupset, which you've already overpaid for. Not to mention, there's just something about riding completely free from "the grid" (for lack of a better term). Yes, you can say I charge my bike computer, or phone, but the fact is I can still ride without those things and get away from it. You can't say the same with electronic shifting. I get that you can go for many, many rides without needing to charge, but the same could be said for cable adjustments. Some argue that the cable needs to be replaced every year. I completely disagree. I had my cable on my afore mentioned bike changed just before it got stolen. It had over 2k miles on it and the only reason I replaced it was because the end was fraying and I figured I could just get a new cable very easily.

I get the critic on axs. But for me, with thumb base arthritis, axs buttons are a godsend instead of cable actuated stuff

How would wireless dropper or/and derailleur help you do bar spins? I mean you still have at least 2 cables for breaks 🤔

100% agree on jumping and jump trails. Jumpline laps on laps!

That bike of yours is like one of the best looking machines out there. What a killer bike dude! Love it 😍

I think you are spot on. I love that my bicycles don't need any batteries.

The carbon frame has a much softer feel. I love both my carbon and my aluminum frames.I have a complete love of carbon wheels.

You should try a vorsprung smash pot coil kit on that zeb you’d be surprised how much more plus, mid stroke support and small bump compliance it adds it’s really amazing system benefits the heavy riders

Speaking of hardtails I'd like to see you shred a fatbike Van. Thanks for sharing all the awesome content. Keep kicking ass!

The Hardtail part kind of hit close to home, since riding them too hard destroyed my ankles and I'll probably never be able to ride a HT or DJ again ever. But yeah - extremely underrated, just try not to case any jumps lol.

Nailed it! Especially super light bikes. Even "pro" reviewers, the first info they give when they review a bike is the weight 🤦‍♂ Hence why many enduro bikes come with light tires, which many times become waste.

I’m about 155 and I love the feel of the 38mm forks I like having a supportive feel especially when I go off line

Brakes. Brakes are one of the most underrated part to upgrade. Everyone just rides what came on their bike and brake feel makes such a difference. I’m like you I ride the codes but don’t like them. I like the more bite feel but my best riding buddy loves the codes and thinks Shimanos throw you over the bars. That’s why they make different stuff. Don’t be afraid to try new things just cause someone else likes something different. Even try some odd brands like magura, trp, or hope. You never know what you are gonna like and what you do like might surprise you. Brakes you like are a game changer!

I own all the bikes. As I've gotten older I have trended towards under biking and I keep buying bikes with less travel and then occasionally renting a full-on downhill bike

yea i am 140 and i feel that i have to run lower pressures on big station forks. I run 87-90psi on a 120mm 30mm manitou marchor and 70 for a 180mm 38mm zeb. it can also be the different travel sizes as well.

Always looking for more high quality hardtail content!!

I think the only topic I tend to dissagree with is your opinion on electronics, specifically AXS. I agree it definitely isn't necessary but I think it's pretty spot on with the hype. I went from a standard cable actuated GX drivetrain to the GX AXS kit and I will never look back. I've been running the GX AXS for around a year now and cannot fault it one bit, I disagree with the statement about it being more complex than a cable actuated setup. I think if you are looking too far into the technicalities of how the derailleur works and trying to understand how bluetooth works sending invisible signals through the air then sure, it's definitely more complicated. But, in my experience, I did the initial setup for the system when I installed it and I have not had to adjust/tune it once. I charge the battery every 10 or so rides and the rest of the time I just leave the battery attached to the derailleur. Compare this experience to the 3 years I used the cabled GX setup, I had to tune it a lot, cables wear out and having to deal with the nightmare of cable routing without a dedicated cable routing tool was a total headache when first installing or when replacing the cable outers. I'll gladly take the 5-10 minutes of attaching the shifter, derailleur and syncing them up and tuning them over the old system any day of the week! 🤘

I like feeling the end of my cassette range when I’m shifting at the mechanical lever. I find on the electronic crap I keep clicking when I’m suffering in a climb and hoping I have another gear 😂

Bike trends are a producer's dream. Carbon frames?? Heck, yes! They can be mass produced in an oppressive factory in China. Weigh minimally less and be twice the price of steel/aluminum Gravel bikes? Heck, yes! Put drop bars on a hybrid , make super expensive components label them "Gravel". Cha Ching Electronic components? Heck, yes! Keep up with the Jones will have millions of cyclists buy it because they MUST have the latest on their bike. Just don't crash, have the derailleur jam up with debris, or forget to keep them charged

I'm not anti carbon in terms of being used as a frame material, but I will say I've seen a fair share of riders carrying their very expensive bikes down the mountain having snapped their headtube off. Now, this is usually due to a rider casing a jump or simply taking a hard landing, but at an average of $3,000 for a new frame? I'm definitely a proponent for aluminum.

I thought you were gonna criticize dropper posts. I just got my first bike with one and it's such a great quality of life upgrade.

I’m 160ibs with a Zeb. When I’m riding dh (shout out windrock) with very harsh breaking bumps and square edge rocks at high speeds the Zeb feels great. In my general trail riding on the same bike I don’t notice the benefits but I don’t feel drawbacks either so I would still say it is worth running the big fork

thought i clicked a bike radar video then 12 minutes in i looked and its VANCAN wow the fit and finish of the video was up scale

5'8 175lbs. Absolutely love my Fox 38. I live and ride in the North East in the US. Pretty much all of our trails are covered in big chunky rocks. The extra stiffness of the 38 feels so good plowing through them all. I can definitely see it being overkill if you live in an area with mostly smooth trails though.

Im 6-4 tall. Ive had a dropper on my bike for years but I never need to use it. I have no issues moving around on bike with seat in normal position. Always wondered if thats just a being tall thing.

Would love to get comfortable jumping, clearing tables and working my way up to gap jumps. It’s such a mental blocker for me

I love jumping my Commencal with Shimano brakes and no electronics, so this video jives with me and puts me in a happy place.

I wish I could get comfy with jumps. But I just seem to resist the air time or I brake check before the jump. Jumping is hard.

Nice Video- Sorry to say, I rode XTR forever, switched to full AXS and never looked back. At 64 I will literally take every piece of free speed and comfort available. And I'm ok with that...

Most of the points i agree i only would call different is the point jumping the most important and most fun about biking is getting out in the Natur

As for the ZEB and the 38 I am a lighter rider at 150lbs and I still find great improvements over their 35mm or 36mm counterparts. That being said I am a very competitive enduro and DH racer and I’m going to compete in the DH World Cup Level. I find that when the speed gets higher especially when cornering through a rut or rough things it is much easier to trust the predictability. I also feel at the have less friction making the compression adjust much more noticeable as the flex and friction is lower. When things get chunky I find that the lyric for example can feel like the stanchions flex and crest unnecessary friction causing me to use much less compression damping. Overall I love the 38 mm stanchions and believe they are a great upgrade for any aggressive rider.

Carbon Frames=Normal Rated ; Electronics, Derailleurs in particular = OVERRATED; Forks = IDK; Weight=Underrated; Hardtails=Underrated; Jumping=Underrated. I say this about weight, I rode a 26" hardtail for years, then just a couple of months ago, after endless hours of research, I decided to upgrade to a 29" Full suspension. I have to say this. The bike is 2 pounds heavier than my old hard tail, but I keep telling my self that I gained bigger wheels, rear suspension and disc breaks, but I still hate the extra weight. So that brings me to a couple of more items you left out of your list: 29" Wheels =OVERRATED, if I had to do it again, I would go to a 27.5" the way a 29" bike handles compared to a 26" is pathetic; Disc Brakes=OVERRATED, i was perfectly happy with my old rubber pad brakes. The weight gain is not equal the benefits of disc breaks.

For me jumping on a bike is super fun! And i think jumping skills are also make you more confident on every trail. When you can pump and jump over some of the features.

thoughts on cushcore? not sure if you have them, stems look similar but just wondering.

@VanCan

Жыл бұрын

I’m big fan of inserts, especially cushcore

I've been racing XC for 9 years on hardtails, now I've made a switch onto a full sus. Here are my opinions: Carbon frames: Rated as deserved. Maybe not so much for the gravity disciplines, but for cross country the difference in stiffness, complience and also weight is really significant. You can totally ride an alloy (or other material) bike, but for XC racing I'd choose carbon all day every day. Electronics: Sorta overrated, but only for certain things. On my current bike I have the AXS dropper post. I will first race with it next Sunday, but I'd say it can save quite bit of effort operating the post when going all-out. For general riding, I would choose a cable activated one though, I've already managed to run out of battery mid-ride and getting back home with the saddle so low wasn't pleasant at all. I don't have experience with electronic shifting yet, but I'll surely get it for my CX/road bike soon, during 5 hour rides throwing the shifter becomes old soon especially when you also have a front mech. On my MTB is now a complete Shimano XTR groupset and I've never experienced anything shifting so smooth, though I can imagine myself switching to electronics on the MTB too. 38mm forks: Cannot comment on this. Light bikes: A bit overrated. My current fully weighs about 12kg, some of the hardtails I've ridden were sub-10kg and the weight increase is not noticible at all. The only bike I want to have light is the cyclocross one, which you lift on your shoulder sometimes maybe 30 times and with cyclist's arm strength you don't want anything heavier than necessary. Hardtails: Actually I'd say overrated. In cross-country, a full sus is faster in almost all scenarios and the popularity of trail hardtails has grown a fair bit in the recent years. Brakes: Underrated for sure! I've been always on Shimano brakes and they aren't bad, but for example the road version of Shimano hydraulic disc brakes has not impressed me so much. I improved them by switching to higher level rotors and metallic brake pads, but I'd like to try different ones (even on the MTB), if I had the opportunity. Jumps: Dunno, I don't like jumping that much and they're appearing more and more in modern cross-country. It's true they probably aren't talked as much as some other technique and one should know how to tackle them, but I'm enjoying the riding far more on the rough stuff.

Great video! Thanks for saying out loud how useless bike electronics are. I'll take cable reliability over servos.

here are my thoughts: I think the same with carbon frames, you can still get really good aluminium or steel frames and companies try to push for carbon frames as the nicer more premium material and also use it just to make it a more expensive bike and with other carbon parts like bars and wheels I would be just nervous to break them because I am hard on bikes. wireless electronic pars like the axs shifting and axs dropper are a nice to have but not a must, I also prefer the "regular" cable shifting and my oneup dropper works just fine. I haven't ridden a 38mm fork but I have ridden a downhill bike with a fox 40 on it and I really liked the added stiffness of the fork and I am in the market for a new fork and i am in between the zeb or the lyric or the 36 or the 38. I do like a light bike but Id rather have a stronger bike that may be a little bit heavier then a super light bike that may break under me. I do love hardtails and I used to ride a hardtail a lot but my hardtail is kinda in pieces at the moment so I need to build it back up. I do prefer Shimano over sram when it comes to breaks and I do run Shimano breaks but I have tried hayes, trp, magura and out of the ones I have tried I liked the Hayes the best so if I change my breaks I think I will go with Hayes. I love jumping, there was a jump near my house that was so nice but I got destroyed unfortunately.

Hi! How do you mount the RRP bolt on mudguard on rockshox zeb? Is it a new version?

@VanCan

Жыл бұрын

it's a custom 3d printed mount

@joster443

Жыл бұрын

@@VanCan thanks for The answer! Is it an open file for printing? Where can I get it?🙏

@VanCan

Жыл бұрын

I don't think it's open, it was made by a friend at RRP