Great video - but I will say I was bummed not to see a Kona Honzo but your bike choices are prime my friend!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, big fan of your channel! I love the ESD, and it probably would have been the fourth bike in the above $3,000 category! I personally prefer hardtails with a slightly higher BB and steeper HTA than the ESD, as I like the bike to feel closer to a dirt jumper on the trails. That’s just personally preference though, the ESD is super rad!!

Nice list. One thing about the Middlechild is it’s capability to run plus tires. I run a true 3.0 x 27.5 on my steel V2 with the dropouts slammed at 415mm(!). Not many frames can do that. The Ti version is on my bucket list!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s true! Such a versatile bike, I love it 🤙

Super helpful on that hard tail game!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Did I convince you that they’re the way to go haha?

Got a Paradox V3, with a 150mm Pike Select, full SLX drivetrain and SLX quad brakes, Fox transfer dropper post, One Up Carbon bars with 35mm rise, 32mm length Raceface stem, and 2.60 tubeless Honcho Terevail tires on carbon Raceface wheels. It is a wonderful bike so far. No matter the terrain.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I love Banshee, some of the best looking frames on the market if you ask me. As more of 27.5” guy I’ve had my eye on the Enigma since it was released 👌👌

@jeff7086

Жыл бұрын

Me too. I love my paradox V3. I have one major issue is with the curve in the seat tube, it limits the dropper to 150mm. I would love to put on a 180mm or longer. next is a minor issue the seat tube material is a bit thin so the seat post is flexy and squeeks if not greased up properly. But its a shreder for sure.

@jeff7086

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I run my Banshee V3 as 27.5 x2.8 Front and 2.6 rear. it rides just fine. have had 29ers on it before but perfer the 27.5, I don't find the bottom bracket too low or the geo bad at all, plus size are not too much smaller than a 29 x 2.4 or so ... I would like to give the Enigma a try and see how a bike designed for 27.5 ride in comparison but the paradox goes both ways just fine.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Good to know!! I like the shorter chainstays on the enigma.

Last year I bought the Norco Torrent S1... its so good I sold my Norco Optic. Absolutely love it.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! I knew a guy who raced one in my local enduro series and I was always jealous of it! Such a beautiful bike 😍

Got myself a Norco Torrent S2 a couple of years back. Super duper. Simple & effective. Just a bit on the heavy side at 14kg (size large).

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice!! I raced enduro with a guy on a steel norco frame and boy was it a gorgeous bike! Only properly rode it a couple times but it definitely put a smile on my face!!

Great advice on bikes. Honestly any of this bikes will get you on the trails with a big smile on your face. I am a proud owner of the 2021 commensal Meta HT/AM essentials and I could not be happier. The bike absolutely rips great quality build and great customer service if you have any issues. I know you mentioned the height of the seat tube and before 2021 a lot of people complained about it and actually commencal lowered the seat tube length by about 1" and my medium size bike has a 150mm dropper that I have it all the way to the bottom and when going downhill it gets out of the way with no issues at all. The bike is absolutely fun and if anyone is looking at this bike check out the pink bike review they this on this bike and they absolutely nail it. Cheers and see you on the trails!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the input man, enjoy your rad bike 🤙🤙

I can fit a 175mm dropper on my m/l Roscoe. The bottle cage mounts don't bother me, but I'd like a shorter seat tube. That aside, I freaking love the thing. I custom built it with all nice parts. It jumps super well and rides terrain well outside of regular trail territory

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Heck ya, that’s awesome!!

Great List. I just bought an Esker Japhy XT Special Built. It is a 29er Steel Hardtail. Great Components.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice, I bet that thing rips!!

I had no idea these brands existed. Thank you!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely 🤙🤙

I got a rsd 291 last year and i love it . I had a commencal meta ht and the rsd is definitely an upgrade.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Hell ya, that looks like such a rad bike! I think the middlechild fits my riding style a bit more, but talk about capable bike!

I got the San Quentin 2 last September, and I have no regrets.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice, stoked for you Steve 🤘

Gotta love the hardcore hardtail! I have a Kona Unit ('20 model) singlespeed that I put on a -2 degree headset and a 120mm yari fork. Worked surprisingly well. Definitely has the higher BB. I like the new geometry much better. The original 68 degree headangle combined with longish reach made the front end plow in corners. Axle to crown on the original fork is 470mm and the yari is 543mm+13mm headset cup which adds up to a 86mm increase in a-c which means new head angle is around 62 degrees and seat angle went from 75 to 73. I agree with you that a super low bottom bracket is not always ideal. As the bike grows in length the BB can be slightly higher to clear obstacles better and to better weight the front. I also have a new Mmmbop frame that Im building this year!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Oh man you’re going to love the Mmmbop! Sounds like you did your homework 🤙

I'm glad to see the Commencal Meta HT & Marin SQ in your list. 911th subscriber here. Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Hey thank you Yeng!! I appreciate the kind words 🤙

Great list, I ended up getting a growler 40 about a month ago on sale for less than $1500, absolutely love the bike. I was considering a Canyon Stoic but couldn't beat that value on the growler!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

What a steal!! Ya I’d definitely take the Growler over the Stoic, the growler has a lot shorter seat tube and higher bottom bracket which makes it feel more like a DJ/BMX which I prefer

@philfort7886

Жыл бұрын

git a growler 20 but I will heavily upgraded hit. At the end it will be like a growler 40

@philfort7886

Жыл бұрын

After a ride this week end within a dirk trail. The growler does great. Very great. Only downside, it is that some dirt goes into the suspension bearing, it was not enough damp-proof. Some dirt goes into there.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Oh weird!

Bear pawl hubs are proving to be tough as nails. I built a set into some rims for a customer in mid 2021 after he kept burning through drivers on his previous wheels. He thrashes the pants off his bike and is forever in for repair work. After about a year and a half on the bear pawls, no busted drivers, no axle damage. Only had to replace a bearing a few months ago, about October 2022. Can attest, they hold up

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Oh sick! Thank you for sharing Brian, good to know!!

You forgot the Trek Roscoe 9. That bike is a beast.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

6 ай бұрын

It’s in part two, check it out here! kzread.info/dash/bejne/aZ2VqJV9Za3cd6Q.htmlsi=MjmZqno9iaOOomKs

I built a hard tail from a Lyndsey titanium frame about two years ago and it’s so much fun and super easy to ride mostly anywhere. It’s lower weight too which help with throwing around too. You don’t need extreme suspension like everyone thinks to have fun. I ride a ton of Pennsylvania trails so you tackle everything too And I don’t use a dropper 😊

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice man! I rode Rothrock and Raystown last year; lots of rad stuff in PA!

@chaotictattoo

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy awesome to hear you tore some Pennsylvania trails up! There’s a lot of trails here. Keep on ripping it up!

@REVMuscleCars

Жыл бұрын

Nice to see another Lynsky rider in the comments. I built a Pro29 up last year and have been riding/racing it ever since, had it out today as a matter of fact. 🙌🏁

@kevinburke1325

11 ай бұрын

On a hardtail, you wouldn't be on your seat much anyways because you would constantly have to be shifting your weight going over rocks and roots.

I’m definitely a hard tail fan. Great list to think about.👍

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you man, I appreciate it!

I looked long and hard for a new hardtail. Went for a Production Privee Shan steel frame. 160mm Yari, 11 spd Slx, Hope 4 pots, 27.5 wheels It is the best bike I have ever built up and ridden

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

What a bike!! Sounds like it rides as good as it looks, stoked for you Martyn 🤘

Good vid man.. I love hardtails 👍

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! And me too! I’ll be doing a lot of hardtail content on here, starting with a deep dive into a newly released model that I’ll be dropping tomorrow!

The 2023 Marin San Quentin 2 has a new frame with new geometry. It fixes your biggest complaint of the frame having a long seat tube. The new San Quentin would probably be on the top of your list with the changes.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

It absolutely is 😍😍

@shaydenperera3644

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendyso is the main san quentin on the top of your list?

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Yep, I actually did quite a few videos of it on our channel, check them out here: kzread.info/head/PLuHTEhoxOiC20lh1Vm3igbgvEaTTEN_Av

Getting my middlechild this week. So pumped. I was primarily riding 26ers for years then 29ers were like the only Hardtail option when I needed a new bike and absolutely hated trail riding my 29er. (Im 5,4) anyways after researching for years the MC is the one. Can’t wait

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

8 ай бұрын

Hell yeah, I’m so stoked for you! I absolutely love that bike!!

I have a Orange P7 29er, steel is real. Also bought a On One Vandal, titanium 29er, sweet ride!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Awesome collection 👌👌 Which ends up going out most often?

Pro tip for the Commencal Meta HT, hacksaw about 3/4 in off the top of that seat tube, I’m 5’9 and running a 200mm dropper on a size large 🤘🤘

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Haha I did that on my Marin San Quentin. Scared the crap out of me for a bit, but never had an issue!

Last year Trek Rosco 9 purchased great bike Super happy with it

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome, so good to hear!!

Nice work

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!! Did you have a favorite bike on the list?

Ragley mmbop 2021. I built it with carbon wheels, 4 pot-brakes from shimano, oneupv2 240 dropper, and 160mm tuned yari fork. I can tell you, this thing is a blast, and frame only costst 450€ :)

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That sounds awesome! In terms of a frame-only purchase I really don’t think you can beat the Mmmbop!

The San Quentin 2 is a sick bike. I freaking love that bike.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

It’s definitely a good one 👌 Just a bummer about the dang seat tube being so long, other than that it’s just about perfect!

Got myself an Nukeproof scout frame recently. About to throw some budget to intermediate parts on it. Half of them used. The plan is to build a bike for iffy weather conditions.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like a pretty good plan! Let me know how you like it!

Great list! The trek Roscoe 9 had to be make the cut. The Salsa Timberjack also a great speck and value.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yes, it was definitely a contender! My only real beef with that frame is the seat-tube water bottle mounts that prevent you from running a long travel dropper post. Other than that it’s super dialed!

@jurisx85

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy yeah, not an issue for me at least. I drilled those bolts out on both my bikes. Pitty for the warranty, but I do prefer a dropper.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Haha smart, you gave that frame a major upgrade in my book!

@Durwood71

6 ай бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I have a 160mm Wolf Tooth dropper on my Roscoe 9, which is more than enough drop to get the seat completely out of my way.

7:58 Ragley MMMbop: Pros: Geometry is good Deore RD and cassette, so smooth shifting, this cassette shifts much smoother than the Sun Race. I would love the head angle, I ride a Geometron G1 with 62.5 deg, so that's only 05ddeeg difference. Cons: Chain stay length is the same across all sizes, which means different balance point, handling for each rider. Not enough sizes, riders over 180cm need a larger size than they offer, I am on the last size with an longer stem, which is an compromise, would have to slam the stem, get a tall riser bar, to increase the effective reach, so a larger size where I could get effective reach around 490 would be great. Some riders had issues with pedals falling off on Deore cranks. Brake rotors are resin only, Shimano resin pads have a bad bite, wear fast, but the rotors won't handle metallic pads well, they overheat easily, at least with me riding and braking.

Great list! FYI, Marin just released the new 2023 San Quentins, with 64° head tube angle and a much shorter seat tube, 375mm on the large.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I just saw, that’s awesome! They made such a huge jump in seat tube length that I misread it for 475 and was bummed that they only lowered in 10mm, but they lowered it 110mm!! That’s freakin awesome 🤘🤘

@PureRiding

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy The new marin is 100% gonna be my new hardtail because of this. Such a cool bike now!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I want one so bad now haha!!

I’m riding the new Salsa Timberjack! Such a versatile bike! I do everything with it

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice! Definitely looks like a ton of fun, I’d love to try one out!

Love seeing someone focus on the beloved hardtail... got rid of my 5k+ full sus... and got a san quentin 3 and LOVE IT!!! No regrets!!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! I started on a full squish too-a Giant Reign-but made the switch to a hardtail after about 6 months on that bike and haven’t looked back!

Superior XP 929 Polygon Xtrada 7 Salsa Rangefinder Poseidon Norton Last but not least, and my personal ride, Norco Torrent A2 HT. All I did was upgrade the fork to a Marzocchi Z1 Bomber Air.

nice that you mentioned ragley they're so underrated just got a big al 1.0 2022 for less than 1,200$ I guess it was a black Friday deal. Love it, it feels super stable, climbs much better than my meta essential 2021.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Always been of fan of there bikes; great geo and an even better price! Enjoy your Big Al!

@holliedekraai4137

Жыл бұрын

Hi Josh! Been looking at either a Ragley Marley 1.0 or 2.0 or the mmmbop. Could you give me your opinion on those? I’m new to mtn biking, would appreciate your input.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Both great bikes!! The part spec on those is pretty similar, and very good for the value! The Marley will be a bit more agile/nimble, and better for flatter trails and at the dirt jumps. The Mmmbop will be better for steeper, faster, enduro-style riding

RSD and Commencal is definitely my choice on this list. I have a Dartmoor 4x 26-inch wheel, very playful, no issues with taking it to enduro tracks, or rough rock gardens.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice! I'd love to get back on a 26" trail bike again, but it's so hard to find frames with modern standards to accept new forks/wheels/etc.

@joanthonysecusana6548

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy totally agree.. I'm running mixed wheels set, 27.5 upfront with RockShox Pike and 26 at the back..

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Damn that sounds like a fun bike 🤩 Food for you man!

@joanthonysecusana6548

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy supe fun..was doing bmx before so it's feels just like riding a bmx bike.. safe trails!!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

You too 🤙🤙

Dartmoor Hornet 2018😊 but I’m follow in love with the commençal meta ht😊

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Both are sick bikes! I’m trying to get my hands on a Hornet or Primal, but they’re super hard to find in the States!

Chromag rootdown, always impressed by the ride

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice 🤙 I’m sad to say I’ve never had the privilege of riding a Chromag, but hope to one day!

I rode a meta ht then my custom torrent s1 for a season and just got the new mmmbop, excited to see how it rides

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

All such rad bikes! Sounds like you’ve got the itch haha, enjoy it!

Love steel in ht! That's why I also love my Cotic Bfe:)

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice!!

I have a Vitus Nucleus Vrx 27.5 i bought a few years ago. Definitely a great bike

Awesome review dude 👍🏻 Roughly how much does it cost to upgrade a bike from 2- 4 piston brakes ? Cheers ✌🏻

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

If you do the work yourself the parts alone aren’t bad; $150-$200 for a decent set. Check out the SRAM DB8s, they’re half off right now ($65 for lever and caliper). I just bought a set and will have some reviews up this summer!

Um I jus couldn’t swing $2900 mtb Second best option in my opinion is Commensal -Meta HT Am Essential 2022 Love your content

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

5 ай бұрын

Thanks man 🤙 Ya, definitely sucks how pricey some bikes are these days!

I'm happy with my Nukeproof Scout 275 Comp. The difference between the advertisement and the truth. The bike came from the Bikester, the price was 18xxEur, the brakes are not Shimano instead of that 4pistons SramDB8. The crankarm is Raceface, and the cassette is SunRace. I checked, these parts pretty same prices, than the Shimano parts. And, yes, this bike at now, for me seems indestructable. Actually Nukeproof. :D

I bought the mmmbop frame with a discount - from 500 to 300€ - excited to set it up with parts ✨

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

What a deal!! You’re gonna love it!

I have a 2022 Kona Honzo with a set of Chinese carbon hoops and DT Swiss hubs. Having used mostly SRAM drivetrains for years, I'm really impressed with the Shimano Deore 11 speed. I know the bikes you featured have more aggressive geo. so the Honzo is more all around Trail category. I can't complain!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That sounds rad! I actually really like the Honzo; the ESD is a little too far for me. How are those rims holding up?

@SCnative64

Жыл бұрын

@ridingwithjoshandwendy so far so good. Me and my buddies have ran rims from Light Bicycle for years. I've never had a problem with them. I'm thinking they probably build rims for other brands too.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice! Always looking to save a dime, I’ll check em out!

I am thinking in the Stanton Switch9er, 130mm fox fork, Shimano XT drive train, Hope parts, (handlebar, seatpost, stem, hubs, etc)

I ve just got a growler 20 and I will upgrade it to be more of a Growler 50. I like it a lot

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice!! Definitely a sweet lineup of bikes!

Whoa!!!! Kona Honzo ESD didn’t make your list, steel is real, I love how the ESD, I can keep up with my boys with their super enduro bikes

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I really wanted to! But decided to only include three bikes over $3,000. My only quip with the ESD is the super low bottom bracket, but other than that it’s super rad!!

Before dropper seat posts, we did not skewer lower our seats before we went down a hill. Kids today.

Nice list... what about the Specialized Fuse 27.5? Thats a decent bike as well!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Definitely is, should have just made a top 20 list haha! The seat tube is a bit on the long side for my taste and the water bottle mounts in the seat tube prevent you from running a longer travel dropper. Other than that it’s pretty awesome!!

7:09 San Quintin 2: Pros: Nice Deore RD, smooth shifting, clutch. Comes with a dropper post Good geometry Rockshox air fork with rebound damping, compression adjustment. KMC chain which work. Cons: Sunrace cassette, which will have issues with sharp teeth, ramps, and bent cogs, teeth, at least how I ride. Chain stay length is the same across all sizes, so the balance point will be different. But things I don't know: hub engagement. nipples used in the wheelset.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I personally would definitely not call it good geometry, in fact that’s the reason I sold mine! Interesting how subjective that can be though.

@mtbboy1993

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I forgot to mention the chain stay length stays the same, that's another con, 425, which is very short. but shorter means more grip, but also less easier to make a skid. I am curious what you did not like. I've not tried one. a silly thing is Marin spec's 780 on every size. I need 800mm, so will many other riders, better too wide than to narrow, as you can cut it.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Like I said in the video, my biggest quip was the high seat tube and low stack. Thankfully they’ve made some pretty big changes on their 2023 model that was released just a day or two after I posted this video haha!

@mtbboy1993

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy another thing I forgot to mention was the flat brake mount, which can mena compatibility, clearance issues with some brakes, and rotor size might be an issue too. definitely possible to have the seat tube lower, chain stays too, and top tube, lower stand over height.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

They’re still post mount, just mounted within the rear triangle. The sit a little inside of the tubing as well, so I doubt there will be clearance with most calipers.

They don't come anymore aggressive than the On One Hello Dave. Quality components and crazy aggressive geometry. If you haven't heard of them then it's worth looking them up.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Definitely have, great bikes! It’s actually a bit too hardcore for my personal taste haha, I like a hardtail to still feel nimble and poppy. But in terms of pure speed the Hello Dave is hard to beat!

@9paraneil

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Planet X in the UK had a 1 day flash sale just before Christmas and had them up for £999. Complete with GX groupset, rockshox reverb dropper and pike forks I had to get one. Although for an extra £50 I went for the Lyrik fork instead. Great bike for the UK winter slop though 👌🏻.

@CG-hy7hb

Жыл бұрын

@@9paraneil bought one that day too, it’s been awesome, Have you upgraded yours yet?

@DB-sd3cw

10 ай бұрын

Absolutely hideous frame on that one.

SUNringlé (ring-lay) not complaining just letting you know. Good video overall.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I never knew that!! Thanks for the heads up, I’ve literally been saying that wrong since I was a 12 year old BMX grom 😂

Love my Rocky Mountain Growler

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice! Which one do you have?

@HomiesAdventures

Жыл бұрын

@Riding With Josh and Wendy it started life as a Growler 20 its been slowly modified ever since

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s the way to do it! Great frame to build up from 🤙

Surprisingly KONA HONZO ESD didn’t make your list 🤔 , absolutely love mine and super capable Hardcore Hardtail with great spec and almost as capable as my Enduro bike on the DH 😎🤟

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I really wanted to! But decided to only include three bikes over $3,000. My only quip with the ESD is the super low bottom bracket, but other than that it’s 👌👌

@archie68x

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy yeah agreed with the BB , as I seem to have way more pedal strikes 🙄 Besides that the only thing I upgraded was a One Up Component 210 dropper post 😜

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

And that leads me to my favorite thing about that bike haha, it’s got the lowest seat tube/reach ratio of just about any other bike I’ve seen!

@Cx3mtb

Жыл бұрын

Yup! I take mine on most chunk trails in SoCal! It handles beautifully!

I applaud you for bringing light into the HCHT's 😎. But what's wrong with the Sun Ringlé wheels on the RSD middlechild Ti? They're light and extremely strong, come in i36 (Duroc 40) and are aluminium

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the feedback, Ya I was probably a bit too harsh. I honestly have only ridden cheap OEM Sun Ringle wheels, and so have a bid of a bias. Thanks for filling me in!

Level is Srams 2pot brakes, G2 should be 4 pot as it means Guide Gen 2. I know a lot of the fat bike mtbrs like Sun Ringle wheels. You should take a look at the Cotic BeFe Max and Sterling Mur Mur hardtail. Both are legit hardcore hardtails & super beautiful looking bikes. Plus, I hear these two frame are less harsh compared to Chormag.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Good to know, thanks!

I'm really happy with my Ragley Blue Pig(basically a 27.5,4130 version of the mmbop) mines built similar to the race version.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

5 ай бұрын

Nice!! I’ve always loved Ragleys, glad you’re stoked on yours!

Love my Orbea Laufey💪🏻🇪🇸

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Definitely a sick bike, glad you’re stoked on it!!

some good choices, i would of mentioned the canyon stoic to as that to is a good all round sound solid mtb

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

It’s definitely not a bad bike! Like I said in the video I think hardtails are better off with a bit higher BB than the Stoic, but that’s largely personal preference

Nice. Good list bro. I am also a hardtail fan, I just wonder why is that Dartmoor Bikes is not on this list. I have watched a lot of videos about good hardtail you can choose in 2023. I am riding the 2022 hornet pro by dartmoor. I think it deserve a spot on this list.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I’ve had a lot of people bring that up! I’d heard a little about dartmoor, but they’re sadly not super common here in the states. What do you like most about yours?

@SavageMTB

Жыл бұрын

you can check on them, I think they deserve a spot on the list. I think they are in the game for many years from Dj to freeride. I think there so underated on the scene. I think commencal is so Overated but it is a good brand too.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Might have to do a video on the whole dartmoor lineup! How did you end up getting interested in their stuff?

I'm currently building a ragley mmmhop as a mullet. Excited to get to ride the result🔥

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’ll be sick!! What travel?

@a.s.120

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy 140mm so I can compensate the bigger fronwheel a bit

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice, exactly what I would do 🤙🤙

Gonna be getting the 29” San Quentin 3 once they come in stock in my size at the site I get a military discount on. With the 15% military discount it will end up being $1595 shipped. For the spec of the San Quentin 3 $1595 is a steal imo

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

6 ай бұрын

Killer deal! I did a full review of the 29” version on the 99 Spokes channel, check it out! kzread.info/dash/bejne/gop30LpvftW5hbQ.htmlsi=Wb4lCidFrW3evhYg

All these bikes look promising, which I have never had. I have a Rockhopper Expert 29er with dropper and 35mm stem.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice, that’s a fantastic first bike! What kind of riding do you like to do?

@horusgarcia1

Жыл бұрын

I normally ride park but when I am hurt, sore, or taking it easy, I ride green/xc to recover. Therefore, I have a Diamondback Mission 1 and upgrade to a Status 160. The XC is a L due to the longer wheelbase.

Sonder signal Ti with a Pike Unlti, 2.6 maxxis. There is a speed where it stops rolling and kicking about and starts flying. Literally flying.

I mainly ride XC and love the Canyon Exceed.

Meta HT Essential build is perfect for me. Dropper, 4 pot brakes, Yari fork. Definitely worth the price increase.

Hi man! Great video, just suscribed to your chanel? What do you thing about the Orbea Laufey? is it a tru hardcore hardtail?

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

10 ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you! It's a great bike! I'd call it an all-around "trail" hardtail, not as hardcore as some, but still the right geometry and travel to be able to handle pretty aggressive trail riding, and more importantly, make said trails lots of fun! But probably not the bike if you want something for enduro racing or to take to the bike park

@voltgrant1569

10 ай бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Thanks for answering, that's really nice 🤙 I'm considering to buy a new bike and the Laufey is one I'm considering. The other choice is San Quentin 2, which now I'm feeling more inclined to buy. Getting a new bike isn't always an easy choice. Greetings from Mexico! 🔥

1996 TREK 990 Singletrack with a Cannondale lefty fork 100mm, 27.5x2.6 front 26x2.35 rear.....👍💪

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

6 ай бұрын

Oh man that’s rad! Keep it up!

2018 Kona Honzo CR with XX1 / X01 build 👍🏼

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice, I’m sure that thing rips 🤙🤙

Still have a 2007 Marin Elderidge Grade hard tail so going Strong

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome!!

I recently picked up the Trek Roscoe 8. Loving it.

@syms85

10 ай бұрын

How’s the 8 running? I’m about to get one, I was thinking the 9. But man I love that mat black olive colour, I’ll upgrade the fork at a later date.

@Durwood71

6 ай бұрын

@@syms85 The Roscoe 8 has a SRAM GX drivetrain, which is rock solid (it's what I have on my Marlin 8), so no worries there. The fork won't be quite as plush as the Roscoe 9's Fox Rhythm 36, but the RockShox 35 Gold is no slouch, either. I recently bought the Roscoe 9 because I wanted the higher end fork and the wider gear range (Shimano 10-51 cassette verses the SRAM 11-50 on the 8); that, and I think the Roscoe 9 has by far _the_ best off-the-shelf paint scheme in the industry!

@syms85

6 ай бұрын

I ended up with the 9. Not regretting it. There was a price drop in the uk. so for the difference with the better parts. I went with the 9.

@Durwood71

6 ай бұрын

@@syms85 I bought the 9 just before the holidays here in the US. Salesman knocked $400 off the price, so I got it for $2100. It's a great bike

@syms85

6 ай бұрын

@@Durwood71 nice! Mine was £1850. My first bike since I was a kid. I’m 38 now, loving it!

im ride Marin SanQuentin3 and upgrade part but my dream hardcore hardtail is Meta HT and KONA Honzo ESD 🤘

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Those are two very different bikes! The Meta will be a lot more similar to your current San Quentin. Be sure to look into the geometry on each before making the buy. I have a video where I explain my preferences on geometry if you want to check that out!

@METEORA_47

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy yeahh im agree with you.META HT geometry are more similar with my bike but different with KONA HONZO geometry and more slack head angle also.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice! Ya if you want a DH ripper than the ESD is your bike!

Personally i got the Stoic 3, so far happy with it. Not that i have much to compare it to but

I’m surprised that you didn’t include a Esker Hayduke or Japhy. True I’m bias but the frame and the build that you get from Esker is pretty darn good.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Both great frames, I could definitely get down with the Hayduke!! Have you ridden one?

@hardmtnbiker

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy I have a Hayduke custom built up with XT, Fox, Renthal and RF parts and two wheel sets.27.5plus and 29. I have a Japhy custom built up as a SS . Both steel frames because they ride so awesome.

as a long time hardtail uk rider, we do t really consider alloy frames as hardcore hardtails, alloy frames fatigue and are harsh, steel or titanium is the only material for a hardcore hardtail

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Unless your poor 🤷‍♂️

@Frombie_01

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy What sort of twat comment was that?

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Haha not everyone can afford a ti or steel frame! You’d be surprised by how many amazing aluminum frames there are out there!

@Frombie_01

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy Some people have priorities in their life and others simply can't afford to spend money unnecessarily. I come from a road and track background and almost all my bikes were custom built. But what I found in my 40 odd years of racing was that cycling was inclusive. Unless you were a triathlete. I seriously feel that your comment was uncalled for and unnecessary.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Sorry about that, meant to imply the opposite; that you don’t need a ti or steel hardtail for it to be good. I’ve never had a lot of extra cash floating and have never felt like a mid-tier aluminum bike has held me back. I’m thankful to now receive free gear from the brands I partner with, but I’ll always stand by the notion that a skilled rider can do more on a $1,000 hardtail than most guys can do on their $5,000 carbon enduro bike

For me, the problem with droppers and seat tubes is that there's always stuff in the way like a bend, the outlet for the dropper wire or the bottle cage mounts you mentioned. Especially the outlets drive me nuts as they have no reason being so high up the seat tube...

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Ya, they’re pretty crappy on some bikes! Thankfully the San Quentin and Middlechild I rode are both routed pretty well

Nice video. Sweet RSD titanium frame bike

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you James! Ya their titanium frames are a thing of beauty, it’s me dream to own one some day!

Hi, what's your opinion about new ON ONE Wrekker? Will you make a video about this particular one and some similar super slack bikes? I am interested what's your thoughts.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s a hell of an aggressive bike! And an insane value for a titanium bike too. If you’re top priority is speed and stability than I’d go for it! I personally prefer hardtails that are a little more playful/agile, with shorter chainstays and a slightly steeper head tube angle. And yes, I could definitely do a video like that at some point!

The canyon stoic 2/3/4 were in my opinion perfekt

I ride NS eccentric lite 1, amazing hardtail bike

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice, always loved that frame! Glad you’re enjoying it 🤙

11:04 2022 Nukeproof Scout Comp: Pros: Geometry is good The chain stay length changes trough the sizes., 2021 model does not. Deore RD and cassette, so smooth shifting, this cassette shifts much smoother than the Sun Race. External routing, apart from dropper post. sizing is decent too, I would go for XX-Large, I am 181cm. then effective reach would be about the same as on my current bike. Cons: Some riders had issues with pedals falling off on Deore cranks. on some models they have Nukeproof hubs with 10 deg engagement, I wish it was quicker. I find 8 to be just enough to not be annoying, so the DT Swiss option will be quicker, but not a lot. but I guess it's fine. things I don't know: The tyres look promising.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Weird to hear about the pedals, haven’t heard that before! And yes, high engagement hubs are 👌👌 But it’ll be hard to find sub 10 degrees on a bike under $2,500

@mtbboy1993

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy threads failed, I saw a video with a guy that had a Polygon Siskiu D7 he thought he overtightened them, but that takes crazy amount of torque to do, so unlikely user error. But don't remember the name of the channel, and could not find it even searching trough the watch history. I had the same issue with M552 cranks, happen to two sets. few weeks old bike. also not a fan of cranks with a spider as a part of the crank arm, cus you can bend it, and will be screwed if it fails. So in my opinion spiders as a part of the crank arm it self is stupid. I managed to twist some, I did some riding i na school yard, some track stands, then tried rear wheel hop, and it bent. But I don't know if the Deore crank uses the same weak alloy. But seeing issues like this on low budget cranks is not a surprise. But of course riding with loose pedals will destroy it, but if threads are not to spec on pedals or crank it will fail too. But The I have Deore M61000 SGS rd on my bikes, no issues so far, but jockey wheels are noisier than the ones with bearings, but also get noisier once dirty, so cleaning them from time to time and it's fine.

@mtbboy1993

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy true. but engagement will sure be better than super cheap junk hubs. But definitely not go for worse than 10deg. But overall the Nukeproof seems to be a great package for the price.

My "hardcore hardtail" is a 08 Norco Ryde one25 with a 150 mm bomber z1, sun s-type wheelset, deore m5100 rear derailleur setup as a 7 speed (because freeride 🤘) shimano hg cassette 13-32t, running a few KMC chains because I hot wax, kenda tires, NS district bars, cult vans grips, seal flip stem in the downward position, Hayes 203 front disk and 160 rear 49n women's perch saddle, VP501 pedals, Amazon parts cranks are IXF, roadnado carbon seatpost and brakes, Ztto chain guide Lizhaumil chain retainer Styx 36t chain ring, play seat clamp. I think that's everything. I want to upgrade to a Norco Torrent eventually

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Hell ya, sounds sick!! I'm sure you'd love the torrent, but that Ryde sounds like quite a bike!

@andrewsiasparks

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy steel is reel! 💪 . The torrent S1 is for sure on the list for me. The NS eccentric chromo is also on the list. I sold my 2015 NS suburban and have regrets. 🐸

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Ah dang, I bet! I was literally gonna say not to sell the Ryde, but looks like you already know that haha!

@andrewsiasparks

Жыл бұрын

I had too many bikes and needed to free up some space. My kitchen is full 😭

Good video. You seem to like hard-tail's where I want to bring my full-sus. Will you be making a list of trail hard-tails ?(66.5 hta, 2 pot brakes, less robust frame) If hardcore hard-tail's are more your thing; np.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Ya, I’m a bit of a masochist in the sense haha 😂 And if there’s interest I definitely will! It’s further outside my area of expertise, but it’d be good way to expand my knowledge.

@michaelrieser9928

Жыл бұрын

I rode hardtails from 1983-1997. The geometry made me feel like I was going to be launched over the handle bars, and many times was! First modern geo hardtail i got was the RSD middlechild 64.5 hta and also the Santa Cruz Chameleon 65 hta. You feel so safe and in control going down the steepest stuff. They climb great, do everything great, and your super confident if it get gnarly. 66.5 starts to go back in the wrong direction.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I agree completely! Now please go tell this to my dad, sounds like your around the same era, and he still insists on his 68 degree HTA XC race bike for casual trail riding 🤷‍♂️

I have find this bike "CTM ZEPHYR PRO 29", and I think that it would be great VFM for a beginner. Also at the same price it's the Canyon Stoic 3, so what is your opinion about this two bikes ?

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

While I've never ridden either, they both look great on paper! The Zephyr is pretty small based on modern bike sizing, so if you go that route you'd probably want to size up. If I had to pick though I'd probably go with the Stoic simply because of the brand's strong reputation and the fact that it has a slightly lower seat tube than the Zephyr.

Airdrop Bitmap with 140mm revelation air forks sram 11 speed xt brakes dropper raceface cockpit maxis minions front n rear love this bike

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Nice! I've always thought that frame looked a lot like my Middlechild frame, very similar geometry as well. Glad you're stoked on it!!

If you are looking for a bike under 1,500 the radon cragger 7.0 is a great option if you live in europe it is a german brand and the parts on it are great for the money. It costs 1.300 euros on bike discount and the parts are so good you can even buy a 'better' frame and still spend less than a complete build from nukeproof or rsd with almost the same spec

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know! I had never heard of it, but just checked them out! Like you said, a great bike for the value, but a little more XC oriented than I tend to prefer.

@jbee4892

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy yess more like a trail/downcountry hardtail than enduro

I keep hearing good things about the GT Zaskar LT Expert. Any thoughts on it?

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

It wouldn’t be my first choice; it has a super long chainstays across all sizes, which will make the bike feel pretty dull. Spec looks good for the price though. What kind of riding do you plan to use it for?

Great looking bikes, but I'm still on a 2015 X-Caliber that I update as times change.😂

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

6 ай бұрын

Nice, that’s awesome!!

I went for a Whyte 629v5. Love the Whyte although not getting these newer goes at 65degree head - too slack now. At sale price of £1,200 an absolute bargain

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

10 ай бұрын

Great buy!!

The Stoic 3 from Canyon!

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

So many good bikes out there! I’m not a big fan of bikes with a super low BB like the Stoic, which is why it was left off the list.

I just got the mmmbop. The price was great and its a rad bike.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Sick!! I’m sure you’re gonna love it!

@holliedekraai4137

Жыл бұрын

I was febating between a marley or mmmbop. Are you still liking the mmmbop? I’m a beginner, what do you think of the mmmbop for a newbie?

Recently bought a used Meta HT Race and love it! But I really wanted the NP Scout 290, they're just not readliy available enough in the USA :(

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I heard Nukeproof just opened up a distribution center in the states, so hopefully that changes that issue!

@andrew_gardner

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy If so I'll likely buy the frame and build it out with parts I have on the Meta HT and a few of the upgrades I'd like. The Meta I got is a 2019 so it's far from new haha

@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830

Жыл бұрын

@@andrew_gardner all scout frames are showing as out of stock.

Nukeproof 290, not a beefy as I hoped. Cracked the seat stays after 3 years and 2000mi of use. Replacing with a Paradox v3 hoping it will handle my 200lb butt better than the nukeproof. Loved that Scout, will miss it.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

5 ай бұрын

Bummer man, sorry to hear that! I’m jealous of the Paradox though, I’ve always loved Banshee frames!

Hello, real cool video. I want to ask something, I want to have a hardcore hardtail bike, but the intended use of this bike is not exactly my kind of ride, I am more a marathon rider, long days in the saddle and to face long and hard uphill and suddenly really steep hills as well. Is there a way to use this bikes for marathons?, reduce the weight, what about Hope parts, are they heavy?

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jenssen! I’d look into bikes with slightly more conservative geometry than the ones on this list if you’re looking to do more trail/marathon style riding. The slacker front ends will be a little harder to maneuver at lower speeds and the long travel won’t be quite as efficient. The Stanton Switch9er is great option for the riding you described! Another bike to look into would be the Cannondale Trail SE line, they’re a great balance between a XC hardtail and the more aggressive enduro-focused bikes on this list, and are a pretty good value too!

@jflores76

Жыл бұрын

@Riding With Josh and Wendy thanks a lot for your help, actually I'm hooked on the Switch9er Ti, because of its retro but modern look.. I want to use a FOX 34 130mm fork and some carbon components and some Hope Tech components, with Shimano XT I think that weight balance is going to be good with a Ti frame.

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

That’s going to be one hell of a bike man, enjoy it 🤙🤙

Would like your views on the Canyon stoic 4

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

Definitely a great value, and Canyon is a super rad brand that I've heard has great customer support. That said, I'm not a huge fan of the geometry. Like I said in the video I think hardtails are better off with a bit higher BB than the Stoic, but that’s largely personal preference

Interesting to hear about Dartmoor Hornet

@ridingwithjoshandwendy

Жыл бұрын

I really want to try one out!! Hard to find in the States though!

@aler8910

Жыл бұрын

@@ridingwithjoshandwendy yeah it’s sad that not many countries import this brand. I got second hand here in Nz from a guy custom built it. My first mtb don’t know much but looks and feels like fun!