Most of us don't ride like the pros in the videos. We ride simply to enjoy the trails, the scenery, the exercise, and a nice day.

@zzxx33mh

7 күн бұрын

..yes.. no matter less or more,.. just get out ,..and ride..

@gen-zeke-8571

4 күн бұрын

I find camping videos like that too. One guy por gal goes pout and makes enoiugh food for 3 nights, and they call it "survival". A mile is a Mile.

@paultellier2147

4 күн бұрын

YES!

@ASAP2525

4 күн бұрын

You do ride like type pros the XC pros that is.

@cloudsmith7803

4 күн бұрын

What's even better is people buy full sus bikes and find out they don't like mtb at all. It gives me a good shot at getting a used bike for a great deal.

I've been a bike mechanic for 26 years. You are absolutely correct. A functional bike is the best bike. I fix other people's bikes, but I ride steel frames with simple parts. No hydraulic stuff to bleed, no batteries to charge, they always work. Keep bikes simple. Excellent video.

@garethhughes5745

14 күн бұрын

Nothing wrong with a good set of V brakes so long as you can keep the rims straight, I also quite fancy downgrading some of my hydraulic brake bikes to mechanical disc. makes maintenance so much easier and practical.

@mikegilheany8828

13 күн бұрын

@@garethhughes5745 Yeah, I've got at least 10+ bikes with Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes. Makes swapping parts from frame to frame easy and fun too.

@garethhughes5745

13 күн бұрын

@@mikegilheany8828 thanks for the tip, i will look out for those brakes :))

@BartAnderson_writer

12 күн бұрын

Great philosophy! I'm very happy with older bikes, but I appreciate not having to ride the cheapest bikes. When I was young, I rode hand-me-down bikes which was okay at the time. But when I was able to spend a few hundred dollars on an intermediate level bike ... what a difference! That being said, almost any bike can be a source of pleasure.

@SeymourSunshine

12 күн бұрын

Yes. I agree with you absolutely. I ride what I call RAMbikes ... road-adapted mountain bikes. My favourite is my Diamondback Wildwood restomod with 100% Alivio components. The key is to keep it well-lubed and adjusted. KISS ... keep it sweet and simple.

Preach! Just ride and have fun, that's the entire point of mountain biking.

@AlanPina-nn5sz

4 күн бұрын

Until marketing enters to the chat...

I gotta admit, the worst thing about most mtb channels is how the bikes they test are top spec and incredibly expensive. It's hard to relate when the frame of the bike being reviewed is already more expensive than my entire e-bike. It's great to find a relatable channel for a change, keep up the great work 👍

I love this philosophy. It can be applied to most things in life. Most often, simple is better, assuming a reasonable level of quality. Simple things break less. When they do break, they’re easier to fix. They tend to last longer. Simple things force you to develop your skills, rather than relying on the tech. Often, you are forced to be more creative. Typically, they are cheaper as well. Though I have been known to spend more to get something simple, but high quality. Good for you! Thanks for sharing this message.

@erfansoltani678

14 күн бұрын

You are right I have a tourney mech and it's 16 years old it's still working so what's the need of upgrading it even to an Altus what's point?a marginal improvent in shifting I'm an expert in shifting to lower gears because of tourney's shitty😂downshifting When I rode my friend's xt mech I saw no difference

@ReedoAce

11 күн бұрын

Wow! You make a great point - thank you!

100% agree. i've been riding the same 26" hard tail since 1999. still a lot of fun. when i first started MTB in 1997 I used to see this guy on a road bike bombin down the trails. he was better and faster than me. shows it's the rider not the tech.

I have two bikes. I have a Roscoe 29er and a FS carbon Canyon. My Canyon is a cross country, so not tons of travel. But, its plenty for me. I’m 61, and don’t do anything too crazy. I just have fun and try to stay healthy!

@MTBMOR

17 күн бұрын

Keep it up. I just turned 50 and I am struggling with the aging process.

Matty is the type of dude that should spin up some mtb clinics. Get people involved, keep it basic, and has the best demeanor for helping others start or continue journey in bikes.

@samwilcockmusic

18 күн бұрын

100%

You’re the most real mountain biker on KZread. Keep it up!

You are basically talking about the joy of “underbiking”. I’m with you. I have access to pretty nice mountain bikes, but I’ve been enjoying the simplest ones most lately

@siedmy

21 күн бұрын

Underspending. If you have ever ridden a bike you would understand, that ride over is the only option.

@sqd8r

14 күн бұрын

Underbiking, I think is more riding below your ability. I think he is more on buying what you really need, not want. Possibly it's a bit of both. Either way you save money.

@richarddecredico6098

5 күн бұрын

@@sqd8r underbiking is using less bike than is needed for a specific task like using a hardtail with 100m front sus for downhill or using a gravel bike to ride blue mtb trails

I went to full suspension due to comfort as I got older and it was way better on my over 50 joints. Rode HT for about 48yrs. Now I have more smiles after my rides:) love simple nice bikes since i was a kid.

@brianwitter3271

20 күн бұрын

Indeed. I ran XC and raced, dirt jumped, and rode vert BMX. I'm a mess from injuries and over 50, but still love two wheels on dirt. I can afford one bike at a time. My Ripmo AF may never get pushed to the limit, but it always brings the smiles and occasionally saves my bacon when an old injury says hello at the worst time. I'll never judge a rider based on their bike, just like I don't want to be judged for not riding my bike like JKW.

@magicunicorn6535

17 күн бұрын

I bought a used hardtail XC race-bike because it was lightweight and the right size for me. I could have bought a full suspension, but I don't need that, and certainly not the added weight. I also looked at gravel bikes, but.... meh. I like to enjoy fairly easy trails with gentler hills, and I certainly don't jump. That XC bike fills the bill perfectly. Just a couple of tweaks here and there to dial in the fit and my riding position, and I now have a jack-of-all-trades bike that goes anywhere I point it.

Matty the truth has set you free! Don’t let people hate

Exactly! Keep it functional and fun. It's so funny to hear you say these things because I have found myself on the same track. I'm desperately in search of a 90's Specialized Stumpjumper. Such an awesome ride. Cheers from Montreal QC😊

I like working on bikes more than actually riding them, so often times I'll just grab whatever because they "ideal bike for the ride" is in pieces.

@jeffholmes2459

20 күн бұрын

My brother !!!!!!!

@MTBMOR

17 күн бұрын

You have a special mindset. I am always afraid I will break something. Heck, I often do. Then again even the professionals mess things up sometimes.

@TheArimatheus

17 күн бұрын

@MTBMOR I've been doing pretty much all my own maintenance since I started racing BMX almost 30 years ago. Then I got into DH/Dual Slalom, then XC after a bad wreck. So, my mechanical skills have grown alongside the industry. There's still some stuff I don't tinker with either because of the complexity, or I just don't want to. I can't rebuild *any* shock or fork, for instance. While I can build wheels, it frustrates me (though I true my own wheels). I don't swap tubeless tires very often because it's a mess and I don't have an air compressor in my apartment, loose pack hubs with ball bearings are a pain in the butt. Once you've collected all the specialty tools over time it makes everything a lot easier, like having a cup press rather than the "wood block and hammer method" as one example. And now everyone is in the absolute golden age of maintenance with tons of KZread videos for almost every year of every component, etc. I basically learned from age 11 on by reverse engineering. They're pretty simple machines, though, at the end of the day.

This is exactly why I purchased a Roscoe 9 after not having a hardtail for like 5 years. Now I am back to choosing the best lines and it has made me a better rider again.

@timbertome2443

13 күн бұрын

Roscoe 9 is legendary. I got an 8 and love it.

I so appreciate your perspective on riding bikes. I’m the kind of person who can too easily think the best stuff will automatically be the best experience. It’s weird, but you have given me permission to be satisfied with simple enjoyment of the riding experience!

As someone that is getting back into bikes for mental and physical fitness, I find this channel totally relatable. Thank you.

finally some one who ride to have fun and don't ride to show bike :) respect!

You speak the truth, enjoyment comes from within.

I owned a bike shop in Colorado about 30 years ago and I love this video! I fell into the mindset of keeping pace with the latest and greatest. You are so spot on with your words regarding cycling. It should be for personal enjoyment not “showing off” unless that’s your thing or are competitive. Unfortunately I started to resent cycling “snobs” so I stopped cycling for a while. Silly I know but I recently bought an e-trike and love it. Your analysis reaffirmed my thoughts on just get out and enjoy getting out! Riding around, taking in the sights. Age does make a difference but i really enjoyed your video.

The cheap bike niche, we’ve all started somewhere with mountain bikes. I’ve recently sold all my bikes, now down to just one. Simple now, just go ride that’s the only choice now.

@pascualaguon5324

17 күн бұрын

Lol.. Im 54... had 4 bikes... down to 3... by the end of the year, it will 2... 😂... and one day one.. lol

Word! Just get out and ride! For those regular guys like most of us are that have regular jobs and regular responsibilities like families biking has to fit in and not be a potential problem that could affect the main things…family life, job life, and other responsibilities. Good stuff. Keep ‘em coming!

This is why I love your channel man! You're always humble and you made a great point with this one... Just go ride and have fun, don't get caught up in the bike hype. As some someone who has also came full circle, I'm back on a simple hardtail and loving it! Rock on Bro!

This is 100% the best way to look at all things in life but especially an expensive hobby like this. When I was a kid the guy that got the biggest props at the jumps was the one that was doing the same tricks on the beater bike that they borrowed from a buddy. I have a beater hard tail that I’ve been riding for years that I ONLY upgrade a part if it breaks beyond repair and so far I’ve only spent maybe $100 on it in the last 10 years lol.

I share your philosophy. Great observations. Another point is security. Almost no one will want to steal my bike. Could it happen? Yes, but it’s not worth the time or money to take it. Thanks for sharing!

People who are newer to mtb need to know that "they can buy a decent used HT from 5 years ago and it'll be more capable than they'll need. For at least 5 years, bikes have become way better than we need them to be.

I’ve been riding bikes all of my life and I’m a 60 year old man. My first ever full suss was my 2022 Trek Rail 5 custom. Up until then, it’s been a hardtail all day long (always with front suspension forks). Today I have two bikes, both peddle assisted e-bikes. My first e-bike was the Giant Fathom E+3 29er hardtail, which is now my all round commuter and touring bike. Having suffered from sciatica for the last four years riding a fully rigid bike simply wasn’t an option, so I thank God everyday for the comfort my Rock Shox Judy provides when I’m dodging potholes etc. The sad fact is there is a lot of elitism in cycling which has really spoiled an otherwise great sport, so it’s really nice to hear somebody else expressing the same view When you jump on your bike for a session, remember, it’s not a fashion show and leave your bad attitude at home, where it belongs.

At 50+ with a bad lower back, hardtail is not an option, but I like where your heads at. Thanks for the vid.

You have a great attitude on the simple fun of riding. I ride a fully rigid hardtail but embarrassed to say I spent too much.

Thanks Matt for sharing this video with us. I ride 90’s mountain bikes with some upgrades done to them. I’m old school Cannondale, Trek, Proflex kinda guy. I don’t look down on people who are starting out biking I show them you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun on a bike. Keep up the great work and stay safe out there.

@smokeycanuck8058

18 күн бұрын

Proflex??? Whoa that's a blast from the past. I started rinding in the late 80s and haven't heard that name for a long time. Remember Slingshot bikes? Keep the rubber side down friend 👍

@user-yz9cr4gu9n

18 күн бұрын

@@smokeycanuck8058 thanks you do the same.

i 100% agree. cheap, simple, durable, dependable, functional bikes - for me- are the essence of bicycling.

Dang I love this channel. Such a good message, such a good mindset.

Mountain bike wisdom 101. This should be a required course.

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing. I truly enjoy your position on simplicity.

Preach.... as i get older my mindset is more and more like yours. I get so much out of my hardtail and reach for it more than i reach for my full sus. Love your videos brutha

Love it man. You bring the every day commuter/player/thinker up to speed on current events in the industry. Thanks from the voices not heard.

I love full suspension for park, but for everything else I'm a major ridged single speed enthusiast. Always a joy when you come across someone who is like minded

I have a carbon nomad with all the best stuff on it, its fun but with that said my single speed hardtail is soooo much fun to ride...no mechanical issues to worry about. Just you and nature

I don't talk down cheap bikes but I'm very vocal about manufacturers that will sell you something labeled as a "Mountain bike" that will fall apart after a year of riding green trails. Happily they're getting scarce 😅

@MongooseJake

20 күн бұрын

Honestly that's completely changed in the last few years. The newer Schwinns, Mongoose, and Ozark Trail models are all genuine mountain bikes that will last will last completely fine with normal care, and a few choice parts upgrades here and there. And, that's an awesome thing. Better bikes at better prices is good for all.

I just hung up my 90s steel hybrid. You prompted me to remember how much fun I had with that 40 lb beast on fire roads & impromptu stunt parks. Now I'll have to get it down & find some space for it on the floor.

I'm not a roadie, but I'm learning my fellow mountain bikers and cyclists as a whole have a gear obsession problem. I ride dirtbikes mainly, but got a $1500 dollar FS bike I'm bombing down black diamond trails like nobodies business. People need to learn and accept its the rider not the bike. Yeah, bike shaped objects are freakin garbage, but any entry level $500 hardtail can get the work done. I can't ever see me exceeding the capabilities of what my bike is intended for, and as its a trail bike, its good at a lot of different stuff.

@RICARDOGARCIA-wr9hx

20 күн бұрын

It is it's disgusting. My bike is better than yours bullshit.

This video made me happy, I ride just a regular bike no suspension no flashy parts, I'm happy it works and instead of hightech gadgets I rather focus on enjoying ride and scenery i'm in. Dificulty trails are not for me like terrain more plain so I don't have to push it into hill because moving is struggle but as long as i get excercise and have a great time outside i'm happy so it was pleasure to see video showing that enjoyment comes from riding and is not limited to expensive bikes.. so thank you

Wow, great post! Thank you for the grounded perspective.

Great vlog as long as you feel comfortable on your bike and are enjoying riding trails on it. It is all about enjoyment and not how much money a bike cost. Imagine coming off a high end bike!!! That would make me cry.

Truth must be spoken. I can enjoy so many different things on my bike. Simplicity has lasted me a very long time. Keep doing what you're doing!

This video is so good. You articulate my thoughts precisely (better than I've ever done). I ride a hardtail and it gives me the thrills I'm after, more easily and more often. From time to time I'm hitting bigger drops and wish I had some cushion on the back wheel but mostly the HT is more than enough and keeps my skills sharp and my vibes high.

Agreed. The guys at the trek store told me there is no way I could ride my Roscoe 6 at the bike park. It’s the nicest bike I’ve ever had. I upgraded from a 30 year old mongoose switchback. I hit jumps, drops, and some techy blues with no issues.

@eXaviar

21 күн бұрын

They say that only to make sure you can not make them responsible, if you would crash on it in a bikepark, because they told you, you could 😅

@MM-yy9ib

21 күн бұрын

I ride my Gen2 M6 everywhere. I upgraded the tires, pedals, seat, grips, and to a RockShox Recon. I'm extremely happy with this bike and I've been riding for years. I'm not hating on anyone with a 5k full squish either. I plan on getting a. Siskiu T here soon as my 58 year old back and knees take a beating

@cliffhutch7789

19 күн бұрын

I ride my roscoe 6 at the bike park no problem though at 62 I try to keep my tires on the ground.

@eXaviar

19 күн бұрын

@@sk360flip you can ride your Roscoe at a bikepark, if you ride the tamer stuff. It is made for XC. So no risk if you stay on the ground. Read the ASTM rating for your bike. It tells you, how hard it can be ridden 🤙🏾

I have a 1982 Schwinn Le Tour that a customer gave to me a few years ago. I converted it to a fixed gear with tubeless tires that I used for single track around where I live. It has no shocks, no gears, and no brakes. If there's air in the tires, it's ready to go. Easiest thing in the world to get on and go.

I share your sentiment. I have just as much fun, or more, on my simple bikes as the expensive ones. Just enjoy the ride!

Like all things, it's all about diminutive returns and bell curves. The sweet spot IMO is the middle grade, and when something breaks, replace it with higher end version if its in the budget at that time and if you feel like you still need/want to. Also, you right on the hardtail turning green into blue/black. Well said.

Thanks for keeping it relatable.

I appreciate your message man! My 7 year old son got me into mountain biking this year, and he and I have been having a blast. I've been riding an old mongoose racing bike I had lying around, and it has been totally fine to learn on. Now that I know I enjoy the sport I am researching purchasing an actual mountain bike. But, it's been really hard to make a decision with all the options and talk of needing this and that. This video has just reinforced my thoughts that I want a good hardtail, and I dont need anything too fancy.

AMEN TO EVERYTHING! That's what I'm about too, only more on the road bike side, but now combining simplicity of "regular" steel road bikes and now the versatility of gravel riding, it's like you enjoy riding even more when you are not concerned with scratching/messing up an expensive bike or "stuck" with having to take bike lanes/trails, I just like going everywhere and being able to enjoy every moment and not just select moments during the ride!

Yes. Thank you. I find this video so affirming. You and I think exactly the same way.

Love this, man. Best bike video I've seen all year. Just get out and ride, with whatever you've got...

Love your content. Keep up the good work.

Your video encouraged me to buy a “ regular bike “ Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Great perspective! Couldn’t agree more!

Awesome video Matty.

I really enjoy your content sharing the joy of biking for everyone.

I really appreciate your perspective on this. I’ve done 15 years of riding on a basic specialized hard tail with all the original parts on it and except for a few trails and obstacles at a bike park I’ve never felt like I’ve been held back because of it. I ride for the challenge of the obstacles and the natural scenery on the trails. I’m thinking of buying a new bike now and although some of the innovations in the last 15 years like 1x12 drive trains are more reliable and simple other aspects require more care and maintenance and it’s easy to allow that to start to take away from the time on trail and just enjoying riding.

All you say makes perfect sense. Maintaining suspension is not cheap, and a rigid bike gives an additional challenge even on green trails. But I love riding serious trails as much as I love relaxed cross-country touring and commuting. On a full-sus I can do all these things. Plus I don't like drop bars, eliminating most gravel bikes.

I agree with what your saying...I would only add, for safety, if you purchase a department store bike, have someone who knows bicycle mechanics have a look at it to ensure it is assembled correctly. ALSO be aware it may not be compatible with certain parts if you plan on upgrading in the future.

Just found your channel. 5 videos in and learning a lot. Thanks for your content

Thank you for this video! I’m getting my first bike this upcoming weekend. I just want to enjoy the scenery and ride nice trails too! ❤🚵‍♀️

Got to agree. As i get older i gravitated more towards simplicity and practical bicycles. I can aford to buy expensive bike but most of the time you have to maintain it more. These days i ride my steel 90’s rigid converted to a commuter 1x9 bike ltwoo shifters with panniers . Makes grocery/diaper runs fun! Ride it more than my road bike and gravel bike

Great perspective mate. 👍

I went out and got the ozark explorer because of this channel. This past week i have been riding around with my kids, riding up hills just to bomb down them. You inspired me to ride with my kids. And I forgot just how fun it can be to just ride a bike down a hill. Thank you

All good points! I ride a carbon full suspension, and I’m constantly tweaking things here and there. It can be a headache.

I’ve found going back to basics. I don’t have to compete If my friends are riding fast down the trail or doing the jumps, I don’t need too. I’m riding full ridged there riding full sus ebike. I’m Riding my own ride having fun 😎

Awesome video. Keeping it real.

Great message, great video.

Appreciate your vids!

@MattyActive

14 күн бұрын

Thank you!

You nailed it. I went from a marlin to a trance 2 to a jeffsy pro race($5,600) and now I'm back to a nukeproof hardtail.

Simplicity reveals the essence.

Yeah man preach it!!!! Hopefully you'll help a young rider on a budget realize they don't need to go into debt for a bike they don't need and all they are doing is keeping up with the "cool kids". I'm older than you (55) and started mountain biking in the late 80s and only new rigid bikes. Handlebars were flat and narrow, wide tires with 1.95", all drive trains were 3x, brakes were cantilever, etc. and guess what? Me and my pals rode trails and drops and it was as fun AF. My trail bike these days is a Surly Wednesday fat bike - rigid front and rear, simple & easy to service parts and I love riding it.

thanks for this video. this will help keep me focused what's import, which having fun. I just got into mountain biking, so I'm definitely green. I've already started seeing how expensive things can get from the bike to the accessories.

I'm with you 100%. The most beautiful thing about bikes is that you don't need anything fancy to generate the same smile and feeling. I rode full suspension for years, then got sick of all the maintenance and setup BS myself, so I've been riding rigid for the last few keeping it pure and simple. I'm ready to try some of the newer full sus bikes now though. A lot has changed since I last rode them.

Have fun. Such a great philosophy for life.

I grew up in Kansas City on a hard tail. There's not too many drops around here, so it's not really worth it to get a full suspension. Hardtails really teach you how to pick a line. It only took about 3 days doing DH in Colorado to be able to do blacks and some double blacks (not jumps though). The hardest part was trusting the bike. DH bikes can do basically anything you want them to. It's pretty amazing.

Ride what you like & be happy! Great video and perspective!!

Refreshing content Matty

Love the message

Preach it brother Matty!

Good points. Suspension adds yet another layer of service needs and $$ and if you don’t NEED it don’t waste your $$

Great Vid. Love it!

I believe most bike builders, tinkerers, mechanics, etc would agree. Steel is real, Hardtail till death, and rigids are hella fun! The trend is to he overbiked, but that really takes the fun out of a lot things

Amen! I appreciate you and the honest, relatable content you're making. I would like to see you play with putting a 100mm suspension fork on that Breezer Thunder, though... 😊

What a splendid message - It's about 2 things 1. Satisfaction 2. Preference Which ever bike gives a person these 2 things nothing more is needed 😊

Great points, I think the simpler bike/tech add a degree of fun that money cannot always buy! I love a good hardtail!!

your message is spot on…we tend to get caught up in “the stuff” , and all it does is complicate “ the reality”…it’s not about the price…it’s about how the bike feels…some bikes feel cheap and lack quality that aren’t cheap at all… i bought a used walmart bike because of the size and design of the aluminum frame…yes, some of the components were of lesser quality, but still very functional until i upgraded them as desired…and it’s pretty safe to say that i’ve now invested as much as buying a less budget friendly brand, but it no longer feels like it is lacking in any way…and you might not even get that with buying a much more expensive brand…i don’t mountain bike yet, but would like to start…when i do, i’ll be riding a rigid frame with rim brakes and 1x gearing…i have a real appreciation for fine things, but keeping it simple has become my motto for most everything i do… good to see someone out there who gets it , and passes on this huge secret to a large audience! good on you brother!

This video hits deep. I've been riding my Marlin 6 for almost 3 years and have loved it but things gotten dull and had me think about other bikes that I see people on, like full suspension. I recently had a great ride on my Marlin which surprised me how capable it was. Glad I didn't fall into a new bike purchase. Keep posting videos, great content which has me think and critique my riding style.

It is good to hear from someone who purely enjoys their favorite sport, rather than having to always push the boundaries. The reason these zillion bike makers are getting STUPID amounts of money for their bikes, is they know there are people out there willing to spend BIG! We can't all spend BIG! They could still make money selling bikes for less, it can be done! But don't look for that to happen.

Love the direction you're heading in on your journey Matty. A budget bike is not a bad term but the way. There is a whole budget bike subculture developing now. It is a clear rejection of the gatekeepers in the cycling and mountain biking community. I'd love to see you build a budget bike up. Like the Ozark Trail Ridge. Get you out of your comfort zone and start tinkering. It's a great way to learn the mechanics and wrenching on your own equipment.

I ride a FS bike and I rarely mess with the suspension….like the channel….i also enjoy a good hard tail

Videos like this are nice to watch for a change. I’ve bought a used hardtail 26inch mtb for 120€ and it rides beautifully. My first road bike cost 120€ and I still ride it occasionally. I have no idea how much they weight, but I do know that it doesn’t even matter because I should get rid of my own excess weight first.

Even though I just went the other direction , I totally relate. Did that for the last 25 years. A Trecking bike makes single trails a challenge. On the other hand it's really nice riding my commute on a 29 inch fully and choosing the fun route instead of the road. And it's really comfortable not to stand up for every little bump. And then, when the weather ist that nice and I hop on my fendered trekking bike, I enjoy the easy acceleration, the efficiency and all that. As for the easy maintenance: major deal! Great video

Very well said sir. You are very humble.

I've been riding for almost 30 years and you go through different layers of cycling, from mountain biking to road and back to mountain biking, with everything else in-between, such as downhilling single speed fully ridged gravel bike full suspension. I've now ended up with an ebike, gravel bike and full suspension.

Love this attitude, totally makes sense.