Best Value Budget Hardtail Mountain Bike | 2021 MTB Buyers Guide

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Trail Hardtail Buyers Guide! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWmndX-Oftiehdk Budget Full Suspension Trail Bike Buyers Guide kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGOngJWImb2Uo5o

[@megatron9033]

Quick question. If I buy the 27.5 is it a good idea to put 29ers? I jear 29 is better. Is it even possible?

[@mathieugesson7829]

*Looked at a lot of options for getting my **Latest.Bike** . Great find in SAVA. Super light, nice components, really good value as it comes with many options only found in much higher priced bikes.*

[@sethnicholls7861]

I got to go with the Rocky Mountain, that frame is so DOPE. Love the color way too.

[@sethnicholls7861]

Finally decent geo for us hardtail heads.

[@adelnadheer1940]

thank you for more realistic budgets for the budget seekers, well organized content. this video undone all the stress ive built searching videos

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Glad I could help! Luckily it's only a little bit of stress to do this each year for me hahaha

[@jeffjensen8]

While I haven't compared the 2021 Nucleus VR to the VRS, in late 2019 I went with the 2020 Nucleus VRS over the VR (mainly because the VRS was a 1x10, while the VR was 2x9) and have been extremely satisfied with it, for what I use it for. Which is mostly butt and taint hair removal.

[@KCinvesting]

Just picked up a Norco Storm 4 in all black for $800CDN. Amazing entry level bike for the price .

[@mattyosborne1453]

I picked up a 2020 Norco Storm 1 last year, loving it. KZbin needs more budget / entry level bike videos

[@brafshsyt]

I got a Giant Talon 2 and I feel like it should be on the list the best part is the 1x9 11-46 tooth cassette

[@amermeleitor]

Rocky Mountain Fusion!! 😍😍😍😍 Being a short guy myself, i love the way Rocky Mountain works the geometry of XS and S sizes in 29ers.

[@shotbait5090]

How short? Cause I'm 5'6 and I feel like slot of bikes are huge!

[@amermeleitor]

@@shotbait5090 5'5 (1.66mt)

[@joerizaguirre500]

Where did you get yours because I can't seem to find the fusion 10

[@NotPeteMcCabe]

I love my Giant Talon 2. Cheapest 1x hardtail on the market, I think. $620 and it's a great ride.

[@ap.5567]

I recently got a talon 3, £500,£75 rockshox dart 2s, absolutely great bike.

[@davidknox4702]

Great video mate. One thing i would say is that for a video on budget bikes and people like me entering the sport...there's a lot of MTBs jargon you're using that i don't understand. Expand a wee bit on why I've to focus on certain specs mate, cheers 👍

[@hutchrt0596]

I was on here trying to find a budget 24-in for my 10-year-old and really wished everyone else would make their videos just like yours! I love the brevity and how you arrange it. Believe it or not, your video kind of got me excited about possibly wanting to venture into a much better bike if he and I wanted to start taking advantage of our bike trails in the park nearby. Great video! Wasn't what I was looking for, but it surprised me a lot.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

That's awesome! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. Glad I could help out :)

[@TheDivinian]

I'm a complete beginner when it comes to mountain biking, and didn't really understand a lot of the terminology used but I did appreciate the video! It definitely gave me some options to look at

[@vadimbobov4051]

I ride a Nucleus its amazing even handled a DH park well.

[@mrrizkat]

Great video thanks man! Trying to find no-nonsense clear videos that compare things well is hard, but you've nailed it. Came here looking at the Xtrada and have some others to research too now! Thanks!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Mytro34]

Did you end up getting the Xtrada?

[@nicktan988]

Suntour air forks are also adjustable usually up to 140mm travel

[@joesimmonds2849]

Around $300 Aussie dollars for an SR Epixon on AliExpress. That’s a third of the cost of the Vitus complete.

[@derekpetersen1078]

The Vitus looked enticing, but its been out of stock for a while. Ended up finding a 2021 Marin Bobcat Trail 3, and am really happy with the way it rides. Even though it has a straight headtube, its 44mm so you could upgrade to a tapered fork if you changed the headset.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Hi Derek, I should have double checked the dimensions of the headtube! Good to note!

[@hayden7027]

That Vitus is a game changer for the price! Crazy to get air suspension and 1x under $1000 AUD

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Best value bike for 2021!

[@George-je1fs]

Air suspension on my 2018 nucleus broke after a few rides. It's a budget air fork. And like most budget air forks the plastic lever caps are awful

[@George-je1fs]

Same fork as that one

[@reubenhooft541]

Anyone know where I can buy one though. Out of stock 🥲

[@George-je1fs]

@@reubenhooft541 keep checking chain reaction a few times a day

[@felixweber6495]

Love the polygon in the background

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Love my T8

[@felixweber6495]

Can I buy it in Germany?

[@oskarstaudte]

Gotta say, the polygon looks killer.

[@mannyk7100]

@Machine Fack have you done any mods to it? Any complaints about the bike?

[@mannyk7100]

@Machine Fack oh ok thanks for the feedback! I may get the vitus nucleus VR but I heard the chain is very clunky when shifting. How is the polygon in regards to shifting?

[@mannyk7100]

@Machine Fack nice man haha thanks I appreciate it

[@mannyk7100]

@Machine Fack ahh ok, so arguably not worth the price? In comparison to the vitus nucleus at least

[@mannyk7100]

@Machine Fack oh ok fair enough, I guess there's gotta be some sort of trade off for this price range. Polygon definitely looks the best out of these 5 in my opinion. Just gotta find a place where I can get one, I live in Canada so

[@PoYiToCh1kEn]

for what i can find easily in my country, i think giant talon 1 and even talon 2 gives you a better deal than the rockhopper.

[@derekdavis6508]

GT has a few in chain reaction, I can't remember the model, Ragley Marley 2.0 if you can find last year's model.

[@gianpaologliori3604]

I’ve just bought a Nucleus VR for my wife - it’s a great bike! Amazed at how good it is for the price. 👍

[@tomvardy7994]

Great video for those looking for a budget hardtail, they would be my options too.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks Tom!

[@charlespratt8663]

My budget hard tail is a 1980's Maruishi I rescued from the trash pile. Clearly our definition of budget is different.

[@Mtburner1]

Roughly 300k people have watched this video. Hard to have the same definition in the word "budget" that suits everyone

[@frankiemazzei8882]

I ride a two cubed right now and it’s great for xc stuff but DONT try taking it to jumpy trails because I’ve had more crashes than I could count due to the tubing. But for trail rides it’s perfect for the price!!!!

[@basedpatriotLT]

How do you mean crqsh due to the tubing?

[@Star7059o]

Polygon xtrada 5 best 👍 Thanks for spreading knowledge 🙏

[@krazykarl4542]

I can't find any of these in Australia at the moment

[@jamesshirleyjohnson-brown8851]

It’s a great video only problem is that you explain the specs for more advance buyer. Would like intro explaining why the angeles and mm so important and the difference with fork and frame material and such. Also some rating for speed, handling , comfortable etc Besides that all great

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks for the idea! Will include more details next year!

[@smw291]

I’m hopefully getting the vitus nucleus in midnight blue this week 🤞

[@klayroach4097]

Where did you find it, everything's out of stock where I've looked

[@Ryanspashai]

Was looking into giant talon 2, until I saw the first bike the vitus nucleus. Waiting patiently for that to come back in stock.

[@cambernard2438]

Same here! Every local shop and online store is out of stock right now. I just want to rip down some trails

[@thomasamos4055]

I'm pretty sure you could use a Cane Creek EC44 or the generic Nukeproof adapter to run a tapered fork on the Marin.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Very well might do the job

[@thomasamos4055]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 I did it on my Bizango and it's cool. A lot of the strokey beard indy manufacturers use them.

[@benfairbrother2458]

Love it Phil, Recently I bought the siskiu t7. I set it up tubeless and put a small dent in my rim riding. It still holds air and doesn’t affect the ride, what would you recommend I do? Thanks

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

If it holds air I wouldn't be too concerned. When you replace the tyre it might be worth bending it back

[@benfairbrother2458]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 thanks mate, I can always count on you for good advice

[@karob4707]

What about Trek? That bike keeps coming up when I ask people. So many bikes to consider.

[@ron9511]

The silverback stride deluxe ($870aud) and Reid Argon ($999aud) should be on the list. Both have suntour xcr32 air forks, deore 1x10 with clutch, and the Argons fork even has thru axle! Pretty sure they're the only mtb under $1000 with air fork in Australia.

[@simonlamacraft378]

The Silverback Stride bikes have good geo, tapered steerer and 1x systems. 2.35 tyres and tubeless ready too. They are a great Aussie option (sure they're available elsewhere too).

[@joesimmonds2849]

I got a Silverback Stride Junior for my boy who’s turning 9. Amazing bike for the very low price. Great geo but the parts spec is average. Perfect platform to bike on with better components.

[@martiawesome]

Could you guys review the polygon xtrada series 5 ,6 or 7

[@MrMarkusmulder]

Funny, now I want a mountain bike in the Netherlands 😅

[@noahlencz5241]

WHATS THE GOLD BIKE ON THE CALIBRE 2 CUBED SECTION AT 8:34

[@gemeni69]

I have the 2021 Marin San Quentin I. Great budget hardtail $900 before tax,tag and title. Awesome bike.

[@chaotictattoo]

I always think it’s funny when people think you need a dropper post. I ride a titanium build and didn’t add a dropper post and where I live it’s some bumpy rocky and root filled trails and I just learn how to ride my bike. You don’t need a dropper to ride so don’t believe everything KZbin says.. not just this channel but most channels think that is a must have upgrade.

[@TomKennedyUSA]

Great video, no bulls**t, real information. I'm subscribing now, keep up the good work. (I have a Norco 2020 Storm 3... almost exactly like the 2021 Storm 4).

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate!

[@Rockyrida]

Have recently been looking for a new bike for my teenage son and did start looking at entry level bikes. There are some pretty cool looking bikes around at the moment but I cannot understand why at this price point they all come equipped with cheap low quality suspension forks. I think I would rather have rigid forks and the cost saved go into frame or components making a more upgradeable platform, I wish some brands would offer entry level rigid hardtail options.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Sounds like a good idea! Save a bit of weight too!

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

Might be worth mentioning the lack of a through axle and or if it can be change to one as this will limit updating the wheel set

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Of course. Should of made that more clear when I said we shouldn't expect thru axles. But as I said its not necessarily great value to spend money upgrading these bikes. A good thru axle wheelset is pretty much the half to 3/4 the price of these bikes

[@godsharry]

Awesome review! Thanks. Which one would be better out of 2021 Fusion 10 and 2021 Kona Lava Dome? Stability and rider confidence matters most for comparison. Also parts and durability. Regards

[@narcoticmonke2382]

Oooo I love hardtails that are in budget that don't make you wish you had a hard head after the frame breaks in half

[@danr413]

What about the jamis durango a1?

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Not a bad list. We will probably just end up with another GT or Schwinn and upgrading it however. Thanks for the video man.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks!

[@lockster101231]

Thanks Phil. Can you do budget 2021 dual suspension next?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Will be after the trail hardtails, which is next :)

[@cameroniwaasa7670]

Great detail but concise as well. Thanks.

[@306greeny]

Is it possible to have a video on best hardtails under £1000?thanks in advance all the best..

[@tonyparkin3379]

1st thing to do on budget bikes is changed the internal cheap bb to dub or hollowtech.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

100%!

[@kevinpilon4132]

Dude great video. Keep up the good work.

[@smoideen]

Thanks for the video. I had to lookup what was a dialed up bike 😂

[@pritisharma223]

What about the Trek merlin 5 2022 model???

[@brentslater1374]

awesome content!, what are your thoughts on the Giant fathom 29er 1 ? i just paid for mine down in Sydney for when i move there in a couple months.. i'm hoping his will be a good mountain bike!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Looks great! Love the updates for 2021

[@skyleryork9656]

I’ve been riding a 2021 fathom 2 for about a month and a half now. I love it! The geo is awesome for a hardtail and the components it’s spec’d with are really unbeatable for the price. Full disclosure, I did change the giant brand fork it came with to a longer travel fork. Not because the giant crest was bad though. It is actually a cool fork, it just didn’t have as much travel and tube ability as I wanted. Otherwise though, the fathom is one of the best hard tails for the money you can buy right now.

[@gardenstateflatlandb]

Any feedback on the Devinci Kobain SLX? Looks really good spec for the money. Much better spec than most on this list. Made in Canada and under $2k

[@DannyPacheco-j6f]

thoughts on the aspect 940?

[@codykikendall6015]

The only entry level bikes you can purchase from a legit bike shop around me is Giant, Trek, and Specialized so I am disappointed these didn't make the top list

[@chartphred1]

Same here.

[@rickgraham5164]

Any chance you’ll do a review of the 2022 Marin Bobcat Trail 4? Cheers

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Perfect timing lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXuXlWivZZapa7s

[@daffafarin292]

I have the polygon xtrada 5 and i love it :)

[@anonymouskirk7271]

I couldn’t get my hands on a 2020 nucleus vrs so I got the 2020 vr instead. Sadly that means a 2x9 drivetrain which this years vr has. I’m thinking I’ll convert to 1x with a box 3 prime 9 groupset

[@lS-xv6qn]

What about the Norco storm 1? $1000 aus

[@Mytro34]

Wish I could find a Vitus... Never around. Im looking at an Xtrada 5 instead... thoughts?

[@Miischa1337]

3:00 there's something missing. who can spot what it is?

[@sasajankovic9251]

Great work, keep it up! Im subscribing

[@TechRender98]

which one of these 2 do u recommend for jumpy trails and rock garden trail? xtrada 5 or bobcat trail 3? these are my only option available in my country 😌

[@Markdl-x5m]

Would be great if any of these bikes were in stock

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

No bikes are in stock at the moment :/ they will be soon

[@richardg6293]

Agreed! Been wanting a Vitus for a long while ....nothing....damn you COVID19

[@wst3968]

i found the exact bike I was looking for. Granted it took hours of google, emails and phone calls + a 7 hr round trip to pick it up lol

[@drmartin5062]

@@wst3968 easy peazy

[@stolencoats63]

I got lucky af to get a 2021 Fuji Nevada 1.5...one shop had one in stock...but after watching this vid I feel like I overpaid for what I got at 850. At the same time I'm able to ride so I can't complain too much haha.

[@jonnymillis1098]

Carrera Fury beats all of them for spec but not included?

[@user-lu7jy3ph4z]

Please make an updated version of this video

[@blockin9556]

marin bobcat trail 3 is now 819 usd. Not sure if I should wait for a Soul 10 in stock or just get the fusion 10 or maybe get a marlin 5

[@Ricobonito1]

Awesome content bro! New subscriber here!

[@davenorman8251]

Another vid from phil...champion

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate!

[@rooddood1.031]

my hardtail was listed as $1499.99 but got it for $1199.99, it has a rockshox recon rl, the drivetrain is sram sx 1x12

[@donaldostrem4982]

How about a Ghost Kato 5.9 special edition from Recreational Equipment incorporated (REI), A. Co-ok that's in the U$A. It's painte5 in Oxbllod, full SRAM SX groupset, but no tapered head tube, no thru- axle, & a Rock Shox xc 30 fork. It has even. Wide Maxxis tires IKON on it too ! Paid close to $1100 on it here in the US. I wanted something with out a Suntour on it.

[@petergreen8107]

Great review, im. In UK and want to upgrade from my carerra, was willing to spend around £1000 on something like a trek, but your review on the vitus nuclear vr has me sold. It has everything im looking for, the dropper post, air forks, tubeless, single cassette.. What more do you want?? Thanks. Just got to find one now!

[@BionicRusty]

When I was riding in the late 80’s/90’s, the best two budgets, imo were the Specialized Hardrock and the Scott Boulder. Both were awesome bikes. 🚲😁 I almost bought an Alpinestars T24 (anyone here remember these?) but when I was buying they had a bad habit of snapping. 😳

[@ISOSAILING]

still rideing my hardrock pro, just upgraded it with a dropper seat post haha dose me fine for what i do still going strong think it's 12 years old now somthing like that anyway.

[@rocketman3158]

😱 Which is best 2021 MTB with USA MSRP of $750 to $850? Trek Marlin 7, Giant Talon 1, Jamis Highpoint A2 or Kona Lava Dome? These are all available at my local bike store here in Houston, Texas USA. I only want to buy from my local bike store. 🤠

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

I'd go the Kona :)

[@nidhiraz501]

Kona lava dome, best choice

[@roytherhodesian4029]

Great video , what are your thoughts on the 2021 Marin Bobcat Trail 5 -

[@levon12466]

Id buy the vitus right now but i cant find it with a xl frame here in USA

[@atomitron]

Have you seen the Silverback Stride Comp 29"? Lot's of similar features as mentioned and pretty cheap too.

[@allancoleto7959]

How about polygon xtrada 6 2021. Any english reviews about this bike? This would be nice to make vids about polygon

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

The 6 is a great option too!

[@strgazer24]

Hey mate nice video .. could you do a review on the 2021 polygon syncline c5 carbon hardtail ?

[@gpsearle]

Great video, very helpful information. Just wondering what you think of the Focus Whistler 3.7 or 3.8. I’ve been looking at it, I really like the look of the Rocky Trail, but it seems too hard to find anywhere. Thanks

[@gusmgm]

Do you consider trek marlin 6 can battle them?

[@georgeanovert233]

I just got the VITUS thanks!!

[@rhomarscott5769]

What do you think of Norco Storm 1? Comes with dropper post.

[@lilarmybro50]

Can’t decide if I should get the Rocky Mountain Fusion 10 or the Polygon Xtrada 5

[@vladimircabellorios6520]

Nice video, I only have two options in my country polygon premier 5 & trek marlin 6, what you think folks?

[@thexgamingchannel9771]

Go with the marlin and upgrade the parts after 1 season, depends what fork is coming with it i recommend good fork so atleast you will be ready for some air action, having a shitty fork ruins the experience completely

[@Mike-vt7si]

Vitus almost impossible to buy...Always sold out ! And what about Marin San Quentin 1?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

San Quentin 1 is great, just keep in mind is a QR141 rear spacing, not boost thru axles like the 2 and 3

[@davidblackman3127]

The Rocky Mountain Fusion and Soul aren't just the 29 and 27.5 version of the same bike. The Soul has a slacker head tube angle and 20mm more travel on the fork

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Probably not the best description ill admit but most brands have a 27.5 in model with a .5 degree slacker HA and 10mm extra travel. Like the Polygon siskiu T

[@lastpally]

Why didn’t you pick the 2021 Giant Talon 2? I’m not sure if the components are different in other regions but the US specced seems good for $650.

[@acidzzz9698]

im like a really new mtb im used to jumping on a bmx but i wanna switch to mtb but i wanna find the best bike out of these for a very new mtb

[@loveistheanswer5924]

I would like to have a MTB till 800€ with 44 theeths in the front (because I like to ride fast) I also would wish a 27,5 bike and my frame hight is around 50cm. Any suggestions? 🙂🤔

[@matthewtrevino4787]

What are your thoughts on the Polygon xtrada 6 for a budget bike?

[@pete11970]

Appreciate the video but in America you can't buy many MTBs because dealers can't get them. Marin Trail bikes have been on backorder almost a year now so I bought a Trek and MAYBE I'll get it in NOVEMBER.

[@dynodyno6970]

I’m 5’11 with 30 inch inseam, I should probably get a medium sized bike right? Is inseam the only thing that really matters when picking the bike size? Either way great vid, I think I’m going to try and get the first one. The price is just right.

[@WaveRiderMusic]

large!

[@dionsanza4600]

Do you rate the Roscoe 6? I purchased could it do with a fork upgrade?

[@balazspinter4832]

How about gt avalanche?

[@jamesweldon8118]

Any idea when the vitus will be back in stock?