I built the ULTIMATE hardtail, but then...

[@hansonwang2121]

Ragley Marley is my guess for the new hardtail

[@viktorkersevan767]

or mmmbop 😀

[@roansactionsports]

Or big al

[@ThisGuyRides]

I just built up one with 140mm DVO Diamond fork, Ragleys frames are on sale at CRC

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Not a Ragley Marley 😉

[@hansonwang2121]

@@EvansMTBSaga Worth a shot. Excited to see what it is.

[@bradymartin5582]

I have a commencal meta ht and I honestly have no complaints about it. I noticed that the frame was a lot stiffer than any other aluminum bike I’ve ridden, but I love how responsive it made the bike. I run lower tire pressure (15 front 17 back) because of the plus tires, and it honestly feels amazing. I’m sad to see that you don’t like the bike, but I’m glad that it finally got some recognition!

[@topspot4834]

It's great for what it's designed for ... What Evan is describing is a dirt jumper, not an aggressive hardtail mountain bike!

[@driftedkart2593]

Great build! Would definitely recommend putting grease on both axles, the cranks, and the seat post. Really made me cringe when you had to hit the axles as hard as you did, they should slide in easily with a little grease, and it won’t bind up later on!

[@scarfey7]

Ultimate cringe. I recently built up a 2021 HT AM XL and grease is goooood.

[@jburnsdrummer]

It made his palm hurt so he got new axles 😂

[@Levi-kh2ui]

Not trying to hate, just some constructive feedback. So with cutting any carbon part, you should have a fine blade (32 TPI or more) or a carbon specific blade. And always be spraying water or even soap onto the carbon part that’s being cut. Also like you said, make sure to do up the clamp properly but also always remember to check if the blade is tight in the hack saw and always loosen it after use, it’s much better for the hacksaw frame. Also when doing up the Shimano type of cranks, always make sure to to an A, B, A,B pattern and so on to torque the bolts up, like a clamp on the stem, it won’t get proper torque if you do one up all the way and then the other, the first one will end up being loose. Another one is having to hit the axles in, I have never needed to hit an axle in and you shouldn’t need to. You can also see where the black coating has worn off on the axle from where it gets turned to tighten up the wheel. That really shouldn’t be happening either. Please use some grease on the axles and other parts like the cranks, it’s not great on the bearings either if you have to hammer in the crank spindle that hard. Obviously you can give it a few gentle taps to get it out of the bottom bracket in the first place, but it shouldn’t need anything more than that. Also I wouldn’t bother messing around with the silly cheap carbon seat post,, I doubt that it will last too long if you are doing what you were doing to it (adjusting it all the time and smacking it to align it). just get a nice dropper. I think you will agree once you do that clamp up and try to centre the seat multiple times while also trying to ride.

[@Exstaz]

I tried a wet wipe for kitchen cleaning yesterday. It worked great but might be used on parts that have alot of dirt built up on them. It did remove oil residue on the frame from the chain with no issue.

[@NickandKatieMTB]

Made me so nervous at 4:23 when you were whipping those bars around near the stanchions 😂 Great video! Love the silver Pike!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hahah they're carbon I don't think they would've scratched the stanchions

[@NickandKatieMTB]

@@EvansMTBSaga 😂 true!

[@Fcool370]

I run a similar set up after I snapped my old Norco range, replaced it with a Dartmoor Hornet frame and built it up recently went to single speed and it's an absolute blast on jump lines.

[@Mikesonbikes]

Hey man, you might try putting more spacers under the stem if the bike doesn't feel super fun. Raising your bars up makes it more playful, earlier to manual and in general more comfy. Especially if you're standing up a lot like on a single speed.

[@dylanramsey5991]

I like how you put the add on the side and you can still watch the video because usually I just skip through the part with the add

[@Thomas-pv4my]

Ive been watching you since the beginning and the video quality is really up there with the big mtb yters🔥

[@topspot4834]

IMO he's second only to Seth.

[@magnusley9336]

Next hardtail is a nukeproff scout!! 🫡

[@ChrisRidesHisBike]

I got a 2018 scout. It’s been a great bike, especially once I upgraded from the Recon fork.

[@superyamagucci]

Ceramic coating is the BEST. I’ve had my bike 12mths now, have genuinely never washed it. Quick hose after a ride, wipe the drips off, done. Still looking better than it did when I left the shop. I got Mothers CMX. I did it before riding it and have reapplied once.

[@3074x4-Garage]

Love your channel! If your ever in Wyoming/ Colorado I’d love to ride with you or meet you at the BMX track! Keep on shredding!

[@joebikes]

Down to 26 pounds! That’s light! You’re making me want to break out my hardtail dude… which is not a bad thing at all 😂 great video!

[@fast22fast]

LOl my old carbon chi-ti 1x11 is 23 pounds

[@crikmtb5338]

Hey man! Nice build, what I would recommend with the bars and what I normally do is, cut a few mm down from normal, it’ll give you a perfect cut, just wanted to share this with you, I’m sure you know but I just wanted to share my knowledge to maybe help

[@georgeoliver8300]

I got some cheap video ideas for you. I’d love to see a garage tour video. You moved house and got a new setup and we didn’t really get to see it. A bike check video you must have like 8 bikes would be nice to know what bikes you still have and why you kept them. A video if you explaining your bmx history and how bmx racing works.

[@piusthebikeguy]

I think the Dxr cranks may actually work but the spacers under the bottom bracket arent in the right posution. With 68mm you should have 2 spacers on the drive side and one on the non drive. With 73mm you just have one on the drive side Because the one aditional spacer at the drive side can be replaced with an e-type front derailer for 2 or 3 by systems

[@tomcarney654]

I have a 2020 san Quentin 2 that is heavily modified and I live in southern California and it rides very comfortable for a hardtail. Good luck on your new hardtail

[@Scotlandmtber]

I would recommend Marino bikes hardtail to you as you can get them in steel or titanium and you can customize the geometry to your liking. I’ve got a steel one and I love it. They are also good value at £500-700 for a frame.

[@1st2nd24]

I completely agree👆👆👆

[@jarmusmusic]

Agreed. I'm surprised so little people know about Marino

[@shaharshapira2209]

As a proud owner of a Commencal bike, Commencal and lightweight shouldn’t go in the same sentence

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha right. My Meta SX is 36-37 lbs. I actually kind of like it that way

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have 2 SS mountain bikes and a Thompson post on one then a Fox Transfer dropper on the other. I agree that a dropper is not used as much on a SS but I do like the dropper on many sections of my trail. A SS is about keeping your speed on the descents with gravity and less braking. My trails are much steeper so it’s a rear mosh your pedal grinder climb all the way up.

[@goodpools]

760 bars can make a WOLRD of difference on hardtails, AND on jumps. It makes you have better control over body position on your bike when you lean/turn/air, and it makes it easier to distribute your center of gravity to the rear or to the front much faster

[@B1KER]

I just picked up a new hardtail too. Stoked to see what ya end up with.

[@Prodiod]

N + 1 forever man

[@hambo76]

Enjoy your Big Al 2.0! I had mine for two years and it was fantastic :)

[@miguela.8929]

760 width bars are my favorite size, it’s the perfect medium between stability and responsiveness (and weight savings for weenies)

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah I think all of the MTBing community is realizing that taller, wider, longer everything has reached it's limit and now we're finding whats comfortable haha

[@stjumps8104]

you should get a dj style seat it would really complete this build

[@GokkunGuru]

This video was hella comforting to watch.

[@618outdoors]

I love Leapord’s loop I spent a couple hours just on that trail with my friend

[@danscykeloskid]

When you pulled out the 1st crank your bb spacers looked correct, but when you put the deore crank in looks like your bb spacing was wrong?

[@PedalpunkCO]

Great bike! Will be in your home town first week of March from Denver. Can’t wait, hope the wether cooperates.

[@A42sre]

How much travel that new pike fork has?

[@kuma_score7536]

for the seatpost I'd honestly spend the money to get a wireless one like the Magura Veyron or RockShox Reverb AXS, you get the speed and convenience of a dropper without the cables and extra mess. I used to have a jump bike that was built up from a hardtail and I get issues with my seat post turning, not staying up properly or just getting horribly scratched so at the end I just got used to riding with it permanently down

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha it's funny I was looking at used Reverb AXS recently. It's truly the best dropper ever

[@kuma_score7536]

@@EvansMTBSaga yea it's sick, I really want one but for now my 100 dollar dropper is holding up just fine. maybe when I build a new bike I'll spoil myself with one :)

[@mandowebster8728]

Look up the RSD Sargeant. Could be your do it all hardtail. Bonus, you can run a fat wheelset for the snow season and not look silly trying to ride on skinny tires.

[@Kcducttaper1]

Man, you're inspiring me to start taking more weekend trips down to NWA! I'm In Kansas City, so it's only about 4 hours away.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah shoot me a message on IG when you do and I'll take you on some good routes (@sagamtb)

[@Kcducttaper1]

@@EvansMTBSaga I've gone 33 years without IG, but I may have to sign up now!

[@pochito_javiercito]

I use my HT exclusivly now. I love my Full Squish, but it just doesn't give me the thrill that the HT offers. Thanks for your videos my guy!

[@rushstoner]

I understand the no dropper, but the fox transfer is one of the nicest droppers you can buy, and it is no slouch

[@EvansMTBSaga]

The one I'm using will just stop working if it's cold or muddy. Tried to service it and it's basically non serviceable. Can't add air

[@rushstoner]

@@EvansMTBSaga huh, I have had mine for four years and never had any problems, interesting that yours is behaving like that

[@simonchaddock3694]

@@EvansMTBSaga if your getting mud on dropper post you aint riding right chief

[@EvansMTBSaga]

@@simonchaddock3694 lmao you've never gone fast enough to sling mud up to your dropper?

[@simonchaddock3694]

@@EvansMTBSaga yeah sorry ok maybe im a bit pedestian

[@berkebostanc344]

I think the new frame is primal. I'm using a Hornet and it's so good right now, it would be nice to see primal

[@laurentius5940]

Best og dropper shenanigans I ve ever seen😂

[@skimy619]

There is a manual dropper seat post. The trigger is under the saddle... check that one out

[@michaelwoermann7986]

new bike looks like a gt zascar lt ... you can see the tripple triangle... sick bike

[@gg4760-k5n]

DXR cranks are basically Silver SAINT cranks so you could check this out.

[@benjaminburdon5498]

Love you trying to change the seat height when you are riding. Ive seen some silly things, but comparing your method to a dropper post is insane, and honestly a bit dangerous.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Ahh man the fox transfer post I have on a review bike never goes up all the way so I have to manually lift it and I'm really used to it now haha

[@dano6201]

You should build a receiver hitch mount for your vice on your table so when you want it you can’t quickly mount it to the table and when you want it out of the way you can move it and put it away

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Interesting! I didn't realize that was an option. I think I'll look into that because I don't really want to drill holes through the bench surface

[@timbernation5431]

I tried to use Box BMX cranks on my Standard DJ. No go

[@Andresapal]

Evan... really nice video ...can you help me out if you know where I can get a 65°head tube - 75°seat tube hardtail frame ....it's been a little difficult with pinkbike when you are outside the US. thanks 👍🏼👍🏼

[@vecino5887]

Gotta be a ragley big Al 1.0, I got one and I love the thing

[@re7qi]

Bike at the end looks like a Ragley Big Al 1.0 in raspberry. Good geo and parts if so.

[@cesarayala8665]

Is it it really worth upgrading a Rock Shox Recon fork? I am currently doing some Down Hill on a Specialized Fuse and often I have to give a rest to my hands. Does some one think a better fork will solve my problem?

[@bencourter5333]

Check out the ragley Marley, not sure how it does on jumps but is an absolute amazing frame for not too much money. Super compliant and playful.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Ragley does have some great offerings, I'm building up a 29" wheelset for next video that I'd like to eventually put on the new Hardtail, so the new Hardtail will be a 29er 😂

[@METEORA_47]

hope your new hardtail is Marin Sanquentin.wanna watch you shred it

[@stevebennett3587]

👍very nice👌the old recon fork you had🤔how did you find the rebound adjuster, mine has the plastic one, and I'm not sure if you push in the rebound and turn it👍?

[@Walker124]

if he’s getting a new frame i would like to see one with horizontal dropouts so no need for chain tension and you could even run a belt drive(belt drives and amazing and no maintenance)

[@EvansMTBSaga]

One day I'll get a belt drive bike! That's a dream

[@claasleister841]

Is that a marin alcatraz, really good vid btw

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha neither.

[@claasleister841]

@Will Randall no i mean the one he is buying next

[@N0brks]

I bet the new one is gonna be a Marin San Quentin

[@alfonsoortizavila4373]

My MetaHT has 68mm bb specs, but I'm using 73mm bb and cranks (Sram NX); you need some spacers for the bb and one spacer for the left side, so I guess you can try playing arround a bit with spacers and make your first crancks to fit. Nice bike :)

[@aGDonut]

Here’s hoping you checked out the Banshee Paradox or Enigma. I’d say they’re slack enough to party without being too slack for Bentonville.

[@TheMediocreMountainBiker]

Dude, 755mm is the new sweet spot for bar width. LOL, jk - Mine's at 760mm on the full squish and 740mm on my XC singlespeed.

[@mellissanash7517]

I get the feeling you ordered an RSD Middle Child aluminum. Then if you really like it switch to either the steel or more likely the almost reasonably priced titanium model.

[@JoseLimon-vj9iw]

Looks like you need a fat tire bike build to get through that snow.

[@QoraxAudio]

About that carbon handlebar: you're not supposed to saw carbon stuff that way.

[@jamieperino2044]

Awesome video man

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks man

[@wyaspence]

Evan, I am going on vacation this weekend to Havasu City AZ and remembered you used to live in Arizona. Was wondering if there is anywhere to dirt jump close to Havasu? Thanks!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'm not sure, Havasu was pretty far away and I only rode there once

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I hope you have a good trip though! I know there's a BMX track there

[@kevinhodgins9071]

That’s awesome. You were able to put it on with no chain tensioner. Did you use that website I suggested to you to figure out ideal chain ratio with no tensioner? Hopefully the new hardtail has sliding dropouts to make single speed easy for you? Great vid as always Evan

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I didn't use the website, thought I'd chance it and it worked!

[@jordan_ashbrook]

Need a snow shovel for the paved trail

[@turceck2515]

the dartmoor primal is a great trail/jump bike!

[@beau7530]

how did you handle the low reach on these frames?

[@jakelansner6967]

Cleaning a bike without a hose what a crazy concept

[@EvansMTBSaga]

It is crazy, I've never lived in a place with snow.

[@waxistfallplaz7577]

The real number one shopping tool in america is a grocery bag

[@stu7588]

Am building a kona honzo ant wait till it finished

[@dev_IL666]

Pretty cool 😎... but you don't lube your thru axles ?? Seemed pretty dry and you should use carbon paste for the seat color going into aluminum

[@dev_IL666]

Also I kept my commencal HT lol.. but I went with BIG WIG and im glad I did... bike is amazing. Steel is real !

[@zacharycousins5019]

nice build

[@MikeOnaBike]

My guess is a yeti ARC or a Santa Cruz chameleon.

[@Borna_tomic14]

Where did you buy a 17 teeth single speed kit?

[@Akre2]

You have heavy aluminum wheels, on a heavy aluminum frame, with a fork that has no lockout. Put a dropper on at that point even though it's heavier, moving the seatpost up manually on the bike will end up with the saddle being crooked, the seatpost not being raised to the right height, or not having enough (or too much) torque on the clamp itself. Besides that, the rest of the build makes sense.

[@nathanaelsenn225]

He’s effectively making a big dirt jumper out of a hardtail. Of course he’s running alloy frames and wheels😅

[@quicksilverz6642]

LOL, dude's about to get hit by a car trying to show us the benefits of not having a dropper post.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hahahahaha so true 😂

[@jeehoonjones1389]

I reckon he should try a Marin san quentin, my fav hardcore hardtail

[@ivan_di_dio97]

Nice video , but there is an error in the bottom braket spacers. Is correct 2 spacers drive side and 1 spacer non drive side. You put 1 drive side and 2 non drive side 😁

[@orochimaru.999]

I got a used Merlin alpha gold aluminum and for 300$ it good for me just got into mountain biking and every time I see your vids I get ideas for my bike or next one when I have the money for a good one but the one I have good quality for me

[@Eric.V.]

Holy stem spacers Batman!

[@kianbarnes1424]

Ever heard of a dirt jumper Great vid

[@adlar2005]

Looks like the new bike is a Marin San Quentin

[@hannes6114]

Idk if that's good for the carbon seatpost. My aluminium one back in the day good so mich wear it startet slipping

[@EvansMTBSaga]

That's why I'm probably gonna get a Thompson

[@brassmnky33]

Next video: set it up for bar spins

[@bananas700]

it really is insane for some of the prices i just got a brand new zeb ultimate for 406 GBP saved 26 pounds with honey too really is just a useful tool to have and also an insane price for zebs over 50% off

[@trytropex4708]

Please make it barspinable. Would be cool.

[@simonchaddock3694]

I have shimano xt cranks on my mtb would they be comparable to dxr cheers

[@smukigor2121]

Hey! What do you think of the brakes? Just got an UMF Freddy 2 with these brakes. Should i change it? Thanks!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I spent a lot of time and money trying to find the right brake feel and ended up with a Shigura set up. But now that I've been using these TRP brakes, they have the exact feel I was searching for this whole time. They're great.

[@smukigor2121]

@@EvansMTBSaga Thanks!

[@danielvelasquez7708]

Never really liked squared taper bb very heavy indeed, wow no chain tensioner needed, & Chinese seatpost hmm I don't know.

[@thinkaboutit3011]

How do you like the tires so far? I ordered 4 the last video I ha ent had a chance to put them on yet but for 14 bucks crazy good deal

[@EvansMTBSaga]

They're pretty good, althoigh I haven't got to fully test them cuz the weather

[@Vaterraman]

Goal: 760mm 755mm: It feels so narrow! Lol

[@clint2627]

I'll take the bars if they're too short for ya. I run mine at 750-760 😊

[@atlkhd4487]

Love your videos, been watching ever since I started with my schwinn boundary and found your channel due to the vitus. Been following ever since, you have progressed a lot both as a rider and as an youtuber. The Meta could use a different paint, the red is looking faded and old.

[@nmknmk2371]

I've been riding this bike for 7 years now! kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L It was a great bike the day I got it, put it together, and went on my first ride; more importantly it's an even better bike today. I've ridden trails, street, and skatepark all on this bike. I have replaced almost every part on the bike. Some stuff has broken: derailleurs, wheels, shifter. Everything else were upgrades. The only ramaing original parts are the frame, bottom bracket, and crank set. BB and cranks will be upgraded soon. The geometry isn't great but that is really the only draw back to how good a value this bike is. Even after all the money I've spent upgrading it's still a more affordable bike than I'd have bought from a proper bike shop, especially with full suspension. I've also learned a lot about bikes working on it over the years. It really is one of the best perchases I've ever made and hopefully it'll still be around for another 7 years.

[@FdGx-qu2mw]

Love your content, and the build, do you have any complaints about the chainring? I want to order the same because of its price, but I dont know if it's worth it

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Nope, no complaints. Definitely can't tell you a long term outlook on it though. Got me on the trail though!

[@FdGx-qu2mw]

@@EvansMTBSaga Thanks, its nice seeing you with such a big a viewerbase and still replying to the comments

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah dude, the comments is the best part about making the videos

[@LUCKYSOB]

Evan we both know you're not going to return the tensioner 😆

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha I have to be up on that now that I'm full time. The tensioner got returned today actually

[@LUCKYSOB]

@@EvansMTBSaga 😆👍

[@HaycommsHobbies]

Nice video love hardtails

[@mkim64]

That split screen advertisement is next level. Just replace the build music with more ad voiceover next time!

[@MB-ek1ub]

Not sure using a quick release for a carbon seat post is wise. Unless you know how to exactly apply 5 nm…

[@alexandererror1831]

You can ride a hardtail without a chain tensioner you just need to shorten the chain or am I wrong?

[@steelzMan]

Manually adjusting seatpost on the main road. Youse Da Bossz dude!