I built the ULTIMATE hardtail, but then...

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@GokkunGuru]

This video was hella comforting to watch.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@A42sre]

How much travel that new pike fork has?

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@B1KER]

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

[@Prodiod]

N + 1 forever man

[@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!

[@PedalpunkCO]

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

[@skimy619]

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

[@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?

[@timbernation5431]

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

[@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.

[@laurentius5940]

Best og dropper shenanigans I ve ever seen😂

[@618outdoors]

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

[@michaelwoermann7986]

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

[@re7qi]

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

[@stjumps8104]

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

[@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

[@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

[@vecino5887]

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

[@hambo76]

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

[@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👍?

[@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 😂

[@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

[@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?

[@N0brks]

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

[@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 👍🏼👍🏼

[@gg4760-k5n]

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

[@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

[@simonchaddock3694]

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

[@beau7530]

how did you handle the low reach on these frames?

[@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 :)

[@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 !

[@markleaney2220]

Some feedback bb spacers should be one each side if using two

[@Borna_tomic14]

Where did you buy a 17 teeth single speed kit?

[@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!

[@METEORA_47]

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

[@jordan_ashbrook]

Need a snow shovel for the paved trail

[@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.

[@adlar2005]

Looks like the new bike is a Marin San Quentin

[@zacharycousins5019]

nice build

[@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

[@jamieperino2044]

Awesome video man

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks man

[@stu7588]

Am building a kona honzo ant wait till it finished

[@QoraxAudio]

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

[@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!

[@JoseLimon-vj9iw]

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

[@steelzMan]

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

[@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.

[@turceck2515]

the dartmoor primal is a great trail/jump bike!

[@andrewsiasparks]

Coulda put the chain on and thane the back wheel. I had to do it on bikes with vertical dropouts before.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah I did that last time 🤣

[@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.

[@diogomtb6814]

Hi I see you use GoPro and inst360 camera what one is the best ?????

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Both are equally frustrating haha. The GoPro renders like crap, meaning I can edit it and have good footage, but when I export it's all blurry. Insta360 is a bit better, but takes extra work to get the 360 footage pointing the right direction in their app

[@diogomtb6814]

@@EvansMTBSaga big thank you for the review on the camera please keep up with the epic videos

[@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 😂

[@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

[@waxistfallplaz7577]

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

[@jakelansner6967]

Cleaning a bike without a hose what a crazy concept

[@EvansMTBSaga]

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

[@Everythingsick]

I just sold my bike and still don't have enough to buy one and I don't know what to do I really wanna ride but can't im trying to save up for a polygon sisku d7 do you know what I should do

[@kianbarnes1424]

Ever heard of a dirt jumper Great vid

[@louiefriesen]

Nukeproof scout?

[@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!

[@trytropex4708]

Please make it barspinable. Would be cool.

[@jeehoonjones1389]

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

[@danielvelasquez7708]

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

[@brassmnky33]

Next video: set it up for bar spins

[@Eric.V.]

Holy stem spacers Batman!

[@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 😁

[@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

[@HahnFam4]

Great video Evan, how do you like the trp slate 4p brakes?

[@gg4760-k5n]

For what he does they are fine, for enduro or DH on steep tracks they are quite underpowered. They still work but you need to pull hard on the lever. Now depending on what you ride, your speed and your weight they can be good options. One major pro to those brakes is the consistency of the lever feel and contact point. I had them on 2 GT Force and a Fury so I had to deal with those quite a bit. If you want to get a bit more power (mostly power feel) you can swap for a shimano servowave lever but it can also introduce inconsitency in the bite point so it is a trade-off.

[@HahnFam4]

@@gg4760-k5n I bought one of those 'down country' trail bikes with 120 travel, it has the stock MT200s and I was looking for an inexpensive upgrade. I'm 225 lbs

[@gg4760-k5n]

@@HahnFam4 Save your money those won't be more powerfull than the MT200. Keep the MT200, upgrade to 203mm discs, metal pads and you will gain a lot more power for way cheaper just by swaping wear items when they are tost. And if you are looking for more bite get some servowave style shimano levers.

[@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?

[@MikeOnaBike]

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

[@OranMc1]

Hows it 50 degrees with snow💀💀

[@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

[@clint2627]

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

[@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 😆👍

[@KermitOfWar]

All in all, not a bad build.