Rocky Mountain Growler - expensive, but worth it?

[@austinarmagost2001]

Growler is actually one of the cleanest looking frames I've seen. Also, the stability on the descents far outweighs any climbing negatives. This bike deserves a better ranking.

[@CirclingtheFringes]

I hear the standard brakes are not too good, what would you say? Thanks for replying.

[@austinarmagost2001]

@@CirclingtheFringes They are certainly not the best brakes out there. They well enough though. You probably would not need to upgrade them unless you were doing a lot of downhill riding at a bike park or something similar.

[@CirclingtheFringes]

@@austinarmagost2001 Thanks for your reaction. I live in the Netherlands, so its mostly flat around here, some small hills. Is the frame rigid enough for a big man? I am about 6"4, 230 pounds. Is there any information about torn frames? I need the sadle high up, so its kind of a lever, hope i express this right🤣🤔

[@austinarmagost2001]

@@CirclingtheFringes the frame should be fine as long as you get the right size.

[@CirclingtheFringes]

@@austinarmagost2001 Thanks, i am going to try one this week. Its a used bike from 2023. Do you know what parts i should look at specifically?

[@wilmernordman6268]

I like todays setup with just you and the action cameras bettet honestly. Feels more honest and more like an actual review of the bike!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Awesome Wilmer thanks for the feedback on that!

[@xara7644]

Canyon stoic ? Might very well be my first mtb, and curious to see a good review. Great video !

[@loganjacobson2335]

Hardtail party just did a really in depth review of it

[@justinmiller1535]

^^see his review of it before you buy.

[@derKischda]

Stoic owner here. Get it especially because as a beginner you don't know what you really like in bikes and trails. It gives you the most bang for your buck and you can ride most enduro trails with it (already did that). I have the cheapest the Stoic 2 and upgraded already a lot. Since ergonomics are key to long rides. Also you get one for under 800€ atm which is a steal.

[@_mgiles]

I own it. If you're a beginner don't but it. If you're a beginner you don't need that spec and you can find something that's easier to ride. It's a very rough bike. Awesome. But rough

[@phillevin6651]

Action is fine.. don’t bother w tripod..

[@RayHowrad]

Just found your channel and I’m enjoying your content! I appreciate the work you put into production with the high def camera, editing, and sound. Really polished! However, if just using action cams saved you time and keeps you putting out content I’m completely fine with that. Ultimately, it’s the bike nerd/Hardtail stuff I like. You’re doing a fantastic job! Thanks!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Carabaoray!

[@PoDo2213]

I think the Canyon Stoic is a very good hardtail for Hardtail Quest. And it has everything and it has external Cabel routing

[@billydeewilliams8909]

Canyon bikes are just incredibly reasonably priced, too. The upmarket Stoic ($1900) has a Rockshox Pike Select fork ($800 MSRP), while the equivalent Commencal Meta HT ($2000) has a Rockshox Yari ($600 mrsp).

[@matevzbremec4289]

I own a stoic 3 and its great. I hope he tries it in the future.

[@rpiian]

Hardtail Party tested it recently and it was quite a stiff frame. Not saying its a bad bike at all, but just what it is.

[@knkoehler]

Here for the stoic party!

[@IAmJeebus]

I'm digging the series, Evan! I also prefer the action cam stuff. The dual angles are really cool, and it feels more like you're talking with us on the ride without any breaks in between. Digging it.

[@benj1052]

Santa Cruz chameleon. Great geometry for all types of riding, sliding rear dropouts and the ability to run mixed wheel sizes. I know it’s expensive but it’s definitely worth a try!

[@Vitsigun]

But he only test Alu bikes

[@philhunt1442]

don't they have cf and alloy frames? @@Vitsigun

[@pepeanza6187]

I have the 2 bikes the Growler Is much better in climbing and downhills and better ride feel, im just selling the chameleon i dont ride It i always take the Growler

[@nickbrinckerhoff6320]

Very well done camera work, I too enjoyed the more personal feel of just you reviewing the bike.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Nick!

[@TrailBikeMike]

Agreed.

[@HomiesAdventures]

The Growler is an amazing frame!!! I regularly ride mine on downhill trails and decent sized jump lines. Specifically the Growler 20 so I could upgrade it down the line.

[@funky-phantom]

And that frame can take an obscene amount of abuse. It's built like a tank. Had a hard time deciding between a 40 and something more "xc" oriented.

[@arden0]

Can’t see how the build is terrible considering it’s $1200? The last bike frame alone cost $900, good luck building it up anywhere near $1200… the other models of the growler are all great value

[@RICARDOGARCIA-wr9hx]

It isn't it's very nice bike

[@hananas2]

I'm glad you still see $1200 as a significant amount of money to spend on a bike! I've seen other channels that say a $2000 Specialized Chisel is a "cheap" bike and even one that said untrue wheels are fine for the price.

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

The action camera footage (bar mount, chest mount, & tripods) absolutely works! The POV shots, especially on new bike reviews (Hardtail Quest), or new trail reviews, is definitely more engaging, and is the best at conveying how the bike actually performs (climbing, tech, flow, jump, cornering). Throw in the side of the trail facing the camera commentary, and its the complete package! Keep doing what you do 😁👍‼️

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Dan! I appreciate the feedback and permission in a way

[@DylanF23]

Keep up the amazing work I love how fast you are punching out this series!

[@chrisst-amour8661]

Absolutely love my growler 20. Upgraded the shit out of it and its an absolute monster. XT drivetrain, Lyrik 150mm, Hope Tech 4s, RaceFace wheels etc

[@zacharykiger9810]

I telling you man, you need to try the Orbea Laufey. And your content is yours, i will still love it either way.

[@Loudinkooks]

Vitus Sentier, absolutely love mine! Super light and single and responsive

[@kayakjack1987]

I need to see a specialized fuse. It’s sold in a frame set option with adjustable rear dropouts and I think it would be great for this type of riding

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I couldn't get my hands on one. Out of stock everywhere

[@owenadair8893]

Yes, the fuse would be great.

[@topspot4834]

Very smart Evan, reading your ads while showing the tear down ... Your sponsors should be appreciative since viewers are much more likely to watch the ad. Reminds me of Howard Stern back in the day, who started reading ads during the live broadcast (which was a massive success and now a staple in the industry, plus he charged those companies a premium for doing it live). Your production and especially your attention to detail is top notch, and only Seth rivals you at the moment.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks topspot! I used to listen to Howard from like 2010-2015, definitely an innovator! Thanks for the compliments as I'm working on the next video right now!

[@matthewserna7475]

I have this bike as a companion to my full sus, climbing is definitely not the strong suit as you said, however going down and on flows it's one of the best bikes I've ever ridden. I actually feel that if the trail is not bumpy or rooty it's more capable than my izzo, probably due to geometry. That stack and steepness is immensely confidence inspiring. And climbing is actually not as bad as you would think it would be. Overall I think it's purpose is pretty intentional and it does it perfectly

[@BrandinBowler]

Action cam and pov is fine, the value is in the evaluation you give and insight you provide.

[@chrisjones7281]

OK That RSD Looks sick! That's a 5 on looks. That my favorite So far, looking for ward to next week. I also 100% agree on the component spec. That is junk and its stuff you would have a very hard time selling to anyone else. So it almost like a 1200 frame.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah good point I didn't even think of that. Basically 0 resale value in the wheels, fork, cranks, bars

[@connorreid1979]

The chest cam is cool with me. Enjoy watching the content and this series! 🙌

[@jeffreying]

I think it adds value when you have a camera man to get those 3rd person shots to combine with your 1st person GoPro footage. I like seeing both perspectives.

[@AZRob.]

Filming was great! Super fun even just to watch! Good job man!

[@CoachLo3]

I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning and I totally trust your decisions on camera stuff. Action cam or camera man always look good. Looking for to the next hardtail.

[@SailingVesselPrism]

Great review, all points are valid and I agree totally. I too got a growelr 20 with the idea of immediately upgrading the fork to a fox 36 w/160mm and slowly updating the rest of the bike overtime. Even with the fox the bike was still too heavy and sadly the stock hubs where defective which forced my hand upgrading those which I did with a new wheelset from Hunt. It should be noted RR sent me a new wheel set with Shimano hubs and WTB i30 rims which is great but I love the hunts and those will make a good backup set. I ended up replacing everything but the handlebars, stem, grips, drivetrain. In hindsight the scout would have been a better deal but I wanted to be able to ride while upgrading. I will say I ride with my brother who went with the scout and it is a much stiffer frame as well as the lower BB does have him getting more pedal strikes even with 155 cranks. Im still super happy with the bike and it has been great with all that front travel. With that said the nukeproof gets all the attention on the trail by other riders. Im glad the growler did as well as it did vs the other frames, keep up the good work!

[@HardCorps88]

I have the 2023 Growler 40 and love it. I Have a vitus nucleus in 27.5 and true...little harder on super tight stuff then vitus but you can do it. Im 6"5' and the XL is AWESOME.

[@johnmckinney9646]

Action shots are great. Stay hydrated bro. ❤ The reviews. Team Rocky Mtn!

[@boldizsarkatai9055]

Great way to introduce the video's sponsor! You got my attention

[@skewbsandcubes4671]

Honestly, I like the purely action cam footage. Sometimes tho e switching back and forth from GoPro to cameraman makes it to where you can’t really see the trail as well. If allowing you to pump out more content means only action camera. Go for it!

[@Mr.P.Griffith]

Hardtail Party really liked the Team Marin and how it "felt like a trail bike should". I own one and coming from a decked out Trek marlin, it sure does ride nice. On my first exercise loop ride (and first ride of 2023) it beat my Trek marlin time by almost 20% from the previous year. My experience is limited but I do like how my Team Marin rides. It's stability gave me confidence that the Marlin couldn't touch.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'll check into that one! Thanks!!

[@joshuaallswang8016]

Team Marin’s are beautiful bikes but there “XC” bikes. Evan only reviews trail /enduro Hardtails.. sorry buddy.

[@onegrapefruitlover]

The POV camera is definitely better for this series. It’s easier to understand how a bike rides from that angle. The polished shots are cool but I prefer when they’re used sparingly.

[@TheBassman396]

Every rocky mountain bike I have ever ridden has been stellar and the don’t look cheap

[@Matenorgan]

Nice, I bought a Rocky Instinct last summer and ran into the same issue with price and components. It was a good bike, but I was disappointed. Even after putting about 1k into it, ($3900 total), I would've been better off with something else. This year I bought a YT Capra and I absolutely love it, and the price was insane. Fox 38, SRAM GX, Code R's, Crankbrother's wheels. $2380 total. Cameras were fine in this video.

[@yamahschector]

Internal routing is a good thing. Most of us are not reviewing and changing bikes or parts as often as reviewers.

[@jeddacheese]

The action cam is great content don’t worry about having to set up a tripod all the time the best content to watch is one you enjoy yourself to film, also glad to the the scout on top still

[@Alderonn10]

Loving this series!

[@owenadair8893]

Ive had my growler 40 for a few years now, and its amazing! Super aggressive and all around a beast! Over time Ive upgraded the components, and I really dont want to part with it. Growler 40 is definitely wayy better value, especially if you find used one. I bought mine for $1,000 from a retired rental fleet!

[@thinshadow]

Wish your complaints about price made sense. You really harp on how much $1200 is for a hardtail like it's ridiculously expensive, but the Roscoe you rode retails for $1900 (assuming it's the 7 and not the higher-priced 8 or 9), and the combination of your testing kit plus the $700-$800 frames you're experimenting with would push retail well over $2000. If your real complaint is that you can't get a Growler as a frame-only, you should say that instead of acting like $1200 is so much money when you are riding hardtail kits that cost so much more. $1200 is a lot for me, so I'm not dismissing anyone who would feel the same way. But it's at the very low end of total cost compared to the other bikes we have been seeing in this series.

[@herr_gigi8319]

The day is saved when evan uploads, keep up the Work man

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks dude!

[@bencove717]

Love the action cam footage!!

[@emersonmeadows2896]

I wouldn’t call it budget, but the Santa Cruz chameleon is a really fun bike

[@elliotlandry7409]

the Growler 20 makes way more sens for the specs. I had a Growler 50 myself that I sold because It rode the same as my instinct. that bike is capable as fuck

[@techworks.]

keep in mind all hard tales are for different types of riders and some people just love hard tales for chunk and downhill because its a whole other challenge, but otherwise i love the series, ur doing great and you have been riding super well!

[@ctsingletrack]

I like the way you produce your videos. Chest cam is a given. Having a camera facing you is nice when you're stopped and speaking, but not needed while riding. Having a camera person panning shots is great when you can get it, because it shows off the scale of the features your riding, but you do just fine without a crew. My sister was trying to buy a Growler 20 because of the price. I talked her out of it because of the parts spec. The Growler is definitely a cool bike, but I would advise people to pony up the extra cash for a Growler 40 or 50. There's no point in getting a rowdy frame with a bunch of non rowdy parts bolted to it.

[@aaronstariha6841]

Quality content man, I'd never ride a hard tail but I just like your videos. Rode a rocky mountain altitude for years and they make great bikes, there is a reason you see them everywhere in bc.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks for the support Aaron! You gotta try a Hardtail sometime!

[@BiffaloBuff893]

With Rocky Mountain, it used to be that you were paying for craftsmanship in the frame, as they were manufacturing their own frames. But nowadays they've outsourced their frame production (like pretty much every other bike manufacturer) to overseas.

[@darrylhausman-pk8cq]

Good Vid Evan , Chest cam does the job well . Picture quality is very good too . Keep up the good work

[@ahilleasalexiadis5978]

Loving this series!!! I think it would be interesting to test the vitus nucleus (or sentier)... 😂 The bike which started it all❤️. Fantastic work, keep it up!

[@marksandoval5361]

With the seat pushed forward the Growler has what I consider ideal Trailbike Hardtail geometry, 76* STA and 64* HTA. In addition, the Growler has a long top tube for the given size which will make the bike even longer. A bike with similar geo that might be good to test would be the Cannondale Habit HT.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah it was really nice, if only it had sliding dropouts

[@joshuaallswang8016]

An Ideal HTA for a trail bike is 65.5-65* anything under and your pushing Enduro territory.

[@marksandoval5361]

@@joshuaallswang8016 For a full-sus, I would agree with you. A 77* STA, 65* HTA is about ideal for a full-sus Trailbike. However, Hardtails are different. To get the same geometry when a Hardtail is sagged both the seattube and the headtube need to be about 1* slacker than for for a full-sus Trailbike, 76* STA, 64* HTA.

[@joshuaallswang8016]

@@marksandoval5361 hmmm.. makes sense. Thanks for the insight brother.

[@LukeRaymondMTB]

heres a thought... just keep all of them! a friend named scott fitzgerald taught me that the amount of bikes you should have is n+1 (N stands for the amount you have)

[@bibasik7]

I think you should test a Walmart bike, just for comparison. The Ozark Trail Ridge seems to be a good choice. It has a tapered head tube and internal dropper post routing, so all of your existing parts will fit... except for the wheels, because It has quick release rather than thru axle. It's only $400, so I think it's worth a try.

[@jonasgustaf4464]

I think the setup with 2 action cameras (chest + bar) is the sweat spot. Really nice content!

[@derDKP]

Yay for the Lost Co shout out! They are my local Bike shop!

[@jamesb8467]

Awesome video...glad you tested the Growler! We have the same exact Birkenstocks too

[@sim_dude]

bar camera is cool for when you pause to talk or when less is going on. ofc with external pov is the best but this video was really good like that too

[@weesh4010]

I have an identical growler 20. Mine came spec'd differently, drivetrain wise (must have had part shortage). I was able to get some used parts to built it up, and including buying ghe bike new, it was cheaper to build with "new take offs", rather than buying a higher spec'd bike like the norco torrent A1. I noticed immediately that the frame absorbed the lip hit of jump. I added a bottomless tolken (3 in total) to my 150mm lyrik and lowered high-speed compression, and bumped my fork psi +5. I hope you give it more of a ride when youre a little less under the weather, it is an amazing bike.

[@MarketingPub-gr4vd]

You should mention that this the entry lever Growler. I love my RM Growler 40!

[@chrisbfleetwood]

The suspense! Love my growler. :)

[@chrisst-amour8661]

Same!

[@bobzemeitus3084]

I picked up a Cannondale Habit HT. I’m a fan of it, it’s a lot easier to pedal around than my Banshee Legend 😬

[@jerryspeedbumps512]

Rode a friends Growler E bike with big 3.0 tires on it. It was a perfect combo! The bike was a size or two too small for me so I couldnt get a genuine feel for it, however with that kit, the big tires and the E bit, it was an excellent explorer in some very rough spaces!

[@RoyBramlowe]

chest cam footage looks great dude

[@bribed_eu]

Super excited for this one! Bought my growler 50 for 540eur!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Wow what a smoking deal!

[@scstinger5]

I have a 2022 Growler 20 that I’ve been riding for about a year now and really don’t like it. Mainly because these are huge bikes! I’m 5’10” tall with 33” inseam and long arms, I went with Rocky Mountain Growler size chart and got a large. The chart said 5’9” - 6’2”. I look and feel like a little kid on a extra large bike! The thing is a barge so I’ve never really liked it. I feel like I’m riding a big tractor, siting way up high with no feel or connection as to what is going on beneath me when riding it. So if you are interested in getting one of these bikes size down, like way down lol! Also as well as the headset bearings, the front hub, rear hub, free hub, don’t have sealed bearings!! That’s crazy for a bike in this price range lol! The free hub wore out after about 3 months, the sun-race cassette started to fall apart before that, and then the spokes started to pull through the rims after that. I’ve since fixed all issues with the bike, added a new fork and gave it to my son who is 6’2” and it still looks a little big on him lol!

[@willees6958]

Great video👏 Evan! Sad that Rocky Mtn did not spec the bike better. Smaller companies usually don’t have the buying Power… Not sure it makes sense to ‚fork out‘ $1200 just to get the frame. The same can be said for the Poseidon Norton, component specs aren’t great but at least that bike (with $100 off) only costs 899, frame only is $399. BTW… i suspect you are riding these bikes all with the same tire pressure?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah all the same pressures. Everything is the same other than changing the bar/stem combo to make it work. I never really looked into Poseidon, maybe that could be a separate video outside of Hardtail Quest

[@melindamay6869]

What about the new 2023 san quintens? They have an awsome frame and they're an absolute beast on chunk. The only problem is that they are a 27.5 but with a mullet set-up (like mine) it would be the perfect hardtail.

[@jessesisco2841]

I don’t really care how it’s filmed, you can tell a lot of thought goes in to the filming and editing! That being said I’m in Joplin MO and come to Bentonville regularly if you ever need a camera man for some shoots!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh rad man! If you have Instagram, shoot me a message @sagamtb

[@charlesholland6851]

Thanks for letting us know the next bike in the test. Most youtubers would blur it it. 😂

[@rushstoner]

You should do this with full sus frames after this series, could be more interesting for a different audience

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I've thought about it, but there's a million variables with that, such as, shock sizing. It'd be hard AF to find 8 frames with the same shock size

[@rushstoner]

@@EvansMTBSaga true, maybe just test out some similar bikes at a similar price point instead to give the viewers an idea of how some of the different companies make their bikes feel

[@mtbshawn0]

I've got a growler 40 it's great I've got no complaints

[@tedkendrick]

Get a Kona Honzo ESD. Steel frame. Great build. Slack geo. Amazing color.

[@skienjoyer]

Good video as always! Cant wait for the next one

[@jcmooselife]

Camera angles look great!

[@TheVilas5547]

For 900€ (German price) you can geht a Canyon stoic and IT has a airfork,trew Axels,1x10 Shimano deore,an mt200 breakes they are undestroyable.

[@andrewcalbick6926]

you gotta ride the Cannondale Habit HT 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@havochardtail1341]

I ride this in super chunk and lots of jumps and absolutely love this bike. Been riding full suspensions for years and got this bike and with a few upgrades on it and I love it more than the full sus. Bummed it wasn’t higher because I do believe it is one of the best bang for buck (geo wise)

[@filmtabletta]

If you ask me. Definietly good enough the chestcam, stemcam, tripod trinity. Btw now, this series are just entertaining for me. I already bought a Nukeproof Scout 275 Comp. I just waiting for the delivery. :D

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Wow dude congrats! I hope you like it

[@filmtabletta]

@@EvansMTBSaga Thank you for all the good wishes! I think I've been a bit underbiked so far. My current bike is a Schwinn Woodlands from the 90s. Of course with a bit of retrofit. I hope the new bike will open up the world a little for me.

[@tyrellcobb4665]

Next up after RSD: Santa Cruz chameleon followed by Specialized fuze, Yeti Arc, Marin El Rey

[@mtbboy1993]

if price was good, this is an good idea for just getting a rolling bike, when parts have not arrived. Geo looks good, low top tube, so great standover. 5:00 but I'm not a fan of restricting the calipers you can mount and rotor size by using flat mounts. But agree a frame only option would be nice. IMO all brands should offer that.

[@dtolios]

I am laughing @ myself typing this: as someone who loves thin tubes @ bikes, I was perplexed on why you did not like the Growler's thin tubes and I was thinking "I guess he is the type who would love the looks of the RSD Middlechild AL...and there it is...lulz. I don't know if you have it on your list, but the HT that does have the same HTA yet a shorter rear-center (and a tad more reach) is the Norco Torrent HT A. Loved that bike, but it also drove me away from the "super aggro" long travel HTs...IMHO if you want more than 120-130mm in a HT, you should be riding a FS, and companies compromise too much trying to impress newcomers and forum/comment warriors alike...these geos excel in flow - as you've noticed - but you don't need 140-150mm travel for flow and if you do need it for jumps and whatnot, the rigid rear end waters 10-20mm of extra travel down very easily...imagine how much more responsive and more efficient pedalers all these will be with 120-130mm forks, maintaining the same geo give or take (which means less extreme HTA and Reach/stack which are now present only to be lost in sagging the fork).

[@RABmbls]

Loving this Hardtail Quest ep.

[@artem_teliuk]

Hey, try Dartmoor Primal 29

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

Evan follows Gingium?!! What a cool path cross of my KZbinverse!!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Absolutely! Love his builds

[@JDfromNV]

Canfield Yelli Screamy or Nimble 9 would be good choices, and can be bought as a frame only option and not crazy expensive.

[@CWBmtb]

I really like this series and I'm looking foward to a full suspension series. I just think you should stick the scoring to whole numbers from 1 to 5.

[@beversonvillador9495]

(2)

[@Parkratmtb]

My vote for next hardtail season, Steel hardtails

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Your wish will be granted!

[@dimimtb]

Love the series, as a Canadian with a soft spot for Canadian made bikes, the Rocky is a classic but as an Ontarian, the middlechild wins out in my and can't wait to see the review. I'm looking to pick up the middlechild as they sell frame only and moving my Optic parts over for winter riding, I don't want FS in the winter.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

That's what I love about Hardtails. The frame only is pretty cheap, and frame swapping is super easy and can be done in an hour. I haven't been on a full suspension in like 2 months haha. I don't really miss it

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

Nice camera setup🤙🏾💯

[@minieaglehorse]

Funny sleeper gingium reference to his Volvo haha

[@gripsanity]

Mostly chest cam with some tripod sprinkled in on the best hits! we need a Santa Cruz Chameleon!

[@nevillepretorius8948]

Test the GT Zaskar. Its a legendary hardtail. I have a 2022 model, its amazing.

[@GAJO_DH]

Try the hardtail Spezialized Rockopperits realy good for climbing and feel real good , try .

[@btjones65]

I think you may need to re-review the Ragley BiG Al. I think you may have been harder in the Ragley than the Growler. Originally, Inthought it was just me but, I’ve just rewatched the Big Al video and it’s pretty clear. You were having a way better time riding the Ragley. I think the Numeproof will take the title because it is awesome but, Ragley is a fun all around HT

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I did a super long ride on the Ragley after I filmed for the video and that's why I made revisions. That frame CHEWED me up with how harsh it was. I might give it and the Banshee Paradox a second chance and set them up as hardcore/Enduro hardtails

[@btjones65]

@@EvansMTBSaga that’s a pretty cool idea. I’d really like to see a frame comparison with steel frames. But, I know the cost is greater and the market is smaller so that’d make it pretty difficult to get a return. Whatever is next, I’ll be watchin’ 👍

[@s14tat]

I always wondered how the growler would ride. It looks like it would ride great based on how thin the tubes at the seat and chain stays look. I actually prefer aluminum bikes with thin tubes because it resemble steel, the fat hydroformed tubes reminds me of 90s frames, or walmart bikes with their weird shapes. Yeah the stock build is horrible and they really should come frame only. You will get used to the 435 chainstay. I am better at steep tech climbs with the longer back end because it feels more planted and doesnt want to loop out anywhere near as much as a bike with 417-425 chainstay.

[@Wiroe]

MB31 Rescue TR, might be a bike and brand no one outside of Sweden ever heard of. They only sell direct from Sweden so it might not be very convenient to ship to USA. Really good value tho

[@RiderBlitz1.0]

Wow, that frame is sweet

[@Ricky_MTB831]

I have a specialized fuse comp 29, would like to see evan try that frame on this episodes. And see what kind of rating it would get! I personally love it.

[@nevenboskovic3671]

Norco Fluid HT also deserves a review 😊

[@maniiook]

You should try the Marin San Quentin, really good bike for the price

[@Vaterraman]

Evan: "I accidentally cut my handlebars to 778mm instead of 780mm, so I'm noticing my handling is more twitchy than usual." Sam Pilgrim: *lauching a rusty Walmart bike with a bent fork, non-existent brakes and twisted rims "THIS THING'S THE BEST!"

[@EvansMTBSaga]

He's quite the personality!

[@Vaterraman]

@EvansMTBSaga He is! I'm very particular myself, much like you. I'm not happy with my bike until it handles the way I want, and I always do my own work on my bikes. I'm more into road bikes, since there isn't much around me for any trails (other than what my single speed can already handle), but I like seeing your builds!