FIRST LOOK: Rocky Mountain Growler 40 - An Affordable Aggressive Hardtail in North America

[@drewgalbraith4499]

Rocky mountain is my favourite bike company, ive had nothing but great experiences with them and their dealers

[@wst3968]

I bought this bike 3 weeks ago. So far I am really happy with it. I'm a new rider, but I did a ton of research and he hit all the reasons I picked it up. thanks for the video

[@xanderzumwalt917]

bought one 4 days ago and all I gotta say is wow! the geo is impressive for the price and once I get a fox 36 on this thing it's gonna be a seriously rowdy hardtail! The shop experience with my Rocky dealer was amazing went into the shop got sized for the frame and twenty minutes later I was out on the trail!

[@IsraelMagalit]

Woohoo! You finally got a RM Growler! Can't wait for the review.

[@christopherhenkel1788]

I have a 2020 Rocky Mountain growler 50 and I love it. I have been waiting for someone to dk a rodeo on the RM Growlers! Great video!!

[@yasonkkk8344]

How’s climbing and flowy trails ?

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Renting bike at bike friendly towns rules! I kind of like the bbs (bottom bracket slit!) it would drain any water 💦 that gets in and it’s an interesting way to send cables out. Can’t wait for the ride review. 👊🚲🇳🇿👍🎉

[@Jydmd]

I tried one last year, it was really fun!

[@wasatchadventurer7227]

Finally you get your hands on one. I commented awhile back looking to your future review one and now you do! Awesome! I had the growler 20, great bike. Front coil fork was heavy and upgraded to a fox float 34 140mm and it was so much smoother, it was 3 lbs lighter. Swapped out the 1x9 drivetrain and put a slx from crank and box 2 11 speed 11-46 tooth on the rear. I did put a 140 mm trans x dropper. Switched to maxxis dhf and dhr from my other bike takeoff. Then I bought some used stans flow wheelset. I regret selling it, it was a nice bike but needed the money. With all the upgrades I was only $1,600 into the bike.

[@rafsxful]

The rear brake mount is a flat mount disc brake. Commonly used on road bikes with 140mm rear disc. If you want to use a rotor larger than 140 then you need a adapter like that on the bike. It is not common.

[@ibiteducks0143]

Finally i was looking for a good look for this bike

[@dennislarosajr7320]

Awesome review, can't wait for part 2. Currently own a RM Fuzion, really thinking about doing an upgrade. Just need my shop to get one in for a demo.

[@hughsnyder891]

Looking forward to the ride review. Thanks Steve !

[@bigshan5806]

Sitting in recovery and new id be here. Saved the review for today so I could pass the time, and it was worth the wait. Great review as always, greatshop for renting out bikes to. If im ever in USA ill look them up. Keep up the great work mate ...

[@hardtailparty]

Sorry to hear about the recovery. Best of luck.

[@bmdt81]

I got a great deal on my Rocky Mountain Instinct aluminum back in May. Really enjoying it as my first modern bike. Currently in the process of getting it converted to a 27.5+, and have spent quite a bit of time pouring over your material for advice.

[@hanzhaoxia4370]

Please when you get the chance review the San Quentin.

[@LordyRamone]

New fan here. Have not seen you doing a review of a Chromag frame, Rootdown specifically. Would be awesome if you do one. :)

[@hardtailparty]

Chromag doesn't send bikes out for review, so it's been extremely tough. The rootdown rides almost exactly like the rsd middle child steel. I've ridden a few rootdowns and I'm not sure I would be able to tell the difference between it and the rsd if I didn't know what I was on. A buddy lent me his chromag recently. I'll be doing a review of it in the future.

[@LordyRamone]

Looking forward to that! I love your videos!

[@chrismakin1482]

@@LordyRamone Dont hesitate, I've a Rootdown 2019 and its FAST everywhere. Absolute hoot to ride, flickable - loves to jump and jib!

[@gerryl5593]

I was thinking you would surprise us with the Growler ride review on Halloween! Know you are busy with fam and growing the channel. Keep up the good work HP!

[@michaelschad6477]

@ 2:18 Steve preforming the Christmas Story leg lamp rub on the down tube.

[@BChiarcos]

Haha brilliant. I wonder how many people won't get that

[@MattJVideos]

YES, can't wait for the review! I'm on the waiting list at a few shops for the next shipment of these. I have noticed one problem with upgradability of the rotors though. These MT-410 brakes are the top of the low budget Shimanos that use their "wide" pads and rotors. The only "wide" rotors they make are resin only. All the good shimano rotors are "narrow". It means if you upgrade to metallic compatible rotors, the pads will overlap on the inside and contact the rotor arms. Not sure if this causes any real world issues, but Shimano does state that they are incompatible, which is a bummer. Wish they would have upped the price a couple of bucks and specced the MT-420's.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks you for pointing that out, I wasn't aware of that. I get so confused with their model numbers.

[@FDXHOMEDEL]

Actually super helpful to see the giant gaping hole at the base where all the cables rout out of; seems like a huge hazard for water and mud to accumulate underneath the frame and internally. Maybe it’s being paranoid, but that hole just sounds like it’s begging for issues. I’m sure if you clean it thoroughly after every ride it won’t matter, but I’m not sure how I feel about it.

[@adamrossi7010]

Very attractive price point!! Should be an interesting review!

[@skullsroad3642]

634 stack on a medium is pretty tall yeah? 25mm rise bar AND a 5mm rise stem. Interesting. I wasn't even aware this bike existed but I'm really liking it.

[@A.T.TrailWorks]

Glad Rocky finally started getting those reach numbers up. My Altitude feels too cramped which is why I stick to my Pipedream hardtail. Sounds like it'd be a different story with the 2021 models. Looking forward to your thoughts during/after the ride.

[@MattFromWork]

Steve! PLEASE review the Chromag Arcturian!

[@hardtailparty]

Oh man, I want to try one of those SO BAD! I'd love to demo one, but Chromag doesn't send frames out for review. It's the most interesting bike in their lineup in my opinion.

[@MattFromWork]

@@hardtailparty aww man, well that didn't stop me from emailing them anyway. It would be amazing if they answered the call. I too want to try this bike INSANELY bad.

[@hardtailparty]

@@MattFromWork agreed, that would be amazing. It looks like a blast!

[@piersgudgeon2182]

Nice ending!

[@meesterbingbong5641]

I really like your videos and I really appreciate how in-depth you go into reviewing a bike. But I see a lot of people getting really into the gear and the components. I think it’s fine to want to get the most bang for your buck but at the end of the day it’s a bike. Most people don’t ride their bikes hard enough or often enough to justify getting super expensive gear. I’ve seen a lot of guys buy a 4K+ bike because they think it’s the bike that is the reason they’ll get through the trail but that’s never the case. I’ve been on the worst bikes ever and I’ve been on some really nice bikes and I would honestly go for a cheaper bike because it’s more fun and isn’t that what it’s all about??? Idk, most of the time its the wizard not the wand.

[@stevencole7331]

Wow $35 for a bike rental . Most places double that and its not unusual to see a $ 100 per day . It amazes me bike rentals are more expensive than a car rental but thats how the bike industry works which is fine as they need to succeed so we can get good service and product . Now if you rent a bunch of bikes to try to figure out what you want that can get quite expensive but my local shop helps a bit with that if you buy from them they will take those rentals and put that towards a new bike so if you buy from them the bike rental are basically free . My son has a 2007 Rocky Mountain xc bike with 26 inch tires . He bought it used almost 3 years ago to get him started mountain biking and its been great to get started . He did upgrade to a full squish trail bike a year ago . I still have my $1000 budget hardtail of 2 years and thought of getting a new bike but I think I will wait another year as it gets the job done and has been relatively trouble free even riding in the rocky high desert . Nice review Steve . Always looking for where I want to be for a next bike and should I stick with a hardtail

[@lonohst]

That brake adapter looks like the same one that's on the new Altitude that you flip to accommodate the adjustable chain stay length on that bike.

[@kimbennett7104]

YES YES YES HOW LONG I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS VIDEO!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY YOU COULD FINALLY GET ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kimbennett7104]

Oh and thank you so much. I was wondering how much work was put into getting this. Since I know I had asked you a while ago and you said they couldn't give you one. I did send a letter to Rocky Mountain just as many people had done for the Kona Honzo ESD but never got a response back. But hopefully it helped!

[@hardtailparty]

We have thunder mountain bikes in Sedona to thank for this one. They bought a fleet of these for rentals and called me up as soon as it got in. Sadly, this had nothing to do with rocky mountain, but i appreciate you reaching out to them.

[@belindasherlin4688]

Love to see you review the GT LT Zaskar.

[@hardtailparty]

I would too. Those 450mm chainstays look a mile long though. But i'd like to try one regardless.

[@johnsonjay60]

2021 bike prices and features chaged to the what we want now. Its great.

[@bobte88]

Except nothing's in stock 🤣

[@rlboyles1]

Looking forward to this review. Also looking forward to you reviewing the RSD Middle Child Aluminum. Is that in the works soon? Thanks!

[@hardtailparty]

Unfortunately I don't have an aluminum middle child coming. :(

[@benjaminshowalter2058]

I’ve heard you refer to Nukeproof’s Scout in a couple different videos now. Any chance you’ll be reviewing one in the future?

[@hardtailparty]

That's up to nukeproof. I'd sure like to

[@fatboynip]

thats the bike I wanted. but when I needed a bike back in September 2020, the growler came in so I bought as soon as my store got it. I still want it tho. also living in Vancouver, where rocky is from, I think we get more stock here than anywhere else. Nukeproof, UK.... ughhh

[@charlesbarton96]

I went with the 2020 version of the growler 40, I gota say it looks like the worker out a lot of the bugs and put on better components to the 2021. Wish I had waited ;)

[@hardtailparty]

which bugs/components in particular?

[@matejamitrovic4275]

@@hardtailparty I think the 2020 comes with a cartridge bb, and a sram sx group set which isn’t a negative, it’s just something they’ve changed.

[@marksullivan9575]

Solid review!

[@hardtailparty]

Review coming soon.

[@HDElky]

I got my wife a Cannondale Cujo and it has one of those open slits in the bb. I turned it upside down while washing it and all the dirt and grit went straight into the headset.

[@hardtailparty]

Oof, I didn't even think of that!

[@HDElky]

@@hardtailparty If the head tube isn't open to the top tube it should be fine. Any chance you can check that on the Growler? I'll either fill in the slit with silicon or make something to cap the head tube/top tube junction. Either way, we won't be washing it upside down.

[@hardtailparty]

@@HDElky unfortunately I've already returned the growler. Every frame I've seen has an opening between the head tube and the tt.

[@rauldragu9447]

Hi Steve, I know it's a bit off topic but I've been meaning to ask you something. You are always stressing the importance of a good hub in your reviews, with which I strongly agree, but you never give an exact poe number. I actually think is a good thing as we, bike nerds, love to get carried away with 5 mil here, 0.25 degs there and so on. Anyway, I was curious if you would call the Hope Pro 4s "good hubs". They _only_ have 44 poe at a pretty steep price. But once you consider that you are also paying the bombproof reliability, self serviceability and the great anodized goodness, they start to make sense. Anyway thank you and keep the great content coming.

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, the hope pro 4s are great hubs, but they don't have the best engagement. I tend to focus on degrees of engagement more than points of engagement. I like 2.5-4% for a good hub. It looks like the hopes are 8*, which isn't too bad, but definitely not as fast engaging as some of the newer stuff. Usually less engagement = more reliability, but a few companies have been challenging that status quo. Most hubs are self-serviceable these days.

[@johnsonjay60]

Love rocky mountain

[@lpoevo7158]

Those brake mounts are common in road/gravel disk brake frames.

[@masonpassey5470]

It is the same frame on all 3 levels? I ask because each model comes with a different travel fork (the 50 has 150mm the 40 has 140mm and the 20 has 130mm) yet the geo charts show all of the same numbers for all of the levels? So either the frame is changing or those geo numbers are wrong. Or am I missing something?

[@hardtailparty]

Excellent question. I assume it is the same frame, and they're using the same geo chart for each model (which is inaccurate). I wonder what ATC they're using for their frame measurement.

[@hardtailparty]

Here's what Rocky Mountain said: "All growlers have the same frames and have the same A2C. The thing is that when we go lower in fork quality, we get shorter travel for the same A2C, so all 3 forks have the same A2C, geo is not affected on any bikes."

[@slowlaneAZ]

Just found the channel couple weeks ago. Awesome content!! Do you have any videos for people looking to get into the sport? With maybe bike recommendations? And things to consider? I personally am looking to get into the sport and am looking at bikes in the 1500 - 2000 range. Also an AZ native, so might see you on the trails. Haha.

[@hardtailparty]

Welcome to the party. Lots of great bikes for under $2000. The hard part is finding them in stock right now.

[@slowlaneAZ]

@@hardtailparty man don't I know it. Still not sure what bike to get. Considering fuse, chameleon, timberjack. Still don't know if ill go with any of those.

[@renenavarro4121]

My trek roscoe had the same routing as this growler and man did that thing rattled. Also has the same post mount in the rear and never liked it, is hard to wrench an allen key there . Rather have the post in the upper side of the seat stay

[@adanielweaver]

If it were on the seat stay it would have to be a stiffer seat stay though. This one looks engineered to flex.

[@myfreakyvalentine]

I have a 2019 Growler 40, totally different bike and specs except for the crappy Raidon fork.

[@pepeanza6187]

Giant fathom 1 29 review please

[@hardtailparty]

I want to so bad, but I can't even find an email for giant. They're so bit, it's impossible to find anyone to talk to.

[@bryanmartinez-alvarenga1347]

What’s your go to threaded bottom bracket? A link will be helpful. I just ordered a steel Middlechild and looking for parts now 👌

[@Paulklampeeps]

There is a brand in asia called speedone they make aggressive hardtails allu frames under 200 buck. Idk about the ride feel tho and quality

[@jonkalm]

Are all the 2022 growler frames thru Axel or QR ?

[@hc7185]

seems to be a flat mount disk brake, more standard on road bikes

[@Paulklampeeps]

But why on mountain bikes though?

[@davidmaita5581]

@@Paulklampeeps helps with heal clearance. Since the chainstay are super short, helps prevent your heal for hitting the rear end of the bike with your heal

[@joen3992]

Rocky Mountain up here in Ontario is a known bike company but not as popular as Specialized or Kona or even Trek. Most folks buy a Trek from reputation. Yet, this model Growler starts getting great parts and geometry. My only concern was it was always a 27.5 plus. Now its a 29er. Never a fan of them...

[@BChiarcos]

what?

[@andrewtaylor4313]

Hey Steve. Unrelated comment but I sent a message to Ragley to see if they'll send some of their new 2021 models over for review when they release them. Not sure if it will have any influence or not but I'll let you know if they respond.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for sending them a note, i really appreciate it. I really want to eat the big Al and the marley.

[@FewcanJAM]

I’ve got a local shop here in Boise that has the Rocky Mountain 50 2021 model The specs look awesome on the 50 what do you recommend?

[@hardtailparty]

see my review video of the bike.

[@RideAlongside]

Never seen that oval slit at the BB before. Is that on any other hardtail you’ve seen Steve?

[@hardtailparty]

Its a first for me. Interesting way to do it.

[@RideAlongside]

@@hardtailparty yep. My first thought would be debris getting in there, but maybe not? Seems like others would’ve done it as well if it was a good design.

[@johnnydoe66]

The Trek Roscoe has a similar feature, just isn't oval. My Roscoe 8's rear brake, dropper, and derailleur all exit at the bottom like that.

[@skullsroad3642]

Not a hardtail, but my Banshee Rune V3 has something similar.

[@spencerh1803]

It makes it a lot easier to route the cable internally.

[@CasperRc81]

Dude does that wheel have a slimless tube. My bikes be wagging all over if I spun that rear tire like that 😜

[@hardtailparty]

I'm always running tubeless on my review bikes.

[@ericm8564]

Looks like flat mount brake adapter like gravel bikes have Steve.

[@ericm8564]

Oops! Already said.

[@YanDoroshenko]

One of the hardest things about hardtails is a tail.

[@mellissanash7517]

Have you tried the Magura Trail Sport Brakes? I've heard they are a good upgrade for about $160 for the front(4-pot) and rear(2-pot). That rear looks flat mount with adapter to me.

[@mellissanash7517]

@@uber_franz1126 I have a gravel bike that more like a early 00s XC bike with 29x2.1 tires & the Sram brakes are good enough on a 28lbs full steel bike. As a reminder Shimano road/grx hydro brakes are the same exact brakes as the Deore/SLX/XT/XTR hydro brakes(with the latter three offered in flat mount variant), with the flat mount using the same pads, while post mount uses different pads, but power is identical.

[@mtbjer9825]

I have a bike with those brakes and have been happy with them great modulation, easy to setup also. Run them on a aggressive hartail.

[@streetbeast7078]

I miss my growler it was a bit stiff but fast on the trails my chainstay broke in half after a big drop

[@hardtailparty]

Wow, that must have been quite the drop!

[@streetbeast7078]

It was an off camber drop in a rocky area that I tried to roll and cracked my frame there because further down the trail I felt like my tire was really low on air because my bike felt like a noodle. It didn’t break on the drop but maybe from hitting something sideways against a rock my guess

[@edzeppelin933]

I would love for you to review the 2021 Merida Big Trail 500, but I'm not sure they're available in the US.

[@hardtailparty]

I've reached out to them, but I haven't heard anything.

[@edzeppelin933]

@@hardtailparty oh nice! Good luck

[@maxwitek6203]

Brake mount looks like a flat mount (what the roadies use) to me...

[@hardtailparty]

Ah, good to know. No wonder I'm not familiar with it.

[@JeffWagen]

It is, seems like a lot of bikes are coming with it now.

[@phatso786]

Can you review the new Marin El Roy. Its a pretty hardcore hardtail!

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, I will be reviewing one soon.

[@phatso786]

@@hardtailparty thanks. Love your videos bro. Keep it up the good work 👍

[@A.T.TrailWorks]

@@hardtailparty Noice!

[@tigerbalm666]

My typ Immediate upgrades are: GRIPS and PEDALS...that's all! Don't let a new bike be a money pit!

[@chrisbfleetwood]

And saddle!

[@bikerdhill]

of course it's going to be good, it's Canadian :) lol

[@mtbmedia7887]

Yea first comment

[@Nodoyleyamshack1985]

Is that Roscoe not a good bike? Why did they move on?

[@hardtailparty]

Not a good bike

[@Nodoyleyamshack1985]

@@hardtailparty what part(s)? Asking for a friend:) for such a popular bike haven’t heard a peep about it on your channel until this video.

[@FunkJammer1901]

Question: I want to buy a hat but I would like to get it customized with the American flag on the side, will that be possible?

[@hardtailparty]

hm... not sure. Spreadshirt handles all my fulfillment for merch. There's the ability to add words and text to my products, but I'm not sure if there's the ability to add an image.

[@FunkJammer1901]

@@hardtailparty First and foremost, thank you for the quick reply. I believe it would be awesome if that was a choice but regardless I'm still getting that sick hat lol. Thank you!

[@tylerc8039]

@@FunkJammer1901 Slap a patch on it with some fabric glue or something. You'll probably get closer to what you're hoping for if you do it yourself.

[@FunkJammer1901]

@@tylerc8039 Hey, that's actually a good idea! Thanks man, I'll try it out once I receive the hat.

[@DavidMontreal]

Look man i respect your knowledge but the vitus has way better spec and u can get the nucleus for 649 that has great spec granted iam assuming u know of these bikes

[@hardtailparty]

The nucleolus is 135mm qr. Deal breaker for me and not worth upgrading like this frame is.

[@DavidMontreal]

@@hardtailparty true that but for 649$ i dont think u can get full thur axle

[@linkinparkdrift]

That bike is an even better value here in Canada. It's almost 200 USD cheaper here. Any chance you'll be getting on a Norco Torrent?

[@hardtailparty]

No doubt rocky favors canadian riders and reciewers. I'm glad I finally got my hands on one. I've been trying to get a torrent for review for years. As you know, bike inventory is at an all-time low. I hope to get one sooner than later, but you never know

[@robax3r]

ahh great... i was worried my 2021 torent would come with a crappy sounding hubs. it has the same groupset so it should be fine.

[@64maxpower]

You keep saying at this price point. 1600 dollars is a lot of frigging money to me. More expensive bikes are just over priced.

[@hardtailparty]

To some people, $300 is a lot to pay for a bike. This is one of the cheapest bikes I've reviewed on the channel. The growler 20 is under $1k. This is an expensive sport to get into, like most sports these days.

[@64maxpower]

@@hardtailparty I apologize that I came across as a douche as if you priced the bike. I am mad at no one that bikes are do grossly overpriced. I see some mtbs that cost as much as dirt bikes. Thanks for making a channel about hard tails. I like the simplicity of them and want to get something less than 1000 to stomp on guys that spent a lot more on a bike they don't need

[@lambertj.2892]

I just bought a 2022 Fusion 10. $727. Cheap for what you get. Awesome bike!

[@dirtycommtroop]

i used to drool all over these bikes but now they only come with 29s

[@hardtailparty]

Give em a try, you might like it.

[@dirtycommtroop]

@@hardtailparty I'm too short or a 29er only 5'7". Now they come in mullet config...wth.