Five Pitfalls to Avoid When Deciding Which Bike to Purchase - Hardtail Party

[@hardtailparty]

Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty. If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel for as little as $5/month. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews.

[@pn_chyne6649]

Yes am struggling for choosing bike coz of my height

[@JuanTonyoRides]

Hi Steve! I'm stoked between 2022 Nukeproof Scout 290 vs. 2022 Roscoe 9, if you're to choose, which one do you prefer?

[@hardtailparty]

@@JuanTonyoRides It depends. That's the kind of thing i save for my patrons.

[@tinman1955]

Buy the lightest, most expensive, over-spec'd, aggressive geometry, long-travel, carbon bike you can find....and never ride it because you can't afford to break it and it'd be a shame to get it dirty.

[@gabotrial]

Then sell it to me half price because its "used"

[@sebastiendoucet06]

gabotrial lol

[@davidchristian3612]

heh!

[@dubblearr7622]

And ride only fire roads

[@sdqsdq6274]

@@gabotrial yeah right, doesnt exist here , down here people sell bikes like gold ,lol

[@kiznile123]

I'm in phase broke. In this phase I just adapt to the bike I have because I just want to go ride. 😂 Great video Steve! This is so true!

[@isaaclopez5004]

I don't know how broke, but I saved $500 and got a used 2017 specialized fuse comp with a 27.5x3inch tire on Facebook. It's One size to small but it'll due for now.

[@davidjennings3462]

Me too I'm in faze 30 year old rigid steel bike which is more suitable for commuting

[@davidchristian3612]

I built a hardtail from scrap parts. I was too poor at the time to afford something new. Probably it cost me $20 at first--all junk parts, mostly free stuff. Later I added some new parts to give me a better gear ratio spread, but that wasn't entirely necessary. I used to live in Portland, and they have bike scrapyards all over there. So you can really build a bike pretty cheaply if you go that route. Then you're up and riding! You can then save for the bike you really want! Myself, I still ride my scrap bike. It's perfect for me, so I never decided to get another one later. That... is my story.

[@jerseylife8701]

Same here. I’m riding some kids hard tail trek he outgrew in highschool and now that’s my bike 😂

[@kilowatt8521]

I used to work in the composites industry, including one bike company. The owner had a great saying that I have taken to heart with regard to bike purchases: "Nine out of ten composites engineers prefer metal".

[@johnfriedl7126]

Here we have a saying from the Automotive industry: he who knows bonding will weld.

[@boostaddict_]

As an engineering student who's been working on cars and heavy equipment most of my life, carbon fiber has it's place. Amateur weekend hardtail mountain bikes are not that place. Can they be good? Absolutely, but you can get more than enough performance with steel or aluminum for 98% of riders.

[@greentransmission]

I am passed the Carbon stage thankfully and love my aluminum Stache 7!

[@BurgerBeard]

I think there are at least two more phases. The “Reviewer Knows Best” phase, in which someone depends solely on the reviews, and will even convince themselves that the bike is no fun, even if they had fun, if the reviewers say it’s a bad bike. And the “Fun” phase, in which someone finally forgets all the reviews, the spec sheet, the geometry nitpicking, just gets the bike that they like, that they find fun.

[@markmccall9027]

This is so true. One person's opinion and riding style should not be making your decision for you. And, of course, some KZbinrs are compelled to give good reviews when they're getting hand-outs. Not on this channel though.

[@mioutdoors426]

I remember when I was getting in to mountain biking I wanted a 180mm traval enduro bike, now I ride a 100mm xc bike perfect for my local trails.

[@BengLang84]

Steve this is by far the best review on how to choose a mountainbike. This would really help a lot including me in choosing my next bike. I am guilty I think once I have left you a message asking which bike is better. Grateful that we your subscribers have this to refer on if we decide to get our first or next bike! Will always support you and Dusty Betty's channel! Ride safe always! 😃

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

I avoided Phase 2, 4 and skipped 5. I went from Phase 1, to Phase 6 and started building a bike from the frame up. I can't wait to be able to afford to go through Phase 3! 😂

[@stevecabrera6718]

Very fitting name lol

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

@@stevecabrera6718 Thanks! We've been through the Cuyuna Crusher, a 12 hour endurance race, the Maah Daah Hey 100, and almost 800 road miles on Strava last year. The only modifications I've made were a custom saddle, raised handlebars, and a dropper post. I'm keeping it as my XC/commuter bike, and building an aggressive hardtail.

[@stevecabrera6718]

@@adventuresona700dollarhard5 nice that is defintly impressive! The beauty of a hardtail is truly in its simplicity and reliability.

[@shakeyjake8696]

You forgot the very last phase Steve...... the addiction phase. This as we all know is the sum of all parts......... excellent video man. Keep ‘em coming ...... ride semi safe

[@benjaminkennedy3913]

Great advice. If you are out there looking for a bike, listen to this man.

[@herkusr01]

I'd say I'm at phase 6, just picked up a used 2019 Santa Cruz chameleon, and I couldn't be more excited for spring to roll around!

[@mattkrupp7281]

Congratulations! Got that bike and it is great. So maneuverable and just fun.

[@cruz.nchronicles7220]

what size did you get and how tall are you? this is the step i am at and theres none in stores to try

[@bigchuck707]

I’m just getting back into biking after like 12 years, snagged a Kona kahuna off Craigslist for $400 and just been riding the pants off it. Now I’m in the research phase and trying to figure out my riding style/ability so my next bike will be the right one, thanks for the awesome reviews!

[@TrailFeatures]

I’m just going to paste a link to this vid every time someone asks me what kind of bike they should get.

[@hardtailparty]

Please do! There will be more videos on this topic. Sadly, a lot of people just want me to tell them which bike to buy, rather than doing the research themselves.

[@phloem4]

No way. You just retold my first 5 years of mountain biking.

[@jaredreynolds5250]

Can’t beat a demo ride. Totally agree!

[@bensieber6960]

The true beauty of a hardtail or fully rigid bike is how much the frame matters, how much a great frame can translate into a near magical ride. I've ridden steel and alloy frames that are lively and springy and smooth and just incredible and frames of each of those materials that feel dull and plodding and sluggish. It's in the material and angles and tube thicknesses and dimensions and butting and how it fits you and how you ride and it's an art you can ride and enjoy and ultimately, love.

[@hardtailparty]

Well said, I couldn't agree more. You basically wrote my next video where I say almost the exact same thing.

[@likejustchiII]

After a few months of researching, I've definitely hit phase 6. I have your Banshee videos to thank for that. I'm starting to lean into just buying a frame and building the bike myself. Looking forward to more of your content!

[@aspiringastronaut9992]

I'm a phase 6! I used this channel and a few others to determine which frame i wanted to purchase to build my own bike. I ended up buying a RSD Middle Child aluminum!

[@benv4925]

Spot on. I hate when people spout out components. Pretty much all components now a days work really well. 15 - 20 years there was a huge difference but I'd ride anything today.

[@alexw3246]

Phase 5. Wished I'd known your channel before buying a bike. Next time I buy a bike I'll try to match phase 6.

[@jamest2660]

Great bike buying tutorial. I can definitely identify with each of the phases you talked about. This information is great for someone buying a bike and is in any of these phases.

[@winnguyen443]

Watching your channel put me in phase 6 for the last couple years. Thank you Steve.

[@makwk]

I agree with your on phase, I have 3 mtbs I ride them for very long. Many started with XC - i.e fastest, lightest....etc. but I am in a phase where I wanna enjoy the trails. Love your commentary and advise. Thank you. I am on your last phase. Learning about geometry. We in Malaysia - hardly we can test a bike before we buy it.

[@edritchie270]

I've learned to compare frames and how easily it will be to up grade components. Wheels are a big thing also. I'm currently looking to upgrade . Hardtail , 27.5 + and I think I have in narrowed down.

[@earwax3243]

Great video Im in the 25 year old steel hard tail with 80mm travel fork phase.

[@TheRealSamPreece]

I feel like I went through all 5 phases in a day. Now I'm hooked on geometry.

[@MikaHakkinen83]

I avoided all the stages while watching this video. Great stuff

[@kelvzville2667]

Best video on internet for those who can’t decide which bike to buy. I’m at phase broke and phase 1. Most of the local shops here sell XC bikes but I want a trail hardtail.

[@hardtailparty]

Yeah, it's frustrating how many shops push xc bikes, when trail bikes are what most people need.

[@YoungBoom3r]

Just found this channel and just got into mtb. Picked a budget Marlin 6 as my first bike and I love it. Added a cheap lever dropper post, new grips, seat, pedals, and will be adding a new air fork soon. That's it for the components. It's fun as heck and I'll be leaving it like this for a while. Going to use this thing to learn some skills.

[@2WheelKam]

Great point on blonde vs Burnett = marital bliss. Love that analogy.

[@flipper2gv]

Thanks to your channel, I could make a more informed decision on which bike to buy.

[@LordHolley]

I could not agree more, picking the right frame is definitely the most important. You can always find other parts new or used to dial in the rest of it, but if you don't have the right frame, you will just waste time and money on a bike that will never be perfect for you.

[@palicar]

Cool. My phase sequence was scrambled I think because I came from road and gravel. I learned what’s what with those disciplines first.

[@gregj7916]

It was 41.4c here in Western Australia today so watching videos and overthinking stuff… helpful upload…

[@kbd13-n9c]

In Phase 6 of a Stargazer builder now for some chunkier gravel and some bikepacking. Then on to a new MTB, ,maybe the Maniak actually. Frame up has been fun. I get to decide every little part instead of buying a bike I know I want to replace stuff on before I even buy it. More expensive overall, but every piece is exactly what I want. Now all I need is wheels and some odds and ends.

[@RVFishingAdventures]

This is good info. Not sure why this just popped up on our feed... but I learned early about frames when I went to upgrade our GT's and realized they had a straight neck instead of a tapered neck effectively reducing our fork options to 2-3 choices. That's when I realized that crap parts can be replaced, but crap frames can't. They have to be gotten rid of and you have to start over... even if it's something as simple as upgradability.

[@BigWaveDaveO]

Thanks for the info. Glad I got to skip phase 1. Being 120kg, durability and comfort are the two key items I'm looking for. So a non-carbon, hardtail with mid grade components is my sweet spot. Then I look for marketing that have Party, Fun, Playful, Social, Adaptable, All-Mountain since that is the type of riding I will do. That quickly narrows down the list to bikes to ones like the 2020 Specialized Fuse, Norco Fluid HT, RSD Middle Child. AL. Not sure what else is out there for the fun all mountain HT party bike.

[@hardtailparty]

There's a lot of fun hardtails out there that fit what you describe. The new Norco fluid looks fun. To me, if start with bikes with short chainstays and go from there. I haven't found a long chainstay Hardtail that still felt fun at slower speeds.

[@ericliebert5260]

I am riding a Vitus Sentier VRS and I love it, very comparable to the bikes you mentioned. 425 chainstay and 432 reach on size medium with 2.6 maxxis tires. It was also named Hardtail of the year by MBR magazine, 4 times.

[@davidmaskew]

I think this is pretty much bang on. I recently returned to MTB after quite a few years of either not riding or on skinny tyres. A lot has changed, geometry is nothing like it was and suspension travel is at an unimaginable level from when I was riding. I looked at all sorts of bikes both full sus and hardtail. I originally wanted a boutique steel custom build hardtail that would have cost more than some of the full sus bikes I was looking at. In the end I opted for an aluminium hardtail as I new from test riding it along with reading a few reviews that it was a well respected frame and it felt right. The bike ended up costing me two thirds what I was going to spend originally even after a couple of upgrades such as bars and grips etc. Another thing is nothing in the groupset is so high spec I can't afford to replace it quickly and I can be back riding as soon as possible.

[@oxirosmusic]

I really think you should start your own hardtail bike company! I’m sure you’d make the bests ones!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for the kind words. It takes a TON of energy to start a bike company from scratch. I'd rather design models for other companies at this point. Stay tuned for more news on that front.

[@oxirosmusic]

Yeahhh! Amazing news! Well, keep us posted because I’m in the market for a light, modern steel hardtail :)

[@robs-militia6755]

Just got my Marlin 7 and I love it!

[@MichaelAcurantes]

My bike is CARBON and I eat Carbonara everyday. :-) The truth is I'm a big fan of Chromo frames.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Im in phase 'credit card debt'. After 4 years of riding, research, and understanding mtb tech, I custom built an Ibis Ripmo for 6k and don't regret a single thing and proudly get it dirty. Great vid! That's sound advice. It's all about the frame geometry and how it feels. After many demos, I came to Ibis because the geometry and suspension linkage felt best for what I wanted: climbs easily and comfortably, descends great, and supremely agile.

[@codered7453]

Excellent video on this topic. Geometry is pretty much where I started and I am still so hung up on climbing efficiency and acceleration because it's so fascinating and engineering is a wonderful thing to know. I actually ended up buying a rockhopper sport (large) because it fit my budget for a decent bike to ride while I'm on vacation in Romania (the trails and city of Cluj is an amazing place to ride) and when we return to SC I'll start the upgrade process. I am still learning how the geometry affects the ride and I'm sure there are lots of other elements but I am very much enjoying watching all of your videos and gathering intelligence/data for my next purchase. Thanks for all the information and I am subscribing to learn more. Take care.

[@perkinatorfpv5553]

I'm glad you emphasized taking it for a ride. The 2023 San Quentin bike frame comes to mind. The geometry tells me that this bike should be a flat ground trick happy bike with the 425mm chain stay length and short reach.. then you ride it and it's like, what the hell, why can't I manual this thing?!. Yeah, always try to find a way to test ride before buying.

[@brucemackay8786]

First great video! Myself, been riding fpr 34 year. Def phase 6. Some of my reg riding crew just now are coming outta Phz 5 (bit still suffer Phz 3 😂) My first 2 mtbs were steel and rigid. My currentl hardtail is an RSD Middlechild steel XL, ( I agree) ⅓çin gatage build. When i saw that geo chart ❤❤❤. At 6'4" (and 240+) I it has truly only been the last 3 years most manufacturers have actually made bikes in "my size". There were outliers (the first gen Honzo🤯) Banshee & Transition. That RSD is built 1 (kinda 2)x 10, and I love it. I under forked it w/ a Fox 34. Jist got my new (used) Lyrik 4 days ago. Them bones are worth it.

[@seanbartlett6148]

So glad to see someone throw these facts out there dude 👌🏻 Nice video

[@JulianoGSF]

Great info right here! Everyone should learn these steps before buying a bike.

[@FlyNineVictor]

Hey man, really enjoyed your perspective, thanks!

[@gr8fulride]

Good points! I rode hardtail for many years as it is fun and versatile. Full squish was off the budget chart. Also those hardtails were large and xl. Did not fit me. I upgraded, rebuilt, & replaced parts , then found a modern geo XXL marin nail trail 6. It changed the way I viewed mountain biking. Next got a deal on a bad habit 2(was a rental) more dirt cravings. When I pushed the bike to it's limits, I got a hightower lt. Now I want to demo the Ibis ripmo, and pull the trigger. Ride everything, but my favorite rides are those 5 mile climbs with swooping flowy descents .

[@daniellovett6213]

Well done,very informative.Will help lots of people buying bikes, especially when bike marketing tells everyone that they need the newest tech and they need to spend huge amounts of cash!

[@siddhartaclark7040]

This was super helpful Steve. Thank you...

[@hardtailparty]

I'm so glad it helped, thanks for letting me know. Feedback has been so positive on this video that I'll end up doing some more like it in the future.

[@fredboudreaux9663]

Always sharing great advice!

[@dantribby199]

Good info for sure. I feel like I did some of this. Waited. Researched. I got most of what I wanted with my Kona Wo. Aluminum frame to keep cost down, 1x drivetrain, tapered headtube, through axles, hydraulic brakes. I bought local and got a good deal. The one thing I'll say is dont overlook the wheelset, especially on a fatty. Alot of fat tire bikes on the low end have a basic wheelset. This is a costly upgrade if you want to run tubless. Even the Kona tubless compatible wheels are a pain to set up. I couldn't get them set up myself. I had to have the shop do it(more expense). I like to do things myself, so it bugs me. Point being: sometimes components are important especially if you have certain goals in mind

[@hardtailparty]

Smart man. Sadly, most bikes come with crap wheels and hubs. In order to get a bike with good engaging hubs and good rims, your usually looking at top of the line models and you're paying for expensive components you may not need. It's sad, but I usually plan on swapping my great wheelset from bike to bike because they're so expensive.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

GREAT stuff dude!!! In the market for my first HT currently, you know I'm gonna be picking your brain!

[@hardtailparty]

I'd be happy to chat with you about it. Bentonville is the perfect place for hardtails.

[@bass-player.22]

I've been mountain biking for years I got a Fuji nevada1.9 and I have no problem having a cheaper bike I have as much fun on that bike as I did on my gt xcr from back then that I spent double on

[@hardtailparty]

That's what it's all about!

[@lostman65]

i broke my SS frame when i was out in AZ. it was a sunday and i really didn't want to head back home. i remember steve gave a review of the santa cruz chameleon a while back, so i dug up that video. i called around looking for it. found a small orange one, it was so cool looking, but i needed at least a large. finally found one in scottsdale, rode it around the parking lot, and i was sold. it had the low end components, but that's ok, because the price was right, and i tend to abuse components anyway. In summary i went with Phase 7. listen to advice from someone (youtuber) you trust.

[@hardtailparty]

Dang, sucks to hear your frame got broken. The chameleon is awesome, excellent choice. A great frame is far more fun than great components. Rock on Leo!

[@HoxtonLive]

Good word mate, I think I am becoming intuitive in phase 6 recently and which bikes are doing their role right and if the money is being invested in the right components. Having a point of reference also plays a role for me. I am still not as experienced as many but I think am going there and who knows I might even land a job in one of these bike show rooms trying to sell MTBs.

[@charlesholland6851]

My phase is making my bike pretty so I can at least cover the fact that I can’t ride!

[@hardtailparty]

There's more people in this phase than just about every other phase out together lately.

[@rakewawrz5200]

Yeah the pretty it looks no one pays attention to your riding.

[@kiznile123]

Lol I call these bike lures. I love flying up behind them because they're so pretty.

[@slipknotshredder666]

As a broke guy myself, I was blessed enough to find a Kona Lana’i at the dump, was in near perfect condition minus a broken back rim, no dents or cracks and minimal scratches. So I’ve been slowly upgrading it. Replaced the back wheel with a reasonably priced one, got an advent x drive train, haven’t replaced the cranks yet, but I put a 30t raceface chainring on it to make it 1x, so far really happy with it. Aiming to upgrade the forks next month, and as I get better grab me a chameleon once I improve enough to justify a complete replacement.

[@hardtailparty]

Score!

[@chadtellevik5479]

Thanks for taking the time to provide this information.

[@bheckner]

So glad I still rock the XTR from 20yrs ago on my Zaskar LE. I beat the snot outta everything back in the day. Only broke 1 frame DH racing. Still ride it today.👍 If you can afford Titanium buy it. Odds are it will last forever.

[@NDemanuele1]

Awesome insight here! A quick history on my riding the last decade: I was riding a Santa Cruz Superlight 26" Alloy. I enjoyed it until I got sucked into "Carbon"...LOL. I demo'd an Ibis Ripley V1 and was blown away with the 29" wheels and of course Carbon frame. I eventually bought a good used V1 Ripley and road that thing for about 5 years. Loved it to death! Most recently, I was contemplating between Carbon and Alloy, due to getting a crack on the downtube of my Ripley. I was thinking of getting the RIpmo AF or the Ripmo V1 (Carbon). Again, I found a good deal on a V1 Carbon and pulled the trigger - couldn't be happier! Now, going from the Ripley to the Ripmo, the travel increased by about 30%. Furthermore the frame is a bit more robust. As much as I loved the Ripley, I appreciate the increased stability. It does add to my confidence on the descents. About the time I pulled the trigger on the Ripmo I was also contemplating the "best bang for the buck" and also " Hardtail Vs. FS" !!....LMFAO!! In the end, I'm happy with my decision with the Ripmo based on my riding style ( I live in NorCal). However, this is a testament of how many factors are involved when deciding on a new bike.

[@dgriffinm]

100 % agree Don’t buy a bike you hate, start with The correct frame

[@jeffrittenour8202]

My mans out here preachin! so many good points. I remember in like 2008 not wanting to buy any bike unless it had horizontal drop outs so i could convert it to ss if i wanted to haha

[@heekongyap]

Lovely sharing, U r one of the best in sharing. Love it. Happy riding.

[@SprSonik13]

I have quickly become a huge fan of your site. I appreciate your honest approach to mountain biking...so refreshing compared to the onslaught of gritty hardcore shredding and the commercialized glossy stuff.

[@hardtailparty]

Thank you so much, that means a lot. I try really hard to keep that junk out.

[@chriswhite5106]

Getting back into mtn biking after 17 years. Bought a Ibis Ripmo AF, should be here in 2 weeks. I’m pumped AF. Thanks for the video!

[@hardtailparty]

Ive ridden the ripmo, but not the af. Excellent bike for the price, congrats!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Well done Steve!!

[@mikecoulter5243]

Wow I agree 100 on all these points. Its funny, I move in the exact reverse though! I start at phase 6, start with geometry and work my way back through components etc etc..

[@josephnubile1970]

Hello, the more I watch your channel, the more I learn and I like that. I have experienced many of these phases. Currently in stage 6 and trying to learn to compare geometry charts. Thanks to you I am going to purchase a Banshee Paradox V3 and I am going to do my best to build it myself. Thanks for all the info and for replying to my questions I truly appreciate all the help. Have a Awsome weekend.

[@oliverpasztor788]

I think I'm in phase 6+ as I am designing my own steel hardtail frame so I can tweek the smallest aspects of the geometry to fit my style. 160mm travel will probably be overkill for most things I will do with it, but coming off of a DH bike back to a hardtail I wouldn't feel comfortable with less and as I designing it to be my only bike I would like it to be as versatile as possilble.

[@carlmcelroy2508]

We all have been down that road🤣🤣🤣. But I do enjoy trying different components and what runs fast and together. Rolling GX Eagle on my 2016 GT Force while running a box 2 components drive train on my GT Avalanche hard tail.

[@markbuttery2790]

Yes i agree with the phase 1-6 we have all been guilty of this .My biggest guilty phase i have gone through is over biking for the conditions i ride, this phase takes the life out of mountain biking and makes your rides boring! My big full suspension bike was sick one weekend, so i took out my old XC hard tail race bike that had not been ridden for years and fell in love with mountain biking again, so selling the big full suspension bikes and buying a tough hardtail (Norco Torrent) and having fun again.Slightly off subject do you think the future of mountain biking is electric bikes? every weekend i ride at least half the bikes are electric! Great show by the way, love the mountain rides.

[@hardtailparty]

So glad you rediscovered your love of mountain biking via your Hardtail. That's a big reason I started the channel. Where I live, electric bikes aren't allowed on the trails so I don't see very many. I think we'll see more and more of them as time goes on. There's something beautiful about propelling yourself with your own human power. I don't ever see myself replacing all my bikes with ebikes.

[@juliemartin2614]

My 14yo grandson wants a Canyon Neuron. Very reluctant to spend that much money on a bike w/o riding first! I am big on specs because I would only want to upgrade if something breaks. Just learning about geometry, but don't understand it enough to know what to recommend. He rides much more aggressively than I, but I think a hard tail is fine for 90% of the trails in our area. It is very hard to make a decision when shopping for a new bike!

[@patricemehandzhiev8089]

I always go custom. First i choose the category: for example enduro. Second i choose the frame accoding to geo, size, ease of access and maintenance and price. Then i choose the components according to my preference and budget.

[@yamahschector]

Sit on many bikes and really be picky. Go to geo comparison websites once you know what starts feeling good. Compare geo to your current bike if you fit and love it. Remember hardtail party knows his bikes take his advice but remember if his favorite bike does not fit you it is still the wrong bike. Also remember that he really knows the bikes and can break them down and knows what makes each one different and may be able to notice things the average rider may not notice. One thing I like to think about is if it’s a bit older do you need a new bike. Can you find a used but good bike. So many good things here

[@Detlaff13]

Guess I can be proud of myself, since Im now on phase 6, and I don't event know on what frame to choose from haha

[@johnykryll]

Sound advice mate, very good watch

[@sugarfree850]

I'm like you when it comes to buying. I won't buy a bike until I have ridden it. This has been my fear in buying direct to consumer as well.

[@ericcontreras8863]

Good stuff Steve. Good points here.

[@iruledaworld333]

I did a little research before I bought my first one. Went over to the Trek dealership near me and got a Marlin 5. Been riding a year now and I'm pretty happy with the bike! Now I've got the itch for a full suspension.

[@Mr.P.Griffith]

I did a minimal amount of research when I was about to buy my first bike too. I bought the 2019 marlin 5 too. I was also a complete victim of marketing. I saw internal routing, hydraulic brakes, 29er wheels... I saw it, I wanted it now, so I bought it. Emptying my little savings account in the process. My lbs saw me coming a mile away too. I shouldn't have bought that bike. I needed something twice as expensive to ride the trails I ride and not 29er. I was totally grossed out on how under preforming the m5 was for me, I just spent $700+ cad on a bike that had an ultra stiff fork that gave me 15mm of travel with my entire weight on the bars, pedals and tires that made everything dangerous to ride due to the threat of slipping both off the bike and with it, and a rear derailleur that spent more time slapping around than it did being quiet. After a season of upgrading it with quality used parts (for budget reasons) I am finally quite happy with it. To the point I have a new Eagle SX 1x12 on it's way from somewhere in Asia. But as you mentioned, I have the itch for a full sus aswell.. I'm looking at the Polygon Siskiu D7 but will likely save up for the T7 Anniversary edition. I am in no rush tho. I can't afford another "bike fever" purchase.

[@Boltbacker83]

Just bought a 2022 Polygon Xtrada 5! Hopefully a good bike for beginning (my first bike!)

[@ibrajimenez2098]

Thanks for the info. By the time I have the money saved up I'll be in phase 6

[@jakepickard1981]

Appreciate the videos and no nonsense advice. I'm a middle aged guy who campaigned bmx as a kid..woohoo, no one cares. My son though, has taken it to the next level, he used to take Walgeese and full send while I'm bumping behind on my Sworks Stumpy. (Older guys don't like to get hurt, kids, we have to go to work the next day). His full squish is fine, (DB4C) but he is wanting to try out for a Composite here in Phoenix . We ride Deem Hills full circumference, Pyramid Peak locally and of course Broken Arrow and Teacup in your neck of the woods. He can crush it, but insists on moding his hard tail 2016 Db overdrive with basic Deores to compete at trails where a hard tail is a bit more competitive (locking out the rear shock doesn't really work). We would love to see your recommendation, I'm not a nube, and know my limits, but he crushes me every run...he's died in the wool DB, could you show him some alternatives if you have some time? We practice Sedona trails once a quarter, If you have time we would be very appreciative.

[@musicjnky1982]

I didn't have a choice on the bike I wanted. The bike shortage is real. Ended up with a 2021 Specialized Rockhopper Expert. Should get me through the next couple of months until I build a Sour Crumble or Binary Maniak 😁

[@hyperbunny7054]

I have an iterative phase, where I take a helicopter view of the bikes I'm looking at, and where I will ride it, and how often those conditions occurs. I have a trail bike, live in Denmark (flat) and a few times per year go to Sweeden, Germany or the alps (bike park). Initially I thought I wanted ("needed") a Transition Spur (170 mm). By doing the reality check I realised that would be sitting in the basement most of the year, so to get a bike fare from the trail bike I went the other way. XC hardtail, which is perfect to work on skills in the same trails I ride every week and has made them like new again. Weapon of choice is a BMC Twostroke 01 (good progressive frame), with mediocre to high spec (full GX, Reba RL, Level TL, and yes carbon frame, handlebar and seat post), at a reasonable price, at a bikeshop local (my 3rd mtb in 5 y). Love the video

[@adventuresona700dollarhard5]

Back to add: Your bike shop mechanic/you, if you're the mechanic, have a larger influence over how well your bike shifts, than what components you have.

[@papagolf216]

I was in phase 1 for years, early 90s to about 2017 then phase 4 and purchased an enduro bike (I love it but....) now in the full on research phase and seeking to understand which frame material and geometry will work for my next bike...a hardtail. Love the videos!!

[@danbob1650]

Funny thing every thing is true had me 😂... Thinking of myself. Im in phase 6 now

[@dozza7946]

With the last hour I was privy to a guy buying a bike for his son..... He was told all the differences between the spec on 3 bikes.... there was a ridiculous amount of difference... The guy then asked “How much does it weigh”?? I then witnessed him follow the sales guy round the shop with a scale and proceeded to weigh 5 bikes. Stuck in Phase2!! Made me chuckle after watching this video 🤭

[@alejandronovelo1265]

I know I'm late to the party but I appreciate the marital advice @ 4:22. Hopefully some of the young guys took notes🖋

[@CycloneKracken]

I'm on a 100mm XC hardtail and having a blast. I can make a round trip on the road and hit some trails. I have realized while riding with others that I want some better frame geometry for a designated trail bike, I'm looking into the Trek Roscoe or Rocky Mountain Growler, maybe the Marin El Roy but that thing might be overkill.

[@hossb57]

thanks, a good guideline for comparing bikes.

[@Antli2024]

I was the guy that bought a bike right away. I wish I would have shopped around. It's a beautiful bike, but the headtube angle is too steep. It holds me back. Looking around I could have save a couple hundred dollars and gotten something close to 66 or 67 degrees. I have gotten good on this bike and definitely have learned from my mistake. In a few years I will sell my rockhopper and get something that likes to shred more downhill

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

Great video I'm in the phase were my local bike shop guy (a frend) said I was to picky since I calculated inch feet and changed my front sprocket to 34 tooth so it would climb like I want. Changed the grips to odi long necks cause I have been riding them since the bmx days and fully trued and tensioned my wheels before bringing the bike home 🤘 I also looked at every bike available in my price range before test fitting and test riding everyone I could get my hands on ocd add 😂

[@hardtailparty]

My kind of guy!

[@trishaleaver3581]

A lot of great pro riders came out of BMX. It’s a great way to learn bike handling skills.

[@David-rb3tk]

Just came across your channel. Love it. I suppose it's confirmation bias but I have been saying for awhile now: Geometry then suspension then wheels in that order. Everything else is easier, and cheaper (in a relative way) to change. I heard about your channel from a friend who knows I am in the hunt for a new hard tail.

[@hardtailparty]

Right on! Props to your friend for turning you on to my channel. Welcome to the party.

[@mnbv990]

A very informed, and sage like essay there sir.

[@darinearle408]

Phase 6 but staying with hardtail.im a sasquatch rider.broke a fully framed twice.gun shy of fully framed now.2021 Growler is where I'm leaning towards.

[@hardtailparty]

growler review coming soon.

[@DoctorORBiT]

I'm between phase 5 & 6. I fully understand the component aspect, but am still learning about what makes a frame "good" for you. I found the Dartmoor Primal which has a killer 65,5 head angle and very nice geo overall. Did a bunch of research and found people (enjoyably) doing flow, trail and enduro trails on it. That's exactly where I want to head! I had a Ghost Kato 1 before (from 2017), it was fine, but it has basic parts (Shimano Tourney 3x8, Some Suntour 100mm coil fork) and it's a cross country bike. It was definitely awesome to get into biking with, but I hope the Primal was the right decision forwards :)

[@hardtailparty]

Did you already buy it? The primal looks crazy stiff, but who knows, I've been wrong before.