Canfield Nimble 9 Build and First Look: A Modern Singlespeed Steel Hardtail

The Canfield Nimble 9 is on its 5th generation, with more modern geometry, with the same heritage underneath. In this episode we build up a frame from scratch and turn it into a modern singlespeed hardtail. This bike has a 415-430mm chainstay, a 450mm reach (size med), a 66* hta, and a 77* effective sta. On paper, this bike makes a lot of sense for a lot of people.
In all the bikes that come across my workstand, this was my favorite to build and look at. Canfield took note of all the small details that make a build a joy, from separately bagged hardware, included headsets and collars, ed coating, and perfect finish on the dropouts, head tube, full external cable routing, and clean threadded bottom bracket. This is the new standard for whats possible when building a frame up.
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[@prestonlindbeck1197]

Just bought this bike today 2/March/2024 as a birthday present to myself which won’t be until the end of the month. And yes I’m having it converted to a singlespeed. This is the Way.

[@hardtailparty]

I've built a lot of bikes on my day, and this one was my favorite. Stunning craftsmanship, beautiful lines, and they've thought of all the little details. Canfield just raised the bar for what a frame-up build should be like. Note: I put the dropout washers on backwards, so if you're following this, flip 'em around.

[@titoton]

looking forward for the review. not only on the frame but the budget fork and the oval chainring on a single speed.

[@hardtailparty]

@Adrian Araya So many bikes... so little time...

[@michaelgoddard9089]

Fantastic looking bike! @hardtail party Do you have a list of SingleSpeed capable hardtails ??

[@hardtailparty]

@@michaelgoddard9089 there's a thread on mtbr that has a list.

[@hughsnyder891]

So glad you’re doing a review on this bike . Canfield deserves your attention.

[@KeanuSwayze]

Picked one of these up last month. It's sitting in my office waiting to be built up. Absolutely can't wait!

[@hardtailparty]

Get on it!

[@josephglaze7023]

Note that the new batch of frames DO NOT include the headset, seat clamp or stickers as seen in this video. Add another $100.00 for them. Found out the hard way.

[@ltdanyj]

Hey Canfield- You can thank Hardtail party for my order!! Can't wait to build this up!!

[@mr.b.sartroom5892]

Me too!

[@richardvercoe4638]

I've been riding the Gen4 (2017) Nimble9 for a couple years now and loved it, but it was a bit short on reach for my ideal feel. I just finally received the Gen 5 (in the blue/black pinstripe) a couple weeks ago. I transferred all the parts over immediately from the G4 and have a 1/2 dozen rides so far. I found the lastest gen still has the supple steel feel on the rough stuff, but the updated geo (with the longer reach, slightly slacker head angle, and steeper seat tube angle) make it WAY more capable than the G4 in subtle, but noticeable ways (both climbing and descending). I'm really looking forward to your ride review. ENJOY and keep up the good hardtail work!

[@hardtailparty]

Glad to hear your take on the new g5 vs g4 Richard, thanks for sharing that!

[@thomaskuhn6541]

I've only watched the first 2 minutes but I have to say, that's a great looking frame - WOW! Love the higher stack and sub 1200mm wheelbase on the M.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Whoa, stunning frame in design and color! Can’t wait to see how it performs.🤙🏻

[@kikoy08]

It looks like a mix of commencal meta ht and statnton switchback.. ☺️☺️☺️ Its gorgeous and im drooling with chromoly steel frames!! Wooow!! 😍😍😍

[@Akre2]

Love the oval on my single speed

[@qualm43]

I'm VERY interested to see how well that rear triangle absorbs the hits! Visually it seems like it would be insanely effective.

[@bigshan5806]

Oh that’s looks rad dude, such a nice job on the welds. And the colour is mad

[@paulharrison3298]

Looking forward to this review. Very much looking forward to the Stanton build and review. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@clintnieves]

Sick head badge for sure. Amazing stance on that build

[@benestes1689]

I can’t wait for a review! I also can’t wait to see the banshee paradox build!

[@RomeMachine153]

Dropper seat tube size check was a good building tip. Awesome build.

[@NotASickEdit]

Used to have a yelli screamy and was dreaming of a N9. New one looks awesome

[@shaunroach7829]

Oh boy another single speed build🔥🔥🔥🔥!!! What a great 👍 way to start off Friday morning! Can’t wait for the review on the trails!!!

[@bensieber657]

What a beautiful frame! First one I've seen that ranks up with my Bruised Ego Purple Krampus. Can't wait for your trail review; those Nimble Nines are supposed to be a riot on the trail.

[@darylsablan9172]

Wow the quality on the craftwork is really good. I like the color scheme of this bike.

[@benjaminreohr4577]

I have owned a gen 2 and 3. It is my favorite hard tail by far!

[@Jharfouch]

Pretty psyched to see how this rides

[@charlesbisbee3014]

Great looking build! This is an exciting bike and I am looking forward to your review!

[@andybacon6007]

That's a really nice looking bike. I hope it goes as well as it looks

[@gr8fulride]

Excellent build. Looking forward to the ride review.

[@MrBig617]

Wow. That's a gorgeous bike

[@MatthewH2000]

For my HT, it was down to this and the Banshee Paradox... went with the banshee due to your review. Very happy with decision but this will definitely be my next frame. Very impressed with the craftsmanship.

[@hardtailparty]

Both are excellent choices.

[@alissandrocastillocarreno9205]

This bike seems perfect for the riding I do here in Houston. I'd get the medium but the bend in the seat tube has me concerned that I wouldn't be able to fit a 170mm dropper post.

[@ltdanyj]

What a pretty ride!

[@wesleywermuth9545]

Sweet video. I’m excited for the ride review!

[@hippiebits2071]

Beautiful craftsmanship and love the color! Chromoly is such a great frame material, I really wish there were more manufacturers still offering it in widespread applications.

[@hardtailparty]

There are quite a few chromo bikes out there still, but you have to dig a little to find them.

[@joemader2535]

one note regarding the unique design of the Suntour QR thru-axle; i ran an Aion fork on an old FS build and noted that a side effect of its design is that if you completely forget to tighten it, it cannot fall out (although your ride will feel super jankety, prompting you to stop and check). at the very end of a very rocky downhiller in Moab, I had a traditional QR thru axle (Marzocchi) completely unthread and fall out of brake side of the fork, causing the brake caliper to "taco" (i.e. squish) the rotor and trash the fork by bending it irrevocably at the crown... thankfully this happened after exiting the steepest sections of the fall line and no sandstone was eaten...

[@radagascar1]

Great idea with the forks. I hear the Bomber Z1/Z2 is the bomb at that price

[@matthewbenedetti490]

I'm super excited to see this review as this was one of bikes I considered the most when I decided to finally build a new hardtail. Ultimately I went with the Stanton Switch 9, because I liked the 140mm fork length, and the slacker head angle. But, I've been on a Canfield Yelli Screamy for almost 10 years, current frame is the 15-16 final gen, so Canfield will always be special brand to me.

[@hardtailparty]

I'll have a switch9er in for review soon. Keep in mind these nimble 9s are designed around a 140-160mm fork, just like the stanton.

[@ronaldlindsey4822]

That color is truly stunning. Wow.

[@RideYearRound]

Interested to see your thoughts on the oval ring, looks like a fun bike!

[@joshuakhatch1]

Rad dude!! Love my 2017 Nimble 9! Been waiting for a review from you!

[@TheDavidjakeson]

Oval rings on SS are really good. I tried one one mine and liked it a lot.

[@anotheryoutuber_]

they should make oval rear cogs so they can be timed with the front chaining #twotoone

[@bimmerfan729]

Nice! Killer looking bike

[@stumpjumper4117]

Finally! You got one. Looking forward to the test ride..👍

[@clipless03]

So geeked for this one!

[@bric_a_bry]

Ugh, the pleasure you have experiencing those setups.... I can only drool..🤤🤤🤤 That's one sick frame!!

[@hardtailparty]

I feel extremely fortunate.

[@50mtb44]

Can't wait to see you ride it. Beautiful color.

[@jamesgem1809]

Looking forward to your review! This might be my choice for my new hardtail!

[@jasonlittle690]

Beautiful bike...just picked up the last frame in my size in "static" but that "cola" color was gorgeous. Great video. Never built a bike with adjustable dropouts so that may be interesting. Great informative videos Steve -- thank you!

[@hardtailparty]

Enjoy, it's a beauty.

[@dhones23]

Work of art you have there, can't wait for the ride report!

[@nope3378]

Single speed mtbs are great like an adult bmx.. awesome.

[@russelrivera5044]

Excited to see the review, and hear your opinions about the oval chainring! Beautiful build.

[@phrides]

So glad to see you building-up a Nimble 9. I hope that you've got a Marzocchi fork on your to-demo list (assuming Fox will send one your way).

[@hardtailparty]

I have a z1 on my Honzo esd. I talk about it in that video.

[@coreywilliams8568]

@@hardtailparty I was about to write something similar! I was happy to see you using a fork in the $500 price range bc I bought the Z2 for my Ragley build. BUT I am new to biking, and this will be my first build, so I didn't think I had to get my dream fork for the first one.

[@hardtailparty]

@@coreywilliams8568 the z2 will be plenty for most riders.

[@hardmtnbiker]

Looks awesome, I’ve only seen my friends Nimble 9 and always wanted one. As for the oval ring. I personally don’t ever think I would use on my SS for a couple of reasons. 1. The variable chain slack 2. The loss of leverage when punching up sections while out of the saddle. I have an oval on my geared hardtail and it works great but I definitely noticed the lack of leverage. Not as critical on geared bikes but on SS it disrupted my flow.

[@Akre2]

If you use a chain tensioner like a surly singulator you are fine. I felt like the oval helped me on my punchy climbs, plus my knees felt better after the ride

[@hardmtnbiker]

bananas stuff I get what you are saying and it makes sense to even out the leverage when you sit and spin. As for single speed mountain biking I’m out of my saddle and use the leverage that is presented with a round ring to punch through technical climbing sections. At least that’s how it feels to me. Getting out of the saddle on an oval ring doesn’t feel as powerful due to the lack of leverage. IMHO

[@drewziraldo5407]

Can't wait to see the ride review. Such a beautiful bike! The frame is so aesthetically pleasing, and that geometry sounds perfect. I mightve found my next hardtail to buy...

[@tylerc8039]

Looks sweet Steve! I bet this will be a fun single speed :D

[@cameronlesley2428]

Great build video. Look forward to watching you put it through it passes

[@LumenateBinauralBeats]

Nice I'm still running a 2011 yelli screamy

[@scoc253]

beautiful beautiful frame i will single speed that bad boy! 34(oval)/20 gear would be dope in that mean frame. love the color love everything. great video! awesome man! dude how about rockshox 35 Gold rl or suntour durolux rc2 both on 140mm travel would be rad and would love to see on your build soon.

[@iberofernandez7888]

Hello from Panama, I am a big fan of this Channel. Always great content and reviews !!!

[@hardtailparty]

Saludos ibero

[@baddriversofcolga]

That's without a doubt a beautiful bike. The paint reminds me of the color of my previous bike, a 2009 Jamis XCT 2.0, but even nicer. Hope it lives up to expectations! I'm also looking forward to hearing about that fork - I do wish they'd work on their graphics, though, as silly as it might sound.

[@alexw3246]

What a beauty! I like the color!

[@chickensendies]

What a stunning color! Looks great!

[@saararni]

Had the 1st generation of these, really liked them but that nice chain-stays broke real fast right in that pretty welding point.

[@robertbransby]

Lovely looking frame!

[@michiganstate149]

On the subject of "cheap" forks, I'd suggest the Bomber Z2 or Z1. I'm running a 130mm Z2 on my TJ and it's great. A little heavy, but it was a $350 pull off with a star nut/race installed. Very happy with the performance for the price.

[@TheSurftrailer]

Agree I think the Z2 is about $500 new. I bought a used Fox Rhythm 34 and it shares some parts I found out. The rhythm seems like a nice fork.

[@hardtailparty]

@@TheSurftrailer I reviewed the Z1 on my Honzo esd video. I may try the z2 one day. I doubt marzocchi would send me one, but I can ask. I like the fox rhythm a lot. That's a fantastic fork. I wish they were available aftermarket.

[@tmwei396]

I have the same SR Suntour Aion fork on my steel hartail (Ragley Blue Pig) build and the fork punches above its weight class.

[@dxsmith12]

I would like to build this exact bike. Is there a parts list for all that was installed including wheels?

[@diveaddict6885]

Sick machine work

[@Bushwackerinpa]

been loving mine!

[@mellissanash7517]

I'm sure you know you can get some Guide T for really good price & a good upgrade from the Level T & TLM. My friend went from Level TLM that came on his bike to Guide T which he got the set for $100 and he says he feels the extra power. Also told me the Guide RE is a Code Caliper with Guide brake levers. I've seen the front go for like $100 take off on Pink Bike a few months ago. Really thinking about moving to Guide RE>

[@sparks701]

Looks amazing. Love the color. Looks like root beer or dr. pepper on video.

[@bopssingh8832]

Nice paint job. Be interesting to do a back to back with the Kona Honzo ESD and this bike

[@hardtailparty]

Very different bikes. 63* head angle vs 66.

[@bopssingh8832]

@@hardtailparty I'm just about to drop some cash for a new bike and have been super interested in the slack aggressive HT bikes. What would you recommend as a do it all bike?

[@hardtailparty]

@@bopssingh8832 Check out my playlist of bike reviews. For more customized recommendations, I do that via patreon.

[@josephnubile1970]

Awsome video as always. In your next bike build could you please go over weather to use spacers on your cranks or not. I just dont know why you may or may not have to use them in the first place and if it is just to make sure the cranks dont hit the chain stays how much clearence is actually needed. I know this is a basic question but I havent been able to find anyone that goes over this they usually just slide the cranks in and go . Keep up the great videos and I look forward to seeing the next one.

[@hardtailparty]

Depends on your cranks.

[@jasoniannone9675]

Canfield has some unusual geo. Steepest seat tube angle out there with a pretty sane head tube angle. It reminds me of Stanton's 650b bikes. I love that you went from the unrefined Rurok to this. What a difference.

[@Stevesbe]

The wheel base on the new nimble frames are crazy long that small size has a longer wb then my xl 2016 nimble

[@hardtailparty]

modern frames keep getting longer and longer. It sure doesn't feel long to me.

[@1pho3nixmatt]

It's a beaut!

[@Boy_sumi]

That’s a HOT bike! 🌶 🥵

[@josephfarace8280]

Hi Steve. Beautiful bike. I was wonder if you can get your hands on a Marin El Roy for review. Seams similar to the Honzo ESD but might be more affordable??? Thanks and sorry if this is a repeat request.

[@hardtailparty]

They're almost the same exact price. I'll get one eventually, but there are only 2 in existence right now.

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

Looks super sick😍🤘

[@adamrossi7010]

Now that is a good looking bike!! Can’t wait for the review. I was a big fan of the yeli screamy. Steve have you tried a marzocchi bomber z2?

[@hardtailparty]

I haven't ridden a z2 on a hardtail, just on a full suspension. I've ridden the z1 on the honzo esd.

[@MrRefreshinglygood]

great video's

[@jaskrol]

That bike looks sick, can't wait for the review! Any chance of reviewing a Nukeproof Scout in the future?

[@smleitch]

Great stuff, just found the channel and I love how you get into the geometry of the bikes you review. Would love to hear your opinion on the Surly Karate Monkey - seems pretty popular among steel hardtails.

[@hardtailparty]

Its got super dated geo, but for adventuring it could be a good choice.

[@watsonthedog264]

With the oval chainring could you/would you put a chain tensioner on there to eliminate the tight and loose spots? Loved the build and I'm looking forward to the review on such a beautiful bike

[@connorwhite102]

You really need to look at the on one big bog and the hello Dave it's possibly one of the most hardcore hardtails I've ever ridden I loved mine so much I made the wife order one so we can have matching bikes.

[@hardtailparty]

Believe me, I've looked at it and reached out to on one multiple times. No luck getting one for review.

[@connorwhite102]

@@hardtailparty if you're ever in the UK you can happily lend my big bog or my hello Dave. It's a bit depressing that they haven't got back to you as I reckon you can help them grow because they're not really that normal in the UK

[@hardtailparty]

@@connorwhite102 I agree. Some companies understand the value of a KZbin review, while others don't.

[@connorwhite102]

@@hardtailparty they're the ones missing out because you put out some great content I haven't been subscribed for long but I have to say I've watched a few your videos now and you on top of my list

[@jloucks7]

Suntour epixon 120 mm lockout remote

[@bryanmartinez4893]

Hmm I can’t see that color on their website. Only two tone paint jobs. Which I don’t really like. Bummer. That cherry cola red is so sick! Waiting in the ride review. Looking forward to how it compares to banshee and rsd steel MC. I can’t make up my mind. So many hardtails.

[@hardtailparty]

I've updated the link. Does that fix it?

[@bryanmartinez4893]

Yes it did! Awesome

[@okelleyappraisals]

Great review, Thank you! Looking at the Canfield website it seems like this frame you received has a very minimal seat tube gusset as compared to the photos of the frames on their site. Do you know if this is a new design for 2021?

[@okelleyappraisals]

Disregard. I just found out that varies with frame size.

[@stumpjumper4117]

What travel fork did you put on ? 140?

[@adlar2005]

What a beaut - Have you reviewed a Chromag Stylus?

[@hardtailparty]

I've ridden one, but I didn't film a video

[@kinkybarf9619]

thanks for all your reviews! my favorite setup you've rolled out yet. do you have a favorite cassette spacer set for single speed? tire insert in your ardent race?

[@hardtailparty]

No insert. I don't have a preference for spacers. Whatever is cheap.

[@thebadness6217]

next year you should definitely start demanding a little $$$ from bike manufacturers. Your reviews are good and they definitely sell bikes.

[@hardtailparty]

If I were paid for the bikes I review, I'd be biased and it would influence my reviews. At the moment I rely on kind patron. I have some sponsorship ideas for next year, we'll see what happens.

[@paulmulryne8405]

That is a sexy looking hardtail! Wow!

[@falllinemaniac]

Hehe I got the same color on mine

[@hardtailparty]

Excellent choice

[@paulv8453]

STEVE, why no ISCG tabs. Why are sube of the best builders leaving these out if they are so up to date & modern? Thanks

[@gavinwang3046]

I think you should try the marzocchi z2. its basically a fox but 500 bucks

[@hardtailparty]

I'm familiar with it, but I'm also open to trying lesser-known brands.

[@gavinwang3046]

hardtail party makes sense 👍

[@dingo2083]

What did you think of the 2021 Giant Fathom unveiling?

[@pjsanab]

So when you measured 7.5” on the steer tube... was that the measurement where you cut it, or was this entire tube length?? (If that’s the minimum it’s a long steer tube length, kinda makes you buy a new fork.)

[@hardtailparty]

It's where I cut it

[@pjsanab]

@@hardtailparty Thanks for replying and for the review they’re excellent, just ordered a Pike Ultimate Silver (42 offset). In my case the advantage of the Paradox V3 vs Nimble would’ve been the ability to borrow a fork from one of my other bikes. That Nimble steer tube is long, and since is not tapered the headset adds to that length. But I have 2 Full Suspension bikes for gnarly riding, so I wanted a hardtail for xc trails where full suspension just feels like too much.

[@johnnyd614]

That build is beautiful. What would you estimate the cost of the entire build is?

[@mioutdoors426]

When can you do a video about the Marin El Roy?

[@hardtailparty]

There are only 2 in existence at the moment. They'll send me one when there's more availability. I don't know when that is.

[@mioutdoors426]

Have you ever rode a Chromag doctahawk speaking of hard-core hard tails?

[@hardtailparty]

No. Chromag doesn't send bikes out for review. I think I'd struggle with the 180mm fork on that.

[@MaxHancockMusic]

do you like the dvo diamond d2? seems like a great budget fork.

[@hardtailparty]

I'm not sure which diamond I have, but I haven't loved it. I feel like I need to tweak it some more to get it to feel good.

[@zmogusnesupras5163]

Hi man.sweat videos,a lot of good information and also you ride a lot of good hardtails so please help me decide what to do. Im looking for a hardtail frame agressive one. Very agressive. Im looking to chromag stylus. Banshee paradox v3. And those i cant get it. Well chromag stylus L size is bigest and im 6,3 or 191cm.So i see commencal meta am ht and i like it. And then i see your video with banshee paradox v3 and then i see that you say that banshee more better then meta and how about his one ?nimble 9 2020. Does this frame deserve carbon wheels with hope pro4 hubs,carbon cranksets carbon bar. Fox fork 160 170mm. Parts for frame (heart) i have for 3000$ what frame to choose? I have at the moment Orbea wild ht E bike Hardtail. Agressive bike i like it alot.but now im looking something special that i can go to La fenasosa bike park in spain.so please help somehow :))

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

How u like the rekon/ ardent race combo so far? Slippery when wet?! 👽

[@hardtailparty]

I wouldn't know, it's never wet here in the desert. I like it for the desert. I have an upcoming video where I do a 50 mile ride on these wheels/tires.

[@jcmymtb1258]

I own an Oracle from Prophecy Bikes, hope one day see it in your channel