How Hard Can You Shred A Budget Bike? | Shredding An Entry Level Hardtail MTB

We often talk about the latest and greatest expensive mountain bikes on GMBN and are often asked to feature cheaper, more entry-level bikes on the channel. But how hard can you shred a budget / entry-level 29er hardtail?
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Leave us a comment below!

[@phu5005]

GMBN: Can you shred a budget mtb? Sam Pilgrim: Watch me shred this bike made from a bed frame. It’s the dream...

[@dvs620]

His craziest video still. The 2nd one where he plots a small downhill over a fallen tree limb, INSTANTLY regrets it, then shrugs his shoulders and half heartedly says "Bed bike it," remains one of my absolute favorite moments of his. Then he nearly "dies" after the bike takes him down a different line. 😬

[@loricica89]

Also, Sam's video on a wooden bike :)))

[@petraessig9403]

Thats Sam...

[@Arthur-mh2uo]

Let Blake do it on a rockrider st 520 from decathlon and carrera vengeance from halfords. That’ll be more interesting

[@sathyaki]

They only do canyon bikes because of sponsorship.

[@Brdaification]

They did a video on road bikes from Decahtlon at GCN, maybe this could be done :)

[@Arthur-mh2uo]

@@sathyaki I know they’re sponsored by canyon but they can still ride a £400 decathlon or Halfords bike. Like about a year ago Neil did a comparison against a Voodoo Bantu and a Pole Stamina 180.

[@sathyaki]

@@Arthur-mh2uo If they can it will be wonderful ,because these 1000 dollar bikes are still not affordable for the majority.

[@stickyschannel8497]

Now that's a real budget bike.

[@MichaelB_93]

"many of us start out on much more budget bikes, very similar to this one here" * Vaguely gestures in the direction of a £850 Canyon

[@MichaelB_93]

@Kian Branson @Matteo Marcelo Thanks guys not sure what I would have done without you

[@George-je1fs]

Wow, well thank goodness for you and you're 2 alt accounts

[@MichaelB_93]

@@George-je1fs I'm poking fun at them, they're not my accounts.

[@George-je1fs]

I know I was supposed to reply to them sorry lol

[@MichaelB_93]

@@George-je1fs Ah, everything is right in the world again :p

[@louisrovegno542]

Can we take a moment to appreciate that this guy can really ride!

[@yvan2218]

Huh, considering its 949 USD on the canyon site, id actually say this is pretty budget compared to the prices of the stuff they normally ride. Pretty midrange for the rest of us mere mortals but actually reasonable this time. Good job guys

[@oanatudor1339]

Yeah really expected it to be 1200 $

[@KarlEller]

Yeah, their other "budget" video I remember watching had a $2k+ bike, which is hardly budget by most people's standard.

[@ShannonSouthAfrica]

Budget takes on a new meaning when you don't have to buy your own bikes lol

[@alz230]

Exactly people usually start on a trek marlin or something like that. Wonder if they can shred that

[@13LAIR-R]

£850 is not a budget bike £850 imo is the starting range for expensive bikes

[@pranavreddy6470]

Thank you for more budget videos about more lower end bikes

[@dopeytripod]

if anything they need to hit up their local bike shop, FIND A HARDTAIL & A FULL SUS BIKE, fix them up & GIVE THEM AWAY!

[@RomansDowntime]

Absolutely enjoy budget bike videos to show you don't need the latest carbon bike to enjoy mtb!

[@stefanoberli5920]

Yeah you just need to be pretty good on a bike to compensate. Which most people looking to buy an entry level bike arent. At least thats what I've figured out from watching these videos.

[@frankiepaul9869]

You still need some money to go shredding trust me I ride for hours everyday and my.bike wouldn't survive a trial.

[@dvs620]

@@stefanoberli5920 But most beginners wouldn't survive that trail on the best bikes. You got to learn skills no matter what and what's being pointed out is that a budget bike will do the job. Sam Pilgrim tool a Walmart bike to Whistler and he (and the bike) made it the whole day. That's more appropriate for your argument. This right here shows that a budget bike is a good start for people, who will mostly do XC type rides, not downhill.

[@sijmes]

Great bike to start on and certainly worthy of upgrades later.

[@stefanoberli5920]

Still not convinced on the hardtail vs fully stuff.. Isnt a fully a easier entry as it gives you more grip? I get it that you must build up your own skills and not rely on the bike taking all the hits for you. Just kinda diffucult judging the best point of entry into the sport. Btw I'm looking into enduro, i think you should climb first to deserve the downhill part.. But a friend of mine has just gotten totally into downhill, so theres also that..

[@laudenciamarkjoberm.6553]

This is the video I've been waiting for, a simple humble hardtail

[@luca1658]

Me canyon stoic is my dream bike Gmbn here we have a really cheap bike

[@rcfanaticdublin]

@@luca1658, I bet my Sub £500...2015 Carrera Vulcan could do just as good in the right hand's.

[@aberjack92]

Finally you listened. A realistic budget bike video with a suntour fork. Still not quite "budget" but I understand that £800 is probably as cheap as your sponsors go. Would be nice to see a Vitus Nucleus or any Carrera on here though

[@Basement_CNC]

you have to ask yourself if you want to really want a a mtb that will hold up 4evet or if you want a bike for the next 2 years in case 1 get the one with good geo , throuaxles ... the normal seat post an be changed out later for a dropper etc in case2: get any other one, the 800€ is kinda the point where you a good bike , everything under is just a bike , but you have to be careful and know what you are looking for to get a good one at this price

[@sohamsingh591]

I've got a Carrera Vengeance and ride only red trails with a bunch of technical bits and rocky decents etc etc. So far she's been alright but the mechanical disc brakes are so shit. Another thing is I've had a bad crash on it and my front brake lever has bent to 90° lmao. She does the job though

[@nope929]

@@Basement_CNC most people want to enter the sport for the most minimal fiscal risk so they aren't thinking about thru axels.

[@epicmtbshorts5116]

Yes, vitus nucleus

[@aberjack92]

@@Basement_CNC I understand what you're saying and it is true that it's much better to spend more upfront to save costly upgrades in the future. But some of us just hit the trails once a week spring through summer and just want something that won't fall apart. Plus when you have multiple hobbies, there's only so much you can justify spending on one of them. Granted everyone's budget is different.

[@full-english]

Thank you for remembering that a great many of have a 10k passion and a 1k budget.

[@PS-gg2rd]

Heck yea. I got back into MTB 2 yrs ago. Bought a Salsa Timberjack new. Bike has now been completely rebuilt frame up and I love it ! Fox Rythm 36 140mm up front. Sram rsc 4 piston , 200mm, 180mm, sram gx. Those were the expensive upgrades. Im glad I did it this way . I did alot of research on all my parts and it was fun learning . So now I have a badass hardtail ! Full suspension next year hopefully if the bike manufacturers recover and can put bikes back in stock. For now Ill continue to ride my one of a kind Salsa Timberjack. Ride on GMBN and all you beautiful people ! Lol

[@Nerf_Me_Now]

I am riding a 550 euro alum frame hardtail, and im having so much fun on it....its very good for climbing and downhill you can shred on it it just relies more on the riders ability than the fancy parts of the bike....cheers to all my hardtail brothers in here!

[@conqueringviking]

Most of the people on my local trails are on Santa Cruz , Nukeproof etc. I’m always on their tail on my voodoo bizango 😂

[@rafe7678]

Then you're the better rider right? Good going

[@IanMaddock]

All the gear no idea comes to mind with some people. I see it myself. People who spend £2k+ on a bike but would probably be just as good on a bike that cost £200. How can you justify spending that kind of cash if you aren't going to use the bike to it's full potential.

[@23-infinitymusic46]

Fuck yes man!

[@samb2334]

@@IanMaddock because more expensive bikes are more fun, for my 14th birthday I got my first full sus enduro bike and it’s so much better and more fun than my old 400 quid hardtail. The chain doesn’t rattle about and eventually come off, dropper, air suspension so my suspension actually moves😂😅 ect. U don’t have to be Sam Hill to have a nice bike

[@IanMaddock]

@@samb2334 not denying it. Have a nice bike if you want it. But buying a top of the range bike doesn't automatically make you a top of the range rider. There are some riders hooning round the trails with some really expensive bikes but ride them like a shopping bike. Then again there are also some really good riders who are limited because they can only afford to spend £150 on their bike.

[@yorkshiremtber7884]

I’d be more impressed if you did it on a Halfords special

[@ronstarm3]

My mate does it on a voodoo Bantu, it does the trick but does get caught out on red/black trails obviously. But for £350 and to get your fitness up it's a steal. Agree, would love to see how far one of this lot could push a Halfords spesh and give a proper review with no partner bias.

[@christopherbudden1652]

There’s a carrera for 600 quid with a one by eleven shimano deore and a dropper which a decent deal tbh

[@computerbob06]

Neil has a video where he tries to find a 2nd hand bike! He eventually gives up and buys a Voodoo Hoodoo HT and loves it! As far as I know he still rides it as his home HT! Also, every review of the Bizango I've seen has been favourable! Rich is only showing this one because its a sponsored bike! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaKbhKOkg7qNrK8

[@rafe7678]

@@computerbob06 I love the exclamation marks! XD

[@oanatudor1339]

@@computerbob06 i got a voodoo hoodoo second hand but sadly the suspension is pretty broken

[@Yes_this_is_my_cat]

My bike is more as twice as cheap... It still rides pretty good and I'm always happy to go ride it. It's my first bike and I'm really glad to own it. I think as long as your bike is able to do what you want it to do, it's a fun bike.

[@Madbusop718]

Currently out on disability due to a torn rotator cuff in my right arm job related. I own 2 MTB's first a Walmart Hyper Carbon X that I've upgraded over the years and 2nd a 18 year old Iron Horse Warrior SE. I can't ride or do anything but look at my bikes and watch KZbin MTB videos and this particular mtb has my attention. This has been a great hands on video and for the price it leaves room for upgrades. Great video and stay blessed and safe.

[@packepuck]

I'm riding a Specialized Rockhopper Expert as my first mtb. Probably equivalent to that Canyon. Love it to bits! Perfect for beginners with a limited budget.

[@uninhibited_mtb]

I’ve been riding on this bike too until my previous days, it was pretty good bike for beginning 🙌

[@hanzmartir8882]

I have a 15k pesos (300 dollars) hardtail and i've been hitting 20 ft gaps. The canyon is way too expensive for me☺️😂

[@MrDerpy-vf5sq]

what brand dude?

[@hanzmartir8882]

@@MrDerpy-vf5sq M.O.B. frame, xcr fork and the rest are entry level parts

[@heu4534]

Same here my mtb cost 15k pesos but even tho it's cheap I find it very fun

[@harveymartinez9150]

Xcr air sir or coil? Planning on buying the coil type (my budget)

[@ickbar11]

Agreed, 800$ usd for a freaking entry level mtb is super expensive!! If you are not racing even a vintage MTB like my Trek 930 worth less than 150$ can do the job.

[@LomTong]

"Only" £850 🤣 I think our definitions of 'budget' differ greatly.

[@edwardobodo2268]

850 is like a LOT of money. Its more than Rent, infact its rent and bills all in. for a commoner

[@andyventures6574]

@@edwardobodo2268 as a commoner, I agree...

[@naturalscienceandphilosoph8980]

@@andyventures6574 I have a Vitus E Escarpe it cost me 3800 GBP i am only able to afford it as my father was brutally put to death in an NHS hospital recently and he recieved what is known as a death in service pension. This country is fast turning into a horror show. Commoners like me and you need to stick together and strive for a better world. Men who say a budget E bike is 850 quid need a reality check or a bat to the face.

[@mikecoulter5243]

I'm confused, what do you think is "budget"? MTBing is an expensive hobby and 850 converts to ~$1100 US dollars. Anything under that is really ill equipped to take down any kind of technical or challenging trail. You could buy bikes for less absolutely, but they would be suited for riding fire roads or family dirt trails for the most part. At least, component-wise I mean. Anyone could buy a $500/350 bike and ride it anywhere they want but the components aren't suited and will absolutely break and wear out. Thus "entry level" and "budget" hard tails really are in that $1100/850 range. For context, iPhones cost more than this. The average worker, overseas or here in the US should be able to budget and afford this. The only variable there is time. Will it take you 3 months savings or will it take you 2 years? If you can't afford a $1100 bike, then go buy the $500 version you can but you're going to have to start replacing and upgrading parts absolutely. Why not just save and wait a few more months to afford the better bike. Or, just pick another hobby?

[@andyventures6574]

@@mikecoulter5243 For some of us pal, that's give up, don't bother, not wait a few months. This is where you need to shush and listen.

[@BDC_Loot_Goblin]

I’ve only just got into the sport and got myself a Marin san Quentin 1, it’s got me hooked on the sport and can’t wait to keep improving 🤙

[@jamesoregan8183]

I have the same bike and I love it so far it takes everything I throw at it.

[@xWood4000]

Yes! This is the content we requested! 500$-1000$ is a realistic range for many and there are great value models in that range

[@bananasstuff3344]

For sure. That's when you start to get a bike worth riding in the long term. You can pay less, but in my experience it's not worth it if you want to shred like in this video.

[@xWood4000]

@@bananasstuff3344 Agreed. Dropper post is really the only luxury I miss

[@bananasstuff3344]

@@xWood4000 yeah. Definitely wanna look for internal dropper routing at the minimum.

[@jadebool1906]

Never had a bike over £500 (vitus), its done bikeparks and local dh since new and is still going strong. Its all about the rider...

[@nope929]

Damn, what frame does it have since if it can take bike parks for £500 it's a tank.

[@jadebool1906]

@@nope929 its only a vitus nucleus.. it does most of the bikeparks in wales regularly and i mainly ride reds/blacks. Its done jumps around 15 -20 ft and some fair size drops.. cant fault it to be honest. Dont get me wrong id love a nice full sus but the old hardtail does the job lol.

[@DownhillDesireMTB]

im learning on a £350 budget hardtail! that one looks like luxury to me lol

[@craigmarshall9450]

Not sure what it compares to Australian dollars but my giant boulder was $650 years ago. Full suspension would be nice but but don't have the funds

[@MrDerpy-vf5sq]

*cries in 200$ hardtail*😅

[@DownhillDesireMTB]

@@craigmarshall9450 still enjoying myself though! one day i will get a better bike!!

[@DownhillDesireMTB]

@@MrDerpy-vf5sq lol

[@TheRetroSeries2a]

😀

[@aaronhooper4803]

As someone who just bought their first decent hardtail, finding this video has made me so happy

[@jannikorth5750]

Oh my god, I actually ordered the Stoic 2 a few days ago, can't wait for your "review"

[@qpwdfgh4939]

I'm genuinely surprised Canyon decided to release these...Anyways have fun with yours!

[@diviscadilek1764]

My review is that it will probably only be good for blue trails if you want it to survive longer than 1 season. I have a similiar bike, but it has a touring groupset that rattles the chain away, it also often sends the derailleur straight into the spokes, and while the fork has 120mm of travel, it's an overly heavy useless hunk of metal. Last year, I got myself a proper bike around the 2000$ mark, the Merida Ninety Six, and that bike is much different from the cheap hardtail I still have laying around somewhere. It'll last astronomically longer, it's lighter, and it's much more fun and safe to descend on. I recommend you spend at least 1500$ on a well-equipped hardtail if you plan to take it on some proper MTB trails.

[@anastasioskondakos2090]

Wait how it’s out of stock

[@jannikorth5750]

@@anastasioskondakos2090 It wasn't for a short time, and I was lucky enough to get it in my size

[@anastasioskondakos2090]

@@jannikorth5750 why u say that

[@StreamTin]

Amazing looking frame, great to see some proper budget bikes and how capable they can be!

[@rwandnw]

Need to give all the presenters a small budget to build bike from second hand gear they buy and then test them on climbs,downhill,tricks and jumps.

[@marg1867]

Top gear style

[@komerka35]

They did something like that a while back

[@mark-jx6qi]

They did a £100 bike challenge about a year ago

[@rwandnw]

I don't think they built the bikes

[@mark-jx6qi]

@@rwandnw yeh I don’t think they did

[@fourocker]

Used to ride a 2006 Specialized S-works Stumpjumper FSR which served me extremely well, sold it and all my gear and gave MTB away 10 years ago which I never should have but life got in the way. Just started again at 57 with a Trek Roscoe 7, I love this very capable hardtail and it copes with everything I used to ride on the Stumpy but climbs better....like a tractor over and up everything, as things wear out I'll upgrade parts along the way but the basis is the frame and it's well worth keeping and upgrading, I'm not even slightly interested in full suspension any more, the hardtail is so direct and connected with the trails I really enjoy that experience, I can ride it anywhere up and down all day.😊

[@dannyboyoh]

Voodoo Hoodoo £430 Halfords special. Don't care if it gets stolen, don't care if I case or crash. Still send it, still sherd it. Done more damage to myself than I have the bike and all with a smile on my face.

[@frcat8599]

Im with ya on that 💯

[@bashbarnard]

Ive got a voodoo bantu. Had it 5 years. Abused living hell out of it. Still rides fine no issues. only had to do basic mantaince to it. cheap bikes can be awesome fun

[@dannyboyoh]

@@bashbarnard same with mine mate. Until I'm at a level of riding skill wise where Ive got the flow and steeze to warrant a £3000+ full sus I'm happy to learn and progress on a cheap but capable hardtail.

[@dvs620]

Just bought a 2nd hand Trek Marlin for $450 (USD) yesterday. I'm starting my "trail" riding skills in the alleys in my neighborhood. Decided to get one to break up the monotony of riding my single speed around my neighborhood or downtown area. Frame feels very solid with internal routing, ability to add dropper post and hydraulic brakes. Don't really see a need to upgrade to a different bike when I can just upgrade the fork and drivetrain to fit my skills as they evolve. I'm a few years MAYBE I'll get good enough to get a full suspension.

[@damansarajaya88]

This video clearly shows its not about the bike, its about the rider. Good show.

[@CoachLo3]

I just bought a used 2015 Giant ATX hard tail. After a new stem, bars, grips, and pedals, I shredded my first red trail on it this morning. So much better than a big box store bike. Keep up the great videos GMBN!

[@myrants5836]

My budget hardtail was about a grand. I've spent a couple of hundred my with some upgrades but I love it. The absolute best thing about it is when you show up people riding their high end bikes. Especially Ebikers it's extremely satisfying lol

[@FaisalKhan-om7en]

As a junior bike racer who is very matrialistic, i found out a year ago that its not the bike that makes you go faster or have more fun, its the riders mentality that motivates you to go faster and have a good time

True, but a cheaper bike won't last nearly as long as a bit more expensive one.

[@FaisalKhan-om7en]

@ fax

[@xDRAGONSHAGGERx]

@ no but a bike that sounds like it's about to fall apart is more fun

[@xDRAGONSHAGGERx]

Maybe not when commuting, but sending it! See Sam Pilgrims free bike challenge! 😂

​@@xDRAGONSHAGGERx well, that depends. If a cheap bike is there because of your limited budget, destroying it is not fun at all

[@adrian_veidt]

GMBN: How hard can you shred a "Budget" bike? Sam pilgrim on a walmart bike: Today is gonna be epic!

[@derrickfehr5590]

What a great video. I love my budget bike, Ghost Kato 5.9 so happy to see videos like this. Thanks GMBN!

[@23-infinitymusic46]

Short answer, yes. Of course you can. We all started on budget/cheaper-than-budget bikes and ripped the arse out of them, falling in love with the sport and having a killer time. It's easy to lose sight of the real point of mtb (i.e. to have fun) by getting obsessed with expensive parts and super fine details that suck the enjoyment out of things. I ride a 2011 Orange P7 frame that I've upgraded slowly over the years from stock into my own custom ride and I am in love with it. It's like with most hobbies/passions, when you ask the "pros" for advice they simply say "get out and do it" Just get out and ride.

[@nathankleber9150]

As a proud owner of the Stoic 2 i can say it is an amazing platform to upgrade as you get better and progress. The first thing i did was some spank spoon60 bars, stem, and grips, and some wolf tooth color kit bits, oh and the oneup dropper.

[@babilevi8506]

Nice Shred! As we say, it is all the rider, the bike just make it more comfortable

[@digital.olimon]

I have a old GT Avalanche, 500 brand New! Apart from the shocks it still shreds like crazy!

[@benjaminroys6613]

It could be a cheap £50 back page bike, and with a pro rider on it you could still make a dream video!

[@zorro2724]

Just bought a entry level hardtail, trying out the sport

[@copyright5193]

For everyone commenting that this bike is too expensive to be a budget bike.. well your completely right don’t feel bad about it. They should really be showing off a Btwin or a voodoo, something like that is a budget bike and perfectly able to send it down a trail.

[@Hamark]

I have just bought this bike as my second bike coming from a rockrider 520 it will be a massive upgrade and i will be able to shred this bike in august

[@gusjeazer]

Please test a Decathlon mtb! A rockrider ST530 or 540 maybe!

[@roberttaranu9357]

A 340 would be overkill

[@gusjeazer]

@@roberttaranu9357 that one doesn't even have hydraulic disc brakes.

[@roberttaranu9357]

@@gusjeazer i am sure Blake can shred on it

[@gusjeazer]

@@roberttaranu9357 yeah, but if you spend just a little more, you get a whole lot more bike. Shredding with v brakes isn't fun. The ST530 is a cheap bike that has all the important things covered. Specifically, good geometry, ok Front suspension, decent brakes and gears.

[@marg1867]

Would be nice to see some budget build and ride videos

[@dadlife8289]

I do that on my KZbin channel called "Evans MTB Saga". Check it out!

[@marg1867]

@@dadlife8289 I actually watch your channel man 😂 love the content

[@lightbright9604]

I just bought a 2021 Specialized fuse expert.. Hardtail. I love it. So much better than my last big box store schwinn.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

My first experiences of mountain biking was on a 531c steel framed Orbit MTB, cantilever brakes, 3x7 gears and no suspension. They looked like overbuilt cyclocross machines. Rattled my way down the Marin trail in Snowdonia, did crazy adventures like exploring forests in the Lakes and followed old drovers tracks in Scotland. Brilliant fun, some epic tales and very little damage as we rode within the bike’s capabilities. Today’s budget MTBs are streets ahead, benefiting from all the developments. It’s no surprise their ride isn’t as sophisticated as a more expensive bike but what you get is probably close to the cutting edge from five years ago. The fun always comes from being with good mates and a “rock what you’ve got” attitude to the bikes. Memories of the big days out are made not so much from what you do as who you do it with. Go ride.

[@ruisfreitas]

Amazing. I was just considering this bike for me as a starting point on mtb. I’ve been looking at it for the past 2/3 weeks and now you release this video. Well, let’s do this. Great video, btw 😄. Fun as always.

[@hardybrim1061]

Hats off to rich for riding the stoic 2.. love the stormtrooper color.. And you know this gonna be the most view of the week for gmbn cos it involve hardtail..

[@rrt2008]

I started on a fully rigid 2007 Specialized Rockhopper a few years ago and had a blast. I’ve upgraded to a Norco Fluid FS1and my confidence has skyrocketed

[@chingskie4063]

With enough skill any bike can be shred hard. Sam Pilgrim even sent it on a bed bike

[@thebikehippie6562]

Sam Pilgrim is not human

[@Leo_Inclan]

Some people in the comments are saying this bike is midrange for them, not really such low budget. I agree, things are tough for some of us in less wealthy countries, so I want to share my SUPER low budget experience: I started riding mtb about 6 years ago, on a cheap 100mm hardtail mongoose that was about 350usd out of the box. Sure, it had the crappiest components on it, but it was totally enough for an absolute beginner. I upgraded things (a little, never even got to deore stuff) as they wore out, and by the end, when it got stolen, it was quite a solid machine. I bailed more often than it did and it was an excellent starting point. Start with what you can afford and scale up little by little. Just DON'T CHEAP OUT ON A DECENT HELMET.

[@kmanglass427]

just picked up a specialized rock hopper so im stoked to know i can shred and smiles all around!

[@mattstubbington8805]

Those like myself who are on a tight budget mainly aim for big smiles of enjoyment.. I myself built my budget steed from buying the frame and everything i wanted on it, im even still rocking the old 26"!! For me the 26" hardtail definitely aint dead!! Im not hitting huge jumps atm... Building up my confidence to those!! As long as I have a smile at the end of the day then that good enough for me!

[@mikerelvas]

My Stoic 2 was supposed to arrive this week but it was delayed to late May... Can't wait for it.

[@andycjohnston]

This to me is definitely entry level, but it's still way better than my current bike!!! hehe. Fantastic riding, and always so good to see how a really good rider chooses the best lines through really gnarly terrain with roots and rocks. I get so battered about on my HT, and I think line choice is really helping make that better.

[@yeetgamer4292]

Great Vid, Love too see it! PS: to the people who say this too expensive, save your money not really not that much

[@zer0skillallheart818]

Rich's budget hard tail is still twice the price of my budget hard tail with some after market additions (2019 Giant Talon 3 29er) . Good to see none the less and I'd like to see more. Perhaps Rich could do a "Slow Grow Bike Build from Budget". Adding and making changes to the Stoic 2 taking it for a ride and letting us all here about just how different it feels and handles.

[@georgetheodoridis6852]

Would love to see this

[@nope929]

I have a talon 3 as well so I can tell you some stuff to upgrade. First thing is the drivetrain, try replacing yours with a Microshift AdventX. The bike is light on its own so it'll become a rocketship uphill. The next thing is probably fork since SR suntour coil forks are terrible(they're heavy and not very plush), although be warned straight steerer forks will likely die with the frame when you upgrade. Everything else from there is just replacing it when it breaks. Also the brake rotors if you need more stopping power. I know i never mentioned a dropper, but that's because I don't have one so I can't really speak to whether or not you should get it.

[@M_A987]

Rich has a stoick 4 so a comparison test would be enough, but it wouldn't be much different. As he said, better brakes and fork would make it more stable, lighter components would make it more nimble and faster uphill. I ride a Orbea Laufey h30 and it's great. However i drove a couple of days on a test bike which was a h-ltd before purchase. So after I received my entry level laufey i immediately noticed the differences. I have upgraded my brakes because I felt they were holding me back. Lighter wheels and a better fork would be nice, but then my 1400€ bike would be 2400€ bike 🙈 there's absolutely nothing wrong to go on a small budjet, but I think the stoic 2 offers essentially everything apart a dropper than my laufey does for almost half the price. And that makes it a steal. A nucleus is not on par with stoic, a comparable model from Vitus would be Sentier, and it used to be similar value before Brexit.

[@zer0skillallheart818]

@@nope929 Oh the upgrade process began as soon as I brought the bike. Not only is it my trusty steed it's also a project so I an work on my bike mechanic skills. So far tires, fork, handle bars, stem, saddle post, saddle, crank set, rear cassette and next up is a custom wheel set built from the hubs out. ;)

[@mtbadventuresnikuyajay8216]

Absolutely! Im shredding with may phoenix 26er frame with 27.5 xct coil fork. Running with 11-42t deore cogs Budget Ltwoo a7 rd and ltwoo a7 shifters 2x cole crankset Shimano tourney hubs w/ generic 26 rims equippednwith aspen tires. And a mechanical generic disc brakes

[@jamess6947]

For a budget bike, it looks very cool

[@tomtricks6838]

it’s not budget

[@jamess6947]

@@tomtricks6838 can’t get much cheaper than £850 for a bike of that quality

[@poopmush66]

@@tomtricks6838 if you want a good hardtail then it's atleast £900 if you want a better hardtail it's atleast like £1500

[@infernalcontraptions8648]

Whilst there are cheaper bikes (I'm a student with a £400 bike and that's fancy for me even has hydraulic brakes and a lock out fork) I can understand why GMBN didn't go lower as often these bikes include warnings saying they weren't designed for downhill or jumping. Of course this does not stop most people.

[@tomtricks6838]

@@jamess6947 yeah for that quality but it’s not what the majority of people vision when they say budget

[@FogsRedkiller]

I got myself the new Cube Analog and due to a part shortage from suntour they gave me a free upgrade to a rockshox fork. Awesome bike with the Sram SX eagle group.

[@llove-electrical]

Love the hartail videos

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

"Tore myself a new one" - That's #4 on my list of the things I never want to say.

[@kritan84]

As a roadie dipping my feet into some. MTB a cheap Specialized Rockhopper will soon join my stable of carbon road rockets - and I'm giddy with excitement for it! Cheap compared to the other stuff I got but it might teach me a thing or two about having fun outside of the road as well ✌️

[@pipzilla9819]

Iv shredded some good vintage bikes and what I have it’s nice. when ya can rock and roll on what ya got,much props

[@leowestgarth711]

£850 is too high for true budget, me and most of my friends starting on Carerras costing around £450

[@adamreading2128]

Same here, £550 xc cube

[@just-cruzinmtb5999]

I have a teak roscoe 7 that has been where you shouldn't have less the 150mm travel and it smiled and kept on shredding 🤘

[@proclimber1763]

The canyon stoic 2 is still more expensive than the one I have right now.. So the stoic would be a big upgrade to what I have now..

[@roof30]

Me too

[@teecee4459]

Stop shopping at Walmart for bikes then

[@tabetabada5824]

Just another amazing episode...love u guys

[@peter81do]

Last year I got myself new carrera fury and to be fair wheels buckled after first couple rides but that could be down to my weight (102 kg😄) so i bought new set of nukeproof neutrons v2 and its a great hardtail, so far I've done whinlatter , Gisburn and hamsterley on it and it's just awesome, budget is the way.

[@Scottslookingabout]

At the end of 2021 they want $1199 for it. I'm Riding the Rocky Mountain Fusion 30 for $939, 66.5° head tube angle, XCR 32 air (I increased the travel to 120mm), 2.4 29 tires, 30mm wide rims. Upgraded to a X-Brand dropper, 180mm semi metallic brakes up front ($25 for the rotor $15 for the pads $12 for the bracket). It's not their Growler, that's a wicked bike! I already have a dual suspension trail bike, I just needed a bike for long hours of green, blue and maybe some easy single diamond black trails mixed in. Stoic is a good bike to recommend for someone who wants to shred a little more than mine.

[@anastasioskondakos2090]

Finally I was waiting for this video since December

[@rapedpotato6937]

I'm going on trails doing 40km/h (24mph) with my 213$(180€) hardtail it held up good so far!

[@Gingerbadger80]

Still riding a 2015 Giant trance 4! Well the frame is still a 4 but it’s steady upgrades over the years. Done lots of stuff it probably wasn’t intended for but it’s still going strong.

[@szykowny6017]

I don't know about UK, but in my country most people start racing XC with 500-600 GBP bikes and an average person is still surprised with how "expensive" they are, so you talking about 850 GBP bike like it's the cheapest thing ever is kinda funny.

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Well that answered the question didn't it Rich, rode the hell out of that budget hardtail 🤘👊🔥 As said in previous #GMBN and #GMBNTech videos you can always upgrade a budget bike 👍

[@davidmiller2050]

Not particularly budget, but Voodoo mambo here. I'm no expert rider, but it handles drops and smaller jumps okay. I have fitted a dropper and changed the pedals, but it's a lot of fun

[@andyventures6574]

More budget bikes please I ride a raleigh surge hardrdtail, and have done for a good few years. Problem is that too many magazines only focus on pricier gear and that really puts people off when they only have a lower budget. So carry on treating the lower price range with the same respect as the higher end. Never sneer at anyone for their budget, maybe tips for getting better bang for their buck - what to watch for on the second hand market, best ways to upgrade parts to improve your bog standard budget bike.

[@Sturmer69]

GREAT.. this is what us mortals are bound to use for our MTB adventures.. thank you!!

[@ariley3957]

Your budget bike is my dream bike

[@nope929]

Never thought I'd agree with a weeb

[@rafe7678]

@@nope929 oof that's harsh XD

[@Jameshhl]

New to bike world, bought a new Trek Roscoe 7 last year for USD$1400 and I thought it's crazy expensive for a bike. Now I know it's considered a "budget" bike haha, but hey, it's more than capable for a newbie biker like myself. If it can handle rough stuff like in this video, it'll last forever for my green/blue trails.

[@johnnydoe66]

The best bang for the buck, the bike you actually ride and want to ride. No sense in spending thousands if you are not going to really WANT to ride it.

[@thatbikedad8252]

You defo can . I rode a vitus 275 vr nucleas . Was great little bike .

[@rofferdal]

Very nice. Interesting that you never mentioned the lack of a dropper post. I once rode without when everyone else had, and it was boring for them to wait for me adjusting seat height…

[@frontierfishingwithryanmac1981]

Hardtail Heaven! Rich is all smiles in this video!!

[@str1kez367]

I just bought a bike that is double the price of that thing... Still want to buy a Stoic 2. Looks like a lot of fun!

[@bananasstuff3344]

Yeah haha. They look really good with the white fork. Kinda wish I'd waited over my vitus but hey, it costs about that much now with a dropper and 1x10 lol

[@Rudy77212]

Jees rich, I think I would have ended up in the hospital if I had taken on that trail on my humble hardtail :( very inspiring and thank you for the Contend!

[@letsgo_inc]

A solid trail hardtail is all most of us really need.

[@fluffy1973]

Mastery of the hardtail is mastery of self

[@hydroelement9349]

Wish I could have one of those bikes headed my way... everything is so dang expensive right now..

[@davidxin5805]

Fam.........if that's a budget bike then my bike would be.....

[@landene8230]

Same I paid 300 for mine

[@pidgie3397]

It is a budget mtb tho. For 800£ new it is a total banger. It even can handle rough trails, because Canyon put some thought into it. It is way cheaper and more fun in the long term to invest that bit of money if you want to start. You can even get some Vitus bikes for around 600£ that get you somewhere

[@loud479]

I love eggcorns, "gives yo the ghost" when the its the goat

[@kirklangdon1591]

Haven’t bikes for years, there’s no real hardcore trails around here so I just picked up a Norco Storm 3 because it’s what was available haha bike shops can’t get bikes cause of the rona pounding western Canada right now. I’m thinking I’ll sell it for the $700 I paid for it and get a Rocky Mountain Fusion 30 when they’re available in 8-10 weeks (low end estimate).

[@NorthDesigns]

Yoooo been waiting for this! Sick video guys

[@PowerUpEachDay]

Gonna grab one of these when they are finally back in stock.

[@matta8369]

I ride a 21 fuse HARD 4 days a week. 10k elevation weeks at least and only ride black diamonds. Wheels gave out in 400 miles but after replacing those and throwing inserts in, I’ve had no problems in over 2k hard miles.

[@ethanhills7344]

Yeah, great video the bikes are a bit more budget but when we think of a budget bike we think of a hardtail that's costs like £300

[@roydy1210]

Good to see the budget HT getting some love. 850 isn't cheap tho 😉 Started on a Calibre Two Cubed and just been lucky enough to pick up a Calibre Line 10. 50 quid more than the Stioc and blows it out of the water spec wise. Calibre know all about budget HTs

[@Chris-de2qc]

Now it's $1200!

[@64Spokes]

Something nostalgic about white fork lowers

[@AntonKhomutenko]

oh comon Just a few weeks ago personally I sold my old bike for $900 or about 700 pounds. It was in good condition and very similar to this Canyon, but built on much more expensive components such as Fox, SRAM x1, etc. with dropper post and pedals. And you don't necessary need sram x1 to have a fun on your bike So if new bike is too expensive, you definitely can find a good one second hand for a reasonable price