How is it I prefer my hardtail over the full suspension eBike? Ragley Blue Pig

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Hope you like the video, something a little different for me. Let me know what you think about hardtails?

[@trailridingoldgit]

Nice vid Christian, a Titanic effort 👍😄

[@drumandbassob0007]

hardtails rock , i have a 150mm 26er and its really taught me how to ride a bike , people at my local trails are often shocked when i can keep up or even drop them down the steep stuff hardtails really teach you to pick the right line and that a hardtail can do anything just point your front wheel where you wana go and hang off the back and let that back wheel do what it wants let it skip about and slide its such a cool felling pushing hardtails to their limits. More people should learn on a hardtail to many people start on full sus and end up going to fast on ruff terrain or trying to ride the steep stuff and getting away with it some of the time untill they have big crash and head to hospital with hardtails its a lot harder to go too fast inless you really know how to ride a bike

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@drumandbassob0007 great comment! Fully agree about them teaching you better lines as well, they force you to for sure. Learnt to forget about the rest wheel now, and trust it just follows along 🤣

[@WilliamBeaver-tb9nt]

Because you are a real MTB rider, hard tail for life

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Hardtail will certainly be staying with me for life now 😁 So much fun 😊

[@SawThumbz]

The other other maybe overlooked factor is aesthetics, but in my opinion the look of a hardtail is pure perfection, the classic design is truly a thing of beauty. (I ride a Nukeproof Scout 27.5)

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

You're not wrong there! Love the look of my Blue Pig like you do your scout (which is also a great looking bike!). Just look ready for anything, and yet so simplistic 👍🏻

[@ALLMOUNTAINMTB]

Oh yes I totally agree! Just don't get a hardtail ebike. Those things look like they have a bloated gut tumor thing haha

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@ALLMOUNTAINMTB that is never happening, but would be good to try one and compare. Next bike with be a full sus non ebike for me. Love the Privateer, and also Forbidden Druid ❤️

[@stefanlukic7272]

Totally agre...I have Scott Scale,and it is an absolute beauty...

[@vsmaster6162]

I have a Dartmoor hornet

[@IGGY1969]

Like most MTB riders I started on a hardtail then went to full suss. Rode the full suss for about 10 years & said I'd never 'go back' to a HT. Two years ago I bought a Nukeproof Scout HT. And since then the full suss has hardly been out of the garage.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

This comment made me chuckle, I am the same with my ebike it hasn't been out hardly since getting the hardtail. The scout is such a capable bike, rode my mate's one and it really felt similar to the Orange Crush, both great bikes! Thanks for commenting. 😁

[@diwiak]

But why?

[@ALLMOUNTAINMTB]

Seeing this made me smile ear to ear. Getting back to the simplicity and direct feeling of a hardtail like that has so many good sides. I also ride a hardtail (Bird Zero) during the worst of times and it makes me nostalgic for the times when I was just discovering the sport.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I'm with you there mate, they are just epic bikes to ride! Good outlook from you as well, as it really does take you right back to the basics and like starting again 😁 Thanks for watching and commenting always means a lot 👍🏻

[@paolocarlos80]

just joined the HT club 1 month ago, and actually took me just couple of rides to understand how great these bikes are, super fun riding even on gnarly terrain like Finale Ligure.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Welcome to the club mate, they really are amazing, but you have the extra fun of Finale Ligure. They just amaze me what they really can do, I would be lost without mine now.

[@ASC63Funky]

I am looking to buty a hard tail 29er like anything now days there are so many to chose from I like to rock hopper and the Kona lava dome or mahuna not looking to do much mountian trails as i live in the flat lands of the uk. great vid thanks

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

My mate got the Ragley big Al which is a 29er for an absolute steal at £600. CRC were selling them all off really cheap, his bike is a stunner as well, MTB Derbyshire is his channel name. Hey I live in the UK as well, so you have loads you can go at 😊 Think we honestly have some of the best variety in the world, just a shame we also have the worst weather for it 🤣 Hope you get your new bike soon 😎

[@WilliamBeaver-tb9nt]

I have a hard tail 29 with Kenda sport nevegal 29 2 20 tires on it and I wouldn't give it up for anything else.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@WilliamBeaver-tb9nt great bike, I feel the same about my Ragley 😊 that won't ever be leaving me

[@miraela7666]

Thanks for the video. Just ordered a Blue Pig right after selling my full suspension BMC carbon frame. I tried for three years but never warmed up with the BMC, although it was a good bike. But now I feel like coming home for christmas- spending every evening waiting, watching your and other Blue Pig videos. Canˋ t wait to hop on and just enjoy the steel-feel of a good old hardtail! Cheers from Berlin, Germany

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Best choice you could have gone for, I was out on mine again last night for a fitness loop. I love how versatile the bike is, one day can ride crazy steep off piste, next day a good size XC loop, or like last night a local fitness loop 😊. Hopefully I will have time again to start making more videos of my rides. Should have a big ride this Sunday on the BluePig fingers crossed I get a video from it 👊 Let me know how you get on with your new bike 🤙

[@miraela7666]

@@ElectricMountainBiker Sure thing- will do so! Blue Pig expected to arrive by August 31st. I let you know

[@WaRn00b85]

Greetings! I've gone through the whole XC hardtail, XC dual sus, Trail & finally Enduro bike (Currently on a Giant Reign 29) - But I recently found a deal on a Nukeproof Scout V3, and I'm super stoked to build it and ride it. This video has got me even more stoked! GET IN!!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Greetings to you as well my friend! Sounds like a you got yourself a great deal, a mate had the nukeproof scout and it's a great bike, had a go on it and loved it 😁 Thanks for the great comments and taking the time to write it 😁👍🏻

[@paulfaulkner5713]

Great video that Christian, between you, Lee & Marc I may be getting convinced.. Love that photo of the blue pig and orange.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

It is a good picture that one, shame you didn't have a hardtail for the rainbow one I captured as well 🔥 You know you want one mate, get it done 😊

[@paulfaulkner5713]

@@ElectricMountainBiker I know, it's happening, soon.

[@HallMarc_Trails]

You know it makes sense 😀👍

[@paulfaulkner5713]

@@HallMarc_Trails I know, it does and I am going to make it happen soon.

[@vinylhouse296]

Started on a kona hahanna 4 years ago, ffwd 4 years and I am now building my own bikes, from the kona to a 27.5" sentier, to a 29" mythique and now I have literally just this week built up a Ragley Marley 27.5" hardtail, equipped with a 130mm RL35 it honestly is an amazing machine. Can't wait for my 45 mile xc ride on it next week. Great video BTW 👌

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Watched you build up your bikes which has always been fun, with great final results as well. Have to say though, your Ragley is my favourite so far 😉 Not that I am biased at all...... 🤣 Cheers for watching mate, glad you liked it 👍🏻

[@vinylhouse296]

@ElectricMountainBiker I don't know why I waited so long to get one tbh. The sentier was great but this is a whole new world. Thanks for the nice comment, it never goes smoothly but somehow I manage to complete them to my personal requirements.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

​@@vinylhouse296 just made for riding for sure, even the climbs are okay in them as well, yours will be even better than mine in the climbs as well!

[@ToddWimberley]

I find myself in a similar position. Ragley big al that I adore and a Fezzari e-bike that I tell myself I need. Love ‘em both but the big Al has a special place in my soul and garage.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Crazy isn't it, a harsher ride yet we seem to love it that bit more 😁 Hopefully out on mine tomorrow, want to try a live stream of the descents and see how it comes out 👍🏻 As long as I can get out of course

[@noelbodle8863]

Everyone should own a hardtail regardless what there main bike is, I’m still rocking my 26” Whyte 19 Ti probably at some stage when I can afford it I’ll get a 29er hardtail. I think every rider should ride one for better skills and fitness, they’re just super fun to ride and demand less to look after and generally cheaper to…

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Agree with you fully, it has certainly helped me to choose better lines now when riding, and tell you what the HT always puts a smile on my face, and also leaves me in awe at what they really are capable of. Best thing I did was to get it 😁

[@finn0321]

I've had my blue pig for over 10 years now, absolutely amazing bike, hard tails really are a thing of their own👍

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

They are just amazing aren't they, new to the hardtail experience and so glad I purchased the Blue Pig. We have great taste 😉

[@leemcgillivray1902]

GOT A 31 YEAR OLD CANNONDALE SM 800 BEAST OF THE EAST. STILL HOLDS IT'S OWN AGAINST NEW BIKE'S. PHONOMINAL BUILD AND DANGEROUSLY QUICK. GREAT VIDEO AMIGO.ONELOVE, MANCHESTER, UK ✌️

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Love that! They really are great all round bikes aren't they 😊 Wish I was quick on mine though 🤣

[@jhondoe6735]

I go everywhere with my hdt Been riding hdt since i was a kid in the 50s. Never have ridden a fsb. Have a jiant talon and love it. Ride on hdt brother. Love your vids.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Hardtails really are brilliant aren't they 😁 Cannot believe it took me so long to get one, glad I did now for sure. Thanks for the comment about my videos, PC got fixed last week so when I'm back out hopefully I can edit another video 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Dhjames682]

Excellent video mate, couldn’t of explained it better! I do love my HT, thanks for including my pic 😁

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Great picture mate, and I know just how much you love that bike as well 😊 Great isn't it, feel like kids once again, who would have thought the simple hardtail could do this to is 🤷🏻‍♂️😁

[@mikey.yellow.wheels293]

Its on the cards at the moment, considering selling my full suspension and getting hard tail, more practical for our family rides and can be used for trials & local loops.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Can see why mate, I couldn't believe how good it is tbh, love it 😁 Still love my ebike as well, but have a little plan for that now, bit of a refresh...... Watch this space 😉

[@mikey.yellow.wheels293]

@@ElectricMountainBiker yeah they tick so many boxes, same will be keeping the Ebike

[@rhettetherington1351]

Great video and some brilliant photos and comments. I went back to a hardtail 2yrs ago. Treated myself to a Stanton Switch9er. Awesome bike. Much more capable than its rider.

[@Shralps]

How you finding the Switch9er? I keep going back a fourth with this and the Sherpa. Switch9er is preferred for the downs but I plan to do a lot of miles on it. Setting off from the house on roads and lanes, to the trails and back.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Sorry for such a late reply, been full on here at the moment 😭 Stanton looks great bikes, beer tried one myself but imagine they rode really good! Love my hardtail, same as you by the sounds of it 😁 Thanks for the great comment!

[@rhettetherington1351]

@Shralps The Switch9er is awesome on the downs but not the quickest uphill,but that could be me🤣. If I was going to do long more xc type riding, I would probably choose a sherpa over the Switch9er. But with some faster rolling tyres on the Switch9er it's a very close call.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@rhettetherington1351 mate trust me I am slow on the climbs 🙈 But way faster than I used to be, so I'm taking the small victories 🤣 Found the Pig to be a really great all rounder, climbs well, steep stuff handles with ease (can't say the same about myself tbh!), and for local fitness loops it is perfect. HT are just excellent all rounders aren't they 😁

[@alexford5214]

I’ve been riding full sus in my enduro and XC but really wanted a HT. Finally got my 2023 Ragley Big Wig frame and I’m looking forward to my build up.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Bet you cannot wait to get it built up, wish I had the knowledge to do the same. I just went with pre built and ready to ride 😊 Enjoy your new bike once the build is complete, got yourself a belter there 👍🏻👍🏻

[@eXaviar]

The Big Wig is awesome. Just got mine to built up a few weeks ago 😍

[@DAZ1925]

The Ragley Blue Pig is a good-looking bike. I love the way the top tube continues through to the seat stays. I purchased one of the last original Transition Trans AM frames and built the bike up myself, including lacing a rim onto Onyx racing classic hub, the feel of instant engagement is amazing

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Love Transitions, still miss my Patrol to this day, along with the Pig that Patrol was a great looking bike 👍🏻 I never really understood what people meant when they said they feel a connection to the trail better on a HT, totally do now 😊

[@benlukkie]

Have 2 hardtails, a Cube reaction TM mullet for XC here in the Netherlands, and a Ragley mmmbop 27.5x2.80 singlespeed park missile for uplift parks abroad. Loving the Ragley as it's bomb proof and great down steep tech. My full sus Giant NRS3 and Kona Coiler hang on my wall for memories only..

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Sounds like my ebike which is gathering memories and not used now. I really do want t o try an mmmbop, reason I got the blue pig as it is the steel twin of the mmmbop 👍🏻 Gutted Ragley went under with CRC 😞

[@davidm2843]

So much in this video is familiar - even your trails look like my local! Started on a HT (2010), eventually got a FS enduro bike in 2017 or 18, but it didn't last long. I've always had a HT and, like you, feel as if I ride steep better on the HT than I ever did on the enduro bike. I just like the simplicity, affordability, ease of maintenance and the feel of the ride.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Crazy isn't it, never thought I would prefer it on the steeper stuff either, but it handles it like a dream 😁 So easy to maintain as well, what HT have you got at the moment?

[@davidm2843]

@@ElectricMountainBiker I think I'm just happier on a HT. I replaced my Commencal Meta AM enduro bike with a Hello Dave, which has in turn been replaced by the Ti version of the Hello Dave, the Titus Loco Moto. The Hello Dave was my first 29er and an outrageously good frame

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

​@@davidm2843 heard they are good! Not tried a 29er yet, properly anyway had a quick go but not enough to see what I thought of it.

[@MTB_Trekker]

Great vid mate. I started on a HT and although cautious at first on trails, it forced me to scan for lines and choose the better one rather than just use the suspension to save your bad decisions. This in time made me a safer and better rider and made me quicker in making a better line choice. HT are ace!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Nail on the head mate, I never really saw the HT giving me progression but once I got back on the Rocky I could tell a massive difference in my riding 😊 Hopefully get out soon again mate with you 👍🏻

[@MTB_Trekker]

@@ElectricMountainBiker yeh mate, looking forward to it!

[@jonm7272]

Same. I'm lucky enough to have a 4 bikes: full suss, full rigid hybrid/gravel bike, Cube Reaction Emtb and a 2022 Voodoo Bizango hardtail. Of them all the hardtail is by far my favourite and would be the one I'd keep if I could only have one bike, no question.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Fully agree with you, if I had the choice of only one bike I would keep my Blue Pig without a doubt as well 😁 They really are great bikes, might need to change my channel name now 🙈🤣

[@JoeJoe-C137]

Back to basics and just plain fun on the hardtail, for those who dis them I just say "you either got the skills for it or you haven't, don't worry about it"

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Great way of putting it, it really is back to basics, just simple but with even more of a grin when riding it 😊 I feel more like I have survived at times 😂

[@peterhaworth6859]

Great video Christian..and I echo your sentiments, absolutely love mine and for me it's the pure simplicity and back to basics over my full bounce enduro bike.. plus the reliability that I love about the steel hardtail.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Hey Peter hope you're good 😁 Totally, pick it up and go whenever you want, it always works. Certainly opened my eyes to the world of Hardtails 😁 totally love it.

[@zachscherpa944]

Love my 853 British steel hardtail to no end! Best bike I’ve ever ridden. So fast up and down

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

They are incredible aren't they, jack of all trades as well. Use mine for fitness rides, nipping into the village, and attempting crazy trails. Couldn't ask for more 😊

[@cornish_boy6235]

Just came across this video and I’m currently building a ragley mmmbop to go with my giant trance e+2. Looking forward to finishing it and getting out on it.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Nice, I wanted the mmmbop originally but couldn't get hold of one, then realised the pig is its steel twin so decided on that, as I could get one 😁 You're in for a world of fun on the mmmbop 🤩

[@cornish_boy6235]

I wanted a steel frame ideally tbh but I payed £125 for an almost new copper mmmbop that was within driving distance. Having looked at reviews the ally mmmbop seems to have a decent amount of forgiveness in it which is hopefully true.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

That is a steel!!! £125, bet you couldn't believe your luck 🤞🏻

[@cornish_boy6235]

@@ElectricMountainBiker yeh been doing a cheapish build on it since.

[@HallMarc_Trails]

Love this, superb video mate, i always loved my hardtail, with an extended break from mountain biking between 2009 - 2017, i sold my Orange SubZero, i loved that bike, with coming back to the sport on a full suss, i soon forgot what a hardtail felt like, well, until 2022 after having a go on your Ragley, brought back so many memories that there was only one thing for it, i just had to get another, loving my Orange Crush, enjoying the break from the Alpine through the winter months, you're quickly reminded why line choice is so important 🤣, that feeling of your back wheel skipping about, on the edge of control, there's no better feeling, having said that, there's still a well justified place for my full suss and i'm sure i will love the Alpine when the spring comes, until then though, it's party time for the Hardtails 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Does it ever skip around on the rear wheel 👀 When I follow you it is great seeing the back wheel do its own thing 😂 Looking forward to the ebike again in better weather, OGL is first place I will be taking it. Your crush is very nice!!! Almost, almost as nice as my pig 🐷😉😂

[@HallMarc_Trails]

@@ElectricMountainBiker 🤣

[@ckMTB]

A great video Christian, that was very interesting and the pictures were fantastic. I used to ride hardtails when I was 14 years old, but you couldn't afford the full-featured bikes. I love my bikes but it would be cool to ride a hardtail again. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend buddy✌

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Cheers mate, can never have enough bikes in the stable m, for me now I will always make sure there is a Hardtail in it 😊 Stay safe this weekend and hope you and your family are all good 👍🏻

[@ckMTB]

@@ElectricMountainBiker Thank you Christian, that's right, you can never have enough bikes😄. Thank you🙏, we are doing very well, I hope you are too🙌. Take care

[@keiththomas64]

💯 approve of the duck with the colour coded helmet 💙

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

🤣 Duck has a cerain character to it 😀

[@thejoelbag]

Bloody love my hardtail. Riding FS I always felt like I needed to upgrade to get the latest and greatest, but not with the HT. 5 years on this bike and I’m still not thinking about upgrading

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Fully get this, if I had to have only one bike it would certainly be the hardtail. Easy to maintain, loads of smiles, and let's be honest they look awesome as well 🤩

[@johnparkes2994]

Interesting stuff, I started on a hard tail many years ago then went to a full sus, but listening to you makes me want to try one once again, like you give the e-bike a rest 👍

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

You really should try one again soon, totally new to me the HT, but wow do I love it 😊 Just a fantastic all round bike for sure. Hope you're all good as well, cheers for watching this one, so far lost me subs, guessing some of the die hard ebikers don't like me saying I love my Hardtail 🤪😂

[@redrobin1129]

My sentiments exactly 😀…. taking cycling back to simpler more basic form Just changed from a heavy, slow up-the -hills full-suspension Polygon Siskiu. Probably far too advanced for my skill set to be fair. And plumpt for a Specialized Rockhopper Elite 27.5” hard-tail. Light as a feather for popping into the boot of the car. And no dropper post to go wrong. It’s a win win, love it 😊👍

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Mate, every bike I own is more advanced than my skill level so feel that with you 😂 Totally agree with you about them being so light, was one thing I really noticed when getting to a gate and lifting it over, had a massive inner smile at that point 😂 Thanks for watching as well, hope you enjoyed it 👍🏻 I do waffle on at times 🙈😂

[@19OXAM]

I know I’m late to the party BUT, I love my HT! Honzo ESD is so smooth and a joy to ride! Every time I get on a full sus bike, I shake my head because it just doesn’t feel right.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Crazy isn't it, how a more simple bike makes every ride feel brilliant 😊 I was late to the HT party as well, this is my first one, and totally love it 😁

[@midlife_mtb]

Got a Ragley Mmmbop 2.0 for my daughter, luckily its my size too, took it out for a spin, it is an awesome machine, loadsa fun!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Haha love it is your size as well, nicely done ✅ The mmmbop would be one I want to try, just to see how alu compares with steel as same geo 😊

[@budycelyn]

i don't have an ebike but i do have a full suss, been riding hardtails for about a decade mostly XC rigs, but i now have a nukeproof scout 275 so smaller wheels than i'm used to, couldn't pass up the deals on the CRC webby since they were selling everything stupid cheap because of their debt issues etc, absolutely love it, it's the only bike i ride currently and i've entered a local enduro on it in April.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Nukeproof Scout is a great bike, had a quick go on mates and really enjoyed it, rode very similar to the Orange Crush 👍🏻 Those deals on CRC were crazy, mate picked up a Ragley Big Al for silly money! Just wish I got into hardtails sooner, but better late than never 🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting 🤩

[@AdventureTrailsMTB]

Great vid buddy . Nice to have another advocate of the hardtail on the airwaves . Very informative, let's Hope it wakes people up

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Cheers mate, was a good one to pull together. Love the ebike, and still has a massive part to play, but that hardtail is just 🔥🔥 Love it

[@grannyjone]

I have a Hardtail and Full Suspension EBike as my only 2 Bikes. I definetely agree about it being difficult to keep the FS EBike running well, a lot of hassle and money. There are some rides I would prefer to be on the Hardtail but there's also some rides where I'd prefer the EMTB

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Totally with you there for sure, some rides are perfect for the ebike, and others perfect for the hardtail. Great having the option for which one to take. Hopefully using the hardtail more, will then result in the ebike being in better condition as such for longer 😊 Thanks for watching as well, hope you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@paulshanesmith]

I travel full time and I have a 27.5+ hardtail which I ride at lots of the main areas around Europe. For me a hardail with plus tyres is the perfect combination.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I've been thinking about plus tyres, any noticeable difference when riding them such as drag on the climbs?

[@paulshanesmith]

@@ElectricMountainBiker I generally only use my bike where there is uplift but I did see a comparison on KZbin a couple of years back which said that the difference in efficiency was negligible. From experience I'd say the specific brand and model of tyre makes a far bigger difference than just the fact that they are plus size. What I will also say is that on the downhill it's a massive improvement over standard 27.5 narrow tyres.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@paulshanesmith something for the future to consider then once my tyres are worn down 👍🏻 Cheers for the info

[@paulshanesmith]

@ElectricMountainBiker just bear in mind your rim and/or frame might not be suitable for a 2.8 or 3.0 width tyre. Good to know you enjoy your hardtail. I was on the trails at Lourdes recently and my hardtail raised the attention of a couple of French lads in the queue at the funicular.. there were even more questions when the old guy on his strange bike was first back at the bottom!!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@paulshanesmith 🤣 they do grab attention, I get more with the hardtail than any of my other bikes, I'm never usually first down though 🙈 I'll check the rim for the width as well when the time comes.

[@ech0_plus968]

Got an Orbea Laufey h10, it's perfect bike because it look like a dirt bike and also a nice HT for everything else !

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I looked at one of these as well, they have great reviews in them! Love how HTs look, simple, and yet aggressive at the same time 🤩

[@scotty-sb1403]

Iv just built a ragley mmmbop, my other bike is an £7k yeti…I’m always on the ragley now and it defo makes you choose your lines better, now only take the yeti out on hard enduro trails like the golfie 👍🏻

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Bet that Yeti is a nice bike to ride as well though ☺️ I originally wanted the mmmbop, but they were like rocking horse **** to find, then when I found out the bluepig was the twin of it, well no brainer. Figured get the same feel and ride still, just with a heavier frame. I really want to give the mmmbop a try! I never really gave line choice the focus I should have before the hardtail, I soon learnt I needed to give it more attention 🤣 Thanks for the comment as well 👍🏻

[@scotty-sb1403]

@@ElectricMountainBiker no bother mate I’ve subbed.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@@scotty-sb1403 Thank you 👍🏻

[@dylancleveland]

I was a BMX teenager in the 2000s. Now at 32 I just got my first MTB bike after not touching bikes since those early days, hardtail Cannondale HT2. Have no frame of reference besides the entirely stiff BMX bikes but the price was right for me lol

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I'm the same as yourself, never had anything to reference it against as totally new to me. Gutted I never got into MTB earlier, but so happy I finally did, love my hardtail. Thanks for the great comment, and taking the time to write it 😁

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

I only have one mtb and it's a hardtail (Commencal Meta HT/AM to be specific). I chose a hardtail because of a million reasons: My time to ride is very limited. Many of my rides are "I guess I can do that right now so I'm going to." If I have to throw a bunch of extra maintenance into that then I won't get to ride as often. In fact, I'm allergic to maintenance on things like that so I'd ride even less often than if I enjoyed the maintenance side of things like bikes. My life and my work is complicated. The more I can spend of my life away from complication the better. I don't want to worry about balancing sag between front and back and letting my brain spin constantly about ways to make it all better. I want to ride a bike. I have a simple fork with only a couple adjustments (that I don't even use - I set my sag, dropped an extra token in, and put my compression and rebound adjustments in the middle) and I get on with the business of turning my brain off and turning my cranks over. I don't have a million great trails where I live and I knew that before I bought the hardtail so I try to make the most of what I have. My hardtail has already made me consider line A vs. line B countless times...and funnily enough that switches back and forth a bit as you get better! I think riding my local trails would be way less fun if I could just plow over the sketchier bits. I have a goal of building strength/stamina enough to stay off the saddle and stay fast on a number of particularly chattery trails at one of my "trail centers" (state park with a few trails). If I had a full sus I'd be able to just sit down and spin. Boring! Lastly, it's a little more reliable long-term. I got kicked in the pants a few times in my bmx days by changing standards and advancements. I'm not a "buy a new thing all the time" kinda guy. Eventually that full sus is going to need bushings/bearings/maintenance and the company won't have parts or won't have parts to me for another few weeks or has stopped existing and now there's a limited supply but you have to have your original receipt and a fingerprint on file, etc.... The hardtail is going to just keep working as long as there are bottom brackets and boost-spacing hubs. I say all of these things knowing that in a couple years I'll probably grab a full suspension bike just to switch it up. But I'm going to do everything I can to keep the hardtail around. It's too good and too fun.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

They really are easier to maintain for sure, I really love when I have to clean it, as compared to the ebike it is so much quicker. It really is a jack of all trades, great on certain steep sections, climbing, smoother trails with less rock gardens etc. I do appreciate the comfort of the full suspension far more now as well, I can finally see the difference in how they handle. I would never let my hardtail go now, fitness has improved, and I love how they look. Thanks for the great comment I fear my reply won't do it justice 😂 Have a great festive period

[@JamesRobertMTB]

Would love to give an aggressive style hardtail a go. They look so capable!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Hopefully once I get it sorted you can come on the group ride I want to do at OGL, more than welcome to give it a go mate 👍🏻👍🏻 Anything you break you pay for of course 🤣

[@5492sparky]

You’ve convinced me. I need to get one!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Sorry 🤣🤣 But also glad I did, they are just class mate 😊

[@stubc55]

Great video matey, loving my merida after yrs on the full squish, yes it rattles more, but always feel more planted too, only thing I'll be changing is better brakes, and longer dropper on the merida big trail 😊👍

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Cheers mate, enjoyed pulling this one together 😊 Marc had the same issue with his HT, crap brakes or I should say inconsistent, sometimes they work for him, other times well, he just keeps going 🤣🤣

[@michaelwhite5834]

Same. Some habits die hard, and some last forever.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Do they ever, it is a new habit for me, so glad I got one 😊

[@TrailTrackerSwitzerland]

Great vid mate. You forgot to mention that the blue pig is really beautiful 😮

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Pictures do that for me 🥰🥰

[@troybrouillard5266]

Love my Blue Pig!!! What a sweet ride! ✌️

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

They are awesome aren't they 😁

[@19brs73]

Had a Kona process 111. Just felt like it really wasn’t for me. Bikes from the UK intrigued me and being across the pond, are not ones you see. When I saw an Orange P7 RS in my size I had to take the leap. Steel frame. 27.5. 140 Pike. Hope hub. Getting Hayes dominion brakes at the moment. Having a blast.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Mate, the P7 is such a nice bike, nice one for getting it! Jason has one @stopadoodledoo really great bikes! Similar to the blue pig I would say after riding his. Hayes so far have been great for me 👍🏻

[@19brs73]

@@ElectricMountainBiker I definitely would have kicked myself if I passed on it. Can't wait to try out the Hayes.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@19brs73 fully agree, you really would have been gutted if you didn't get it, you'll love the brakes for sure 👍🏻 Just don't do what I did and put mineral oil in them 🙈🙈 Hayes though in fairness, and very quickly. Sent me out a brand new set for free! Epic customer service, had to send mine back, and then boom now brakes now back on.

[@MTB_Derbyshire]

Loads of stuff in here I loved! Such a great insight from you and everyone that contributed. Having ridden HT from '93 to 2015 I can definitely say I've got some insight and the fact I want one again says it all. True about the marketing definitely think they push the more travel is better agenda and for most riding it just numbs it. Oh yes one final point.. 1952, you cheeky bugger 🤣🤣🤣

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

😂😂 had to be done, was it 1953-4 instead 🙈 It was great seeing both forums contributing so much to this video, in fact there was a third forum which had loads of great comments but for some reason they removed my post 🤷🏻‍♂️ Crazy really but never mind. Now hurry up and get one please 🧐😉

[@Marshal_6]

I`ve been riding since 1995. I got my first full suspension bike in 1999, but kept a hardtail..... I`ve raced DH a few times,done a few enduros, but still comeback to a hardtail... There`s a 170mm enduro bike gathering dust in the shed as the hardtail (currently a NP Scout 290) gets ragged every weekend at the moment. They improve your riding, balance, line choice, hone your skills.... A hardtail will never let you down 👍 As for an e-Bike...#noneed

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Great comment thank you! Yeh my first time in a hardtail and totally in love with it. Ebike has sat gathering dust this winter only had it out for Dyfi as I didn't fancy a hardtail there 👀 Scout is a great bike, few mates have it and they love theirs as well. Would love an Mmmbop in stable next 🙈 *alwaysaneed

[@chrisrichardson2253]

ive been hard tail 4 the last 20 years.. last year i bought a ragley trig.. my First drop bar no suspension bike.. im still riding the same trails ive been riding for years.. maybe we dont need any suspension . i do have a dropper post. i only bought it because i liked the purple mmmbop. but it was sold out.. so why not get a gravel commuter with flat bar.. then work mates suggested to try drop bar for commuting. so i did and it was quite a bit faster than my mtb then i chucked fat tires on it and tried the single tracks that i love to ride. i hardly ride the hardtail mtb anymore as i find the RAGLEY TRIG. FASTER . ok so not a lots of jumps on my ride loops. just gravel links to the single track and the roads to and from.. i am considering building blue pig with second hand parts from my mtb. as i still want to ride THREDBO (aus) dh Park on a hard tail. i did that a year ago on my trusty and rusty 15 year old hardtail mtb . thats where i looked into ragley bikes at the mmbop . thats my thoughts.. question does the ragley blue pig . have the same forgiving flex in the steel frame as my ragley steel trig frame. eg on the rough single track .. one thing us for sure i would consider upgrading the old mtb aluminium frame for a steel one..

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Sounds like you basically converted your trig to a MTB almost 😁 Also sounds like the perfect bike for your ride as well. Bet it is a great ride! I can't say what it would feel like in comparison, but I love how the pig rides, so much fun! The Mmmbop is another one I would like to try as well, just to see how it differs in feedback when riding 👍🏻 Hope you get yours up and running

[@eXaviar]

Finally i got hold of a Ragley Big Wig frame and built it up. Love it 😍 the only trails i dont like riding are massive rock gardens and notorious long carpets of roots. A little bit nice. Love the rough stuff tk a limit 😅

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Nice!!! Bet you are over the moon with it 😁 Yeh, rock gardens are a little more bumpy on it for sure, I might even consider SPD's for the future, but happy as is for now 😊 I do love my Blue Pig, such a capable bike as is yours 🔥

[@eXaviar]

@@ElectricMountainBiker I sartedt on Crank Brothers, wenn I still had my XC, but since I started learning stuff with. Tiny little bit of air time, I switched to flats

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I started on flats, but like you say over the bumpy stuff would be handy being attached, foot comes off on a regular basis over bumpy ground for me 🤣

[@FabEiburdlazMTB]

Great vid my friend !!! Have Fun and ride on 🔝

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Thanks mate, make sure you're having fun as well 😁

[@jr5218]

Love my hard tail. Priority 600X. No chain to oil

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I am going to have to Google this now when you say no chain, always a winner if nothing to oil!

[@SailingWindRose]

Great video. As a Dutchmen I would never consider an e-bike. You convinced me on the hardtail with the hill climb. As a flatcountry most will be technical biking. Full suspension to me feels counter productive and just wasting energy going up and down while really you want to go forward. Probably it’s great for riding down hills but that in NL will take 5 mins at most 😂. Thanks man, great video!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Haha totally agree on no need for an ebike there 🤣 Fully get what you need with the full suspension bike bobbing on climbs as well, even just on flat trails. Really is a waste of kinetic energy, for zero gain. Thanks for the great comment, and hope you're having a good weekend 👍🏻

[@jameshargreaves1]

Ahem! I couldn't have put it better myself! Oh wait 🙂 Congrats on the 1k subscribers dude!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Haha thought you might agree with that 🤣 Hope you're both doing good, and cheers for the congrats on subs 😊

[@K9Manhunters]

I‘ve been riding my HT for 8y now. I got it because I wanted to go back to mountainbiking but couldn‘t afford a FS with good components. For my riding style it‘s perfect and if sometimes I feel like something is too technical… well i just walk😂 Just upgraded it this year. But one day i think i‘ll get a titanium HT.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I looked at a ti hardtail, specifically the Ribble one, but couldn't justify the price for the components it came with unfortunately. They look amazing though don't they! Haha I know the feeling well of walking something, like you say it is all about getting out on it 😁 Thanks for the great comment 👍🏻

[@Stopadoodledoo]

Awesome video mate, absolutely love it. I had a strange feeling from the start that you would fall in love with hardtails - I was a broken record on how good they are. I've had so many, loved them all but loved some more than others. Don't get me wrong, I would never have just a hardtail but honestly, even if it was just a cheap(ish) hack one like my current one, there'll always be one in my shed.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Well, the pig is in my stable now because of you mate, thank you for making me see the light 😂 You know how much I love it, and it was great seeing your clips riding it as it should be, that confirmed I picked the right one when you got to the bottom of the trail and was impressed with it 😊 With you as well on a hardtail will now always be in my collection, for sure I do not want to do Dolly Waggon on a Hardtail, I would not be in a good place!!!?

[@Stopadoodledoo]

@@ElectricMountainBiker I would have given you relentless abuse if you had bought that gravel bike 😂 There's definitely places that hardtails aren't ideal, Dollywaggon definitely being one of them 😂

[@eXaviar]

I love to see a aggressive E hardtail 😍

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I think that could happen, would need to be an SL version as well to keep the weight as low as possible. But having the extra weight a motor brings could also be a benefit for calming it down slightly 🤷🏻‍♂️ Who knows

[@cooperdan8829]

I ride A aggressive ht, and A gravel bike I got fed up of throwing my money at a full suss, use the gravel for fast loops, the ht for railing singletrack and bike park 🤘🏽and I’ve beat all my pbs on a ht

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Ravel bike is still in the back of mind as well, just don't tell Jason 🤫 I really is constant money it feels with the full sus, great bike don't get me wrong and love it to bits, but running the HT is far easier on the bank account so far. Thanks for watching and feeding back as well, always appreciated 👍🏻

[@adeadventuremtb3134]

Great video bud. Made me miss my hard tail now 😂

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Sorry 🤣 You best remedy that then 😉

[@adeadventuremtb3134]

@@ElectricMountainBiker 😂 bad influence 😂🤣

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

🙈🙈🙈

[@Bloody_Nora]

Now that's a nice looking hardtail 5:19 😄 , Wait till you do Potato alley and Cavedale on it 😅

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Haha it is a great looking hardtail for sure that one 😉 Hmm, cavedale not in a rush for that one 🤣 Potato Alley, yeh I would have a bash 😁

[@almostcools]

Ha, my comment made it on the video! Everyone, go for a ride as soon as you can on which ever bike you have!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Of course it did, was a great comment 😁😁 And totally agree just get out and ride, whatever bike is your weapon of choice 👍🏻 Thanks for watching

[@kopite1892ynwa]

That bike is a beaut congrats !! I’m completely new to MTB at the age of 40, looking at buying either a calibre line T3-27, Ragley big al 2.0 or maybe an 2023 orange crush comp, any suggestions I don’t really know what I’m looking at 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

I love it mate, a do it all bike for me the Pig. I've tried the Orange Crush & P7, Nuke Proof Scout, and Ragley Piglet. All felt great bikes, I really enjoyed Jason's P7 in one of my recent videos. Mate Jonathan has the Big Al, and that is all I see him riding now 🤣 He has a channel MTB Derbyshire worth having a watch for the Big Al 👍🏻 Hallmarc trails - Marc has the crush, and Stopadoodledoo Jason, has the P7. I don't think you will go wrong with any of your choices.

[@EricBerghen]

Nice video !! But did you own all of those bikes ?? 😳🤔 I went form a FS Canyon Spectral to a Canyon Stoic then a Ragley Big Al 2021 then a Ragley Big Al 2023 !! Having more and more fun !! And it's amazing to see what those hardtails are capable of !! Loving it !!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Cheers mate, haha I wish they were. I posted in some fb groups asking people for photos of their bikes so could include in the video 👍🏻 My only hardtail I have owned is the Blue Pig, which I just love. A mate has recently picked up a Big Al, at one hell of a reduced price thanks to CRC, a stunning bit of kit. Fancy a 29er myself for my next bike 👍🏻 Same as you, I have been blown away by how capable they are, at everything from canal rides, to crazy steep trails, glad I got one now as fully get what they are all about 😊

[@richellis2140]

Enjoyed the video and context - thanks for sharing. Out of interest how did you find the sizing for the HT compared to FS - same or you sized up or down? I have 2 FS bikes at the moment but HT option really interests me. Also how does the Blue Pig compare to Say Marc’s Orange HT very similar or totally different?

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Thanks for watching, glad you liked it. Sizing wise I have a medium on the Rocky and a medium on the pig, but the pig feels more like a large, in a good way but certainly feels bigger than the ebike. How does mine compare to Marcs Crush, hard to say really as not ridden it enough to compare, but what I noticed is his also felt really good, in fact the Crush and the Nukeproof Scout of Lee's that I tried felt very, very similar to each other. Planted more on the trails, where as I feel the pig was a little more active, but in a good way. All I can say really is I love the Ragley and would not swap it for any other ☺️ But then again I am biased

[@richellis2140]

Just to follow on from that height wise how tall are you? Asking as I have found a eaglet big Al 1.0 but compared to my full suss which is a large medium seems on the small side but size guide suggests it’s suitable for someone my height (5.10)

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@@richellis2140 I'm 5' 8" 👍🏻

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@@richellis2140 are you based anywhere Llandegla? Only reason I say is they have ragleys as their hire bikes, might help you really know which size you want.

[@richellis2140]

Thanks again for the reply. No I’m not that close to llandegla I’m around J27 on M62 but good to know in terms of hire bikes. Will look into it as it’s a viable option and another reason to head over there

[@michaelwhite5834]

A fs is a whole lot easier to ride. However, I have a Stanton hardtail and that bike is so precise in the turns. The precision is itself very satisfying. It's not a big deal for me either way.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

When you have the choice even better 😁 I would like to get a full sus non ebike as well tbh now. HT helped me see I have the fitness for it now which is a great feeling 😊

[@megane230f1]

Got a de restricted full sus e bike absolute rocket, and it just doesnt give me the satisfaction of riding my gravel bike, the e bike has cost me in excess of £1500 quid to fix and thats putting the new motor in myself as well as a few other things, i have just picked up a brand new rocky mountain growler 40 hardtail with over a grand knocked off it 29er. Cant wait to get out on it

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Yeh ebikes are not cheap to run, literally just spent another £200 on mine in prep for Dyfi tomorrow 😭😭 Gravel bikes are great fun, almost went for one but decided on the HT, how does the growler ride?

[@megane230f1]

@@ElectricMountainBiker had it a week, not had a chance to get it out properly as ive been.flat out at work, ive just done part of the frame with clear protection, i have all this weekend free to give it a good ride out. The few small rides ive had on it, its reminded me of been back on a bmx, easy to wheelie and jump

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

@megane230f1 sounds like you have a great weekend ahead 😁 Back on the ebike for me as at Dyfi and need the help of the full sus, don't fancy the HT there tbh 🙈🤣 Hope you have a great weekend of riding, be good to hear how you get on 👍🏻

[@megane230f1]

@@ElectricMountainBiker i dont live to far from hamsterley trails and the danny hart descend park, may venture over there if thee other lads are game, yeah have a good weekend of riding hopefully that wind and rain will do one and it will stay nice all weekend

[@melodyfrench9576]

How is the blue pig for long out rides with big hills etc , like 60/70km rides etc

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

So far it has been fantastic tbh, great at climbing, comfy, and handles the descents like a total beast of a hardtail 😊 In better hands it really would be amazing, far better than my capabilities for sure 🤣 That is only on 40km rides though, I am sure it would be fine on much bigger rides as well 👍🏻

[@SafwanRahmanofficial]

I am one of a hardtail fan 😆 Own a Ragley BigWig 2022. It's just I feel that something is missing whenever I ride a full sus bike. The BDSM feel 😂

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Haha, I know what you mean, something good about how brutal they are on your body afterwards 🤣

[@Trig1609]

I sold my Santa Cruz Hightower and Whyte e160 and kept my hardtail 😂

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

🤣 They just do it don't they, the only bike you need when it comes down to it 👍🏻

[@Trig1609]

@@ElectricMountainBiker it’s a Cotic BFEMax and it does everything, don’t get me wrong I knew about it at Ard Rock the other year 😂 I’ve been looking at full sus again but not that switched on to change still.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Yeh the full sus is a nice comfortable ride after a hardtail that's for sure, mentioned it in my recent video as well when back on the ebike after riding the hardtail, said it really dumbed everything down 😊🤣

[@AlfredoFrancisco-dm4pk]

To by honest just good giometry hardtail, and best parts, yuo don't need spend to much money on fs.,

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Fully agree mate 👍🏻

[@uselessmountainbiking3342]

It requires you to actually ride well and do the work down and up.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Does it ever, the HT had taught me loads since riding it, and line choice 😊

[@anthonysears871]

Every ebike suuuucks!

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Well there you have it 🤣 I would disagree of course, but have to say loving the hardtail still, ebike has hardly been out.