How To Choose A Hardtail Mountain Bike

[@gmbntech]

What do you think about hardtails?

[@zackisgonnadie]

they're really fun especially if you're starting out

[@Create_o_raptor]

Just get the one with one gear.. maybe one brake and 26 inch wheels.. else you are wasting your time

[@T.L.B.115]

Only ride hardtails 👍🏼

[@dontfollowthebunny]

I love it

[@thevapingpolisher9717]

Ns eccentric 27.5

[@snowman22ism]

I love my hardtail... Still brings me joy to take it out riding.

[@crankshoptv]

A cheapish hardtail makes the perfect bike for winter/bad conditions. Save your E or full sus for good weather and you'll save a tonne in maintenance bills. It will most likely pay for itself within a few years.

[@rottenhells]

Tire selection makes the biggest difference especially for hardtails - more important than the amount of suspension travel imo. Get a set of bulky enduro tires for rough trails, XC tires for longer rides and u have 2 bikes in 1. Beauty of HT versatility.

[@Cassie_MTB]

Absolutely right. I've do the Same, a Wheelset with knobbly tires for gnarly stuff, even with Inserts, and another one for really long rides with Racekings for the long and epic day trips.

[@seano218]

Great point!

[@not-a-raccoon]

Totally agree. Changed to conti race king on my commuter hardtail. Made a huge difference

[@SonnyDarvish]

Absolutely! Only a few weeks ago I swapped the stock tires (Johnny Watts) with Vittoria Barzo and not only the ride is far more comfortable, I can ride for much longer with the same effort. Before MTB, I assumed all MTB bikes are going to be slow and draggy, but apparently tire choice is the critical factor.

[@robwales5987]

My Scout with 27.5" tires and 140mm fork is an absolute beast! Super fun👍

[@housepianist]

Still digging my ‘18 Trek Marlin 7 hardtail with Continental Cross Kings. It’s all I need.

[@DizRidesMtb]

Love my Hardtail . Had my Cannondale Cujo 3 since 2018. 1 puncture in all this time only changed my drivetrain frm 3by to 1/12 oh n new Forks too . Another fantastic vid Anna x

[@seano218]

Also, 27.5 wheels are stronger and lighter than 29ers. Quicker starting and stopping too. For how I ride and like to play on the trail, not for speed or racing, they're perfect for me. Hardtails are the perfect starter bike and a great skill builder! I still have mine and always will have a hardtail in my quiver along with my enduro full suspension and road bike. I like having different riding disciplines for whatever mood I'm in.

[@clovercover5321]

I have just build a XC/trail hybrid hardtail with a 300EUR ali express frame. The build quality is better than I thought. The rest of the components I bought second hand. XT drivetrain, SRAM Guide RSC4, RS Pike, budget rims with DT 350 hubs and Schwalbe RocketRons. overall cost 955EUR. It rides so good and accelerates like a beast. You do not need an expensive frame. And building it by my own was quite fun.

[@jtsimaras]

I love having a hardtail in my stable- I always will! Thanks Anna for the great content!

[@deranged731]

Just pulled the trigger on a new Canyon Exceed CF7! Perfect video timing!

[@christophepage4090]

@@deranged731 let’s gooooo 🔥

[@evan5167]

Love my scout. Initially got it because of Blake but it is such a great ride and it is easy to maintain.

[@Charlie_Prinz]

Love me Nukeproof Scout !

[@komoonkh]

RIP. Blake is probably still crying a little bit.😅

[@paulblackwood46]

Everyone should try a hardtail at least once. It keeps you honest about line choice.

[@MrWolf2212]

That Orbea Laufey is looking sharp 👍

[@mihaiad86]

I went cheap, as i use it only on country roads and around the city. I've bought a Specialized Rockhopper Comp, from the Specialized store, for only 500 pounds (around 900 normally). I can install a DP if i want, and it's the first time when i can climb without being dead after 200 meters.

[@dcv9460]

Anna is AWESOME! 😎💯👍 and 🔥🔥🔥

[@phil5073]

I rode my hardtail in 27.5*2.8 rear. It feels different from 29x2.4. superb.

[@hallstewart]

With a 140mm fork, change of tyres is all you need. Go for a frame that comfortably takes at least a 2.6 tyre. If you want to bike pack, a bigger front triangle will enable a frame pack, but it’s not a deal breaker

[@xosece]

thanks for this video, my next bike is more likely to be something along the lines of a XC MTB, but I am not so sure after listening to Anna's explanation on All-Mountain bikes. Food for thought.

[@Cassie_MTB]

I switched to a Nicolai All-Mountain Hardtail over a year ago. Best choice I've made in terms of mountainbiking. Extreme low maintenance, extremely high fun, even on not so gnarly trails. But capable of doing anything, my old Trek Full-Sus did, and more. It's amazing how the dudes in the Bikeparks look, when they realize I'm on a HT. With the benefits of a Pinion gearbox, the rear wheel is light and tracks the Trail really well. The only downside was the price, but it was worth it.

[@Jboasman78]

Great video, thank you.

[@Dcully]

Since im getting older and avoiding trails [too many injuries] im sticking to gravel pathways these days so i bought a Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 , no suspension at all but its just perfect for the my local gravel canal pathways w of which i have 60kms of gravel to play with so this bike is perfect for longer rides.

[@rpvnwnkl]

Often, the word “often” can be often overused far too often

[@not-a-raccoon]

Oftentimes this is correct. 😏

[@feritiv]

I already have 3 hardtails. the first one from 1999 (Univega Alpina). Just ordered the fourth one - this time more of a trail version (Radon Cragger). Never enough 👍😁

[@bitumen83]

One thing that I noticed about HT market is that there is a very little companies (almost none) who offer aggresive CARBON hardtail. So basicaly something with 66-65 HTA and room for 2.6 tires and droper post which is also light and capable for longer rides...

[@jpfidalgo7]

Not in carbon, but have you heard of NordestCycles? They have the Bardino Ti which is 1,85kg and goes to 29"x2.6" or 27.5"x3". They also have the Lacrau Ti which is the same geometry but with pinion gearbox, and some steel versions as well, but it's probably not what you are looking for. Cheers!

[@MrJamesLuz]

@@jpfidalgo7 exactly what I was going to comment. Aggressive hard tails are built to be burly and take hits, carbon fiber is used to make light bikes. Ti is that perfect compromise.

[@Mavrik-60]

Nobody to teach you how to right either. Lmfao

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

It's been about a decade since I'm told by everyone and its mom that carbon bikes are "indestructible" if you don't bash or bang them, especially increase fatigue resistance over alloy. In practice I don't think it's all there is to know. Same principle as building a bike from 7075 alloy, it's better than carbon in a ton of situations but can be more expensive than building molds for carbon, especially if you don't do a big production run. Lies run this business, MIPS? High hubs engagement with ochains, PNW "reliability", Fox cost of service for 300$ shocks, "no need for 7 series aluminium", carbon is more expensive... Blablabla

[@slimjim4ever]

I personally find Yeti ARC to be on the sweet spot. 67 degree head angle as a default but with angle headset you can get it to 65/65.5 angle but for me it’s good as is :)

[@stevebennett3587]

😎love my ragley 140mm of travel is plenty for me😆parts are cheap👌deore 1x10 is plenty 😉could probally run a 11-40 cassette anymore is overkill for me personally, but then im 50yrs old, and just love to ride👍

[@Socrated-mq3dg]

@@stevebennett3587 I ride a 2022 Ragley Bigwig, I bloody love it

[@stevebennett3587]

@@Socrated-mq3dg great bikes, great geometry, shame about chain reation and wiggle, hopefully we can still get frame dropouts, not keen on those 3mm bolts though😎👍

[@Krizefugl]

Also I straight up find hardtail bikes far more beautiful to the eye. There are so many great hardtails under 2k (which is still a lot of money for most) but the versatility and ease of maintenance makes them just the bike for me. The Stoic 4 that was shown here is one prime example of very decent baseline part setup for an affordable price. Just over a month ago it was even on sale for 1399€ which is an absolute steal, so waiting for sales is sometimes even a good idea.

[@JeffMTBinVA]

Thanks Anna, awesome as always. I parked my hardtail when I got a full sus and I really should ride it more. I have thought for a while about upgrading the fork from the 130 to a 140 or 150. Maybe a new follow up video on doing that upgrade?

[@_mgiles]

I may have put a 170 fox 38 on my stoic this summer. Mainly because it's all I could find local when I was looking for a 150mm fox 36. But it looks so cool now I will never take it off.

[@philthyphil3324]

I love my banshee enigma. I think I'll always ride a hardtail.

[@jakebrakebill]

interesting video, been riding a full suspension carbon enduro for 16 years, just bought a zero-suspension carbon fat tire and was worried I wouldn't like it. I think I like it more after a couple rides.

[@robertbates3737]

I think Anna should tap bike frames with her nails in every single future GMBN video ❤

[@Notreallymeggriffin]

Only Hardtail bike suited with my financial situation 😂

[@mohoricm]

love my YETI ARC.

[@KenGilbert-yn4qz]

LTHT (Hornet mullet with 160 fork ) for the fun and play days and the full squish for long days in the saddle. The LTHT teaches you to pick the lines on the blacks and rough stuff and be an overall better rider and subsequently faster and better on the full squish. Do put a rim protector in the back wheel. The LTHT is also lighter than the full squish trail 150/140 bike.

[@vrwgq3q]

For hardcore hardtails, you have to really be choosy and dial in the fork. Its your only suspension with the pivot being the back axel and steeps significantly, especially if the geo is built around a tall fork. Unlike a full sus, you aren't sinking into the shock, so you need a fork that can provide small bump and mid-stroke compliance, while remaining very progressive for ramp up. Means you need a good fork, but likely will need to run more SAG with volume spacers and faster rebound, while using LSC and HSC to control dampening. I learnt my lesson from a nose case and went OTB to a grade 2 separated shoulder, and though its rider error, I reckon my fork dove too quickly due to not enough HSC and volume spacer.

[@mellissanash7517]

XC bikes do now come with a 67° some even listed at sag with a 110mm fork.

[@flybyguy1450]

Titaniums vibration damping is more akin to aluminum than it is steel. In fact, the only real benefit to titanium over aluminum is yield strength and corrosion resistance, with a very slight weight advantage.

[@Milessongs]

Bravo Anna!(again). This is a great example of how to keep it real. All terminology is explained and kept simple and straight forward. All bike options are couched in real-world decision-making parameters, all options are discussed with common pros & cons... SO glad to have honest, clear info like this online, especially for newer riders struggling to parse the over-complicated marketing gauntlet of MTB shopping!❤❤👍🏼👍🏼 #Annacipullorocks

[@tonybennett3904]

Top notch presenting.

[@CJGrand1]

Ragley Big AL for the win.

[@marcopaganotto9125]

1 X 10 for the win 👌

[@j3j326]

Hard tails are ok but I’m looking for A bike that’s kind of like the Trek procaliber as it’s a soft tail

[@Paganiproductions84]

A modern xc hardtail is plenty capable even without dropperpost depends on the geo.And massive difference comfort with a alu or carbon frame.

[@JosephSAi2HT]

Anna, definitely felt that inertia difference between my 1stTrulyRidden Cannondale29er v Specialized27.5er! (Both HT) my futureChoice in, however, fullSus for marathonBikePacking, atLeast, will moreThanLikely be an Orbea, as i reckon you just hit my tippingPoint! I also reckon i gotta readyUp my washinUpLiquid b4Hand to keep my my Orbea in tipTopShop! TipOMyHat2ya Anna! You’re bloodyAmazing!

[@JosephSAi2HT]

So I also reckon i need to subscribe to trailBossStatus for GMBN Tech specifically?

[@Em-su6hn]

I got the answer: go to Walmart and get a bike for 100dollars. You work harder and make use of the muscles better

[@seano218]

Wish they would bring back the Superfly!

[@fud1376]

Ragley BluePig.,a Proper Weapon..Ha!!

[@Kofi.86]

How about getting one that most ride on flat surface but now then also go off road

[@not-a-raccoon]

I see Anna, I click. Pretty simple 😏

[@uldi1s]

I have 6 bikes. All hardtails. Already thinking on getting another one (a DJ) 😁

[@sixtring73]

#ask GMBN Tech. I have a lovely Nukeproof Scout XL which has a 150mm fork. It always felt a bit low on the front end even though I have 38mm rise bars and a few spacers under the stem. I recently tried a set of 180mm forks on it and now it feels like it sits where it should do. I don't need the 180mm of travel but it just seems to feel right now. We hear all the time that we should be careful when doing things like this as it will upset the geometry but it just didn't seem to sit right as it was. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks!

[@probhatshil5123]

A trail hardtail most beautiful 😍 thing ever made by human

[@xclent1975]

Or a used Hard tail … my 2016 Fuji Tahoe weighs 26 lbs and is aluminum AL2… save money upgrade the components and then shred it on the trail. I recommend 69.5- 68 degree head angle for speed… theses topics videos are camouflaged advertisements by /sponsored by/for the bike manufacturers note the bikes she has behind her…$$$$

[@blakekennard7700]

Anna what is the shreddiest, slackest hardtail that you have ridden?

[@d1rdym269]

Canyon stoic

[@s14tat]

​@@d1rdym269She rode a nukeproof scout v3 for a month to see if it made her a better rider. The scout is slightly slacker than the stoic. 64.5 for the scout vs 65 for the stoic.

[@slimjim4ever]

You can try Kona Honzo ESD with 63 degree head angle

[@megane230f1]

Rocky mountain growler 40, 64 degrees

[@Paganiproductions84]

I wish their where xc hardtails with 110 or 120 mm suspension travel from the factory.

[@LenZenGeR]

@@Paganiproductions84 Rose pdq

[@theshadow8008]

My h t evolved from trail to xc, now its called xc trail...

[@slimjim4ever]

Same here. My custom Yeti ARC sports XTR groupset, Fox 34 Stepcast fork & ultralight wheelset. 19.5lbs with proper dropper. Super light capable XC bike. Love it :)

[@Moonglow1-y9x]

Trek roscoe 9 can't go past one

[@Brendan95902]

#askgmbntech How about addressing trouble shooting odd and disturbing mechanical sounds while out on the trail? They can be so irritating, and are very hard for your LBS to replicate in the workshop even if one can record the sound while on the trail.

[@dougnico2492]

My Merida Big Trail eats most trails for breakfast

[@chrisgell9052]

I love my Big Trail. I put a bigger rotor (200mm) on front together with Hope Tech 4 brakes. I run an insert in the back wheel. Always manage to keep pace with my riding buddies on their Enduro bikes, even on steep rocky trails. Great fun. Hardtails forever!

[@yourhomie2938]

Whatever you can afford. Smiles per pedal stroke

[@brettsmith6010]

I love my hardtail......my knee's not so much.

[@METEORA_47]

More slacker HT is more sexy...HCHT is perfect!! 🤘🔥

[@galenkehler]

Easy, just choose the one with rear suspension 👍

[@ianbrown2336]

I've seen hts go up to 180mm of travel

[@Trikk57]

How to buy a Hardtail: 1. Save up more money 2. Buy a Full Sus

[@Paganiproductions84]

3 upgrade hardtails you don't need a fully

[@zedddddful]

Buy a full sus if you don't know how to ride lines properly 👍

[@drewsmith6066]

I don't know why anyone would consider buying a Hardtail in 2024 bar the cost , it's full suzzy all day long

[@seano218]

They climb better for starters, are lighter, more playful, less maintenance, great for commuting, as well as being able to ride anywhere, and they're a great skill builder.

[@drewsmith6066]

@@seano218 I have had both, and I tell you now it's night and day the full suzzy wins all day long, my full suzzy is lighter than my old Hardtail lol , plus you don't get the crap shaken out of you on and off the road...never go back me....O and it destroys the Hardtail up and down hills and a lot fastest bike with 29 wheels...miles faster and fly's up hill ...

[@pepeanza6187]

Hardtails are more fun

[@drewsmith6066]

@@pepeanza6187 Not a chance, mine was lifeless, there is no fun going over ruff terrane on a bone shaker, plus most are 27 at the wheel and way too slow, a 29er suzzy is light years ahead, fact I have had both

[@settereken2011]

Ride what you like. That’s what I do.

[@theshadow8008]

Anna i think you are getting heavy why?

[@zedddddful]

Dude chill out she looks really healthy leave her alone FFS.

[@evan5167]

You better be modelled after adonis

[@JeffMTBinVA]

Wow, what a douchebag 😡

[@tygastfield613]

This is just rude! You should look at yourself in the mirror and ask why you feel the need to publicly judge someone like this. Also, the right thing to do is simply delete your comment and work on being nicer to people around you.

[@petrbelohoubek6664]

Orbea Laufey with 150mm fork Fox 36 Performance is a dream.🔥🤍

[@Scouting4hardtails]

The greatest hardtail I've ever ridden is the Nukeproof scout275 v3 it's one hell of a machine...🚵