No Suspension, No Problem!

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[@luukarends6946]

0:50 that spoke looks like it had a hard life

[@CP-qx2ff]

Perfect for winter riding, second/backup bike, change of pace, sharpen skills bike. Love the clean simple lines of hard tails. Knolly should give you a frame to build up.

[@lossantoscity3249]

@Black Snow is Cushy or Soft. Its good for Hardtail since the Snow acts like a little Suspension.

[@kalbetc6664]

@Black less parts to maintain also especially with all the mud that can make its way into the little nooks of the linkages

[@pbanthonyv]

@Black Suspension starts getting weird below 32F. Really slow and stiff below 20. It's generally considered winter conditions increase wear on pivots/linkage as well. Plus all the mud that can get into stuff accelerates wear also. Hardtail and Full Ridged have less things to be effected by that stuff.

[@bouzouki2006]

@@lossantoscity3249 Actually, it depends on the conditions. I've been riding no suspension, front suspension and full suspension bikes (including fatbikes and +bikes) on snow and on trails that has been walked on by pedestrians leaving holes and bumps, you're better with an FS bike. I've been winter riding for the last 20 years+ (and we have like 5 months of snow here) and there's nothing like the control and comfort of dual-suspension. Front suspension is good for groomed surfaces and leaves less chance for a mechanical (pivots/shock), but I would take a FS over a HT anyday.

[@BasicBodThor]

I have a hard tail as my second bike, and love the fact that in a lot of ways I can be more "chill". Sometimes with my FS I feel "pressure" to ride harder trails and try and go as fast as I can (granted I'm not very good). But with the hard tail, I can feel fine about hitting some blue tech trails and work on things like balance and line selection and have a great day riding

[@robrider838]

Haha that guy moving out the way quickly at 2:29. Oh wait that was me :) Nice to meet you that day. Great video.

[@alexdrift6285]

That little squirrel tho haha 4:39

[@kailmarks4968]

Nick, your assessment matches mine, and I’ve always kept at least on hardtail in my stable. It’s a different kind of fun, but no less fun. Like you said, on the steep, slow tech, they really aren’t at that big of a disadvantage. It’s the high speed chunk where I’m reminded I’m on a hardtail. Smooth flow trails are often faster, and definitely more interesting.

[@nicks2716]

I was impressed with how well you adjusted to the hard tail with it being your first ride on a non-suspension rig. Speaks to your skill as an all round rider.

[@ivanmtb00]

I would love to see more hardtail riding on your channel. I have one for winter riding too and use it a ton in the summer as well.

[@17even]

I recently bought a Trek Roscoe 9 and it is a fully spec'd hardtail beast. Can easily compete with some of the mid range FS bikes out there... Once you get used to the feel of them, it's a life long love affair

[@wd99999]

There is something special about a well spec'd hardtail, once you get hooked there is no turning back! I picked up a used Honzo CR in great shape and have had a lot of fun upgrading parts, all RaceFace cockpit, X01 drivetrain, Guide RSC brakes, OneUp dropper, this thing rips!

[@buckroger6456]

I agree. I just picked up a specialized fuse and I'm going to upgrade it over the winter.

[@Rolling2Quarters]

I bought a custom Chromag hardtail this season. Slacked out with 160 mills in the front. The bike rips the PNW loam! Great vid. Keep it up.

[@arenjanian8295]

Ding the rim? Those spokes have seen better days! 😂

[@RidingThruLife]

Great vid VanCan. I tried a hardtail on some proper trails for the first time this summer and like you, found that I would def prefer clips if I rode one more often. Might have been a combo of not used to using the legs as rear suspension and just getting bounced a lot but it was near death on a few occasions with the feet flying off. lol Thanks for the content. 🤟

[@Vazquez12able]

I have a DH bike and recently got a hardtail and at first I though there is no way I can ride the same trails as I do on my DH bike, but after some time on it, I ride everything, just slower, because as you said the big difference comes when you start going fast over tech, but tight singletracks no matter the difficulty are quite fun and do teach important bike handling skills.

[@ElectricMountainBiker]

Recently got myself a hardtail as well, totally in love with it 😊 Certainly beats you up way more on the descents, but I do also find I have a massive smile when at the bottom of the trail as feel like I have just been on a crazy adventure 😁 So much fun to be had, great video 👍🏻👍🏻 Keen to see what they are like in the winter here, cheaper option than the ebike for component wear I imagine is the main hope.

[@ZephaniahDavis]

Good for you for trying out a hardtail! They've been my choice for 20 years now. Can I offer some advice (if you wish to pursue hardtails)? Learn to manual through as much as possible and generally push the back wheel around, 'holding the front outta the way.' And, learn to change the angle that the bike's pointed when you hop. Lots of small hops with minor vector changes will get you through rough stuff so much faster than you think.

[@AdamDay1979]

Loved this video great to see a hardtail on the double blacks keep it coming 👌👍

[@KBrown92604]

I slid out and went head first into a log on Pingu a few weeks ago. Its still so dry out lol need rain soon!

[@johnster187]

Fantastic to see you ride on a Hardtail for a change, also looks like your loving it too. Dont see any Knolly Hardtails over in the UK but would love to sample the TYAUGHTON as it looks like a great bike. Just have to stick to my Stanton Switch9er instead. Steel is Reel 👍👍 Thx for the content

[@g.d.1722]

Wow, I got an adrenalin rush from just watching. Excellent ride and review! Awesome! Steel hardtail all the way!

[@Peak_Mid]

I love hardtails!

[@sam.wootton]

Nice review. Hard-tails are great, require more concentration. Good riding - make it look easy.

[@keken_25_pr48]

Can't wait to ride a trail like this one on my HT man! Smooth riide great Feedback! 👌

[@mtbville]

Sweet bike Nick 🔥 Entertaining video 👍

[@alonsorivas8648]

Al fin un video en el cual no hay quejas por la hardtail.✌️

[@user-kg5sg6rx6e]

4:39 squirrel :)

[@JHamsher98]

Great video! Gonna have to show my hard tail some love this week

[@BasicBodThor]

The new work on Pingu is very much appreciated!

[@julianw5692]

As someone who always rides a hardtail I think they're great. The main difference I find is that I'm just slightly more hesitant to do new things than I think I would be on a full sus. (Ive spent very little time on one). I think for someone who wants to go slower and just take in the trail a bit more and enjoy the challenges at a slower speed hardtails are awesome

[@d-nicebikes]

Liking the hardtail, Nick. Looking to get one as well, still debating between a fat bike and/or hardtail. Great review. The ride looks great, and already nicely broken in!

[@buckroger6456]

I say go hardtail, you can always run plus size tires to get some of that fat bike feel.

[@andy56730]

Remember you can bunny hop over rough bits

[@MrTrav36]

super cool looking bike !!!!

[@thescandiflick]

Very nice review! Big HT fan and have been only riding HT and currently looking to get my first fully! I have a Stanton steel HT very similar geo to the Knolly! Its a beast. Looking for a big enduro fully but can’t decide between 29 or 27.5😅!

[@burningatthetrailhead]

Putting this frame on the list of potential next frames.

[@vlbz]

I've got a Canyon Stoic last year. It is a great bike, even did two lift bike park days on it. The problem is that my knees can't take it anymore. On rough trails it becomes torture. Selling it now. Will miss it though.

[@awfully.average]

i've been riding hardtails for the past 6 years since i started MTB . I LOVE IT ! but being 42 my body just felt BEAT UP after a big day out. so im gonna build a Nomad V5 this week , not selling the hardtail though

[@JustJake77]

As a diehard HT rider, I approve of this content.... Funny enough, I was back and forth on this bike or an RSD RS-291 for my new bike (which arrives any day now). I ultimately went with the RS-291. But after watching this, definitely caught a bit of buyers remorse, hahaha 😆

[@toganlompkins8886]

I enjoyed the commentary throughout the video. Also, what did you think of the Magura brakes on it?

[@fmxr47]

I’m missing having a hard tail in my lineup so my DJ bike is the only one at the moment. Looking to build one soon

[@Wade970]

Riding a hard tail definitely complements riding a full squish. I find it is like switching between clipless and flats, both have their place. I enjoy having both a Troy and a Paradox.

[@lemonadejars]

@Hardtail Life setting the trends with his Knolly 🎉

[@alanmtbuk]

Beautiful bike

[@jasonlewis6914]

I freaking love hardtails man!

[@thanasimamais320]

Title: no suspension 1,000 fox 34 step cast: Am I a joke to you?

[@johnnykramolis7469]

Sharp looking bike 👍

[@maheshworkc7931]

Waaow,nice ride.

[@HardtailLife]

I can confirm that it feels great when people say nice things about the bike that I'm already riding. 😜

[@thebigoutside9623]

Sick video!

[@kaseykohler1490]

My bones disagree with your title lol.

[@jamesrobinson7207]

🤣🤣🤣 best comment

[@timbrassinne719]

You should try riding BMX. Talk about breaking your body.

[@Matthewelliott552]

Fr 😭😭

[@Albkiller22]

Mostly my back

[@mjbanan5291]

My kidneys too😭

[@babybell5781]

As a veteran hardtail rider I can say that you only ride them to be a snob about it

[@philippebenard1075]

As a hardtail rider I just got accused of this yesterday😂and then was labeled a full suspension hater. Oh well at least it’s m having more fun🎉

[@babybell5781]

@@philippebenard1075 I think this is the most hardtail rider comment I’ve ever seen lol

[@jorgpfeuffer7941]

imho it would be nice to see you, Dale and Dave ride hardtails...

[@VanCan]

😉

[@celonetvpn]

what a trail!! 👌 👌 👌

[@JORGEHERNANDEZ-sx3yb]

What an amazing trail! Sadly if I would try to ride on a trail like this, surely it would cost my life and earned a spot on Friday fails 🤣🤣

[@Anykine50]

Nice riding!

[@jeremyprovonsil7886]

Hardtails are such an oxymoron to ride. What you’re saying about being rougher yet…not, it’s very hard to put into words. You already have good line selection and execution on a full squisher and it will translate right over to the HT once your instinct for smoother lines goes autopilot. I ride a Chameleon Carbon when I’m not on my FS and I’ve actually done some of my fastest trail times on the backbreaker without trying to do it. They really do force your line choice to get better or you get sick of it and sell the bike! Haha. Do a few solid days on the HT then swap back to your Enduro to reap the rewards. You won’t be Loic Bruni but you’ll feel like you are!

[@ashleytombs]

Yeah Nick I’m so glad you’re on a hardtail you have to ride so much different than a full sus You can’t just monster truck everything like you normally do you have to pick your lines so carefully I think you know this already Now you know why I appreciate Josh so much considering he rides on double black and on a hard tail is amazing not something I would be doing that’s for sure

[@philippebenard1075]

You made it look like you’ve been riding hardtails on double blacks for a while. I hope you do more hardtail videos, it’s amazing what these modern agressive hardtails are capable of. Also there s no better way to really push those noble wheels to the limit. Let’s how long you can make that back rim last ?

[@onerider808]

PS: great riding!

[@pb8582]

Next time try with clipless pedal that will make the hardtail feel like a full suspension, those trail seem like the perfect place for a hardtail pleasure!!!

[@paulmanias8269]

Great to get a perspective on a hardtail from a very full sus perspective.

[@oldkayakdude]

No suspension? I see a squishy fork on that bike! :D Time for that fully rigid single speed or fixie experience! lol

[@WilliamLevesqueineX]

You have pretty much nailed it. I got a HT as my first bike (Giant Fathom), I ride slightly slower tech double blacks with it just fine. But the higher speed chunky DH trails are where its borderline not fun, tho admittedly I'm still a noob and its a smaller bike (130mm, 66HA alloy). So after one day of trying out Mont-Saint-Anne I got a DH bike (Mk2 YT Tues), so best of both world I suppose. Still wonder if I should aim at swapping the HT for a full sus trail bike, we'll see.

[@WilliamLevesqueineX]

Also its so strange how you'd think it will hurt to do big drops with a HT, but as long as its not a huck to flat you can get pretty big (8ft+) and its still weirdly fine.

[@MsgrTeves]

Everything will be just fine

[@SonyToprano1908]

Hell yeah I love me some hardtail content

[@MrTonka]

No suspension in the rear?!?! You're 6' tall, must have at least a 32" inseam. That's A LOT of travel!! haha

[@VanCan]

Too much really. I’ll keep my legs stiff for the full hardtail experience next time.

[@martinduplak3205]

I’d love to see u take the titanium frame for a rip

[@stevebennett3587]

👌nice ride, im 6ft and ride a 29er, tried 27.5 but it felt tiny, does the 29er work better for you also🤔

[@louis-philippecorriveau4725]

I love my Canfield Nimble 9…

[@NorthernSkiAndCycle]

0:50 that spoke though Also 490 reach and 427 chainstay doesn't seem to be a great match but I bet it's playful!

[@VanCan]

and yet, it is!

[@sandy_knight]

If I could only have one bike for everything it would be a hardtail. There's nothing you can't ride on a hardtail, its a tad slower and more punishing on the body but I'd argue on flow trails at least its more fun, on long rides its more efficient and if you really want to prove your gnar challenge your mates to ride a hardtail down that black DD... ;-)

[@mrb9999]

Thanks for your great content! I’m sold on the Knolly! Is Knolly and Chromag closely related?

[@VanCan]

Thanks! They’re sort of related. They’re both designed to ride the sea to sky area and both steel!

[@boardrocker]

Cool Runs, nice style! Which wide has your bar?

[@VanCan]

780mm

[@michael.finally]

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the Steel vs the Titanium versions of the Tyaughton. I know the titanium one is hard to come by, but with Knolly's HQ right at the base of Burnaby Mountain, I'm sure you could arrange a ride with them It's a real looker, for sure, and I definitely want to demo one from Kinetik sometime...

[@TheNoseman1]

I have the Ti version, and can say it is the best bike I have ever had and that is including the FS bikes I have had. I ride it about 95% of the time and don't regret it at all. Expensive but worth it.

[@PuffinPass]

Looks like a pretty cushy ride to me, but what do I know I ride full rigid and dropbars.

[@scoutingwithanthony]

Did I hear you mention that you had not dropped post? Why not? Anyway, been waiting for this video as I ride a hardtail. Always love to see how capable they are.

[@VanCan]

No, this has a dropper

[@onerider808]

I’ve always been a hardtail guy. My hardtails ain’t as cool as that one, though. Enjoy!

[@fbi-fipo1618]

I have a 180 mm hardtail

[@rotorloamer5329]

Will it take the 170mm air shaft ?

[@sergeybobrov2348]

Monster 👺

[@lutherowenpalmerthe8th379]

What is the weight of that bike?

[@claudiomensorio3514]

such a brave head (fork) angle for thin steel hardtail frame. looks like made for 100mm travel, with 150mm looks like downhill bike 🧐

[@VanCan]

It can run 170mm 💪

[@claudiomensorio3514]

@@VanCan yeah, scary to do jumps on it

[@VanCan]

Not at all! It’s been designed by one of the best engineers in the industry

[@LoranBriggs]

Where is this?

[@ralfjr.]

Try using some pedals with magnets.

[@Simon__T]

this will probably be my next bike if i brake my current frame

[@nathanpalmen7187]

the close up shot of your wheels shows a bent spoke

[@lukeackerman637]

Do you have cush core on this?

[@VanCan]

Yup!

[@normcook9335]

Not remotely interested going backwards to a hardtail - I spent enough time riding rigid frame MTB's so now it's all full susp.

[@bobbyhempel1513]

I don't think people should be allowed to have a full suspension bike until they've ridden a hardtail for at least a year.

[@METEORA_47]

what tyre width you use for this knolly?2.5 front and rear?

[@VanCan]

2.5 assegai upfront

[@METEORA_47]

@@VanCan knolly frame so sexy

[@METEORA_47]

@@VanCan thanks for the info

[@Piperb7]

What size was this frame?

[@VanCan]

Large

[@jarrahsends]

When a hard tail has a better fork than your enduro race bike:

[@kenny_kaos]

So you building your own up?

[@VanCan]

😉

[@hannes6114]

Why the Exo?

[@VanCan]

It’s light

[@Jonnysins42069]

I just switched to a full sus and I think I'm not ridingvas carefully as I used to

[@krs12]

you cant say "no suspension" while having a big Fox fork up front!

[@VanCan]

That’s just an optical illusion

[@mbelfry]

Was anyone else expecting this video’s title to start with: You don’t need carbon // ?

[@VanCan]

It’ll be, “you don’t need steel” when I demo the titanium one 😝

[@NickBainas]

No Suspension clickbait. Has suspension fork. ;-)

[@VanCan]

I tried my best to hide it

[@pscion12]

Not only the rims, you'll need to make sure to check your spokes too. Plus I can see that one of your spokes has a kink.

[@SuperNandoso]

En que bosque se encuentra esa pista?

[@josephfarrugia2350]

Great for taller riders, not so much for shorter people who like to manoeuvre this HT instead of hurtling down like a passenger. ("Small" size is 441mm Reach)

[@VanCan]

Geo numbers on paper aren't everything - you need to ride one to understand. 495 for my height sounds huge, but it wasn't