REVIEW: Kona Honzo ESD experiMENTAL - Rock N Rolll Build - 130mm, 64* Singlespeed Slayer

[@hardtailparty]

A few thoughts: 1) On the original honzo review, I complained of the low bb with 175mm cranks. Even though this has an even LOWER bb with 170mm cranks, when you ride a bike like this singlespeed, you actually have far fewer pedal strikes because you're covering more ground with each revolution of the cranks. That's why I didn't complain about the bb being too low in this video. I'm sure if I had 12 speed back on it, I'd be pedal-striking everywhere. 2) Ideally, I'd put a 20mm spacer between the head tube and the crown to keep the tall bars and a higher bb (at the expense of a 63* head angle). 3) This was a super fun experiment. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. 4) This is the first bike I've fit on with a 170mm dropper post, and it is a game changer. So few companies are offering short seat tubes on their bikes. What a difference it made! 5) The new 2021 honzo st might be an even better fit for me. I hope to get my hands on one to review it.

[@AdamMartinezTheEntomologist]

What is the head angle now that you've changed the travel? I'd guess it's closer to 66 now?

[@jhuanger]

Was just about to ask about bb height so good to know about single speed vs 12. Edit - I don’t think #2 is possible? The crown of the fork needs to go right up against the cup that holds the bearings, no?

[@ohiomoto]

@@jhuanger The lower headset cup IS the spacer. You pop the stock one out and put the longer one in. Woof Tooth makes them.

[@jhuanger]

@ohiomoto I see. But that’s only available if you don’t have a tapered head tube, and don’t have an integrated headset, right? Otherwise the cup is actually in the head tube? Or is there a way to remove the integrated headset in the head tube?

[@hardtailparty]

@@AdamMartinezTheEntomologist 64*, as stated in the video

[@BuildaBetterBike]

Found your channel through Old Shovel. There's several things that are impressive. 1 - how much you can say about a bike frame! 17 minutes of content about something so simple, and all relevant and helpful. 2 - Channel logo and branding. 3 - the fact that you can pedal uphill and carry on a dialogue without sounding out if breath! Also, this frame sounds very interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@hardtailparty]

Welcome to the channel and thanks for the kind words. Rob is a good dude. We'll be seeing more of him on the channel soon.

[@bigshan5806]

I love being a patron. Why u ask? Just watch hardtail party. Steves is trying out new ideas, giving honest reviews, having fun, and most importantly being a solid dude who's giving you the viewer a supercool hardtail channel. As always HP u did another cool review on a experiMental project. 👌👌👍👍

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks so much for the support BigShan, I really appreciate you chiming in and being part of the patreon community.

[@bigshan5806]

@@hardtailparty no worries mate, anytime.

[@waynescottturner]

Even though I'm more a child of the eighties, every time I hear your intro music, I just can't help but smile. It's so '90s!!!

[@waynescottturner]

@@ironworm26 I could see that. I'm actually a 70s/80s kid but my GF is 90s, and she kept hearing it from the other room when I was cruising through your videos and she thought it was from some 90s MTV show she used to watch but couldn't remember what one. Keep up the excellent content!

[@waynescottturner]

@@ironworm26 Um, okay. 🤷‍♂️

[@19OXAM]

So, I got the new ESD after taking a break from riding after falling pretty bad 10 years ago. The moment I got on this bike to test ride it, I fell in love. Super smooth and comfortable to ride. I have had to adjust my riding style to fit this bike but am getting more comfortable the more I ride it. Still tweaking my body position and loving every ride. Still cannot manual but bunny hops are getting easier the more I practice. I grew up on BMX bikes, so maybe that’s why I love it so much. Love bombing down steeper hills as it’s really comfortable! Just watched the other video on modern riding techniques, which seems to be helpful and will continue to practice!! Thanks for the video!!

[@philippedarmon3904]

Hi Steve! Well, at the end my new bike is not a Solaris Max but a Honzo esd. Just because of you, i changed my idea, and... Thank you very very much for your great videos! But imagine that i couldn't wait for the lyrik 150 that arrive and i test this afternoon the esd with my old titanium bike fork, a rigid fork with 490 a to c . And what a surprise, what a good bike like this too! Of course, the pedals (175 crank) are near the ground but the balance is wonderfull and it climbs like a goat whis the chain stays on the shorter position. Underforking an hard core hartail is not a bad idea whith a rigid fork cause the front end never dive. I'm sorry, i would like to send you a photo of the bike like this😉 Philippe from France

[@sixbikes6125]

After spending much time pondering what bike to get, I discovered your channel and watched your Honzo videos. Long story short. I now own a Honzo... P.S. Your videos are awesome!

[@tmwei396]

I had a SS for while. The time that I had it I loved it. I switched between having a suspension fork and full rigid. I learned to love the simplicity of a SS. Also I'm able to focus on the trails coming up so I can plan when to speed up for a climb and not have to worry about being in the correct gear. Just grind and go.

[@los1379]

As someone who rode singlespeed exclusively for 12 years, you’re right, but there’s more to it. When I started riding fixed off road, I was pushing a slightly taller gear than I was with a freewheel, but there was, by necessity, a higher need for awareness.

[@adamgroves2811]

I ran a Kona Cowan single speed for a while, it was a blast and silent before the days of clutch rear mechs. After a day in the Surrey Hills I also needed to recover so I'm happy to find out I'm not the only one. Great channel Steve.

[@THEOPINIONATEDSPORTSMAN]

Man! I REALLY appreciate this video! I have the Honzo ESD on order and the 150 fork is really the reason why I did not get a complete ( just freaked me out) and just ordered the frame. I’m going to put a Helm on and 130 was what I was thinking as far as travel goes and I am beyond grateful to you for going Ginny-pig mode for someone like me. Even as a 35 year bike industry vet here in AZ, it’s good for someone else to go experimental mode other than myself! Haha! I’ll hit you up when I get it finished and these Tucson trails have ZERO chance. Cheers!

[@hardtailparty]

Honeybee will never be the same. ;) This thing will rip out at 50 year and lemon.

[@danieltomlinson9667]

Went back and forth over this and the new st frame. Went for the st with the 66 head angle. Desperately hope that the new frame has the ride quality that you have described here. Nice review

[@hardtailparty]

I have the same question. I'm betting the rear end is identical between the two. I hope to throw a leg over the 2021 st one day.

[@danieltomlinson9667]

@@hardtailparty they tell me it is two weeks out.....lets hope! If you were anywhere near BC you could take it for a week no sweat.. but... ZERO chance mine will be a single speed

[@shaunroach7829]

As a single speed enthusiast what a great video!!!!!! Great job Steve!!! It’s always fun to see you experiment and put the bike through its paces!!! 💪💪💪🤘🤘🤘👍👍👍

[@nathankossak1858]

Saw the thumbnail and started drooling...looks like a hell of a good time. Sedona is the best place for that kind of SS in my opinion.

[@mattcardarelli]

Love the channel!!! Huge fan from Indianapolis. I have more fun on my Trek Stache than any other rig in my fleet. Your knowledge of bikes is extraordinary,, you’re opinionated and its refreshing. Thank you.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks Matt! The stache is such a cool bike. I'm so sad they're discontinuing it. I would have loved to see a modern version of it.

[@colindixon9543]

Great stuff Steve, I took your advice about putting more weight over the front , it has enabled me to be much faster especially on non berm corners and in control through deep British mud. Horrible riding conditions are lots more fun.

[@oldshovel]

The party bike!

[@ohiomoto]

This ESD needs a 1994 oldshovel makeover!

[@joshuawagner4872]

Thanks for always answering comments, reacting to instagram posts and just helping your community. You are the best!

[@hardtailparty]

I love interacting with other hardtail afficionados. I have the best viewers.

[@jonsalcido8322]

I have been running the same set up for awhile now. Kona unit ss. Great post and well said. 🤙

[@beneaton9635]

Hello from Nelson BC! Your channel helps keep me connected to Sedona. Hope to see you on the red rock post COVID-19... excellent HT reviews!

[@hardtailparty]

Nelson sounds pretty nice right now! Send some of that rain our way.

[@BlindCoyoteArt]

I recently upgraded from a '21 SP Rockhopper, got a small 2021 Kona Honzo ST 29er with a 130mm Fox 34. Loving the new build!

[@tacosuave558]

Cant wait to see the review for the 2021 st. Have a 2018 honzo AL with a 130mm fox 34 rhythm that I would love to upgrade the frame to either the new ST or ESD especially now that you can just buy the ESD frame. Thanks for the great content, glad i just found the channel!

[@MozOnBikes]

Just a thought as it’s something I’ve been playing with recently. Instead of adding a crown spacer, a higher rise bar is a good alternative. Has the benefit for not changing the stack and reach by leaving the frame geo status quo. Only issue is getting use to the older school 38/40mm riser bar look. Keep up the good work 🤙

[@hardtailparty]

Originally I ran a 40mm bar, but I didn't like the way it steered. So I put the stock bars back on with more spacers under the stem. bar height was the same as stock, but sta, hta, and bb were all changed. Running a crown spacer will keep sta, hta, and bb drop the same as stock, which is a good thing.

[@RowdyHonzo]

Running the 38mm carbon riser bars from Brand-X on my Honzo ST, they're so much fun and still feel compliant. Definitely makes the bike look and feel like an overgrown DJ.

[@speedboard.]

@@RowdyHonzo overgrown DJ in a good way? Thinking this could be a fun big boy DJ bike for me. What fork are you running?

[@RowdyHonzo]

@@speedboard. Absolutely, meaning that it's fun and nimble, but it also doesn't really sacrifice any pedaling ability or normal riding characteristics. I've got a 140 DVO Sapphire on it which honestly feels perfect, I'm sure a Pike would give you a similar result as well. I'll ride it really anywhere from jump lines to flow trails to tech and it takes it all super well.

[@jeffreydzialo]

This is the review I've been waiting for! I've got to find one to demo. Thanks, for your attention to detail, as always!

[@reggieringgoldjr68]

Steve, I know you always talk about how far you can get the Dropper out of the way. If you haven't tried One Up Components Dropper but, Man is it GAME CHANGING for me. I'm 6'2" and 275 LBS, and that Dropper is KING. RIDE SAFE MY MAN........🤝🏾🇺🇸💪🏾👍🏾

[@hardtailparty]

I have a video in it. I love the short insertion length of that dropper. It's not my favorite actuating dropper, but it fits in places that others don't.

[@reggieringgoldjr68]

@hardtailparty I LOVE them but, I saw a Video yesterday where you just touched on how you didn't like them. I do understand, but I do like how far down they can get. 🤝🏾🇺🇸💪🏾👍🏾

[@ericsundell9978]

ahhhh! I can't wait to get my frame finished up. Wheels are hopefully showing up soon? I can't wait to throw a leg over this thing!!!

[@Theriver56]

This is really awesome, has me wanting to upgrade my frame!

[@mrldennis]

It took a while to get used to the ESD. I dropped the fork to 130mm and a crown spacer and it just clicked for me. Now it fits like a glove and I wouldn’t change a thing.

[@TheFatSteez]

Set up my Big Al with a 120mm Sid, riser bars and singlespeed. Rides so good. Would love to try a frame with higher BB, stack and slacker HTA with a 120mm fork. The big al geo chart is actually from a 130mm fork so with the 44mm offset of the SID and how high it rides in the travel it works pretty nice. Any idea where to get spacers for under the headtube? That sounds sweet

[@philippedarmon3904]

Hi Steve ! At the end if this video, you speak about the spacers you could add under the head tube, 1 or 2 cm. I found the 10mm spacer but the 20mm, no. Di you have any reference for this spacer, please? Philippe

[@benjacobson7490]

I got an old fashioned hardtail and rented a giant reign at angel fire and the modern geo felt weird but by my 2nd lap I was shredding it and loved it

[@skylerdompier938]

Hey Hardtail Party, great videos! Have you given any thought to riding the new version of the Honzo St?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, I'd love to, but I believe they're all sold out.

[@Bigshrimpiin]

10:10 You talked about running a spacers underneath to correct the head angle. But I'm confused because doesn't that crown need to find snug in that head tube? Wouldn't you be sacrificing structural stability of the fork?

[@hardtailparty]

The spacer is designed for it, it's called a "crown spacer" , it's not the same as a headaet spacer above your headset. It's the size and shape of the crown.

[@geoffsimons1235]

You Sir are a “bad “ influence, I just pulled the trigger on the esd with a helm set up at 130 mm . I don’t know how many times I watched and rewatched your reviews on the esd ,well here goes 👍

[@hardtailparty]

Massive congrats. I hope you love it. If the bb is too low, try a 10-20mm wolftooth spacer above the crown. Leave that steer tube a little long until you dial it in. I'm sure you know that already.

[@geoffsimons1235]

Yep, going to start with 40 mm of spacers under the stem.this is going to be a winter build, my local bike shop is very helpful and anxious to get started .just waiting for the brown santa 😉

[@jeff7086]

How would you put this compared to Paradox V3?

[@Morpheas001]

Asking the real questions.

[@hardtailparty]

Paradox is a better all-rounder. The esd is rowdier and wants to party just a little bit more. For most trails across the US, the paradox would be the better choice.

[@ninjobrown6868]

A slacked out single speed, need to try this.

[@hardtailparty]

I highly recommend it. My singlespeed has a 65* hta and I love it.

[@SprSonik13]

Do it! You won't regret it!

[@ninjobrown6868]

@@hardtailparty I bet, my hardtail's a bit outdated. We need to get Norco to send you a Torrent, that may be my next one.

[@hambo76]

Great review! Just out of curiosity, how does the Honzo ST compare to the Ragley mmmbop? Also, what did you mean by the handlebars can't save you on a slack bike? Would be good to 'see' what you mean there.

[@guillemc8219]

Great video. I own an esd. What is the gear ratio you used? I personally use a helm coil. It's the way to go on agressive hardtails imo. Supple at the top with firm oil cartridge to keep the front up

[@hardtailparty]

Gear ratio should vary based on your trails. What works well for me may not work for you. I recommend some experimentation. I can't remember my exact ratio here, but I think it was close to 32/19. I now ride a 30/20 and it's a little slower but easier on my body.

[@ohiomoto]

You're having so much fun on this. Now I want one!! LOL

[@hardtailparty]

This bike is super special.

[@adanielweaver]

Seems like you could easily save a pound with lighter (and shorter) cranks and cassette. Not so bad. I have a 64 degree Enduro bike and a 66 degree Hardtail (Transition Patrol and Throttle). They seem about perfect for each purpose. I like my hardtail to feel a bit more nimble since when I want to smash through stuff, I ride my Patrol. Just added as a Patron! Love what you do going in depth.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for becoming a patron, I really appreciate it!

[@duanehundley]

I would enjoy videos on different trails in Sedona. There are too many trails for the average weekend vacationer. I've been twice and have ridden slim shady to hiline and then hangover trail on another trip. I have no idea what else to ride next time. I think you could make this a local expert channel too. Sedona is turning into a world class mtb destination.

[@hardtailparty]

I filmed a guide to Sedona mtb trails for the festival. It's on my channel. I might consider updating that video.

[@adamrossi7010]

Such a great experiment and amazing bike!! I could visibly see you were faster on the Honzo than on the Rurok. Steve, how does the Helm MK2 compare to your MK1? Any noticeable differences? I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Helm for my paradox to run in the 120-130mm range.

[@hardtailparty]

I can't feel a huge difference between the helm mk2 and mk1, but I only had the mk1 for a couple weeks. The main difference is ease of maintenance/serviceability.

[@ohiomoto]

The BB drop will change roughly 2.5 mm to 3.5mm per 10mm of change in fork length depending on the overall length of the bike, the chainstay length and front center measurement. I think it will be on the lower end of the range on larger frames, and higher end on smaller frames.

[@hardtailparty]

I measured it, and it was ~7mm shorter when I went from 150mm to 130mm on this bike. Then I put 5mm shorter cranks. So all in all, my pedals were 2mm closer to the ground.

[@ohiomoto]

@@hardtailparty Awesome. I edited my post to be more accurate. I'm sure some engineer out there will tell me how far off I am. haha

[@miramikes]

10:10 never heard about spacers under head tube ... It sounds interesting ... How does it works? Where I can get some? Great channel BTW ;)

[@JimmyJamesonJnr]

Just ordered an XL ESD frame but not sure if I'll run a pike 130 or a fox 36 160... BTW the frame was in stock!! How things have changed.

[@philippebenard1075]

Hi Steve ,was wondering what your thoughts are on coil forks for agressive hardtails. I ordered an esd frame in part thanks to this channel and I’m doing a custom build on it and was considering the cane creek coil fork or marzochi bomber? Should I stick to the air versions ? Also where do I go to become a patron and get some merch ? Thanks for the great content. Best hardtail reviews anywhere!!!

[@hardtailparty]

Merch and patron info in video description. Personally, i prefer coil forks on full squish bikes and air forks on hardtails. Since the back isn't plush, i like a poppier, livelier front end (air). No matter how plush the front is, the rear is still going to be bumpy. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with me, but those are my thoughts.

[@mybadvideos]

I'm wondering whether the 2021 Honzo ST is more like a slacker version of the Honzo ST you didn't love, or is it more of a mini-ESD? Looks like it still has the 'shark fin' seat tube gusset.

[@hardtailparty]

I wonder the same thing. I think the 2021 st could be a killer bike. It looks good on paper at least.

[@mybadvideos]

@@hardtailparty Currently I'm thinking that I'm going to try to obtain a 21 or 22 ESD frame later this season. If I can't make my existing 130 bomber Z1 fit I'm thinking about getting a 140 travel Z1. More travel than I currently have and less travel than what you thought was suboptimal.

[@MikeKraemer87]

I have always wonder what this bike would be like if you did one of the head cup kits the steepen the HTA, like what would it ride like around 65? Just seems fun to experiment with.

[@hardtailparty]

Probably like a honzo st slackened out a bit. Could be fun.

[@tonyhruzek4250]

How does this compare to the El Roy??

[@cornedoornhein9531]

You ride it singlespeed… i would like to see a Rohloff hubb mounted to that bike. Is that something you would try? Simpel maintenance, 14 speed.. just a bit on the heavy side. And would like to hear your opinion. And i think a lot more hardtail enthousiasts in wet conditions out there! 🤘

[@hardtailparty]

If rohloff wabts to send a drivetrain and wheel, I'd be happy to try it out. I don't have an issue with a simple wide range 10 speed setup either.

[@mjgarber1]

How many teeth on the chainring and cog on this SS setup? Thanks!

[@chadashton7029]

So what do you think about the ESD with a 130mm fork steepening the HT angle to 64° (or 140mm fork plus a +1 angled headset for 64.5°) vs the 2021 Honzo ST and using an angled headset and 150mm fork and slacking it out to 64.5°? Or staying with the intended 140mm fork and rolling at 65°? Torn between these two options. Honzo ST is slightly cheaper but steeper stock so it would limit how slack I could go. Of course, the ESD is opposite and limited on how steep I could go, but who would want to go steeper than 65° anyways. I have a 150mm Pike that I plan to use on whichever frame I get but I'd like to get the upgrade air spring anyways...so it wouldn't be an issue to lower the travel since I'm swapping out springs anyways.

[@nathanwhitmire3888]

Question for you, do you find the super steep ST angles, to put the seat in the way when standing climbing technical stuff on the SS builds?

[@hardtailparty]

I lower my seat for ss climbs, so it doesn't bother me. But my tall friends do have that issue, ss or not

[@finnisd1]

Hi you should try the Ribble HT Ti it’s from England but it’s just as good as the Kona if not better we’ll worth a look 👍

[@NDemanuele1]

HP, how do you setup your gearing for single speed so you can climb and pedal efficiently? Is there a rule of thumb? Also, if I want to convert an older bike ( from the 90s) to single speed is there a conversion kit you can suggest? Thanks!!

[@hardtailparty]

it depends on the bike, but it's doable. You can run a chain tensioner pulley. I plan on reviewing a few of these solutions and making a video about them in the future. Gearing is location-dependent, so if you can find a local singlespeeder to share their gearing, I'd go with that. I run a 32/20t here in sedona. If I lived in florida, I'd probably run a 32/16.

[@robertrobertson7782]

I am long winded sorry man last comment promise but am geeking out for sure am definitely seeking a Honzo

[@johnc5188]

what setup do you use to convert wheels to single speed? do you have a dedicated hub freehub combo for running single?

[@hardtailparty]

I actually have a dedicated rear wheel for ss (I stole it off my ti ss rsd middle child). It's a nukeproof hzn v2 wheel with an hg driver and a 20t wolftooth cog. I'm running 32/20 for sedona. 32/19 would work, but 32/20 is more comfortable.

[@velomech8139]

Is it possible to run an angle set, reversed in that head tube? I'm on the hunt for a frame that can be used as a Dirt Jump bike for tall people. would be cool to be able to lengthen reach and steepen head angle for that application.

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, definitely possible. The reach won't be super noticeable, but the wheelbase and the head angle will be

[@velomech8139]

@@hardtailparty thanks Steve, The Konas have a proper pressed in head set, correct?

[@hardtailparty]

@@velomech8139 The Honzo ESD does, but not all konas do.

[@velomech8139]

@@hardtailparty thanks mate

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

Want to try singlespeed on my ESD but running an Oval Chainring... will it work or should I just put my round chainring back on?

[@hardtailparty]

It can sorta work, but i prefer round. Give it a try.

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

Update: been running the oval chainring and singlespeed all spring... no issues whatsoever! Loving it...especially the looks from guys on e-bikes...🤣

[@antocourt-x7j]

Just ordered my Chromag stylus, cant wait to see what almost geo similar to the honzo ESD feels😁

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats! Chromag makes beautiful frames, and that geo looks spot on.

[@antocourt-x7j]

@@hardtailparty thanks! I Might also try experimenting with less travel for Sedona since it is meant for 150-170 mm. A big thank you for also being the one who shares this experience and knowledge with everyone!!

[@Fixingeverthingwithaengine567]

I would like to try that frame as a single speed.

[@danfrst1]

I'm going to try 'mullet' my hardtail 👍 Probably not ideal for the ESD but I think it'll open up mine a bit more!

[@bopssingh8832]

Steve, is it worth getting a 210mm dropper over a 180mm? I've bought the esd in a large and have a 180mm OneUp post. Should I have gone for a 210mm?

[@hardtailparty]

Get the longest dropper you can fit. No reason not to

[@datdudeinred]

Please please for the love of hardtails compare this with the new marin el Roy that you are going to review... Btw when can we get blessed with that review??

[@hardtailparty]

I just barely released the first look video. I need more than a couple rides on that bike before I film a review of it.

[@datdudeinred]

@@hardtailparty yeah ofc you take your time bro. I was just going to get marin but then again I'm a much heavy rider 102kg 6.1ft tall, that's why i thought it might be too supple like you said that's why I'm confused

[@tomf2013]

Is it possible to fit a 2.6 DHF or DHR II rear on this frame?

[@Surfratglass]

So did lowering the fork raise the hta?

[@Onecogmike]

I have a new rockshox Pike ultimate 150mm, I9 305 wheelset, assegai and aggressor tires, raceface bars and crankset, sram gx drivetrain and new shimano xt brakes but ESD frame hasnt come in yet. I'm very jealous

[@hardtailparty]

Don't be too jealous, I had to send mine back to kona. You get to keep yours. :)

[@bsowhat]

What gearing are you running?

[@carlchloeadventures4482]

what dropper post would you recommend?

[@hardtailparty]

I'm a huge fan of the 9point8 fall line R and the bikeyoke revive.

[@briancherbak5047]

Anyone tried this bike set up rigid? Is there a fork with axle to crown length that gets you close enough to 64 hta that the bb doesn't drop too low? Have to go custom fork? Would you snap the head tube? I'd love to know how that rides.

[@hardtailparty]

What types of trails would you want a 64* hta and a rigid?

[@tomf2013]

A shame this bike doesn't have room for 2.5-2.6 in rear. I'm curious how it would ride with a 140 fork and +1 angle-set. If that would make it more well rounded.

[@lightningshredder5605]

It doesent?

[@jeremyrobinette2563]

I kind of want the 2022 purple one. Not sure it’s worth the $3,000 for me at the moment though.

[@desertromper]

Where can I buy they that frame?

[@mellissanash7517]

How are you like those Ehlines?

[@hardtailparty]

They're not my favorite in Sedona, but i think they'd be fantastic in more loamy conditions. Could be a great pnw tire.

[@mellissanash7517]

@@hardtailparty Good to know, thank you. I'm in a different part of the desert so that seems like no for where I ride. Do you think you can also test out a Kona Unit SS?

[@hardtailparty]

You might like 'em. I just don't love them on slickrock sidehills.

[@mybadvideos]

Just put a HT party sticker over the graphics you don't like, eh? ;) If I get this frame, I will probably put a Kingdom Trails sticker directly over the 69/420! ;)

[@va941]

You just sold this bike to me...now then...hmm....850€ for the frame set...going to try and find the rest of the build second hand and on sale.

[@bentravers5075]

Great vid!

[@johnsonjay60]

This Honzo your favorite? I hear u mention it alot.

[@hardtailparty]

No

[@johnsonjay60]

@@hardtailparty what is?

[@805Tyrone]

Thanks for video...man your not even breathing heavy.

[@jonk6055]

First? Love your style dude

[@deandiamond2519]

The real question is how many times have you hit cactus on that trail?

[@hardtailparty]

Too many to count.

[@Morpheas001]

Initially you were saying how stiff the frame was and how it was beating you up. What changed your mind? Was the Rurok so stiff it made everything else not so bad?

[@hardtailparty]

I don't remember saying the honzo esd is stiff, it's a very comfortable frame. The rurok was stiff.

[@Morpheas001]

@@hardtailparty It seems you're right, your review mentioned it was better than the older Honzos, so I must have been thinking about the ST you reviewed

[@robertrobertson7782]

HTP what is your Email if I may? You are killing it as I have been watching the RM Growler, Canfield Nimble 9 and now this one especially in SS you must be a Brother from another mother ha ha😂

[@jeffdana9402]

Steal is real? I wonder how this bike would be if it were aluminum?

[@hardtailparty]

It'd definitely be lighter.

[@ADVENTUREAROUNDTHEBEND]

How about a hard tail MULLET!?

[@lukesteele5013]

Can you please please please do a mullet build

[@hardtailparty]

I did one with the rurok kanlaon review. In my experience, mullets really only have benefits on fast, steep, twisty terrain. I don't ride much bike park, and I don't shuttle much, so a 29/29 makes more sense for where i ride.

[@lukesteele5013]

@@hardtailparty ok makes sense. If I ever get a hanzo esd I might try it out for fun

[@iiosoyich]

Such an awesome channel! How can i make a paypal donation? I may consider a Patreon consultation subscription too. One Q - Cotic Solaris MAX vrs Honzo ESD....who wins? I think we have a similar riding styles. I'm 100% steel right now running a 2013 Honzo with Stans FlowMk3 + Formula 35 140mm fork and a El Mariachi SS running a 100mm Rockshox.

[@SprSonik13]

160mm coil on a SS Alu Chameleon hardtail is my go to bike. It's right around 64.5 HTA . People who haven't ridden aggressive SS hardtails are missing out.

[@hardtailparty]

I'd love to get another chameleon and ride it with a 130mm fork and a -1.8* slack-r. I don't want the sta any slacker, or the bb any higher. The chameleon is a very special bike. Wouldn't a 160mm fork put it at 65.5*?

[@SprSonik13]

@@hardtailparty mullet on 29er dropouts. Measured it and got 64.5. Measured my Yeti SB 5.5 at the same time and got the expected HTA for that one, so I assume it's accurate. This might be my favorite of all your videos to date. Nailed the subtlety of "no right bike for everyone" while perfectly explaining why this might be the one for a niche rider.

[@SprSonik13]

Your review of the chameleon is part of why I bought mine way back when. So thank you!

[@hardtailparty]

Ah, that makes sense! Yeah, I love the chameleon. I can't wait to get another one someday

[@dolphin-studio]

so is modern geometry = efficient geometry.

[@hardtailparty]

No. It's more suited for fast downhill riding.

[@marcosmadrazo2440]

🍻

[@Max-xl3ml]

IMO single speed makes a lot of sense on a bike like this. If you're going to tackle really rough stuff on a hard-tail why would you want a derailleur as a point of failure. Also definitely agree about stand-over and dropper posts, every bike should be designed to take a 170-200mm dropper in every size especially when even the longest travel droppers out there have max insert lengths less then 400mm. Even at my height I'm sort of frustrated with seat tube lengths as a lot of modern xl bikes have the reach I want but way to long seat-tubes for my saddle height. I personally have no need for a seat-tube longer than 16 - 16.5 inches.

[@hardtailparty]

Great feedback! I'm always wondering if I prefer more dropper drop just because I'm short. Its appalling how long seat tubes still are on a lot of bikes.

[@irockuroll60]

People are going to be mad about this bike? Naw, ppl just won’t buy it

[@hardtailparty]

Considering it's sold out, i think there's more demand than people think.

[@irockuroll60]

@@hardtailparty I was simply quoting you “that ppl would be mad about this bike.” I don’t think a bike is something to get mad at. Instead of getting mad at this bike or anything other bike, it would be easier to buy another bike. I have 4 Kona’s btw...love em. I’m not mad at this bike

[@hardtailparty]

100% agree.

[@Dryb1as]

Single speed is bad idea. Not for that type of bike.

[@hardtailparty]

Explain

[@chrro466]

Please do explain !!!!!

[@Dryb1as]

@@chrro466 If you want ride mountain bike without gears only with one chain ring, riding uphill is very hard and downhill is too slow. Single speed is ok for city bike when you riding on roads and bike paths. I can't imagine how to climb on single speed when I normal use 46 t cog and 32 t chainring.

[@guipol112]

@@Dryb1as you make a mistake... Single speed is better on single trails with short climb and technical downhill. On the other hand, single speed is a bad idea on flat road.