REVIEW: The New 2021 Salsa Timberjack - A Spicier Salsa - 29er vs 27.5+ vs Mullet

The new 2021 Salsa Timberjack REVIEW is here! I'm really excited about this one. They've fixed almost everything I wanted fixed from the previous generation. This is some of the best geo I've seen on paper. Today we go over it with a fine-tooth comb to check it out in more detail so we can make assumptions about how it's going to ride. Which build would you get?
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#SALSA #Timberjack #spicysalsa
0:00 Intro
0:09 29er Mode
17:17 27.5+ Mode
23:52 Mullet Mode
29:58 Final Thoughts
32:55 Bike Consultation

[@nope929]

The best part about these reviews is that I get to listen to the critiques of someone who's the same height as me

[@AlyNoyola]

Haha I know right? same here!

[@munga1302]

X2 haha

[@raymondcrew8785]

how tall is he?

[@mcbrian]

I really like that this review is just about the bike. How it rides, how it feels. Literally all we care about. And you have very good technique especially while riding solo on tough terrain.

[@DarrenS100]

Great review as always, riding my hardtail as a mullet for the past few months and I’m loving it on the trail 👍

[@shannonkeller8003]

Awesome day for filming! Those floating magic sky diffusers really make those red rocks pop! Wow! Your video makes me wanna ride a new TJ in mullet mode! Mullet Mode, business up front but there’s a party in the back, and you’re invited! Thank you for your amazing content!

[@craigmiller9478]

"they sure added some spice to this Salsa" - I see what you did there. Great review of a sweet looking bike.

[@theGiver3]

Thanks for the in video comparison with the big al! I was hoping you'd get there.

[@joelfloyd6328]

Really appreciate the extra work you put into this video.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks, this one took FOREVER, but I figured it was worth it for those interested in the bike. I know people were anxious to see it, but these things take time and I appreciate everyone's patience.

[@bradyhall8086]

Steve your video's are so good! I'm subscribed and like all your video's even though I don't ride Hardtails. You can't give someone a better compliment than that. I have a custom built IBIS HD5 mullet and I love it. A properly set up mullet is better in many situations but it's not necessarily faster as you covered very well in this video. Thanks for the video's and keep up the good work!

[@MrJonniewilson]

Was nice to see someone not totally hate the 35 Gold fork. No doubt there are other options out there, but there’s so much negative press on those for how many bikes come spec’d with them. I bought one used with some minor stiction issues for $200. After a quick lube service on the air spring and seals with better quality grease it has been nothing but good to me. A volume spacer or two as well makes it a very different fork in a good way. As a novice rider I always love your input on these bikes!

[@massimosanchez-lara1405]

The depth of this video is needed in all other mtb channels! Great vid lots of work appreciate it! Steve killing it!! Pinkbike,bikeradar,vital mtb, take notes !

[@hardtailparty]

Thank you. There's always room to improve, but I try to make the reviews I'd be interested in watching if I were in the market.

[@JulitoPapitoo]

I have a 2018 Timberjack NX1 27.5+ that I bought leftover in 2019.. My first "Real" mountainbike, and its just amazing for me. I added a dropper, Chester pedals, and a Schwalbe Hans Dampf front tire. Tons of fun!

[@rschoct76]

I finally set up my 21 Timberjack in mullet mode inspired by this review. I’ve tired the bike in 27.5+ and 29er mode. So far, I agree with the review that mullet seems to be the best of both worlds! Thanks!

[@RicQuintanilla]

Been waiting for this video, thank you!!!

[@Forthetimebeing72]

I used to own the old one and now I have the new one coming soon. Great review!

[@shamrock4840]

What a spectacular , detailed deep dive review .

[@Breguntaz]

Thanks for the review! I just got this bike a few weeks ago, but in the 27.5+ GX Eagle build. A local bike shop actually had one in stock - I couldn't believe it. It's my first real modern mountain bike, so I don't have much to compare it to, but man, I love it! Maybe it's less compliant than the previous model, but I'm just stoked to be out riding. You and I are about the same size - I'm 5'7" 180 lbs - and if I'd had the choice, I would've gotten the small (I got a medium). I do feel a little stretched out, but it works, and I'm making small adjustments to make it better. I was this close to getting a Growler 50, but I decided against it, and then I found this one. I think it was the right call. I live in Orem, UT, and my local trails are a bit like what you're riding, but probably less chunky and less technical, and there's a decent amount of climbing involved. I find that my hands feel more comfortable if I move them in a bit when I'm climbing, so that my index fingers are actually off of the grip. Is the 780mm handlebar too wide for me? You mention wanting a taller stack, but would that make it harder to wheelie/manual? I'm pretty new to mountain biking, still trying to figure all this stuff out. Thanks for all the great information you provide.

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats on a great first bike. I'm very familiar with Orem's trails. Handlebar width is pretty personal. I like 760mm. A taller rise bar will make wheelies and manuals easier. Also, make sure it's in the shorter chaonstays position for wheelies and manuals. Yes, this bike runs fairly big. I've had guys 5'11" on my medium and they were ok on it size wise.

[@sixate]

Great review as always. I seriously think you're the best bike reviewer I've seen. Looks like Salsa knocked it out of the park. They have a few cool rigs and I would love to get my hands on one at some point. I would love to get a Fargo and build a monster cross bike packing machine.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@CobraKyle]

Great insight! I just ordered the 27.5 XT a couple days ago since I already have 29" wheels and I look forward to experimenting with different wheel sizes. Also these Sedona trails look so good. I hope to get out there within the next year!

[@smeekteek]

Does that purple frame look better in person?

[@billw_mtb3220]

I put a RS 35 on my banshee Paradox mainly because it was the only fork I could source and I needed a uncut fork to fit the tall stack on that large banshee. I agree it gets the job done. One feature my fork came with was mounting points which should be nice for bike packing.

[@lassepaulsen8312]

That was a great review. I was already settled on wanting the Timberjack Frame for a build on the one hand to have a project to work on and on the other hand a nice all-rounder that I could also take on the Pumptrack and have fun with my four year old son. So was thinking about fitting 27,5er. Watching the 29’er portion of the review I was a little disappointed in your description of the ride since it didn’t reflect my intended use case and thought the wheel set won’t make that big of a difference. Then watching the 27,5er portion I really got excited. So pumped to start the build. Which will likely take ages with the current component shortage. But well

[@jennifersandoval7525]

I think you just did the best bike review I've ever seen on KZbin. Well done! Giving us a review on 29, 27.5, and mullet went way above and beyond!!! Finally, Salsa is starting to use modern geo. It's about time. I've always thought that the TJ was a good affordable Hardtail but now that they have improved the geo, the TJ goes into the top three with the Growler and Fuze. What would be your top three affordable Hardtails?

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for the kind words Jennifer. I don't have a cart blanche top three affordable hardtails, because it depends on terrain, riding style, and goals. That's why I charge for my consultation services, it takes a lot of back-and-forth with my clients to know what they're looking for. The perfect AZ bike isn't the same as the perfect norcal bike.

[@eisenschmeisser3959]

Awsome! Nobody else does tests like this. And please, don´t forget about the bc Podsol, cant wait to see the testride. Regards from Germany!

[@arielsvetlik2980]

About to get one of these, I think you pushed me to get the 29er over the 27.5. Thanks for the great review!

[@ttattx]

The clouds have parted, the sun is shining.... behold... the TJ... finally!!!! I have one coming in May!

[@wesleywermuth9545]

Great review Steve

[@Theonlyjoeintown]

Yes! My GX eagle is fantastic for New England trail riding. Love it!

[@hardtailparty]

@Jadon Ingalls What was your gearing? I think this would make a really fun ss if your gearing is correct. It's going to make you work for it though.

[@meeuuu]

This review has made me fall in love with the bike, you made a good job as usual, they're both an excellent review and bike. I just wanted to know how did you get it, because I´ve seen Salsa's distributors and there´s only a few of them that will sell the entire bike. With that being said, I just wanted to congratulate you because of your good quality videos :)

[@mikej6668]

That was a very thorough review of the Salsa. However, you sold me on the Chameleon (which I cannot find) many moons ago. I miss your rating system. The “11” on fun is what sold me on the other bike. Keep up the good work👍

[@day1strength917]

Great review! I liked the rock genre analogy to compare it to the Spot Rocker. Death Metal to Rock Rachminoff, that tells you everything you need to know!

[@SprSonik13]

Would love to run this back to back against my Mullet Chameleon. Your comments on the changes the wheel config made mirror what I experienced with my SC.

[@vanforsman]

Thanks for the great review Steve, you were not wrong I should be on the look out for it! I was definitely interested in the nexus of cheaper aggressive bikes, and I was interested in the ragley for its confort, but now I'm curious about how this compares to the Growler for aggressive downhill! Thanks again for taking the time to experiment and look at different perspectives of the bike! Mullet mode actually *looked* shakier and fun! Loved the *timber* bell feature 😉

[@hardtailparty]

Mullet looked shakier because of the low light conditions. The GoPro couldn't keep up.

[@ronr.53400]

good review, nice bike, good riding ... i may want to go mullet myself 29/27.5 stock hardtail

[@arronvalleen6750]

Another nice review. I was looking at both the TimberJack and the Japhy and after your review I am glad I chose the Japhy. At 56 I think the Japhy will give me more the ride I am looking for. I think both would have been super fun in their own way though.

[@hardtailparty]

I think you made the right call.

[@VentoRdrummeR]

Great review, looks like a good all rounder. If I lived in the states, I'd consider it for sure. Looks like the pricier GX build offers the better package, with a Marzocchi Z2 fork and weighing in at 30 lbs. That being said, I am rather pleased with the RS Gold. I have it in 120mm on my other bike and for the price, I think it is a pretty solid fork.

[@letour32rr]

My only worry about geometry measurements being made at sag is that during climbing, especially a steep, drawn out climb where a steeper seat tube angle is better, the fork isn’t at 20-30% sag. With it having much less weight on it means it’s between 0-10%. So this Timberjack is sitting around a static 73.3 degrees when the fork is unweighted on climbs. I’ve had 130mm travel hardtails with a 73 seattube angle and the front was all over the place. That said, I’m happy to see that the Salsa is longer and I appreciate the massive discounts they give for NICA athletes and coaches.

[@dorianonthebike8448]

It is hypnotizing to watch you riding those trails) Amazing skills, honestly...

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks. It's hypnotizing to ride them in person too.

[@jonathanschor4495]

You Rock the reviews brother, nice you ride a medium as well. This bike is on my shortlist, coming from a carbon Stache what should I expect? Thanks for all of the in depth reviews. Fuse could be an option as well or what would be a nice progression in your opinion. Peace and thanks

[@sparks701]

With components on that build I’m glad I went with the fuse expert for the same price. But really similar.

[@drewmarch1659]

Got the notification for this and Pinkbikes Growler review at the same time and you bet I'm here first

[@hardtailparty]

I'm flattered drew, thanks.

[@letour32rr]

I agree. Every Pinkbike review seems paid for and nowhere near as comprehensive. Also, they only talk about climbing and descending. They never talk about steady trail feel and comfort. Steve covers all aspects of the bike.

[@kylehrubecky7859]

Definitely. The pinkbike reviews are embarrassing - people ask them for budget reviews and hardtail reviews and all they seem to do is put the bikes on a 1-dimensional rating system, leaving the audience with little understanding of how the bikes actually ride.

[@mpk33]

Just having a cold one with the Party boys...hehehe

[@vanforsman]

To play devils/corporate advocate, I liked that they mentioned the flat mount 2 pot brakes, and I liked they showed how the frame and fork stood up to abuse. They'll never show a ragley review, and they don't talk about fork offset, frame stiffness, or experimentation...but they're acceptable for some things. But I don't love their work, I tolerate it.

[@hardtailparty]

A few more things... 1) Watch the entire review, there's a ton of great info in it. 2) The 29x2.6 tire still fits on the short cs position, and it's a lot of fun to ride that way. I prefer it. 3) As a 29er, this bike is a little bit of a handful. I think a lot of newer riders are going to struggle getting it to turn well. In all the bikes I've ridden recently this one is hardest to corner. You need excellent modern technique to make it ride well. I've had other riders on this bike and they really struggled to get comfortable on corners with it. So if you're coming from an older bike, or a 26 or 27.5" wheel, you're going to need to change your technique. 4) This is a big medium. If you're in between sizes, consider sizing down, especially if you're coming from a much older bike. 5) It's pretty amazing how tgey were able to keep such a big front triangle but still fit a big dropper in it. 6) This is rated for up to a 150mm fork. I have a feeling this bike will really come alive with a taller stack and will mimic the feel i got in mullet mode. I think it'll be even faster then. 7) The components on this build are just fine (fork is a little lower end), but if it were me, I'd get the gx build for the better sram shifting and the bomber z2 fork. 8) In 29er mode I was running the stock 2.6s f/r. In 27.5+ mode I was running 27.5x 2.6 f/r on my 36i atomik chinny wheels with berd spokes. In mullet mode I was on the 27.5x2.6 aromik wheel in the rear and the stock 29x2.6 wheel up front.

[@xophere]

huh so I could do mullet with my 160mm with a shorter air shaft say 140 or even 150 and a 2.8 on the wheel I have. Glad this isn't available right now... :)

[@therealdealz2453]

Thanks for the review and these comments! I have the gx build in 29er. Came to the comments to ask if you tried the 29 in the shorter chainstay position. I’m going to try it out on my next ride.

[@hardtailparty]

@@therealdealz2453 Yes, I have. It's a lot of fun in the shorter chainstay mode. It still suffers from the lower stack than I like, but I prefer short cs mode. Give it a go and see if you like it. It's not for everyone.

[@therealdealz2453]

@@hardtailparty if you had this bike, would you look for a higher rise bar for the stack issue? Longer fork?

[@hardtailparty]

@@therealdealz2453 I'd run it mullet or get a taller bar.

[@ryanradtka6254]

My LBS randomly got one in last week but it was the single speed. Just on a whim I asked when it would be built and came back the next. I test rode it thinking there would be no way I’m buying it because of the parts I would need to make it geared. Also wasn’t a fan of the silver paint. Welp…. Walked out yesterday with the bike fully geared up (GX parts) lol. Bike is super fun and I agree it kinda is made toward more confident descents. I was looking for a flicky/light BMX style hardtail. I wouldn’t say this bike is totally that but is still quite easy to get some air and pop off things. So much fun. Can’t wait to play with the wheel size once I upgrade some minor things first. Nice vid!

[@matthewneeds285]

Alright mate, another great, in-depth review 👍 I would like to ask you some advice on tyre size. I have just purchased a titanium 29er hardtail and was pondering over a 2.4 or 2.6 tyre. My local riding is fairly steep, and rooty with some flow trails thrown in as well. I also occasionally undertake some bigger mountain trails with rocks and steep climbs. I'm in the UK, so things can get mucky at times. There is plenty of clearance up to a 2.7 tyre. Advice much appreciated 🙂

[@norman-gregory]

Hey Steve...more Mullet vids in the future...YES Please! Cheers.

[@joethompson297]

Thought you forgot about that salsa sitting in your garage! Thanks for the review!

[@hardtailparty]

These things take time.

[@William.N]

MAGIC wheel switching!

[@hardtailparty]

the latest tech, seen here first.

[@MrEcted]

Hey man, just found your channel and I really dig what you're doing! Easiest sub ever. Anyway I'm a bit of an older mtb beginner and I have a quick question: What do you think are the best "bang for the buck" wheels? I have a long cycling history, just not mtb, so I'm totally comfortable building wheels if that's the route I need to go (actually prefer it, but if you know a great stock set then I'm all about that too!). I'd be riding through Michigan forest trails, lots of roots, some rocks, nothing crazy. I'd say that I prefer keeping it under $1000 if possible. I'm looking for something on the more supple side to take the sting out (running a Timberjack and yeah it does sting a bit!). Anyway, take it easy, love the channel!

[@oot-n-aboot]

Ha! I used to be one of those “29ers aren’t playful” people…until I rode the SB130 LR. Sold my Mach 5.5 and bought the Yeti. Like a big BMX bike. But can’t wait to find and get a hardtail that’ll feel like that. :)

[@michelemize]

I just got the 27.5 and have been riding the short chainstay and loving it. It was great to see how the bike could be different with 29er, mullet, and long chainstay combos though. If you were to switch the bar to make it comfortable for both trail and bike packing would you add just rise or also some sweep? Any suggested bars to consider?

[@MTBMatthew]

I just ordered my Timberjack SS! There's a party in the midwest and your invited!

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats! Excited to hear how you like it.

[@MTBMatthew]

@@hardtailparty Love your videos man! I need to snag some merch to support you. Will do!

[@shaunroach7829]

Great review, such details in 29er, 27.5+ and mullet mode!!! Do you attribute the bike 🚲 being fast 💨 due to a stiffer frame? Great review as always Steve awesome 😎 job!!!

[@hardtailparty]

No, I attribute it being fast due to the geo. I feel faster on more complaint frames.

[@wallyjames1930]

I saw your review a few years back on the Santa Cruz Chameleon and it helped me make the decision to get it. It’s been a great hardtail but sometimes I wished it had a steeper STA and slacker HTA. I’ve been wanting to buy the 2021 frame only Timberjack and swap all The parts over from the chameleon. With your experience on both the bikes, do you think it’s worth making the change? I also have a carbon rigid fork I put on time to time. And often swap from 27.5 to 29er wheelsets. FYI, I’m 5’9 190lbs, don’t bike pack but I do ride trails like you do.

[@leigha6275]

Thank you for another detailed, insightful review. What are your favorite hardtail bikes in a similar price range (say $1800-2500)? And which of those do you think are most approporate for bikepacking (perform well carrying some weight in a seat post bag, frame bag and handlebar bag)?

[@hardtailparty]

It depends. I'm happy to help people pick the ideal bike for them via my bike conaulatstion service on Patreon.

[@rcilluminati26]

Great Vid!, I just ordered the SLX version because of your review! I really appreciate how in depth you describe the way each bike rides in comparison to others. My last hardtail was a 2020 Nukeproof Scout 290 that didn't suit my riding style at all. I believe the main issue was the 70mm BB drop , way lower than anything I'm used to riding. I could barely manual it or bunny hop a 2" log, lol. If you had done a review, I would've known!!! (btw, dont bother, the 29er version is no fun, maybe 27.5 is better) The Timberjack ticks off a lot of boxes for me and the price is right for whats going to be a back up/play bike for me. * would love to see a vid where you explain in detail how each geo measurement affects certain riding aspects. For example, the relationship between, chainstay-bb drop-front center and how it affects front to rear balance for jumping or manuals. Thanks~ Keep up the great work!

[@hardtailparty]

I'm working on a course about the geo. I hope to finish it in Dec

[@douglaslangella7782]

Is the fork on the SLX 27.5 an air or coil?

[@rockbrd1]

Thank you for the great video. I Have a 2019 Timberjack in a Medium ( I'm 5 ' 6 " also ) bike feel little big one me. I see the new Timberjack's are longer. Do you think I should go for a small frame or Xtra small on the New 2021 timberjacks.? I was comparing the reach and this years Small frame is almost the same reach as the Old model's Medium geometry

[@hisnamewasrobertpaul]

Please try a Santa Cruz Chameleon Carbon as a mullet. I have one set up as a 27.5 plus and thought the stack height was too low and missed the handling of a 29er(all my other bikes are 29 or 29+) But recently decided to try it as a 27.5x3.0(Rocket Ron) rear with 29x2.6 front(Nobby Nic). The difference after only two rides is clear, I prefer the mullet. Now maybe the full on 29er would be better, but so far the mullet setup has been great. The 3.0 rear really helps with the stiff frame feel and the 29er front brings the handling to where it feels best. Still not as forgiving as my Waltworks steel 29+ bike, but it's much better than the 27.5x2.8 Rekon setup and quicker than the Waltworks. Thanks for the multi-wheelset review!

[@paulsignorino2546]

Can mullet be set up with 27.5+ in the rear? What size tires were you using for the mullet review? Thanks and love your channel

[@WrexBass]

Good review. I wonder if I would have liked the 2021 as I really like my 2020 Timberjack.

[@hardtailparty]

If you really like your 2020, that's all that matters. It's a rad bike.

[@smeekteek]

Thank, thank you. I ride a 2019 Timberjack 27.5+, and have been wanting to get another TJ and have had my eye on the 2021 for a while. You've convinced me to buy it in mullet mode. Salsa should be paying you royalties. 🤑 Btw, I'm 5'9" with a short legs like you (30" inseam). The reach geo on my 2019 TJ is perfect for me. I don't know how you're riding the 2021 comfortably at 5'6", as the reach is nearly 30mm longer than the 2019.

[@hardtailparty]

The new TJ is far more aggressive than the old one. That's not always A good thing. It wants far steeper and faster terrain than the old one. Longer reaches are awful on flatter, rolling terrain, but they're quite nice in the steep areas.

[@rufuswainwright8171]

Awesome job Steve !!! Most excellent review. I just wish I could go riding in Sedona!!! Bucket list Please could we have some more modern geo HT skills videos.

[@hardtailparty]

I'll see what I can do. I've got about 30 reviews to get through, then I'll have more time for that. Thanks.

[@rufuswainwright8171]

@@hardtailparty too many bikes!!! I think many companies are showing there’s an exciting future for Hardtails, rather than being regarded as ‘poor mans’ mountain biking. Lower speed thrills, rather than high speed visits to hospital. Again thanks for a fantastic review.

[@ttattx]

the LBS is was having hold a TJ for me back peddled last week - now not expecting ANY Salsa bikes through September (hopefully, they say) - so I pulled back my deposit and started the grind... looking for any of the many great bikes reviewed here... however, I've been pining (a Minnesotan for life) for a Surly, and sold out everywhere - except for today! I found, I don't know how - a Surly Krampus w/ SuS!!! color me excited!!! anyway, looked through all the reviews here and nary a Krampus to be found... how about it? I'd love your take on the stick shaker! unless you have it embedded in a review I didn't see form titles?!?!?!

[@24hourprductions]

The Mullet twist was wild. I'm 6' 4", do you have any insight into how mullet setups affect taller riders? Your videos have taught me more about bikes in the past few months than I have learned over the past few years.

[@hardtailparty]

Instead of memorizing how all the tweaks affect geo, I encourage people to envision the change and how it'll affect everything. A mullet will lower the rear axle 3/4". Everything else will pivot on the front axle. So lower bb, slacker sta, slacker hta, shorter reach. Taller riders should run taller bars on a bike like this. The stack is super low.

[@Mbtharp1]

Think I’m about to sell my full suspension and build up one of these frames in black, with a bomber z2 and some hunt wheels. My local trails I ride 99% of the time in the Midwest just don’t warrant a full suspension. Also it seems like salsa really got the geo right on this bike. I’m 6’ with a 31” inseam(short legs) and most larges around 470 reach still feel cramped to me. Gonna try the xl, has plenty of reach and the seat tube length might actually let me run a 150 dropper for once.

[@sickmak90]

I found the 35 gold RL I had to be fairly harsh and HEAAAAVVVY. The weight was very noticeable when I replaced my Giant crest with the 35. Now I have a Vitus Sentier VRX 27.5 and I really like it.

[@flocci22n]

How much does the 35 Gold RL weigh?

[@mattturner7593]

Nice review.... Any plans to review the Giant Fathom 1 in the future.

[@hardtailparty]

I'd really like to, but I haven't been able to get ahold of giant.

[@tylermajor4355]

Lucky you got one this year I have too wait for my salsa in 2022

[@hardtailparty]

See the comments, there are a handful of others who have already received them. They're slowly trickling in to dealers. If you shop around you can find some arriving soon.

[@tylermajor4355]

Hopefully that applies too Ontario

[@kstack34]

im still a newer rider and got the 27.5 version. Im looking for recommendations for a front wheel/tire set up for a mullet setup

[@ksjogo]

Any opinions on Salsa Cutthroat or Fargo? Am thinking about building up a dropbar hardtail.

[@outsider1733]

Any luck getting the new 2021 Honzo ST in for review? Thanks!

[@rockefelleragent1357]

Man you can go over anything!.. Nice camera angle. Are you using a chest mount camera?

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks. Yes.

[@brianmccauley6545]

Morning, really enjoy your videos and have been a fan for quite a while now. I have the Timberjack and am looking for a softer set of wheels to compliment it. You suggested an expensive, yet ride-changingly good, set of wheels on this (or another video). Wondering if you'd be willing to share this info again, or if you have another recommendation for a wheelset that will take the sting out the timberjack frame. Thanks in advance for any help!

[@hardtailparty]

thanks for the kind words. See my 6 wheel shootout video, I compare a handful of wheels there. For a personalized recommendation, I do that over on Patreon.

[@zepp3lin]

Nice good review, I like your video. Now waiting for the long due Passila Hamari bike ride review.

[@hardtailparty]

Coming soon. I've got a lot of overdue review videos, it's been crazy busy over here lately.

[@zepp3lin]

@@hardtailparty Oh thank you for the discount code for the LAB AUSTERE hip pack. I just ordered it. Comparing on some side your KZbin channel got the most discount code that is 25% while most of them only give 20%. I guess LAB AUSTERE loves your channel....LOL.........

[@SuperbExistence]

If you want to mullet this bike should you go with the 29 or 27.5? Or are the frames the same either way?

[@mountainbikeondemand]

Can you run the short chainstay setting with twenty nine inch wheels?

[@chuckriley2764]

i have always ridden a hard tail....was going to go full sus with the salsa Horsethief...but i am going to stick to a hardtail... and looks like the Timberjack is right for me...thanks for the vid

[@danthingo]

"It's gonna take some getting used to from you to get used to it" lol

[@hardtailparty]

that's what you get with off-the-cuff reviews where I'm concentrating on riding while speaking at the same time.

[@oubbascooba9824]

I'm not as dumb as you think, that i thought, that you thought i was once! 😁

[@bikamangia]

in your experience could be good in mounting "just" 120 mm fork on this frame?

[@alonyc]

Doood, that trail looks amazing. What's the name..? If you remember I used to have the 2019 Timberjack that I was starting to get dialed in. Then the LA riots happened last summer and that steed was stolen from the REI I purchased it from. I had just dropped it and a new set of Raceface Affect R30's/27.5 off for them to swap out. That store got completely looted and set on fire. I think I even saw someone on the news walking my bike out the busted back door. It being Covid Summer, REI had zero bikes in my size and that I wanted, so they gave me a check and I used the proceeds to purchase a 2020 Spesh Fuse medium, but I had to drive 3+ hrs to Fresno to get. I almost came to Phoenix to get one. But an eventual happy ending to a long story. Thanks for helping me choose my new rig, but I'll still keep tabs on updates to the old rig. Thanks!

[@hardtailparty]

Man, that sucks! Glad you were able to get on a fuse, that's a really fun bike. This is about 7 different trails. Most of the trails in Sedona are awesome. Pretty killer riding here.

[@lucasvanamson2960]

Great vid! You should review the Niner air nine. It’s super light for an alloy but isn’t all that well known

[@hardtailparty]

I've tried to get one but they're out of stock right now. I've reciewed the sir9.

[@lucasvanamson2960]

@@hardtailparty yea I’ve been waiting for mine since Christmas 😅

[@rlake349]

@@lucasvanamson2960 you’ll probably never get it. I waited for 6 months for one and they just kept pushing it back. I ended up getting a sweet 2021 Chisel Comp that became available by dealer trade though a local bike shop.

[@lucasvanamson2960]

@@rlake349 yea mines supposed to come next week if not ima just cancel

[@brycycle13]

How do you think putting a 140 pike on a 27.5 setup feel?

[@earthpigidaho]

How does this compare to the new Yelli Screamy? I had the gen 1 Timberjack and now have the new Yelli. The Yelli just feels too short, even on an XL. The geo numbers on this TJ look more like what I'd prefer.

[@vinnylivoti9567]

Cannondale use to make a MTB with a smaller rear wheel back in the 80's.

[@maxceballos1644]

Does a mullet setup increase effective HTA?

[@mtnmist1]

Hi, what were the tire widths in Mullet mode?

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

27.5" little wheels! haha!. I still ride 26" bike regularly, so 27.5 feels large to me. 29"? Maybe someday.

[@josesbox9555]

I know you can only do so many, but have you done the Ti Timberjack yet? Can you even get one these days? 😬

[@paulv8453]

Steve, of all the alloy Hard tails you’ve reviewed to date such as the Salsa Timberjack, Fuse, Chameleon, Honzo etc which is the best overall trail bike? I like how this has all the braze-ons for bags for when I’m running errands in Mexico. Thoughts?

[@hardtailparty]

It depends on how you plan to use it. It sounds like you'd be a great candidate for my bike consultation service on Patreon.

[@HKX_ORANGECHICKEN]

Im 5'8 or 5'9..... looking for a hardtail. Would you recommend 27.5 or 29?

[@brokenbros559]

I rode my dad's canndaile trail SE 3 and it is a bike you should check out

[@mpk33]

A mullet is synonymous with a party...lol ;-) Just a question Steve: Was the image stabilization on the GoPro off in mullet mode? Because the vision was so shaky compared to the 29 & 27.5 and all over the place and I was on the verge of getting dizzy.

[@hardtailparty]

Image stabilization was on, but it was getting late in the day. I had ridden the complete trail once, and I thought I had the camera on, but it wasn't. So I had to go back to the top and re-film the entire mullet portion of the review. By then it was getting late and the light was fading fast, but I wanted to get it filmed and out sooner. The GoPro image stabilization doesn't do well in dark conditions.

[@streetbeast7078]

Can you make a video explaining when you decide to ride more hardtail then full suspension because I remember watching dusty betty video when you sold your Bronson and bought the chameleon and you were talking about how you were going to want a full suspension again because you weren’t going to be able to always ride the hardtail or something like that.. how did you decide to review only hardtails it just got me thinking because I always had full suspension bikes and didn’t really care for hardtails and now it’s the opposite I will take out one of my hardtails 9/10 times when I ride and always end up selling my full suspension because I don’t ride it and if I could only have one bike it would be a hardtail

[@ryanmiskin]

What trail were you riding in mullet mode?

[@Imrahil]

Do you think a size small would have felt too cramped?

[@williamkinzel3635]

were those 27.5 x 2.6 or 2.8 on the 27.5 mode?

[@RideYearRound]

I've been loving mine over the last month. Were you running 27.5x3 or 2.8" in the rear? EDIT: nevermind I just read your pinned comment. I'm a little bummed they say a 3.0 doesn't fit, but it probably does with tight clearance.

[@hardtailparty]

I don't think a 3.0 is going to fit, but it's worth trying. That cs is awfully narrow on the drive side. They could have pushed it out a bit more for better clearance.

[@RideYearRound]

@@hardtailparty Yeah itlooks like they sacrificed tire clearance for the ability to run a bigger chainring.

[@OnlyDayzfanz]

Short or long chainstay for mullet mode ?

[@salsawheeler3431]

Video quality is way better on this one!

[@hardtailparty]

Gotta love overcast days.

[@GokkunGuru]

Would a size S with a shorter reach suit you better?

[@alanmiller4122]

Nice color

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed, it looks amazing in person.

[@waldemarwegrowski4023]

5'10 34 inseam 6' arms span what size m or l would fit me better

[@williamwerk5447]

This makes me want to mess around with my wife's timberjack even though it's last year's and try it as a mullet.