Rocky Mountain Growler 40 Review: An Aggressive Enduro Hardtail Bike That Doesn't Break The Bank

Rocky Mountain Growler 40 Review. This is an agressive, modern, aluminum hardtail that doesn't break the bank. Coming in at $1599, you get a lot of great spec with a great geo as well. In this episode we take an on-board ride to review this bike to see what it's all about. Learn more about the bike, price, and builds here: bit.ly/2HEG5GW. Rent it for $35/day from thunder mountain bikes in Sedona, AZ.
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[@adrians.6653]

Working at a Rocky dealer, this is my favorite Rocky to sell. It is such an awesome bike that is so easy to sell people and it is a bike I want to sell people. I want to see people riding rad bikes, and this is the coolest bike made by Rocky

[@braden817]

I want one

[@drewgalbraith4499]

Rocky dealers are the best, I own 3 rockys and my LBS kills it when it comes to repairs/knowledge/ advice. I’m on an old slayer slope bike (replaced my jump bike when I got old and my knees started to hate me), a 2019 growler and a 2020 solo (my summer commuter)

[@devinbyrnes8058]

@@drewgalbraith4499 my local Rocky Store told me tubeless are overrated and unnecessary. They also forgot to set up the bike in the ride 9 position I requested. The kicker was they do not have the Rocky Mountain tool needed to remove the rear shock of my 2021 full sus. Another shop around town bought the shock to service Rocky Mountain’s. Yes, you read me right. My local Rocky Mountain dealer refuses to service his own bikes.

[@luisguevara4113]

Hardtail Party is super honest in his review. He says whats good, whats bad and does not sugar codes it. Not sponsored. And you can see it in his expressions that he loves what he does. How someone that gives so much value on his review only have 41k subscribers? The word needs to get out. I am a fan.

[@dolphin-studio]

because the mtb community is very small compared to other trends, even more now take that same community and focus on hardtails. us ht fans are super rare.

[@ppppanic22]

I order a growler 20 with the Intention of building it up as I progress and things break or get tired! Cant wait for it to show up in mail!!

[@brentcarscadden9056]

Check out ProjektH on Instagram... building the same thing right now ;)

[@renenavarro4121]

steve you should do a video with the top 10 bikes you have reviewed and liked this or past years. Would be awesome to see how some bikes stack up against others or just where they stand. Cheers!!

[@hardtailparty]

Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty. If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel via Patreon. For as little as $5/month you can ensure I continue making unbiased content. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews. While the Kona Honzo ESD has an even slacker 63* hta, this RM felt even slacker than the honzo (in a bad way). I think this bike is a bit too slack for its intended purposes. A few people have asked why all growler models have the same frame and geo, yet the Growler 20 comes with a 130mm fork, the 40 with a 140mm, and the 50 with a 150mm fork. Why is this? Here's what Rocky said: "All growlers have the same frames and have the same A2C. When they go lower in fork quality, they get shorter travel for the same A2C, so all 3 forks have the same A2C, geo is not affected on any bikes."

[@pipas6217]

I really wait for the update.

[@carlosalfonsolopezrodrigue7051]

Suntour Have A Higher ATC measurment Example: 150mm 29" fork in Rockshox have the same ATC as a 130mm 29" Suntour Fork

[@hardtailparty]

Here's what Rocky said: "All growlers have the same frames and have the same A2C. When we go lower in fork quality, we get shorter travel for the same A2C, so all 3 forks have the same A2C, geo is not affected."

[@hardtailparty]

@@NorthernSkiAndCycle Surprisingly, it isn't. See note above.

[@pipas6217]

@@hardtailparty so the travel is different but the fork length is the same?

[@andrelambert3741]

This channel is a one-man army (with NUKES!). Dude is a machine. That's a lot of info and service to society from one person. I am not buying the growler but I enjoyed the video and I ALWAYS learn from observations htp makes while riding and reviewing. THANKS! Go Patreon!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for the kind words Andre.

[@persistentconsistency]

True indeed Andre! I frequent a few KZbin pages that are informative, but this one is consistently and overwhelmingly informative beyond anything I've ever experienced. I'm an extremely thorough person and this is the kind of channel I would have if I were into reviewing products. It's as close as we can get to demoing bikes. I'll remain subscribed and tuned in long after I purchase my next hardtail. Major kudos to you, Steve.

[@peterides9568]

Oh man. I just can't get over those views. What a place to ride.

[@ricodog3652]

Your review helped me get back into the sport at 50. Bought a Growler 40. It’s been fun.

[@hardtailparty]

That's music to my ears. Welcome back, it's an amazing sport.

[@BrianVaughn]

You run out of bikes to review, you should do forks. I'm curious about the options other than Fox and RockShox.

[@justanothermountainbiker6958]

I second that haha try the other options

[@bryananenberg9581]

I picked up a 2020 Growler 40 in June and it’s been a blast! I’ve since upgraded the derailleur and shifters to SRAM GX Eagle and the fork to a 2021 Fox 36 with 160mm travel. Needless to say, it really shreds on the downhill now!

[@tomf2013]

Sedona climbs are crazy technical, I like how you'll stop and make multiple attempts to clean an obstacle. Nice review

[@adamrossi7010]

Way to go Rocky Mountain!! So nice to see solid bikes at this price range with “modern” geometry!! Great review Steve!

[@turbonite21]

If anyone is thinking about getting this bike, you should really consider it. It’s nicely spec’ed for the price. Only thing I changed is the fork to a 140mm pike. The bike is fun.

[@AdamsHadEnough]

I picked up a 2022 Growler 20 after seeing this and PB's review. Thank you for such a thorough review. I came from riding a 2015 Norco Sight with a Pike for the past year. The bike feels really long compared to a 2015 bike, but this isn't a problem in all but the tightest switchbacks. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the bike climbs, I couldn't believe what I was getting away with. My bike has the cheapo Suntour 34 fork, I bought this model thinking I'd replace it right away, but having done a couple laps on blue and black trails, I no longer feel it's a huge priority, maybe at some point though. The bike is so fun going downhill, for my type of riding I don't even miss the rear suspension. If I were to upgrade anything, it might even be the brakes before the forks. Everything said here about the bike wanting to go faster is absolutely true, I loved how it carries speed through the flow. Thanks again!

[@teoandrew5620]

I am so glad that you were able to review this bike. I had attempted to email you a request to do just that but I couldn't find any contact info on your sites... In any case, great review! This one is top of my hardtail list at the moment.

[@SheGotHelicopters]

I ended up going full suss, but was looking hard at this bike (2020). Nice to see a comprehensive review.

[@robertito_dobbs]

this is my first 29er. just happened to be what the local shop had in stock when i finally upgraded. it's got me pretty stoked!

[@nathandecary9913]

Thanks for the recommendation. Just picked up a RM Growler 20 recently. Was able to sell my outdated Scott Hardtail and buy this one. I’ve upgraded some stuff ie eagle drivetrain, new cranks, 9point8 dropper and recently a dvo diamond fork. Super stoked to try it out. I think the better/lighter fork will make a huge difference. Thanks for all the education about bikes you have given me over the last year.

[@beakerbiker3033]

Great review on the Growler. I JUST LOVE THIS CHANNEL! Thanks for putting SO much detail into these vids. This has become my go to review channel. Keep up the great work. 🤙🏻

[@buickkkkkk1]

After a year of trying to make up my mind I picked up a G 20 because of this review specifically, it's a really good bike, my last bike was a specialized rock hopper that got stolen in 94 so this my first bike in a long-time, good review.

[@derekhellmann515]

I rode three bikes since this video dropped. Norco Fluid HT1 , Roscoe 7 and Growler 50. I liked the HT1 and Growler. I almost bought the Growler 40 and change last minute to 50. I do not feel like upgrading anymore. I came from XC bike and was surprised how pleasant a ride the Growler is for all mountain. No issues climbing and descending a breeze. The HT1 is also great.

[@chriscameron643]

Great review. I'm excited, I have one on order.

[@drewgalbraith4499]

Same, I’m on the 2019 frame, things a beast, perfect bike for southern Ontario

[@matthewlucic4950]

@@drewgalbraith4499 have my 2021 on order. From Markham

[@TrailFeatures]

Buy this and a pull-off/used 2015-2020 RockShox Yari and you've got a heck of an AM brawler!

[@hanzhaoxia4370]

You should do a tier list for all the bikes you've reviewed.

[@hardtailparty]

I know we'd love a "winner" over all the bikes, but it's not that simple. The best bike for location A isn't the best bike for location B. That's why I do long-form 30 min reviews, so people can really get a sense of what each bike is good at and not good at, then come to their own conclusion whether it's for them or not.

[@hanzhaoxia4370]

Ok that makes sense

[@TonyPuleo1]

@@hardtailparty for day to day average trails and smallish jumps do you prefer this bike compared to the Fuse Comp?

[@TonyPuleo1]

@Quinn Davignon I’m in MA as well and ride the North Shore flowy spots and the Fells...My buddy who is smaller then me and riding the Kona Big Honda DL and likes it..

[@Ryan-yi6su]

Best detailed mountain bike review I've seen so far. Definitely subscribing

[@Pedritopancito]

The best reviews. I just bought a Rocky Growler 20 and you gave me good info to save for a Yari. Thank you!

[@Buddygolf10]

Hi Steve, I am glad you finally reviewed the Growler. I have the 2020 Growler 40 and able to manage to keep the front wheels down on steep climbs by simply moving the saddle forward. I am 5’7” and after 3 months starting to get comfortable. Great review and keep up the good work. Take care. -Jay

[@lepkeotic4027]

hi im planning to get growler 40, im also 5'7" what size did you get?thanks.your feedback will be helpful as i pick my size.Safe Ride

[@phrides]

Good feedback on the low-end forks. That might make for a decent video, comparing the Suntour to the new Marzocchi, Revelation, 35 Gold, etc. for folks not ready to pay for a Fox 34/Pike. Tough to do a side-by-side though.

[@hardtailparty]

Yeah, tough to do a side by side and tough to get them all in at the same time. Its definitely a needed video though.

[@breakandrun70]

Great review om the Rocky Mountain Growler 40, it seems to be a very capable bike. Have a great week and a safe one. Have a great party in the mountains.

[@brooktyler9798]

Great review. I agree with all the points made in this video. I watched this video before I bought a '21 Growler 20 ago and it has been great. I've upgraded the grips, added a OneUp dropper, and I'm going to buy a used Yari. I ride 20-25 km a day, a combo of urban, single track, aggressive downhills and climbs back up. The bike works great for that, although I get smoked on climbs on pavement (oh well). I enjoy tossing the bike around, stair bombing, and doing wheelies when I'm off the trails. I would recommend this bike to anyone that wants to get a simple hardtail that can do almost anything that leaves a lot of ability to upgrade.

[@roshancool]

Does the 21 Growler 20 have a lockout in the fork?

[@Tonedefy]

Picked up this bike the other day after much research and watching this video multiple times 😄. Took the bike down Soquel Demo forest and was just completely blown away at how capable the bike is! So far Im absolutely loving it! Definitely a hardtail PARTY bike!!! Just had to share! 🤙🏽

[@hardtailparty]

It can handle the campus trails no problem

[@Tonedefy]

@@hardtailparty Some of the UC campus trails are a little out of my comfort zone, but can't wait to try 'em out on this bike!

[@kazooka12]

Where are you with the Growler when compared to the Fuse? You seem more effusive about the Growler, but seemed like you enjoyed the Fuse more. The Growler 40's a little lower price point than the Fuse Comp, but the 50 is right there with it.

[@mfmonthefmf]

You just helped me pull the trigger on a Growler 40, I'm coming off an old school Motobecane XC so its a kind of a big change but I'm looking to do more DH type riding plus I'm also in AZ (tons of good trails for a bike like this). Really appreciate the extensive review, I feel like I know EXACTLY what kind of bike I'm getting.

[@dolphin-studio]

thank you for supporting hardtail bikes we need more variety .

[@dennislarosajr7320]

Awesome review. I've been waiting of this one. Love the hand up gloves too.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I completely agree 2.6” tires = a smoother and more playful hardtail. I seldom use a tire less than 2.5 and almost never less as a front tire. One thing that you always mention is the BB height and preference of 170mm cranks. I can understand your bias towards 170mm cranks, especially when we see the chunky stuff you’re dealing with but what if the trails you ride are not slow pedaling trying to clean jagged rocks? Personally I’ve been great with my 175mm cranks and my local trails. As a mostly SS mtn biker, I really like the leverage of longer cranks, especially since my trails are not splattered with jagged rocks.

[@mat49PNW]

Love it. Best review ever. I've been waiting for you to find this bike. I have the 2020 model. Everything you said about this bike is true. I love this bike, it's killer. Thanks dude, keep up the stellar work. Much respect from Toronto Canada

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

Sounds like RockyMountain delivers. Great company, great bikes.

[@chrisbfleetwood]

Love my 50. Such a beast.

[@juki1x]

I bought the growler20, now it comes with a dropper post and for a bike that it is intended to go down and not up as much, the 1x10 does well by me. I can tell you that he is dead on 100% on his description of the bike. I do not regret purchasing it, but next bike i will make sure i consult H.P . And yes the fork will be the first thing I change.

[@HomiesAdventures]

I purchased a Growler 20 last Aug with the intention to upgrade it into a peddlable park bike. I live in MI with a season loft pass to Boyne Highlands bike park and plan on racing in the hardtail division in the Lake Suprior enduro series and Ohio's Funduro series. So far SLX 4 piston brakes front and rear, larger 200 mm rotors. 160 mm Yari fork and Nukeproof Horizon wheels

[@PDillz]

Ironically there's "rocky mountains" around you. Seems fitting. Just bought this bad boy a week ago. Haven't even gotten a chance to take it out yet. Going from a 2020 roscoe 8 27.5. also sold that bike over a year ago. My riding will be incredibly rusty but I can't wait for my first 29er experience.

[@f.b.i.5580]

Always wanted to see a review bout' one of these because cos there's not many out there 👍

[@MTBDennis]

My experience with Suntour air forks is they tend to lack small bump sensitivity, but very good from midstroke all the way through. Very progressive for the big hits.

[@stuvie]

Thanks for this great in-depth review. It also makes me want to return to Sedona (I rented an Evil from Over the Edge when I was there in Dec/2019) ... love riding among all the red sand and rock

[@dschingy]

I ride an SR Suntour Auron and I know what you're talking about when you say it's hard to be made buttery. It's not the air pressure (might be the tokens). Their forks are grease lubricated and that makes the difference. I have put some O-rings on the bottom of the shafts, cleaned the insides, and put 30ml of golden Fox 20w lubricant fluid inside each leg. On my fork it doesn't leak and you wouldn't believe the difference it makes. These are extremely capable forks, they're just build up to be ridden for longer without a service and that, unfortunately, comes with a price.

[@hardtailparty]

Great info, thanks. I also wonder if their negative air spring design makes them run a little stiffer than needed.

[@dschingy]

@@hardtailparty I'm riding the old coil design with the harder spring rate and for me it works great. I don't know about the new equalizer design though. I'm at 110kg and run no tokens since the pressure is so high that it would ramp up much too soon and hinder me from using all of the travel and my fork is really plush in this setup. I set it at 150mm in an NS Eccentric CroMo. I'm greatly satisfied with what you get for the buck if you put that little bit of extra work into it. Party on man. Love your channel!

[@loamtrailer805]

Sick bike, great review and for me the WTB Vigilante tires are my favorite. Luv them !

[@pedrovarela1635]

Dartmoor hornet ou Dartmoor primal. You should try one of these (of both) if you can. I ride a darmoor hornet and is very agressive too, and best of all: without breaking the bank at all. Nice review man!!!

[@hardtailparty]

I've reached out to Dartmoor many times. I've never heard back

[@menardrulloda2019]

Wow! Need to upgrade ASAP!thank for this review.

[@dave7725]

"It's just me so I'm going to take it easy." *Proceeds to dive down a mountain with a cliffside directly next to him*

[@persistentconsistency]

Haha! My wife was watching with me last night and said the same thing! She was like, "He considers that taking it easy??" I said, "The guy has skills!"

[@jeepdc1]

I have been riding my Nukeproof Scout hardtail more than my full squish lately. Steve has the right attitude: keep it simple and have fun. My only negative comment is the constant misrepresentation about East Coast riding. It is not all smooth flow.

[@hardtailparty]

Not all but a lot of it is. I've ridden the east coast, and 90% of the trails are rolling flowy hills with rocks and roots. The majority of trails there aren't steep enough to need a 64* hta. I realize there are exceptions and that some people have access to the aggressive trails, but most nountain bikers who live there aren't seeking out the gnar.

[@silentmike4320]

Now you haavvveee to Test the Vitus Sentier! Or even more budget...the Nucleus! Pleeeaaaassseee✌️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hardtailparty]

Vitus is owned by chain reaction. I've never received a single response from them despite multiple attempts to review their bikes. The nucleus is a 135mm qr bike. No thanks.

[@silentmike4320]

@@hardtailparty thats a shame

[@timcalcagni9612]

Thanks for another great review, Steve. Speaking of building up budget frames, I've built up a new fuse with some Asheville, NC flair including I9 wheels, endlessbikes single speed set up and a 130mm helm and it is a blast to ride. I think you'd appreciate!

[@hardtailparty]

Sounds super fun

[@uwu_demon5494]

have you tried the new meta ht? from what I’ve heard they kinda redesigned the seatstays and theyre now a bit flatter, so it could ride a bit softer.

[@croberts2762]

We love all of the reviews and watch your channel regularly!! We also love Sedona and would really love to know the names of the trails that you are riding!!!

[@johnnyd614]

Great review- I was wondering how the geo would be on flow. Wondering if in December you’d consider doing a year end top 3? Would love to see it.

[@petercroce]

I completely agree with your review of the Growler. I had one (unfortunately it got stolen) and it definitely was hard for me on technical super turny stuff, especially technical climbs. We have similar body types and it was just hard for me to feel confident on at slower speeds. Even on slower downhills I'd wash the front a lot, presumably because of bad technique but I think it was related to the head tube angle and super long wheelbase too. But on the right downhills, damn it felt so incredible. Like a full on enduro hardtail. My Canfield Nimble 9 has ended up being much better for me, but I can see why people would go for the Growler.

[@hardtailparty]

Where do you live?

[@petercroce]

@@hardtailparty Southeast Michigan.

[@hughsnyder891]

Thanks for the review Steve . I’m going to check one out at a lbs .

[@solobellimino2356]

Many thanks for the review Love this bike in paper, but would not suit the trails I ride most. So I will keep on track with the "Sergeant" build😁

[@jasonfuentes6084]

i love my custom chromag styus , wish you review my build. I love hardtails .. keep up with the good work.

[@aarongoodwin7659]

Loving this channel. Hope one day you can review Whyte hardtails. 529 or 901?

[@hardtailparty]

I hope so too. It's not looking promising, I've reached out to them many many times.

[@Avicenna1037]

Debating between the RM Growler 40 and the Brodie Comp Khan as upgrades to my current bike. Trying to make my decision this week before I lose out (like elsewhere, inventory is moving fast in Toronto). Components are nearly identical. Rocky Mountain has more brand recognition. But Brodie is marketing the Comp Khan as more of a mixed-use mountain bike (could just be a marketing gimmick). I'm a weekend warrior, following my 11-year-old down technical trails, while also enjoy long gravel rides with my wife and two younger kids. Your emphasis on the slackness of the RM has me thinking twice about it in favour of the Brodie. My son has the RM Growler Jr 26 - and is making the most of it!

[@hardtailparty]

The rm growler is too slack and too long for me to want it as an only bike.

[@mattstanyer]

Definitely upgrade the fork on this bike. The performance of it degrades fairly quickly in my experience. I have the 2020 version. I love it though. Its a tank. Has put up with a ton abuse on my part from crashing all the time lol. I haven't upgraded the fork yet but I did throw a bigger rotor on the front. Made a huge difference in stopping power.

[@hardtailparty]

I think the main issue with these suntours is the negative air spring. Some of the models need it swapped out to get good performance.

[@Srdeo33]

I wonder if growler 20 would actually be better choice. 10 speed but with similar range with 28t chain ring and $600 cheaper. You would have money left over for getting a good fork. Not sure how kenda tires on growler 20 are.

[@danielrgusa]

Great review Steve.

[@samleuck5655]

Great review! I purchased a Growler 40 recently and I think you are spot on here. Id like to see your opinion on the new aluminum Norco Torrents. Thanks!

[@amx_m4nu2punkt14]

How is it

[@johnshredsalot1295]

Good review man. Coming from the enduro world , i want to find me a HT for more chill days / different more mellow tracks.

[@hardtailparty]

This isn't the bike for chill tracks

[@johnshredsalot1295]

@@hardtailparty when i say chill I mean not bike park or straight DH tracks haha. It’s nasty out here in El Paso.

[@BikeBrosBikeShop]

Good review. Thanks!

[@steve2084]

I’m buying one when I (eventually) get back to AZ from work and will be shopping for upgrades. What fork would you recommend today? Love your reviews and wish you all the best!!

[@sandboxshred04]

Thank you so much for doing this, such a great affordable entry point back into MTB. Curious if you think the Devinci Kobain Deore build would be just as good? Slightly steeper head angle and smaller wheelbase, but everything else seems the same in terms of geo, but better spec now that they're both $1400... Hard to tell what that frame will feel like, though.

[@deanolson5625]

Thanks for the review!

[@pepeanza6187]

I just buy the giant fathom 2021 29 first thing I notice in this agresive hardtails is that you can't set the suspension like you do in your full suspension enduro bike, I try and the bike feels very stiff I get more sag and much better, the thing is I was thinking that you should do a video on how to tune your suspension in a agresive hardtail it will be very useful.

[@mdoucette45]

I am thinking the same thing! It seems aggressive but more balanced than this one.

[@hedsy]

I'd love a review of the new and improved Rocky Mountain Fusion 30

[@hardtailparty]

Unfortunately that bike has QR axles front and rear. At this point, I'm only interested in reviewing bikes with thru axles.

[@mdoucette45]

I am torn between building up one of these OR a 2021 Giant Fathom 29. Its a little less aggressive... I thought about buying the cheapest one and getting a Pike for it. If you get a chance to review one, please do! Thanks for the content bro!

[@owenduncan9173]

Get the growler! I got a 50 a few months ago and love it. The geo makes this bike and it came with good components. Also it has a threaded bb so that's a plus. I'd say get the 40, upgrade the fork and breaks with the savings

[@hardtailparty]

Here's where the bike consult will be different than a generic recommendation. It's going to depend on a lot of things like your terrain, your preference, your riding style, what you're looking for, etc. The two will ride quite differently. Without knowing that other info (and more), I can't make a recommendation.

[@andrewtaylor4313]

Hi Steve. Could you do a video on the different forks you ridden and why you like them? You've mentioned the Helm a few times now but the reviews I've read elsewhere don't seem to share your enthusiasm. What are you seeing that the other reviewers aren't? For reference I'm talking Bike Radar and Enduro MTB Mag. For me personally I'm interested in performance per $ spent which is why the Marzocchi forks are very appealing at the minute. Thank for another great video!

[@jasonlewis6914]

I was thinking about getting this bike. It's really affordable. I would built it up all Shimano xtr

[@CarloNicolai]

I am thinking to purchase this bike too, but the Fusion 10 model will do for me. Planning to do full XT upgrade.

[@stuvie]

@@CarloNicolai I had a Fusion 30 and sold it. It's more of a gravel bike. I think the Growler is way more suitable for riding hard, as Hardtailparty explained very well

[@ES-sb1eh]

Steve, I own the 2021 RM Growler 40. Love this bike!! I noticed that there are a few of chips on my factory paint. I have only had this bike for less than a month. Should I worry of having scratches and scuffs due to small rocks hitting the frame. What's your attitude towards small nicks and scratches on mountain bikes. Or should I think of my bike as tool and enjoy the ride as is. Would like to know your opinion. Thanks for the channel on Hardtails. Love the knowledge you share with your KZbin viewers. Keep up the excellent work!! Best Regards.

[@hardtailparty]

For me it's a tool meant to be used, not a work of art. If the chips bother you, find matching nail polish to touch it up.

[@GYMGUYFE]

Do you prefer the Marin San Quentin or the Growler? I’ve been debating these two bikes.

[@jrwaghd1]

So i just bought a 22 Growler 40 2 days ago. Have not made it to the trails yet, but just riding it around town and on some makeshift trails is nice. Thinking brakes right away, and see if the fork will last the summer.

[@jrwaghd1]

And mine came with dual DHR exo tires

[@nightmareon.E53rdst]

Could you/ would you run 2.8? Love the channel btw.. 300$ challenge has been the best so far.

[@MMcG25]

New York/PA has plenty of rocks and roots, and steeps - trust me on that. Think about it for a bit - what mountain range runs through both states? Appalachian Range runs through portions of both states.

[@hardtailparty]

Indeed. This still wouldn't be my main bike for that area. I think the 64* hta would feel too slack there.

[@jmacone88]

@@hardtailparty I'm in Northern NJ on a Whyte 905. 64.5* HA and 27.5+ has been great, up and down. Do you think wheel/tire size affect the feel of slack head angles? The front end doesn't feel too far out front, but it's also what I'm used to. You've been on way more bikes than I, so curious what you think. Thanks!

[@Srdeo33]

I went from 68.5 degree large to 63.5 head angle xl (27.5 Nukeproof scout with 150mm 29” fork making it 63.5) Located in SE PA. In bike park (high speed) and on steeps it is great. Never feels like I can go otb. But on local trail, it feels sluggish at times. On tight single track turns thru trees, it can be handful. But I am on xl so on large or smaller it may not be too bad. I did not realize this until I went and rode my old bike before handing it over to one of my friend starting out. 68.5 head angle felt so much more nimble. But with 68.5, it felt like it was much easier to go otb. I always rode with weight further back. I think somewhere in the middle would be best for my area. Maybe 66 degree for all around use?

[@petarzutic1165]

Seems like a really nice bike. Would love to see your review of Sonder Transmitter from Alpkit, UK.

[@hardtailparty]

Me too, I'm really interested in that transmitter.

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

I'll be interested to see if we get these in Aus and how much they end up , Thanks for the video

[@knarfis]

Climbing is important to me, because lets face it, if you are mountain biking you are spending more time climbing then descending. I am really considering this bike to replace my old RM from the early 90's. Why does this thing not climb well in the technical stuff?? Is it because of the slack head tube angle, the long chain stay, the long wheel base or the weight?? You never really gave a reason why it does not climb well, where as you did pin pointed why this bike descends well. Thank you very much for the video.

[@hardtailparty]

I think it's a combination of all of the above. It's not a great all-rounder especially due to the slack head angle. 64* is awesome if you're riding the down steep rock rolls of BC everyday, but let's face it, most of us aren't. The wheelbase wasn't an issue, it was mainly the weight and that slack head angle. The long chainstays weren't awful, but they weren't helping it climb either.

[@Szczyrczek]

​@@hardtailpartyso not so bad at all :)

[@traestuber6880]

I’m so grateful you reviewed this bike. Been eyeing for awhile and this definitely moved it up to the top of my list. Do you think this bike will be hard to find around April 2021? Upgrading as a present to myself for graduating my nursing program.

[@hardtailparty]

Impossible to say. I think we'll see a lot more bike availability in April across all brands, but demand will still be high and I expect bikes to sell out fast.

[@traestuber6880]

@@hardtailparty I figured it will possibly be rough. Thanks for the quick reply. Love the videos dude.

[@hardtailparty]

I expect it to be better than the current situation at least.

[@dgriffinm]

Rocky has always made great bikes , would it be a good Single Speed Thank you for your review

[@hardtailparty]

No, it wouldn't be a good ss

[@stevenbrideau3741]

This was bike I wanted until I decided to go full squishy

[@goggitron]

Great review. I'm thinking about getting the 20, but not sure if I should go for a small or medium. The Growler seems a bit longer and taller when compared to other bikes I've researched. I'm 5'7 btw.

[@tjmartinez64]

I just picked up the Growler 50 today. I am 5'10" pretty normal build and I had that same dilemma with the medium and the large. I went and sat on both and the medium was perfect for me..

[@danr9202]

Hey Steve thanks for the great vids! Ive watched way too many of them tonight lol. What size frame is this and what is your size and weight? I have a hard time choosing between a M and L on most bikes.

[@hardtailparty]

It's a med. 5"6" 180lbs. It rides larger than most bikes, so I'd consider sizing down on this

[@sujapramod9795]

Dude please make a video about cheep hardtail frames

[@wreckingopossum]

This is a question for KZbin commenters Has he reviewed any medium and high end hardtails that had cross country trails in mind but can still handle techy climbs and tight switchbacks? Will you link that video please? My local trails feel very XC oriented, there are a lot of twists and turns, mostly flat but there are some small steep hills and many times pit drops which you then have to climb out of. So most of the trail will be flat, but then when it is not flat it will be a super steep short drop followed by a super steep short climb or vice versa

[@hardtailparty]

I hate to say it, but to me, most xc bikes ride similarly. When I come across one that stands out, I'll review it. All xc hardtails can handle techy climbs and tight singletracks; that's what they're designed for.

[@OffRhodes]

I think you may like the Niner Sir 9 or Salsa Timberjack for what you just described, as it sounds like my trails in New Hampshire. Lots of rocks and roots, but not much climbing over compared to mountain states. Hardtail Party has reviewed both those bikes.

[@hardtailparty]

You can search through my bike reviews playlist and see what I've reviewed.

[@ohsweetnothing]

I cant wait for a review on gg pedalhead.

[@hardtailparty]

I believe it's been discontinued but i heard a rumour they might be making a new hardtail one day...

[@sickboyslime]

I’m going from a Canadian tire CCM to a growler 50. I have a feeling I’m gonna love it in comparison lol

[@hardtailparty]

That's like upgrading from a power wheels to a tesla. You're going to love it.

[@nlights6]

So...how was the upgrade??

[@sickboyslime]

@@nlights6 unreal

[@jeff7086]

I almost bought the Growler 50. I really liked how it test rode, but the D-BAG (yes capital dbag) at the bike shop attuited toward myself and the other customers made me walked out. I bought a Banshee Paradox V3 instead.

[@hardtailparty]

I prefer the paradox myself. Its sad the attitude some shops have.

[@jeff7086]

I'm glad to hear you like the paradox better. My frame is scheduled to show up at the end of November. I'm looking forward to building it up over the winter

[@benrj9]

I already found my hardtail but still love watching your reviews! That's the first I've heard you mention the Rockshox 35. Would you say the marzocchi bomber z2 is a worthy upgrade, or spend a little more for a pike.

[@andrewscanzano4846]

At my bike dealer, the Rocky Mountain growler 40 comes with roxshok not suntour.

[@boxxjumper82]

Size Medium for 5'11/6'0 riders ? Geo favors meta Ht large ! Im still comfortable on a 20" bmx

[@colten4355]

Can we get a review of the new Norco Torrent Aluminum?

[@hardtailparty]

I hope so. I've been communicating with them, but they're out of stock right now.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Gnarly trails! Ever noticed that no bike named "Sedona" could be riden safely on Sedona trails?

[@jasonbonello5497]

Would be interesting if you had a general comparison review of all the bikes you tested. I’m on the fence of either the Honzo ESD or the Ragley mmmbop

[@hardtailparty]

I share those comparisons with my bike consultation patrons. But the reviews I've filmed should tell you how each one rides.

[@hansonwang2121]

It's too bad it's a 29er frame if it was a 27.5 frame I would be in love.

[@hardtailparty]

Check out the ragley mmmbop or the marley

[@Cockeadam13]

What is your opinion on the aluminum middlechild? It sits in the same price bracket as this and curious how the aluminum frame compares to their other materials

[@hardtailparty]

I haven't ridden one yet. I prefer the geo of the mc over this RM