Rocky Mountain's $1,669 Growler Review: Downhill Focused | 2021 Pinkbike Field Trip

[@hardtailparty]

I agree Mike, slacker HTAs belong everywhere in the hardtail world.

[@hansonwang2121]

Hi hardtail party, loved your review on the Growler.

[@sixate]

Great review, but somehow I already knew this bike was awesome from another review. 😃 I'm glad Mike pointed out that he liked the 2.6" tires. Bigger is better on a hardtail.

[@benjacobson7490]

Yes that rocky mountain has been great for the rocky mountains in my experience

[@yengsabio5315]

I'm a new subscriber to your channel though I haven't watch a video of your (but will definitely do). As a beginner in mountain biking, I chose a hardtail, and probably will remain a hardtail user for a longer while. I hope your channel will bring me tons of info to learn from re MTB. Have you had your coffee already? Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!

[@nickcoulter973]

I think you guys are right. Over the winter, I built an NS Bikes Eccentric Alu Evo with 27.5x 2.8s and a 150mm Yari, and I’m really liking it, so far.

[@saranbisht3908]

I am glad to see new budget bikes every day.

[@PaumeGD]

“Butget”

[@lukasbormann4830]

@@PaumeGD their budget if your goal is to get a well speced bike that needs no upgrades to take it mtb riding

[@PaumeGD]

@@lukasbormann4830 maybe

[@HappyDuude]

If only there was stock of any of these!

[@saranbisht3908]

@@HappyDuude i am from India. How can I buy these from Online because most manufacturer don't ships India

[@scotthale3358]

"This bike comes with everything you would like to see on it" Only partly true, I would like to see me on it.

[@joemama5968]

Me to man

[@levirichardson8505]

love to see my beloved growler recieving high praise from mike

[@cadedyck5635]

Lol same. I love my growler

[@watsonthedog264]

I actually prefer hardtails without water bottle bosses on the seat tube, it gives much more space for a longer travel dropper post as opposed to one with the bosses which I’ve found I have to punch out using a rigid seat post to get the clearance I want

[@rolux4853]

You punch them out? Don’t you need a obscene amount of force to do this? Wouldn’t it be easier on the frame to drill them out and if you really want it clean weld them shut again?

[@nebnollock5198]

@@rolux4853 you can also buy rubber grommits which fill the holes too and don't stick into the frame much so you can fit in a long post, I'd agree that I'd prefer having them then not

[@senorspiegel]

@@robinbreeds9217 I hate riding with a backpack, turns out other people are different from you, weird!

[@nebnollock5198]

@@senorspiegel same, I much prefer having water on the frame and a small hip pack for food and tools

[@senorspiegel]

@@robinbreeds9217 I must be a posser for having water bottles on my bike and a big old hip bag. Why are you so angry at how other people ride their bike?

[@TheMehighlow2]

I've owned the bike for a few months and the Growler loves speed especially down hill. If you enjoy a good workout, this bike can be really enjoyable on climbing. My first RM bike and I love it!

[@markt8262]

I was able to scoop a growler a few weeks ago. Just love it! Such a great bike

[@brydenargue4620]

Where did you get it I am looking for one? I am in Canada.

[@markt8262]

@@brydenargue4620 I was able to get a growler 20 at Life Cycles in Abbotsford, BC.

[@yuheny0]

Try Outside bike and skis in canmore. That's where I got mine but I got it late February. Don't know the stocks right now.

[@jasont.5523]

Just snagged a very mint used one… can’t wait to get it out for a shakedown!

[@fatboynip]

@@brydenargue4620 Lynn valley bikes. They had a few the last time I was in.

[@douglaswalbourne-gough7203]

Got a Growler 50 on the way, been counting the days for this review to drop - thanks!

[@marcosmadrazo2440]

I have the Growler 50 and I´m totally in love. First time I ride it seemed like I had the bike since forever.

[@bathg1]

Im considering getting one for about 1900$ Is it worth it ? I wanna ask you about the fork Aome people said the gold 35 had some problems And the other questions is How about the brakes ? Do you think they are powerful enough ?

[@drewmack1709]

@@bathg1 I have the 50. In honesty the 40 is probably a better bet. The fork and brakes on the 50 are garbage really, so if you are replacing anyway makes sense to spend a little less. I swapped out the Gold for a Fox 36 with 150 travel, and changed the brakes to 4 piston XTs with proper rotors. Was good before but it’s killer now.

[@drewmack1709]

Should probably add I live in Vancouver so the bike gets ridden on tough terrain- I can keep up with anyone on a full suspension.

[@bathg1]

@@drewmack1709 I got only the growler 50 in my local shop And it costs around 2300 but i can get a 1950 deal on it I was planing on getting the orbea laufey But its out of stock and they told me i have to wait for the 2022 version And it gonna be available late 2021 I dont know Im really on a budget There is really no good options here in croatia

[@jarnold1789]

@@bathg1 I'd get a Meta for it's better fork and overall spec

[@williare1977]

Coming from expensive full squish, and a slew of higher end Chromag and Santa Cruz hardtails.. I can confidently say this bike tops the list. Tossed on a Pike Ultimate and let it rip, without a hiccup all season.

[@jonathanmatthews4774]

"threaded bottom bracket" They didn't even give me one of those on my 2021 Altitude 50! Bastards.

[@christiankiertdelacruz8097]

0:40 I'll assume that the clutch is off

[@wstoj2006]

it is, you can see it pushed forward on the derailleur.

[@dirtycommtroop]

I always had a FS until mid fat tires came along. Running a slack hardtail with 2.6 tires at 20 psi and an oval chainring is just heaven. An absolute blast on technical descents and a goat on the climbs. Looking back at my FS the ride just feels dead. Granted this is through the eyes of a trail rider. I did take it to the bike park and was humbled quickly.

[@chrisinmontreal]

I'm picking up the growler 50 2022 with tubless modification for a great price of 2299$ CAN. So stocked!!

[@idiotonbike]

These two mesh together very well on camera - it's great to watch :)

[@mybadvideos]

It's funny how in some shots the back of that frame looks orange and then others it looks red...

[@Mp57navy]

That's how color grading works.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

My Jeep color "Dozer" looks either yellow or orange depending on how the light is hitting it.

[@mountainsteward7776]

Yes, that definitely warrants 3 dots at the end of the statement...

[@mybadvideos]

@@mountainsteward7776 I would have put six dots but that seemed overkill....

[@freshcassette.]

Man love it! I ordered a growler 40 through my local bike shop, it’s still in shipping but man i am so excited for it. Great review! Got me stoked!

[@currymasterrace7153]

water bottle bosses on seat tube block seat post, so no long travel seatpost. Rocky Mountain made the good choice since it's focused on downhill...

[@tobinstaneart4734]

So glad you guys did this, I am trying to decide which bike I am gunna get, the growler was one of my top choices.

[@fazza2104]

I think the specialized enduro s works is a good budget option as well, maybe consider that

[@theGiver3]

I wouldnt go for it, but that's just me. Personally, a 64 HA on a HT is just unnecessary. You should check out the ragley hardtails. They've got em dialed.

[@harryrichards4654]

I think this is really good but have you looked at the Saracen mantra lsl or the zenith lsl

[@kaedeschulz5422]

You may want to take a look at ragley bikes tho😎👌

[@IamSeafarer]

@@theGiver3 As someone who rides a 64 degree HTA and 160mm travel hardtail, I would disagree big time. This is the new standard for fun hardtails. That geo unlocks it without slowing it enough to care, unless you race XC. Growler is pinned.

[@Emotez]

I've ridden a '20 Growler pretty hard the past 1.5 seasons and it's an absolute beast - you won't be disappointed! (if you can find one)

[@davidperry7676]

Growler means something different where I'm from 😂😂😂

[@Jobbazz]

😅😅

[@snoopy10411]

Yep, I think the same also about Norco bikes, sounds too close to Norks for me, can't help I'd look like a right tit riding one. Shame Norco didn't use the name Growler first, that would have been hillarious 😂😂

[@MrBoogty]

Bo selecta 😂😂

[@MrScotty247]

Really surprised not to see the Commencal Meta HT AM in this shootout.

[@TotalCook]

Yup, or any Ragley and Nukeproof hardtails...terrific value for money bikes.

[@voyd1214]

If you check online, the Commencal Meta HT AM won’t be available until October in a lot of size/build options. Why review a bike if it’s not going to be in stock anytime soon?

[@NorthernSkiAndCycle]

@@voyd1214 All the bikes in this series won't be available until the fall or worse.

[@MrScotty247]

@@voyd1214 For when it does come in stock...

[@jarnold1789]

IMO the Meta is definitely a better value than the Growler and it definitely belongs in the shootout. Love my Meta, it's a crusher

[@Larpy1933]

Whoa! So much useful info. If I were in the market for one of the hardtails you tested, I’d be confident of no surprises on my first rides. Surely, you’re doing a huge service to potential buyers here. Well done: specifying “American Dollars”. No ambiguity = happy shoppers. Once again: gourmet videography. Beautiful riding footage.

[@onefortysix6955]

Hope to see some Ragleys in the show, defo enjoying all the hardtail reviews

[@brydenargue4620]

I have been looking for this bike forever now It looks sick

[@danielcox9850]

I concur with you on suntour forks, but if you look at the slow motion shots that thing is doing its job! I'm impressed, that thing makes Mike look like he knows what he is doing... 😂

[@ThatPNWlyfe]

Put a deposit down on a Growler last week. Stoked!

[@mfmonthefmf]

Thank you for this review, I am SO glad I bought this bike! Telluride in a couple weeks, will be interesting to see how it handles the groomed jump runs (seems like it was born for it).

[@hannesnohl8627]

Like before watch, as always!

[@erickeys9524]

Got my 2020 growler 40 because it was one of the few that fit me in that price range. I've kept her fit with a lean diet of tree roots and derailleur hangers.

[@Basement_CNC]

would be cool to see the top spec stoic in comparison, because the pike select 170mm dropper good brakes etc makes a waaaayyyy different bike to the cheap one

[@techjeeper8800]

That wanting to ride a hardtail vines from riding a good one, too many people go buy a $500-800 hardtail and think that’s all hardtails and look at them as lesser than a FS. Some of us buy hardtails because we like them. Not just because they fit a price range.

[@benjacobson7490]

Yes, this is why ragley is in business and chromag and why the esd exists and rsd

[@jeremythebeer8609]

Thanks for the review! Just bought my 14yo son his last ever bike from me: 2022 Growler 40. Got it on 2023 clearance from our LBS and put some Crankbrother Stamp pedals on it for him. He can rip and upgrade it from this point on. [PS - The bike in white/black looks sick]

[@obi-wankenobi9871]

You have to remember that this is a hardtail. When they say it doesnt climb THAT well and is not super snappy in the handling departement, that still means its gonna be better climber and snappier than any full sus ever could.

[@zoomzoomgt]

Best bang for the buck, what would yall pick?? Looking at (sub 1000 cdn) Marlin 7 Soul 20 Talon 1 If were gonna go mid range (1200-1500) Talon 0 Growler 20

[@emtbadventures_ca]

Growler 40 and 50 on the way. Leaning towards the 50.

[@fazza2104]

Damn that derailleur needs a better clutch, the chain hit the floor on the huck to flat

[@KDog2264]

Thank you, I have been looking at the Growler for a while, I was trying to decide if I should get the 40 and up grade later or the 50 and save up a little more. I am beginner MTB and the my current bike is not meant for the North Shore trails were I live. I been looking at Rocky Mountain because they were born and bred on these trails(there head office is a 15 min ride from my place) and you help me decide. Thank you again.

[@evanloudenback3700]

Great review, love the hardtail comparison you guys do...but where's the Nukeproof Scout?? :P

[@adamf.8564]

that chain almost came off:) when he jumped.

[@ralph5874]

I can’t wait for mine to arrive! 🤙

[@letsgo_inc]

I love my 66.5 HTA Fuse but man...the new breed of slack hardtails are sick.

[@Hardcaslte]

"If you're still looking for a traditional hard tail, just stop, don't look for that." LOL That being said I learned MTB on a hard tail that had 68 degree head tube angle and going from that to 66 degrees on my full suspension is night and day difference. Whenever I get back on my hard tail for a ride I feel like the front tire is under the bike instead of in front of the bike. It's crazy how much 2 degrees can make.

[@thomasli2261]

the one I've been waiting for

[@seasonedsurfer23]

I like the lack of bosses on the seat tube. They can interfere with seatpost insertion. Could make the difference between being able to run a longer dropper.

[@terrybarkman3219]

Some Hope brakes, clips for pedals and maybe a fox 36

[@joemama5968]

This is the bike I am definitely getting

[@rpiian]

Frame looks just like my 2021 Blizzard, just a wee bit narrower 😄. The Blizzard shreds as full rigid, so not surprised this does as well!!

[@Rawkus919]

Suntour air forks are actually really good.

[@gmatting]

Mounting a bottle cage on the seattube on a modern hardtail is problematic, because the bolts would interfere with longer dropper posts. Not really a valid criticism, IMO.

[@All_the_bikes_are_cool]

Awesome review 🥰 can I ask how it compares to Stoic... It is super similar bike I terms of builds, geo and intend use? I was interested in buying Rocky Mountain Growler but because I'm in EU I ordered Canyon Stoic... Still waiting... 😂 ... Thanks for awesome Field test 🙌🏼

[@Ren-je1di]

Every bike I search for is sold out at LBS AND ONLINE :(

[@alphagoat2035]

Those 2-piston breaks are meant for 2-finger breaking, that's why they got those long levers. Levy got spoiled by his short lever 4 pistons.

[@TunaaMan]

Would really love to know how this stacks up against the aluminum and steel Torrents

[@mountainsteward7776]

Levy videos are the best pb videos

[@tylerdokson6194]

I’m glad the mtb season started

[@Chogie14]

Mike, how tall are you? Your measurements would give us a better chance at comparing models etc...

[@emtbadventures_ca]

Mike Levy Tech editor Height: 5' 10'' Inseam: 33.5''

[@BChiarcos]

I would love to see a Growler vs Torrent vs Honzo esd vid. Growler 40 on order, this video doesn't help with patience.

[@redlancer7263]

I love my Specialized Fuse! I feel like I can do almost anything on it, I'm gonna try my first ever enduro race (only 2-stages cause I'm a newbie) on it this summer. I love the burly trail HTs!!!!!!

[@spddrcr9801]

Good luck getting one in the U.S., I have tried to get any of the 3 growler series with no luck for the last 3 months. these have turned into unicorns or leprechauns if you will. Out of the 30 or so bike shops I call weekly none of them have seen one for months and don't know when the next one's will come in.

[@billybob-gp2cs]

congrats on 500k

[@antongasparik3475]

Pinkbike should also include Dartmoor hornet whis is 27,5-er but extremly fun and confidence adding bike with this geometry, if not event more progressive

[@AFryingPan]

I think comparing this to the Norco Torrent would be a better comparison. Norco has more aggressive geo and more travel.

[@markbenn1907]

Holy heck these bikes are so sick.

[@ShadLife]

12:08 This is the most important part of this review. I live in the upper midwest and thus a bike like this is not what most riders need. I have an Esker Hayduke with a 67.6-degree head angle with a 140mm fork. That is so perfect for the tight twisty most level ground trails we have here. Even on some of the downhills, we don't get up to the speeds required to need a 63, 64, or even a 65-degree head angle. The bicycle industry needs to realize most riders are not bombing down the sides of mountains.

[@Marc28031984]

Hardtail love! ❤️🤙🏼

[@nolanhopkins1219]

At 5'10 and 170lbs would you suggest a MD or LG growler?

[@josuedelucca7252]

Hi Nolan! I rented this same bike, size M, for Sedona blue trails, with some black diamond sections. It saved my skin more than once, coming down, and it climbed like a mountain goat. I'm 5'11, 165 lbs, 32" inseam. Hope this helps 😊

[@hamishmcintyre150]

That chain slap at the start was soooo bad 🤣

[@avelynkicksbutt]

I just bought a RM growler Jr 26 for my son, it's such a great bike to progress on but the one thing that gets me is the fork. When i was talking to sr suntour they mentioned it was primarily an ebike fork(xcm 34 coil boost)...i don't understand why they would have chosen that fork for for a jr bike it's so hard to compress. Everything else on the bike is awesome to say the least.

[@NDemanuele1]

I wonder how this would compare to Ibis' DV9? I bet the DV9 has better handling and climbing ability. I wouldn't mind getting a HT to compliment my Ripmo.

[@mylesmackey2430]

Id like to see a review of the Pole Taival!

[@Nipplehook]

Almost same price as Growler 50 a couple years ago.

[@jameswhiteley3095]

Would swapping the rear for a 27,5 make it that much nimbler despite making it slacker at the same time?

[@alexeisokoloff7774]

being english this is a pretty funny video to watch. not sure if anywhere else is the same but growler has a different meaning round here related to women anatomy...

[@simonegalla5004]

What about rear wheel in ht? I have a full susp. enduro bike and some time have to check my spokes even though they are good wheels (very rocky terrain, and my riding isn't that clean 😅). With an ht i guess this would happen far more often, wouldnt it?

[@duncanstewart914]

i blew up that suntour fork on my 2020 and replaced it with a reba the suntour has a click halfway into the travel

[@johndef5075]

Pretty bike. As fast as I like to ride and at my age I dont have any desire to ride hardtails ever again though.

[@RyanDavid-gu8et]

Pinkbike needs to do a video on the upcoming yt capras

[@user-np6lw9zn8j]

Is the frame of the growler the same as the soul and fusion?

[@paulmerzweiler5117]

Test of the commencal meta ht?

[@Onlydansmtb]

Nobody: Absolutely nobody at all: Canadians: Toob

[@pipas6217]

It's so unfortunate that I live in Europe... can't find this bike online at all.

[@bjjbiker1817]

Any chance you may feature trek Roscoe and trek marlin 7 or 8?

[@TheKturner05]

I am trying to buy one of these and it is pretty elusive. Anyone got any tips on purchasing one these days?

[@tomasYX]

11:30 that face expression

[@matth8924]

I'm thinking I'm gonna get one of these

[@bidulepowers02]

Is it the same bike as the growler 40 2020?

[@alexanderkozlov9523]

what can u say about Norco torrent a2? it is so similar to this rocky

[@_Chri5_]

Can I use the stock fork for the growler 40 on the growler 40

[@brianc0019]

How does it stack up against the Specialized Fuse?

[@erikrosenmeier6086]

Levy has come a long way from complaining about how long and slack bikes are getting

[@HelplmAlive]

Tire pressures with or without tubes?

[@amx_m4nu2punkt14]

Love the bike

[@clanyoung14]

What is "progressive geometry"? That is tech talk the many of us have know idea about. I don't really have any mountains around. What about cross country riding through the bush. Faster usually sends you to the hospital with worse injuiries. I have been there and done that.

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

A decent hardtail. No need to hang right off the back as you go down a hill. If I was to get a hardtail - this type would be it. BTW, 2.6 x 29 tyres, they have their place, I find them much better in soft terrain or snow and on raw trails, they hook up better over rocks and wet roots.

[@James-dn1hu]

What a name

[@AltRock-dj2yj]

Is this the the 20 or 40?

[@piast99]

I prefer growlers in their trimmed down versions...

[@grantqkelly3267]

Does the bike come in 27.5

[@txhypnotist]

Could be funny if they installed those in "Bait Cars" around the world. A hole new meaning to Stop stealing.