Top 10 Hardtail Set Up and Upgrades | GMBN Hardtail Week

[@martinw3265]

Only one week out of 50 in a year on hardtails?? Considering that so many people have hardtails id expect at least a month. Maybe you guys will feature more hardtails after this.

[@martinw3265]

Sasu Kirvesmäki Well you live in a super first world country, and probably have a very idealistic view of this world. I live in South Africa, people buy bikes on loans, and most of the rest buy hardtails. But ok I guess GCN and GMBN are more aimed at first world countries so fair enough.

[@CanIHasThisName]

It's not a matter of an idealistic view. In most contries, a proper fullsus bike costs more than vast majority of people are willing to put into a bike. If you look at tech channels, they're mostly covering stuff that's in the performance and high-end segment. It's the same thing here. That said, FS vs. HT isn't necessarily a matter budget, but rather a riding stile. There are HT bikes which are mighty expensive. A hardtail is mostly synonymous with XC, and GMBN doesn't really do much coverage on XC (which is a shame, really), so they don't pay much attention to hardtails.

[@roelpunzalan7507]

Martin W i

[@djsubliminalreeve]

50 weeks lol what planet are you from?

[@tuckera1879]

Ikr. These guys are awesome and all but they think the only actual mtb is an expensive full suspension. They need to understand that hardtails are really fun and almost indestructible bikes that a lot of riders prefer. Every rider I know shreds on a hardtail, and I shred on a hardtail myself

[@Film_Fog]

So I bought a $1200 Hardtail a year or two ago, and then proceeded to upgrade it. I bought a new wheelset, disc brakes, and drive chain. After all that, it would have been better to have just bought a higher end bike in the first place as it would have been cheaper in total. So I guess the lesson I have learned is only upgrade a component when it is worn out or damaged and not because you went too cheap in the first place.

[@FonixFire]

Try only being able to afford a $400.00 Walmart Genisis and upgrading that. Least it came with great pedals, disk break and a good frame.

[@FonixFire]

@RR_Productions it did surprisingly :) the frame is solid and great to build off. I'm still getting new pedals and changing the tires off, but keeping the disk.

[@jettdiff5788]

At least you werent broke to the point of needing to buy a full rigid mtb and buying a suspension fork just to ride trails better

[@ragalyisp]

I paid 300 for a well taken care of gary Fisher tassajara. Grips,saddle,tires,pedals,stem, stem riser and boom perfect rail trail bike for under $400. All deore components. I'll live with v brakes since they're good enough for now.

[@hfbvc9480]

ragalyisp What year is this bike

[@kylereece575]

most people need to spend more time riding and less time worrying about up grading stuff .

[@bramdekleer2824]

Kyle reece 100% true

[@geckomkii3916]

I believe in you Kyle, you will stop Skynet

[@jaybangcot]

Kyle reece 👍

[@mjfox9577]

yes thats for sure but people may ride alot and think they deserve a new set of whatever

[@haydenmcdonald504]

Kyle reece yeah man, I do work on my bike but I upgrade it rarely

[@MrCaiofern]

in other words: UPGRADE EVERYTHING!!!!!

[@sirflyingv5641]

every payday, UPGRADE EVERYTHING!!!

[@ianstropus]

Caio Fern That's all I heard

[@stephenchrishanson]

Yep... I will say though that going that route is fun. I bought a lower end HT (good frame, okay components) and slowly upgraded the components. Enjoyed doing it and learned a lot.

[@ianstropus]

Chris Hanson I can agree to that. I have an older Full Suspension that I've been upgrading, but since I'm only 14 and have no job it is very hard. It's a pain because the back brake and shifter are linked into a dual control lever I have to upgrade it at once, and I don't have the money for that...It's awesome to be able to work on my bike though..

[@MrCaiofern]

Chris i did it last year and don't regret. the bike got wonderful, i rode it a lot and in August sold it for a really good price being able to buy a even better hardtail. upgrading is fun ( when you have the money) and it is part of being a mountain biker.

[@Metal-Possum]

You guys should so single speeds some time. Yeah, I know it's a dirty word, especially where Shimano and SRAM are wanting to sell their products, but they are loads of fun.

[@rubenTR309]

Most hardtails come with a suspension fork? C'mon now Neil! :P

[@CanIHasThisName]

What's wrong with that statement?

[@cornpuffs9621]

Ruben Williams yea... Most do. Some are full rigid though. But most have a front suspension fork

[@rubenTR309]

Well I know, that's what I meant. if doesn't have a fork upfront it's labelled fully rigid.

[@coen8323]

Sid Sloth no then it's a hardtails and a rigid bike

[@dubv6902]

I think he meant to say “adjustable “ fork. He said this in relation to setting up proper sag

[@lovthaigurlz]

Why do all videos about mtn bikes say the same thing. "Replace everything except the frame"..........by the way, love the GT mtn bikes.

[@michalotron]

GT bikes are insane, have one since 2007 :D

[@matthewhunter6421]

You're watching a video specifically titled upgrades, what were you expecting?

[@Titanium516]

Haha true

[@errorcode503]

Michał GT was my first, I had a 90s retro bike in orange.

[@magnumllama400]

GT Trash all components need change. $500 bike with dead components and suntour suspension

[@stephtraveler7378]

bloody good content mate... even 4 yrs after originally posted.

[@imranbecks]

I use spd clipless pedals for my hardtail. The best choice I've made!

[@nickcsuki8123]

Enjoy the dark side my friend...

[@PARAF.19]

thumb's up! I love hardtails!

[@bananasstuff3344]

Rigid 4 life bruh

[@malachiradke8612]

Tyres

[@YourNickIsTaken]

There is always a way to upgrade my skills. That's the most important part :)

[@calowayred1819]

I have a 100 mm travel hardtail, just went from XC semi slicks to a nice enduro tire and couldn’t be more pleased! Makes it ride like a am/ enduro hardtail! :D

[@milesroe5082]

years ago I had a '97 Specialized Rockhopper Comp fs. Within a couple years I had changed almost everything, shimano XT gearset Mavic Ceramic rims Ritchey hubs Eaton stem/bar/seat post Selle Italia Flute saddle Shimano spd's Great bike, went like the clappers XC!

[@colinp5248]

I would watch a Saturday morning gmbm hour long tv slot each week. it's what sports on tv is missing. great job guys. love your channel.

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

Awesome audio guys. I see the wind whipping in the background and not a peep of it heard. Cheers boys!

[@karlosxzy]

Dropper seat post and plus size, heavy duty tyres was the game changer for trail hardtails.

[@ethanohara407]

What about a chainstay protector?

[@garrybooth5197]

I have to say, as an Orange five owner the thought of a hard tail is appealing in some situation, I love big jumps so I’ll always keep my Five but the idea of a second bike bike a hard tail for those mountain rides in the Lake District and Scotland a hardtail is going to be a lot better than my single pivot 160mm full sus.

[@stephenchrishanson]

That GT Zaskar has several upgrades... They definitely do not come like that from GT. Looks great!

[@SteMan1971]

I recently bought a Giant ATX Hardtail from the lower price range so i could upgrade myself overtime... im really enjoying looking at what equipment there is and fitting them. I recently upgraded the pedals to Nukeproof Evo,s, white, nice and flat and just upgraded the handlebar and grips from the raceface range... good fun

[@nathanwrightmedia161]

I have upgraded my tyres and pedals my next step is to get a dropper post.

[@boomerangfreak]

Nathan Wright you and me both, tho I also moved to a single race face narrow wide in the front and some other small bits and pieces

[@nathanwrightmedia161]

that may be an upgrade for me in the future as well

[@boomerangfreak]

I never really used my front gears and got tired of adjusting them so ye was a easy choice (and rather cheap)

[@reapermanslayer]

It's amazing people used to do all of this without all $$this$$ gear. 60mm suspension at most, cantilevers and tubes(which i never had a pinch flat with).

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Did those Crank Bros pedals survive the scene where you touched them, or are they done now?

[@jetsgo66]

Are they bad? Ive only heard good things of crank bros but Ill know to stay away if so. I love my nukeproof evo flats

[@colbyperry3325]

Probably one bad piece of product and he thinks a great brand is shit

[@eamonkelly9007]

I've been happy with my 5050s.

[@x20dankshots5]

ThunderStruckCoach they are sponsored by crank bros

[@123456bmx]

Crank brothers make the worst pedals,I've seen so many broken ones at the shop.We always recommend time pedals to anyone who doesn't like being disappointed.

[@davidt8546]

Building a Nukeproof Scout 290...cant wait to go back to HT. Because I have realised that most of my riding is climbing and short distance decent. Dont want to be bouncing around going up hills any more

[@jeffbrunton3291]

New hardtail, made sure it had a lockout on the bars, last years model but with 50% off, add good spare wheels from eBay (stans crest) with good tyres and run with lightweight inner tubes or tubeless (furious Fred's for dry, easy conditions), keep original ones for mud, rocks. Weight saving - very good for the money Xt pedals Fsa carbon handlebars from eBay, risky but turned out fine 2nd hand MTB fizik saddle

[@erikaslt]

Love my Trek Stache 9.8 hardtail. Such a fun bike. Just upgraded to trek carbon wheels with maxxis tires and tubeless.

[@brycebrumbaugh2038]

Just got a new 2019 trek roscoe 8 wayyyyyy better than my trek malin

[@mariaannettedesouza7442]

Very good video. Thank you so much. Audio was clear through all the windy weather.

[@crazyburritoboy2526]

I don't replace my wheels unless mine are fucked

[@TechERni]

I have a Specialized Pitch 650b. Had a terrible Shimano altus groupset, and a stout crankset paired with a really cheap Suntour 120mm fork. Now the bike is upgraded to a shimano Deore groupset with SLX rear derraileur, 1x9 conversion with stock chainrings from the Deore crankset :D. And the most expensive upgrade would be the SR Suntour Aion 160mm Fork with some Maaaad Wheels.

[@noelv1976]

Biggest upgrade I made were the tires and pedals . Other than that, it’s been fun.

[@lukecarlin9946]

For saddles I keep my original saddle but wash it frequently with boiling water to soften it

[@kennymack252]

Here from Queens, NY. As a novice rider since '92, I love the info on this page because you mix up the info all riders can use, thanks mates Any suggestion for stronger upgrades to breaks, I have a Cannondale SL4 I got in 2012, thanks for the advice.

[@Baureo]

Having a longer stem on a bike with a steeper head angle, will make OTB more likely, especially when the stem faces upwards. Also don't apply pressure on the front wheel via the handlebars. Heavy feet, light hands, is the key to MTB ridiing.

[@VictorC1891]

I made my grips stay in on place and not spin around by locking them with zip ties, in each end of the grip and it works perfectly !

[@rcfanaticdublin]

Nice bike, My first half decent machine was a 1991/2 Emmelle aluminium with Shimano LX group set and BioPace crank set in the exact same coulour as your machine. I have a Carrera Vulcan pedelec these day's.

[@djsubliminalreeve]

I've never had an issue with slipping on flat pedals lol clipless are for old men that wear Lycra thinking they will go faster

[@Shralps]

BroToPro I nearly had a rant... But then couldn't be arsed.

[@kevinfromsales6842]

Lmfao!

[@gnawershreth]

Not sure if serious or a troll... They *do* go faster, both by wearing clipless *and* by wearing lycra.

[@robivlahov]

You haven't ridden a rock garden with a hardtail than... The best technique won't guarantee that you will stay on the bike, it will spit you out. Alot of mtbers use clips... Flats are only usefull for freeride, dirt, slope, street,dh(to be able to bail..) but xc, enduro, am, cc, road all benefit from clips 🤷‍♂️

[@fritz2513]

@@robivlahov You list cc and xc as they'd be different? Stop commenting under MTB Videos

[@LarsBoon]

What's your opinion about riding downhill with hardtail bikes?

[@flox6609]

Lars Boon I tried it, but don't drive Rocks and smth.

[@bigpablo9614]

Lars Boon hurts like fuck when you hit a bumpy section but overall it's fun

[@danblades5893]

Its really fun if you have 150mm travel and a small frame

[@byronpratt9697]

It’s fine when on tarmac

[@joeatron7457]

Lars Boon a death wish

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

i checked all my bolt man they where so tight so i loos them all great upgrade ever

[@andreustriant5888]

Dropper post is by far the most important upgrade for hardtails

[@jufi9987]

Nah, for every bike

[@reevefisher4968]

I just bought my first full suspension today

[@TechERni]

I have soo many parts to buy for my Specialized Pitch 650b. Basically everything .

[@Mattmate]

Basically everything apart from the frame then

[@simondrew7346]

Loads of sellers on eBay doing pins for flat pedals, lots thinner and more aggressive than the OEM stuff, like having spiky pedals and your feet won’t move a millimetre 👍🏻

[@AWDor]

I haven’t seen a dropper seat post for less than £130 but I wannnnntttttt one

[@DJ-es1tl]

considering that the average cost of full suspension bikes are $3,000+ the everyday rider "majority of your audience" ride hardtails. I would look forward to seeing more videos about them.

[@namelessduck1220]

Yes the tyres really make big difference. My old tyres, that had a big gap were quite better on the road, after i bought new ones i feel it different when i ride my bike o.o

[@SuperSpeederCarl]

I was hoping to see a set of Santa Cruz reserve carbon wheels on that sick setup though 👌🏼👍

[@adventureswithsteve2981]

Looks similar to the Kilpatrick Hills in the background near where i live , nice video , got a GT Chucker XS1 yesterday and already looking for drive-chain recommendations for cycling up those steep hills

[@janikabalin]

Make more hardtail videos

[@andrewince8824]

Do it as you break it. I'd say; Tires Brakes Stem Bars Forks Groupset Grips Pedals Seat and wheels if you feel you need it.

[@simko.9866]

If you can do it with flats, then you can do it and with clips.

[@vicentebufiangorrilla247]

I see all your video despite being Spanish speaker. I think that you could win many followers if subtitle videos in Spanish. Congrats for your channel!

[@bosshadowrock]

Why not include a dropper post as an upgrade in this video? I have an old hardtail (with a front derailleur) and just added a KS eTen dropper with an external cable for about $115. It's much more of a monumental improvement than anything mentioned here.

[@josereneducharme142]

What is the number one upgrade to do on a full suspension bike? Ditch the rear suspension

[@anweraydan550]

Are high-end GT bikes better than Giant or Norco bikes in the relative price range? The Giant Talon 1 is $999 CAD, which is kind of the lower-end, and so is the high-end GT bike called Aggressor, how would they compare?

[@marymayberry8590]

What exact bike is that, Neil? Also, could you do a budget full suspension mtb video? You could include bikes like the commencal meta v4 origin, the canyon neuron 6.0, the Marin hawk hill, boardman fs team, and the calibre bossnut. A video like that would be really helpful. Thanks

[@duncannelless9692]

cheers helped lots on my hardtail

[@francislaxamana8705]

Nice video.Like your GTs color..From The Philippines 🇵🇭😃

[@tealmarble4020]

I want a video on what they did to that GT

[@mtbalpinecounty]

Agreed! That's where we started. I've always had an HT. But it sat only for the local bike park..a toy. 5/1/21 got a fully ridgid fatty. OMG! THIS IS BADD ASS! If you've spent your life on an FS, then(now I'm 59) Reborn. Don't t get stuck in a rut. I still ride hard at the big parks 7" bike. But older is smarter. Theres more ways to ride faster with all that learned technique. And embrace it! Just built a DIYCARBON ht bike. Stashed is a Rad Frame. More news at 11....

[@mustangdave63]

I bought a second hand hardtail, that the owner had replaced all accept the frame, also because in his words if it isn't broke leave it alone until it does then change for something better he had the bike for 8 years and now all I need to do is strip it down and give it a service .

[@keatonsumprter1679]

You should test the diamondback syncer pro

[@Paul.Kramer]

Keep up the great videos! -Canada

[@gmbn]

Thanks Canada!

[@redehhd4238]

Can you do a video in how to change your hardtail from 3x to 1x

[@josesbox9555]

Ride a salsa el mariachi. Love that bike. I ride it more than my rolling trampoline.

[@danidaimondzofficial582]

Very good advice to check your spokes. When i checked mine the spokes on the rear wheel were all like spaghetti

[@HelicopterDr]

Rocking my 2009 Raleigh Mojave 4.0 Hardtail still. Little sucker loves the abuse.

[@JakeBuckeye]

I can't comprehend the tire pressures I'm seeing here and in the comments below (52, 55, 80ps?!?!). At 70kg I run 23 psi rear and 20 in the front (2psi higher if it's really rocky) on a 2.25 tire, less with wider (14psi on a 2.6 wide tire)--always tubeless, of course. My tires don't burb, grip well, and I've never had a pinch flat even riding things like Whole Enchilada, Zen, and Ahab. If you're running pressures in the 30s or higher, it might be worth trying a lower pressure and having a nicer ride! I know Neil knows what he's doing, but anyone running 50-80psi in their mtb tires needs to rethink things!

[@pedromontario_4208]

with my hard tail I run 35psi in the rear and anywhere from 50 to 65 PSI in the front tire

[@epicfail195]

Can you make a full rigid MTB video for a change. :)

[@onetyme6032]

Why do these videos never list the full set of components such as this bike featured above has ect with links for those specific components.... What RoxShox is that?

[@mastro3084]

Can GMBN make a hybrid week?

[@ZMOTO-07]

Lol

[@BradHask45]

I run about 52psi in the rear (about 3.5 bar)

[@moritzlindemann6317]

do this with a enduro please

[@derekli5377]

So change everything and keep the frame nice

[@nickljockl6511]

Super nice Hardtail :)

[@calvinbeck797]

I ride a trek marlin 6 it is really nice

[@boybutingting9156]

Can I ask what tyre size is being used on the featured bike? Thank you

[@brandongrkman593]

Anyone else realize the frame layout is the same as the hook line and sync'r series

[@blueprimeranl]

beside offroad i also use my hardtail on a daily base to school (it got a speed lock) but is that the smartest thing to do

[@kingerz]

Hardtails are my choice for XC.

[@sourburgers8871]

I use a Merida big seven 20

[@Username47948]

First things to upgrade on any bike. If it came with pedals, upgrade those first. Then upgrade the motor :P

[@jacobsebastien3910]

GT bikes ♥️

[@maxrowlinson7352]

I have the newer version of that bike I got it last year in winter the gt pantera elite

[@kilroywashere9343]

Who else knows the Soft tail they want to get whenever they can afford it

[@shivamhazarika9541]

Whats the model of this bike ? Whats the tyre size ? Does it shred

[@StevetheSlayer78]

Any suggestions on a hard tail for trails and some dirt jumps? I would like it to be reasonably priced. Would Neil's pump track bike work or is that too much for trails?

[@RCiler]

I have a question. why do you keep suggesting narrower bars for XC riding? I do mostly XC riding, a lot of climbs and descents. I'm a bit broad shouldered, and about 186-7 cm tall. I had 650 on my first bike... it was awful. Then got 720.. much better, but my palms were always on the edge of the bars, giving me numbness in my little finger. Now I got a set of carbon bars, 760 wide. Ad they are about as perfect as I'll get.

[@yannicbrose]

How wide is the bar on this bike? How long is the stem? Thanks!

[@vaiosm5818]

thinking to upgrade anything except the frame? maybe it's better to take a new bike...

[@Schbouygan]

We need updated handrail vids

[@charlesfriedman8915]

I have the same frame as Neil.

[@outdooroutcome2291]

This really helped !

[@philipm4392]

make a video regarding "xc race life"in the since how can a person make out a career from pro xc racing

[@ReinventingTheSteve]

more hardtail vids please 😊

[@vonpupees]

high end bikes don't come with pedals...coming from a bmx background and working at a toy retailer (that sells bikes) this blows my mind..but i get it you all have clip-less right ;)

[@nickcsuki8123]

Me: What should I upgrade on my brand new hardtail? GMBN: Yes...

[@alexbaron6451]

top tip. get your bloody seats down!! but to be fair it is good fun seeing the guys getting bucked around, brakes squeeling down a near flat decent😂

[@scrrfffyy2910]

i learnt check your bolts the hard way, after a ride i got home and realized that my derailleur had been hanging off, that is why it wasn't changing well

[@Candesce]

"changing well"??? I'd be shocked if it was changing at all! Haha.