Top 5 VALUE Hardtails to Buy in 2024

[@Marlboro-lights1]

Yesterday I bought a specialized Rock hopper comp for 950. The girl at the shop was kinda weird though. She asked what I was gonna use it for so I told her juts riding around the city and maybe some light trails eventually and she goes “yeah hardtails aren’t made for riding on trails, they’re really good for like riding bike paths and stuff” the shows me an 8,000 dollar full suspension 😂 I’m thinking to myself ok lady, that’s a weird way to get a sale especially when I watch people ride hardtails all the time on trails. I’m a beginner and I’m not planning on sending it down whistler or some gnarly mt trail 😂

[@99spokes]

Ah man, sorry to hear that! Elitist cyclists are the worst!

[@edtorres6463]

I have a hardtail. Look up the PNW Coast dropper. It is the ONLY dropper post with 40mm of air suspension. This was made for a hardtail. It has saved my lower back. This is the #1 upgrade for a hardtail.

[@skate_health7319]

I also own a Rockhopper and I’m ripping with it ! It’s so much fun specially after a couple minor upgrades

[@fourocker]

More love for the Roscoe, I ride mine everywhere over everything even though it's only the 7, the frame is really what it's about....anything that breaks or wears out will be replaced with better gear but it is a truly do it all bike, I used to ride dual sus a few years ago but was really missing that connected/direct hardtail feeling.

[@99spokes]

That’s a great way to do it, just upgrade what you need as you need it!

[@rashman763]

Replace my 7 fox seat post ang orange factory

[@LandonJP07]

That’s where I’m at, I have a polygon Siskui full sus, but I miss my hard tail, it unfortunately was in our rv that burned down, sooo my good ol diamond back hard tail is a puddle of aluminum.

[@everything777]

Your website is in a different league to anything else out there. You deserve more success

[@99spokes]

I appreciate it, we’re working on it!

[@CT-Training]

I have the Trek Rascoe 7 2023. Love it 140mm of front fork travel and a dropper post. I can still hit 3’ jumps no problem on this, I got it for $1650

[@99spokes]

Nice!!

[@Fishfood007]

Found a traveler in my area selling a 3 month old specialized rockhopper comp 29” for $400. This is my first bike since I had a single speed as a kid.

[@lizardears4861]

The elephant in the room that was left out of this review is the giant fathom 2 29.

[@99spokes]

Definitely an awesome bike as well!

[@redbeardedripper]

what about the norco revolver ht3... just put a deposit on 1

[@natty4life387]

Just bought a Scott scale 970 and it's been a blast!

[@harrisonlewis1299]

I think the Salsa Timberjack XT is worth a mention. Super versatile and well spec'd with geometry probably most comparable to the Trek Roscoe and usually at $2,000 if not on sale for less.

[@IWASRANSOMED]

Super stoked on my Nukeproof Scout 290. Definitely a great all mountain bike. Flows and corners beautifully. Can’t get enough of riding it.

[@99spokes]

Scouts are awesome!! Such a shame Nukeproof isn’t sold in the States anymore 😭😭

[@IWASRANSOMED]

@@99spokes totally! I got really lucky to find one near my area before they were totally gone.

[@WinkyMcWinkerson]

​@@99spokes dang, when did that happen? I was just looking up a Texas dealer via their website not that long ago. It's my next dream hardtail. My 2016 Jamis Dakota Sport has done me well but would love a bit more of an aggressive HT and the Scouts are specced pretty great at the Comp level.

[@hippiebits2071]

It happened months ago when the parent company went into administration (basically bankruptcy). That doesn’t mean unsold new bikes might not still be around in the US but as of now existing stock appears to be the end of the road for Nukeproof.

[@plepgeat]

I bought a San Quentin frameset for my wife and am waiting for it to come back from getting powdercoated in a GLORIOUS cherry red. Totally psyched to build it up for her as a lightweight mullet beastie.

[@99spokes]

Oh that sounds rad!!

[@texaswunderkind]

Was saving for possibly getting a full suspension bike. The guy at Bicycle Sport Shop (now corporately owned by Trek) in Austin said it wasn't necessary unless you're one of the guys dropping down mountains on KZbin. Got the Roscoe 8 instead, and have been really happy with it. Have hit the trails pretty hard, and haven't regretted the decision for a second. The cost savings is nice, too. Saved a grand over the Slash 7 I was going to buy, and that money can go toward upgrading my son's bike (12 years old) when he's ready. Thank goodness for ethical salespeople.

[@99spokes]

That's awesome, glad they were able to get you set up on something that sounds like it will work really well for you!

[@samuelcotnoir2705]

I got a Trek Marlin 4 that I use to go to work and do some mountain biking with it! Love it! Cost me 800$ but planning to buy a e-mtb in about 2-3 years cause I dont have the money 😂

[@fud1376]

Loving my Ragley BluePigRace,Bought end of March this year for £1500, and what a spec for the price,Lyric select 160mm,SLX Drivetrain and 4 pot brakes with 'finned' pads,XT shifter and rear mech,Horizon V2 wheels with Maxxis rubber,175mm dropper..and a quality paint job..63.5 head angle .Ha!

[@99spokes]

Nice, that sounds like a really solid build, I bet it rips!

[@arbjful]

The best purchase I did was 4 years ago, when I bought the specialized Rockhopper comp 29”. It is simply The best bike.

[@99spokes]

Nice, glad you’re stoked on it 🤙🤙

[@gtThree]

Love my trek roscoe 9. Perfectly capable.

[@99spokes]

Super sick bike!!

[@skate_health7319]

I went with a Rockhopper for my first bike and I love it! It’s able to handle blues and blacks no problem. Tables , jumps and drops are good too with some leg work. And she’s fast af

[@tombonzo336]

Haven't heard of the Voodoo Bizango Pro from Halfords in the UK then. That's an unbelievable bargain for the spec you get.

[@nigelsayah2827]

Got an older Jamis Komodo for a steal 150 bucks and its the best hard tail ive ridden. Feels so light and strong and the forks feel like riding on a cloud. I know the new ones are just under 2000 but one hell of a bike for what you get.

[@alexford5214]

Love my 23’ Ragley Big Wig. I’ve specked it myself, with 34 Fox Factory at 140mm, Magura MT5 brakes, CB 170mm dropper and SRAM GX drivetrain. Spank 359/350 with Spank hubs, covered in Maxxis Agassi/ DHR2. The geo works great for aggressive riding and the 4130 frame soaks up a lot of chatter. Weights just at 31.5 lbs for a large. Swapping to a lighter tire, I could easily dip below 30 lbs.

[@99spokes]

I'm a huge Ragley fan, and your build sounds awesome!! Way to go!

[@escape1318]

All Hardtails are great in my opinion. Still have my canyon stoic 3, and it can still do everything what I want to do.

[@99spokes]

Couldn’t agree more!! I have an RSD Middlechild and I love it!

[@mattmtbaz]

Great overview video! In that Cannondale Habbit you said you’d love to see them find a way to fit an air fork. They are really teasing with the XCR, because you can affordably swap the coil spring for an air spring on that fork.

[@99spokes]

That cool, I didn’t know that!

[@Lee1591]

Love my Giant Fathom 1 in 27.5. Best bang for your buck.

[@99spokes]

Super rad bike, glad you’re stoked on it!

[@RedPanther2030]

I had fathom 2 and it was great as well.

[@EireFirst2024]

Love my San Quentin..jewelled in some pricey trinkets 👌🏻

[@stanspera7735]

Roscoe 8 is more than capable on Northern Wisconsin trails such as Mt. Ashwabay and Winman Trails. Recommend test riding the bike your interested in before buying.

[@99spokes]

I’ve had the privilege of riding some trails in your area and the UP and I agree, the Roscoe is a great bike for that kind of undulating, technical terrain!

[@theeleven42]

Just got a killer deal on a Giant XTC SLR 2 - on Giant's website. Shipped to my local bike shop for setup. It was only $1100 and included a Saris hitch rack which is normally $580. It's got XC race geo, only 27lbs and spec'd really well.

[@99spokes]

Nice!!

[@darktzerberus]

Love my Marin San Quentin-2 (upgraded to my dream build) 🤩 so crazy superbike

[@fancyspectacles]

I just picked up a GT Avalanche expert 2022 secondhand and I love it maybe even more than my Orange P7 (although they are built for different things tbf) the GT is the first 29er I’ve ridden and I’m instantly converted, I know it’s perhaps not a “top of the range” hardtail but I think it might be the nicest frame geometry (for me) that I’ve ever ridden.

[@360Ripcurl]

Marin Bobcat Trail 5 2023 is another bang for the buck HD

[@Indicasativa55]

I recommend the British brand Whyte 900 and 800 series bikes , iv rode hardtails from entry level to high end and for the money they are well specked and as much fun and capable as anything iv ever ridden inc full sus. Around £1000 to £2000 sterling depending on model and well worth it

[@99spokes]

You’re right, Whyte makes some pretty awesome bikes! Sadly they’re a bit hard to get your hands on in the states, but I’d love to get one in to review!

[@MiciahChamberlain]

I owned a Roscoe 8 and then upgraded to a carbon chameleon by Santa Cruz I love the option that you can change the wheels size from 27.5 to 29er on the Santa Cruz the down fall is that it’s retired

[@99spokes]

Nice, glad you got one while you were able!

[@-BlueX]

Giant fathom line is very nice!

[@daviddimov1142]

I’d love to add a contender, the Poseidon Norton! Just finished building mine with a Fox34 Factory, Magura trail Sl, BOOST M1900 DT Swiss wheels + 54t upgrade and 11 speed diore drivetrain for about the same price as the Meta.

[@stevekelly6544]

I’d take a BMC Twostroke 01 five, over the Canyon Exceed-which is $300 more than the Canyon but it has much better and versatile geometry than the Canyon- I think BMC has nailed the sweet spot for modern XC geometry…..

[@99spokes]

Yeah it definitely gets tricky, but we wanted to keep a hard cutoff of $2K. I agree though, the Twostroke is a pretty rad bike!

[@JAvellino669]

Waiting for my Marin El Roy! Specs were similar to the San Quentin on paper, but with a Bomber Z1 and a steel frame.

[@99spokes]

Nice!! Never got a chance to ride that bike but always wanted to, enjoy!

[@mikeyseibert1406]

I ride an eastern alpaca. It was $400. It’s awesome.

[@99spokes]

That’s awesome, I didn’t even know eastern was still around! I had an Easter Trail Digger BMX frame back in the day!

[@eXaviar]

I went for a Ragley Big Wig and replaced an Orbea Laufey frame with it. I lost some climbing capability but I working on my stamina to make up for that. Well I got a lot more special sauce for going downhill ❤ Where did you find the San Quentin in full 29? I had it on my short list, but I was dropped, because of the 27,5 wheels only and already had two 29 wheelsets ... Some moments later ... Dang it. It is brand new in 29"... Too bad 😅

[@99spokes]

Haha yep, just came out this summer. The Big Wig is a rad bike though, enjoy it!!

[@benlukkie]

My 2019 Cube reaction TM Pro.. Love it! Bought it new for 1050€. Never see any reviews anywhere of the Reaction TM, but it's sold out everywhere.

[@99spokes]

That's rad, glad you like! It's sadly hard to get Cubes here in the US but I'd love to try one out!

[@gregmotyka4]

Poseidon Norton would be something to consider.

[@thevapingpolisher9717]

I’m building up a used ns eccentric with 140 rockshox can’t wait till summer to ride it .

[@99spokes]

Dope, that’ll be a fun bike for sure! Enjoy 🤙🤙

[@OfficialDeathToDawn]

I’m got a trek marlin 5 I’m new to mountain biking but I got really into and since the fork is not the best but good for price I got a Marzouki bomber Z2 it’s pretty cheap for such a good fork

[@99spokes]

Nice!!

[@jasonschillinger4624]

Salsa Timberjack baby!! Let it fly!!🤟🏽☄️🔥

[@jeremytee2919]

I think the high engagement hub on the Roscoe knocks it back up to a five based on the criteria presented. With as good as forks have gotten nowadays you’re going to spend quite a bit more before you actually feel a worthy difference there. And Quite frankly, the stock fork suits the bike. The Roscoe 8 is suuuuuuch a good deal it’s almost ridiculous.

[@Javier-b8b]

What about the Roscoe 7? I wanted the Roscoe 6 since I'm a beginner, but that was sold out. So now I'm between the 7 and the 8. My initial budget was literally at 1.2 before

[@shadowcodr]

The 8 is on sale for 1599 right now

[@jeremytee2919]

@@Javier-b8b sorry didn’t see this, Maybe the post below solves your issue. My budget was 1600. The Roscoe 7 had that standard base level meh’ness that is good enough but will leave you wondering if you made the right decision later on. I think I was preferring a Nukeproof Vs that guy if I remember right, But the 8 was so good the extra cash was a no brainer. If anyone was gonna buy the 7 with options I had at the time, I’d have told them to save their cash and get the 8.

[@jeremytee2919]

@@shadowcodr that’s just sick

[@coreyreeder3549]

Poseidon Norton was going for $700 on Black Friday. Hard to beat as a platform to build on

[@99spokes]

Sweet bike designed by a rad guy!

[@vincecalimariiii9214]

Any thoughts on frame only offerings? I was out of mountain biking for a bit, so bought a mid-level aluminum framed bike, but missed the chromoly twang of my old GT. Bought a Sonder Signal ST because it was available as a full build. I loved how it rode, it but it lit up bright gold in the sun. Didn't think I had the skills or conditioning to warrant so much attention grabbing flash. So I bought the Pipedream ST5 frame I originally wanted, in classic green, and switched over all the parts. After some upgrades I could rebuild the Sonder. Now I have two cool bikes and two broken credit cards. Another example of trying to save money but ending up spending more?

[@99spokes]

Tons of great options!! Just make sure you find the geo you like!

[@GolfSux]

I am in the market for a new bike as I crashed mine hard and bent my crank, cracked the rear hub, bent the front axle, broke a couple spokes and my derailleur bent 45°. It is cheaper to buy a new bike than fix my 2019 Specialized rockhopper comp. It is a shame because I like that frame, but upgrading everything that is broken will cost $1600+. Not even crazy upgrades, like slightly better than stock. The mtb industry is out to lunch with their pricing.

[@roguerader]

I wonder how unbiased and objective this review was since they have affiliate links....

[@99spokes]

Those are actually just links to learn more about the bikes on our website, 99spokes.com, not affiliate links 🤙

[@drahoslavhorvath]

I love my GT Zaskar LT 29 expert!

[@99spokes]

Nice, that’s an awesome bike with a huge legacy 👌

[@hankamerm.d.6865]

Specialized Fuse is going for $1699 right now. Anyone think that’s worth it and getting for a hard tail? 130mm, 1x12, dropper post. All you need.

[@99spokes]

Which Fuse? They have a few different models with different components

[@hankamerm.d.6865]

@@99spokes fuse sport 27.5.

[@jamesglennie1409]

I got the 2023 Trek Roscoe 7. I know it isn't the 8, but she's done well for me on the trails and I can always upgrade components on it as it has the same frame as the 8 and 9, and I suppose the 6 now. lol

[@99spokes]

Definitely a super rad bike to upgrade over time, and going that option will allow you to build it up based on your specific needs. Stoked for you 🤙

[@Javier-b8b]

What exactly is better about the 8 than the 7? I originally looked at the 6, but it's sold out

[@RedPanther2030]

Giant fathom 2 is great too

[@99spokes]

Absolutely!!

[@phillipstewart2031]

Merida big trail 700 such a weapon 4 pot all round and fox 34s

[@Gilliboy82]

I have now the Cube attention slx 2022 but i want something lighter and better for the hills in the woods. Trek procaliber 8 2024 or Trek roscoe 8? Good comfort and agility is a must.

[@99spokes]

Nice! The Roscoe will lean a bit. Ore towards comfort, whereas the Procaliber will be more agile. I’d say the Roscoe would be the better option for all-around trail riding

[@Gilliboy82]

What about the Ghost Lector SF LC essential? Is this one better?

[@henrylabao5531]

My Scott aspect 760 (2021) is🧡🔥

[@99spokes]

Nice!!

[@nemameovdje]

I have Roscoe 7 .... brakes SLX 4 PISTON DISC BRAKES BRM7120 BLM7100 LX dual caliper and MT 8100 203 and 180 disc's excellent braking pover and rekon race 29 x 2.4 tires...SRAM handles Giant Flipside Commuter Pedal. Really good bike for XC and trail run.

[@simonjandrell5897]

Carrera Hellcat XL Frame is a low end dream mountain bike, and it's as cheap as chips 🎉

[@99spokes]

Nice! Glad you’re stoked on it!!

[@CharlieBrwn8]

Nukeproof Scout v3 one of the best hardtails out there too

[@99spokes]

Super sick bike, but sadly not sold in the U.S. anymore 😭😭

[@lloydcook4240]

Just purchased the Nukeproof scout 290 Elite, it’s not arrived yet but I cannot wait to get on them trails and burn 🔥 happy riding guys ! Everyone has a personal preference my mates got a Saracen that we had in high school and it looks brand new with the upgrades he’s done, nothing special but it gets him out having a laugh and some fun to escape life a little 😎👍🏻🔥

[@michaelrieser9928]

I got the Roscoe 7, not as loaded in componants as the 8. The 7 $1800 out the door. The 8 $2200 out the door. The 7 fork is just as good as the 8 fork, trust me. The shimano on the 7 is better than the nx on the 8. The 7 xl has mid tier hubs, the 8 has better hubs. The tires, rims are the same. The brakes on the 8 are better but you can upgrade the 7 brakes. The 7 colors are way better. A little bit more for your money in the 8 but the 7 is close and & $400 less. The 7 is a good platform to start. Tires are different for everybody but tires on all these Roscoe’s are slow rolling and draggy. I mead some Maxxis dissectors! 8 is done and just live with the fork for a year, the 7 just needs better brakes and live with the fork

[@99spokes]

Glad you’re stoked on your 7! Definitely a rad bike 🤙

[@romamoranto5348]

Should I get the 7 instead of the new roscoe 6?

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@romamoranto5348 I was in the market to get a new hardtail. A 29er. I have a couple mullet hardtails. To get the new roscoe frame and get quality parts and fork and build it from scratch it would cost me about $2700, good parts and wheels. I studied the parts of the 6,7 and 8 extensivly. The 7 cost me $1800 out the door. The 8 $2250 out the door. Theirs a lot to cover here so let me try and make it simple. Both forks are about the same, other reviews say the same. They say the 7 shimano drivetrain is better then the 8 sram nx, I have both, I agree. 7 brakes are not as good as 8 but they are good for now and you can up grade next year. You can change just the brake caliper part and transform them. The tires and rims are the same on the 7 and 8 and are top notch. Although I would go Maxxis dissectors in the future, faster rolling but still grippy. The 8 has top notch hubs and the 7 has pretty good hubs for the price. The colors of the 7 are the best. Almost forgot the 7 wheel hubs are shimano microspline meaning the drivetrain is 10 to 51 tooth and you can upgrade to the whole shimano line. The 8 is sram 11-51 tooth. You can go without the 10 tooth but, when you only have the 11 you really notice it. I would build one myself or buy the roscoe 7.

[@michaelrieser9928]

@@romamoranto5348 I just checked the new roscoe 6. It would be $1320 out the door. So $480 more for the roscoe 7. Better fork, hubs, brakes, drivetrain, tires, about a pound lighter. You could do the 6 and have to upgrade a lot, depending how hard you ride. But I think the roscoe 7 gives you a lot for the $1650 plus tax. The shimano brakes have interchangable, you can change certain parts and live with others.

[@bryanmiller5692]

My Roscoe 8 was $1999

[@Keepingupwiththekirks]

Specialized rockhopper expert. Air fork with Sram components for sub $1100.

[@jayou1987]

Facts buddy, love my 2023 rockhopper expert lagoon blue. With deity deathtrap pedals and deity handlebar

[@Keepingupwiththekirks]

@@jayou1987 mines silver 🤙

[@talentoby_theoriginal]

Today I finally decided to buy the Cannondale Habit HT1, I know it wasn’t really mentioned in the vid… Do you think it is a good bike for its price? (Btw my reseller sold it to me at 1200€ and not at 1700€)

[@99spokes]

Definitely!

[@mrlaw711]

Great job at covering all the details

[@99spokes]

Thank you!! Glad you liked it!

[@jacks23sparrow]

Now am using Trek Emonda I searching one MTB I like Trek Marlin 8 What is your opinion?

[@99spokes]

Marlin 8 is a great bike! Try and get your hands on a 3rd gen model if you can

[@JM3jUiCe]

Hey. I love your video! At the end you said "bikes are for everyone". Well, I'm a big guy. a few years back I bought my first mountain bike to ride on paved trails cause I wanted to try and lose some weight. At that time I was around 365-370. I rode it , not everyday but maybe a couple days a week and then covid hit. I stopped riding. I gained more weight. Now over 400. I have Bad knees. I'm starting to go back to gym doing cardio but because of my knees I'm limited. Doc said, find a bike that will hold you and ride. The pounds will melt off. Okay. So I have this bike. Can you please tell me...the bike that I bought has a weight limit. It is a 2019 specialized comp 29er hardtail Rockhopper. It held my weight before I'm wondering if you had any big riders like me ride a hardtail like mine? And will it hold me at 400? I'm only riding flat paved trails. If you or any of your subs can help me out with any info or suggestions, it would greatly be appreciated. Thanks guys.

[@99spokes]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I sadly don't have much knowledge on that, but I'd imagine if you stick to riding paved or gravel paths until you get closer to the bike's weight limit you'd be fine. Bast of luck, stoked you're getting back into it!

[@NELSONG12]

Roscoe 8 on sale now for $1,599

[@99spokes]

Great time to get one!

[@NELSONG12]

@@99spokes it's still $1,599 more than I want to spend, lol.

[@rodgallardo7123]

Gt avalanche user here,great bike!...😊

[@99spokes]

Nice!! Glad you’re stoked on it 🤙

[@fancyspectacles]

I just picked up a secondhand avalanche expert yesterday and it’s blowing my mind how good it is 👊

[@ДавидВоронов]

What do you think about Giant Talon 1 2024?

[@cesariandamasco9946]

I do have dartmoor hornet pro.. great bike for aggrisive bikers

[@99spokes]

Nice! I wish it was easier to get your hands on one in the US, I’ve always wanted to try one!

[@davidrobertson4186]

Regarding the Commencal, I’m 6’1” with long arms. Do you recommend the XL? Thanks.

[@99spokes]

Yeah, I think the XL would be perfect, especially given the slightly shorter reach numbers on that bike

[@SnivelakFilms]

How good is the SR Suntour XCM 32 comoared to the Rockshox Recon Silver RL, for a trek Roscoe, or any hardtail with a more aggressive angle 📐

[@99spokes]

I’d say they’re relatively comparable. Just try and get something with an air spring and adjustable compression adjustment if possible 👌

[@joneldelapena3959]

Why is the Cannondale Habit in this list? You use to mock it in your previous video.

[@99spokes]

Hmm, what video did we mock the Habit HT?

[@ruxi271]

GT Avalanche Elite is also a great hardtail, I own one

[@99spokes]

Nice! Glad you’re stoked on it!

[@ruxi271]

​@@99spokesthank you😊

[@cory7328]

What are your thoughts on the Poseidon Norton?

[@99spokes]

Seems like a pretty cool bike! Great, all-around geometry, through axles, and tubeless ready for under $1k is impressive!

[@ZeNex74]

im debating between trek marlin+ 6 2024 and the cube performance 625 2023.. opinions?

[@99spokes]

Here are the two bikes side by side on our website: 99spokes.com/compare?bikes=trek-marlinplus-6-2024%2Ccube-reaction-hybrid-performance-625-2023 I'd go with the Trek if you plan to do mostly trail riding, it's lighter and has a bit more trail-focused geometry. But if you plan to mostly commute or ride forest roads, then that shouldn't be an issue, and the cube has a bigger battery so you should be able to fit in longer rides

[@whatfreedom7]

What about the commencal meta am? better than the cannondale?

[@99spokes]

Depends on what you're riding, for more technical terrain than yeah, probably!

[@CREATIVESOLUTIONS23]

Just got a 22 Specialized Chisel frame and looking to build it out on a budget. any suggestions on a good balance of a decent group set, wheels, and shocks with low cost & weight. Thanks in advance.

[@99spokes]

Nice, that’s awesome! I think a 12 speed deore drivetrain is by far the best budget groupset, and then I’d explore PinkBike classifieds for a lightly used wheeler and suspension. Lots of time you can find parts that are essentially brand new, just taken off and replaced with higher quality parts when the bike was originally purchased

[@CREATIVESOLUTIONS23]

Thanks for the great info! I checked out that classified site.@@99spokes

[@Truth-teller3]

Another bike I recommend is the specialized p4 it’s a 27.5 inch bike perfect bike for jumps and the price sits around 2,400$

[@99spokes]

Great dirt jumper! But the lack of rear derailleur/dropper post compatibility doesn’t make it a great option as a trail bike. The Specialized Fuse would be the better option from the big S

[@wedge650]

I ride à Mondraker chrono 29 and it’s à funy bike ! 🤩

[@99spokes]

Nice!!

[@dei4tube]

Hi! What about Orbea Alma H30 as a hardtail?

[@99spokes]

Great XC bike! The Laufey is sick too, bet for more aggressive trail riding

[@jan-mtb]

always hardtail

[@davidcooper574]

I’ve been looking a lot at hardtails and I keep hearing the Rockhopper is the best. Surprised it wasn’t on the list. I’ve heard Specialized bikes are built better than Trek.

[@99spokes]

Hmm, can’t say I’d agree there. The Rockhopper has some pretty outdated geometry (68.5 degree HTA, short reach, etc.) I think something like the 3rd gen Trek Marlin would be a much better option if you’re looking for something under $1,000

[@nicorreau123]

what is ur opinion about orbea laufey h10 ? i want to buy this bike

[@99spokes]

Haven't had the chance to ride it, but it looks great! Love the downtube storage compartment too

[@typedeaf]

I dont have a mountain anywhere around, and I dont ride for speed/time, so what's that? Trail? Definitely not XC or AM, and probably not enduro. Are there any hardtails dialed for just normal trail riding? Pedal up some, go down some. Rock beds. Small drops. etc. Seems like all bikes are either XC with super steep geo, or AM/DH/Enduro with super slack gro and 780mm of travel. I want a hardtail for somewhere between XC and Enduro, thats still easy to manual and ride uphill.

[@99spokes]

Yeah, I’d say a typical “trail” hardtail would be ideal, something with around 130mm of travel and a 65-67 degree head tube angle

[@dirtyforksmtb]

Honestly, I think a roscoe 7 would be good for you. Something along those lines.

[@audimaster5000]

Test ride some bikes at your local bike shops. I’d totally go with an XC based off your comment, but bikes are totally a personal thing where everyone is different

[@Changchar37]

I was wondering why Josh’s channel stopped posting new videos 😂

[@99spokes]

Haha yep, over here now!

[@Marb85]

Hi, What about Specialized Fuse?? I own one during thise 2023 and it's pretty similar to the Cannondale Habit... But it brings better specs like wheels, drive train and fork and price it might be the same

[@99spokes]

Great bikes, but they’re sadly a bit pricey for what you get, unless you can find one on sale

[@whodis4463]

What do you think of the cube analog 2023 29'

[@99spokes]

Looks pretty solid for an XC bike, but the geometry won't be super well suited for more aggressive trail riding

[@bj808bj]

Dude in the vid on the Roscoe 8 was ripping... I wish mine could do that, lol.

[@99spokes]

That's pro downhiller Kade Edwards, absolute madman on any bike!

[@mattmorrison9379]

Dude your bike looks badass, where do I get that lol?

[@99spokes]

Thanks! That’s the RSD Middlechild, and you can get one from rsdbikes.com!

[@Fishplants]

Can anyone recommend a newbie what kinda bike I need ? I don't think I will be doing hardcore tracks with jumps and stuff but more trails in the woods and I want it to work good in asphalt aswell It's a jungle if bikes and I have no idea what I'm looking for ..

[@darcylea2993]

I'm a noob too and I just ordered the Rosco 8 two hours ago. Been looking around for weeks, studying everything I can find. The bike I want is 8k... but that's beyond out of my price range. Rosco 8 seemed like the best bike for me, for my needs, within my price range. My needs appear to be the same as yours.

[@Fishplants]

@@darcylea2993 I've been looking at that bike to, But maybe that's overkill I don't know. You just gonna do casual biking aswell ?

[@darcylea2993]

@@Fishplants My other choice was the Marlin 7. But I decided to go with the Rosco 8 just incase I decide to get a little adventurous. Overkill, maybe. But I'd rather be over prepared than under prepared.

[@Fishplants]

@@darcylea2993 yes that's what Im thinking to but all bikes are out of stock here in Sweden lol so I'll just wait a little longer 🚴‍♂️ Been looking at the marlin myself to 😅 Searching for weeks but it's between the marlin or Roscoe

[@darcylea2993]

@@Fishplants Any bike will do anything you want, depending on how determined you are. 30 years ago, I used 21 speed road bike, with a baby seat attached to the back, in the gravel and on dirt trails with all the rocks and tree roots, even jumped it many times. I made it through everything.

[@cywong1988]

Could u please suggest any around $1500 and come with stock 27.5, Im looking for 27.5 HT but seems none of it, thanks buddies~

[@99spokes]

Check out the Marin San Quentin 2!

[@pepeanza6187]

Best hardtail frame geometry is the Rocky mountain Growler i ride a few hardtails the last 3 years, chameleon,meta ht, fathom, chisel, the best is the Rocky mountain dont let the slack HT fools you that this is only a downhill frame,it climbs like a goat

[@99spokes]

Right on, glad you’re stoked on it!!

[@hippiebits2071]

The best hardtail frame geometry is going to depend 100% on a number of variables. There is no single bike that is the best geometry for every rider and application.

[@Haider-s8t]

What do you think about a trek xcaliber 9 I have used it for a year and my shocks bottom caps are missing will that be a problem

[@99spokes]

Not sure what you mean by that, but if it’s getting the job done for than I see no reason to change!

[@eel1331]

Not even mentioning the giant fathom is crazy

[@99spokes]

Great bike, and back in the day it didn’t have a ton of competition, but with the increased popularity in hardtails many other brands have started releasing modern takes on these value priced bikes. We’re excited to see when Giant release an updated Fathom!

[@Javier-b8b]

I was looking for mountain bikes and noticed that Trek has a sale. The Roscoe 6 I considered and was already high for my budget is sold out. So now Im between the 7 and 8, which are 1.4k and 1.6k respectively. Any recommendations?

[@99spokes]

Good question! The 8 is pretty much better across the board, it gets upgraded tires, wheels, suspension, and brakes. For an extra $200 I'd say go for it! But if you can't eke out the cash you definitely won't be mad with the 7 either, thought you may choose to upgrade some stuff, specifically the brakes and tires, down the line

[@nickolaschandler7659]

I can get a roscoe 8 for like 800 bucke or the san quentin for 1000 damnit hard choice

[@99spokes]

Both super rad bikes!!

[@jtUPnorth]

Is the kona lanai any good?

[@99spokes]

Sure! Though you probably wouldn't want to bump travel up and more than 150mm or so

[@stephenconcannon4124]

I do like the spectrum of categories cover. However, it’s frustrating when you cover the weights on some bikes and not the others

[@99spokes]

Sadly not all manufacturers publish bike weights, so we do what we can with what’s available 🤙

[@steviesteve750]

No love for the Giant fathom 1?

[@99spokes]

Great bike!

[@jonmeek3879]

I would add Fezzari !

[@99spokes]

The Solitude? Definitely a dope XC option, good call 👌

[@syms85]

Trek roscoe 9 has better parts spec than the 8 and is currently 1850?

[@99spokes]

You better snatch that up quick then haha, still $2,499 on Trek’s US website

[@syms85]

@@99spokes already have buddy. Got it on the uk cycle to work scheme too at that price. So I’ll get it 30-40% less than £1850!

[@demri123]

Giant Talon 0 Scott Scale Trek Xcaliber

[@liwx]

best xc is marin team 2, hands down.

[@99spokes]

Definitely a solid bike 🤙🤙