Overrated Bike Parts

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[@VelkePivo]

I love hardtails. The good looks, the simplicity…and the direct surge forward when you stand up and apply power is exhilarating and addicting

[@jeremyprovonsil7886]

100% agree. I converted both of mine to single speed and it’s even more fun.

[@HardtailLife]

I agree, but I may be biased 😜

[@mojo3398]

me too, but even more i like to ride the hardtail one day and the enduro the other day. same trail, different styles.

[@michaelxcx]

hardtails are for poor people.

[@darealbobbyjjonson]

@@michaelxcx idiot, what happened to common sense and being respectful

[@NolanKupono]

Learning how to do basic maintenance… super underrated I’m blown away by how many people bring their bikes to the shop for basic things like changing brake pads, changing tires, adding sealant, etc

[@YarriqBlazting]

This!

[@YarriqBlazting]

And even simple things like fasten screws

[@BennyTheChiller]

good for the bike shops because they make easy money and they can pay their staff

[@mcvrs1223]

Sometimes we just want to go to the bike shop to have a chat about bikes or check out new things and use that as an excuse

[@123moof]

Went on a ride with a fellow who had a horribly squeaking chain. I offered up my tiny bottle of "emergency" lube, and he didn't want it. He was planning to take it to the shop soon, so he was going to have them do that. WTF?! It sounds like he just takes his bike in for a basic tuneup every couple hundred miles. If he was some rich SOB it would be one thing, but he was blue collar working in a flour mill.

[@KerronBrowne]

Agreed Hardtails are definitely underrated. Carbon bikes overrated.

[@buckaroo1504]

Personally the AXS dropper was a revelation for me. I can use the dropper on my full suspension bike during summer and then used it to my fat bike during winter. It takes like 5 minute (not even) to swap. The dropper works flawlessly in -20celcius weather.

[@ericbarbertattoos3089]

Love the shit out of mine. Never fussing with cable tension or worn out cables. And I like to kind of micro adjust where I’m at a lot and I never got that from my cabled dropper. Not nearly as well anyway. Not to mention it’s suuuuper fast

[@ferranox]

but you could by probably 4 descent droppers for a price of one AXS. or only 2 but great and definitely lighter and have some spare cash..😄

[@svens.4694]

Hardtails are most definitely underrated. They sure don't ride the same as a fully, but that doesn't mean it's a worse experience. In fact, since they're a bit less forgiving than fullies, the ride is more challenging and feels more satisfying in the end... To me, at least. I'm not a fan of battery powered electronics on bikes though. On an E-MTB, with everything connected to the same battery, I can see a benefit. But that's about it. I struggle with keeping my front and rear light charged at all times already, so keeping track of even more batteries is an absolute nightmare to me.

[@the_derpler]

I kind of agree with you on the hard tail thing. Modern mountain biking does not appeal to me because the bikes are so capable that you basically have to risk your life to get the same feel you used to get w/ rigids and hard tails on normal trails lol.

[@GeirEivindMork]

For us who grew up on hardtails, they are not underrated since well. We know very well how they ride. Heck, my only mountainbike is still one and I miss my old full suspension bike every time I ride it. ;)

[@cedricclark1461]

​@@ostankovalex1176 Why do you not like trail bikes? Just curious.

[@topspot4834]

*carbon vs alloy:* agreed *axs:* agreed *weight:* agreed, but all things being equal I'll go lighter *38/Zeb:* I'm 155 lbs and 36 is plenty of travel *hardtail:* amen *brakes:* disagree, love the modulation of RSC *jumping:* it's why I started riding, continue riding mostly bike parks and watch your channel Great video Nick!

[@gesundheitstips2197]

Great choice! I totally agree, my 6yr old got a new bike with better breaks and she instantly said that the better breaks were boosting their confidence. My personal favourite are the formula cura4 breaks. If you like biting breaks try them, they are special. What’s totally underrated for me are small wheels. They give more benefits than advertised like more pump. 29er are good, but not fir everyone or every riding. I want to build a 26 steel ht, so I can do easy trail laps pumptrack laps and dirt jumping and be as playful as in a dj bike.

[@tinglestravels]

If I had a carbon frame it would have been cracked multiple times by now. My stumpy evo alloy is beat to hell but still rides amazing, aluminum all the way! She's 37 or 38 pounds with my magnetic pedals but still makes it up the hills fine and the downhills are what I'm riding for. I've also heard from others that the AXS derailleur jumps around more in the chunk causing noise at the back end. Derailleur with a cable keeps tension and doesn't bounce around as much in chunk.

[@tinglestravels]

@@69peterpumpkineater I'm saying my aluminum frame has plenty of battle wounds where a carbon frame would have cracked. Don't think I mentioned anything about being good or Aaron Gwin. Woosh!💨

[@jameszastrow2850]

Really great stuff Nic, I think all your points are spot on. I just switched from a carbon SJ Evo to an alloy SJ Evo and I'm surprised at how much better I like the ride feel. Regarding forks, I'm a 155 lbs rider and would agree that at my weight there is technically no need for 38mm stanchions, but I love the stiffer feel. Something about it just gives me more confidence to let go of the brakes on the downs.

[@BasicBodThor]

Before watching: For me personally, I would say underrated are bash guards, and overrated are high engagement hubs haha After watching: I also agree 100% on your alloy vs carbon take. It would be nice to see a lot of brands adopt what Transition has done tbh where they have carbon and alloy versions, and they don't save the carbon bikes for their premium builds...you can get any build in either material

[@topspot4834]

I agree on hubs as far as performance. There's a point of diminishing returns, which is after about 50 points of engagement. If you're going from 36t to 72t, then I do think there's a performance increase, albeit a small one. The reason I have high engagement hubs is cause I like the sound.

[@filipkryspin8726]

I'd say bash guards are underrated but at the same time overpriced.

[@BasicBodThor]

@@topspot4834 Yep, I'm the same way (re-sound)

[@jokermtb]

I’d disagree about quick engagement hubs. Wheelies are so much easier to initiate with quick engagement hubs….

[@LandonArkens]

The piece of gear that made the BIGGEST difference in my riding is the squat rack and barbell in my basement. 😄

[@Br0ckUs1234]

I think the only topic I tend to dissagree with is your opinion on electronics, specifically AXS. I agree it definitely isn't necessary but I think it's pretty spot on with the hype. I went from a standard cable actuated GX drivetrain to the GX AXS kit and I will never look back. I've been running the GX AXS for around a year now and cannot fault it one bit, I disagree with the statement about it being more complex than a cable actuated setup. I think if you are looking too far into the technicalities of how the derailleur works and trying to understand how bluetooth works sending invisible signals through the air then sure, it's definitely more complicated. But, in my experience, I did the initial setup for the system when I installed it and I have not had to adjust/tune it once. I charge the battery every 10 or so rides and the rest of the time I just leave the battery attached to the derailleur. Compare this experience to the 3 years I used the cabled GX setup, I had to tune it a lot, cables wear out and having to deal with the nightmare of cable routing without a dedicated cable routing tool was a total headache when first installing or when replacing the cable outers. I'll gladly take the 5-10 minutes of attaching the shifter, derailleur and syncing them up and tuning them over the old system any day of the week! 🤘

[@brendanbriody9268]

I agree 100% . I bought an aluminum Enduro fully , spent extra money on the brakes, no electronics. One thing should be mentioned is that carbon is nearly non recyclable. The biggest reason not to buy it. Apparently very few people I have met really care about that.

[@timsnewromann]

Im looking to get a fs in the future, right now im on a 160mm ht, slackish. gotta say i feel like it really is getting me back into riding proper after a decade not riding mtb! Its amazing on how you realize improvement on local/known trails! Personally i feel like tires are underrated.. I consider them a 10/10 factor, cause its such an easy way to change the behavior mig your bike etc

[@sjaan7370]

I have two Easton aluminum hockey shafts from the 90s that a still play pond with, dents, ding and all. On the flip side I usually go through 2 to 3 composite sticks in a season. That said I'll never use carbon bars or cranks, nor will I purchase a bike with a carbon frame.

[@frog-spit-182]

I think these are all fair-didn't even call anything out as bad besides the electronic shifting (which will surely improve). It's always good to step back and think about what we really need to have a good time on a bike.

[@LEGENDofBEANY]

My buddy LOVES GX Axs. I run shimano but it’s wild to see how much he likes it.

[@fbi-fipo1618]

Ive got my self a custom enduro hardtail with a 180 zeb ultimate and i love it

[@ToxicTechpriest]

The Hardtail part kind of hit close to home, since riding them too hard destroyed my ankles and I'll probably never be able to ride a HT or DJ again ever. But yeah - extremely underrated, just try not to case any jumps lol.

[@letsgo_inc]

Hardtails are extremely underrated. Modern geo hardtails with quality forks and brakes are extremely capable and versatile. They deliver basically all the efficiency and capability of short travel/downcountry FS bikes for less. To me, a progressive trail hardtail makes a ton of sense as the second bike for an enduro or mini-enduro. For the right rider, they can be your only bike especially if racing or speed isn't a factor.

[@lanuyey4593]

Even in racing, not so long ago they were heavily used until the bike industry really tried to make 10,000 dollar carbon full suspension bikes and even then the time gain over a hard tail is fairly small.

[@letsgo_inc]

@@lanuyey4593 this is true. I've raced Enduro on a 140mm hardtail. It was bullet proof, zero mechanicals and I was far from last. I'm not even that great a rider.

[@NiohNiohYT]

They are actually overrated, EVERYONE speaks about how hardtails are great, more fun, better to learn on, every single youtube channel, every forum, there are even cult-like fanpages about hardtail bikes that have incomparably more member than full sus ones, etc. Everyone is drooling over hardtails, so no clue how and where are they exactly underrated?

[@letsgo_inc]

@@NiohNiohYT I hear you. In my experience, whenever I meet someone out on a more technical trail, they tend to be surprised by me being there on a hardtail. They are even generally surprised how quick a hardtail can be as well. The KZbin echo chamber is real but day to day, people still seem to underrate them to a degree.

[@lanuyey4593]

@@NiohNiohYT For recreational used hardtails are not underrated but in the racing scene in my experience they are, last race I attended out of 300 competitors there were only 5 hardtails competing 3 of them being carbon but that is another rabbit hole.

[@irwinmccallister991]

I’m about 155 and I love the feel of the 38mm forks I like having a supportive feel especially when I go off line

[@mickm8255]

Would love to get comfortable jumping, clearing tables and working my way up to gap jumps. It’s such a mental blocker for me

[@andrewdwight934]

Carbon - agree. Overrated unless you are looking for a super-light race whip. Electronics - agree. Value equation is not good for very little or no performance improvement. 38mm stanchion forks - agree - unless you are big and send hard (you qualify). I'm 260 and just trail ride, no jumping. My 36 is fine. Overly light bikes - agree. Some heft gives you some stability and momentum thru the jank. My Rocky Mountain Instict-e just plows thru stuff that sends me all over the place on my acoustic bike. Hardtails - agree. I love them. My acoustic is a 27.5 plus HT - but I always ride clipped on my HT. I get bounced around too much for flats. Brakes - I only ride Shimano XT brakes, too. I like the lever shape, and the instant power! Jumping - 1st disagreement...but only for me. I'm pushing 60, and I shredded my patellar tendon a few years ago. I get a little air on some trails, but my leg just can't handle the landings on the big ones. But if I was young and in the shape I used to be, especially with the equipment I have now, I'd be sending it hard! But "sending it" is in direct conflict with current #1 goal of coming back healthy so I can ride again tomorrow. Oh - and while I know a bad digger can happen at any time, I try to keep a good balance in my trail Karma account and do at least one bit of trail work every time I ride. Thanks for your vids - always good stuff.

[@jacksonpayne8520]

Brakes. Brakes are one of the most underrated part to upgrade. Everyone just rides what came on their bike and brake feel makes such a difference. I’m like you I ride the codes but don’t like them. I like the more bite feel but my best riding buddy loves the codes and thinks Shimanos throw you over the bars. That’s why they make different stuff. Don’t be afraid to try new things just cause someone else likes something different. Even try some odd brands like magura, trp, or hope. You never know what you are gonna like and what you do like might surprise you. Brakes you like are a game changer!

[@BikeFixIT]

I agree brakes are huge and really affect confidence. The sram DB8 mineral oil brakes are my new favorites

[@stevenjam7119]

As a 170 pound rider, zeb over the 38 all day. Had a zeb went to a 38 factory on new bike and would love to go back to the zeb ultimate

[@pedroclaro7822]

Dropper posts are cool but stupid expensive. I got a manually operated one, and it's totally fine! Reach under the seat,pull a lever and the post up or press down. Only worth it for singletrack usage bikes. My city bike has a suspension post, and my bikepacking/gravel one has a suspension saddle because i strap a bag and bottles to the seatpost.

[@Gabesafish]

Agree with all points. Brakes are less important to me. I’ve been mostly riding Codes because they are what come on most bikes I ride, but I’ve had Shimano too. They definitely have different characteristics, but I can get used to either and have the same amount of fun. At 50 years old, jumping is something I’ll leave to younger peeps. It’s a lot of fun and I have had my time with with it, but the risk vs reward isn’t worth it for me anymore.

[@briAction]

I ride a stumpjumper alloy and agree with you on weight for enduro bikes. A slightly heavier bike makes it a bit more stable on uneven terrain. Like using a sledgehammer vs a machinists hammer

[@farmboy112485]

Jumping is the absolute greatest part of riding I work on my jumps every week and ride the hell out of um nothing brings me more joy

[@matthewc4503]

Hardtails--properly rated imo. Been riding for a bit over 10 years, only used hardtails. Hitting bigger features now and don't want the knees and back to take all of the shock anymore..... Have loved learning on a hardtail and wouldn't have done it differently, but they do lack a bit in the area that FS bikes excel in (shock absorption).

[@jeskli11]

I've been racing XC for 9 years on hardtails, now I've made a switch onto a full sus. Here are my opinions: Carbon frames: Rated as deserved. Maybe not so much for the gravity disciplines, but for cross country the difference in stiffness, complience and also weight is really significant. You can totally ride an alloy (or other material) bike, but for XC racing I'd choose carbon all day every day. Electronics: Sorta overrated, but only for certain things. On my current bike I have the AXS dropper post. I will first race with it next Sunday, but I'd say it can save quite bit of effort operating the post when going all-out. For general riding, I would choose a cable activated one though, I've already managed to run out of battery mid-ride and getting back home with the saddle so low wasn't pleasant at all. I don't have experience with electronic shifting yet, but I'll surely get it for my CX/road bike soon, during 5 hour rides throwing the shifter becomes old soon especially when you also have a front mech. On my MTB is now a complete Shimano XTR groupset and I've never experienced anything shifting so smooth, though I can imagine myself switching to electronics on the MTB too. 38mm forks: Cannot comment on this. Light bikes: A bit overrated. My current fully weighs about 12kg, some of the hardtails I've ridden were sub-10kg and the weight increase is not noticible at all. The only bike I want to have light is the cyclocross one, which you lift on your shoulder sometimes maybe 30 times and with cyclist's arm strength you don't want anything heavier than necessary. Hardtails: Actually I'd say overrated. In cross-country, a full sus is faster in almost all scenarios and the popularity of trail hardtails has grown a fair bit in the recent years. Brakes: Underrated for sure! I've been always on Shimano brakes and they aren't bad, but for example the road version of Shimano hydraulic disc brakes has not impressed me so much. I improved them by switching to higher level rotors and metallic brake pads, but I'd like to try different ones (even on the MTB), if I had the opportunity. Jumps: Dunno, I don't like jumping that much and they're appearing more and more in modern cross-country. It's true they probably aren't talked as much as some other technique and one should know how to tackle them, but I'm enjoying the riding far more on the rough stuff.

[@mtb_alan]

"Chonky bikes". Somewhere, Mike Levy is shuddering. 😆

[@hobmarg]

Electronic shifting is awesome on road bikes (Di2) but zero desire to have it on my mountain bike. I'd run an AXS dropper if it was the same price as a OneUp mechanical post but it's not worth paying more for. Flight Attendant, LiveValve is marginal gains for insane cost and complexity, can't see it gaining mass adoption.

[@MBdrummer3288]

Jumping is SO MUCH FUN, I completely agree with you on that. I just need to learn how to do it well. When I get a jump right, it feels so good and is so damn much fun to do, it’s just the best. So again dude, totally agree with you on that point!

[@carlosbarragan6729]

this is the only jump comment i could find... very under rated for the rate of smiles and butterflies in stomach it provides XD

[@donavonhartman]

As for the ZEB and the 38 I am a lighter rider at 150lbs and I still find great improvements over their 35mm or 36mm counterparts. That being said I am a very competitive enduro and DH racer and I’m going to compete in the DH World Cup Level. I find that when the speed gets higher especially when cornering through a rut or rough things it is much easier to trust the predictability. I also feel at the have less friction making the compression adjust much more noticeable as the flex and friction is lower. When things get chunky I find that the lyric for example can feel like the stanchions flex and crest unnecessary friction causing me to use much less compression damping. Overall I love the 38 mm stanchions and believe they are a great upgrade for any aggressive rider.

[@homerholland6050]

Underrated - Picking the right size bike. I see 5'6 or 167cm riders jumping on larges.

[@Perforator2000]

Dang, I kinda thought my steel frame touring bike was a little heavy at ~30 pounds. I didn't realize mountain bikes were getting up to the weights you mentioned at 35 to nearly 40 pounds. I just got an aluminum road bike that is about 20 pounds, just to have something comparatively very light to ride. Also, I agree that adding electronic components is a little too much. Part of the reason I'm drawn to bikes is that they're a purely mechanical machine, like an old-school hand-wound watch. I don't want batteries involved in any of the critical functions on my bike. I have a similar feeling about hydraulic brakes; I don't want to be dealing with fluids or the maintenance involved with that. I'm sure in competitive circles or with serious mountain biking, it might improve safety and control, but for me it's overkill and a needless expense.

[@paradox963]

I would say that some of these things are maybe more a luxury than overrated, if I'm looking for a new bike frame I am looking at carbon, not that there is anything wrong with aluminium but I have broken more alloy frames than I have carbon and I prefer the ride feel as well as the ease of internally tubed frames for cable routing. As for wireless, shifting that is a requirement for any new bike I have, I have been running it since it first came out, and I have no idea in what way your GX axs was worse than mechanical, it shifts more precisely and consistently, its performance doesn't degrade over time and as a working mechanic if yours was clunky and skipping gears something wasn't set up right. The wireless dropper is definitely a luxury, though it does have the benefit of the shortest insertion depth and no worry of binding the cable, if your frame has a shorter seat post. As for the 38mm forks, again I'm not sure how they are overrated, they aren't coming on 140mm trail bikes they are coming on bikes with travel that a few years ago would have had a duel crown fork, they are coming on large travel aggressive bikes and regardless of if the average rider will push the bike to it limits the bike manufacturer can't know who the end rider will be only what the bikes intended capabilities are. The whole clips vs flats thing, I'm not even going to touch it's like dealing with a cult, good technique is good technique, and you can learn it on either there will just be small compensations made for whichever type of pedal you choose. Other than a DJ you can keep your hard tail, but that's just preference and my preference is to not have an aching back. I completely agree on finding brakes you get along with, my preference is either Magura MT7's or TRP DH EVO, I find the SRAMs too mushy for my liking and the Shimano far too lacking in modulation, but I have friends that love the SRAMs and others who love Shimano to each their own. I love jumping, and I think being able to jump well is just a part of being a well-rounded rider, I think a lot of people see jumping or learning to jump as a high consequence endeavour mostly because not everywhere has progressive jump lines to learn on, so people don't have a good way to learn, and in turn end up on too big of jumps too soon and get hurt and then stay away from jumping in the future.

[@reelchef67]

Knolly makes imo the best real deal mtbs on the planet right now. Simply fantastic designs and easy to work on with no proprietary shocks etc.

[@benbiker9381]

if you want a wireless dropper because of doing tricks or just be able to change your seatpost to a no dropper quick when you want to go to a bikepark then use a magura mds v3

[@cjones7854]

Having worked as a mechanic at a shop, I could not agree more with this video. The industry pushes so many unnecessary things that don't have a lot of benefit, especially people just getting started riding any kind of bike. Clipless pedals, overrated. Internal cable routing? Electronics? Really? Some things like tubeless are great, but it has tradeoffs of course like anything else. There is so much push to "be like the pros". The pros don't pay for their equipment! It's a completely different ball game than somebody buying their own bike to have fun.

[@MichaelSmith-fg8xh]

Brakes! I pulled my road bike out on a wet day after a year straight of mtb and got a rude shock when I pulled on the rim brakes… stopping felt like a journey instead of the end of one

[@kofalin]

Electronic suspension is really cool I think. Much more sense than a dropper or drivetrain. However, modern bikes are so great that with just a basic one we can have tons of fun.

[@82lowe36id]

Great points I think. Never had a carbon frame bike and have no want for one. Aluminum has served me fine for years. Electronics on bikes, nope. I like keepig things simple. As for weight, I have never really focused on it. I do not want a tank, but will not dwell on parts that will save me a few grams here and there.

[@gearnerd4283]

I'm a 150lb rider and I have been riding a Chilcotin with a Zeb for the past two seasons. I was on a 2019 Lyrik before that and I really enjoy the Zeb over the Lyrik for the PNW riding that I do. The weight is overkill for most of my local trail riding, but I really enjoy it for bike park riding and blasting down trails. I think the Zeb was much easier for me to setup for my weight and I couldn't get the Lyrik to feel soft and supportive. This last year I bought a Fugitive and rode it more often than the Chilcotin because it feels more lively. Fugitive = Fun/Lively and Chilcotin = Fast/Planted. I do think carbon bikes are overrated when enduro bikes are 32lbs or more. The only thing I notice from switching from carbon is the weight riding uphill. I also prefer my Magura MT5 on my Fugitive over the Code RSC on my Chilcotin. I'd be curious about the MT7. I may sell the Chilcotin and get the Tyaughton (hardtail) in another year because that bike looks fun and I hate to see my Chilcotin sit around only for bike park days. Cheers!

[@jensthimmvalsted1000]

I just switched from a 150mm full sus to a Santa Cruz chameleon. I put my nice wheels and big burly tyres on it along with a long dropper. I havent had this much fun riding for years. Good luck with your hardtail

[@Zahava]

I broke my left hand a number of years ago; I find the axs seatpost controller on my xc bike a lot easier to use, especially after several hours or in the cold. I feel the same about electronic shifting for the front derailleur, grx di2, on my gravel bike. Again reducing left hand fatigue over a 2-6+ hour event. However, not a fan of AXS 1x12 on the big bike. Cable X01, or even better XT, you can feel what is happening with the shift from the handlebar. Cable is lighter and more bikes are fully guided internal shift housing now. Also BC eats bikes, not trying to replace an AXS derailleur every six months.

[@kaseykohler1490]

the only caveat I would add is that someone like GG's carbon is absolutely superior to other frame materials except perhaps steel. Additionally, the AXS dropper has solved issues for me on three different brands frames. The dropper cable routing never allowed me to insert the dropper fully without the cable kinking. No cables no kink :)

[@VanCan]

There’s definitely some great carbon frames out there! Interesting about cable routing!

[@GalinPanchev]

You are definitely not the only one focusing on brakes. I ride Shigura XT5 front because Magura brake calipers are so powerful and predictable and Shimano brake levers are very sensitive. What I really don't like in Shimano calipers is the floating brake point and overheating problems even with MT520 and 4 ceraimic pistons. I'm curious on your opinion on Magura?

[@albatrosnh]

My take on why I like the wireless setup in general after a few years. (I also don't understand the people who hate but have never tried it.) Pros: 1) AXS dropper takes basically no physical movement on the lever, so your hands are always in the same position. You can also "blip" it quickly to have it go up a small amount without your butt on the seat. 2) My AXS derailleurs have always performed as well or better than my cable versions. (Which is why it is on all my bikes now) The ability to fine tune a single gear vs a barrel adjuster is an amazing feature. And again, the ability to click once to make the change is better than pushing on the cable to climb. Cons: 1) Forgetting my battery on the charger only to realize when pulling the bike out of the car. :-( 2) The cost of everything, especially the dropper! Neutral: 1) I really want 3 real buttons on the controller so I can combine everything onto one side. Or you could have a button be set to a specific gear, much like you drop the post to get off the bike, you could go to a good mid gear so you could always get going? (Maybe that is crazy and I am just lazy) 2) The controller assembly is so huge, why can't it be built into the grip clamp, or at least that shape. (the new controller I have seen online is almost even worse in another way)

[@franzobenhauser6364]

Keep a spare battery in your bag.

[@albatrosnh]

@@franzobenhauser6364 Super point! I used to have one in my car, but when I traded the car it never made it. (I am sure whoever bought that car has no idea what that thing is, haha) On one bike I have the AXS Reverb I can steal from.

[@abadatha]

Carbon: No interest. Steel or titanium are the material of choice for me, but I'm kind of a big dude and I ride like shit, so my gear gets abused. Electronics: I'd like a ride computer on mine. That's about the extent of electronics I'm interested in. 38mm Forks: I ride a 34 currently, and I'd like to upgrade to a 36 or 38, but this goes back to my point on carbon, I'm a horse and I ride like shit, so I'd like something with more stiffness/less flex. Light Bike: I'm going to loop back to the top point again, I'm a moose. It's easier for me to cut back and cut 10 pounds off me than it is off my hardtail. Hardtails: I'm from NE Ohio. There's very little reason to buy a full squish. Most trails here are pretty smooth. There's only 1 black trail, and it's super rocky. Outside that, no desire. Brakes: Shimano brakes are my favorite, and I agree that brakes are largely under-rated. Going from a 90s WalMart "mtb" to a modern bike with hydro disks, the difference is insane. Jumping: Not my favorite. Not a lot of jumps around here either. It's probably largely that I'm not great at bunny hopping.

[@bonanzabiker]

I think you are spot on. I love that my bicycles don't need any batteries.

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

yea i am 140 and i feel that i have to run lower pressures on big station forks. I run 87-90psi on a 120mm 30mm manitou marchor and 70 for a 180mm 38mm zeb. it can also be the different travel sizes as well.

[@N8MRN]

Yes to all. Deciding this spring if i'll replace most of the stuff on my hard tail or get a budget full suss.

[@travistweedle9674]

Totally agree about bike weight being a pointless concern. I typically weigh 240-250lbs when I come out of my winter hiatus and at the end of the bike season will be 220-225lbs. If you really want to drop weight, lose some body fat. It's way cheaper as well. :)

[@core-i7413]

I like using AXS on road bikes because the perfect shifting is really useful during races and when you really want your shifting to work under load and smoothly without problem, but for mountain bikes cable is fine, AXS isn't really a priority.

[@ginodalbec7080]

I'm 155 lbs. and have a Specialized Stumpjumper Evo with a 38 elite performance fork and love it,the reason for it is the extra stability at speed and park days.Although if it was my only bike I would try a 36,since I have a Stumpjumper also I will keep the 38 on the Evo. The AXS dropper in my opinion is overrated, but the AXS shifting is primo and that's coming from someone who use to think AXS wasn't the way to go.I believe riders who are all about park or downhill trail riding,that weight is not a factor of making the bike be able to perform at its best. I enjoy both up and down on the trails,so I will always prefer carbon over aluminum. I totally agree with your brake theory, I also have Shimano XT 4 piston brakes and love the quick engagement.

[@ThisRandomGuyYouDidntNotice]

still rocking a steel frame here, really don't like the harshness of carbon. if you need to shave seconds maybe it's worth it but if you just wanna have a nice weekend? nope, save the cash ^^

[@shanecurnyn4612]

If they’d just make a 240mm AXS dropper I’d bite - so much faffing eliminated. Wireless shifting is addictive but GX AXS is inaccurate chain-slappy junk after 2 weeks while XX1 AXS is flawless perfection until you crack it hard enough on a rock and you’re out $800. Can’t WAIT for WR1 to release an aluminum frame. I feel like it could be coming… Dustin is such a no BS character I think it makes sense. Given the company background in CAD/CAM it could be pretty amazing 🤞.

[@sporkcrx]

Looking forward to the hardtail content! I like my axs derailleur, but I equally like the cable shifters as well. BUT, I would LOVE if the wireless droppers came down in price. I’ve had a few irritating times running cable or getting the feel of the lever just right, grease all over my hands. I would absolutely love to ditch the cable for a dropper

[@mitchelljarvis2944]

agree with the weight too. People are too focused on the 3lbs differences. having the extra weigh down low is actually nice.

[@MrTonka]

I don't see why you guys say you don't get time out of your AXS batteries. I go almost 2 months on a derailleur and dropper battery. And I'm in FL, so you know I'm changing gear using the dropper as much as my gears.

[@machyne82]

I like feeling the end of my cassette range when I’m shifting at the mechanical lever. I find on the electronic crap I keep clicking when I’m suffering in a climb and hoping I have another gear 😂

[@DailyMTBRider]

Nic, you didn't need to make this video to get me to fall in love with you, I already did.... but I waill say this video was like you reading my mind! Hardtails and shimano brakes for life!

[@VanCan]

We’re going to be hardtail buddies soon

[@Panfleto89]

Carbon Frames=Normal Rated ; Electronics, Derailleurs in particular = OVERRATED; Forks = IDK; Weight=Underrated; Hardtails=Underrated; Jumping=Underrated. I say this about weight, I rode a 26" hardtail for years, then just a couple of months ago, after endless hours of research, I decided to upgrade to a 29" Full suspension. I have to say this. The bike is 2 pounds heavier than my old hard tail, but I keep telling my self that I gained bigger wheels, rear suspension and disc breaks, but I still hate the extra weight. So that brings me to a couple of more items you left out of your list: 29" Wheels =OVERRATED, if I had to do it again, I would go to a 27.5" the way a 29" bike handles compared to a 26" is pathetic; Disc Brakes=OVERRATED, i was perfectly happy with my old rubber pad brakes. The weight gain is not equal the benefits of disc breaks.

[@marct9942]

Bike trends are a producer's dream. Carbon frames?? Heck, yes! They can be mass produced in an oppressive factory in China. Weigh minimally less and be twice the price of steel/aluminum Gravel bikes? Heck, yes! Put drop bars on a hybrid , make super expensive components label them "Gravel". Cha Ching Electronic components? Heck, yes! Keep up with the Jones will have millions of cyclists buy it because they MUST have the latest on their bike. Just don't crash, have the derailleur jam up with debris, or forget to keep them charged

[@markopopovic4956]

AXS parts have the edge over the mechanical parts,they are way more consistent and easier to install,and they work slightly better,less is more. Carbon is lighter,wich is good,stiffer,wich is good,allows better frame design and can last very long if you protect it without fatigue.

[@franzobenhauser6364]

I got a hardtail as a loaner from the bike shop when my full-suspension bike got rebuilt. Our trail are quite chunky with loads of rocks. Having a 160mm fork on the front, I felt like hitting it, but quickly realized how damn uncomfortable and out of control it is in the back. I can see the appeal of hardtails for flow trails, but I wouldn't recommend them for anything fast and gnarly. Having been riding for 25+ years I feel that hardtails on mountains is just another fad like fat tire or the single gear bike category.

[@thescandiflick]

Hardtails are overrated for sure. I believe a modern geo, nice build quality hardtail is very capable and it's a great platform to learn the principles of MTB . It's like learning to drive a manual car first before moving to an automatic. I live in Denmark where it's super flat when some great and well groomed trails center's and smooth fast flow trails and yet can understand that %95 of the riders are on Fullys with +150mm of travel. Every time I want to enter a race trail/enduro only 1-5 participants are entering on a Hardtail... Of course a hardtail also has its limits but it can provide so much for so little price. I own a very capable Steel HT and love it.I still can't justify getting a full suspension bike. I would get a fully just because everyone has one here and more like a trend but not a need. Stoked for the new HT content , Keep it up !

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Overrated: 2:45 AXS wireless dropper/shifting (Can I get an "AMEN!"??) 6:13 38mm forks 8:49 Lightweight enduro bikes Underrated: 11:15 Hardtails 13:21 Brake choice 15:38 Jumping

[@billgeorge8415]

I wish I could get comfy with jumps. But I just seem to resist the air time or I brake check before the jump. Jumping is hard.

[@ericklaurila1293]

I had GX AXS drivetrain and I agree, it isn’t as good as mechanical XO1, which I just installed after the AXS derailleur died. Also had the AXS dropper and loved it but then it got super noisy even after servicing it. I installed a OneUp dropper, which is such a great value. I’m done with electronics on bikes, for now.

[@elijahbettencourt8302]

I’m 160ibs with a Zeb. When I’m riding dh (shout out windrock) with very harsh breaking bumps and square edge rocks at high speeds the Zeb feels great. In my general trail riding on the same bike I don’t notice the benefits but I don’t feel drawbacks either so I would still say it is worth running the big fork

[@piotrka2842]

How would wireless dropper or/and derailleur help you do bar spins? I mean you still have at least 2 cables for breaks 🤔

[@mtbslayer5506]

Personally I really found that you're totally right about the fact that you don't need a 38 but that if you are riding really aggressive north shore terrain the idea of extra stiffness and heavier more durable bikes makes sense

[@Bushwackerinpa]

I think one thing to note about AXS revrbs is that the drop is not great. I would have to run 150mm AXS but can run a 200mm One- Up. 50mm of ROM is worth more than electronic droppers.

[@khai6101]

Hardtails are awesome, jumping rules, being picky about brakes is a luxury that comes with both experience and the ability to afford them (same with trying different types of suspension), and e-shifting/droppers are neat but definitely overrated. I dig both carbon and alu (and steel!) bikes and wouldn't pick one brand or model over another because of frame material. SKILLS however, and skills training training are grossly underrated. If you're lucky enough to grow up racing bmx or riding mtb a lot "just send it" will get you pretty far - but for those who come to the sport later in life (say late 20s or older) taking the time to focus on fundamentals and skills development will make a FAR bigger difference than a suspension/wheelset/frame upgrade.

[@SkarTisu]

I ride all carbon bikes. In the case of my gravel bike, I rode two different titanium frames before switching to carbon. I was very happy with that switch. It climbs noticeably better than the titanium bikes did, and I've taken steps to kill the harsher ride of the frame. Having said that, I'm open to trying an aluminum or steel MTB frame the next time around. I've switched back to mechanical drivetrain from SRAM XO1 AXS. I started getting tired of keeping an eye on the batteries, and despite all the adjusting and trimming I did, I couldn't get a completely clean 3-2 shift under power. It sounds like 2023 is The Year Of The Heavy Bike. It's kind of nice to move on from The Perfect Geometry discussion. I've always been happiest when my dirt bikes are in the air. I'm trying to relearn how to jump in my 50s, but my long term goal is to be comfortable in the air again.

[@shaantitus1538]

Interesting topic. As for carbon, I can see how people lust after carbon bikes and it is directly related to the light bikes topic. I mainly do downhill with my son. We have the same bikes but his is carbon and much lighter and I have the ally version. He is a pretty lean guy and really benefits from the lighter bike. As for me(mid to late 40's) it is more beneficial for me to shed weight off me rather than the bike. So I stick with ally. Electronics on bikes, makes absolutely no sense to me, just added complexity for very little benefit. I cannot comment on forks, everything we have is triple clamp and huge. Same for hardtails, not really appropriate. Brakes, totally agree with VanCan, use what suits you, i have tried many types and manufacturers over the years but i have found going for the largest rotor really helps with still being able to stop with reduced load on the brake hardware. Now i go for mid range shimano hydraulics, the never fail me, good price comfortable actuation. Stopped using anything else. Jumping required.

[@northwestmountainbikeaddic6874]

I love my Zeb and I’m 155 lbs but I ride hard plus I like an overbuilt bike like you , I think it helps me ride and not worry about my bike breaking,and I Squamish style trails in Washington state

[@ZippidyMTB]

Switched to the AXS dropper just to get the seat post as low as possible. Some bikes (specialized) have shorter seat tubes. Completely agree with the derailleur, ditch that for a GX.

[@MastaKeahi]

Got that Trek 820 with the Cro-moly frame.

[@guambra2001]

I love jumping but there’s a lack of jump lines where I’m at. Unless you’re riding a BMX, it’s not so easy to find. I agree with bike weight being unnecessarily crucial, it is important but not everything. I’d take a chunky bike that feels good and is bullet proof over a bike that you feel can brake at any time.

[@renereyes4634]

Nice video nick, some of this topics gets people all riled up but in the end it’s what you like and don’t like.

[@wg2060]

On Knolly since 2008. Currently on the Endo and have no issues with aluminum. Like you said, good aluminum and “not so good”. These are good. I am considering adding a HT the stable and it may be carbon as that bike will serve a different purpose. But…. a nice steel HT, hmmmm. Back the the 90s of learning lines vs plowing. Electronic parts, meh. Do not see the need for my builds. Not a fan of worrying about if my bike is charged. I ride the Lyric provided with the build kit from Knolly and like it. I’m a over 220 lb rider. Which leads to bike weight…. I can break stuff that’s too light due to rider weight (and my oh so subtle bowling ball down the stairs style) Brakes: I’ve been an XT fan since, check first hard tail, late 90s. Currently using Codes due to build kit. They’re fine but feel off? Not sure but if budget allowed it, I would swap. Call it a personal preference. Jumping, just too old now. Was into the diy BMX stuff in younger days. It’s fun to watch and I’m seriously impressed by those who can jump. Oh, great post!

[@sixstringsandthetruth3891]

I think all of the tech and new developments are great, but, the longer I've been riding, the less I want to eff around with it. Lately, my main ride is a Kona Unit - singlespeed, mechanical disc, and a mid range sus fork. Just grab it and ride. It helps that the trail system around me is 95% classic XC type of riding.

[@JHamsher98]

Jumping bikes about took me out but now it's when I feel the most alive!! Can agree with you on pretty much all of this except for those Shimano stoppers lol. Fun Video!!

[@joseulloa8769]

You should try a vorsprung smash pot coil kit on that zeb you’d be surprised how much more plus, mid stroke support and small bump compliance it adds it’s really amazing system benefits the heavy riders

[@betterthannotgoodmtb]

I've witnessed the "carbon" thing hitting the automotive industry for better than a decade now in regards to the ev push. It's super annoying. Talking about carbon frames though, I spent the past two months on a Remedy 9.8 and it felt really nice. However, once I go to purchase another rig I'm going back to an aluminium half-squish. I don't get the hype behind the carbon personally. Now, about the fork. I'm 150lbs and the 2017 SR Suntour 35 suited me just fine on both a 2018 Roscoe 8 (broke the frame) and a 2013 DB Mason Pro (broke the frame). Both bikes were shredded all over local blacks and at Snowshoe and Bryce. On an half-squish I don't see the need for anything bigger than a 36 mil fork for the average sized rider. Great video sir!

[@imattultra1623]

I feel like buying a carbon bike is a ticking time bomb. My mindset is that it isn't if it cracks, its when it cracks. Aluminium all day long, same with rims. I don't care about weight when riding a 25kg E-bike anyway. I just want peace of mind that some rock isn't going the flick up and crack a frame and I have to go about so much hassle to get it warrantied.

[@jimm244]

Is aluminum overrated too? A well drawn steel frame can have an amazing feel. I’m still a weight weenie. Is the weight savings worth it, is probably the best question about carbon.

[@Team81MTB]

You can make a bike lighter without sacrificing strength. My 2012 Kona HEI HEI deluxe is weighing in at 24 lbs. I kept the stock scandium frame and 100mm Reba fork. I shaved a ton of weight by buying carbon fiber components. I actually picked up strength by doing this and lost the weight. I'm 5'4" and 140lbs. So light bikes are a must for me and definitely not overrated.

[@pdpcycling248]

Hardtail is underrated and under appreciated. Some brakes are overrated despite of high rate of failure during the ride. Big stanchion forks are okay in my humble opinion.

[@dems_mtb]

Like this video! totally agree with electronics! Not needed and more not needed expense. Never had carbon frame, nor could I afford one yet lol. I don't really care how much my bike weighs, as long as im comfortable riding it.

[@stonewp]

Completely agree with electronic shifting being overrated and unnecessary. Hard pass. Once I’ve dialed in my cable derailleurs they don’t need any adjustments or cable replacements for years. Plus they look better without the bulky batteries.

[@WaRn00b85]

I literally just put my Scott Spark 910 (Carbon frame) up for sale, as I feel it's overrated (yes it weighs less than my aluminium Merida OneTwenty, but is it worth double the price? Not in my books). Carbon is also not as forgiving to rock strikes and the likes compared to an aluminium frame, and I get terrified of big rocks flying up hitting my Scott's carbon crank and frame when bombing down some of my local trails with big rocks, where as aluminium is less likely to serious damage (such as carbon cracking).

[@mikea327]

I have aluminum hardtail, specialized chisel with axs dropper and shifting and I love it lol

[@dennispikephotography]

I am about 160 lbs and my 38 fork is my favorite. You did however mention "average rider" and "average trails". I frequent the bike park and people who ride with me often say "your poor bike". I beat the hell out of my bike so I need overbuilt as well. Agree with you on the carbon thing though. Give me aluminum every time.

[@zazu9117]

There are things that are important for top 20 to 50 competition riders. And then, there are tens of millions riders who think those things are important to them too, but they are not. Carbon frame, on critical places has aluminum. If it doesn't, it's a bad frame.