Overrated Bike Parts

[@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.

[@mattmitchell5320]

I'm so glad you mentioned carbon vs aluminum. I had aluminum, then carbon, then went back to aluminum. Not because I cracked a frame, but because I actually just like riding aluminum bikes.

[@mountaincruiser817]

Just twice as heavy😊

[@lanuyey4593]

@@mountaincruiser817 bruh is like 3-5 pounds heavier not twice.

[@paulwintermute1495]

I have zero complaints about aluminum rims and frames... except I break them. I'm over 200 lbs, raced DH and Enduro at the expert level and in my experience carbon is just much stronger and more durable. Honestly I don't care much about the weight or flex (aluminum has alot more) but I need wheels and frames that last.

[@taylorhickman84]

@@paulwintermute1495 Carbon is more durable?

[@lanuyey4593]

@@paulwintermute1495 more flexible yes, but we can debate the durable part.

[@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

[@KerronBrowne]

Agreed Hardtails are definitely underrated. Carbon bikes overrated.

[@mikepfeifer1753]

Totally agree on the electronics. I ditched AXS after about a year because I really prefer wire drive. Your thumb sort of works like a pressure clutch for smoother shifting in my experience!

[@topspot4834]

I went from X01 to GX AXS and now I'm back on X01 ... I didn't like the loud noise and chain flopping around, which I'm guessing it's due to the clutch. I'd get the AXS Reverb dropper if it was *A LOT* cheaper cause I'd like being to take it on and off without having to reconnect the cable.

[@stolimano3723]

@@topspot4834 definitely the noise on axis, my buddy rides it and it just sounds like squirrels humping or something 😂

[@vapo27]

100% 👍Analogue FTW. I also studied electronics engineering and know how temperamental they can be.

[@thecoochiecrusader2185]

I think carbon frames are properly rated - mostly because I race XC. I remember the time I raced on my friend’s borrowed carbon hardtail I was just blown away at the difference it made. I was finally able to really compete in highschool. Carbon weight saving helped me do that

[@user-ys2wc5od6r]

Agree, even besides raw performance light weight bikes are inspiring.

[@chameleonpogono]

I think everything can have a reason to be either underrated or overrated. Just an individual point of view. I've been mountain biking since the late 80's, so I was on a full rigid bike. Suspension forks came out and I thought they were overrated, expensive and uneeded. Years went by and I discovered they actually helped. Fast forward a couple of decades and now I have rheumatoid arthritis. Riding was hurting a lot. I was on a hardtail and it just wasn't working anymore, due to the pain. I always told myself I would never need a full suspension bike. I finally tried a full Suspension bike and it felt so much better! So, I got an aluminum full squish. Joints get worse and now a full suspension isn't helping as much. Do I need to stop mountain biking? I do some bike demos and decide to try an enduro bike. Wow, what a difference! The trails felt so smooth. Wait! Was it the geometry, suspension travel, frame material, or a combination? I discovered carbon frames feel much better on my joints with the more plush suspension. So, been riding a carbon enduro bike for a few years now and the bike still feels great. To help with the RA in my fingers, I got the AXS derailleur and dropper. Easier to push a button thana lever. What is the point of all this? Point of view changes how one feels about mountain bike products.

[@ameraldas3641]

I know some older riders who have gotten axs for the same reasons as you. like you say its a matter of perspective.

[@chameleonpogono]

@@ameraldas3641 Sucks being that "older" rider. At least people tell me I look younger than I am. Guess that's something. One's thinking changes as you age. See things differently.

[@mydearriley]

I think the point of the video isn't to say that there aren't uses for the particular components, but that the marketing shouldn't push the "cutting edge" technology as the "most premium" (hence being overrated). AKA, just because it is marketed as a more expensive product doesn't necessarily mean it is a better product for the general bike rider.

[@chameleonpogono]

@mydearriley I can see your point. I guess I don't notice the marketing. Everything I have is based on finding those things on my own and then researching it. The wireless mtb components, as an example, I've never seen a commercial/advertisement or product placement for them. I only saw/read reviews on them till I went out and looked for them.

[@jokermtb]

Braking bumps on a hardnose hardtail 80’s mtb days….I never want to go back there!

[@rethridermtb3262]

I guess I agree with you on several of these items, but have had the opposite experience on others. I'm 6'5' and over 200 pounds and used to break aluminum frames regularly,. But, after moving to carbon fiber bikes, have never broken a frame. I've got a couple bikes with AXS and love how smooth and precise the shifting is. I still have cable actuated shifting on other bikes, and although they shift well, it just doesn't feel as responsive to me as the AXS. Like you said, in the end it all comes down to personal experience and preference.

[@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.

[@mattgies]

I'm 100% with you on the electronics. For most use cases, the main benefit of an electronic "upgrade" is that the manufacturer's marketing department gets to feel successful.

[@michaelstape5437]

As someone who has used both cable derailleurs and electronic, today's electronic groupsets are phenomenal and most definitely an upgrade. Have you seen Srams new eagle transmission? C'mon

[@mattgies]

@@michaelstape5437 Seen it, definitely don't need it. C'mon.

[@barmiro]

I love my alloy hardtail. It's an absolute workhorse that I didn't have to spend a small fortune on. €2500 with all necessary accessories and I've got a bike that can carry me on my 300km+ XC ultramarathons or longer bikepacking tours. On such long rides you often have to jerry-rig some repairs until you get to the nearest bike shop. Aluminium deals with that just fine, carbon might get pissed off if you stare at it wrong. Carbon full-suspension bikes are where bike manufacturers find a lot of room for margins. I, for one, am perfectly happy with that being the case - they effectively subsidize the less popular setups, softening the blow of all the price hikes.

[@MrEcted]

I completely agree with your take on electronics being overrated. Part of what I like about riding a bike is disconnecting from computers and electronics, and I have enough crap to charge already.

[@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..😄

[@scoutingwithanthony]

Hardtails- underrated! Excited to hear that you’re getting a hardtail. Love to see more hardtail riding on the shore.

[@HardtailLife]

Ride with me! 😜

[@scoutingwithanthony]

@@HardtailLife I wish I could but I live in NYC. Someday when I visit the Shore we can ride together. However, I do watch your videos.

[@HardtailLife]

@@scoutingwithanthony One day!

[@richrider5884]

I have a hard tail that was made onto a mullet just out of curiosity (front change). Rode the same trail before and after the change. Definitely a Jeckel and Hyde ride for the better. Trail riding in Colorado.

[@CaptainShiny5000]

Upgraded my 2022 Trek Roscoe 7 from Shimano MT-200 to Magura HS Trail Sport (4 pistons front, 2 pistons rear, 1 finger brake lever). Fantastic upgrade - I get so much more confidence with them. Also the ergonomics of the brake lever are above and beyond the MT-200. Before my hands kinda cramped up a lot no matter how I adjusted them and now my fingers just rest naturally on the grips and brake levers. With the 1 finger levers braking is really powerful and effortless and that is with the dirt cheap ~8€ 180mm shimano rotors which came on the bike.

[@fbi-fipo1618]

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

[@casestudymtb]

At 180lbs, the 38 is amazing. It's definitely all of the things you've said, but the second I demo'd a bike with the 38 I fell in love with it and bought one immediately. I'm not the most aggressive rider but all I feel are benefits, definitely a 10/10 from me.

[@BryonWilliams88]

Way less arm pump with 36. Never Zeb again Even in 60 lb ebike

[@Bueller611]

Bought a Norco Torrent hardtail after riding a carbon Optic for a few years. Its so much dang fun that I sold the optic.

[@brimchan1]

along the lines of jumping: coming into a berm high and fast, worrying you are on the edge of traction, fighting the compression and then shooting out of the exit is oh so satisfying. And plus that on many lines you need to nail berms to get enough speed for the next jump. so yeah, cornering is underrated

[@olik136]

I think the reason behind all that is the availability of tracks though- not whether or not people like it more or less. There simply are no berms or jumps in my area. Coming from motocross that really annoys me... and in some of my local woods you even get fined with a bike.. I am pretty sure that 95% of all sold MTBs here have not been jumped a single time.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@kevinmalisek9353]

you know.. when anyone says they want something but understand 99% of other people might not and then proceeds to give tips about it, they immediately earn my respect and in this case also a subscription.. you're awesome man

[@kegalormoon]

My dad told me when I was a young boy going fishing we were in the tackle shop and he told me as Iooked at the fancy spinning lures, the lures are there to catch the fishermen son , we made our own but with a lot of the bike stuff it's the same thing

[@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.

[@pipecfh]

I used to think that about 38mm forks.... until I got one and the difference is HUGE! my riding got way better because I can trust more on the front end of my bike, but I think is needed mostly with 170-180 travel forks, maybe for 160 or less can be overrated.

[@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….

[@_MrSnrub]

For Frame material in order of preference: Steel Titanium Aluminum Wood Carbon Carbon is overrated 💯

[@sheinofficialheadquaters]

⬆️⬆️LET'S TALK📩 NOW THANKS FOR WATCHING 🎉🎁

[@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!💨

[@aaronblonden6774]

Hardtails are underrated. I've got 4 and love em. I probably don't need four, but I sold my fs to explore hardtails further.

[@Doomst0ne]

It's such a more intimate ride when you're on a hardtail. Makes you really think about your line and forces you to dampen your appendages so you maintain good wheel contact. sweet vid!

[@BasicBodThor]

Totally, I've been riding for 2 years now and just bought a HT. Found myself losing my feet on a few trails where that's never been an issue with the full suspension, and it's mainly down to line choice and being "lazy" with my legs/feet.

[@peterfreeman3317]

Try riding a rigid SS hard tail…awesome

[@ceversonaspen]

I'm in my mid 50s and brought my nice new hard tail out on my good old trails in the rocky mtns. I returned battered and in some actual pain and realized that I have different bikes for different purposes for real reasons.

[@benw4401]

And shreds your asshole.

[@mtbjon3587]

I get the critic on axs. But for me, with thumb base arthritis, axs buttons are a godsend instead of cable actuated stuff

[@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

[@nickolashanif96]

thought i clicked a bike radar video then 12 minutes in i looked and its VANCAN wow the fit and finish of the video was up scale

[@YongPark-g3h]

I have 2 bikes that I struggled to set seat height right for a whole season. When I lowered it enough to feel comfortable when it's fully extended, dropper post starts acting up after going through a rough trail. The cable inside of frame got kinked or something happened. If I set it at a height where the dropper post doesn't act up after chunks, seat height is ever so slightly too high when it's fully extended. Instead of buying 2 Oneup dropper posts, I decided to sell 2 dropper posts and buy 1 wireless dropper. Now I'm using 1 dropper post on 2 frames. Setting the seat height is sooooo easy now and I don't need to worry about the cable getting kinked.

[@gratefultogod4130]

Nice Video- Sorry to say, I rode XTR forever, switched to full AXS and never looked back. At 64 I will literally take every piece of free speed and comfort available. And I'm ok with that...

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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).

[@Twisted_Biscuit]

The advantage AXS has for the derailer is not having a wire that stretches over time, and a housing that gets gunked up causing more friction over time. Having a non-stretched wire and a clean housing is key for good shifting. With AXS you can dial in each gear and get it shifting perfect. The draw back is the battery. I currently have a wired X01 and I'm always having to adjust the barrel for specific gears to get rid of clicking or to get it to shift up and down better. AXS doesn't need the constant adjustment. The AXS dropper is 100% overrated, as long as the post goes up/down it doesnt matter what you run. If you aren't gonna race a bike, weight doesn't matter, and neither does frame material. Aluminum is cheaper and you can get 99% of the same geo as carbon and not affect performance.

[@franzobenhauser6364]

Keep a second battery in your bag.

[@lucasek3285]

Well, I'd say it's an advantage in name mostly, you could argue that while wires stretch and housing can gunk batteries also die and electronics can get fried, the price of replacing those being way higher. Although I'm an old fart who likes friction shifters so take it with a grain of salt.

[@mikelo303]

I thought it's going to be a stupid rant video but after watching it was actually very smart and informative.

[@Bertie..]

I just replaced all the bolts on my bike with Titanium, not because of weight but the rusting that eventually happens to stainless steel. Titanium bolts from AliExpress are cheap. Cost me around $100 for the whole bike. Plus can get in all sorts of colour's. Carbon is definitely overrated but I do love carbon seatpost and handlebars. I started out on a hardtail, then to front suspension then to full now I'm back on a fully rigid with 2.8 tires and carbon fork. I enjoy MTB but these days 90% of my riding is on my gravel bike.

[@michaelmann3636]

Everything you mentioned is spot on, especially bike weight and carbon frames. My Spire XL aluminum is 37 lbs, and I love riding that bike. The carbon frame bikes I have had I am constantly worried about everything.👍

[@NiohNiohYT]

Why? Carbon is incomparably stronger usually than alu, and much longer lasting too, it isn't prone to metal fatigue. Every test I have ever seen in my life has shown carbon is incomparably more durable and stronger. Also, all bike manufacturers actually do break tests, and impact resistance too, and even some third party companies do that, like german EFBE. Don't believe clueless uneducated myths that alu is stronger in any imaginable way - even impact resistance literally.

[@jscorwin16]

I love jumping my Commencal with Shimano brakes and no electronics, so this video jives with me and puts me in a happy place.

[@williammiller735]

I ride an aluminum bike, no dropper post, routinely ride 25-30 mile cross country single tracks and I have a blast. Those accessories you mentioned are nice, but for me, not needed.

[@cameronbarber3768]

For me there's reliability in simplicity. A bike is a very mechanical object, and over complicating components can make things difficult when going to service them and or replace them if they become damaged. I also agree on the point of being too light. In my opinion that doesn't matter. I've seen so many people in videos talking about super small components like pedals and derailleurs that don't weigh much at all, but they NEED the lightest ones to help reduce weight. Like if your pedals are stopping you from hitting your bike weight goals there's a problem haha

[@andybacon6007]

Quite a thought provoking video: I've not ridden with electronic components but having built up a new bike in the past year the shifting is SO good that I struggle to imagine how much better electronic shifting can be... so that's a cross in the overrated column from me. Hardtails.... whilst I do have a 'bouncer', most of my bikes are hardtails and it'll be great to see just how differently you ride the trails we see in your videos. I watch your channel with amazement at what you are able to do, so the sooner we see you on a hardtail the better. As for rating a hardtail I sense that most observers look at hardtail riders as a bit strange and probably dont 'get it' so put a cross in the 'underrated' columns just because people dont know what they're missing. Weight... I ride a hardtail, so almost everything else is heavy. Not so long ago a 30lb bike was a heavy one. It feels like that threshold is nearer 40lbs. Whilst spending cash to chase a minor weight saving is a fools errand I do think we've lost sight of the experience of riding a 25-27lb bike so I think bike weight is underrated. Brakes... is our riding style shaped by the type of brakes we use? I'd take a modulated brake and a bigger diameter disc any day over a fierce brake that stopped on a penny but if I'd only ever ridden that type of brake then perhaps my style would be different. Jumping... the ONLY time I'm in the air is a split second before a big crash, so in my world air time is vastly overrated!

[@aygwm]

What I have found with electronics is that the shift quality isn’t as much of an impact as shift effort and shift reliability, as well as lack of maintenance. The bike shifts the same as it does the day I set it up with electronic. The same can’t be said for cable.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ehornad]

Sold my Eagle AXS, went back to Eagle

[@benbiker9381]

a light wheel is nice especially for a light rider but a light frame can feel weird

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 ^^

[@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.

[@youling1997]

I got so used to the modulation on my code r. And when I got on a set of SLX brakes on a rental bike I was like a teen learning to drive for the first time.

[@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! 🤘

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ThatFuelExRider]

When i first got a dropper i found it the most useful thing ever

[@mtb_alan]

100% agree on jumping and jump trails. Jumpline laps on laps!

[@mitchelljarvis2944]

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

[@garryhaines3066]

Great content and some valid points, i run AXS dropper and love it, no Hassell its so easy and so far works a dream. However i also run GX AXS ok easy to install but just something not right always having to adjust it and yes super expensive for what it is, might even change back to cable as its not for me (any one wants to buy from me) Shimano all the way currently running Zee which are perfect esp. now i put Galfer purple pads in bite is spot on, been there with Codes and MT7 not enough bite. As for forks running Lyriks Ultimate upgraded to 170mm they are perfect compared to the super expensive Fox 36 Grip 2. Trouble with MTB is that there is a peer pressure for all these new expensive items go to a bike park and its like looking at who has the best bike and parts like a bike fashion show lol. As long as you are out there and enjoying what you are doing no matter what bike or level surly that's the most important thing.

[@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.

[@producersRus]

I feel like electronic shifting could be super rad, something like auto trim and changing derailleur design to be more robust while taking advantage of the electronics, or adding a magnetic clutch that disengages for shifting with adjustable stiffness. Alas that has not happened. Maybe also getting a little energy from the wheels so batteries last longer

[@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

[@STV3TA]

5'8 175lbs. Absolutely love my Fox 38. I live and ride in the North East in the US. Pretty much all of our trails are covered in big chunky rocks. The extra stiffness of the 38 feels so good plowing through them all. I can definitely see it being overkill if you live in an area with mostly smooth trails though.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

I agree with everything you mentioned but with one big big exception. My old dropper wore out so was all set to buy a Fox Transfer or better. I read a review out of the blue that mentioned the PNW Loam dropper. No one talks about it. It was half the price of the Transfer and it’s been absolutely flawless. I ride 5 days a week on average from April thru September. Much less before and after that window. Maybe I got lucky but am so surprised. Additionally you can adjust its “slide out” speed to your liking. Lastly my original dropper that came with the bike was 150mm. The max that fits the frame. The PNW is 170mm and has the exact same outer form factor but because of compact internal design bought me 20mm more. I’m 180 and ride hard. The exception is my Eagle GX AXS derailleur. I’m hard on my bikes. No matter what previous derailleur I had it would be clicking and annoying me every couple weeks. It always happened during a ride from small impacts. I HATE a derailleur that isn’t perfect. I’m normally an anti-electronics guy when it comes to riding, fishing, hunting. Anything outdoors. I was dubious when buying the AXS. Got it after 6 months of first introduction. Very expensive for me. But it too has been flawless. Absolutely precise shifting EVERY time. Under load going uphill MUCH BETTER. I had to adjust it once - due to a grazing rock impact. Forgot how to do it. Got the instructions from my phone. Micro-adjusted it from the lever. Whole thing took 2 minutes. No riding with a clicking derailleur for the next 3 hours. Only adjustment I ever made in 2 years. Battery easily lasts 3 weeks on a charge riding 5 days a week (Temps never near freezing. No idea how it works in brutally cold weather). Again more than impressed. My guess is you somehow got a defective AXS derailleur. I’ll never go back to a cable.

[@dit4963]

Nailed it! Especially super light bikes. Even "pro" reviewers, the first info they give when they review a bike is the weight 🤦‍♂ Hence why many enduro bikes come with light tires, which many times become waste.

[@BikeFixIT]

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

[@dkarleone3687]

Spot on! I get “carbon anxiety” when riding my enduro bike and find myself riding my aluminum hardtail because I can thrash on it without worrying as much about cracking a frame. Also, with your points on electronics being overrated and hardtails being underrated, I can’t agree more. I like my bikes like my cars - analog and easy to work on.

[@thebigbonk]

I think the only valid electronic on a mountain bike is derailleur, only because it has a work around for maintenance, which is just digital tuning which I think is neat (and i'm lazy)

[@RedWingsninetyone]

Definitely agree on carbon vs aluminum. I rode my aluminum bike for 5 years and would happily still be riding it if it wasn't stolen toward the end of last year. I purchased a carbon bike (which I do love) mostly because it was what was available and semi-similar to what I was used to. But the two bikes weigh about the same so "lighter" isn't a great argument. Stiffer, maybe. But the aluminum was plenty stiff enough for me so I can't say I notice a difference. I completely agree about electronic components as well. A cable is cheap to replace and easy to repair. One could try and argue that electronic groupsets are relatively maintenance free and cite having to adjust cable tension. However, they leave out that that takes way less time than it takes to charge the battery. Even if you have a second battery ready to go, you don't really save any time over a general adjustment. Furthermore, you can also argue that you're not physically doing anything while the battery is charging; that is still time you aren't able to ride your bike. Let's not get started on batteries going bad and by that time, they may not even make new batteries that fit your groupset, which you've already overpaid for. Not to mention, there's just something about riding completely free from "the grid" (for lack of a better term). Yes, you can say I charge my bike computer, or phone, but the fact is I can still ride without those things and get away from it. You can't say the same with electronic shifting. I get that you can go for many, many rides without needing to charge, but the same could be said for cable adjustments. Some argue that the cable needs to be replaced every year. I completely disagree. I had my cable on my afore mentioned bike changed just before it got stolen. It had over 2k miles on it and the only reason I replaced it was because the end was fraying and I figured I could just get a new cable very easily.

[@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.

[@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

[@vitalii1372]

E-MTB are underrated

[@petedog9581]

My Fox 34 ran out of life and I put a 2023 Pike w a 150 air spring on my bike... 35 mm stanchions. It is perfect for my Stumpjumper. Gained 10 mm travel wo changing the head angle much and the fork is a super light and stiff. I am really impressed. Have been on Fox for 20 years, But SRAM taking control of Rock Shox has leveled the playing field. Great advice in this vid about starting on a hardtail or mixing in hardtail riding if possible. Jumping is fun but dangerous. That is why many avoid it unless the trail demands it. Injuries keep you off the bike, and you will have injuries while learning to jump. All it takes is a wind gust, mechanical, or just getting sketched out... hospital. All that being said, I send the jump line every time at my local trail. Lol.

[@djjmann]

At 6'1 and 220 lb rider weight, I immediately could feel a difference in out of the saddle pedaling. You want some flex in a fork, but the 34 mm forks just felt flimsy. The new lyrik is fantastic, stiffer than a Fox 36 for sure.

[@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.

[@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!

[@gopro_vlogs]

here are my thoughts: I think the same with carbon frames, you can still get really good aluminium or steel frames and companies try to push for carbon frames as the nicer more premium material and also use it just to make it a more expensive bike and with other carbon parts like bars and wheels I would be just nervous to break them because I am hard on bikes. wireless electronic pars like the axs shifting and axs dropper are a nice to have but not a must, I also prefer the "regular" cable shifting and my oneup dropper works just fine. I haven't ridden a 38mm fork but I have ridden a downhill bike with a fox 40 on it and I really liked the added stiffness of the fork and I am in the market for a new fork and i am in between the zeb or the lyric or the 36 or the 38. I do like a light bike but Id rather have a stronger bike that may be a little bit heavier then a super light bike that may break under me. I do love hardtails and I used to ride a hardtail a lot but my hardtail is kinda in pieces at the moment so I need to build it back up. I do prefer Shimano over sram when it comes to breaks and I do run Shimano breaks but I have tried hayes, trp, magura and out of the ones I have tried I liked the Hayes the best so if I change my breaks I think I will go with Hayes. I love jumping, there was a jump near my house that was so nice but I got destroyed unfortunately.

[@Milessongs]

YES - Hard Tail MTB's are absolutely underrated, under reported, under appreciated by the 'MTB Media', (if that's a thing), and a fantastic way to enjoy all sorts of scrappy trail riding.

[@xjuanx92]

I can't really say I agree with everything said in this video, except for the part about everyone has their own needs. What I can say is, all the things discussed are great options for ones needs. Ild rather have all the options available for me, than not have them and needing to settle on what's you have. Aluminum/carbon, wired/battery operated, smaller stanchions larger stanchions. We have a great selection of stuff that fits everyones needs. I can definitely say all the things that don't fit your needs, will be perfect for someone out there. That being said, one would need to undertsand what their needs are for their rig. Then there are folks that have no idea what their needs are so it gets tricky.

[@dustinbjohnson]

100% agree dude. It’s mountain biking. I ride my bike to get away from electronics. AXS way over rated.

[@aledska]

I have gx axs. I'm running it with an x01 cassette and xx1 chain. It shifts flawlessly even under load. I love having no cable and I like the feel of the shifter. I haven't charged the battery in a month and it' still at 50%. It adds weight compared to the cable actuated derailleur but I have it on an aluminum hardtail so weight really was never a concern. I would buy the axs dropper in a heartbeat if it was on sale. I love wireless stuff on bikes.

[@franzobenhauser6364]

Same here, got the gx axs and it shift flawlessly. Batteries last a long time plus I always carry a spare, but never had to use it. There's no way I ever go back to cable.

[@MichaelFaughn]

Me too. I have GX AXS and really like it. Wife has DI2 and that's great too. I've run all kinds of groupsets and I'm not looking to go back to wired xtr or xo.

[@parkercollins7946]

On brake preference, I have a hardcore preference for shimano lever shape. I grew up with canti and v-brakes and the xt levers were what I had come to know. After trying sram/Trp/hope, I came back to shimano. My hand just feels that lever is “right”.

[@aygwm]

SRAM brakes are terrible in general.

[@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!

[@MTB_Antony]

For me jumping on a bike is super fun! And i think jumping skills are also make you more confident on every trail. When you can pump and jump over some of the features.

[@MrPacobolo]

Coils forks are underrated. Fewer compromises over the overall travel vs the air. I think the greatest value of the 38/Zed air fork is the larger air chamber, it’s less prone to ramp up. Batteries on bikes, unless it’s for a light no thanks.

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@evaluateanalysis7974]

Good common sense. Of course none of it is overrated from the dealer's point of view - the more fancy stuff on the bike, the more it sells for - and the bigger the profit for them.

[@evaluateanalysis7974]

@MrVancann Eh?

[@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

[@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.