Why Build a HARDTAIL MTB in 2024? Custom Yeti ARC Hardtail - Bike Check

[@LoveMTB]

Do you ride a HARDTAIL? Would you build one in 2024? BTW all details of the Yeti ARC frame are here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGStlmCtqriKrJI

[@Paganiproductions84]

XC Hardtails only 2018 Orbea Alma H20+2021 Orbea Alma M30 ALu and Carbon frames both around the 11,6 kg mark in weight one is fully modified and the other somewhat modded

[@LoveMTB]

@@Paganiproductions84 I sat on one, almost bought it right around 2020...

[@themtchannel2110]

nice bike - i ride a custom mid-grade build fuse 29, .. but usually with a 27.5 wheelset. size L, just under 29# In these days of lots ppl riding mopeds, i know a l lot of ppl cant understand a HT

[@LoveMTB]

@ that bike is supposed to be super compliant is that true?

[@themtchannel2110]

@@LoveMTB i weigh 182# and im no expert in those matters but with 275x2.8''s, it is a lot of overlap in ride comfort with my yt izzo in its feel dropping down eroded rooty blue descents in Maryland. so much so - i'm happy to ride either. similar comfort, but probly more tendency to have that excitement of some skippiness :) the intended 29x2.6 not real different in comfort - feels a bit rollier whereas 27.5 feels a bit more throw around into/out of turns; i expect largely due to actual BB height, not sure

[@David-rb3tk]

Timely video. Just started putting my 2020 Sana Cruz Chameleon back together. Took it apart in Feb 2021 and hung up the frame. Had a ride on a Fuse a few months ago and thought boy, am I missing something. Most fun bike I have ever had, or ridden. Along with this I have been de-digitizing my rides. Now all I carry is my phone on airplane mode for just in case. Really enjoying the riding. And everything you said about the humble hard tail is true. Simplify life!

[@LoveMTB]

@@David-rb3tk I hear you…I’m curious about the stuff coming up and I get the chance to play with all the wireless gimmicks of today but I have an X01 drivetrain waiting for me for the ARC 😉

[@MartinTeerly]

I never had full suspension bike. I'm 42 years old, I lost 42kg+ of fat and all I ride is HT. I just love it. I ride enduro and all mountain on a banshee paradox V3 and I love it ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@LoveMTB]

That's a seriously fun bike, enjoy!!!❤️❤️

[@z0rgg-LUX]

Yes, I ride my Yeti ARC a lot. It was also built up from the frame. It just fits all my needs

[@LoveMTB]

@@z0rgg-LUX somehow I love it more this time around 😎

[@PepsFTW]

Always HT! Love them! I ride a Cannondale Habit HT, with a Rockshox 35 gold, 140mm. A cheap build, with Ali Express and Temu parts, going strong. But it looks apart in a boring city, with black frame, gold and purple accessories and parts, completed with a few oilslick parts. Quite a looker, i love everything about it. Personal dream build on the cheap.

[@LoveMTB]

Those builds are always fun!

[@jeepsterc104]

I ride a Trek Procaliber. Dtswiss XRC1200 wheels, Rockshox SID SL ultimate fork, XT/XTR groupset. Made for XC racing, it climbs like goat. Hard tail were awesome. Nice review!

[@LoveMTB]

That’s a great set up! Sounds like a proper racer!

[@damiencabirou2785]

Have an ARC as well. It always takes me 2-3 rides to get used to it (no rear suspension...) again, but after i have adjusted to it, yes it's definitely a lot of fun. Kind of a love/hate story actually! Mine is mounted with a 120mm fork and a Slack'R (no need for more travel, remember there's 0mm out back:-D), I'll try bigger tires (2.6 instead of 2.4) with an insert (cushcore xc) in the back to see if i can make it slightly more comfortable.

[@LoveMTB]

I know people run them with 120mm forks fir racing and always wondered how they ride. I have it with 130 now, how Yeti designed it, and it works great. However plan to put the 140mm shaft on it over the winter...

[@leokuo7127]

Sorry to hear that your hardtail got stolen. My Chromag Wideangle got stolen and I replaced it with a Nukeproof Scout. I initially regretted not getting a full suspension as a replacement, but then I started riding rollers to stay in shape, and now I don't regret it. Hardtails are more fun.

[@LoveMTB]

I almost built a Nukeproof! Now I wish I did when they were easily available

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

I just bought a titanium Revel Tirade frame on sale for like 1499!…can’t wait to build it up.

[@LoveMTB]

That is a killer price, have fun with it!

[@Jacob99174]

Riding with leaves adds slightly more risk, but man it’s so much more beautiful!

[@LoveMTB]

@@Jacob99174 isn’t it!?😍

[@snowman22ism]

I hate leaves... They hide everything!

[@flybyguy1450]

Specialized Chisel HT. Sub 24lbs. Rocket, and supple. Best bike I've ever owned.

[@LoveMTB]

They do use that special welding process allowing their Alu bikes to be compliant and light! Thanks for sharing, I always wonder how they ride

[@MTB_CRZY]

I ride Trek Procal that I custom built from the frame up.100mm Step-cast 34, 150mm fox transfer post, deore drivetrain (switching to mechanical GX next year I hate the shimano shifters) nukeproof horizon v2 wheelset, Vittoria mezcal up front with a Peyote in the rear, Truvativ stylo carbon cranks, absolute black 32T oval chain ring, Bontrager RSL one piece bar stem combo and mt201 shimano brakes. The bike is a rocketship, but I feel it could be lighter. The nukeproof wheels are a bit heavy but have pretty fast engagement. I am looking in to those elitewheels pro36 for my new wheelset. Honestly for the price, you just cant beat them! Thanks for all you do and all the hardwork it takes to make these videos. We all appreciate you!

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks! And you got a great build there, you'll probably appreciate the PRO36s if you end up getting them.

[@MarkOzFishNSW]

I have the Merida big trail 500 in the medium size, have only had it for a month and already tested on some trails here in Oz, have just upgraded the cranks as it didn't come with cues cranks, it came fitted with EXP TR, 140mm travel fork rockshox psyylo

[@LoveMTB]

Nice, how do you like CUES?

[@MarkOzFishNSW]

@LoveMTB don't mind the cues system, shifts pretty neatly on trails, either on flats or uphills, love the dropper that came with the bike, so didn't need to purchase separate, only issue I had was the cranks not being the logo listed cues, but their still damn good

[@LoveMTB]

@@MarkOzFishNSW Yeah great value and performance

[@LoveMTB]

@@MarkOzFishNSW And they are supposed to last 3x longer!

[@MarkOzFishNSW]

@LoveMTB have a question totally out of left field, just noticed clicking sounds, probably around the cranks area, or could it be something silly and easy to find

[@snowman22ism]

I love my hardtail... Just upgraded the brakes today actually.. XT 4 Piston.. looking forward to using them.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

It's a beautiful hardtail, just for this reason alone ... 😊 Glad to see you outside riding!

[@Cheatingforfun]

Totally agree, I mostly ride my EMTB but when fall and winter comes I take my Orange Crush out and love it.

[@jamesbrion2076]

got rid of my fulsus last July due to some maintenance issues n got myself a new DaBomb Sentinel enduro HT, also got a dartmoor primal for my xc/trail rides.. enjoying every moments from my HT bikes.. ridesafe everyone🤟

[@LoveMTB]

That sounds like a great combination for different types of riding! Happy trails!

[@fiimble]

Love Hardtails! Just got a brand new Scott Scale and will be my XC/Super Gravel bike! FOX Treansfer SL (100mm) and Fox 34 SC Grip SL in the works. Working on the installation of Magura brakes (4 piston front/ 2 in the rear). Cheers!

[@LoveMTB]

That's going to be a rocket. Saw them in the store recently, they look racy!

[@bensonc627]

I rode hardtail since start. Cannondale killer V900→specialized stumpjumper→ giant XTC 27..5 and now salsa timberjack plus that I find very capable in the Gatineau park xc trail. Love your video.

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks! One of my friends still rides a Cannondale with the original XT drivetrain and brakes!

[@wonderwatch2239]

Love my PACE 529 steel hardtail, use for winter xc/trail, gravel and sometimes flowy bike park, it’s a question of week/tire choice, and it’s always a blast 💥🥰

[@LoveMTB]

Bike park!? Hmmm... I've seen it but never crossed my mind to do it

[@jernest3321]

Cannondale Scalpel HT with Fox 34 SC v1 @110mm travel. 2.4 Recon Race F&R, Shimano XT 12speed drivetrain, Syntace P6 HiFlex carbon seat post (Love the compliance of the frame with the seat post). It replace my previous SC 5010 v2. Cheers

[@LoveMTB]

Sounds like a sweet build. And light!

[@ognyc6522]

2 steel hardtails and love them. Cotic bfe max,Stanton sherpa 853.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Love it! Such a nice bike. I'm really curious as to your moto style hack and it's something I'm really considering for my '24 Chameleon as well. The only things holding me back are losing SC's lifetime warranty and I actually don't hate how my moto style routing turned out.... but my Dremel keeps calling to me! 🤔

[@LoveMTB]

I understand your hesitation, I think it’s a matter of personal preference. I got the frame used so I didn't have any warranty to worry about. And the mod is so minor it doesn't affect anything anyway. Telling you, that Dremel works wonders!

[@Imma-bv3ib]

Currently building a Diamondback Mason Pro clone from a NOS frame and all new components. Waiting on a few bits and should be together by the end of November. Right around half of MSRP and personalized. Also a handful of lower level HTs.

[@cunning-stunt]

Modern rim design almost eliminates pinch flats and rim damage making them excellent for hard tails. I'd also have an enduro tyre on the rear to give a bit more sidewall protection.

[@Sir_climb_alot]

Turner nitrous, great all around hardtail - mostly for commuting but I have 3-4 mile extra single track I squeeze in on my way to the train station. Also still have 26" single speed fully rigid hardtail that defies logic on how much fun and efficient it is (almost 20 years old!)

[@LoveMTB]

That must be fun! 26" still rocks🤘

[@repo4]

I've got Bobcat Trail 3 with Advent X and SR Suntour Raidon fork. I don't need anything better, I mostly ride gravel roads, easy XC, the bike is perfect.

[@LoveMTB]

Agree there is a place for a good HT in everyone's stable😉

[@wifimtbvlog1206]

I ride giant fathom 2 and its great riding it with some upgrade..thanks

[@glennmorgan8691]

Great fun vid thx.You fall down as much as I do lol.I'm to damned old for a hardtail I need the plushyness.Very beautifull area your riding in,have a great winter my friend.Cheers!!!

[@LoveMTB]

@@glennmorgan8691 you too Glenn thank you!

[@sampah89]

lovely build

[@glynrs2147]

I ride my Mondraker Podium HT when the trails get super muddy in the winter months. So much easier to clean and maintain than a FS

[@LoveMTB]

Thanks for sharing! I almost, almost bought a Mondraker a couple of years ago

[@vic8033]

Great looking build. Gotta get you out my way soon 😊

[@LoveMTB]

I hear ya! Would love to ride sometime!😊

[@zed57]

Love my Santa Cruz Chameleon hard tail, although it is quite a bit heavier than your Yeti Arc! Going to have to see what I can do about that 😁

[@LoveMTB]

Have fun! Weight doesn’t matter that much

[@woduk]

A hardtail is all I’ve got at the moment. Thinking of a fork upgrade a 34 or a rockshox 35 around 140mm travel

[@LoveMTB]

I would personally go for the FOX 34 before RS 35

[@hardmtnbiker]

I only ride hardtail’s 1 single speed and 2 geared. All of them steel but I’ll be getting a new one soon probably Ti or custom steel. I love hardtail’s and don’t feel limited by not having rear suspension.

[@LoveMTB]

I hear you...😉

[@Dr_Pappa]

Awesome build. I would love to see how you hacked the moto style brakes with the internal routing. I run my brakes moto style and have never been thrilled with the rear brake line going in the wrong side if the frame.

[@LoveMTB]

I'll have to do a short vid on that, have the footage...🤔

[@Dr_Pappa]

@@LoveMTB Please do!! Thank you for all the awesome content you provide!

[@LoveMTB]

@ 🙏 I’ll try to find the time, my biggest enemy

[@Dr_Pappa]

@@LoveMTB I'm willing to pay you for the video, don't even need a full fancy edit, just want to know how to get the brake line from the right side head tube port to the left side at the BB exit!

[@LoveMTB]

@@Dr_Pappa 🙂 you can always send Thanks ($$$) via KZbin options. I'll add it up to the short list

[@eXaviar]

I just dismantled my Ragley Bigwig ( steel Enduro Hardtail ) to scavenge parts and built up my first steel full suspension ( Pipedream The Full Moxie) 😍 I am a little sad to take it apart. I guess I will rebuild it someday. Was way toouch fun not to do so

[@LoveMTB]

I hear you...however that steel FS sounds like an even more exciting project!?

[@eXaviar]

@LoveMTB yes! I rode it yesterday for the first time and I am in love 💕 on Sunday I will take it to a Bikepark 🤩

[@LoveMTB]

@@eXaviar oh man, wish I could say the same!

[@eXaviar]

@@LoveMTB well, it might be the last day this year because most Bikeparks will close for the winter season, probably. Well there is less and less snow every year. So their ski season is mostly limited to a few days 😵

[@Iggy52]

Kona Honzo (AL version) owner here ✌️

[@LoveMTB]

That's a nice bike, almost built one a few years back. Ended up with a Commencal

[@budycelyn]

HT is all i ride these days, nukeproof scout 275 and a vitus sentier 29er, out of the 2 i prefer the vitus. i also have an old trek that has a gravel dropbar and groupset on, my frankenbike.

[@RyanRKJ]

I’m buying a hardtail to explore the trails that are not fun / comfortable on my gravel bike. Don’t have plans for super fast or long rides.

[@LoveMTB]

Great idea. Will be interesting to hear which one you end up riding more

[@akissparaskevopoulos]

Love my HT. I suggest you go 150mm front just saying

[@LoveMTB]

Had it with 140 before, have the shaft for the FOX fork to change over the winter😉

[@Bro-dk7rd]

Epic HT😊

[@LoveMTB]

That's a super light bike then!?

[@Bro-dk7rd]

Bought basic model in XL and changed everything. Shimano XTR/XT Mix, RS Sid SL 100mm, Garbaruk Chainring, Tune Handlebar, SLR Boost Superflow Saddle. Full Ridewrap, Xpedo MForce Pedals and Bottlecage 8,3kg.

[@esshoul]

@@Bro-dk7rd 8,3??? Must be s-works model

[@Bro-dk7rd]

@@esshoulNo S-Works. Base Model 2022 was with Sram NX and RS Judy Gold Fork. Wheelset is 1200g with Tubolitos 44g and Continental Raceking Racesport 29x2.2.

[@BerusahaDanBersyukur]

i ride hardtail because i couldn't afford a full sus bike, i love what i have, and i ride it everyday on my favorite trail before going to work

[@LoveMTB]

Fair enough!best bike is the one you have

[@syms85]

Roscoe 9. Just bought some max is reckon for the rear and a forecaster for the front. Now I’m wondering if I should keep my xr4’s on for the winter!??

[@LoveMTB]

@@syms85 I have XR4s 2.6 for the winter…😉

[@syms85]

@ yeah think i might keep them on for a few more months. Cheers

[@syms85]

I’d love a turner nitro ti but don’t have the money for one at the minute

[@robertrodriguez5170]

My aluminum hardtail is on the tacx flux Smart trainer 😅... Cheers 😉!!

[@LoveMTB]

Great tool for the job for sure

[@robertrodriguez5170]

@LoveMTB 😊

[@xinyingli919]

Which Ontario trail network were you on in this video?

[@LoveMTB]

Mostly Kelso

[@sandrodias6326]

I'm riding a Specialized EPIC HT. Full suspension bikes cost a lot more and are also more expensive to maintain.

[@LoveMTB]

THAT is a nice bike indeed, enjoy!

[@mjojrjr6231]

Hi Mate, do you ever consider doing a Hope Crankset evo reviews?

[@LoveMTB]

I would but they are rare and expensive up here in Canada...

[@mjojrjr6231]

​@LoveMTB here in UK, they are the cheapest if you want something shorter crank. Shorter than the common 165 to 175 since they do upto 155, and now they start introducing even more shorter than 155. I've seen a few unboxing and installation, they are not as extensive and attention to details as you when it comes to installation and reviews ❤

[@LoveMTB]

@@mjojrjr6231 Thanks☺ I'll see what I can do

[@solobellimino2356]

Built my first ss. Outside that 2 hardtails 1 rigid

[@LoveMTB]

Hmm don't know if my knees can handle an SS anymore...

[@solobellimino2356]

@LoveMTB *facepalm* I meant to say my first FS bike. Also, my first geared bike since 2012. Other bikes SS. But considering putting gears on one of em also.

[@LoveMTB]

@@solobellimino2356 FS have their place for sure...

[@stevebennett3587]

👍nice ride, im riding a ragley big al👌for me, its perfect😎full suss is a lot more servicing, i just wanna ride😅

[@LoveMTB]

Right on! Almost bought one when they were available at CRC…

[@stevebennett3587]

@LoveMTB 😎shame they gone under, just hope i can get hold of mech hangers in the future👍

[@LoveMTB]

@@stevebennett3587 That's why I always bought one with every new frame. Always!

[@stevebennett3587]

@@LoveMTB got one spare😎

[@LoveMTB]

@@stevebennett3587 SMART!

[@mytzam]

Not any hardtail... A Yeti. Frumos !

[@LoveMTB]

😊 intr-adevar

[@stanb1604]

I love me hardtail, forces me to be active on the bike instead of being just a passenger

[@LoveMTB]

You and me both for that reason!

[@ixb1]

I ride 23 yo 26'' mtb 😄

[@LoveMTB]

Nice!! 26" is alive and well!

[@phil5073]

Dartmoor Hornet users here, assemble!

[@Paganiproductions84]

I guess this a long travel xc hardtail

[@LoveMTB]

I guess you can call it that 😉

[@Paganiproductions84]

@@LoveMTB with a few parts swapped it could be one

[@Paganiproductions84]

@@LoveMTB here is my dutch mtb youtube channel www.youtube.com/@detopatbshowwoutervanhelde2470

[@Paganiproductions84]

the handelbar is way to high example

[@LoveMTB]

@@Paganiproductions84 Mine? Nah just the way I want it

[@michal.laskowski.]

HT XC is the best bike you can get

[@fud1376]

Way too pricey..I'll stick with my Steel hardtail thanks..ha!

[@frankharradence5546]

I live in the UK and have Just built up an alloy Kinesis FF29 framed hard tail. Stans MK4 Crest wheelset, Fox Factory 34x140mm fork, Hope Tech4 x2 piston brakes with braided hoses, PNW limited edition polished silver dropper. Looks and rides exceptionally good. My other bike is an Atherton AM.130 full suss, with these two bikes to choose from I feel I have the best of both worlds with my off road riding.🚵‍♂️ .🚵

[@pepeanza6187]

Try the rocky mountain growler best hardtail ever