Will The Hardtail Keep Up ?

[@AprilRideMTB]

If it wasn't for the $100 Walmart Hardtail I started on, I would've never found this sport that has been so impactful on my life. For anyone who's worried about what bike you have, or whether or not it's good enough, just remember the whole point is to have fun. With the right mentality you can learn new skills and have fun on almost any bike! Hope you enjoy the video! Thanks so much for watching!

[@TomKennedyUSA]

In May 2020 started on a $248.00 Schwinn Boundary hardtail 7-speed mountain bike from Walmart, in December 2020 I bought a new Trek Rail 5 full suspension - I have over 1000 miles on it now. I use the Walmart bike to introduce others to mountain biking, it is a great addiction!

[@zenofthemoment]

Amen! 🙌

[@vivek_v]

It's funny how I have a $5500 Santa Cruz Hightower but I still use my $3,000 XC hardtail more. There is something addicting about a hardtail, and I would still be equally happy if my XC hardtail was $1000. The upgrades that I have done to it are more of minor refinements, and there is nothing holding somebody back from being faster than me on a $500 hardtail. It's all about skill which is gained through experience and practice.

[@vivek_v]

@@TomKennedyUSA You should check out the new Mongoose bikes, one being an actual decent full suspension bike, that Walmart has. KevCentral has made videos about them and they look like awesome deals (if you can find them in stock) for a beginner.

[@StepsWay]

I remember that bike! right when you decided to transition from bmx. who would've known a cheap walmart bike can inspire someone into loving a sport like MTB.

[@matrixracing8268]

4:23 The Person said, *"You need a rear shock"* had me laughing.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha I know, I was laughing when I was editing too! The local groms are great hecklers haha

[@thebeardedman-drenaline5546]

So I DID hear that 😂 jokes on them when they saw the hardtail won, they were *shocked

[@geemail369]

No need to reply ... just _"work hard in silence, let success make the noise!"_

[@introversitile931]

@@thebeardedman-drenaline5546 pun intended 😂😂

[@f1raikkonen11]

Maybe he knew he wasn’t good enough.. so he just decided to be the loudest instead 🤣

[@hobbes3]

I knew the answer was going to be: "Yes, if you're Kyle."

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha I felt a lot of pressure on this one trying to represent for the hardtail crowd!

[@thebeardedman-drenaline5546]

@@AprilRideMTB you rep't & and sent it well🤙

[@johnlaw5762]

Kyle, how humble you are in victory and the way you interact with your fans (like that kid at the end) is what makes you a real winner. Well done champ!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Johann!

[@rhmikemizo2320]

One thing I point in every video that you are so humble, I think this is why April love you 😀

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha thank you Mike! I experienced a lot of struggles early on in life and It's just taught me that we are all lucky to be here, and any chance you have to be nice to people, you should take it. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment that though, it means a lot!

[@kyledavis635]

@@AprilRideMTB I would second that Kyle.... it is obvious that the folks up there all know who you are and have a great deal of respect for you - and that is undoubtedly because you treat them well. They look up to you because of your riding ability, but you are a hero to them because of how you treat them... Whatever is responsible for your sense of humility, and kindness, I wish we could bottle it and disperse it to the world...

[@AprilRideMTB]

@@kyledavis635 Thanks Kyle, that comment had me tearing up a little bit. I just want to do my best and leave a positive impact on the world. Especially for the kids that are trying to find their way. Life isn't easy but its a lot better with a bike in hand.

[@kyledavis635]

@@AprilRideMTB I've been a fairly avid mountain biker for approx. 5 years now - beginning for the most part when I got my first full suspension bike, at 53 years old. I love the sport and what it provides relating to my mental well being, the joy it brings me pretty much every time I get on the bike and go out into nature... So your saying that "life isn't easy but its a lot better on with a bike in hand" strongly resonates with me... You have alluded to some of your early struggles in life playing a big part in you being the person you are now. The truth of the matter is that I think it is rare for a person to have the attitude that you have without having endured some sort of significant hardship. It is unusual to have the level of humility that you exhibit without you being thankful for your good fortune - as we know that things in life are not always under our control. Without prying, have you ever discussed or alluded to your past in any of your videos? If so, could you provide a link? I'd be interested to know more about your story if that's something you have been open to share... Regards...

[@micktheshaggy3977]

@@kyledavis635 There is a video where Kyle tells his story: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIfJoJmurp5peaM

[@TheRotundRider]

“You need a rear shock!” LOL

[@AprilRideMTB]

The Boise groms are professional hecklers haha

[@B1KER]

Hardtail’s are super fun. Stoked you made this to show people you can still rip on one. I think a lot of people think you need FS…but you don’t.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you, glad you appreciated it! 😊

[@PQV-8898]

Incredible! Kyle on a hardtail beats the next competitor by 3 seconds.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks! It was a fun day!

[@augenmaugen]

This is one of my favorite MTB vids. 1st place on a hardtail with pretty budget friendly components. Great reality check for gear nerds like me. Time spent riding, learning, practicing and enjoying is where it’s at.

[@69Tonyro]

Ha ha. Imagine being some local fast guy that feels like he has a chance to win a race…. then Kyle Warner rolls up. D’oh!!! 🤦🏻‍♂️ Maybe next time. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Seriously though, that was a great video. So much fun to watch. Thanks for the great content! You rock.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Tony!!! Haha the local guys are fast too though! I feel like it's only a matter of time before they get me! All the editing has me like 5 pounds overweight right now haha

[@choanlpoto]

Basically our life in south of france local competition… always a Oton, a Dailly or even a Bruni to show up and steal the show ahah xD . tbh the top10 of any random race here is always full of ews racer… Could be nice to have a pro class in france to let a chance to amateur to jump on the podium 🥲

[@jmh3571]

Dang, I wish I had just a 1/4 the amount of talent you have on a bike. Lol. Kudos to you for going out there and showing everyone up on a dang hardtail! That was cool to watch for sure!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha thank you! I have spent way too much time "behind bars" haha. Thanks for watching!!

[@antaltieri7154]

I love the raw feeling of my hardtail and throwing it around, but yeah, my knees and ankles much prefer having a rear shock haha

[@AprilRideMTB]

Haha yeah my left (front foot) calf is still sore today!!!

[@tonyb4259]

Goes to show ... it's not the quality of the kit, it's the quality of the rider. Well done Kyle.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Couldn't agree more Tony!!

[@thebeardedman-drenaline5546]

Yes, i 100% agree Kyle! as a guy that rides a hardtail 99% of the time, they are very capable and fast. AND you will become a better rider because of them. Congrats on the win brother🤙🙌

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!! Yeah I have had a blast riding mine this year!

[@EstevenHeartlove]

Your humility and attitude are the definition of a true champion. The real deal doesn’t need to put on airs.

[@whatgoesup8972]

I love seeing the hardtail action! I've been hardtail exclusively for a few years now and while sometimes have some bone-shaking descents, when it goes well it is so good!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Yeah the reward of hitting something smooth is definitely amplified on the hardtail!!

[@01nmuskier]

I went back to a ht with flat pedals for coaching kids. Much simpler setup and, yeah, we get back to focusing on skills. When I get back on my FS, I am so much more smooth.

[@garyanger3141]

That run was DIALED!!!!! WOW! Nicely done. So pumped you took the time and effort to showcase the potential of a hardtail. So inspiring 😎

[@hitman1421]

A track that smooth. You may have been faster on the hardtail.

[@alankaye4382]

Yes. Riding in the north east I'm thinking that looks like my local pump track. Fast and smooth riding for sure, but not a rock or a root to be seen.

[@sgazzz]

Seriously, that looked ideal for the hardtail...would love to see this experiment again on a real downhill or enduro course.

[@VentoRdrummeR]

That was wholesome to watch for a hardtail dude like me… mad respect to you Kyle. Your cornering speed on that dusty soil made me anxious

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!!!

[@RYADADEV]

Absolutely like that you encourage the younger riders to compete. Just by saying hello, or encouraging a small conversation goes a long ways. Way to smash that on a hardtail!

[@rabitoblanco]

SUCH a big deal , that little bit of interaction for a young kid!

[@iceI3urn]

Greetings from Philippines. This is a proof how fit and pro you are, riding on a hardtail on DH and winning it on the same time. Wew!!! Hardtail guy here on XC bike, yeah your legs hurts on technical trails. Congrats!!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@wchangose]

Super video! I applauded for $2.00 👏

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much William!!

[@Shá_doe]

started on a hartail a year and a half ago and it was great fun and felt good, now got me a full suspension and its great to see the differences and strengths of both.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome you have been able to try both!

[@jasonpatrickdeleon4701]

here in our country Philippines 🇵🇭 mostly maybe 65-70% riders in the trail and enduro use Hardtail bec we can't afford Fullsus Bike hehe 😅☹️

[@schwangster]

Found it very interesting listening to your breathing on the course. I don’t think I have that kind of control and recovery when ripping. Probably because I generally forget to breathe in the hard stuff, lol. Might be a good video to shoot-

[@AprilRideMTB]

Yeah its funny but my old coach told me, " you can only breathe in as much as you breathe out" and that simple tip changed my racing career so much. I just focus on the out breath because its a little more audible and kind of helps keep me focused!

[@tomsawyer502]

Love my 120mm Trail Hardtail. I do not ride it in race mode but it is def. capable to ride some downhill sections. Very direct and active feeling. So nice.

[@salyna.nguyen]

Holy, what a PRO! Congrats Kyle! I just went downhill biking for the first time last weekend, with ZERO experience. I watched a ton of your videos and tried to absorb as much as possible prior... and it was a BLAST! But I don't think I would've been able to do it without a fully suspended bike. This video just showed me that it IS possible?! INSANE! MIND BLOWN!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much Salyna and glad you had fun riding downhill!

[@01nmuskier]

I just did a local enduro on my Rocky Mountain Growler. Definitely not as fast as my trail bike, but I can clean anything less than full dh.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thats so sick!! Yeah they are fun, and like 85% as fast haha. Its been great to sharpen my skills a little bit the past few weeks!

[@philipps258]

awesome! thanks for taking us with you =)

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@majorbadidea]

Thanks!

[@majorbadidea]

you are just a master kyle, have a beer on me and wish you feel better soon :))

[@headspacej]

This was fun to watch! A lot of older guys can't believe I ride a hardtail by choice, and I think it's because they're remembering their last hardtails from the '90s: narrow bars, 80mm-travel elastomer forks, 2.0" tires, near-vertical head angles, and v-brakes on muddy rims that constantly taco'd. They can't believe how fun it is on a modern aggressive hardtail with great parts, which is a totally different beast.

[@dunno558]

Not into mountain bikng for more than 10 years and now i decided to go back again, debating if i would opt for f/s or commencal ht but now after seeing Kyle how he rip the trails got a final decision...HT AM would be my partner.Thanks Kyle😀

[@lt7377]

Nice video, good to show people it’s the rider not the bike. Love a hardtail, I’m no expert but started on an entry level bike and loved it.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks Aaron!!

[@willburn1741]

Great testament to the Hardtail legacy. Tuneup your skills, downhill on a Hardtail. Well said! Cheers

[@wheeliegeezer]

Man yours is definitely one of my favourite mtb youtube channels. So down to earth, informative and fun to watch. I've learned a lot from you guys, keep sending it!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you Teo!!!

[@boydcrowder4436]

Very cool Kyle. This hardtailer thanks you for thinking of us and for the video. Congrats.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks Boyd! Yeah I feel like people get caught up in the gear sometimes. At the end of the day its all about having fun!

[@goingbonzo5923]

Winner winner chicken dinner! Congratulations Kyle! I went to Anglefire resort bike park last week and it was killer. Although lots of rocks and holes were exposed it was fun. I need to learn how to bomb that stuff so I don't get as beat up and tired. Thanks for another awesome video.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!!!

[@clnfreakone8486]

Love the channel… I actually bought a giant talon 2 hardtail in November after not riding for 15 years retired my 1994 trek 820 that I put 1000’s of miles on… I upgraded grips,stem,dropper post , and fork … my plan is to ride it for a year and dial in what I want/need in a full suspension…. Right now I’m leaning towards trance x , occum, or spectral 7 they all have key features I like trance x is coming out on top right now because I want to support bike local shop.

[@eshart1245]

Watching you racing is so inspiring

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thats so cool! Thank you!!

[@guetunes]

That was sick! I finally just upgraded from my first nice hardtail to my first full suspension earlier this month. It's nice indeed, but I'm glad I learned on my hardtail this last year for sure. Just want to keep progressing as I learn from pros such as yourself! Thanks for sharing!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Nice!! Yeah you are gonna keep progressing a ton! have fun riding!

[@mrsmith4662]

Another master class - Well done Kyle! Very dusty, bumpy & with plenty of opportunities to overshoot, but even on a hard tail you showed what could be done. So now we have no excuses! Great stuff.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!! Hope you're having an awesome weekend!!

[@mikesallaberry3718]

I started on a fully rigid $350 mountain bike (Nishiki Backroads) in 1988 and had a ton a fun taking that on trails, even with my arms/hands killing me at the end of downhills and my eyeballs about to bounce out of my skull. LOL You can certainly enjoy mountain biking with modern hardtails with excellent front shocks and disc brakes. Get a 29er if you want a cushier ride.

[@gnmatsu]

Awesome job. I always say it's not what you ride. It's how much fun you have. Well done Kyle.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you, it was a lot of fun!

[@j.l.5966]

My palms were sweating with race jitters for you man! Congrats on the win, and huge props for proof that you can definitely shred, race, and have fun on a hardtail 🤙🏼

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@andrewcramer559]

Just bought a shirt! Thanks for some stellar videos, keep it up. Me and my GF love watching the videos as we get back into biking here in BC this summer!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks for the support! Hope you will like it when it gets to you, I will ship it tomorrow. Hope you guys have a great summer riding 😊

[@hardybrim1061]

That guy reaction after seen kyle killing time with a hardtail after saying you need a rear shock was priceless..

[@AprilRideMTB]

Hahaha, oh it was so much fun to see them react. I think it should reduce the amount of complaining about bikes in the future!

[@hardybrim1061]

And post in such a good timing too, last tuesday my hardtail just reach my front door.. yup.. most importantly is to have fun out there.. keep on shredding!

[@kukri52231]

What’s with the profile pic?

[@MrAvsceriola]

Man what a run! Congrats on winning it! Still trying to build my dream HT. Not even thinking to have a full sus because of the cost and maintenance. And after seeing this, Now I'm excited to finish the build someday.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thats awesome! Can't wait for you to get it built up!!

[@sebastiangreen1426]

I just started MTB for like 2-3 weeks(and is the best thing that ever happen to me).And I have a 500 euro Hardtail.After this weeks i got really hyped up and said to myself: Time to switch to full suspension(hard to afford).But after watching this video It opened my mind a little bit and I will stay on hardtail at least for now. Peace and safe rides!!

[@CruiseWavy396]

Kyle you're a G . Not only cause youre a dope biker but also for pursuing the truth of covid and what happend to you. Every great man or woman was always against the grain. Don't let them stop you

[@BelieveInYouNow04]

O watch this channel often i did not subscribe because i don't have bike. And now i got my 1st bike for 5000 philippine money. And now i subscribe watching all your tutorial and so on.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Great to hear, thank you!!!

[@waynecallister2236]

Great video! I can't believe how fast you were going on that hardtail!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Wayne! It was super scary but really fun haha!

[@jessneumann6579]

I love your guys content! I just started riding and you and April make me feel way more informed about riding in general without feeling like an idiot

[@AprilRideMTB]

That’s so awesome to hear! That’s definitely the goal! We can’t wait to do some more tutorials this summer!

[@JustPeaceLoveAndKindness]

Your such a good guy, and a great inspiration for lots of young people.

[@hushroom1299]

I have a weird entry to mountain biking. 5 years ago I wanted to get into the sport so I bought a used FS Kona. Really didn't enjoy it, broke my collarbone, and eventually sold it. Fast forward to 2020 and I bought a hardtail and I have had more fun on that thing than I ever did on my full suspension. So yes - hardtails are great options and you get a great bike with awesome components for a fraction of the cost!

[@AprilRideMTB]

So glad to hear this time around has been more fun!!

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Been racing since the 80s. I love pounding the hardtail. In my opinion, learning or training on a hardtail can have some long-term benefits that go beyond “bad-assery.” For example, Line selection becomes so much more important and you just can’t get lazy. Love your content! Hello from Austria!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks! Yeah it definitely helps with line choices and perfecting a lot of skills!

[@Bloxfruitdealer2]

Not only did your hardtail handled well Kyle, you handled the hardtail incredibly. Awesome job.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much CG!

[@danreed2189]

First of all, I love seeing you race, Kyle. I don't know if the situation will ever come up again, but because your goal was 2:45, it would have been cool for you to put a timer in a low corner of the screen (or anywhere else), so we could sort of judge your progress during the race, and whether or not you achieved your goal. Anyway, just a thought. Congrats on your win and another great video.

[@chrisreid3907]

He did

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks Dan! I did put a little one in the bottom right corner but maybe ill make it a little bigger next time!!

[@danreed2189]

@@AprilRideMTB No, I should have looked closer. Good job!

[@ryanblatt2330]

Awesome video Kyle! love your attitude!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much!

[@programmerart5447]

So sick! Learned a lot from this channel. Impressive how you can win a race while narrating what's going through your mind (reminding yourself to relax). Would love to see more of the thought process. Thanks for all the amazing demo!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much!

[@larevolutionfrancaise1269]

hope you get back on bike fast , you are good man! don’t give up! full support from france they will pay;)

[@mikeg8079]

Thanks for the great content. I have a hardtail and have been going back and forth on signing up for my first enduro this year. This video was definitely inspiring. Keep it up!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Awesome, glad it was inspiring for you!!! 😊

[@jaysdub]

I am new and have only seen the videos teaching April to ride and they have been great. I guess this guy can ride a little bit also.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks! Yes, Kyle is an amazing rider and we don't show it enough on here. I wish I was fast enough to follow him down a trail for some POV of him 😊

[@KevinT3141]

Thanks for that, and congrats on the win!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@layspeed]

Really fun video to watch Kyle! The audio of your ride tells the story of your skills as its so smooth and quiet. I've been riding a HT since November and feel like I've improved so much.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Lay!! Yeah they can help improve skills so much!

[@layspeed]

@@AprilRideMTB I mean the 27.5 x 2.8 tires help on rough terrain too. I haven't used my 2011 Remedy much at all since getting my Kona Big Honzo. And now I'm able to ride the same trails that I was on the full. Bonus was I learned how to jump on the HT.

[@AppraiserTVShow]

🔥🔥Great vid, Kyle 🔥🔥 just barely switched away from my Carve hardtail to full suspension and I agree it was tons of fun. I’m still trying to become one with my bike with the new full suspension. I learned a ton on the hardtail. Hardtails are great for climbing and direction changes. Can’t say I’ve ever had a downhill that looks anything like what you just put up. Wow 🔥🔥

[@SigXman]

Lol. Downhill. Just ripping it with the pedals. I don't have enough courage to do that. I'm still fighting gravity going down with the brakes. Kudos!!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!!!

[@richarde1355]

Proof it’s not the bike! Kyle, you are awesome! Thanks dug sharing!

[@KelMTB]

Awesome!! I just took my Hard Tail in Brian Head Bike Park in Utah ... didn't disappoint.

[@willchart1]

That trail looks smooth! I wish we had trails that smooth where I live. Cool video man!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks! 👍

[@my2017raptorhardtail]

Looks like SUCH a blast. Diehard hardtail rider so love it!

[@Shae-qj9sn]

Love the content and the tone of your channel. Thank you for all the videos and instruction!

[@AprilRideMTB]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@bubbaluv500]

Awesome effort Kyle. Great video.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!!!

[@redbomberr4594]

Humble, kind....and lightning fast. Great vid, thx mate.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@ridingchris9928]

Showing that the rider not the bike or gear makes the difference - rly nice and entertaining video!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brianandbarikelly5349]

Great run Kyle! Nice to see how humble you are in victory. I ride a hardtail... The best bike I could afford at the time. Great video to show how really capable they can be.

[@tobiasiserhot4880]

Great Video. Also Blake Samson from Gmbn rides the Mega and whistler on a Hardtail, If ich have the Skill a HT could get nerly all. Maybe Not Raumpage but for the Most.

[@paulwintermute1495]

Absolute bad ass! 100%! Nice win Kyle!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Paul!!

[@user-io6ne6js2m]

Awesome video. Sam and Leo are going to love seeing you do all this on a hard tail. They’ve been doing the same!

[@AprilRideMTB]

That’s awesome, they have been crushing it too!

[@richardkranium5557]

I needed this video! Love my cannondale but always looking for the bigger, faster (read) more expensive. Thanks for the videos!

[@MrRedschwa]

I saw you and parked next to you at Bogus and actually thought to myself, "that might be Kyle from KZbin, nah he always rides a full suspension in his videos." But I noticed it was a Niner so I was suspicious. I ride nothing but a hardtail every ride around Boise and have no trouble keeping up, honestly, since you're cornering video, my friends are the ones chasing me down the foothills. Thanks for the great content, see you guys out there!

[@AprilRideMTB]

I have been having fun on the hardtail lately, glad to hear that the cornering video helped you so much and that you enjoy your hardtail too! Next time say hi 😊

[@romdavis2050]

It is always a great day when I can see you ride like that. You made that ride look really smooth, especially on a hardtail. Even though the bike is moving like crazy you always seem to be so composed and balanced. Hope to see a video where you show us how it's done.

[@LordDijamco]

Oh my god. You ride so good Kyle! I ride a hardtail too, if I could ride half as good as you I'd be pretty happy Congratulations on the 1st place!🎉

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!!!

[@nomo0928]

Kyle is soooo good , thanks for showing that wonderful journey , congratulations !!

[@firedrake7179]

Thanks for doing this! I ride HT most of the time as I like climbing and meandering single track. You are a monster and it is super cool to ride along like that. Well done. I am using your channel to get my 10 year old into riding mountain as cross training for soccer (aerobic and anaerobic stamina). You guys are really the best. Keep it up and I will be supporting your channel more in the coming days...($$$!!!).

[@John.Dubois]

Awesome Kyle. What a great run… Hope you are doing great.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks John!! It was super fun! Hope you have been doing great too. We might be heading out your way in a month or so!

[@John.Dubois]

@@AprilRideMTB would be awesome to see you guys.

[@dalejones4322]

Great video Kyle. This tells me all I need to know about the hard tail vs dual suspension scenario. I really enjoy watching you race and it was super cool watching you handicap yourself on the hard tail and still pull it out. It would be really cool watching April race too but I understand her wanting to keep mountain biking just for fun.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much Dale! Its been a total blast riding it! Yeah maybe one Day we could do an Aprils first race video!!

[@jorn_hub9364]

lol at 4:20 in the video i think i heard someone yell "you need a rear shock!" or "you don't need a rear shock?" or something like that. Anyway great race man! Yeww!

[@erswork7756]

Hi Kyle and April! I'm 43 and newish to mountain biking. Your videos and drills have been a great help in getting me going in this sport. I love downhilling at Copper Mountain in Colorado, but I had a few falls last summer that have left me fearful of really getting out there this season. I am an avid skier, and one of the things instructors teach for that sport is how to fall. Do you have any tips on how to fall on a mountain bike? I'd love to add that skill, and I think it could help me overcome my fear. Thanks for all you do! -Sharon from Colorado

[@halnogaies1256]

Well, I ensure that my arms are in front of my face when i fall.

[@soultribe9]

Great Kyle!! Congratulations!!! you did awesome !!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks so much!!

[@jankyjoe4571]

Dude you threw down an absolute HEATER of a lap 🤙

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!!!

[@delbertjimson2929]

Looks Fun, Good Job 👊🏽

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thanks Delbert!!

[@sean-bilodeau]

Awesome stuff Kyle! Love the hardtail content and congrats on 1st!!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you! 😊

[@paulmanias8269]

Great demonstration on what a hardtail is capable of! People need to realize that most of your suspension will always come from your legs and arms. I ride a 2014 Novaro Ponderosa, basically a 29er XC hardtail with a Suntour Raidon 100mm fork that is original to the bike. I'm in Northern NJ, basically a suburb of NYC. SUPER ROCKY! the Rock Garden State, haha! People around here will sit and watch me descend rock slabs in disbelief while sitting on their full sus bikes. It seems the 3 most important components are tires, brakes and a dropper. What tires brakes did you run for your race?

[@AprilRideMTB]

Couldn't agree more Paul! I ran 27.5 x 2.6 Schwalbe Big Betty's in the front! With Shimano XT brakes and 180mm rotors

[@paulmanias8269]

@@AprilRideMTB Thank you

[@dkipu266]

I noticed when I rode hard tail I was leaning into my front for the suspension quite a bit, occasionally too hard and going over the front of my bike…switching to full suspension that just stopped overnight. As your skills progress and if you really want to ride hard and preserve your body, if you can scrape together more cash or find a great used deal, go full suspension.

[@halnogaies1256]

I love my HT! I could buy a FS, but what's the point, I enjoy my HT and i can take the bumps.

[@ridingdeep8530]

That course looks like fun, good thing it wasn't too rocky, that might change your mind on the hard tail. You killed it on that bike though, super smooth!

[@butlergl]

Very cool. You made that look super smooth.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you so much! It was super fun! I got lucky with the track they chose haha

[@mountaingoat8788]

Sick man!!! My only mtb right now is a chromag stylus ht. Cant wait to start riding again. Still down with injured ankle.

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you, hope you heal fast! 😊

[@Mahargbot]

Loved this video Kyle, and you seem like such a great guy. Would love to see more videos like this with maybe you giving some commentary overtop with your decision making or advice on why you chose a line.

[@infoborn662]

very cool demo Kyle on how the rider is more important then the bike ... ;)

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!

[@allanridesbikes5856]

Amazing riding! Thank you for representing the hardtails!

[@AprilRideMTB]

Thank you!