XC Race Bike Vs Trail Hardtail | Which Is The Better Mountain Bike?

[@gmbn]

Which bike would you choose? Let us know!

[@louimcgee6146]

Global Mountain Bike Network definitely nukeproof better for jumping around

[@pawewielgus2105]

Nukeproof - one do it all!

[@escxrt7442]

Nukeproof

[@slimelord314]

Global Mountain Bike Network I guess I have more of a trail hardtail that I use to race

[@thechaosengine3020]

If I could only have one bike - the Nukeproof. BUT! If I could have two ... Enduro and a cheaper XC bike. Something I can afford to maintain.

[@sebastianglenn7904]

I ride my XC bike like a trail/enduro cause I can’t afford a different bike and it gets sketchy sometimes but that’s what makes it fun

[@yesto9676]

Sebastian Glenn You can still ride some crazy shit even on xc hardtails

[@sebastianglenn7904]

Yesto mine is a full suspension but I honestly wish it was a hard tail. Yeah I’ve seen some pretty crazy shit being ridden on an XC bike and it’s awesome watching people push the limits of their bike.

[@yesto9676]

Sebastian Glenn really? I hear having rear suspension saves a significant amount of energy in XC

[@peterlang5047]

I ride trials on my XC bike. I feel like it’s the best option for trials and trails.

[@th_js]

Hey, put a wider bar, shorter stem and some Minions on the bike and boom you have a xc trail bike!

[@steve.b.23]

£1,699 is affordable? I'm in the wrong job!

[@oskarstaudte]

it is, if ur comparing it to the other bike for 4,5k

[@Meinungsmacher]

4,5k is affordable... compared to a ferrari

[@danaminyip]

2nd hand baby

[@qwertykevin1]

Complain more

[@BaldMancTwat]

You could buy a motorbike for that money.

[@TrailFeatures]

I am so freaking stoked hardtails are getting so much love lately! It always makes me sad when people apologize for only having a hardtail. 😔 Love the bike you've got and let's go ride!

[@geemail369]

A-MEN!

[@vaulthecreator]

Won't get me apologizing for having a hardtail. Nor will you get me back on a soft girly bike (aka full sus) ;)

[@elmeri9237]

Hardtails become fun when u have tested full suspension. There is just something in hardtails... they are fun.

[@thenewanonymous1194]

I always do these trails in the vid on a hardtail. Only done the first drop in the woods on a full sus

[@gillescordier8033]

I love my Scott Scale 29"!! It will humble you to no end and make you respect every trail you ride on. It'all about riding skills for me.

[@mww558]

There’s some really interesting comments about this video. I largely take from this that both bikes are out of a lot of mtb enthusiast’s price bracket. I saved months to get myself a high end carbon race bike but it would be great to see GMBN review two bikes between £500-1000. We’ve all had these bikes and importantly it makes you appreciate what you have now!

[@teenoltae]

Only 1500 so 'ok to lock up outside the pub' - spoken like a man who doesn't pay for bikes . .

[@pavele.3562]

T Noltae well if you get a bike lock with an insurance payout you're likely to have less trouble claiming a 1600 bike than a bike worth over 4k. I don't even think there is a bike lock with an insurance payout to cover the xc bike.

[@jeremycoleman7971]

And here I am taking the wheels and seat off my $400 bike to run in a store for 2 mins while it’s on my car carrier like a schmuck.

[@tomodell3671]

Spoken from somebody who isn't living in poverty. I leave my £3000 alloy road bike outside where I work... It's insured.

[@strokenumber3]

An indication of his, er, IQ perhaps: He seems to have problems stringing a sentence together.

[@chrisburn7178]

Exactly - I have enormous respect for the GMBN crew but they do need to reality check every so often. That Nukeproof would be jackpot for a thief regardless of what you locked it with.

[@knoxleppago7594]

Loving the camera chase style, feels like I'm riding with them

[@wojak2466]

Backwards???

[@MrAAxxiiss]

I like that you started including the price of the bikes in the videos, adds extra info on the comparison

[@rt-ik7ik]

Blake: the full saying actually goes like this: "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one". Which is very fitting for your nukeproof vs Neil's Canyon.

[@neildonoghueMTB]

r00t 1010 I did not know that!

[@MrPeter1337]

it actually doesn't english.stackexchange.com/questions/408782/is-jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none-really-just-a-part-of-a-longer-proverb

[@danielrodriguez4697]

This is the kind of video we hardtail fans want!

[@RanWithScissors-42]

Might be the greatest GMBN edit/comparison. The camera leading the riders on the trail was a great visual.

[@gmbn]

Thanks IronicStompin!

[@Deuteross]

Filming and editing in this video is top notch. Great riding too, of course, lads.

[@sushruthravishankar105]

Thanks for doing my video suggestion. I suggested it in the last video and u guys smashed it and brought it to the fans. Thanks GMBN .

[@mekoskyjames581]

im new to mountain bikes and just scored me a 2013 specialized epic comp 29er love the front and rear suspension on it been looking at doing alot of xc this summer on it

[@brendad9464]

I ride a Trek Roscoe 8 27.5+ hardtail. It's much like the Nukeproof in this video and I love the ride and cornering ability. XC bikes are awesome on flats and straightaways, but I'm all trail rider all the way.

[@jonashvidberg6759]

That intro b-roll! Soooooo good!

[@BandGeekRecords]

I want that Nukeproof! That bike is sick.

[@efdbjon2114]

you can get one for 500 quid or so less that has tektro brakes and shimano deore shifting everything else is the same realy nice bike for the money its a nukeproof scout aswell just a cheaper modek

[@olliebroughton5319]

Once again, Blake: the voice of reason and wisdom on the channel

[@richarde1355]

Anybody else love watching these guys ride? And I also love their conversation. Super appreciate the videos GMBN posts...

[@KeeTeh3]

I like this GCN style rear view recording

[@timmcmanus3889]

I’m miss these types challenge series. Ive learned so much from these type of videos.

[@lucyallsop5626]

I race on a Carbon hardtail, they are rapidddd, I've taken mine to BPW for training and its insane going down red runs!

[@doctajuice]

You can visibly tell the difference in body position and where each one helps or hurts depending on the position of the rider. Super cool to see these side by side

[@DavidElizondo_G]

I gotta say, I have a full enduro bike, and a hardtail (or workhorse). And something I've notice is that even though the enduro bike is the spoiled bike (the one I've spent the most money on) it's the hardtail the one I ride the most, and the most versatile. I use it for commuting to work, XC, and even enduro (when the other bike is at the workshop), and I just love it!. Yes, you'll go slower than a full enduro bike, or a XC bike, but that won't erase the smile on your face. Actually, I'm most likely to change my enduro bike in a near future than my hardtail.

[@jonienglish3231]

Towards the End of the video Should have SWITCHED RIDERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and compared the Rides

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Alright, who's bike was creaking?

[@simonjones3914]

ThunderStruckCoach it was so loud - it would really do my head in!

[@richc2980]

Neil's was definitely the creaky one on the climb

[@puka6043]

This sound is called press fit

[@neildonoghueMTB]

Sorry! Just fixed it, my BB was very dry

[@David-rb3tk]

That's wwhat she said!!

[@Stander26]

I've installed a 150 mm reverb on my xc carbon racing bike. I feel much more in control on downhill parts now, without being afraid of getting thrown over the bars by the saddle.

[@gmbn]

We approve of that upgrade!

[@dovgoldberg]

I have been riding the canyon exceed for over a year now. Added a 150 mm reverb dropper and 2.3 ikons and it is a great xc/trail racer.

[@alexnicolaou3579]

Excellent comparison video guys, thanx for answering my question I had since day one. Wether there are XC specific hardtails and trail/enduro specific hardtails. Always thought their design philosophy was the same. Turns out i was wrong :)

[@PHAM_mtb]

I never understand how those XC guys don't get thrown off by the saddle. Speaking for myself, the dropper post surely is the best invention EVER.

[@peytoncox8146]

I agree, even on my XC racing, I run a 100mm dropper

[@psychonaut038]

Practice mate. I do downhill stuff with sadle up. It never blocks my abbility's

[@taydilarel27]

This is an honest video. Good job!

[@jgmtb7688]

so many variables when trying to decide what bike to get. One of each would be nice but if that's not an option the lads at GMBN will test them all and let you make up your own mind. Loving the channels lads, Keep it up 👍

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

This channel is so good, the content and the action shots are on a whole other level.

[@gmbn]

Thanks Ronald Tartaglia! We work hard!

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Global Mountain Bike Network it shows, totally pro channel.

[@Amundsenkalmah]

Blake was on fire with the jersey and sending jumps on clipless! Nice!!

[@Lght-wv9hq]

Did Blake use clips? Great video!

[@YavorM-Yash]

About to write the same. He did!

[@thereformers7040]

do you know Blake shoes?

[@thedude8267]

Yoo!! That jersey that Blake has is MONEY!

[@chrisanderson8578]

I've been wanting to move over to a full susser this year but the more I see Blake tearing it up I feel like I want another hard tail!

[@MarcusNesbitt4]

Ive actually been and ridden here, thought i recognised it!! Charterhouse is beautiful

[@Vishus_]

Sick video as always.. Love the edit

[@bahakeskinsoy6027]

Love the music at the beginning xD

[@randyhou8522]

Would love to see you guys do a comparison on frame material in an all-mountain aggressive hardtail, carbon vs alu vs. steel.

[@dennys.1050]

Hardtails are so much fun! I builed up a Dartmoor Primal last week and its nuts!

[@thadlogan51]

Great video. The trail bike looked significantly more effortless coming downhill...way more fun. I have a Diamondback Syncr 2019... Which is almost same as the Scout trail bike in this video. I also just bought a xc racing bike for my son. Im still debating with myself if I made right choice in getting the trail bike. The trail bike is way more comfortable to ride. It feels way more solid and smooth downhill too... especially the front shocks at 140 mm travel. But a compatible sx bike is about 4 pounds lighter...and has 29 wheels. I am a team leader on my son's high school cross country team...and I typically beat 90 percent of the team riders. But the lighter xc bikes with big wheels can sometimes leave me in dust on the flat and uphill climbs no matter how good of shape I'm in...and again I'm faster than most riders...it just takes more work on bigger, heavier bike. But I plan to go on bigger mountain downhill rides when race season ends and I have no doubt it will kick any xc ass downhill.

[@RicQuintanilla]

rad video! love the different editing style! and all that Hardtail LOVE!!!

[@baylenguy2602]

Definitely the Nukeproof 100%

[@uraydo]

These guys are nuts. In what world is $2000 is "affordable"?

[@notproplayer3649]

XC bikes are usually more affordable, I've got a 1000 € xc bike myself (scott aspect 920) and it handles really well on the trail inspite of the 100 mm of travel, that's because of the plus size tires that absorb a lot of shock and make the bike more forgiving, I know that for any future bike I'll own, I'll probably make it a priority to change the tires to something bigger if it doesn't have big ones already, changing tires is probably the best "cheap" upgrade you can give to your bike that makes a big difference to the kind of riding you have, so in my opinion the trail hardtail if priced at around 1600 isn't the most compeling option, a good entry level XC should be bought at around 700 and could totally ride trails (with no big drops), if fitted with right tires. Testing out a 1700 € good quality enduro full suspension that was lended to me by a friend, I'm pretty sure that for more extreme trails, the full sus is the way to go instead of the similarely priced trail hardtail, but of course, some riders will prefer the hardtail for it's easier maintenance, less weight and perhaps different handling so your choice I guess, both seem fine to me

[@kevinacla8291]

i love the comparison. thankyou GMBN

[@sambookbinder4201]

Super cool follow shots!

[@gmbn]

Cheers Sam Bookbinder!

[@jamestanton9004]

The nukeproof it looks so nice

[@willburden1597]

Is that Blake Samson using clipless pedals??

[@darksylver8471]

Nedrub He is !! Gor the first time of our lives we can see Blake using clipless pedals

[@migatron1]

Dark Sylver Not the first brah

[@hildegardvonlohengramm2629]

Bru*

[@boserbube7922]

Very simple: When it´s a CC-race, i will go for the CC-bike. For the fact that my last CC-Race was in 1998 and i never did a marathon, i will always choose the "work-horse" because it will take me everywhere, with proper comfort and speed, creating the fun i need.

[@maschypee8243]

Rowberrow Warren, Beacon Batch, Burrington Coombe...my home turf...looks like you guys loved it as much as I do...👍

[@joelbillington8536]

maschy pee is that actually where that is? That looks sick!!

[@maschypee8243]

Joel Billington Yeah it is, here's the location on MTBtrails: www.mtbtrails.info/Trail_Venue_Map_TrailViewer.aspx?VenueNumber=111&TrailNumber=173&Unique=636655106985534439 They didn't ride the best part though, the superfast rocky downhill with mini waterfall at the Burrington end of the trail...

[@diluteduk]

How are 2.2 tyres now considered the skinny option!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

.... "or a-loom-in-um" lol!

[@daysofnoah]

Great video! I love my hardtail.

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

Premium... Premim Neil- Blake, had me dead 👌🏻

[@kiaorakid7545]

Blake your bike is so Dope! great vid Gmbn

[@reidedens7812]

Love the content boys

[@gmbn]

Thanks Reid!

[@renosaintz7864]

For me I guess its not about the bike but the rider who rides it

[@RichieD088]

Another great, GREAT vid you guys !!

[@johnybrokeit]

This video was sickkkkk, guys! And I love how Blake is.. well, he’s Blake 🤟🏽😈 cheeky bugga.. I love the man! That wheelie riding through that bushy section was the best for me.. all in slow motion too. I can’t feel bad for jake, I’m sure he has an enduro of his own too, anyways :) Cheers, guys! Sexy post!

[@crankbait6264]

Awwwwww Blake was showing off !! Awesome

[@pez_cemetery5576]

Mmm Rowberrow. My favourite trail in the Mendips too. Nice editing in the only drop on it no less than 5 times :-D

[@RolnikProduction]

Music on the beginning 0:14 - Chelle Ives - Underliner

[@Gumson99]

Neil I think your super light bike is CREAKING AS HELL :D :D

[@pneuamtics1]

Thanks for helping

[@bandgeek1517]

What size frame is the Scout?

[@carlangashell666]

you can do even more with a XC race bike. i ride my giant XTC advanced in vancouver north shore without any inconvenience in black trails with drop offs and really rough sections

[@massimoaugu]

What is the best on technical climbing? Thanks

[@hankschrader2353]

Would have been helpful if you could compare the actual geometry or the influence of the wheels. Now it's just "it depends"

[@3AM.Paranormal]

Which bike would I pick? Both! But with the same wheel size, and dropper on both. The alu frame for general riding and training, the carbon for racing. However the costs of both bikes in this vid made me cringe. I never spent more the $1400 USD on a mtb. And raced over 40 races in sport class (Norba, CORPS, local series events), & 4 endurance races. Maybe if I was expert/elite, and made 2x of what I made now, of course these 2 would be an option. Love the vid, none the less! Keep up the good work guys!

[@stug45]

26 inch ragley blue pig mk1. Still feels epic and able to ride it just as quickly as those on big bikes :-)

[@markbarker665]

Had two racing hard tails Trek Elite 9.8 and Superfly 29ner. Both great bikes. Now injured & older and not taking part in races or events. Wanted bike that's little more relaxed and could take bit more pushment on the trails. But still felt nible like racing HD. So went for a Giant Fathom 1. Looked at Whyte and Nukeproofe. Between two bikes on show here go for Nukeproof. If had bigger budget Sant Cruz Chameleon 27.5 Carbon.

[@kerrgreg]

Where was this it looked like a nice mix of riding

[@traumiweber6600]

I like the looks of the Canyon, nice color as well

[@TheSpade83]

Nukeproof scout 27 vs sentier 27? Which would you prefer?

[@charliedeacon8489]

I’m not sure why, but you guys look strange not wearing knee pads on this haha! Great vid though 👏🏻🤘🏼

[@mayjoycedulnuan3879]

as always, you have an awesome trails

[@kyriakos___55555]

Do you have any video coming about the training for the EWS ?

[@gap1967uk]

Cool video. I would go for the nukeproof

[@pavele.3562]

Wow, love the new jersey color scheme! Definitely going to get one, I'm a sucker for retro colours. As for the bike, I would go for the nukeproof since I already have an XC 29er, but the all carbon xc bike is quite alluring. Keep up the great content, you guys are singularly responsible for getting me back into mountain biking.

[@gmbn]

Glad you're liking the new designs! Send us a pick when you get one!

[@Robert-nz2qw]

My son does MTB and he outgrew his old bike. Buying the new one I asked him several times: are you sure this bike’s enough? The reason was that compared to his peers bikes it was a lot cheaper (66%). He kept answering me: what they got is a brand on the frame, a frame in carbon. But I have the same or better components and a lighter bike at that (entry level carbons aren’t always the lightest). Must I say I’m a super proud dad?

[@virgilferrer]

What is he riding?

[@Robert-nz2qw]

@@virgilferrer Crescent R50 2019 (SRAM, they've changed to Shimano in 2020)

[@glennbmendoza]

Perhaps only the experts or the one who's riding bikes for years could see the difference between an XC or Trail bike. For newbies like me, as long as it has air fork (or sometimes even coil spring fork), I'll pedal it like hell regardless of terrain as logn as not water nor snow.. haha.

[@skiahh]

OK, here's a question for you. You said you were riding the Canyon in a 100 mile event. Then, later in the video, you said you could feel every single bump and rock on the trail. The Nukeproof is more comfortable and soaks up more trail bumps. Over 100 miles, then, which is really better? The lighter bike that beats the snot out of you or the heavier bike that doesn't fatigue you nearly as much from trail. bumps? Would the offset in pushing the heavier bike over those 100 miles be better than the constant vibration fatigue to your whole body by riding that ultra-stiff and utterly unforgiving Canyon for 100 miles?

[@callumyoung7785]

Noticed how gmbns most loved sponsors all begin with a C: Canyon, Crankbrothers, Continental.

[@geemail369]

... concussion ...

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Note to Blake, never stop pronouncing aluminum as Al-you- minium. That’s why us Americans love you Brits so much.😍

[@joshmelvin8843]

Blake riding clips. Something I never thought would happen

[@geeogeoo1259]

Blake is on clips!!

[@shaunreed2884]

Cool video great music guys

[@MarkRDKing]

Shredding vid!!!🤘🤘🤘Trail bike for me....I like versatility.

[@SmokeyBeard]

How was the follow cam done?Was it just a camera on somebody's back?

[@nikolaymilouchev5954]

Nukeproof Scout VS Orbea Laufey H10, which would you pick?

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

“Premium Neil” love that, is going to have to stick,as usuall B.A.T.U...😀

[@Jmastarasta]

Super Rad⚡️🤘🏼⚡️ video guys!!

[@ardarazi8472]

Niel vs Blake challanges are soo friggin good.

[@JohnMartin-jx1wz]

We used to do this with bog standard Raleigh bikes from Kay's catalogue. Three speed, no suspension and thin wheels. No need for all that flash gear.

[@stinkyfungus]

Mine was an 1985 diamondback ridgerunner II... Little more tech than your raleigh... but pretty basic. Used to ride down stuff that most folks wouldn't even try to walk down. This whole can't do x or y on bike w or z is total bullshit marketing hype. Back in the early 2000s I would ride the same trails on my so called "trail" bike as I could on my race bike. (Just not as quickly uphill) But chose not to NOT because my race bike couldn't handle it... It was just why wear out top shelf components and expensive lightweight tires When a cheaper spec, somewhat heavier bike could be a perfectly suitible fun training tool? Basically, any "trail" I can't ride on a good xc bike is not something I care to ride. And I can ride an xc bike (with a climber's saddle height) on damn near anything short of a no shit downhill course.

[@JohnMartin-jx1wz]

@@stinkyfungus My first mountain bike was a diamond back. Really nice bikes for the money. Somebody stole it and I needed up with a really nice Carrera. I moved on to a really good trex that could climb and climb.

[@horusgarcia1]

Obviously the better design. You can already see the racer bike has more momentum during cruising and on the tougher line. For my next bike, I just might get a hardtail. The seem easier to sell too. You still can't leave Blake's bike unintended. That will get stolen too. After spelling out the SUV, I was sold on Blake's bike but with 29.

[@ollydickinson2196]

5:22 think you forgot to bleep something out for the kiddies 😂😂

[@Yachii]

This is late but im pretty sure he said "but everyone likes a good challenge"

[@fromxctoletssee]

Super fun video. Change the length of you front suspention on the XC bike to make the bije more slacker. Works a treat

[@roryjohnson3567]

From XC to let's See and put in a dropper. With the fox stepcast 34 and KS lev ci you would be adding minimal weight, it would still climb and accelerate like an xc bike but would handle far better when pointed down. Of course that’s not going to be cheap

[@fromxctoletssee]

Rory Johnson is any upgrade really ? Im changing my one XC bike to more of a all mountain. Replacing the 29 wheel with a 27'5 then go plus tire. Longer suspention up front. 100mm to 130mm. Should be a blast.

[@roryjohnson3567]

That’s what a ride (a 27.5 plus bike w/130mm fork) super fun. You’re going to love it. And you can always go back to your xc setup if you have a need to