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Yeah for sure! We will be out there tomorrow in the morning at some point if interested. We will start likely at the usual bottom of hydro hill.

@ oh, I’m there at 12, will you be there?

Most likely yes. We probably won’t get out there until 10 so if you see us say hi!

@@dirtyforksmtb Alr sure thing 👍

It’s Eli btw in case you didn’t know lol idk if you remember me but

Hey yes, I remember you. I got Covid at the time I had my bike listed…. That’s good to hear you got a torrent! The torrent is a killer bike. Yeah you just can’t beat a really good hardtail and because it’s a steel frame it makes it even better! I’m happy you found something. Sorry it didn’t work out on my end. Thanks for chiming in the comments section! I appreciate you watching. Have fun on that sweet bike you’ve got!

Hey there thanks for watching! No, I only showcased one trail from horseshoe in this vid. The rest are all either our locals here in St. Catharines or kings forest in Hamilton!

@ I’ll have to go out that way some time. Just got into mtb a year ago. Riding a Growler in Brantford and don’t see myself getting an fs ever. Thanks for the hardtail content

Nice man, that’s awesome! Mtb is addictive. If you ever find yourself coming this way to check out the trails, do not hesitate to contact me, we can ride together and can show you around the trails here. It’s a blast! Use our IG dirtyforks_mtb to message if you’re interested. Season will be ending soon😭

That is awesome! HYDROCUT for the win! Love that network!! Only got there once this year which is not enough! Keep having fun on that hardtail! Thanks for watching!

@@dirtyforksmtb I have a full sus too, time and place for everything 😄

Thanks for watching a commenting! Great outlook👍

Nice! Love the fact you’re on a rigid! Thank you for watching!

No offence taken! To be honest, this video idea came from a comment I received on another video stating how refreshing it is to find some good hardtail content. It may have come across as a rant but honestly, it was intended to convey the fact that hardtails are usually looked at as a lesser bike over a fully. It was more intended for a rant about the fact that every mtb podcast I listen to or a lot of video content creators always talk about full suspensions and the hardtail gets left behind. I wanted to talk about the fact that they are wicked bikes, you get more value and they are just plain fun to ride! The story I told about the full sus was only so that people could relate and to help people realize that you don’t really need to go down the full suspension rabbit hole despite the overwhelming majority. And how in my particular case, it just wouldn’t have made sense to downgrade to that specific full suspension bike as the parts were just really not good or not on par with mine. I don’t regret for a second my bike! Yes bikes can be a problem! Lol! But at the end of the day they are fun to ride and I can talk bikes all day! Thank you for watching and leaving your comment. We appreciate it! Have fun on those bikes!

That’s awesome! I love my ESD! It’s the best bike I’ve ever owned. Your Big Al is a sweet bike. I love steel frames hardtails! Thank you for watching and commenting! We appreciate it.

Hey, thank you for watching and leaving your comment! Yeah, everything usually comes full circle eventually! Hardtails are 👌! Thanks for chiming in and leaving your two cents!

Yeah man, the hub is so good! The Talon is a great bike!

@@dirtyforksmtb yep got my 2014 talon large in 2014 and still today it runs perfectly, and have beat the heck out of it. got the 2022 last year just because I wanted a medium framed Talon it is quicker on trails with lots of corners, just not as stable at steep down and light in frontend on climbs.

Yeah, those Giant mtb’s are bombproof bikes! Perfect for starting mtb on. I started my mtb obsession on a Giant Revel 2! I upgraded that bike to the point where I literally couldn’t make any more upgrades. Can’t upgrade a bike frame though and that’s where it ended for me with the Revel. I went to trek roscoe and now on this bike. I love it!

Nice! Man that’s awesome. The good ole 80’s bmx days! Thank you for watching and commenting!

Hey Montreal! Thanks for watching! Yes it’s in Ontario. Just outside of Barrie, it’s called Horseshoe bike park.

Amazing! Love hearing about keeping up with this FS guys! Shred that hardtail! Good to hear you’re riding a 90’s road bike as well. Thank you for watching and leaving your comment! Love it!

Lol! That’s for sure…. I knew for sure I wasn’t going to do it once I realized the spec level and geo. And yes, my esd is very unique and I have it exactly the way I want it. I love the bike. It is the best bike I’ve ever owned. I also can understand the non deep pockets! Lol. Darn bikes…. If I were to get a full sus, I don’t know if I could sell this bike. I’d have two possibly. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.

That’s mostly true unless you’re me! I got an entry level HT and now have a wicked HT and it’s so much better! Geo, components and frame material make all the difference on the hardtail! Thanks for watching and commenting.

@@dirtyforksmtbabsolutely a good hardtail is a lot of fun. I have a Santa Cruz 5010 a short travel full suspension and a gambler with full 200 front and rear and I rode Dyfi bike park on the 5010 and it just wasn’t enough suspension for it went back on the dh bike and more fun as was able to ride twice as fast and hit all the jumps whereas I was scared to hit some on the small bike

I could see how that might happen. I think the bigger fs bikes give a big confidence boost. Especially when hitting jumps and/or bigger stuff which sounds like you do. Main thing is, you found a bike that suits your needs and wants and can do what you want to do on it! Have fun out there!

Thank you for watching and commenting! The EVO elite is a great looking bike! You won’t regret having an aggressive hardtail in the line up that’s for sure!

@dirtyforksmtb I bought it used and saved a lot of money though. I wouldn't buy it new though.

Definitely! Used is the way to go with bikes. Especially if you can do your own wrenching!

Have the Same bike. It’s only 34 pounds. In my opinion not that heavy. My Commencal Meta AM Enduro bike was 38 pounds. So like everything it’s all perspective.

Thank you for watching and leaving your comment, we appreciate it! I fixed up an F600 a few years back and I still remember how crazy light that bike is. And good components. And a head shock! I almost bought it from him! Yeah I’d say that is a major upgrade going from the F500 to a rascal! That is such a cool bike! Thank you again and have fun on that Rascal! Glad to hear you kept the F500!!!

👍👍👍🔥

Awesome man! At the end of the day, all that matters is that you have a bike you live to ride and makes you want to be outside riding!! Thank you for watching and your comment!

You sir, deliver a very excellent perspective. The drive and the so called “need” for more is very powerful in todays society. Everything that surrounds us wants to imprint on to us that more is always better. But, less is always better, simplicity is always better. The “less is more” attitude is dying. You spoke a bit about TH-cam advertising slaves, it would seem like that is a good analogy. People on TH-cam want to grow their channels and eventually start to work with brands. Brands then ask for video reviews and can in some cases have full control over end product of what the video should and should not mention. Advertising though, is not new, just new ways to do it. This is the reason we haven’t sold out. I like to talk about products that I buy with my own money and my son and I just enjoy each others company when out riding. This also makes it very difficult to grow our channel. Companies have reached out to us but I’ve turned them down. It is up to each of us to make smart decisions in life. The log cabin life appeals to me greatly but in the mean time, let’s keep on keeping on, live against the grain and not get sucked in by the giant vacuum that wants to assimilate us! Thank you for watching and commenting!

ich bin 60 jahre und fahre noch immer HT. ich hatte eine zeitlang ähnliche sorgen, bis ich mir die mühe gemacht habe und so lange unterschiedliche modelle probiert habe bis die rahmengeometrie wirklich zu meiner körpergeometrie passte. wenn das wirklich zusammen harmoniert verschwinden eine vielzahl der körperlichen beschwerden (rücken, schultern, knie usw.

What a great insight and perspective! Thank you for watching and commenting! Yeah the ESD is honestly the best bike I’ve ever owned. It literally handles everything I want it to do. The other big thing for me is the fact that it can handle any future progression! When we went to the bike park, I thought we would be the only people on HT’s but I was wrong. I’d say we were two of about 7 other people on the hill that day with hardtails and one of them being another ESD! We had so many great comments on the fact that we were riding HT’s at the park and other comments were like “how the heck do you ride that thing here?”. I’d say you’re more than correct with your statement of marketing strategies. The bike market I personally feel is quite overwhelmingly pushing big, high end full suspension bikes and these hardtail gems are being left to die. I can completely understand the body aches and pains and that is one reason I would entertain riding a full sus right now but at the same time, for me personally (and of course everyone is different) I just love that trail feel of the HT. It’s so addicting. I did have a very quick opportunity to ride a proper DH bike with very expensive suspension and man, that bike just literally floated over the usual chunky stuff I ride. It was insane and felt polar opposite of my hardtail. But that was a DH bike. And I was on it for about 5 minutes and it was a smaller frame than I’d fit but I was curious and the owner was gracious enough to let me have a go. Anyway, if you’re considering the esd I’d say definitely and confidently it is an absolute ripper. But then again the 153, is a beauty as well! If I were to buy a full suspension today, honestly the 153 would be the one. Thanks again for watching, I also very much appreciate your perspective from a rider who has been on bikes for years!

@@axt_messer_survivalthat’s awesome to hear! Hardtails are just so much fun! Happy to hear you’ve found the right fitment for you! I can only hope that when I am your age, I am still riding! Have a blast out there and thank you for watching!

Exactly! I just couldn’t do it. Everything but most importantly, the geo is radically different! Thanks for watching and leaving your comment! At the end of the day the ESD is just such a fun bike!

That is for sure. I’m the same. I also order most of my components online. I do have two shops in the region that are good though. Thank you for watching and commenting!

Are you saying does it compare to the growler 50 in stock? If that’s what you’re asking I’d say not really. The ESD is a bit better spec’d in stock form and has slightly more aggressive geo. It’s also a steel bike, the RM is aluminum. Quite different but the RM is a sweet looking bike.

Man you are so right! I literally just made the decision yesterday to create a new video about the hardtail and why full suspension seems to be ruling the market. Hardtails are cool and and so much fun! Everyone talks about how awesome full suspensions are and how people consider even a low entry level spec to be an upgrade from a hardtail no matter the spec. I honestly don’t get it. I am in the same boat as you, very refreshing to see HT content for sure. My son and I both rock hardtails, and love every minute of it! Thanks for watching and for solidifying the need to make that video!👍👌

I’m the same for the most part. But sometimes I want to support a good shop. There are still shops out there that are good to deal with!

Hey thank you for watching all the way from Australia! Your bikes sound awesome! I think the goal for most places is to get you to bring in your bike. Whenever I go in looking for parts, usually I get the same types of responses as you do. But because I know how to do my own wrenching and exactly what parts will go on my bike I know exactly what to ask for. I usually always do my own work. I do have a couple shops local that I trust but for the most part I do my own. Anyway, thank you for watching! We appreciate it!

Very well put man! This is gold! Thank you for your insight. Thank you for watching and leaving your comment.

Also, yes, it is shocking to hear my story isn’t it. I was shocked as well. It is certainly an example of how not to treat people.

That’s so awesome! I love to hear this! These are the types of shops and mentality we need! Thanks for getting people on bikes! And thanks for watching!

what are the margins exactly? like on a bike, or say.. tires? if you dont mind?

@@timcutler1792 I don’t mind at all. On new bikes the margins range from 20%-35% and that 35% is if you’re lucky. Tires are my main money maker with a 50% margin along with small parts like cables being a way higher margin but that’s just because I can buy in huge quantities. Not including shipping… My service rate per hour is 50 an hour but for things like tune ups, derailleur adjustments and tire changes I do a flat rate. My tune up price is 60 dollars for a basic run through. I have another option that is more money but I only recommend that for the mountain bikers I have in my area. Labour usually gets me a 50%.

Lol, I literally laughed out loud at your comment! Thanks for watching! Thanks for the laugh!

@dirtyforksmtb Np. I think maybe you are an empath ✌️

Hey, thank you for watching and leaving your comment! It’s good to hear your perspective as a shop employee. That part about respecting the customers needs and help make them feel like their time was productive and their needs are met and when they leave, they leave feeling respected, that’s the key! You nailed it. Ego needs to be checked at the door, always. Sounds like you work at a dialled shop! Thank you again for watching!

Exactly. But elitists will. Because they are not expensive enough. They wouldn’t be considered powerful enough or have enough bells and whistles. Even though you and I are reasonable and know that those brakes will be more than sufficient for literally anything here in Ontario and beyond!

That’s awesome! This one was a bit ‘frankeinbiked’ but still a cool bike nonetheless! Love to hear you’re still rockin the VPS! Thank you for watching!

You see, now that right there is exactly how it should and could be. I love the fact that he sells used bikes for cheap to get kids and adults on bikes. I love your story! So good! There are shops out there that are good, just have to find them. Thank you for watching and commenting!

​@@dirtyforksmtbno problem. Sadly the sport is going elitist. I have to make my why to the Niagara area to check out your trail systems. I am a short jont from Brantford.

Yes! Come check out Niagara trails. If you ever plan to, let me know. Maybe we could ride! I have an Instagram @dirtyforks_mtb just DM me there!

Yeah, it’s really too bad isn’t it. Thank you for watching!

Yeah, “the Don” trails are awesome raw, old school trails. We went last season but didn’t get back there this season. Hopefully next season. We need to get in there again and check it out!

Hey thanks for watching! I am 6’2”. The bike is a ripper and is very fun to ride! You won’t be disappointed!

@@dirtyforksmtb Thanks for making it! Sounds great. I'm 6'2" as well. The 490 reach should be good I think. My XL Salsa Blackthorn is 510mm, and came with a 50mm stem, and 20mm rise bars. Was just a hair long for me. Swapped the stem for a 35mm Funn Equalizer with 16" rise and PNW Loam carbon bars with 38mm rise and am MUCH happier with it. 490 should be perfect.

Should be good then. I’ve got a 35mm stem and a 40 riser on it and it fits so good!

Thank you for watching and leaving your comment. SLX are fantastic brakes. The have really good modulation, good power, decent bite, a bit lighter than the 420’s, east access bleed ports, shorter brake handles, more Ispec radial adjustment, banjo connectors on the caliper, and a more refined look. The 420’s on the other hand have a more on-off braking feel, direct connections at the caliper, two finger levers, excellent bite, ships with organic pads etc. For the money, the 420’s can’t be beat. So if you don’t care much about aesthetics and don’t need the modulation, the 420’s are a good pick. But the SLX is a value packed mid-tier performer and are really good brakes and value packed themselves. Phenomenal brakes. If I were you, I would look at the Deore MT6120. These brakes are in the middle of the road between the 420 and the SLX but have a better price point compared to the SLX. The 6120 is an amazing brake and very value packed.

nsmb.com/articles/shimano-deore-m6120-four-piston-brakes/

Hey there, thank you for watching and leaving your question! This bike geo is much different than the trek roscoe 7. The Roscoe 7 is firmly planted in the “trail bike” category. The ESD is planted in the “all mountain/enduro” category. The Roscoe 7 however, is a fantastic bike. I can highly recommend that bike as long as it’s a version 2022 or newer. But to answer your question in comparison the Roscoe is steeper in its geo. But like I said, it a great all-rounder trail bike. The advantage my esd has is that it climbs so well and descends even better and has adjustable chain stays and I just can’t get enough…. !!

@@dirtyforksmtb thanks for that explanation. I just started mountain biking at the beginning of this past summer and love it. I bought a 2024 Roscoe 7 and am having a blast.

@@EverythingOutdoorsAndJeepsthat’s awesome man! Welcome to the world of MTB! It’s sooooo good! What a great first bike you bought! The R7 is among the best hardtails you can buy as a beginner! That bike rips and it is an excellent platform to upgrade as well down the road as you feel you need to. Can’t go wrong with the R7! Have fun out there!

@@dirtyforksmtb thanks man. I am addicted! I ride 2-3 times a week and can’t get enough. I’ve already done a few upgrades. I change the fork to a Yari. New handles bars, grips, pedals. I upgraded the brakes to 6120’s. I upgraded the tires to a DHR II in the rear and a Assagai in the front.

Oh man! You have the bug!! YES! That’s so freakin awesome! Your upgrades are BANG ON! The fork you choose is so good as well as those brakes! And this TIRES!! That bike will see you through any progression now! You just made a killer beginner hardtail into a capable “show me the gnar” machine!! Awesome man! Love it! I would love to see a pic of it. If you have Instagram, shoot me a message/pic in my account @dirtyforks_mtb. So happy for you! This mtb obsession is addictive for sure. You have a bomb proof bike sir! Enjoy it!

That’s awesome man! Happy new bike day!!!

@dirtyforksmtb I always wanted that particular downhill bike back in 2001, but the store owner use to work at the older TREK Dealer that went out of business and this particular guy didn't want to do any layaway or payment plan before buying any bike with him, also he saw and he probably felt prejudice of another bike shop that I went to when I got my BANSHEE MORPHINE. Now the newer TREK Dealer that replaced his shop, was more upfront with me but also SCHWINN had already sold out. There are limited quantities available on certain SCHWINN bikes today, 23 years later. Tried to get a SCHWINN STRAIGHT 6 on Ebay from UK and found out the shipping cost was too expensive at $1,400 for 1,000 British Pounds 💷 which is out of my budget for now.