Been watching this bike, develop over on Hardtail Party, closely. Nice to see another riders view (even if it isn't completely unbiased) on this one. As a true blue HT rider and lover. The finished version is most definitely on the rader for a new steed. Thanks for video.
Microshift is my personal favorite! I've got am Advent 9 speed, and love it! Only got 9 speed since it was available at the time. Hoping that someday the X will get back in stock and more available. Shifts like a dream and it's easy to setup and adjust.
It doth rock exceedingly 🤘 I’m loving the comparison videos of the same bikes as well cuz I watch Hardtail Party but I’m 5’5” 130 lbs 30” inseam, so I appreciate your feedback.
Great review! I just left Sedona yesterday. Visiting from Massachusetts. How lucky are you to live so close to those amazing trails. It’s good to see that Steve is willing to share his special bike, haha.
2:12 I tried 29x3.0 Maxxis DHR/Spank 395+ i35 mm rims on the front of my Banshee Paradox V3 RAW XL bike frame, and it was too numb. I couldn't feel what I was riding on. My winter tires called Soumi WXC Piikkisika TLR 29" used 2.6 width and I liked it, so for this summer I went for 29x2.6 Rekon WT front, and 29x2.4 Rekon Race rear. Can't tell you how fast and precise this is downhill. In some critical moments when I lose the connection with the ground I miss my old DHR 29x3.0 tractor tires, but only from the safety aspect.
Cool,, I just got this frame (size medium) and building it up soon. Good to get a different perspective, my size and rider speed and ability for more in line in line with Dusty betty, so her view points were well taken...not sure on the 29+ though... opting for 29" 30mm rims with 2.3 to 2.4 tires to start with. Great review and i also have a newer Ibis DV9 to compare to. Good job!!
It’s nice having an additional perspective on this bike. I like how you went into more detail of the components (which I would consider) and the brakes from a budget point of view. I enjoyed your previous video on the “Black Diamond” terrain in Sedona and what to prepare for when I eventually visit. Thank you.
Bike looks like a really fun ride. Looks like there was some changes made for your test ride on the Maniak. Compared to Steve's build and first test ride. Noticed a different crank set and wheel set. Did the bar change also? Keep up the good work on the videos that you do. Enjoyable, along with the information that you provide.
Try a 27.5 frame with Rocket Ron 27.5x2.8 in the rear on ENVE M635’s… Those Rocket Ron’s are fast rolling and light tires at 790-820 grams per my scale, and these Rocket Ron 2.8’s have 4.0-4.3mm tall knobs! The rest of the Rocket Ron line up only have like 3mm tall knobs. Not to mention the width of the 2.8’s are measured consistently at 2.74-2.77”. I prefer this tire more than my Maxxis Rekon 2.8 DC or 3C which weighs more, sidewalls gets easily cut, and only measures at 2.59-2.64” on the same internal width rim, 35mm. I think you’ll like that better. You get the plus tire, rear end clearance, zippy (than 29+) and has taller knobs (as tall as Specialized Butcher). It won’t throw you off either because the height from a 29x2.3 (which I think is what you’re running on your Ripley) is only 3-4mm lower so the rollover-ability is still there. I don’t run Rocket Ron in the front. That would be suicide. Lol I suggest Butcher 2.8 to balance the front/rear traction. The Magic Mary 2.8 has superb traction but the traction is not balance with the rear. I run Maxxis plus tires as well but their 2.8’s are all measured at 2.6. As far as reliability on these Rocket Ron 2.8’s. I have no complains on the 8 sets I’ve ran. I’ve taken it many times on shuttle runs at Downieville, Reno/Carson and North/South Tahoe trails. My local trails are almost always highspeed runs at over 25 mph. I have yet to rip a sidewall (knock on wood). A good candidate would be a Ragley Mmmbop, 4.7 lbs for the frame with axle/seat collar and its under $600 shipped.
Good to see you out riding this bike. Steve has his ideas about what he wants, but does that work with what other people needs? Not a criticism, but just a thought. Also what would this bike ride like in the wet muddy stuff some people have to deal with? Skinnier tyres sometimes work better in that situation. Thanks for a great video.
It's awesome to get someone else's opinions on this bike.
Really great job! And I love the way you built it up. I will admit, I was a doubting Thomas about those wheels and tires but I totally get it now. 👌
Steve, if you lend it to me, I will be happy to give you my opinion lol
Been watching this bike, develop over on Hardtail Party, closely. Nice to see another riders view (even if it isn't completely unbiased) on this one. As a true blue HT rider and lover. The finished version is most definitely on the rader for a new steed. Thanks for video.
Thanks! Yeah it's been fun to follow this bike's journey through Steve's channel. I've been watching along with the rest of the world!
Microshift is my personal favorite! I've got am Advent 9 speed, and love it! Only got 9 speed since it was available at the time. Hoping that someday the X will get back in stock and more available. Shifts like a dream and it's easy to setup and adjust.
Hi there!
Compared to, say, a Shimano Deore, how does the Microshift Advent fair?
Thanks in advance!
It doth rock exceedingly 🤘 I’m loving the comparison videos of the same bikes as well cuz I watch Hardtail Party but I’m 5’5” 130 lbs 30” inseam, so I appreciate your feedback.
Great review! I just left Sedona yesterday. Visiting from Massachusetts. How lucky are you to live so close to those amazing trails. It’s good to see that Steve is willing to share his special bike, haha.
Beautiful bike, can hardly wait to see the production version of it, so good in so many situations.
Did you mention the weight? Just curious. Thanks!
such a sick bike !
Your skills have improved I've been watching you and your husband's Channel and you can tell the difference most definitely.
2:12 I tried 29x3.0 Maxxis DHR/Spank 395+ i35 mm rims on the front of my Banshee Paradox V3 RAW XL bike frame, and it was too numb. I couldn't feel what I was riding on. My winter tires called Soumi WXC Piikkisika TLR 29" used 2.6 width and I liked it, so for this summer I went for 29x2.6 Rekon WT front, and 29x2.4 Rekon Race rear. Can't tell you how fast and precise this is downhill. In some critical moments when I lose the connection with the ground I miss my old DHR 29x3.0 tractor tires, but only from the safety aspect.
Cool,, I just got this frame (size medium) and building it up soon. Good to get a different perspective, my size and rider speed and ability for more in line in line with Dusty betty, so her view points were well taken...not sure on the 29+ though... opting for 29" 30mm rims with 2.3 to 2.4 tires to start with. Great review and i also have a newer Ibis DV9 to compare to. Good job!!
It’s nice having an additional perspective on this bike. I like how you went into more detail of the components (which I would consider) and the brakes from a budget point of view. I enjoyed your previous video on the “Black Diamond” terrain in Sedona and what to prepare for when I eventually visit. Thank you.
Nice! Love me a titanium hardtail!
Good review! One of the guys I rode with today has one on pre-order.
Placed my order for a Maniak just yesterday!
Bike looks like a really fun ride. Looks like there was some changes made for your test ride on the Maniak. Compared to Steve's build and first test ride. Noticed a different crank set and wheel set. Did the bar change also? Keep up the good work on the videos that you do. Enjoyable, along with the information that you provide.
Nice!
I can’t wait for my Maniak.
Great video, thanks!
the step over top tube is a bit high near the groin ... i barely slide off my giant 29er
Try a 27.5 frame with Rocket Ron 27.5x2.8 in the rear on ENVE M635’s… Those Rocket Ron’s are fast rolling and light tires at 790-820 grams per my scale, and these Rocket Ron 2.8’s have 4.0-4.3mm tall knobs! The rest of the Rocket Ron line up only have like 3mm tall knobs. Not to mention the width of the 2.8’s are measured consistently at 2.74-2.77”. I prefer this tire more than my Maxxis Rekon 2.8 DC or 3C which weighs more, sidewalls gets easily cut, and only measures at 2.59-2.64” on the same internal width rim, 35mm. I think you’ll like that better. You get the plus tire, rear end clearance, zippy (than 29+) and has taller knobs (as tall as Specialized Butcher). It won’t throw you off either because the height from a 29x2.3 (which I think is what you’re running on your Ripley) is only 3-4mm lower so the rollover-ability is still there.
I don’t run Rocket Ron in the front. That would be suicide. Lol I suggest Butcher 2.8 to balance the front/rear traction. The Magic Mary 2.8 has superb traction but the traction is not balance with the rear. I run Maxxis plus tires as well but their 2.8’s are all measured at 2.6.
As far as reliability on these Rocket Ron 2.8’s. I have no complains on the 8 sets I’ve ran. I’ve taken it many times on shuttle runs at Downieville, Reno/Carson and North/South Tahoe trails. My local trails are almost always highspeed runs at over 25 mph. I have yet to rip a sidewall (knock on wood).
A good candidate would be a Ragley Mmmbop, 4.7 lbs for the frame with axle/seat collar and its under $600 shipped.
Nice review.
Good to see you out riding this bike. Steve has his ideas about what he wants, but does that work with what other people needs? Not a criticism, but just a thought. Also what would this bike ride like in the wet muddy stuff some people have to deal with? Skinnier tyres sometimes work better in that situation. Thanks for a great video.
Not an issue. Not much rain out there,LOL
@@kennethsilvestri4161 maybe not there but elsewhere and it needs to be seen to be ridden on different terrain to be judged properly
Try it as a mullet!!!
Nice video
And the price of that demo bike as built? I'm guessing $6500. Beautiful bike if you have that budget.
I like the adjustable chain stay length. Can you actually feel a difference being the frame is titanium?
Great review. What type of cranks are on the bike?
What trail is that?