Glad you are reviewing it. This is one of those bikes that everyone mentions when people are asking for good hardtail suggestions. I know nothing about this bike.
The thing I like about Obrea is it is a CoOp . Meaning it is employee owned . So the employees get to share in the profits . This gives them incentive to to care about what they are doing and it has proven to be very successful for them. I wish more companies operated like this . It leads to a better quality of life for employees. Imagine Amazon and Walmart employee owned . Higher wages better health insurance etc. No billionaire owners .
I knew some of the people working at Orbea and I assure they show LOVE for their work. Of course there's something like a CEO earning a lot more than the rest
I bought this bike last summer and it came in October. I love it! Mine is the spec right below this one, the H10 and same color. Although I feel that I should've went with that matte green/orange because it looks so good. Great bike. Cheers!
@@va941 congrats, it's a great bike. 2021 and 2020 are almost similar, only rear cassette and brakes are different as I can tell. maybe we'll ride them some day
When I was hardtail shopping this was on the short list. Gorgeous bike and Orbea seems to spec their bikes (mid level mtb's anyway) well for the price.
I ordered Laufey H30 in the March 2020. Unfortunately corona caused to shutdown of the manufacture so I waited for 2 months. When I gave up and bought Dartmoor Primal, two weeks later I got a message that bike will be ready in upcoming week or two. Right now I am riding that Dartmoor hard but I have still in my head what if...
I have a 2020 Laufey, green color, I confirm that it is a fantastic bike and at that price(in Italy sellers make 15%discount, you take it with 1,700 euros) it is difficult to find better. I sent an email to Orbea to ask if I could mount 26 wheels. The answer was that the new Laufey was designed for 29. A little vague answer. On Blue Paper Orbea gives the possibility to mount 29x2.6 or 27.5 x3 I'm from Italy, sorry for my english 😉
Hey Italian neighbour. How is the situation back there? Is it true that its only because of the virus that its so bad, or other factors like old population, precare health system, not enough doctors and medical tech? Regards from Austria. 👍🤘
@@emir5034 The virus is bad, but generally dangerous for old people, the health system has been reduced by years of bad political class cuts. The lockdown is severe (you cannot move more than 200 meters away from home)
Thanks for the informative review. This has set my mind on purchasing this bike in the near future. I was thinking the same thing of replacing the rear shifter with XT shifter.
Looking forward to a comparison between the lauffey, Timberjack and chameleon. I’ve been trying for months for my local shop, who now carries the brand, to bring this bike in as well as the Alma. However they only stock the high end stuff and all Gain models.
I've been eyeing this bike for the next bike I buy in the spring I'm between the H10 and H LTD The H LTD seems to come spec'd with quite a few more upgrades. for some background, I started riding on a Cannondale Cujo, went to a Polygon Vander, back to a hardtail Commencal Meta HT/AM ( when it was spec'd with a Yari ) to a Status 160 with a bomber z1 again back to a hardtail Nukeproof Scout 275 w/ fox 36 grip 2 ( unfortunately the frame was too small for me it was a 2019 with 425 reach I normally ride large sizes )
This is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful bike. Omg. I really love the looks of the meta but after the review, I am starting to look for other hardtails.. and this is a contender. Do you have an on trail review of this bike?
Does anybody know why there is 3 different versions of this bike, this, then One without the small triangle on the toptube/seattube, and One with a larger triangle?
I currently own a Orbea Loki (last year before they changed the name to Laufey) and its an awesome all around bike. If you want something faster and more comfortable hard tail go with the ALMA... this model is killer.
The Laufey is a beautiful frame with some great colour options and I was seriously tempted, but at the end of the day I went for the Middlechild because I've got an aluminium hardtail and wanted to try something different.
really like this bike. It was on sale a couple of weeks ago but I didnt jump on it fast enough but if I find it on sale again I may pull the trigger on it. even the mid spec bike is basically a fox 36 with a little heavier parts re branded.
27,5 and maybe another degree more slack would have been nice, but the angular tubing looks pretty cool, especially in black. Looking at the three models and their spec it seems that they have a pretty good price to performance ratio, compared to some other brands.
You can plus 27.5+ on this. And I'm betting you could even run 27.5, you'd just have a slightly lower bb. I feel like it's plenty slack, but you could put an angleset on.
got it sinds october 2019, sold my 8 year old full sus for this one, climbs like a tractor....and on the downs, just let the brakes go and let the thing charge like a bull.
You do great first looks and riding reviews. Have you taken a look at the 2020 Rocky Mtn Growler? There isn’t much content available on the bike, but it is widely distributed. The geo looks right up your alley and it would be a great review.
I bought the 2019 H-LTD a year ago for my first ever MTB...have loved it, it has taken me up and DOWN everything I've encountered, including STEEP & TECHNICAL downhills...I really feel like it is held back only by my riding skills. From the video it seems like you don't like the older version of this bike, would you care to elaborate why that is(if it is)?
It's a stunning bike. The Matt Green is so sweet. Just getting used to the wheels, it's my first since I was a teenager ripping round on 26 inch wheels so 29 feels very different! Could I put a 27.5 inch wheel on the back if I wanted?
Great first look...and looks like a nice piece of kit. Thank you Steve! 👍As a side note, any thoughts on or plans to review the new 2020 Specialized Fuse? Just picked one up and really enjoying being back on a hard tail. 😎
hardtail party It’s all good mate! Your unbiased review will be interesting. Thanks again for your deep knowledge and quality/thoughtful videos. Stay safe.
I would be curious to hear your thoughts on running the Laufey bike on 27.5+ tires. The Orbea website shows it is possible, but wondering if the bike is designed to ride better with the 29er setup.
It will lower the BB by a bit, so more pedal strikes and such but a bit less trail feedback. You might want to run a 29 in the front for the steering and roll over ability
I had the same question, so I emailed ORBEA, the replied quickly, on their website, on the blue paper section it is confirmed, it can run both 29 max 2.6 and 27.5 max 3'
So far, the only hardtail (or any bike actually) at this price tag that allows you to select an option of having it with a fox 36 below 3k (maybe 2.7k€ with the 36? Don't quite remember), can't wait to see the review
I'm sure there are more, but that probably shouldn't be the main criteria for a hardtail. I've yet to find a hardtail that can ride harder than a 34 or pike can handle, but that's me.
@@hardtailparty but custom paint is cool I was looking at the orbea rallon when I bought my stumpy but purchased it instead local bike shop owner is a friend from way back plus I get to work on my stuff when he's not busy
Hello from the Basque Country (where this bike was made). By putting let's say 35mm internal width rims, more clearance would be needed right? I can fit 2.6 mezcal tires on a Orbea Alma with 23mm width, but if I buy 35mm rims would the tires not fit? I barely have 1cm each side which is not that unsafe fork rocky fire roads here.
Wider rims change the shape of the tire, so the cornering knobs are in the right place. I doubt your Alma will be able to fit this bike with 2.6s with wider tires, but you never know. It would be worth borrowing a friend's wheels to test it out
Great videos. I have a 2018 Giant XTC Advanced which im keen to make 27.5+ with 2.8's after watching your videos. Currently on 29 2.4. That non drive side crank arm looks like a RaceFace? Cheers for the videos.
I’m interested in what does it feel 29x2.6. Cuz I noticed difference in riding comfort going from 27.5x2.8 (Roscoe) to 29x2.4 (Meta). I wonder if 29x2.6 would make my ride with 29 a little more comfortable. And yes I saw and I know that Meta has stiff frame, but looks to me that Orbea judging from the welds can be stiff as well.
When is the aluminum middlechild coming Steve? I'm waiting so hard on that one!! Although I'm anxious to see what you say about the ride of the orbea . Cheers!
Alex is swamped over there at RSD land. They've got a ton of new frames coming in, between the MC chromo v2, the alloy MC, and the wildcat. He's hoppin. I'm glad he's prioritizing his customers who placed orders far before I hit him up about an alloy MC. I don't have it yet, but I think we'll see it within a month or so? I feel for him, he wears many hats at the company, and he does a great job. I have bikes from a few companies that are still 3 months out and I can't wait to ride them. Patience is the name of this game for me. :)
Only the entry level, lowest version Laufey (H30) is available where I live. Is it worth purchasing; or will it be too costly because of needed eventual upgrades, etc?
Hi Great video! I wanted to ask about your opinion on the Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL8.0 I'm planning to buy. I ride lots of relatively flowy singletrack, but sometimes (every ride) it gets steep and rooty and bumpy. There are also a few jumps but nothing too big. I don't have money for a fully and I want a hartail anyways because I want to commute to school with the bike. What is your take on it?
What hardtail would you recommend for a 6’4” rider, with long torso and arms. If possible something with 120mm+ travel in the front. Budget about $1000. Also would prefer not to have a Suntour fork. I have a SCOTT aspect 950 right now but I’d like something better. Thanks!
Hey Steve, I know you are rocking some oval chain rings on some bikes. Can you tell me what connection is used for this bikes cranks? Is it Shimano direct mount or something? Greetings from Germany Hey and I bought this bike based on your two videos. Thank you so much. I learned so much especially about geo. Keep it up!
Do you think the 2.6” tire would pair better with a 30 mm internal rim if you add Cushcore to give it some sidewall support? What do you think is the rim width sweet spot for 2.4”-2.6” tires? I’m worried that going to 35 mm internal will make the rims stiffer and ride more harsh, especially for a hardtail.
I now that you are the hardtail guy, and i'm too, i always have hardtails, now i ride a Trek Procaliber 9.6, but i need to move on to something more agressive, and i'm undecided in between a new Orbea Laufey H10 and a used 2019 Specialized Stumpjumper alloy st 29er, can you give me some advice? Greetings from Braga, Portugal. Keep on the good work.
well now i live in a area with some steep climbs, rocky roads and loose stone descents, and some fire roads, and i think my Trek is more indicated to cross-country, so i need something more suitable to face that kind of terrain, like a real trail bike.
Having watched your previous videos about geometry and reach, I don't know whether to get the Laufey L or XL. I'm 6 foot 1. I come from road cycling and even if I get on the bike for a couple of minutes I don't have the experience to tell
Seems weird to have a XT mech on a mainly SLX build. If there was 1 item that they should of upgraded to XT then it should of been the shiftier for the multi shift. That's a lot more beneficial than the rear mech.
I completely agree, but so many manufacturers do this. The rear derailleur is the most visible part, and people have learned to look at it to judge the bikez so they out a rcognizable name on the back one, and then call it an "xt" build. They've been doing. They've been doing this for years sadly. I remember seeing xt derailleurs on full deore builds back in the day.
A ton of brands do the XT derailleur so they can claim "XT drive train!". It's so annoying, when the shifter is the only really different thinking between SLX and XT.
Can HP and viewers help? Looking to buy first mtb in over 8 years. Old FS trek was stolen years back and just havent had time for riding after. Too many options, and most review pages seem to be biased. Have up to $2500 for a HT (figured get more out of $$ than a FS) would like to stay under 2k though. Live in Northern MI around Traverse where there’s many great single tracks. My style of ride is quick zipping through single tracks and taking the random off course lines that take you through stumpy/rocky terrain and s curve climbs through trees. 6’ 155lb. Local shops are specialized and trek so they don’t offer wide variety for me to test ride.
I do my private bike consulting through patreon.com/hardtailparty . It costs $5/mo. I'm happy to consult over there if you're interested. Otherwise, hopefully someone else can chime in and provide advice.
No, for 2 reasons. 1) I want to review the bike as it comes from the factory, like my viewers would buy, and 2) I don't have a 35mm wheelset to swap everything over to. It's a good topic for a future video though. If I can find a company that wants to send a 35mm rim for review, I think it'd be great to test on this bike.
Not related to this video (maybe another video idea), but do you have any ideas for best bang for your buck when trying to put your hardtail on a diet?
is the 2021/2022 model much different? I am seriously considering a H10; do you think that it would be well suited for a taller rider? (I'm 198cm/ +-6ft6in)
I've been thinking about buying a Laufey for weeks - it looks so good. Do you think the flagship is necessary? I also find the specifications of the H10 very good.
I just buy frames and build them to save money. If you buy a bike with components that you will pull off it is a waste. I built my trek marlin 29er with all new parts over the past few months and it was cheaper the buying a bike straight from the bike shop.
Great review, useful (as usual), I really appreciate your honesty, even if you or your wife own the bike. MT501 brakes, basically an SLX without markings, positioned as a M600 DEORE. I'm using it on one of my bike for a year now, cheap, reliable easy to use plenty of power, i cannot recommand enough those brakes. Seems that few people knows about it, that's sort of the unnoticed little brother... little info about it here : www.bikemag.com/gear/tested-shimano-bl-mt501-br-mt520-145-per-brake/
Great info, thanks for sharing that. I'm much more up to speed on the SRAM brakes. But these have impressed me (although the pads were contaminated at the onset of this bike).
Thank you for this sick review @hardtail party! 😍
Thanks for making killer bikes Orbea!
i´m going to buy an h30: i would like the weight in XL please
Glad you are reviewing it. This is one of those bikes that everyone mentions when people are asking for good hardtail suggestions. I know nothing about this bike.
I really enjoy your bike reviews, very informative
Just bought a 2021 Laufey H-ltd for 2100€, thank you för these reviewa!
The thing I like about Obrea is it is a CoOp . Meaning it is employee owned . So the employees get to share in the profits . This gives them incentive to to care about what they are doing and it has proven to be very successful for them. I wish more companies operated like this . It leads to a better quality of life for employees. Imagine Amazon and Walmart employee owned . Higher wages better health insurance etc. No billionaire owners .
And yes I like this bike . Seems like there are some good quality hardtails to choose from these days .
That's cool, I didn't realize orbea was a co-op. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
That's super cool!
Orbea is a Coop and also a very ancient company from the Basque Country Northern Spain
I knew some of the people working at Orbea and I assure they show LOVE for their work. Of course there's something like a CEO earning a lot more than the rest
Great review, just ordering my Laufey H10. Can’t wait for it.
Waiting for your review of this bike. I placed order for this h-ltd model and I feel so excited while waiting for it to arrive.
Hopefully I like it in the review. ;)
I bought this bike last summer and it came in October. I love it! Mine is the spec right below this one, the H10 and same color. Although I feel that I should've went with that matte green/orange because it looks so good. Great bike. Cheers!
Congrats on a killer bike!
Good to hear, ordered green H10 today. Last one in Finland
@@MikaHakkinen83 just ordered the same bike reviewed here, maybe we'll meet on the trails😉
@@va941 congrats, it's a great bike. 2021 and 2020 are almost similar, only rear cassette and brakes are different as I can tell. maybe we'll ride them some day
Sick! thanks Steve! Currently looking for a new hardtail to shred on and your videos help a TON!
When I was hardtail shopping this was on the short list. Gorgeous bike and Orbea seems to spec their bikes (mid level mtb's anyway) well for the price.
Couldn't agree more!
For which bike did you go?
David Souza i went with h10 after pondering for months. Patiently waiting
@@davidsouza9436 ,
I ordered Laufey H30 in the March 2020. Unfortunately corona caused to shutdown of the manufacture so I waited for 2 months. When I gave up and bought Dartmoor Primal, two weeks later I got a message that bike will be ready in upcoming week or two. Right now I am riding that Dartmoor hard but I have still in my head what if...
I have a 2020 Laufey, green color, I confirm that it is a fantastic bike and at that price(in Italy sellers make 15%discount, you take it with 1,700 euros) it is difficult to find better. I sent an email to Orbea to ask if I could mount 26 wheels. The answer was that the new Laufey was designed for 29. A little vague answer. On Blue Paper Orbea gives the possibility to mount 29x2.6 or 27.5 x3
I'm from Italy, sorry for my english 😉
Hey Italian neighbour. How is the situation back there? Is it true that its only because of the virus that its so bad, or other factors like old population, precare health system, not enough doctors and medical tech? Regards from Austria. 👍🤘
@@emir5034 The virus is bad, but generally dangerous for old people, the health system has been reduced by years of bad political class cuts. The lockdown is severe (you cannot move more than 200 meters away from home)
just got the laufey last week. love this bike!
Congrats, it's a sweet bike. Review coming soon.
Yes! I've been thinking of getting one. Have you thought about reviewing the Whyte 905?
I'm trying to get one in for review. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for the informative review. This has set my mind on purchasing this bike in the near future. I was thinking the same thing of replacing the rear shifter with XT shifter.
Looking forward to a comparison between the lauffey, Timberjack and chameleon. I’ve been trying for months for my local shop, who now carries the brand, to bring this bike in as well as the Alma. However they only stock the high end stuff and all Gain models.
I've been eyeing this bike for the next bike I buy in the spring I'm between the H10 and H LTD
The H LTD seems to come spec'd with quite a few more upgrades.
for some background, I started riding on a Cannondale Cujo, went to a Polygon Vander, back to a hardtail Commencal Meta HT/AM ( when it was spec'd with a Yari ) to a Status 160 with a bomber z1 again back to a hardtail Nukeproof Scout 275 w/ fox 36 grip 2 ( unfortunately the frame was too small for me it was a 2019 with 425 reach I normally ride large sizes )
This is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful bike. Omg. I really love the looks of the meta but after the review, I am starting to look for other hardtails.. and this is a contender. Do you have an on trail review of this bike?
I just filmed it the other day. It'll be released on the channel in the next week or two.
Really tempted to buy this bike, looks well suited to the mudy, rooty trails of England.....!! Great review. :)
Can't wait for the ride report.
Does anybody know why there is 3 different versions of this bike, this, then One without the small triangle on the toptube/seattube, and One with a larger triangle?
I’m excited and I’m a Patreon too🙋🏻♂️. I agree that i30 rims are not wide enough for 2.6” and better suited for 2.4” tires.
Thanks for being a patron, I really appreciate it!
Looking forward to the full review!
I currently own a Orbea Loki (last year before they changed the name to Laufey) and its an awesome all around bike. If you want something faster and more comfortable hard tail go with the ALMA... this model is killer.
The alma is faster up, but the new laufey will be a lot faster down. It all depends on where you ride.
Just ordered the H10... too bad I have to wait until October before I get it... This review was very helpful, thanks!
The Laufey is a beautiful frame with some great colour options and I was seriously tempted, but at the end of the day I went for the Middlechild because I've got an aluminium hardtail and wanted to try something different.
Congrats. The middle child is the better bike in my opinion.
@@hardtailparty it's shipping this week to my daughter's place in BC. I just need the corona situation to go away so that I can go over and ride it.
@@scotti_wan_kenobi we all will be excited when this Corona situation is behind us
The trek marlin 29er has internal routing just on the front triangle.
Those 5 series Shimano brakes are made to be entry level e-bike brakes. I think they have the ceramic pistons from the slx xt four piston brakes.
I was thinking of treating myself to one of these for my 50th later in the year
Review coming soon.
Me too!! :)
You will love it! Having so much fun with my LTD 👍
They are selling out fast
How wide are the rims?
Looking forward to your ride review
really like this bike. It was on sale a couple of weeks ago but I didnt jump on it fast enough but if I find it on sale again I may pull the trigger on it. even the mid spec bike is basically a fox 36 with a little heavier parts re branded.
Ordererd a H10 today :)
Thats a looker!!
27,5 and maybe another degree more slack would have been nice, but the angular tubing looks pretty cool, especially in black. Looking at the three models and their spec it seems that they have a pretty good price to performance ratio, compared to some other brands.
You can plus 27.5+ on this. And I'm betting you could even run 27.5, you'd just have a slightly lower bb. I feel like it's plenty slack, but you could put an angleset on.
got it sinds october 2019, sold my 8 year old full sus for this one, climbs like a tractor....and on the downs, just let the brakes go and let the thing charge like a bull.
You do great first looks and riding reviews. Have you taken a look at the 2020 Rocky Mtn Growler? There isn’t much content available on the bike, but it is widely distributed. The geo looks right up your alley and it would be a great review.
Thanks so much. I've been in contact with Rocky mountain. Still trying to get my hands on one for review.
Funny how the brain works. I was seeing this bike as a dark blue but the second you said Matte Black , that's how I see it now 😎
The laufey is a very capable bike, i make some enduro with. He is very fun!! I recommend!
I bought the 2019 H-LTD a year ago for my first ever MTB...have loved it, it has taken me up and DOWN everything I've encountered, including STEEP & TECHNICAL downhills...I really feel like it is held back only by my riding skills.
From the video it seems like you don't like the older version of this bike, would you care to elaborate why that is(if it is)?
The geometry on the new one is far better suited for strep, rowdy terrain.
Cos it was xc and this is xtc
i still live in hope of a chromag stylus or rootdown review
MT 501 ?? Is not M6120 ?
It's a stunning bike. The Matt Green is so sweet. Just getting used to the wheels, it's my first since I was a teenager ripping round on 26 inch wheels so 29 feels very different! Could I put a 27.5 inch wheel on the back if I wanted?
sure, you could run a 27.5 wheel in the back if you wanted.
Great first look...and looks like a nice piece of kit. Thank you Steve! 👍As a side note, any thoughts on or plans to review the new 2020 Specialized Fuse? Just picked one up and really enjoying being back on a hard tail. 😎
Yes, I should have a fuse in my hands later this week. But you may not want to watch my review in case I don't like it.
hardtail party It’s all good mate! Your unbiased review will be interesting. Thanks again for your deep knowledge and quality/thoughtful videos. Stay safe.
I would be curious to hear your thoughts on running the Laufey bike on 27.5+ tires. The Orbea website shows it is possible, but wondering if the bike is designed to ride better with the 29er setup.
It will lower the BB by a bit, so more pedal strikes and such but a bit less trail feedback. You might want to run a 29 in the front for the steering and roll over ability
I had the same question, so I emailed ORBEA, the replied quickly, on their website, on the blue paper section it is confirmed, it can run both 29 max 2.6 and 27.5 max 3'
Yes, it's fine to run 27.5+ on this bike. It's always great to have options.
@@hardtailparty What to expect when running 27,5 rear with 29 front? :) Pros n Cons when going uphill/flat/downhill. Thank you.
So far, the only hardtail (or any bike actually) at this price tag that allows you to select an option of having it with a fox 36 below 3k (maybe 2.7k€ with the 36? Don't quite remember), can't wait to see the review
I'm sure there are more, but that probably shouldn't be the main criteria for a hardtail. I've yet to find a hardtail that can ride harder than a 34 or pike can handle, but that's me.
Great vid as always. Thank you! Is it possible to change the head angle with a angle head set?
Looks like it's integrated headset :( Too bad.
My understanding is that the frame is built overseas, but painted and assembled in Spain, so they can put the built in Spain sticker on it.
Interesting. That would make sense. I'll have to ask the rep where they're welded.
How much does it weigh?
Orbea makes cool bikes and they let you pick a ton of colors which is cool
That's if you do the custom my-o program. It adds some cost and time to the bike build, but it's a cool option.
@@hardtailparty but custom paint is cool I was looking at the orbea rallon when I bought my stumpy but purchased it instead local bike shop owner is a friend from way back plus I get to work on my stuff when he's not busy
A review of the new Orbea Laufey 2024 would be interesting
I have one sitting in my shop, waiting for me to be healthy enough to review it.
@@hardtailpartyI wish you a good recovery, I’m sure many of us are impatient for this review of Laufey 2024.
They are lauffey and Loki if I remember they don't sell it here on Mexico pretty sad
It uses to be called the loki, but they had a copyright issue with that name so they changed it to laufey. Pretty confusing.
I've got a 2018 Laufey H30, so I am really looking forward to the ride video.
How does compare against the Meta HT race 2021 ?
maybe you can look at the radon cragger 7.0..?
I've actually never heard of that bike. I'll check it out. Looks killer. I'll see if I can get one for review.
Hello from the Basque Country (where this bike was made). By putting let's say 35mm internal width rims, more clearance would be needed right? I can fit 2.6 mezcal tires on a Orbea Alma with 23mm width, but if I buy 35mm rims would the tires not fit? I barely have 1cm each side which is not that unsafe fork rocky fire roads here.
Wider rims change the shape of the tire, so the cornering knobs are in the right place. I doubt your Alma will be able to fit this bike with 2.6s with wider tires, but you never know. It would be worth borrowing a friend's wheels to test it out
@@hardtailparty thank you!
I am 5 11’ what size would you recommend. Thanks
Great videos. I have a 2018 Giant XTC Advanced which im keen to make 27.5+ with 2.8's after watching your videos. Currently on 29 2.4. That non drive side crank arm looks like a RaceFace? Cheers for the videos.
It's a Shimano crank, as it has the two bolts with the washer.
@@hardtailparty Crankset is made by prowheel.
Please find it here: pro-wheel.com/main/?product=mpx-cr094s-tt
You're absolutely right, great catch! Thanks for adding that.
If you can try and source a Cotic BFE - UK steel hardtail - a total hoot ..
I’m interested in what does it feel 29x2.6. Cuz I noticed difference in riding comfort going from 27.5x2.8 (Roscoe) to 29x2.4 (Meta). I wonder if 29x2.6 would make my ride with 29 a little more comfortable. And yes I saw and I know that Meta has stiff frame, but looks to me that Orbea judging from the welds can be stiff as well.
stay tuned for the review, where I mention if it's stiff or not.
A 29x2.6 will give you more cushion than 29x2.4, provided your rims are wide enough.
weight?
Orbea h-ltd or Orange Crush???
When is the aluminum middlechild coming Steve? I'm waiting so hard on that one!! Although I'm anxious to see what you say about the ride of the orbea . Cheers!
Alex is swamped over there at RSD land. They've got a ton of new frames coming in, between the MC chromo v2, the alloy MC, and the wildcat. He's hoppin. I'm glad he's prioritizing his customers who placed orders far before I hit him up about an alloy MC. I don't have it yet, but I think we'll see it within a month or so? I feel for him, he wears many hats at the company, and he does a great job. I have bikes from a few companies that are still 3 months out and I can't wait to ride them. Patience is the name of this game for me. :)
Only the entry level, lowest version Laufey (H30) is available where I live. Is it worth purchasing; or will it be too costly because of needed eventual upgrades, etc?
It sounds like you'd be a perfect candidate for my bike consultation service on Patreon. Patreon.com/hardtailparty
Hi
Great video!
I wanted to ask about your opinion on the Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL8.0 I'm planning to buy. I ride lots of relatively flowy singletrack, but sometimes (every ride) it gets steep and rooty and bumpy. There are also a few jumps but nothing too big. I don't have money for a fully and I want a hartail anyways because I want to commute to school with the bike. What is your take on it?
I'm in the same situation, would really be interested to hear Steve's opinion on this!
What hardtail would you recommend for a 6’4” rider, with long torso and arms. If possible something with 120mm+ travel in the front. Budget about $1000. Also would prefer not to have a Suntour fork. I have a SCOTT aspect 950 right now but I’d like something better. Thanks!
I save bike consulting for my paying patrons.
Check out the octane one prone
I bought this bike don't get it till June though
AWESOME BIKE!! You should do a review on the genesis tarn steel hardtail.
too bad it has such antiquated geo.
no no its a forsaker tyre in the front. 😆 I will probobly get the laufey h30 or h10. 👍
Hey Steve,
I know you are rocking some oval chain rings on some bikes. Can you tell me what connection is used for this bikes cranks? Is it Shimano direct mount or something?
Greetings from Germany
Hey and I bought this bike based on your two videos. Thank you so much. I learned so much especially about geo. Keep it up!
What frame size do you got? What's the weight? Thx
size med. I can't remember, but I believe it was around 29 lbs.
Do you think the 2.6” tire would pair better with a 30 mm internal rim if you add Cushcore to give it some sidewall support? What do you think is the rim width sweet spot for 2.4”-2.6” tires? I’m worried that going to 35 mm internal will make the rims stiffer and ride more harsh, especially for a hardtail.
I like 35-37 for 2.6 29ers.
hardtail party have you ridden the Ibis S35 rims? I was going to go DT Swiss but they don’t seem to make a wide 29 rim
Yes, I've ridden the Ibis. I like it for the price
I now that you are the hardtail guy, and i'm too, i always have hardtails, now i ride a Trek Procaliber 9.6, but i need to move on to something more agressive, and i'm undecided in between a new Orbea Laufey H10 and a used 2019 Specialized Stumpjumper alloy st 29er, can you give me some advice? Greetings from Braga, Portugal. Keep on the good work.
both are good bikes. It's going to depend on what your goals and desires are for your next bike.
well now i live in a area with
some steep climbs,
rocky roads and loose stone descents, and some fire roads, and i think my Trek is more indicated to cross-country, so i need something more suitable to face that kind of terrain, like a real trail bike.
Having watched your previous videos about geometry and reach, I don't know whether to get the Laufey L or XL. I'm 6 foot 1. I come from road cycling and even if I get on the bike for a couple of minutes I don't have the experience to tell
your local bike shop should be able to help you with that.
@@hardtailparty all shops have been closed here for.. 36days? I've lost count, but yeah I will ask them when this ends, thank you for your videos!
Are you planning on reviewing any of the Chromag bikes? The Rootdown seems like a good value with killer geo. Be interested in hearing your thoughts.
Chromag won't send me any for review. I've ridden a few. They're like a more expensive version of an rsd middle child.
Whats the inner width of the rims?
I don't know. I can't find the spec. I would guess 28-30
Seems weird to have a XT mech on a mainly SLX build. If there was 1 item that they should of upgraded to XT then it should of been the shiftier for the multi shift. That's a lot more beneficial than the rear mech.
I completely agree, but so many manufacturers do this. The rear derailleur is the most visible part, and people have learned to look at it to judge the bikez so they out a rcognizable name on the back one, and then call it an "xt" build. They've been doing. They've been doing this for years sadly. I remember seeing xt derailleurs on full deore builds back in the day.
A ton of brands do the XT derailleur so they can claim "XT drive train!". It's so annoying, when the shifter is the only really different thinking between SLX and XT.
Yup. Slx derailleur with a xt shifter is where the biggest difference can be felt.
Can HP and viewers help? Looking to buy first mtb in over 8 years. Old FS trek was stolen years back and just havent had time for riding after. Too many options, and most review pages seem to be biased. Have up to $2500 for a HT (figured get more out of $$ than a FS) would like to stay under 2k though. Live in Northern MI around Traverse where there’s many great single tracks. My style of ride is quick zipping through single tracks and taking the random off course lines that take you through stumpy/rocky terrain and s curve climbs through trees. 6’ 155lb. Local shops are specialized and trek so they don’t offer wide variety for me to test ride.
I do my private bike consulting through patreon.com/hardtailparty . It costs $5/mo. I'm happy to consult over there if you're interested. Otherwise, hopefully someone else can chime in and provide advice.
Aluminum Santa Cruz Chameleon D build size large would likely suit your needs.
What is your opinion about 140mm fork? Thanks!
Depends on the bike and where you ride
@@hardtailparty do you think is enough for hardtrail on this Bike? Thanks!
The Orbea Laufey and the Specialized Fuse Expert are on my short hardtail list. Will you fit the Laufey with a 35 rim for the test ride?
No, for 2 reasons.
1) I want to review the bike as it comes from the factory, like my viewers would buy, and
2) I don't have a 35mm wheelset to swap everything over to.
It's a good topic for a future video though. If I can find a company that wants to send a 35mm rim for review, I think it'd be great to test on this bike.
hardtail party At least, is there enough clearance in the front and rear for wider rims?
Not related to this video (maybe another video idea), but do you have any ideas for best bang for your buck when trying to put your hardtail on a diet?
I don't, but the answer is wheels and tires.
Make a review of the Marin San Quentin 3!!
What height are you?
Nice video!!
is the 2021/2022 model much different? I am seriously considering a H10; do you think that it would be well suited for a taller rider? (I'm 198cm/ +-6ft6in)
I know it's late, but the geo seems to be exactly the same.
There’s already a new 2023 Lauffy. Slacker and supposedly more compliant.
Indeed. Hopefully I get a chance to test it
@@hardtailparty I really hope so too. Yours is the only bike review that matters.
The bike gear coming out of Spain is really nice. Galfer rotors, for instance, are beautifully made. I also feel better about buying gear from Europe.
I have a hardtail what i got in 1995 and I've upgraded it to a super bike
would like to see more with the orbea
Mouthwatering!
I've been thinking about buying a Laufey for weeks - it looks so good. Do you think the flagship is necessary? I also find the specifications of the H10 very good.
Peter same frame, same fork, same drivetrain, same brakes. I went H10 route. And it has a colour instead of black
Frame is slacker than a Tennessee fisherman's jaw
I want one.......
Party🤘 party 🤘
Looks massive LOL
We will read this name in Iceland as Loy - vey.
Sadly, all Orbea frames are made in Taiwan. They have high quality standards anyway. Love my golden Laufey H10
@@erikd6124 oh yeah, for sure. They don't Talk much about that but also don't hide It
I just buy frames and build them to save money. If you buy a bike with components that you will pull off it is a waste. I built my trek marlin 29er with all new parts over the past few months and it was cheaper the buying a bike straight from the bike shop.
Great review, useful (as usual), I really appreciate your honesty, even if you or your wife own the bike.
MT501 brakes, basically an SLX without markings, positioned as a M600 DEORE. I'm using it on one of my bike for a year now, cheap, reliable easy to use plenty of power, i cannot recommand enough those brakes.
Seems that few people knows about it, that's sort of the unnoticed little brother... little info about it here : www.bikemag.com/gear/tested-shimano-bl-mt501-br-mt520-145-per-brake/
Great info, thanks for sharing that. I'm much more up to speed on the SRAM brakes. But these have impressed me (although the pads were contaminated at the onset of this bike).
that bike bad