I made the mistake of buying a hardtail with good components when I shudda but a fully with lower components and upgraded over time. So much more fun to ride and build up, love getting new parts!
The biggest mistake I make with my hard tails is going up and down worse rock gardens than those and then trying to figure out on the fly when I have to get off and walk to not die.
@@sphinxrising1129 climbs easier, still has decent suspension, doesn't cost several thousand dollars, and it's a nice challenge while still having suspension to keep you in control of the bike. It's not a BMX, larger wheel diameter, has suspension fork which still provides some rear suspension, better geometry for descending and climbing. Need I go on? Here's a suggestion, if you don't want to ride a hard tail, don't. But don't be a smug twat about it.
@@himetex I like the direct reaction of the hard tail layout, and I dont ride in competition events everyday. I ride my bike to work, to pick up stuff at the store, and tear around the odd local trail. So a big part is the look of the bike. Hard tails look bad ass. They have that custom look that really lends itself to spectacular paint, anodized and billet items seem to have more impact on a hard tail also. I just bought a 2019 Scott Aspect, and I got a great deal on it, but that orange/yellow/grey paint job looks like a rolling nightmare. As soon as I got it home, I pulled the wheels off and rattle canned it military olive drab. Everything else on the bike is black, and now it looks great. I put a metallic lime green short stem on it with metallic green bars, and metallic green flat pedals. I got some hand grenade valve stem caps on Amazon. The bike now looks totally bad ass, and its -19c in Edmonton Alberta at the moment and snowing. Balls (Cant wait for some nice weather)
I'm an old man ( 56 ) , Lovin the rides in the woods .. Yeh , I'm not the best jumper , bunny hoppin guy on the trail. But , I'm OUT there .. ! My rides the 2017 Trek marlin 7 . Good bike , for what I need and do . !
Hey, thank you for being into the sport! I bought my mother a bike so she can ride with me and my friend itll be here soon. Shes getting close to her 50s!
Just turned 57. Haven't ridden my '87 Jamis Dakota in decades. Purchased an '03 Jamis Dakar Sport a week ago, and put 43mi on it, in 4 rides up and down the local peak. So much fun (still), but I can't believe what a workout the climbing is. I run this same trail and chase down any MTB riders I see (unless they are REALLY strong), but I'm blown away at what a different work out it is.
54 and new to this sport. Volleyball 2 on 2 is tough with the pandemic. I’m not skilled in any way but having a blast and enjoying nature with my gf. Used 2017 specialized rockhopper 29er works for me
Love these comments! I'm 35, been riding mtb's since a kid and never had a really 'bad ride'. I love the sport. You guys tho, truly inspirational. Hope I'm still riding when I hit my 50's!
Love these videos... I'm a 56 years old, Old Man, still riding my vintage Kleins I've had for 30 + years. Used to race all over the Northeast USA back in the Late 80's Early 90's but nowadays I'm just happy to get out on the trail when it's not too crowded with all of you young punks riding circles around me on your $4000 bikes. Love you guys and seeing these videos makes me wish I was 25 again with all of this modern technology.
55 and still riding Florida trails. But body cant take to much of a beating anymore. Wish I still had the wind I did when I was younger.😎 keep on riding!
Great video. Feel like it was getting back to the roots of GMBN. Felt like there has ben a bit of a shift towards jumps, tricks, slope style type riding at the expense of just plain old trail riding. Liked it, cheers.
As a newbie to the sport I found this very helpful. As an old guy I find myself questioning the intelligence of getting into this sport at my age. I enjoy watching the local cyclists tearing down the mountain trails of Ecuador but I think at least for now I’ll keep my 65+ year old bones on the bunny slopes and side roads.
Same. I’m 43 and got into cycling recently to commute to work. Got a Specialized Sirrus now I’m looking to get a Mountain Bike to do more trails and things… Scared of injury tho and don’t want to make a fool of myself. 😮🤦🏻♂️
"There's a drop here.There's some rocks here.Here's a pointy rock, that's got puncture all over it." 😂😂😂 These are the moments that make me enjoy watching these videos, keep em coming.
I was riding MT Bikes before suspension. It's amazing to me that now, it all seems to be about going faster. I still enjoy picking a line and working a trail like I'm rock climbing. Solving line after line with control and smoothness. Now, it seems to be just hang on and go as fast as you can. I just don't see the appeal.
David Stanley I grew up with hard tails and I am just 18 but I have a few 90s full rigid bikes that I dedicate to my “old bike day” every once in a while just me and an old bike hitting the trails! I still love them.
I just figured this out and it has made riding so much more fun! I took my daughter riding and told her try slowing down, reading the trail, and being smooth and she said it was the most fun she'd ever had riding!
I agree. I don't see the appeal either why it's all about zipping as fast as possible through the trail. It's the same with cars, everyone just wants to go as fast as possible. I like getting some good speed going downhill but for the most part I just want to ride the trail and explore.
For me personally it isnt about going fast. I just love technical things, which ofcourse are often bumpy etc. I got myself a full-sus and I have to say Im amazed, its so much nicer for my back and it doesnt hurt as much. The only reason I ever saw to get a full-sus is the comfort, not to go faster
I've totally falling in love with my hardtail again. I was forced to ride it because my full suspension was in the shop. So my backup hardtail is a GT Ricochet with 650b plus wheels and tires. And now I'm going upgrade crazy . I'm going to have GX eagle, new Forks and new hydraulic disc brakes.That 2.8 Tire gives it just enough sponge factor to make it absorb the trail. Loving the hard tail! HARD TAIL WEEK PLEASE......
Similar experience here recently... rode my hardtail more while my shock was at Fox; when the shock came back, it sat on the shelf for 3 weeks before I finally put my FS back together, as I kept riding the HT (also a NP Scout like Blake's). I enjoyed it so much, I'm having a custom steel frame made.
I prefer hardtail. First thing that reminded me of bombing trees on skies. Let the legs go rubber and be the shock. Lean back a lil. Use your speed to keep you in control. Pure bliss
I primarily ride a 29in hard tail. I've found it super helpful in Rocky situations to sit way back on the saddle. The shift in your bodyweight and how you take the impacts makes it so you can ride much faster.
Bloody love hardtails. Rode one as my first bike and it made me so much of a better rider than when I switched to a dualie. I often think of going back to get the skills back.
What do you ride at the moment??? A scooter or skateboard??? Not great for off road and rocky trails. Best hurry and get a bike bro 🚲⛰your missing the fun
Same lol. I'm in the Dallas area so there are plenty of trails in the area. Yeah, no big downhill trails around here due to the mostly flat geography. But Arkansas is less than 4 hours away, and has been killing it building mountain trails the last few years. I'm so fucking ready to get started, just have to take care of other priorities first.
Thanks - the hardtail (+ BMX and cyclocross) makes trail riding so much more fun, creative and engaging. Love seeing you light it up for us with a giant smile - Cheers!
I switched from a FS to a hardtail last year and it was way better than i thought it would be. The plus size tires do wonders and I REALLY love the way they climb. All the power goes to the rear wheel.
Awesome what you can do on a hardtail! This video is super useful. I spent a lot of money on upgrading my hardtail and still struggled so I started to think about buying a full suspension bike but now I see how much you can get out a HT with good technique. Thanks!
Thank you!! I love all the attention you give the hardtail since that’s all I have and can afford right now. I’ve learned some great things about the bike I have from this channel rather than just wanting a bike that I don’t have.
"You wanna be a little more *Flamboyant*.." is really just the most perfect way to explain it. Thank you. - AB in Santa Barbara, California and Sabah, Borneo
GMBN - you are the true ambassadors of getting people to love and understand our passionate lifestyle, the one we call cycling and mtb cycling ..... Learnt so much in my transition from road cycling to mtb and xc from you guys!!! The more technique learned- the more smiles per miles I get.... Thank you guys and gals!! ❤️
Just got my first mountain bike ever. A Scott 940 Scale Hardtale. I cannot wait to dive into this amazing sport. Just moved to Idaho and there is so much to do. Yahoo!
I have many years of riding a HT, you ride it so you don't end up cutting your speed because you hit an earlier section too fast, but yes, pick your lines and go fast, especially if there's a climb ahead as you'll be a good way up it before you start to slow.
Have rebuilt my old Cove Stiffee FR. And loving it. Can still shred everything that the full-sussers do. AS someone already mentioned, your rear suss is your legs!!!
may I add number 7? -forgetting you're on a hard tail.... imagine riding along.. having a fun time on a trail you know and frequent on a full sus.. and carried away at a very technical section, you go in, the way you would on your full sus..
Thanks That is an awesome and informative video. As a 51 yo bloke who is having a crack at some trails on a hardtail, this is perfect! You realise that the skills you once had on a BMX bike 40 years ago don't really exist any more or apply to this format. Keep up the great work
This is a good video in that it does point out that you must consciously read the terrain when riding your hardtail. I started mountain biking in 1989 when rigid hardtails were all we had; you had to develop skills that involved good line choice and looking for roots and rocks to boost so that you could make rough sections flow. I recall getting my first suspension fork and how much more flow I was able to generate for myself. Then, in '96 I got the 1st generation SC Heckler and proclaimed I would never go back to a hardtail, and didn't for the next16 years. Then, a buddy of mine built a 29 single speed hardtail (back in 2012), and he was really fast on it and loved it. So, I built my own 29 SS and quickly rediscovered how fun it is to ride hardtails, so much so that I now have an SS and a modern geo hardtail with gears. It's fun sprinting up climbs and flicking the bike around with ease all while slicing and dicing the trail instead of plowing over it. It's cool seeing Blake push the limits on an HT, and sharing his advice; Spot on.
I love that quote practice builds confidence and that’s so true... been riding my hard tail for 5 years and learned all these lessons the hard way lol... what’s crazy is I never realized how much of a work out your arms get
If you want to do any real trail riding, get something more capable than that price point. *Source* own and loathe a Specialized Rockhopper. I still shred it, but I wish I had a bit more bike every time I'm on it.
@@toot6325 $1200 is a good starting price, but prices have skyrocketed over the past year. I would make sure the bike at the very least has Rockshox or Fox fork if you're getting a hardtail. If you go for a rigid or even a single speed bike, you can get a whole lot more for your money.
The second guessing has gotten me so many times getting back into riding my hardtail. BUt it is still fun and I am growing more confident every day I ride. Learning how to do a wheelie now so I can learn how to do a manual. Love your channel.
After years of being a marathoner and causal trail rider, I got my first fat bike, and boy is it slow getting going! My stupidity (excessive lack of caution) trail riding as a kid paid off though, and I did a few hills that were so steep you can't walk on them, and I went back up too! Thanks for the vid, and the line choice and braking sections were especially useful to me.
Good to meet you on that day Blake (I was the bald ginger guy at the bike hire shack). The road bike is now being used as a coat hanger whilst I buy a MTB.
Great video. Quite helpful for the MB'er with "developing" skills like myself. Don't know if I will ever be able to bunny hop at 65 years of age but hope does spring eternal. Confidence is an issue for me and it is a work in progress, and your suggestions are more that a few steps toward that feeling. Thank you.
Having started out on the hardtail setup the thing I found most valuable was really learning how to move my hips with the way my bike sweade on the terrains of the southwest
Absolutely love my hardtails which I've been riding for about 30 years, bought a full sus long time ago but soon went back to hardtail, been on 29 hard tail for last 5 years
As a biker who uses an xc entry level bike with a 100mm travel entry level fork, my personal tip is "Don't forget you have feet and you can carry your bike through some sections"😅
Great video! I'm a diehard hardtail rider (Giant Fathom 2) so love these type vids. One problem I have is on one section of my favorite trail. It's a short (maybe 10 yards) but really steep climb covered in huge, washed out roots all the way across the trail. Half the time I make it up, half the time I have to put a foot down and walk the bike up.
I ride hardtail with 130mm travel and 2.4 tyres. I ride quite agressive and love fast tech trails, always hitting the black trails here in Cape Town. My advice is practice skills at a bike park or in a parking lot, it helps on trails and keep your weight down and back when doing down fast.
Only just see these replies 🤦♂️ went for vitus sentier loved it worked perfectly then got talked into getting a full sus broke my arm at chicksands lost all confidence and bikes been out twice but soon as I leave the floor I crap my pants and sack it off. Irony in the fact I ride dirt bikes on the lanes and have no issues doing 50+ but cannot seem to gell with mtb anymore 😕
Hi GMBN, I use my hardtail MTB for daily commute to work which is about 12 Kms, so on average I cover about 30 Kms daily (on tarmac). Would really appreciate if you can help me out with some riding tips and gears for daily commute on MTBs. Also, I tend to twist my ankel a lot, can I use basketball shoes for daily commute to ensure better ankle stability? Thanks
Any tips for body positioning for a 6’5” person? I always feel out of position on the more technical parts - particularly the rougher downhill patches (try to keep it smooth, it’s probably just a lack of confidence and a healthy bit of fear that start me over thinking those descents). Love the vids, you guys are awesome!!!!
I think I would recommend a frame size that would fit a tall rider and also adjust the seatpost to a height that is comfortable when pedalling for climb, but lower for descrnding
My friends are full suss and I'm the hard tail fan so these hints and tips are great for me to build my confidence and along with it my speed. I'm now taking my son along showing him how to jump etc. and he's loving it. So thanks for the vid and I'll certainly be taking the info to the trails.......as soon as I get home from offshore that is...CHEERS!
Love it! my biggest thing right now would be the bunny hop and getting over some of those logs.. Im riding everyday, , doing pretty well. need more practice.. thanks for the great videos team gmbn!
This was great because i ride a hard tail simply due to not being able to afford a full suspension. I watched this and i have the exact problem with uphill u talked about. The back tire spins or the front lifts and people ive spoken to with rear sus dont get it. I also learned that you should use ur butt to press partially down on the seat while standing so there is some down pressure on the tail without actually fully sitting down. Great tips mate
Just got a vitus sentier after a few years break from biking, and it's great, first time out I realised that the bike is way more capable than my skills are currently allowing. Your vids are helping me remember techniques and now itching to get back out on it, thanks great vids 👍
Great to see the hardtail videos! Keep ‘em coming! Saddle height: in climbing segment, seat height looks higher than in body position segment at start? Do you have a dropper post? I ride a mix of road, paved trail, gravel, mixed use (hiking / equestrian), and flow - I like my higher saddle as I can transfer max power. The lean-forward, stay seated guidance is spot on for climbing! I’d like to see some skills drills for hardtails - and rigid, for that matter - like hopping low obstacles like curbs or logs, threading between tight trees, etc. (Though that last bit has more to do with my wide bars....)
Did we miss anything? Which of these mistakes do you make?
I love the hardtail videos. The only issue I found with this video is when it comes to braking in that s turn is the braking part. Just send it.
I made the mistake of buying a hardtail with good components when I shudda but a fully with lower components and upgraded over time. So much more fun to ride and build up, love getting new parts!
Global Mountain Bike Network
The first suggested line seems to be dangerous in terms of slipping to the side.
i stand up when i climb!
The biggest mistake I make with my hard tails is going up and down worse rock gardens than those and then trying to figure out on the fly when I have to get off and walk to not die.
Yur legs ARE the rear shocks...Use them!
so true!
Word!
My bike has multiple shocks, so why use my legs & arms?
If I wanted to ride like I'm on a BMX, I'ld be riding one.
@@sphinxrising1129 climbs easier, still has decent suspension, doesn't cost several thousand dollars, and it's a nice challenge while still having suspension to keep you in control of the bike. It's not a BMX, larger wheel diameter, has suspension fork which still provides some rear suspension, better geometry for descending and climbing. Need I go on? Here's a suggestion, if you don't want to ride a hard tail, don't. But don't be a smug twat about it.
@@sphinxrising1129 yeah we talk about hardtail bro😑
as a hard tail rider, I appreciate these types of videos, lots to think about.
Grandpa Grinder same here
Can I ask you? I am thinking in changing my bike, and I thought going on with a hardtail.
What's the pros of a hardtail?
@@himetex better at pumping more air control or smthing liddat
@@jettdiff5788 thx pall
@@himetex I like the direct reaction of the hard tail layout, and I dont ride in competition events everyday. I ride my bike to work, to pick up stuff at the store, and tear around the odd local trail. So a big part is the look of the bike. Hard tails look bad ass. They have that custom look that really lends itself to spectacular paint, anodized and billet items seem to have more impact on a hard tail also. I just bought a 2019 Scott Aspect, and I got a great deal on it, but that orange/yellow/grey paint job looks like a rolling nightmare. As soon as I got it home, I pulled the wheels off and rattle canned it military olive drab. Everything else on the bike is black, and now it looks great. I put a metallic lime green short stem on it with metallic green bars, and metallic green flat pedals. I got some hand grenade valve stem caps on Amazon. The bike now looks totally bad ass, and its -19c in Edmonton Alberta at the moment and snowing. Balls (Cant wait for some nice weather)
Pls more Hardtail vids. 👌🤘🖒
Daniel B ok Ma dude.
you should have a look on our chanel!
Defiantly agree here. Sold my 120mm full sus and built a 150mm aggro hardtail 🤘🏻 loving it @blake Samson
I love my hardtail
I'm an old man ( 56 ) , Lovin the rides in the woods .. Yeh , I'm not the best jumper , bunny hoppin guy on the trail. But , I'm OUT there .. ! My rides the 2017 Trek marlin 7 . Good bike , for what I need and do . !
Hey, thank you for being into the sport! I bought my mother a bike so she can ride with me and my friend itll be here soon. Shes getting close to her 50s!
53 years old on a 2020 Specialized Epic Pro HT, same ability as you, same passion to be out on the trail...ride till I die...
Just turned 57. Haven't ridden my '87 Jamis Dakota in decades. Purchased an '03 Jamis Dakar Sport a week ago, and put 43mi on it, in 4 rides up and down the local peak. So much fun (still), but I can't believe what a workout the climbing is. I run this same trail and chase down any MTB riders I see (unless they are REALLY strong), but I'm blown away at what a different work out it is.
54 and new to this sport. Volleyball 2 on 2 is tough with the pandemic. I’m not skilled in any way but having a blast and enjoying nature with my gf. Used 2017 specialized rockhopper 29er works for me
Love these comments! I'm 35, been riding mtb's since a kid and never had a really 'bad ride'. I love the sport. You guys tho, truly inspirational. Hope I'm still riding when I hit my 50's!
Love these videos... I'm a 56 years old, Old Man, still riding my vintage Kleins I've had for 30 + years. Used to race all over the Northeast USA back in the Late 80's Early 90's but nowadays I'm just happy to get out on the trail when it's not too crowded with all of you young punks riding circles around me on your $4000 bikes. Love you guys and seeing these videos makes me wish I was 25 again with all of this modern technology.
56?? Just a kid We are the OGRES. Old Guys Ride Every Saturday. But your skill level is above most of us.
I am average age at 33 3/4,,,,, for the second time.
55 and still riding Florida trails. But body cant take to much of a beating anymore. Wish I still had the wind I did when I was younger.😎 keep on riding!
The number one mistake when riding a hardtail is thinking that a full suspension will make you a better rider.
Number one mistake is to ride a hardtrail
@@TheDivinity29 no
It’s more comfortable ;)
Pibbles 'n Bits It actually made me a better rider.
Gives me more confidence to tackle harder trails and features. Id say that makes me a better rider than before
Great video. Feel like it was getting back to the roots of GMBN. Felt like there has ben a bit of a shift towards jumps, tricks, slope style type riding at the expense of just plain old trail riding. Liked it, cheers.
I've liked GMBN since I began watching back in early 2017, but Blake, just makes this channel so much fun. His enthusiasm is contagious!
As a newbie to the sport I found this very helpful. As an old guy I find myself questioning the intelligence of getting into this sport at my age. I enjoy watching the local cyclists tearing down the mountain trails of Ecuador but I think at least for now I’ll keep my 65+ year old bones on the bunny slopes and side roads.
Yep.. I'm 52 and just getting into it.. I'm on the bunny slopes or less .
Good for you! I too am about to buy my first proper bike and get into some trail riding
I'm a 34 year old newbie and I worry about what I'm doing at times but Christ it's fun and rewarding!
I just started myself at 54 and I’m not looking back. I like the connection I feel on a hard tail. Baby steps…
Same. I’m 43 and got into cycling recently to commute to work. Got a Specialized Sirrus now I’m looking to get a Mountain Bike to do more trails and things… Scared of injury tho and don’t want to make a fool of myself. 😮🤦🏻♂️
"There's a drop here.There's some rocks here.Here's a pointy rock, that's got puncture all over it." 😂😂😂 These are the moments that make me enjoy watching these videos, keep em coming.
Hell Yeah, Hardtail Vids! Love them!
then have a look on our chanel!
I was riding MT Bikes before suspension. It's amazing to me that now, it all seems to be about going faster. I still enjoy picking a line and working a trail like I'm rock climbing. Solving line after line with control and smoothness. Now, it seems to be just hang on and go as fast as you can. I just don't see the appeal.
David Stanley I grew up with hard tails and I am just 18 but I have a few 90s full rigid bikes that I dedicate to my “old bike day” every once in a while just me and an old bike hitting the trails! I still love them.
I just figured this out and it has made riding so much more fun! I took my daughter riding and told her try slowing down, reading the trail, and being smooth and she said it was the most fun she'd ever had riding!
Still got my 26 with rigid fork
I agree. I don't see the appeal either why it's all about zipping as fast as possible through the trail. It's the same with cars, everyone just wants to go as fast as possible. I like getting some good speed going downhill but for the most part I just want to ride the trail and explore.
For me personally it isnt about going fast. I just love technical things, which ofcourse are often bumpy etc.
I got myself a full-sus and I have to say Im amazed, its so much nicer for my back and it doesnt hurt as much. The only reason I ever saw to get a full-sus is the comfort, not to go faster
Back on a HT after many years on a full squish. I forgot how much fun and accurate they are. Thanks for the tips and keep up the great work.
Watching you talk about rough lines and punctures is fantastic. So much passion. So much ABSOLUTE DISDAIN for punctures.
I've totally falling in love with my hardtail again. I was forced to ride it because my full suspension was in the shop. So my backup hardtail is a GT Ricochet with 650b plus wheels and tires. And now I'm going upgrade crazy . I'm going to have GX eagle, new Forks and new hydraulic disc brakes.That 2.8 Tire gives it just enough sponge factor to make it absorb the trail. Loving the hard tail!
HARD TAIL WEEK PLEASE......
Nice! send us some photos for top mods at dirtshed@gmbn.com !
Similar experience here recently... rode my hardtail more while my shock was at Fox; when the shock came back, it sat on the shelf for 3 weeks before I finally put my FS back together, as I kept riding the HT (also a NP Scout like Blake's). I enjoyed it so much, I'm having a custom steel frame made.
I prefer hardtail. First thing that reminded me of bombing trees on skies. Let the legs go rubber and be the shock. Lean back a lil. Use your speed to keep you in control. Pure bliss
Keep up the hardtail videos with the nukeproof scout. They’re always great.
I primarily ride a 29in hard tail. I've found it super helpful in Rocky situations to sit way back on the saddle. The shift in your bodyweight and how you take the impacts makes it so you can ride much faster.
Blake - "It's not a race at the end of the day."
Me - "...unless it is."
True very true
Remember, it's only a race if there is more than one rider on the trail...
i said that to my self when watching the video 😂
I see you're ready, I am also ready. Aaannnd GO!
😂
More video on hardtail!!! Like
Bloody love hardtails. Rode one as my first bike and it made me so much of a better rider than when I switched to a dualie. I often think of going back to get the skills back.
I don't even own a bike atm, but I'm addicted to the videos
What do you ride at the moment??? A scooter or skateboard???
Not great for off road and rocky trails. Best hurry and get a bike bro 🚲⛰your missing the fun
ME TOO!!! lol only trails available to ride around me are 2hrs away, all ski resorts in the winter. Scaarrryyyyy!!!!
Time to buy.
Same lol. I'm in the Dallas area so there are plenty of trails in the area. Yeah, no big downhill trails around here due to the mostly flat geography. But Arkansas is less than 4 hours away, and has been killing it building mountain trails the last few years. I'm so fucking ready to get started, just have to take care of other priorities first.
I was the same. Managed to save up some cash and finally purchased a new hard tail, I couldn’t imagine spending 5k+ on some over hyped bike
Thanks - the hardtail (+ BMX and cyclocross) makes trail riding so much more fun, creative and engaging. Love seeing you light it up for us with a giant smile - Cheers!
Love my hardtail, I think they're loads more fun than full suss because you feel more of the trail under you
diluteduk I agree, but jumping is a bit sketchy with hardtails, it's way more scary...
I rode hardtails for 20 years. No way I'm doing it one more season. Edit: 25 years, forget how old I am sometimes.
HighFlyer I agree! Much prefer my full susser at my age! 😂
Hardtails are fun bikes as long as you have a fullsusser to ride as well... getting stuck with a hardtail is like dreaming everyday with having a full
Riding my hardtail makes me feel like a kid again especially when I ride trails, there is nothing like getting the line right on downhill sections
I switched from a FS to a hardtail last year and it was way better than i thought it would be. The plus size tires do wonders and I REALLY love the way they climb. All the power goes to the rear wheel.
The humble hardtail... i like it!
Just bought myself a Rockhopper 29” Hard tail. It’s my first MTB I can’t wait to hit the local trails Thanks for the tips 🤘
Awesome what you can do on a hardtail! This video is super useful. I spent a lot of money on upgrading my hardtail and still struggled so I started to think about buying a full suspension bike but now I see how much you can get out a HT with good technique. Thanks!
Thank you!! I love all the attention you give the hardtail since that’s all I have and can afford right now. I’ve learned some great things about the bike I have from this channel rather than just wanting a bike that I don’t have.
That fork is worth more than my entire bike
Lol
same....i've just bought an used hardtail with rim brakes and 100mm xct fork....but i'm still jumping downhill ramps with it. :))
same here
Seer-of-things like 125 lbs (57 kg)
Seer-of-things i’ve managed to get some money and imma buy my first dh bike in january
"You wanna be a little more *Flamboyant*.." is really just the most perfect way to explain it. Thank you. - AB in Santa Barbara, California and Sabah, Borneo
very nice tips and pointers for hardtail user like me... not so many tips for hardtail now... good job...
GMBN - you are the true ambassadors of getting people to love and understand our passionate lifestyle, the one we call cycling and mtb cycling .....
Learnt so much in my transition from road cycling to mtb and xc from you guys!!! The more technique learned- the more smiles per miles I get....
Thank you guys and gals!! ❤️
That's so great! The more we can help, the better we're doing, so always good to hear!
I have a hardtail that is my first mtb I never had full sus but I love my bike more than any thing
Total newbie here just got a carrera vengeance and this video has helped alot cheers dude
Coming from a bmx background, this is perfect for me . Just getting used to bike size and enjoying the process...thx mate
Just got my first mountain bike ever. A Scott 940 Scale Hardtale. I cannot wait to dive into this amazing sport. Just moved to Idaho and there is so much to do. Yahoo!
if you got everythig under control on your hardtail - you're rideing TO SLOW!
Mac!ek PARAF I have to get off and walk to not die
I am very sketchy on my HT. scariest thing is when it understeers but by god if it aint fun 😂😂
I have many years of riding a HT, you ride it so you don't end up cutting your speed because you hit an earlier section too fast, but yes, pick your lines and go fast, especially if there's a climb ahead as you'll be a good way up it before you start to slow.
riding* too* At least you used the correct "you're".
haha! ;)
Have rebuilt my old Cove Stiffee FR. And loving it. Can still shred everything that the full-sussers do. AS someone already mentioned, your rear suss is your legs!!!
may I add number 7? -forgetting you're on a hard tail....
imagine riding along.. having a fun time on a trail you know and frequent on a full sus.. and carried away at a very technical section, you go in, the way you would on your full sus..
Thanks
That is an awesome and informative video. As a 51 yo bloke who is having a crack at some trails on a hardtail, this is perfect! You realise that the skills you once had on a BMX bike 40 years ago don't really exist any more or apply to this format.
Keep up the great work
Love riding hardtail - thanks for the tips 👍🏼
As a complete newbie on a gifted 26" wheel hardtail this is brilliant, thank you
5:53 Time is like a Clock in the Heart.
This is a good video in that it does point out that you must consciously read the terrain when riding your hardtail. I started mountain biking in 1989 when rigid hardtails were all we had; you had to develop skills that involved good line choice and looking for roots and rocks to boost so that you could make rough sections flow. I recall getting my first suspension fork and how much more flow I was able to generate for myself. Then, in '96 I got the 1st generation SC Heckler and proclaimed I would never go back to a hardtail, and didn't for the next16 years. Then, a buddy of mine built a 29 single speed hardtail (back in 2012), and he was really fast on it and loved it. So, I built my own 29 SS and quickly rediscovered how fun it is to ride hardtails, so much so that I now have an SS and a modern geo hardtail with gears. It's fun sprinting up climbs and flicking the bike around with ease all while slicing and dicing the trail instead of plowing over it.
It's cool seeing Blake push the limits on an HT, and sharing his advice; Spot on.
Those of us on hard tails, because that is what we, have appreciate this.
I love that quote practice builds confidence and that’s so true... been riding my hard tail for 5 years and learned all these lessons the hard way lol... what’s crazy is I never realized how much of a work out your arms get
Blake, can you do some "budget" hardtail vids? Like the Trek Marlin, or the Specialized RockHopper?
If you want to do any real trail riding, get something more capable than that price point. *Source* own and loathe a Specialized Rockhopper.
I still shred it, but I wish I had a bit more bike every time I'm on it.
@@pizzapie4me I know this is old, but what do you think of a $1,200 bike?
@@toot6325 $1200 is a good starting price, but prices have skyrocketed over the past year. I would make sure the bike at the very least has Rockshox or Fox fork if you're getting a hardtail. If you go for a rigid or even a single speed bike, you can get a whole lot more for your money.
The second guessing has gotten me so many times getting back into riding my hardtail. BUt it is still fun and I am growing more confident every day I ride. Learning how to do a wheelie now so I can learn how to do a manual. Love your channel.
Sending er on a hardtail like a savage 🤙🤙🤙🤙
After years of being a marathoner and causal trail rider, I got my first fat bike, and boy is it slow getting going! My stupidity (excessive lack of caution) trail riding as a kid paid off though, and I did a few hills that were so steep you can't walk on them, and I went back up too! Thanks for the vid, and the line choice and braking sections were especially useful to me.
Good to meet you on that day Blake (I was the bald ginger guy at the bike hire shack). The road bike is now being used as a coat hanger whilst I buy a MTB.
C Oliver hahaha I remember!!! Hope you had a good day dude.
Don’t forget to take that poor guy out for a spin every now and again :,c
Suspicious Tumbleweed yep I still use mine to commute to work and back.. Really helps with fitness for those beauty mtb days!
How can you be bald but be ginger?
Well baldness only refers to the head.....do i really need to explain this?
I very recently got into mountain biking. I bought a hardtail from a local shop. This video was extremely helpful to me. Thank you
Great video. Quite helpful for the MB'er with "developing" skills like myself. Don't know if I will ever be able to bunny hop at 65 years of age but hope does spring eternal. Confidence is an issue for me and it is a work in progress, and your suggestions are more that a few steps toward that feeling. Thank you.
Having started out on the hardtail setup the thing I found most valuable was really learning how to move my hips with the way my bike sweade on the terrains of the southwest
Absolutely love my hardtails which I've been riding for about 30 years, bought a full sus long time ago but soon went back to hardtail, been on 29 hard tail for last 5 years
Such a great vid. I ride a hardtail and these tips are priceless.
Jack Adler they really are.
As a biker who uses an xc entry level bike with a 100mm travel entry level fork, my personal tip is "Don't forget you have feet and you can carry your bike through some sections"😅
I love these hardtail vids keep em comming GMBN! I ride one too and we're riding this weekend. Cant wait to shred the trails
Love the help videos, I am 58 and this year the wife and I have been trying to ride every Sunday we both have Trek hard tails
9:08 that jump 🔥
I ride a short travel full sus XC bike (80mm front and rear), so I feel like these tips are still super applicable! Thanks y'all
Hey GMBN great video! I am thirteen years old from Ireland and would love if you guys came to Ireland! Keep up the awesome work GMBN:)
Mel Walsh same I'm 13 from Dublin and go mtbing in tick nock
Where ? I'm mayo
Feidhlim O shea dublin
Yeah ticknock 😂🤙🏻
Mel Walsh I am 13 from Mexico :v
Great video! I'm a diehard hardtail rider (Giant Fathom 2) so love these type vids. One problem I have is on one section of my favorite trail. It's a short (maybe 10 yards) but really steep climb covered in huge, washed out roots all the way across the trail. Half the time I make it up, half the time I have to put a foot down and walk the bike up.
Those are the best! They're great to see where you are on the day, a benchmark.
Man! I wish I had his energy!
I ride hardtail with 130mm travel and 2.4 tyres. I ride quite agressive and love fast tech trails, always hitting the black trails here in Cape Town. My advice is practice skills at a bike park or in a parking lot, it helps on trails and keep your weight down and back when doing down fast.
I love my hardtail!
me too! :)
Excellent summary. Keep up the good work.
When I Started MTB in mid 90's Mt bikes were 10 speeds with fat tires and flat bars
Flat, narrow bars 😂 times have changed, eh?
That bunny hope near the end was nuts love it !!
I try to follow what 38 Special said - "Just hold on loosely, But don't let go. If you cling too tight babe You're gonna loose control"
loosing grip is my issue while going uphill... working on my balance game but it's not that easy... great video!
Looking at getting my first hardtail so I’m doing the TH-cam research and this video makes a lot of sense 👍
What did you end up getting?
Guess we'll never know
Only just see these replies 🤦♂️ went for vitus sentier loved it worked perfectly then got talked into getting a full sus broke my arm at chicksands lost all confidence and bikes been out twice but soon as I leave the floor I crap my pants and sack it off. Irony in the fact I ride dirt bikes on the lanes and have no issues doing 50+ but cannot seem to gell with mtb anymore 😕
Just pick up my first hardtail, outside of my commuter, & I’m loving all the tips!! I want to ride after every video lol
Hi GMBN, I use my hardtail MTB for daily commute to work which is about 12 Kms, so on average I cover about 30 Kms daily (on tarmac). Would really appreciate if you can help me out with some riding tips and gears for daily commute on MTBs. Also, I tend to twist my ankel a lot, can I use basketball shoes for daily commute to ensure better ankle stability?
Thanks
That’s was one of your best videos as far as practical application.
Hardtails -> sniper riffle
Full sus. -> machine gun
Both fun though as long as you ride 👌🏻
XC hardtail will be lighter then Fully.. so faster !!
SUS
Started on a hardtail and glad I did, taught me great things. Still have it but it’s mostly a pump track bike now.
Watching this makes me thinking....Am I even gonna have a full suspension bike??
😂😂😂shit full sus are expensive
but hardtails cool tho. 👌🏾👌🏾
Christian Suela you could always by an entry level full squish
Hmm I dont know maybe Ill just stick to my hardtail for now but thanks 😊👋🏾
@@christiansuela1846 get a used fs, there are really solid deals about 1000$ for downhill or enduro ;) the tech didnt really Change since 2012 so :)
@@swedishdagger8410 Honestly, I'd rather ride a tricked hardtail than an entry level FS...
I have a hardtail and not put it to it's full potential. After watching this, I might be a bit better and confident in my rides. Thanks Blake!!
Any tips for body positioning for a 6’5” person? I always feel out of position on the more technical parts - particularly the rougher downhill patches (try to keep it smooth, it’s probably just a lack of confidence and a healthy bit of fear that start me over thinking those descents). Love the vids, you guys are awesome!!!!
I think I would recommend a frame size that would fit a tall rider and also adjust the seatpost to a height that is comfortable when pedalling for climb, but lower for descrnding
My friends are full suss and I'm the hard tail fan so these hints and tips are great for me to build my confidence and along with it my speed. I'm now taking my son along showing him how to jump etc. and he's loving it. So thanks for the vid and I'll certainly be taking the info to the trails.......as soon as I get home from offshore that is...CHEERS!
Nobody:
Blakey: heah
Getting my first hardtail next month! Thanks for this video
I always bring spare tire tube when I’m riding my hard tail.
Love it! my biggest thing right now would be the bunny hop and getting over some of those logs.. Im riding everyday, , doing pretty well. need more practice.. thanks for the great videos team gmbn!
As hardtail rider, I felt that "you're gonna feel every bump"
This was great because i ride a hard tail simply due to not being able to afford a full suspension. I watched this and i have the exact problem with uphill u talked about. The back tire spins or the front lifts and people ive spoken to with rear sus dont get it. I also learned that you should use ur butt to press partially down on the seat while standing so there is some down pressure on the tail without actually fully sitting down. Great tips mate
Tf? I LOVE smashing through rough rock gardens and roots on my hardtail as hard as possible! Gotta run a lot of PSI tho hahaha
Definitely helpful for those like me, who are getting started and already itching for harder riding.
Can you follow this up with a full suspension version of this video
Man i just love the way you say the word "here" its got a real classy twang to it. Heyehhhh. Top videos too. I'm addicted.
Think he’s talking about me at 4:18
Just got a vitus sentier after a few years break from biking, and it's great, first time out I realised that the bike is way more capable than my skills are currently allowing. Your vids are helping me remember techniques and now itching to get back out on it, thanks great vids 👍
#askgmbn could u do a video on when to replace your helmet
After any impact
At 6:03 the way that rear tire slashed trhough that sharp rock gap is satisying af.
Having a hard tail is the only way to get the true outdoor biking experience. Who goes outdoor for comfortability
I have a KTM Ultra 1964 Comp and I use it like a enduro/ DH . It holds pretty well in any circumstance and it’s super fun !!!
3:27 hehe he said doodoo
Great to see the hardtail videos! Keep ‘em coming!
Saddle height: in climbing segment, seat height looks higher than in body position segment at start? Do you have a dropper post?
I ride a mix of road, paved trail, gravel, mixed use (hiking / equestrian), and flow - I like my higher saddle as I can transfer max power. The lean-forward, stay seated guidance is spot on for climbing!
I’d like to see some skills drills for hardtails - and rigid, for that matter - like hopping low obstacles like curbs or logs, threading between tight trees, etc. (Though that last bit has more to do with my wide bars....)