Sold my full sus and got a new Transition Trans Am, loving the change! Will be a hard sell to return to full suspension. More fun, less money and hassle 🤷♂️
My HT is my only bike and I am loving it. No need to upgrade to FS. My trusty Nukeproof Scout has a the magic to do it all! More HT content is appreciated. Cheers
Yes, more hardtail please! I love the content you and Blake are putting out. Always fully enjoyed 😁 And yes I do own a hardtail and it is my only bike. Loving it!
I think most people assume hardtail is a simpler setup because typically they are "cheaper" - but really US hardcore hardtail purist, who want to ride the same trails, same conditions and try to as quickly, have to really really nerd out on the setup and possibly spend more for similar levels of performance. Rich, you were really on point. Everything, the minutia meets just that much more. The right tire choice, casing, precise tire pressure and the use of inserts - you want the right contact patch, pinch protection and a rear insert adds that insurance and damping. Like you, my guidance is just a bit softer, and using an insert give you that ramp up like using volume spacers. Fork - SUPER important to be properly forked and setup. Its your only suspension and your pivot is on the back. You are ALREADY super active on the bike fore and aft on a HT, you want to setup the fork to be the perfect unicorn... supple off the top, rampy, not linear and not blow through your travel. Basically you want all that, but still to sit "high-ish" in the travel to not blow through. Stiffness while compliant is also important, which basically means you need a higher end fork with controls for at the least HSC along with LSC, rebound and the ability to add spacers for ramp up. - High/Low speed rebound is also important, but ultimately you want your rebound to be as FAST as possible, so it not only doesn't pack in, but with the right HSC doesn't get stuck in holes and throws you over the bars when the HTA changes by upwards of 5 degrees. Brakes - because you have less traction, you need brakes you can better modulate while being super strong as you'll be on them more than you would a full sus. Some people say to run a smaller rotor out back to prevent locking... For me, it needs to be 4 pot with metalic sintered pads and >180mm rotors Geo - this is what everything hangs off and supports. This needs to be selected appropriately for your riding. You're going to be having to move your body way more fore and aft to deal the dynamic head tube angle. Frame materials and design - you notice this more on a HT than anywhere else. Alu vs. steel, and even if steel, the type of steel and where the reinforcement is. The Chromag rootdown became the 'standard' or baseline for Geo, but a Chromag rootdown for instance is waay more stiffer than say the Norco Torrent or even the Honzo ESD. This is all preference, as some people prefer that. Bars - again because of the shifting geo, and lack of compliance, you may want to look for something that gives you something more upright, more rise if you prioritize gravity. >30MM rise, and even looking at carbon over ALU or 31.8 over 35MM
Yeah, I upgraded from a twenty year old XC hardtail a while ago. I was initially considering another hardtail due to simplicity, reliability, etc. but came to the conclusion that, with a modern geometry, larger wheels and increased fork travel, I'd be going a lot faster and likely have issues with smashing rear rims and tires. Ended up going with a fully simply to avoid smashing rear wheels.
Hard tail bike packing, races, adventures, would be amazing to see more of. 4 yrs ago I had a stroke caused by a treatment for arthritis, I set a goal to riding. Started training bike at home 2yrs, got my bike hard tail, riding that now 2 yrs now. Got loads to improve on, 2025 I set a mission to do an adventure / bike packing. Would love to know more on this, types of adventures best for hard tails, best set up, ridding tips, prep, I’m invested now so going all in, its git me back being mobile
For me the biggest difference was using clip in pedals, it allowed me to "fly" over rough terrain along with the bike, on flats I used to stand "heavy" on the pedals and I used to push the rear wheel into every unevenness on the trail in fear of losing shoe to pedal contact.
@@wayne5741 I was always against clipless pedals, so I went with the cheapest ones (Shimano PD-M520) because I thought clipless is not for me so why waste money, but as it turned out these work just fine. The only thing I can complain about is when I'm going through the rough stuff I can feel my feet move about (within the float of course, my feet aren't going anywhere because they're securely clipped in), which is unnerving at first, but now I don't mind it at all. So yeah, if did more gravity oriented riding I'd certainly go with clipless with a platform as shown in the video, but as of now I'm not planning any upgrades unless my PD-M520s wear out (from what I've read not anytime soon), because they weigh only 66g more than PD-M9100 and they feel 98% the same.
To add... riding hardtail makes you better. You not only pick up on line choice, but as mentioned very strategic braking zones, understanding how to use your traction, how to make traction, along with alot more "fore and aft" movement will translate to just better and faster riding. Jumping? - Nothing better than a hardtail to really understand how to ride through the lip, how to press into compressions and then "why" you shouldn't case ;)
@@enensis Theres not that much elevation gain really, but thats what makes it hard, because you're constantly pedaling, and out of the saddle a lot on the hardtail. There's also some good stuff off the main red/blue worth exploring.
Awesome, really good walk through more hard tail tricks and tips 😀 so much that’s comparable but also must dos to get the best line choices and strategy. I ride my hard tail and love it, to go full sus just a stretch to far and right now more interested in evolving my skills as a ridding. Would love to see more of this to take it back to the trails to refine. Loved it Rich lots of small but import areas to keep working on ❤️ thanks GMBN team
I built myself an Octane One Sour with good used parts (fox34, carobon bars, xtr cranks, hzn wheels, maxxis 2.6, oval chainring, deore brakes, 180 dropper...). The cheapest frame I could find with nice geometry. It's an amazing bike, probably my favourite one ever. And I have owned an Ibis Mojo and now I have an Orbea Rise
Yeti ARC rider here. I built it as light as possible with carbon cranks, hoops & bars. Weighs just over 20lbs on XC setup but when I switch tires it transforms into a full out trail beast.
@@gmbn currently on a Ragley Big Al , shimano build with nukeproof rims . Looking to upgrade to wider rims and fatter tires with tubeless insert in the rear as I am pushing harder on my hard tail enjoying more technical trails . Your videos have been inspiring and being back on a hard tail has improved my overall riding technique . I think I was getting complacent letting my full suspension cheat me down the trail . It’s great to be humbled and get back to basics to “ feel” the trail again . Keep making awesome content . Thank you 🙏🏼
Cheers man and your right just because they look simpler doesn’t make setting them up just right any easier if anything it’s true let because they do need to be spot on 👊
Custom hardtail personally assembled 25 yrs after competing in mountaincross in a stumpjumper. I'm in my. 50s and getting back on the trails now with my mtb crazy 14yo rocking a nukeproof scout.
My only bike for almost 10 years was a Chromag Surface (Steel Canadian HT). Still my favourite bike although I have a FS as well now. Perfect for adventures and bike packing. I’ve never had trouble following any friends on tech North Shore trails. People would be amazed what you can ride on a HT
Clipless are great for going downhill but I've done the "oh 🤬" stall on many a climb and gravity's reaction dragging me to the ground is usually quicker than me getting out of a clipless pedal 😂
I'm sure this is way steeper than it looks and in the wet over diagonal roots OMG, injury is inevitable. Nowadays I only ride dry. Totally have other stuff to do on wet days. Wonderful to see you enjoy it though.
Happy to see hard tail content but you don't really think that qualifies as hard on a hard tail? Is it the mud? Love to see you guys do some real gnar instead of some XC stuff.
Recently acquired a Ragley for winter riding, full suss is a 22 Canyon Spectral AL6. I sometimes forget I'm on a hardtail on gnarly trails, feel that the rear tends to kick and buck unexpectedly and throw me slightly off balance compared to full suspension. It's still fun and I ride most of the trails I ride on my full susser, just that there are trails that really need double boing e.g. Jacob's Ladder / Cavedale etc. But for what it's worth I'd say that a decent hardtail can be just as fun as full suspension until things start to get really janky, steep and technical.
My hard tails are my primary bikes & my full suspension are for really technical trails but I have more control & fun with my hard tails but I started out on 26in full ridged hard tails
Agree, I've just acquired a 1.0 and the compliance is like some kind of witchcraft. First ride I thought I had a puncture with 10psi less in the rear tyre. It feels like riding full suspension with the shock locked out rather than a rigid hardtail. Hard to explain but if you have a Ragley you'll know what I mean. Great bike and the next best thing to a full suspension trail bike imo.
Sold my FullSus and got a Hardtail instead. Riding is much more fun on the mellow Trails, but also on the gnarly stuff. Also switched to good Clipless Pedals, for a better connection to the bike and be able to unweight the rear much better.
I’m in a transition period , my trusty second bike is a hardtail that is pretty tricked out. Just bought a new full Suss so the hardtail is in full play
Orbea Alma user here (have also a full-susp). H-tails are so fun and fast is hard to forget them, you always return to their first love. On a side note, is it me or GMBN is promoting inserts more than ever these days?
Brilliant but maybe better to have a full Suspension on the same route so we can see the slow mo on both. Like a side by side comparison . Maybe jumps next
only feedback i would say is dont drop both heals. Drop the front foot but drop the toes of the rear foot so you are wedged in your pedals especially if your in flats!
Might I recommend less “go fast” focus and more “playful, have fun”. When I go out every morning for my 15 mile morning PNW trail ride I’m playing, not racing.
Do you own a hardtail? Is it your second bike?
27.5 ns eccentric
Yes & yes! Ragley mmmbop
My one & only mtb...hardtail 💪
yes. no.
Sold my full sus and got a new Transition Trans Am, loving the change! Will be a hard sell to return to full suspension. More fun, less money and hassle 🤷♂️
My HT is my only bike and I am loving it. No need to upgrade to FS. My trusty Nukeproof Scout has a the magic to do it all! More HT content is appreciated. Cheers
Yes, more Hardtail content would be awesome 👍
Yes, more hardtail please! I love the content you and Blake are putting out. Always fully enjoyed 😁 And yes I do own a hardtail and it is my only bike. Loving it!
Ah thanks buddy, we love making it so defo keep an eye open for more hardtail content
I think most people assume hardtail is a simpler setup because typically they are "cheaper" - but really US hardcore hardtail purist, who want to ride the same trails, same conditions and try to as quickly, have to really really nerd out on the setup and possibly spend more for similar levels of performance.
Rich, you were really on point. Everything, the minutia meets just that much more.
The right tire choice, casing, precise tire pressure and the use of inserts - you want the right contact patch, pinch protection and a rear insert adds that insurance and damping. Like you, my guidance is just a bit softer, and using an insert give you that ramp up like using volume spacers.
Fork - SUPER important to be properly forked and setup. Its your only suspension and your pivot is on the back. You are ALREADY super active on the bike fore and aft on a HT, you want to setup the fork to be the perfect unicorn... supple off the top, rampy, not linear and not blow through your travel. Basically you want all that, but still to sit "high-ish" in the travel to not blow through. Stiffness while compliant is also important, which basically means you need a higher end fork with controls for at the least HSC along with LSC, rebound and the ability to add spacers for ramp up. - High/Low speed rebound is also important, but ultimately you want your rebound to be as FAST as possible, so it not only doesn't pack in, but with the right HSC doesn't get stuck in holes and throws you over the bars when the HTA changes by upwards of 5 degrees.
Brakes - because you have less traction, you need brakes you can better modulate while being super strong as you'll be on them more than you would a full sus. Some people say to run a smaller rotor out back to prevent locking... For me, it needs to be 4 pot with metalic sintered pads and >180mm rotors
Geo - this is what everything hangs off and supports. This needs to be selected appropriately for your riding. You're going to be having to move your body way more fore and aft to deal the dynamic head tube angle.
Frame materials and design - you notice this more on a HT than anywhere else. Alu vs. steel, and even if steel, the type of steel and where the reinforcement is. The Chromag rootdown became the 'standard' or baseline for Geo, but a Chromag rootdown for instance is waay more stiffer than say the Norco Torrent or even the Honzo ESD. This is all preference, as some people prefer that.
Bars - again because of the shifting geo, and lack of compliance, you may want to look for something that gives you something more upright, more rise if you prioritize gravity. >30MM rise, and even looking at carbon over ALU or 31.8 over 35MM
Yeah, I upgraded from a twenty year old XC hardtail a while ago. I was initially considering another hardtail due to simplicity, reliability, etc. but came to the conclusion that, with a modern geometry, larger wheels and increased fork travel, I'd be going a lot faster and likely have issues with smashing rear rims and tires. Ended up going with a fully simply to avoid smashing rear wheels.
Yes, more hardtail content will be great. I love my third hardtail mtb❤
Hard tail bike packing, races, adventures, would be amazing to see more of. 4 yrs ago I had a stroke caused by a treatment for arthritis, I set a goal to riding. Started training bike at home 2yrs, got my bike hard tail, riding that now 2 yrs now. Got loads to improve on, 2025 I set a mission to do an adventure / bike packing. Would love to know more on this, types of adventures best for hard tails, best set up, ridding tips, prep, I’m invested now so going all in, its git me back being mobile
@@didgineil Nice to hear you're back up and out dude, all the best with your adventures!
For me the biggest difference was using clip in pedals, it allowed me to "fly" over rough terrain along with the bike, on flats I used to stand "heavy" on the pedals and I used to push the rear wheel into every unevenness on the trail in fear of losing shoe to pedal contact.
@@wayne5741 I was always against clipless pedals, so I went with the cheapest ones (Shimano PD-M520) because I thought clipless is not for me so why waste money, but as it turned out these work just fine. The only thing I can complain about is when I'm going through the rough stuff I can feel my feet move about (within the float of course, my feet aren't going anywhere because they're securely clipped in), which is unnerving at first, but now I don't mind it at all. So yeah, if did more gravity oriented riding I'd certainly go with clipless with a platform as shown in the video, but as of now I'm not planning any upgrades unless my PD-M520s wear out (from what I've read not anytime soon), because they weigh only 66g more than PD-M9100 and they feel 98% the same.
To add... riding hardtail makes you better. You not only pick up on line choice, but as mentioned very strategic braking zones, understanding how to use your traction, how to make traction, along with alot more "fore and aft" movement will translate to just better and faster riding.
Jumping? - Nothing better than a hardtail to really understand how to ride through the lip, how to press into compressions and then "why" you shouldn't case ;)
if you're jumping correctly, there's essentially no down side to jumping a hardtail.
riding a hardtail makes you a better rider yes ... but you will only see the difference if you transfer the skills over to a full sus
Hardtail lover -marin San Quentin. I urban downhill mostly on it..just started riding trails
If you ride "aggressive" hardtail, you already know the rules. You chose hard difficulty for a reason and you expect a full body workout!
Real talk
yes pls.more HT content. Been riding my Commencal Meta HT since 2015 and is still super fun.
Thanks for this. Will definitely help me setup my hardtail for my ride at Swinley Forest in a couple of weeks
It's great fun and I wouldn't say it's techy. Just flowy and fun, lots of climbing so bring your gas tank 😂
@@enensis Theres not that much elevation gain really, but thats what makes it hard, because you're constantly pedaling, and out of the saddle a lot on the hardtail. There's also some good stuff off the main red/blue worth exploring.
You’ll love swinley on a hardtail! I actually prefer riding my hardtail there over the squish
Thank you for the informative vid I am devoted hardtail rider enjoyed the tips can't wait to try them out
Awesome, really good walk through more hard tail tricks and tips 😀 so much that’s comparable but also must dos to get the best line choices and strategy. I ride my hard tail and love it, to go full sus just a stretch to far and right now more interested in evolving my skills as a ridding. Would love to see more of this to take it back to the trails to refine. Loved it Rich lots of small but import areas to keep working on ❤️ thanks GMBN team
Tis my pleasure buddy just stoked your enjoying the vids 👊🙌
More Hardtail content please! This was amazing!
We need a hardtail challenge video with Rich, Blake and Neil. The boys always have fun challenge videos.
I built myself an Octane One Sour with good used parts (fox34, carobon bars, xtr cranks, hzn wheels, maxxis 2.6, oval chainring, deore brakes, 180 dropper...). The cheapest frame I could find with nice geometry. It's an amazing bike, probably my favourite one ever. And I have owned an Ibis Mojo and now I have an Orbea Rise
Yeti ARC rider here. I built it as light as possible with carbon cranks, hoops & bars. Weighs just over 20lbs on XC setup but when I switch tires it transforms into a full out trail beast.
Hardtrial × Hardtail = Best Combo
Love my hard tail , it’s my preferred bike over my full sus right now . Great videos thanks for the awesome tips 🙏🏼
Amazing what hardtail do you have? Thank you!
@@gmbn currently on a Ragley Big Al , shimano build with nukeproof rims . Looking to upgrade to wider rims and fatter tires with tubeless insert in the rear as I am pushing harder on my hard tail enjoying more technical trails . Your videos have been inspiring and being back on a hard tail has improved my overall riding technique . I think I was getting complacent letting my full suspension cheat me down the trail . It’s great to be humbled and get back to basics to “ feel” the trail again .
Keep making awesome content . Thank you 🙏🏼
Cheers man and your right just because they look simpler doesn’t make setting them up just right any easier if anything it’s true let because they do need to be spot on 👊
I love your videos and I've been watching for a while keep up the good vids
Thanks, we appreciate it!
Custom hardtail personally assembled 25 yrs after competing in mountaincross in a stumpjumper. I'm in my. 50s and getting back on the trails now with my mtb crazy 14yo rocking a nukeproof scout.
more hardtail for sure, and bikepacking, gravel biking!!
Very helping, thank you for this video!
My only bike for almost 10 years was a Chromag Surface (Steel Canadian HT). Still my favourite bike although I have a FS as well now. Perfect for adventures and bike packing. I’ve never had trouble following any friends on tech North Shore trails. People would be amazed what you can ride on a HT
This vid seemed different fo some reason…. Liked it 😏
#NPSCOUT!!!!!
Could you do a skills video on riding sketchy features on natural trails, coupled with suggestions on trail building improvements to same?
Clipless are great for going downhill but I've done the "oh 🤬" stall on many a climb and gravity's reaction dragging me to the ground is usually quicker than me getting out of a clipless pedal 😂
As a recovering roadie who rode only clipless for years, I'd never have them on my mtb 😬
@@not-a-raccoonclipped in for the win 😊. Flats are for beginners
Gravity gets us all from time to time!
I would try magped
Nukeproof Scout 275 & Kona blast. Both 27.5. Both probably get ridden more than my full suss.
I run magic Marys on my hardtail… work a treat.
Yes hardtailing on my Trek Roscoe exclusively and loving it 😅
I'm sure this is way steeper than it looks and in the wet over diagonal roots OMG, injury is inevitable. Nowadays I only ride dry. Totally have other stuff to do on wet days.
Wonderful to see you enjoy it though.
Happy to see hard tail content but you don't really think that qualifies as hard on a hard tail? Is it the mud? Love to see you guys do some real gnar instead of some XC stuff.
Recently acquired a Ragley for winter riding, full suss is a 22 Canyon Spectral AL6. I sometimes forget I'm on a hardtail on gnarly trails, feel that the rear tends to kick and buck unexpectedly and throw me slightly off balance compared to full suspension. It's still fun and I ride most of the trails I ride on my full susser, just that there are trails that really need double boing e.g. Jacob's Ladder / Cavedale etc. But for what it's worth I'd say that a decent hardtail can be just as fun as full suspension until things start to get really janky, steep and technical.
My hard tails are my primary bikes & my full suspension are for really technical trails but I have more control & fun with my hard tails but I started out on 26in full ridged hard tails
Hardtails rule 👍 More HT🚴♀️
Hardtail Orbea Alma here. Love it for speed and weight.
Effing love a hard tail 🤟🏻
🙌🙌🙌
😎ragley big al, for me its the best hardtail ive ever owned👌cant be bothered with servicing a full suss, i just like to ride👍😉
Agree, I've just acquired a 1.0 and the compliance is like some kind of witchcraft. First ride I thought I had a puncture with 10psi less in the rear tyre. It feels like riding full suspension with the shock locked out rather than a rigid hardtail. Hard to explain but if you have a Ragley you'll know what I mean. Great bike and the next best thing to a full suspension trail bike imo.
@@Usual_Goonyou guys aren’t riding proper technical trails then l😂
7:53 hahaha that’s me but then trying it anyways… good reminder though to pick lines carefully depending on the suspension or lack of…
Sold my FullSus and got a Hardtail instead. Riding is much more fun on the mellow Trails, but also on the gnarly stuff. Also switched to good Clipless Pedals, for a better connection to the bike and be able to unweight the rear much better.
Hardtail Babyyyy...!!!!
I’m in a transition period , my trusty second bike is a hardtail that is pretty tricked out. Just bought a new full Suss so the hardtail is in full play
Any tips for berm confidence on hard tails?
Hardtail only right now. Your legs are the suspension!
Tubeless with cushcore in the back.
I have 2 fs and 1 ht and I live all of them... ❤
YES! More hardtail content would be great. Full sus is cool and all, but hardtails just feel like a lot more fun to me.
Orbea Alma user here (have also a full-susp). H-tails are so fun and fast is hard to forget them, you always return to their first love.
On a side note, is it me or GMBN is promoting inserts more than ever these days?
i ride flats on my left foot and clipless on my right , the best of both worlds
Hardtail is my main ride. Kona Honzo my secondary is my full squish.
That drop @11:20 is that gbu?
What jacket are you wearing Rich?
Yes, needs smoother flowing trails tho.
Hardtail is my main bike. Simple, fun and I can ride 90% of my trails on it
Brilliant but maybe better to have a full Suspension on the same route so we can see the slow mo on both. Like a side by side comparison . Maybe jumps next
What a mud cover are you using????
only feedback i would say is dont drop both heals. Drop the front foot but drop the toes of the rear foot so you are wedged in your pedals especially if your in flats!
My MTB is a carbon hardtail Polygon Syncline C5, plus an old 1998 MTB with no suspension which is pensioned off onto the indoor 'dumb' trainer.
@ecopennylife
How do you like the c5?
Been thinking about getting that.
@@bud1lite fantastic, I mainly do XC firetrails & singletrack, not so much into downhill or jumps etc. Review & tubeless upgrade vids on my channel.
@@ecopennylife yeah not into jumping either,just regular trails with an occasional drop …rocks and roots.
Will check out your videos
what bike park are you
XC, full suspension. Enduro, aggressive hardtail. The only way I ride.
29er gaint t2 is the only bike I have!
long live ht
Might I recommend less “go fast” focus and more “playful, have fun”. When I go out every morning for my 15 mile morning PNW trail ride I’m playing, not racing.
Yep,I ride for the exercise and to enjoy the outdoors,no reasen to have to set records on speed lol
one hardtail with flats,and one road with flats also.
Magic mary up front nobby nick rear tubeless
How does his helmet stay on?
Vittoria 2.6 is like 2.4 in rest brands imo
Could gmbn's payne be related to liam payne who just passed?
Not to my knowledge but I’ll double check the family tree 😅
Well done Rich all good info surprized you run such high tyre pressures maybe you have eaten to many pies ha ha .
HA HA cheers dude, I ate ALL the pies 😂😂😂😉
Gimme hardtail every time. Just on costs and maintemance
Hardtails forever
i`m dying of first - eerm, thirst....
Here have some water 🍺
JUST SEND IT
"how" is wrong question) The proper question is "why"))))) If here is lot of full suspension bikes on the planet)
Fun 👍Hardtails are a completely different experience and so much fun!
I don't ride squish
Nuke proof Scout and a Vitus Neutron. And here's the thing. I'm 70 years old. Age is only a state of mind. I'll rip you a new one. Aloha.😎🤙
honesetly, most of things Rich is doing, i'm doing the opposite on the hardtail.
I ride a hardtail fatty…best of all !
No HT for me. A HT can’t go as fast as a FS bike.
Clips is a must for riding hardtails
Sold my full suspension bikes only ride hardtails