Tubeless is a must out here in AZ. You have some of the best bike reviews out there. You really do a great job highlighting each bikes pro's and con's but also making sure to let people what type of trails the bike is meant for. Off topic here but I'm still looking forward to your next bike packing video.
Regarding the lack of tools, if you're buying a $3600 carbon hardtail it's almost a certainty you have a multi-tool, and if you don't you should also buy one as it's a mandatory accessory for mountain biking. I'm with you on just not including tools.
I've bought three bikes in the last 18 months that required home assembly, and whilst I have a full toolbox each came with a multi-tool. Two Nukeproofs came from Chain Reaction with an LifeLine Essential 10 tools that have 2 - 8mm hex, T25, philips No1 and a flat head, and a Cannondale Quick 20 purchased from REI turned up with a retail packaged Park Tools AWS-10 in the box. That was just as REI were getting into ship to home for bikes with COVID so I guess they just threw in what was available in store!?!?
While we are on the RAD subject lets talk about how rad this channel is. Keep up the great content. Looking forward to the ride. You do have me interest in a Stanton steel frame for my next build. We"ll see, you may interest me in something else. Cheers.
I took Steve up on his bike consult and it was worth every penny. Not only is he super knowledgeable it was awesome to just talk bikes with him. I went with an RSD Middlechild Ti. And it still hasn’t come! Sometime in November 🤞
I will agree with your assessment of reach. I generally ride a large bike but when I’m riding faster and steeper trails I want a longer reach. Bike manufacturers seem to do the counterintuitive thing and put shorter stems and the similar reach on the bikes designed for steep fast chunk.
Diamondback rose the prices like no one else, added to their old specs on frames took their bikes of my radar for an XC hardtail that I’m planning to buy.
The fork direction sticker is a smart move! I have seen so many people's department store bikes with forks on backwards, and even at the big box stores, on display, assembled backwards, unbelievable.
Excellent video review & breakdown on this bike Steve! You make spot on points about the pricing, components, geo etc. I’m happy that you choose not to be bike sponsored cuz your unbiased opinions carry some serious weight. I appreciate your insight & suggestions & you haven’t been misleading in any of your videos. Keep up the awesome content.. Looking forward to the Ride review of this bike. PS. I agree with you about the pricing on this bike.
My “smart” build on my ragley Marley put me at under 30lbs, 130mm travel fork, tubeless, 200mm dropper and carbon bars and sram GX like the diamond back in the video. I only spend 2000$ with everything new but fork and wheels.
Thanks for keeping it real Steve. I definitely see lots of channels that are obviously more sponsored and marketing focused. Never heard of Lee McCormick but have consulted with professional bike fitters. I definitely have learned a lot from you and feel like you are a solid advisor about bike fit and build options. I have custom frames made for me and intend on getting your paid advisor services before my next new custom frame.
Thanks again Steve for your honest reviews and contributions to the hardtail world. I really hope people don't just go and order these because Seth is sponsored by them. More hardtail newbies need to see your videos! 👌🏻
Great video. You still have the RAD+ measurement which feels pretty spot on for most everything I could think of. I’m 179 cm and a 456mm reach seems perfect. I have so much respect for your opinion though.
Haha thanks man, it is handbuilt by a guy in cape town and it is 1 of 20, so I like to consider it a special build. If this helps it is a mercer hungry monkey.
@@youtubeviewer9523 just checked out their site and it's a sweet bike. The reach is fairly long as well. I've been looking at getting a Chumba Sendero titanium hardtail. They aren't cheap but they work with you through the whole bike building to make sure your getting a bike built for what you like to ride. You can even get the geo numbers changed if you like.
I completely agree with your saying on 2 piston vs 4 piston brakes I got some 2 piston SLX brakes for my hardtail and work great better then some of the lower end 4 piston ones hands down
Weird, I spoke to Diamondback about my rear chain stay, on my Mason 2, about being possibly bent and while doing so he said that both the Diamondback Mason 2 and sync’er were both 29er compatable. They just never told anyone. Maybe so they could reintroduce these later as 29ers. I don’t know.
Orange Seal Endurance is my choice also. It has proven itself on numerous occasions due to thorns on some of my local trails. It even sealed a 3/8" half moon puncture from a sharp stick.
Really appreciate your RAD comment, I had anxiety about my purchase after I saw the video. After lots of riding, however, I believe that I would not enjoy a smaller frame for how I ride.
Glad to hear it. RAD works for a lot of people, but it definitely doesn't work for me. I really respect Lee; he's a great coach and he's done a lot for progressing MTB technique. He's always learning and pushing his knowledge. He knows far more than I do in many aspects of riding and technique, we just have different ideas for what the optimal geo is for a rider. That said, I do believe RAD works for a lot of people, especially old-school and newer riders.
In Lee’s defense it’s probably easier to learn a lot of the bike skills on a shorter reach, but the longer reach is going to make you more confident, especially on steep fast chunk.
@@brassmnky33 I agree that a lot of the less-skilled riders who attend his clinics can learn the basics on a shorter bike. What's difficult for me is when it's taught as "proper" bike fit for everyone.
I'd say the most important aspect of RAD is that is lets riders know that they have choices to make and research to do, and not just accept the longer and longer reaches that the manufacturers are pushing out.
I've been interested in hearing your thoughts on RAD sizing for a while. I'd love to experiment with sizing myself, but budget and availability makes it tough. Lee has me pretty convinced that a shorter bike would measurably improve the riding experience on my Midwest trails. The only thing I'm hesitant about using RAD sizing on modern bikes is the top tube length getting way too short for pedaling in the saddle. I have wondered if I would end up preferring a shorter hardtail and straying from my RAD for a longer full suspension.
I like your take on the brakes. I have the Shimano 510 brakes on my hardtail and they're quite impressive. Far better brakes than I expected. Also, I'm on board with the Orange Seal and found it to work better than any other sealant.
I remember when this was in the stand and we were talking about direct to consumer bikes and if they are still the value they used to be. Looking at the market today, I think DTC brands got too comfortable with riders assuming they were the best value. With the disruption in the market from COVID causing people to look at smaller bike brands it has made the issue even more glaring.
This is a lot like how my canyon came. (Except my bike was on the lowish end so I had to tape my rims and swap tires) nice to have a spare tube to throw on my frame. I am right between a Large and XL and am glad I got a Large since it is a little "RAD plus" by 10-30mm 🤷♂️ I am still learning to manual/bunny hop so I might try to adjust my bars to get a slightly shorter reach, before I pull the trigger on that I will definitely be asking some questions via patron
I have the 27.5 version and absolutely love it! Don't have any prior MTB experience (came from BMX) so maybe the geometry is impeding me more than I know, but I can keep up with most full-suspension riders on my local trails (Colorado front range). Ultimately I think the rider makes the bike, not the other way around. That being said, I got mine used for 2k. If I was looking at 3.6k to buy one new I probably would have gone with a different bike.
So I’m 5’7 but have long legs and short torso so I usually ride either a large or X-Large frame depending on the bike. I use a 35mm stem and rise bars. I love a long bike for what I ride. And I’ve had no issues except people continually telling me it’s not right for me until they see me ride and can’t keep up
Idk if this is a hot take or not, but I feel like DiamondBack fell off the wagon back to where they used to be. Their bikes were totally modern 4 years ago when they were debuting a legitimately cool suspension design. Ever since, they've basically just made the same exact bikes with non-metric shocks and without real updates to geometry.
technically, the vpp suspension design was borrowed from santa cruz after their patent ran out. but yet, their bikes were more up to date then. Still, there are a lot of riders out there who don't want something longer, lower, and slacker every year.
It's my own responsibility to have the tools I need to have in order to live the life I want to. If something extra comes along in a package, then fine, but I will never expect it and I don't care either way because it's just cheap and more cumbersome things I won't use anyhow. The length of that dropper wire should definitely not be like that though. The bike itself over all looks to have potential, and it's always good to see more different bikes to establish a know how of what is what.
As a rider on the north shore and of a geometron I completely agree that rad is kinda not correct. When I’m screaming down a tech section on the edge of control I don’t really want a “poppy” and “playful” bike. The issue I’ve found with most hardtails even the chromag doctahawk (crazy right?) is that the chainstay isn’t long enough for tall riders and the HA because of sag isn’t slack enough! Anyways awesome video.
So im 45 and i was told I had diabetes several years ago so I picked up mountain biking to help lose weight and to control my sugar, iv been riding 3 years and my 1st Was a trek marlin , And my 2nd was a 2019 track Stache 7 , and i love it so much iv upgraded everything on it this past year , but i really wanted a full suspension bike because of im riding more aggressive trails here lately, So I bought the 2021 trek full Stache frame And I'm converting everything from the hard tail to the full suspension .Do you think that was a good move for my 1st full suspension Bike? Im keeping my hardtail
The full stache is a fun bike! Enjoy it. Welcome to the exciting world of MTB. I recommend venturing outside the trek brand sometime. They make nice stuff, but there are some other great bikes out there too.
Great first look Steve! I know it's Hardtail Party but wondered if you ride a Dirt Jumper as well. If so, a special Dirt Jumper Party edition could be cool!
@@hardtailparty Ah, I thought the Sedona DJ park was a good one ... You got me into hard tails and then I got a DJ. Most fun I've ever had on a bike! I think it's a growing category and your subscribers might enjoy a bike build or two - I know I would! :)
Steve, have you ever thought about experimenting with a fat bike rear, conventional front combo. Maybe give away some of the extra rear traction with a faster rolling tread in the back. Just throwing that out there.
@@hardtailparty Ah understood. I was thinking about it from a comfort, ride quality perspective. The 26 by 3.8 on the back of my Farley has some nice cushion. Rolls pretty well with a Husker Du tire. But those bikes so sluggish up front. Have been tempted to throw the front end of my chameleon on there just for giggles. But there's some hassle involved. Anyway like I said, just an idea. Cheers
Is it bad that I am amused by the disappointment in your voice when dealing with the dropper? Seriously though, what a bummer that that is only a 125mm dropper, and the ST length! Very curious to hear your thoughts on the bike! Keep up the great work Steve!
$3600 does seem overpriced, at least for a hardtail where its cheaper. buying almost completely new (fork i got used for $700) i have a banshee paradox with an slx/xt build, custom stans baron wheels on hope pro 4, fox 36 elite grip 2, and ANVL components. total this build cost me $3400. excited to see the review and how it rides!
Generally Diamondback sets a retail price and then the bikes are always discounted or on some type of sale. The pandemic bike shortage is to blame for prices like this.
Steve, thanks for the RAD comment. I also hold Lee in very high regard, but his fit ideas don't apply to me the way he pitches it. Back when I first transitioned from BMX I liked a shorter frame because I rode like a BMXer. Now that I have been at it for, well, two and a half decades, I ride like a MTBer and I like a significantly longer bike than I used to and feel far, FAR more comfortable and confident.
good first impressions overal, but sometimes I feel like you get really picky.... like, most ppl wont mind what brand a dropper lever is if it works okay... ill rather see bigger rotors that can use semi-metallic pads, and proper BB, than a fancy wolftooth dropper lever, that wont upgrade the function of the bike at all... You are sure right about long dropper routing etc, but you cant really make that fit everyone, as you said yourself.
It's my job to be picky and point out the issues. I wouldn't be a very good reviewer if every bike I had in was "great" with nothing to improve. Wait 'till you try one of these levers, you'll see what I mean. If you pay a shop to do all your work, then you may not mind, but if you ever have to adjust your dropper yourself, you'll see instantly why this design is bad.
All bikes have jumped up $300-800 since the shortage. Not just bikes but food, goods, etc. It's too bad. I don't think we'll ever get back to pre-covid prices.
That dropper cable length was stupid, pair that with a finicky lever... Ugh, what a mess. Definitely not something everyone can deal with. I agree with your RAD comments. It will work for many people, but certainly not everyone. I think it's a great starting point, but there are so many variables out on a trail, different riding styles too. Plus everyone has a different build. Some people have short legs with long arms. Or a long torso with short legs and arms and many other combinations. Very few people have a perfectly proportioned body.
Uh... the X Fusion dropper set up is the worst! The barrel end of the cable should always be at the dropper, not the lever. Such a pain in the butt to get the housing and cable length right.
I think you should add SRAM guide T breaks to you list of 4-pots that are not very powerful and are sold by using the "Guide" name. On an other note, I feel the same way about Lee Mccormack. I like the guy but he seems to have a tendency to speak as if his views are the ultimate and universal truths, which is a bit of a shame.
i think its overpricend, i rather have a torrent for more enduro style riding or a arc foe all-day-epics , but i think ill never buy carbon untill i work fulltime , until tjen alloy or steel are just as (or i think even) better than carbon anyway i ride for fun not for kom's so it doesn't matter anyways🤷♂️🔥
@@hardtailparty RAD works great for me, riding blue/green flow 95% of the time. And some of us have shorter arms. I understand wanting a longer reach for certain situations, but I think it should largely depend on where you are riding MOST of the time.
I've watched almost all your videos on bikes and I do not remember a bike you covered that you didn't like? maybe you are too nice to point out that the bike should be a pass.
There are a lot of bikes I don't like once i ride them. See the commencal meta ht, the chromag, the rurok kanlaon for example. However, just because I don't like a bike doesn't mean it should be written off. I always try to point out who the bike is well suited for and who it isn't. I try to be brutally honest in my reviews and not make fluff pieces that make everything sound great.
@@hardtailparty that is my point I would love to see you just rip some product up. "this bike is just stupid, go home and ask your momma to slap you if you bought it" something like that. seriously though I really enjoy your videos keep them going.
Tubeless is a must out here in AZ.
You have some of the best bike reviews out there. You really do a great job highlighting each bikes pro's and con's but also making sure to let people what type of trails the bike is meant for.
Off topic here but I'm still looking forward to your next bike packing video.
Regarding the lack of tools, if you're buying a $3600 carbon hardtail it's almost a certainty you have a multi-tool, and if you don't you should also buy one as it's a mandatory accessory for mountain biking. I'm with you on just not including tools.
I've bought three bikes in the last 18 months that required home assembly, and whilst I have a full toolbox each came with a multi-tool.
Two Nukeproofs came from Chain Reaction with an LifeLine Essential 10 tools that have 2 - 8mm hex, T25, philips No1 and a flat head, and a Cannondale Quick 20 purchased from REI turned up with a retail packaged Park Tools AWS-10 in the box. That was just as REI were getting into ship to home for bikes with COVID so I guess they just threw in what was available in store!?!?
While we are on the RAD subject lets talk about how rad this channel is. Keep up the great content. Looking forward to
the ride. You do have me interest in a Stanton steel frame for my next build.
We"ll see, you may interest me in
something else. Cheers.
I took Steve up on his bike consult and it was worth every penny. Not only is he super knowledgeable it was awesome to just talk bikes with him. I went with an RSD Middlechild Ti. And it still hasn’t come! Sometime in November 🤞
I promise it'll be worth the wait. It was great working with you Chris, thanks for the kind words.
Steve helped me pick a new hardtail for my teenage son through the Patreon option. He was great! I highly recommend! Was an RSD middlechild btw!
Great first look. You always tell it like it is and that is appreciated. Thanks Steve.
I will agree with your assessment of reach. I generally ride a large bike but when I’m riding faster and steeper trails I want a longer reach. Bike manufacturers seem to do the counterintuitive thing and put shorter stems and the similar reach on the bikes designed for steep fast chunk.
Diamondback rose the prices like no one else, added to their old specs on frames took their bikes of my radar for an XC hardtail that I’m planning to buy.
The fork direction sticker is a smart move! I have seen so many people's department store bikes with forks on backwards, and even at the big box stores, on display, assembled backwards, unbelievable.
Excellent video review & breakdown on this bike Steve! You make spot on points about the pricing, components, geo etc. I’m happy that you choose not to be bike sponsored cuz your unbiased opinions carry some serious weight. I appreciate your insight & suggestions & you haven’t been misleading in any of your videos. Keep up the awesome content.. Looking forward to the Ride review of this bike. PS. I agree with you about the pricing on this bike.
Oooof, that hub sounds rad. At first I thought there is a guitar-shredding track playing in the background!
My “smart” build on my ragley Marley put me at under 30lbs, 130mm travel fork, tubeless, 200mm dropper and carbon bars and sram GX like the diamond back in the video. I only spend 2000$ with everything new but fork and wheels.
Dude flippin’ knows his stuff.
Thanks for keeping it real Steve. I definitely see lots of channels that are obviously more sponsored and marketing focused. Never heard of Lee McCormick but have consulted with professional bike fitters. I definitely have learned a lot from you and feel like you are a solid advisor about bike fit and build options. I have custom frames made for me and intend on getting your paid advisor services before my next new custom frame.
Thanks again Steve for your honest reviews and contributions to the hardtail world. I really hope people don't just go and order these because Seth is sponsored by them. More hardtail newbies need to see your videos! 👌🏻
Great video.
You still have the RAD+ measurement which feels pretty spot on for most everything I could think of. I’m 179 cm and a 456mm reach seems perfect. I have so much respect for your opinion though.
Sweet bike! Love this channel!!!!!! Keep the videos coming Steve!!!
Hopefully gonna get my handbuilt steel enduro hardtail on thursday!! (it is just 1 of 20)
Congrats!
@@hardtailparty Thank so much Steve, I love your channel and look forward to seeing how it grows
1 of 20?! Must be a real special build.
Haha thanks man, it is handbuilt by a guy in cape town and it is 1 of 20, so I like to consider it a special build. If this helps it is a mercer hungry monkey.
@@youtubeviewer9523 just checked out their site and it's a sweet bike. The reach is fairly long as well.
I've been looking at getting a Chumba Sendero titanium hardtail. They aren't cheap but they work with you through the whole bike building to make sure your getting a bike built for what you like to ride. You can even get the geo numbers changed if you like.
I completely agree with your saying on 2 piston vs 4 piston brakes I got some 2 piston SLX brakes for my hardtail and work great better then some of the lower end 4 piston ones hands down
Weird, I spoke to Diamondback about my rear chain stay, on my Mason 2, about being possibly bent and while doing so he said that both the Diamondback Mason 2 and sync’er were both 29er compatable. They just never told anyone. Maybe so they could reintroduce these later as 29ers. I don’t know.
I can't wait to see if this saddle is better than the previous one!
Orange Seal Endurance is my choice also. It has proven itself on numerous occasions due to thorns on some of my local trails. It even sealed a 3/8" half moon puncture from a sharp stick.
Really appreciate your RAD comment, I had anxiety about my purchase after I saw the video. After lots of riding, however, I believe that I would not enjoy a smaller frame for how I ride.
Glad to hear it. RAD works for a lot of people, but it definitely doesn't work for me. I really respect Lee; he's a great coach and he's done a lot for progressing MTB technique. He's always learning and pushing his knowledge. He knows far more than I do in many aspects of riding and technique, we just have different ideas for what the optimal geo is for a rider. That said, I do believe RAD works for a lot of people, especially old-school and newer riders.
In Lee’s defense it’s probably easier to learn a lot of the bike skills on a shorter reach, but the longer reach is going to make you more confident, especially on steep fast chunk.
I made the mistake of buying too small of a frame before and it was terror on steep trails. HP is spot on.
@@brassmnky33 I agree that a lot of the less-skilled riders who attend his clinics can learn the basics on a shorter bike. What's difficult for me is when it's taught as "proper" bike fit for everyone.
I'd say the most important aspect of RAD is that is lets riders know that they have choices to make and research to do, and not just accept the longer and longer reaches that the manufacturers are pushing out.
Thanks for yet another great video! I remember you hated the saddle on the 27.5 so let’s hope they’ve (or you) changed it out for this one :)
I've been interested in hearing your thoughts on RAD sizing for a while. I'd love to experiment with sizing myself, but budget and availability makes it tough. Lee has me pretty convinced that a shorter bike would measurably improve the riding experience on my Midwest trails. The only thing I'm hesitant about using RAD sizing on modern bikes is the top tube length getting way too short for pedaling in the saddle. I have wondered if I would end up preferring a shorter hardtail and straying from my RAD for a longer full suspension.
I like your take on the brakes. I have the Shimano 510 brakes on my hardtail and they're quite impressive. Far better brakes than I expected. Also, I'm on board with the Orange Seal and found it to work better than any other sealant.
It's still my dream bike
Another great vid! Thanks Steve!
I remember when this was in the stand and we were talking about direct to consumer bikes and if they are still the value they used to be. Looking at the market today, I think DTC brands got too comfortable with riders assuming they were the best value. With the disruption in the market from COVID causing people to look at smaller bike brands it has made the issue even more glaring.
What a beast of a bike
Have you ever Reviewed The DB MASON 2? I just bought one and I'm really excited to have it. It's an XL, and I'm 6'3" and 275 LBS. Great Bike.🤝🏾🇺🇲💪🏾
This is a lot like how my canyon came. (Except my bike was on the lowish end so I had to tape my rims and swap tires) nice to have a spare tube to throw on my frame. I am right between a Large and XL and am glad I got a Large since it is a little "RAD plus" by 10-30mm 🤷♂️ I am still learning to manual/bunny hop so I might try to adjust my bars to get a slightly shorter reach, before I pull the trigger on that I will definitely be asking some questions via patron
I have the 27.5 version and absolutely love it! Don't have any prior MTB experience (came from BMX) so maybe the geometry is impeding me more than I know, but I can keep up with most full-suspension riders on my local trails (Colorado front range). Ultimately I think the rider makes the bike, not the other way around. That being said, I got mine used for 2k. If I was looking at 3.6k to buy one new I probably would have gone with a different bike.
If you dig it, that's all that matters. It's a very bmx-like bike.
So I’m 5’7 but have long legs and short torso so I usually ride either a large or X-Large frame depending on the bike. I use a 35mm stem and rise bars. I love a long bike for what I ride. And I’ve had no issues except people continually telling me it’s not right for me until they see me ride and can’t keep up
I'm new here bc I bought a hardtail. I can't figure out if you are a genius or a madman~
More of a madman than a genius
Probably a good dose of each!
If you seen him cut part of his hardtail one day, you would say madman 😅
@@hardtailparty How do I become a Patreon?
Shoulda filmed the dropper cable trimming so we can see how its done
lovin the stealth look
When is the ride review with for the DB ?
It's coming. I've got a pretty big backlog at the moment with some exciting bikes a little ahead of it
Idk if this is a hot take or not, but I feel like DiamondBack fell off the wagon back to where they used to be. Their bikes were totally modern 4 years ago when they were debuting a legitimately cool suspension design. Ever since, they've basically just made the same exact bikes with non-metric shocks and without real updates to geometry.
technically, the vpp suspension design was borrowed from santa cruz after their patent ran out. but yet, their bikes were more up to date then. Still, there are a lot of riders out there who don't want something longer, lower, and slacker every year.
>exo
>heavy
*laughs in dh casing*
It's my own responsibility to have the tools I need to have in order to live the life I want to. If something extra comes along in a package, then fine, but I will never expect it and I don't care either way because it's just cheap and more cumbersome things I won't use anyhow.
The length of that dropper wire should definitely not be like that though.
The bike itself over all looks to have potential, and it's always good to see more different bikes to establish a know how of what is what.
Nice looking Bike!
As a rider on the north shore and of a geometron I completely agree that rad is kinda not correct. When I’m screaming down a tech section on the edge of control I don’t really want a “poppy” and “playful” bike. The issue I’ve found with most hardtails even the chromag doctahawk (crazy right?) is that the chainstay isn’t long enough for tall riders and the HA because of sag isn’t slack enough! Anyways awesome video.
I agree that taller riders should always have a longer cs than smaller riders. The doctahawk would be a prime candidate for a longer rc.
So im 45 and i was told I had diabetes several years ago so I picked up mountain biking to help lose weight and to control my sugar, iv been riding 3 years and my 1st Was a trek marlin , And my 2nd was a 2019 track Stache 7 , and i love it so much iv upgraded everything on it this past year , but i really wanted a full suspension bike because of im riding more aggressive trails here lately, So I bought the 2021 trek full Stache frame And I'm converting everything from the hard tail to the full suspension .Do you think that was a good move for my 1st full suspension Bike? Im keeping my hardtail
The full stache is a fun bike! Enjoy it. Welcome to the exciting world of MTB. I recommend venturing outside the trek brand sometime. They make nice stuff, but there are some other great bikes out there too.
Any opinion on the fox float X 2022 model versus the DPX2 and the like?
This is hardtail party. We don't say words like float X2 or dpx2. ;)
hardtail party 👍
I do have extensive experience on both. It's too lengthy to chat about here. This is some of the stuff I get into with my bike consultation patrons.
Great first look Steve! I know it's Hardtail Party but wondered if you ride a Dirt Jumper as well. If so, a special Dirt Jumper Party edition could be cool!
It's been a while since I've owned a dj. I'd love to own one again. We don't have great dirt jumps here in Sedona.
@@hardtailparty Ah, I thought the Sedona DJ park was a good one ... You got me into hard tails and then I got a DJ. Most fun I've ever had on a bike! I think it's a growing category and your subscribers might enjoy a bike build or two - I know I would! :)
@@alex1231235 Our park isn't great. I'm glad to have one, but it's not very well built.
Steve, have you ever thought about experimenting with a fat bike rear, conventional front combo. Maybe give away some of the extra rear traction with a faster rolling tread in the back. Just throwing that out there.
I prefer more traction up front than out back. I find bikes to corner awkward when the rear had more grip than the front.
@@hardtailparty Ah understood. I was thinking about it from a comfort, ride quality perspective. The 26 by 3.8 on the back of my Farley has some nice cushion. Rolls pretty well with a Husker Du tire. But those bikes so sluggish up front. Have been tempted to throw the front end of my chameleon on there just for giggles. But there's some hassle involved. Anyway like I said, just an idea. Cheers
@@fiatfixie4344 I always recommend experimentation. Give it a go
Is it bad that I am amused by the disappointment in your voice when dealing with the dropper? Seriously though, what a bummer that that is only a 125mm dropper, and the ST length! Very curious to hear your thoughts on the bike! Keep up the great work Steve!
What’s your thoughts on a 27.5 plus front tire wheel combo and a 29 rear tire wheel combo. I have heard it steepens the head angle a little bit
Yuck, sounds awful
$3600 does seem overpriced, at least for a hardtail where its cheaper. buying almost completely new (fork i got used for $700) i have a banshee paradox with an slx/xt build, custom stans baron wheels on hope pro 4, fox 36 elite grip 2, and ANVL components. total this build cost me $3400. excited to see the review and how it rides!
Generally Diamondback sets a retail price and then the bikes are always discounted or on some type of sale. The pandemic bike shortage is to blame for prices like this.
Love you channel love your content Let’s ride soon I have a Canfield nimble 9 4th gen
What part of az are you in?
Sedona
Would love to hear your opinion/review on a Ribble if you haven't done one yet. They have steel and Ti hardtails
I would too. I haven't been able to convince them to send me one for review yet.
Always great stuff even for Bikes I'd never buy. Also 100% agree on RAD. That's all I'll say on that.
When do the bike companies usually release the bikes for the next model year?
Sea otter time is a big date.
Steve, thanks for the RAD comment. I also hold Lee in very high regard, but his fit ideas don't apply to me the way he pitches it. Back when I first transitioned from BMX I liked a shorter frame because I rode like a BMXer. Now that I have been at it for, well, two and a half decades, I ride like a MTBer and I like a significantly longer bike than I used to and feel far, FAR more comfortable and confident.
good first impressions overal, but sometimes I feel like you get really picky.... like, most ppl wont mind what brand a dropper lever is if it works okay... ill rather see bigger rotors that can use semi-metallic pads, and proper BB, than a fancy wolftooth dropper lever, that wont upgrade the function of the bike at all...
You are sure right about long dropper routing etc, but you cant really make that fit everyone, as you said yourself.
It's my job to be picky and point out the issues. I wouldn't be a very good reviewer if every bike I had in was "great" with nothing to improve. Wait 'till you try one of these levers, you'll see what I mean. If you pay a shop to do all your work, then you may not mind, but if you ever have to adjust your dropper yourself, you'll see instantly why this design is bad.
Diamondback has really increased their prices and they are pricing themselves out of their niche. Its across all of their models
Only reason not to ride tubeless is my wheels aren't tubeless ready. :(
looks like my kona honzo
I've remember this bike was only $2999 off the diamondback website before the pandemic. At $3600 I don't think is Worth it anymore....
All bikes have jumped up $300-800 since the shortage. Not just bikes but food, goods, etc. It's too bad. I don't think we'll ever get back to pre-covid prices.
@@hardtailparty one thing that will probably never gonna go up is our paycheck 😅😅
That dropper cable length was stupid, pair that with a finicky lever... Ugh, what a mess. Definitely not something everyone can deal with.
I agree with your RAD comments. It will work for many people, but certainly not everyone. I think it's a great starting point, but there are so many variables out on a trail, different riding styles too. Plus everyone has a different build. Some people have short legs with long arms. Or a long torso with short legs and arms and many other combinations. Very few people have a perfectly proportioned body.
You can get a new Canfield Nimble 9 for $3600 specked amazingly. Looking forward to the ride review, but this bike seems WAY overpriced.
Carbon commands a premium price, bit I think carbon isn't as desirable on a hardtail as it is on a fs.
Uh... the X Fusion dropper set up is the worst! The barrel end of the cable should always be at the dropper, not the lever. Such a pain in the butt to get the housing and cable length right.
$3650!? I could probably build 2 great bikes for that kinda dough...
I think you should add SRAM guide T breaks to you list of 4-pots that are not very powerful and are sold by using the "Guide" name. On an other note, I feel the same way about Lee Mccormack. I like the guy but he seems to have a tendency to speak as if his views are the ultimate and universal truths, which is a bit of a shame.
Interesting, they've been working well for me lately.
This year they "RELEASED" a .... - Was that a Diamondback pun?!
It's an open mold pun.
i think its overpricend, i rather have a torrent for more enduro style riding or a arc foe all-day-epics , but i think ill never buy carbon untill i work fulltime , until tjen alloy or steel are just as (or i think even) better than carbon
anyway i ride for fun not for kom's so it doesn't matter anyways🤷♂️🔥
Is there a video explaining the “rad” philosophy?
www.pinkbike.com/u/leelikesbikes/blog/perfect-bike-setup-its-rad.html
@@hardtailparty RAD works great for me, riding blue/green flow 95% of the time. And some of us have shorter arms.
I understand wanting a longer reach for certain situations, but I think it should largely depend on where you are riding MOST of the time.
I've watched almost all your videos on bikes and I do not remember a bike you covered that you didn't like? maybe you are too nice to point out that the bike should be a pass.
There are a lot of bikes I don't like once i ride them. See the commencal meta ht, the chromag, the rurok kanlaon for example. However, just because I don't like a bike doesn't mean it should be written off. I always try to point out who the bike is well suited for and who it isn't. I try to be brutally honest in my reviews and not make fluff pieces that make everything sound great.
@@hardtailparty that is my point I would love to see you just rip some product up. "this bike is just stupid, go home and ask your momma to slap you if you bought it" something like that. seriously though I really enjoy your videos keep them going.