Check Out: Hardtail Edition

Aug 23, 2018
by Daniel Sapp  



With the influx of so many phenomenal and increasingly affordable full suspension bikes these days it seems that it's increasingly rare to see someone pedaling a hardtail into the forest. Those simpler machines shouldn't be forgotten, as they, like their double-squish siblings, are more capable than ever before, and can offer that same feeling of stoke, often in a more affordable package. There are a lot of great options for an aggressive hardtail out there - here are seven that grabbed our attention.

If you're not convinced of the fun-having capability and trail worthiness of a hardtail, just check out the videos at the bottom.






Transition Bikes Throttle

Transition Throttle

Transition Throttle
Transition Throttle

Features

• 27.5"
• Full carbon frame - 1400g
• 66-deg HTA w/140mm fork, 420mm CS
• Max tire clearance : 27.5 x 2.6
• Sizing: S, M, L, XL
• Availabe as a frame only or complete with a SRAM GX / Fox 34 fork
• $1,699 USD (Frame Only) / $3,699 USD (Complete)
transitionbikes.com


bigquotesTransition have always had a knack for making functional and capable bikes. Their carbon hardtails are some of the newer additions to their line-up. The 27.5" wheeled Throttle is claimed to be the most aggressive hardtail they have ever designed, capable of handling everything from trails to dirt jumps.




RSD MiddleChild

RSD Middlechild

RSD Middlechild
RSD Middlechild

Features

• 27.5"
• Chromoly 4130 frame
• 64.5-deg HTA w/140mm fork, 415mm-430mm CS
• Max tire clearance: 27.5 x 2.8 or 29 x 2.6
• Sizing: S, M, L, XL
• Available as a frame only or complete with a Shimano XT drivetrain and RockShox Pike RC 140mm fork
• $649 USD (Frame Only) / $2,799 USD (Complete w/dropper)
rsdbikes.com


bigquotesRSD's MiddleChild is a 4130 chromoly hardtail that, according to RSD, is designed as a "purely new-school enduro hardtail." The bike can handle either 27.5" or 29" wheels and is built around a 140mm fork. It has adjustable chainstays, a 74-degree seattube, and a 64.5-degree headtube making it capable of going both up and down.




Chromag Surface

Chromag Surface

Chromag Surface
Chromag Surface

Features

• 29" / 27.5+"
• Custom 4130 Chromoly
• 66-deg HTA w/150mm fork (29), 425mm CS
• Max tire clearance: 29 x 2.5" or 27.5 x 2.8"
• Sizing: S, M, M/L, L, XL
• Available as a frame only or complete with either a SRAM GX or X01 Eagle build and 150mm RockShox Lyrik
• $1,650 USD (Frame Only) / $4,250 USD (Complete GX Eagle) / $5,150 USD (Complete X01 Eagle)
chromagbikes.com


bigquotesChromag Bikes are based in Whistler, BC and their progressive designs reflect the terrain around them. The Surface is designed as an aggressive 29er that, in the right hands, can tackle most any trail it's pointed down. Sleek, custom CNC'd dropouts fit a 12 mm through axle while Chromag's "Yokel" chainstay junction helps to keep the frame stiff and light.





Stanton Slackline 853 Next Gen

Stanton Slackline

Stanton Slackline
Stanton Slackline

Features

• 27.5"
• Reynolds 853 tubing
• 67-deg HTA w/140mm fork at 25% sag, 427mm CS
• Max tire clearance: 27.5 x 2.4" or 27.5+ x 2.8"
• Sizing: 16.5", 18", 19.5"
• Available as a frame only or complete
• $699 EU (Frame Only) / $2,380 EU (Complete Standard) / $3,050 EU (Complete Elite)
statonbikes.com


bigquotesThe Stanton Slackline is a bit of a "jack of all trades" when it comes to aggressive hardtails. While it doesn't have angles as slack as some other bikes here, it can still hold its own in the steeps. I've spent some time riding a friend's and thoroughly enjoyed it - I was more disappointed than usual when it came time to give it back





Kona Big Honzo

Big Honzo CR DL

Big Honzo CR DL
Big Honzo CR DL

Features

• 27.5+" / 29"
• Carbon, aluminum, and steel frame options
• 68-deg HTA w/120mm fork, 415mm CS
• Max tire clearance: 27.5+ x 3.0" / 29" x 2.6
• Sizing: S, M, L, XL
• Available in multiple carbon or aluminum builds or as a frame only in cromoly
• $575 USD (Frame Only - cromoly) / $1,399 USD (Complete AL) - $3,999 USD (Complete CR DL)
konaworld.com


bigquotesKona's new Big Honzo has modern geometry with a variety of build options to choose from, everything from a full-on, top of the line carbon version to a steel model with adjustable dropouts.





Commencal Meta HT AM

Commencal Meta HT AM

photo
photo

Features

• 27.5+" / 29"
• 6061 Triple Butted Aluminum
• 65-deg HTA w/140mm fork, 428mm CS
• Max tire clearance: 27.5 x 2.8" or 29 x 2.3"
• Sizing: S, M, L, XL
• Available as a frame only or complete
• $399 - $419 USD (Frame Only) / $1,099 - $1,999 USD (Complete)
commencal.com


bigquotesThe new Meta HT AM is designed around a 140mm-150mm fork and 29" or 27.5 +" wheels. The bike is made to be versatile and capable both up and down hills with a 74-deg seattube angle and a 65-deg headtube. There are three different complete bikes, plus a frame only option.





Nukeproof Scout 290

Nukeproof Scout

Nukeproof Scout
Nukeproof Scout

Features

• 29"
• Alloy
• 65-deg HTA w/130mm fork, 440mm CS
• Max tire clearance: 29 x 2.5"
• Sizing: S, M, L, XL
• Available as a complete with three build options
• $1,649.99 USD (Comp), $1,099.99 USD (Race), $849.99 USD (Sport)
nukeproof.com


bigquotesThe Nukeproof Scout is a no-frills hardtail that should be as capable as it is simple and affordable. It has Boost-148 spacing, a threaded BB, and internal routing for a dropper post. The geometry has been made more progressive than the previous model, giving more reach and extra comfort for long days on the bike.




Views: 18,404    Faves: 193    Comments: 22



Views: 29,749    Faves: 46    Comments: 4





MENTIONS: @TransitionBikeCompany / @RSD-Bikes / @Chromagbikes / @StantonBikesUK / @konaworld / @COMMENCALbicycles / @Nukeproofinternational


Author Info:
danielsapp avatar

Member since Jan 18, 2007
476 articles

261 Comments
  • 58 5
 No Kingdom, Sick Bikes, Production Privee or Cotic?? Cmon PB!
  • 12 1
 These are the hardtails that "grabbed their attention", not that these are the best bikes around. Apparently these are the hardtails that were most common where they ride? Other than that, aren't Kingdom and Sick built to order? That may be another reason they weren't mentioned here. This time of year, articles are most appreciated if they nudge you towards the end of season sales. If we're talking about the best hardtails (which is going to clutter the comment section too) I would have expected BTR somewhere in there.
  • 7 2
 NS Surge EVO
  • 17 46
flag brianpark FL Editor (Aug 23, 2018 at 0:46) (Below Threshold)
 @vinay: no.
  • 17 2
 @brianpark: Could you elaborate? Do you mean they grabbed your attention from what was available instead of what you saw on the trail? Fair enough. Or about my implication that the article was meant to trigger end of season sales? Sorry, was kidding there.
  • 7 0
 Don't forget the Curtis HT's. Bout time us hardtail riders got some pub, really liking the RSD Middlechild too. And now that Commencal has threaded BB, and fairly close to me, they are worth a look see also.
  • 7 3
 Good to see HT's getting the modern treatment. $$$?????
  • 3 2
 there are simply alot of trail hardtails and because of their similarities you would basically have to check out 20 or more. I miss my commencal cromo in there - but then again there is already a commencal included.
  • 4 1
 @optimumnotmaximum: yeah but this is penned as being aggressive hardtails, for that the bespoke guys need a shoutout and like Vinay states BTR should also be in here
  • 1 1
 @sewer-rat: yeah, just do a bespoked version of this with swarf,sick,kingdom btr and so on
  • 3 3
 No Dartmoor also...
I really like the underdogs in this area.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/16228063
  • 4 11
flag WAKIdesigns (Aug 23, 2018 at 3:15) (Below Threshold)
 @nojzilla: you mean flexy drop outs and little tyre clearance? wonder when will that come in fashion! Big Grin
  • 4 3
 and where are the eHTs hey?
i only come to PinkBike for the latest in clean E

not...
  • 3 1
 No Stif Morf either! The thing fricking rips!!
  • 8 7
 Best hardtail is the NS Eccentric, no doubt. Very much miss that bike. Really would like to get my hands on that Commencal. And carbon and alloy hardtails should be illegal
  • 2 1
 @optimumnotmaximum: Well yeah it is nice to see these included though I'd even say they could just as well be included in the same list. Sure they are more expensive though a basic BTR Ranger (or a BTR Ranger with the free options, 1000gbp) is still well below some of the frames mentioned above. Yet at the same time, even with loads of non-free options and custom geometry you may not (far) exceed it. And once you go down that route, you only have yourself to blame if it doesn't turn out pretty close to what you were after. Yet at the same time it makes it pretty useless for the PB audience to read. Not to mention that it takes a good while for these custom frames to be finished in the first place. But yeah, picking the standard test bikes from their fleet should be doable. If we're going down that route, along with other bikes mentioned here I'd also be interested in

- Olsen
- Portus Cycles (Krowd Karl ED)
- 11Ants (pANTher)

even if it weren't all about the gearbox/-hub.

Sticking with factory bikes, I'd say the Cotic still belongs there. And maybe even the On One Deedar, why not?
  • 19 0
 @vinay: You're way over-thinking it, these are the hardtail companies that paid the advertising fee.
  • 11 0
 they missed a bunch . its a shame the canfield epo didn't take off more . i effin love mine . i loved my nimble 9 too
  • 2 13
flag fecalmaster (Aug 23, 2018 at 5:30) (Below Threshold)
 They can advertise, put 75" wheels on, just stay the hell out of my way on the trail. Seriously it looks like they riding with the brakes on in slowmo.
  • 7 2
 @Ayyggss Nimble 9 = perfect hardtail.
  • 1 5
flag h-beck83 (Aug 23, 2018 at 6:08) (Below Threshold)
 RSD looks just like a Privee Shan
  • 10 2
 @fecalmaster: People ride just like that on a full susser. If you need a proper impression of what can be done on a hardtail, a British product video would have been more appropriate. Those for Cotic, Stanton and BTR for instance are worth a look (especially in case you were wondering where the #26aintdead thing came from). Sure you won't see much really high alpine rough rocky stuff there, but then again the same goes when looking at what's being ridden on mid-travel full suspension bikes.

But either way, riding hardtails like these is not about being faster, cooler or more efficient. Not about feeling superior when you overtake someone on a long travel bike. You don't go out riding off road trails in the hills because you want an easy evening. It is about giggles. Modern hardtail bikes get you that.
  • 2 1
 @veero: how’s that beast holding up?
  • 1 3
 @WAKIdesigns: must be thinking of a different surge evo, mine is plenty stiff enough, though I do run the hope bolt up hub in the shortest setting.an has ample tyre clearance for my Ardent 2.4 that comes up the same as a minion 2.7

maybe not enough clearance for proper plus tyres but they're just an Ebike gimmick
  • 5 4
 @slayersxc17: built up a 2017 Eccentric Djambo this winter. The thing is a beast! 29” wheels, 160mm Pike up front and a big ol’dropper for pace changes. My FS has barely left the garage this summer. For the frame price, absolutely recommend it to anyone.

For that matter I recommend everyone gets a hardtail in their rotation. Great for learning to ride the trail, rather than ride the bike. Real life bike skillz
  • 9 1
 @Hammer48: Also dont forget Specialized Hardrock.
  • 3 4
 @vinay: they grabbed their attention because these manufacturers sent more beer and pizza to pinkbike HQ.
  • 2 3
 @Hammer48: My 2015 Meta AM HT has a threaded BB. I think their hardtails have had a threaded BB for a while. Their full suspension bikes however do not.
  • 5 3
 I have been riding my Pipedream Moxie almost exclusively since February and have been blown away by the way it handles pretty much anything. If you are considering a hardtail, this will not disappoint.
  • 6 2
 No Canfield Bros...
  • 2 7
flag WAKIdesigns (Aug 23, 2018 at 8:15) (Below Threshold)
 No Merida Big Nine
  • 3 2
 No, Cannondale F-Si Black
  • 7 8
 Years back when my shock was being rebuilt I swapped in a steel bar. Why isnt that in here??
  • 9 1
 @Ayyggss:
Yeah, it would’ve been nice to see a Canfield Brothers EPO or Nimble 9 on this list.
I’m loving my Nimble 9! It’s a sick hardtail.
  • 2 4
 @vinay: please I have a hardtail and haven't been without at least one since the early 1980's. Not too much I haven't done on a ht besides cashrolls etc
  • 7 2
 @fecalmaster: I don't question your experience on hardtail bikes. I just point out that people can go fast or slow on hardtails and full suspension bikes. So you've done nearly everything on hardtails and there are videos out there of what really capable (no offence) riders can do. Then what leads up to your statement that you don't want hardtail riders on your trails because they would be too slow? I doubt a too slow rider on a hardtail would suddenly be acceptably quick when put on a full suspension bike on these same trails. At least not on these trails pictured there, it wouldn't matter too much.

I admit I may be the odd one out here. I've got a full suspension bike too, but unless I'm riding wide open really rocky/rough stuff I struggle to ride it quicker than I can ride my hardtail. On steep stuff with tight corners and more sudden short and hard braking I'm just not as precise on the fully. (Fully is a Cannondale Prophet, hardtail is in my pictures on this site.) And it really is down to the way I ride. Others who've ridden my fully really appreciate it whereas even when I get on someone elses fully I have a hard time exiting a corner the way I intended. Feedback I've got is that apparently I'm too aggressive. Well, I could work on refining that but either way it works just fine on my hardtail. So maybe it is that. I do better on a hardtail because it suits the way I ride. Others who suit a full suspension bike better may be quicker on one of these and will actually be slower on the hardtail.

TL;DR: It isn't just about whether the bike suits the trail, but also whether the bike suits the style of the rider.
  • 2 4
 @vinay: Honestly the xc ht riders seem to be getting burlier out east and can be a challenge to keep up with. I was referring to increasing amount of plus sized tire ht's that I see going at a snails pace at trails that require some momentum in spots. I know there is a place for them but not these specific trails that require some pedal input and very tech rock sections, momentum is crutial.
  • 6 5
 @fecalmaster: Alright, fair enough Smile ! The question now is, would these same riders go any faster if you'd put them on a 140/140 full susser? I guess it is the plus size hardtail that may attract a certain type of rider over there.
  • 1 2
 @titaniumtit: Yeah man awesome. Upped the forks to 140mm and it gets me into situations I can't handle Big Grin
  • 2 1
 @vinay: They just work better on certain trails I think. This one I'm referring to has plenty vertical but kind of quick up and downs all over, loose any momentum and they literally don't work. I was rocking a ht like that back in the day hucking very large natural drops and doing dh like terrain. I would definitely ride one of those ht's but would go for smaller rubber and try to lighten the whole bike up. Understand people want traction but my DH bike has smaller tires than some of these guys I see out there.
  • 3 1
 @Hammer48: I thought you were in Southern California. Did you move to Colorado?
  • 1 0
 @BryceBorlick: Carbon frame, shock removed + wood dowel & 2 drill holes = ultimate hardtail.

Steel bar is good, but heavy and less compliant.
  • 2 0
 @kwapik:

Still in so. cali..Commencal is in Carlsbad, about 2 south of me..And why did your ? get down voted.???
  • 4 0
 @Hammer48: @CommencalCORP moved to Colorado a while back. That's why I was asking. As far as downvotes - tough crowd on Pinkbike sometimes :-)
  • 1 0
 @kwapik:

Well poop, just looked and they did move..Thanks for the info..
  • 2 0
 Yeah@PinkyScar:
  • 71 29
 If Transition sells enough of those carbon hardtails, maybe some day they will have enough money to hire an actual engineer.
  • 11 16
flag doe222 (Aug 23, 2018 at 4:15) (Below Threshold)
 At least you wont have to deal with shitty welds at the chainstay/seatstay junction on their hardtails.
  • 4 2
 @doe222: what you mean like the transam
  • 31 12
 Their bikes are already the best, imagine if they hired an actual engineer?
RIP the competition.
  • 9 1
 What do you mean?
  • 12 6
 @doe222: buy an orange for the ugliest welds of all time.
  • 40 21
 I just love how Transition is such a hype company. Super fun/cool bros, but always saying that whatever they're doing is the latest/greatest and forget about what we did last year. Horse-link is the best, forget that old platform that we said was the best. Carbon hardtails are the best, forget the steel hardtail that we said was "real" with a sweet serious espresso video. Kind of reminds me of that kid in school that is always said something really wrong, then gets corrected and proceeds to say, yeah, that's what I meant to say.

I do enjoy their videos and bikes, but their "cool" factor is way better than their actual bikes.
  • 7 3
 Your point here exactly?
  • 48 6
 @EPArider: their bikes ride super well. Not sure wtf you're on about.
  • 8 3
 @jayacheess: Exactly
  • 26 5
 @jayacheess: seriously. I love that there’s this brigade of riders who seem to have some sort of chip on their shoulders about Transition’s success. They’re convinced it’s pure marketing and nothing else. I’m not claiming that Transition is the pinnacle of MTB tech nor that their bikes are perfect or for everyone. Theyve never claimed that either. But as someone who prefers a no-nonsense bike that favors getting rowdy on the downs, I have yet to ride another brand that I prefer overall. The fact that I know exactly what and how the people behind these bikes ride and I can call and talk to any of them is pretty cool. While some bells and whistles may be missing, you also avoid a lot of the weird design decisions and silly part specs that you get with bigger brands. In any case, when you’ve got Pinkbike, Dirt, and Vital all raving about your bikes, and one of the top downhill racers in the world consistently winning on your bike, it can’t be all hype.
  • 9 0
 hat·er
ˈhādər/ - noun - plural noun: haters
a person who greatly dislikes a specified person or thing.
  • 11 3
 @BiNARYBiKE: And their price to value is pretty hard to beat for a retail brand.
  • 14 6
 i'll fight any one that disses Transition
  • 6 20
flag titaniumtit (Aug 23, 2018 at 10:29) (Below Threshold)
 @pigman65: ooooo a tranny fanboi, I’m scared ;-D
  • 15 2
 @titaniumtit: you want some ? lol
  • 7 1
 @Boondocker390: Right? I got a Scout because I couldn't find a single negative point in any of the many reviews I read. No regrets, it's damn fun on XC trials and damn fun on DH trails.
  • 2 11
flag titaniumtit (Aug 23, 2018 at 12:20) (Below Threshold)
 I take your negative props & raise you 1 trillion hahaha
  • 2 1
 @pigman65: blimey this relationship is going quickly ;-d

Wtf downvoted that classic comment of yours as it weren’t me but I did neg prop the sherriff but not the deputy. Lol
  • 5 0
 i don't care if their bikes are designed by penguins, and they just *accidentally* designed some of the most fun, stable, well balanced bikes to ride in existence today. they succeeded.
  • 2 0
 @src248: yep me too. Got a Scout 27.5 for $350 shipped with a headset and zero regrets. It’s simple and fun and great value.
  • 3 2
 Just to be clear, Transition does make very fun capable bikes. They also put out high quality content, and sponser some great riders. They even hooked up a buddy of mine with a half off frame when the used bike he bought snapped at the chainstay. They also donate processes from their demo fleet to local trail organizations. I just wish they didn't outsource their engineering.
  • 3 1
 @pacificnorthwet: who do they outsource it to?
  • 6 0
 @pacificnorthwet: Ayyyye.. Transition donates Processes? That's some cool PNW bro-bro stuff to rep Kona Processes in the demo fleet, good of them to donate them off when they are done with them!

(Ain't autocorrect a b*tch Big Grin )
  • 3 1
 @mikealive: Haha, yes it is. An edit feature sure would be nice sometimes (or maybe I could just read it once before hitting submit.) Proceeds* for anyone who couldn't fill in the gaps.
  • 1 0
 @pacificnorthwet: @pacificnorthwet: FWIW I can edit my posts in an IOS environment but not on a regular browser, go figure.
  • 4 1
 Hiring and engineer to tell a Taiwanese engineer to make some changes is a little redundant, and also how most bikes come to life nowadays. Better off hiring one person to do the job, then hiring an in house engineer to pretend to be doing something.
  • 21 0
 Probably ought to toss a shout to some of Chromag’s other models: For each Made-in-Canada frame that costs $1650, there’s also a made-in-Taiwan frame with the same geo that costs 800-900. The increased price gets you the craftsmanship, beautiful welds, and heritage that comes with owning a frame welded by the talented frame builders they work with, as well as a custom paint job.

I love my rootdown , and have ridden it for the past two years, including racing, big missions, most trails in the sea to sky, and the rare bike park day for kicks. 29er, 415mm chainstays, nice and long, 65 degree HA. They’re also playing with the Tomohawk, which will be similar but with a 63 degree HA and a short-offset fork, and maybe longer chai stays if they ride better.
  • 23 1
 looking at 4K carbon hard tails an thinking, "4K will get me a fckng nice full susser!" Big Grin
  • 3 15
flag MelvieD (Aug 23, 2018 at 4:44) (Below Threshold)
 Will it?
  • 9 1
 HTs are not for FS guys, that's the first commandment
  • 2 1
 My NS surge EVO HT is pretty sweet but, lets face it. I only ride that HT cos I can't afford another full susser
  • 1 2
 Example please @thisspock:
  • 2 0
 @shaloUCH: Really?! Over winter especially I barely rode my Patrol and rinsed the Morf. But even in summer I switch between the two depending what mood I'm in. But to be fair I don't live in the Alps.
  • 1 2
 Pretty sweet, but my dh bike doesn't way much more than that. My point is, for 4g on a hardtail, you can have a mid twenty lb beast with real stoppers and a great fork. Full squish in my mind is for the real gnar, and I want great stoppers and good suspension then. I might be a spoiled little shit though! @xeren:
  • 3 1
 @MelvieD: I don't know what any of that meant. you misspelled weigh, though.

you wanted a $4k FS, I gave you one. there are literally dozens of good $4k FS models out there
  • 1 5
flag MelvieD (Aug 24, 2018 at 1:28) (Below Threshold)
 @xeren: It means that bike has sub par components, and any way, that you weigh it, it's a heavy piece of shit! How's that? Can you digest what I just said? I like riding my bike uphill as well as down.
  • 2 0
 @MelvieD: @xeren is right... and you're just making a fool out of yourself. Canyon, YT, Diamondback, Commencal, Fezzari, Bird, Intense, Transition, Rocky Mountain... heck, pick any brand you want! (With the possible exception of Yeti/Mondraker /Unno etc). 4k can get you anything! Heck, for $4,000 I could get an Ibis!
  • 1 0
 @veero: so you do not prefer FS over the HT (or vice versa). I was talking about the '1 bike guy'... if you prefer the FS as your only bike probably will not spend 4k in a HT (but some people will, at least building a "dream build" HT)
  • 1 0
 Buy the bike that's suited to your trails; don't focus on the price of FS v. HT.
  • 1 3
 You're the cheese doodles that commented on an article about hardtails to talk about how you would buy an fs bike. I would ride a 4,000 hardtail over the fs because I want carbon and I want hope v4, formula ro or at least rsc guide brakes. Fox factory fork for lt or a Sid for short travel. I've ridden many many bikes and own seven high end whips right now. It's not about price, it's about quality. Your life is at risk with equipment failure. @mtbikeaddict:
  • 4 1
 @MelvieD: oh, you're a dirt roadie weight weenie AND you're only happiness in life comes from telling people how awesome you think you are. got it.
  • 1 6
flag MelvieD (Aug 24, 2018 at 11:21) (Below Threshold)
 Once again shitbag, you're the downer here. I think your dirt roadie weight wienie comment says it all. I'll toast you down any terrain you wish to pick. I'll be in idylwild in January, and up to Thumbolt after that. You want to meet up, you let me know. @xeren:
  • 3 3
 @MelvieD: thank you for confirming my earlier statement
  • 1 6
flag MelvieD (Aug 24, 2018 at 11:47) (Below Threshold)
 I'm doing more than telling you how awesome I am. I'm willing to show you. I'm completely comfortable in my skin, and talking of ones accomplishments is not necessarily ego driven. When trying to explain one self you sometime have to use examples. I like hardtail bikes, therefor I came to this article to look at hardtails. You came to this article to start shit. I simply was defending myself by letting you know I have experience in many styles of riding, and you simply try to continue to start shit. Infact it's a very common thing for you. We can throw insults back and forth over this media, or you can man up and show up, or do us all a favor and shut up. @xeren
  • 3 3
 @MelvieD: you just can't help yourself. i'm getting more and more embarrassed for you.

"guys! i'm so awesome! i have so many bikes! i'm so fast!"

it reeks of low self esteem. work on that. you'll be a happier person in the long run.
  • 1 2
 Call it how you will. I noticed amongst our conversation, your location changed from Santa Monica to Idylwild. My guess is you had never heard of idylwild until I mentioned it. You are simply a troll, and I am done with this conversation. @xeren:
  • 2 1
 @MelvieD: no, i did that to point out that you were creeping on my profile Smile thanks for at least admitting that i caught you.

remember what i said. work on your low self esteem. stop putting so much of your self worth in a single activity. you'll be a happier person in the long run. i'm sure you're too mad at me right now to take my words to heart, but consider them at some point in the future when you've calmed down.
  • 2 1
 @MelvieD: So none of the $4,000 FS bikes you've seen have "carbon" "hope v4" "formula ro" "at least rsc guide" "Fox factory fork"? You're getting ripped off. Oh, and by the way, I just provided you with a big list of bikes that do. Please make a half-hearted attempt at researching what you're saying if you don't already know... It'll frequently save you some dignity.
  • 2 2
 Yeah, you and Xerox boy win, I don't know shit. You ride your mythical fs carbon fiber bike with hope v4 brakes and a fox factory fork that you bought for 4,000 and I'm going to go to bed now, so I can get up in the morning and ride with my friends that actually exist. While you're at it, please scan for mispellings as I am sure I have made many, I am a high school dropout after all. It hurts my ego so much to tell you this, but maybe it will make me a better person. I have embarrassed my self so much today I don't know if I can return to this incredible meeting of the minds that is pinkbike. @mtbikeaddict:
  • 3 0
 @MelvieD: Dude. Don't know why you're taking this so hard. Chill... no harm intended. All I offered was that $4,000 can indeed buy a great FS bike. Geez. Sorry if you're offended.
  • 21 0
 I don't always buy a new hardtail... But when I do IT'S GOTTA BE MADE OF FUCKEN STEEL
  • 14 0
 Canfield Brothers EPO. EPO. EPO. EPO. EPO!!!
  • 4 1
 and Nimble 9!
  • 3 0
 Have Canfield restocked their store in the past year? I've been wanting a medium EPO but PB classifieds seems to be the only place to get them.
  • 1 0
 @slovenian6474: Got mine from the warehouse last fall.....they're listed in the store AND at bargain pricing! Set up 27.5x2.8 and it's the only thing I've used all over Europe this summer from Germany to Finale and now off to Croatia.
  • 10 1
 If you’re making an agressive hardtail just keep it simple. Steel frame, low top tube, short chain stays, etc. I think the type of rider getting a long travel HT wants to pedal but also lay down a table when a jump comes along the trail. Hell, add a freecoaster in while we’re at it.
  • 14 0
 RSD takes the win here
  • 9 0
 Thank you for this feature Pinkbike - Transition Throttle is on my wish list. Also a shout out for the Ragley Mmmbop - very similar geometry to the Throttle but aluminium and only £300.
  • 4 0
 Ragley looks dormant for a long time.
  • 4 1
 Yea...WTF happened to Ragley??? I own a Bluepig and it's a damn good bike.
  • 3 0
 @Skyle11: i think they disappear for a few years and then come out with a new set of frames, seem to skip at least 2 yrs. Sure something will be coming out from them in the future.
  • 1 0
 @brncr6: I think you're right. Think I read that they aren't changing the current 2017 models for 3 years or something. If it ain't broke... Although they will be forced to go boost rear end at some point.
  • 1 0
 @tremeer023: the 2017 bigwig already has a boost rear though, will probably copy it over for the rest of the frames for the new "update"
  • 12 2
 The greatest hardtail edit of all time, just for stoke purposes: www.pinkbike.com/news/phil-atwill-crushing-it.html
  • 2 1
 One of my fave edits, period. Love the no-fuc#s given attitude. Plus, that dude can shred.
  • 1 0
 Chromag Trail boss. ..!
  • 7 0
 I know you showed the Slackline not the Switchback, but I always feel obliged to link back to this when I see their hardtails posted.

www.pinkbike.com/news/rattlin-down-revolution-on-a-hardtail-video-2017.html
  • 5 0
 I just bought a Chromag rootdown BA (Taiwan version of the surface at less then half the price). I absolulely love it, the new bikes 2017 onward finally have proper sizing. I do still consider for an HT to size up if you can.
  • 5 0
 Guerrilla Gravity Pedal Head! Great company. Let’s you spec your bike with the parts YOU want, made in Denver, you can even pick the color. Great customer service as well.
  • 7 0
 Rode my RSD Middle Child today! Love a good hardtail.
  • 4 0
 I posted this earlier in the week and I'm sticking to it:

"The world would be 36% better if 89% of riders were on slack hardtails 65% of the time. The mainstream industry doesn't want you to know these stats though."
  • 2 0
 Well played, sir...well played indeed!
  • 2 0
 Agreed. I think a lot of people don't consider that hardtails only sag in the front, so effective HA can end up steeper than on an otherwise similar FS bike. In other words, when in doubt, go for more slack on a hardtail.
  • 6 0
 No Production Privee Shan? It's a beast
  • 3 0
 Ride mine most days. Makes me grin like a kid
  • 10 8
 "If you're not convinced of the fun-having capability and trail worthiness of a hardtail, just check out the videos at the bottom." Watches first video. Yes, that guy shredded that hardtail. Probably harder than a lot of us could shred a full-susser. But did you see how badly the bike was getting knocked around on those roots and whatnot? Yeah, a hardtail can handle plenty, granted you can muscle through and don't break any parts. But a fully can absorb those hits and hence hold a better line and reduce fatigue. I'm looking at getting an all-mountain bike for precisely that reason. Yeah, I've ridden everything on my "xc"ish hardtail, up to and including park. After some weird noises at first, and snapping the reflector on my front wheel in half... forgot that was there lol it was fine. Sure, I was using all the travel, but so what, and the tires slid, bit that's an easy fix. But more importantly... after a 6 hour day of park... ouch. And don't even get me started on what could happen if I case a decently large jump. Just my 2 cents . Anyone else got an opinion?
  • 4 3
 Clarification: Don't get me wrong. I love my bike, and riding, and the simplicity of a hardtail. Shred watcha got! Just feeling that HT's can be a bit outgunned by terrain sometimes. ?
  • 2 1
 @mtbikeaddict: I remember doing a day's uplift at Cwmcarn DH on a steel Charge Blender with Dirt Jump forks, a foolish decision. Had a few too many beers the night before and puked up on the first run down. I was outgunned by both bike and terrain Big Grin Fun day though.
  • 11 0
 "Anyone else got an opinion?". What, on Pinkbike? I don't think you'll find many of those around here...

*Runs for cover*
  • 2 2
 @codfather1234: Wink Whaddaya mean? That last part was totally not provocative. Hope you can find cover in time.. Big Grin
  • 11 9
 Glad you asked Wink
I had this idea to get a hardtail when I was poor one summer. It was a novel and romantic idea as Dan Stanton was just setting up his new HQ in my mates village but quickly realised the error of my ways. In our local wood there were lines that we create that just weren’t possible to ride the way we intended aboard a hardtail. Yeah, of course I could ride the lines but clear the jumps; nope. I just rattled into them and plopped off. Off camber rocky lines; nope. I’m sure with a lot of practice I’d have got better but with the same amount of practice my mates on fullies would also be better and building even more obscene lines. With a fully it doesn’t get easier, it just gets more tech, more gnarly and therefore more rewarding.
I get hardtails, I just had a Shan briefly and it was incredible at the pump track, jumps and dicking about but the minute I hit a real trail I just wanted to throw it in a bush and go home. I’m not saying it can’t be done but that there is a better tool for the job is all. Keep hardtails for the pub run, the pump track (and keep them cheap ffs!) and maybe the odd xc ride, you can’t pretend they’re a real alternative to a proper mtb.
  • 2 1
 @iqbal-achieve: 'Bout what I was thinking. Glad to see I'm not the only one. Sure, I can pump like no one's business, and it's all-around useful... but scary/steep/off-camber/root/rock nightmares? Crawling speeds. Honestly, I don't have the skills to shred like that on a bike like this, and I don't know how long it would take me to get them, esp on a hardtail, and I wanna ride some crazy stuff. That whole reward thing and better tool for the job, like you said. Thought of just getting a more capable hardtail like Meta HT or PP Shan, for like $1000.... but can't really substitute for a good full-squish. Thanks for the input...
  • 19 1
 Hardtails are great for teaching you about line choice precisely because it's a less pleasant experience to just rattle through technical sections. It is distinctly possible to ride tech at more than a crawl a hardtail, they just show up flaws in technique that aren't apparent on a full sus as you can't rely on the suspension as much.
  • 2 0
 @abennett219: That's the problem. Line choice... so I've gotta avoid the rough stuff. When the trail in front of me is a rocky droppy mess?
  • 6 15
flag iqbal-achieve (Aug 23, 2018 at 1:26) (Below Threshold)
 @abennett219: that is plain bs. Maybe at the stage of newb to beginner a hardtail will help develop skills but anything beyond, line choice etc it’s all rubbish. Learning to ride a full sus in its self is a skill, the suspension doesn’t just smooth out the trail it becomes an extension of yourself allowing you to better connect with the trail (the idea of suspension after all is to keep the wheels in contact with the ground) and to make the most of every undulation, lip, dip or rock.
The idea that riders aboard full sus bikes are letting the bike do the work is a misconception.
  • 4 6
 @abennett219: PS there are skills that a hardtail will help with, just not line choice or riding real trails.
  • 4 0
 Hardtails are a great winter choice, great for picking lines and a steel frame takes a bit of the harshness away, ride one through winter / spring then slay trails on the squish in summer
  • 7 1
 Riding a hardtail in gnarly /choppy terrain is not the best idea -if you judge it by speed, safety and comfort.It misses the rearsuspension very dearly. Its as simple as that. For those who do not have the money or are taking joy out of beeing a hard kungfu mofo it still can do the trick. For rutsmashing, old school grass dualslalom and improving your blademaster skills there is nothing better though. I am in a love/hate relationship with mine because of this contrast. I guess, as in any longterm relationship, I have to accept her as she is.
  • 8 0
 Surely it is about choosing the right bike to give you optimal fun on any given trail.

Take me to Fujiten Bike Park and I'll choose to shred all day on my Cotic BFe or Stanton Slackline ..... because it is more fun.

Take me to Fujimi Bike Park and I'll choose to shred all day on the Uzzi or Aurum thank you.... because it is more fun.

It really is that simple isn't it?
  • 1 0
 Depends on your needs, I still have a 26'' meta, amazing bike, but only when trails are flowy, add in rocks and roots and the day gets frustrating very quickly. I spent a few days in a bike park even doing downhill runs, definitely fun, but the bike was destroyed.
  • 1 0
 @abennett219: riding a hardtail on real trails where you cant skip/hop all the obstacles works best for me with a (questinable) technique i would not want to apply to riding a fs: just nosebonk everything, let the mattoc do the work without smashing into things headon.
  • 11 0
 You don't ride a hardtail to ride it like a squishy bike. That's like taking a lotus esprit 4 wheeling. You do it specifically to ride a new line, learn how to pump terrain, etc. If you take a hardtail out to ride the b-line rut straight through the baby heads of course that will suck, but if you go with a little different intention it will make some trails new in a way that no amount of squish ever will.
  • 5 0
 @orientdave: yeah it is that simple. And after all the whole idea is to have fun so as always whatever you’re doing and whatever you’re doing it on doesn’t matter as long as you’re having fun.
I just find it a little odd that we have hardtails that try to mimick full sus bikes, keep hardtail hardtail and keep them fun, cheap and reliable. And I find it quite annoying that people still seem to think a hardtail somehow makes you a better rider. Riding makes you a better rider. Line choice? Can you imagine Cathro pulling out his hardtail to check which is the best line at MSA? All they do is teach you which line is less likely to break you, not necessarily which is more fun and/ or fastest. But I’ve said this as nauseam here.
I blame the mags from the 90s and 00s for perpetuating this myth that you’re somehow not a proper rider if you don’t ride a hardtail. Now it just gets repeated over and over. Riding Fort Bill on a hardtail won’t make you better at riding Fort Bill.
  • 2 2
 @iqbal-achieve: i think it has already been said, but anyways: basic skills are easier to learn on a hardtail (hopping, pumping, manualing ,generally tricks),but on real trails you have to ride a fs in order to get better with it, riding a hardtail is not a shortcut to this.
  • 9 5
 @orientdave: yes it is that easy. The sentiment to ascetism and painting the romantic picture of once lost simplicity distorts the reality all too often. These days all too many seek complacency with their shames and fears in pseudo ascetism. The comfort of excuse “I am on a lesser tool” when faced with faster riders and the vague glory of “look how fast I go on that thing” when riding with slower ones. We find real comfort in becoming better version of ourselves and tool should never be the mean of it. I strive to be better than I was yesterday, the only comparative method to check that is to use the same tool. Finally those who chose the path of ascetism often fail to realize that there are no medals for “making it down in one piece” other than participation trophies.

So my version of what you wrote would be: lad taking a hardtail Down VAl Di Sole track and making it down won’t impress me any as much as him taking it to a pumptrack and showing me how he clear all doubles or manuals 4 in a row. Because the latter is expression of skill and persistence at attaining skill. The forst is only a demonstration of persistence.
  • 4 1
 Yeah and allot of trails can be over gunned with an all mountain or trail bike. I love riding my drop at Santa Cruz Stigmata on super manky stuff. It makes me fill alive and at the end of the day that's the point right? I have a Rocky Mtn, but sometimes I show up at park on my 150. One of these days I'm going to get a uni and be done with it! @mtbikeaddict:
  • 2 1
 Good thing he's not riding to impress you! @WAKIdesigns:
  • 4 6
 @MelvieD: oh yeah, because all the cool dudes keep it real and ride just for themselves, only trolls and dentists ride to impress others. If they ride at all. There is not a tiniest bit of show off in 50to01. Caldwell Visuals just stalks them with the camera and they deeply dislike it. Real hardtail riders ride to ride. They also keep their Strava segments private. They also don't get itchy crotches on the airplane and their dicks never get hard when in a bus on the bumpy road.
  • 1 0
 Have a look at this one: youtu.be/xivKp2o2nBw
He also has another cool one youtu.be/xR0y6dKxWM0
  • 1 0
 @optimumnotmaximum: I believe Mickey from Spooky used to call that 'crabbin', hahah
  • 3 1
 What the f*ck does that even mean. We must be participating in two different activities. @WAKIdesigns:
  • 2 0
 @iqbal-achieve: Disagree about The “it not being easier on a FS” comment. It is easier, you said as much just before by saying you can’t hit jumps as HT but could FS. Last 3 years I’ve ridden an area on my HT only, this last week I’ve been on my FS as got a race coming up so thought I’d ride what I’m racing. Every line that was gnar on the hardtail is just easy and a lot faster on the FS, I’d possibly say less fun as well as what was challenging HT just isn’t FS. One of the local pro riders said to me when he saw me out on my HT, “nice to see someone else on a HT, you just don’t need FS riding round here”. He was right, you can go faster though if that’s what’s most important. Bike for the conditions and I bet a lot of FS riders would have more fun if they swapped to HT.
  • 1 0
 @MelvieD: Get a uni... LOL that reminds me... last time I went to the bike park... I saw a kid on his unicycle. My mind was freakin blown.
  • 4 5
 @StevieJB: in the end the only thing that gets a merit is trying to go as fast as possible and keep progressing to go even faster. It so happens that both fast and progression happen more often on a fully than on ht. I also laugh at HTs with big forks since they emulate Fs bikes. Want a medal, hit some real tough track at warp speed on a DJ or XC bike. Other than that, aggressive HT riders can keep posing how awake as fuk they are. Or they may just ride whatever they want without expecting admiration. I don’t have rear suspension, I don’t eat meat, I don’t have a car, I don’t drink alcohol, I work out on empty stomach, Same sht: Elevating ego by introducing a handicap.
  • 3 2
 @WAKIdesigns: You don’t half talk rubbish. Using your logic go buy a DH ebike to ride everywhere. You’ll go faster therefore it must be better, just plough every feature because you can.
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: or I have a fs and im fast as f##k, look at me and hear me roar!
  • 1 0
 @StevieJB: I’m a gardener, I spend most of my week with a spade in my hand and occasionally I have to buy a new spade that on the surface looks great, got a lifetime warranty and is rock solid. But the second I start using it I can tell it’s hindering my ability to dig. It’s just not working with me the same as my old one. So I spend all day half arsed digging but what I really want to do is throw it in the bin and at the end of the day I’ve only covered half as much as with my preferred spade.
Next day I go and buy the same spade as my old one. Now everything is better, me and my spade are at one and I’m fuelled to push on harder and harder because I’m unhindered and every bit of my effort is going into shifting dirt. That day I’ve moved all the dirt plus what I missed the day before.
Was it easier? No. I worked twice as hard.
Vague analogy I know but if you don’t get this mentality then yeah I can understand why you’d think a full sus just makes things easier to smash into.
  • 3 0
 I ride a hardtail, it's my only bike. Steel 26" On One 456 Evo II with a Marzocchi Z1. It's loads of fun because it's holding me back from relaxing and taking lazy lines, and I'm still the fastest rider in my group of 2015-19 full suspension trail bike riding buddies. Honestly though, I hated riding the thing until I bought some tires inserts. Game officially changed once I did the first ride through this one section of fast, sharp and chunky rocks which I cringed while going through every time before. PRs on every ride since. It might be different for other hardtail riders, but my biggest fear wasn't about crashing on a line... just having to buy a new rim on a tight budget...
  • 2 1
 @abennett219: says a kid who was riding a scooter till a couple of years ago..
  • 1 1
 Oh sod off Iffy you troll. I've never even owned a scooter.
  • 3 1
 @abennett219: Of course not. Your dad owned it. Wink
  • 2 0
 Best value steel frames is a On One Dee Dar if your budget is limited. Their sizing is a bit conservative but geo is good. Will take 26" wheels no problem and up to a 160mm fork. Mine has a Pike, Flows and 2.35 Schwalbe tyres. 65HTA with a 160mm fork, no sag.
  • 2 0
 Sweet, hardtails. I am a believer of steel being the material of choice for a HT construction so was a bit surprised more were not included. Having started on a HT when friction shifting was the norm ( Google it, grasshopper) i am glad to say that the new ones are vastly superior in every way. Yes dual suspension is generally faster but that takes nothing away from the pleasure of shredding the fark out of a springless steed, i love mixing it up between my AM/trail bike and hardtail as it keeps things interesting and fun.
  • 1 0
 I have a hard time going back and forth once I get used to the fully. I had 3 months on my HT and was getting pretty fast on it though. Detensioning your rear wheel helps. ha!
  • 2 0
 Longer reach for more comfort for long days on the bike? Really?

These super reachy bikes usually mean more weight on the hands and wrists, and more out-reach, which at least for me, means a sore neck and back, when reach is really pushed.
  • 1 3
 Nope.
  • 1 0
 Long reach and steep seat tube angle makes perfect sense when the bike is pointed uphill.
  • 2 0
 @davecheng: Sure. But a long day in the saddle means to me, hours of up, down, and flat.
  • 2 0
 Im glad to see that most of these will accept 27.5+. I think plus tores are one of the best things to happen to hardtails. I often choose my HT ocer my enduro bike. Its a blast.

I love the commencal. I kist wosh it had 415-420mm chaindtays, then I'd own one.
  • 2 0
 A slack hardtail does belong in your quiver and in some cases may serve as "your only bike". But make sure it is steel or possibly Ti. Riding an aluminum or carbon hardtail is not a worthy experience. Now with that said, l carbon hardtails have there place for the xc racer spando crowd, but if you are in the realm of hardtails on this article, please go with steel! It's almost like anyone manufacturing a slack carbon bike or buying one is missing the point.
  • 3 1
 Hardtails are the next hot sales target since everyone has at least one full squish already. Selection here is nice but seems arbitrary given there are many other slack/modern hardtails out there
  • 4 0
 chromag primer
check the vid

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLcGq5NRRok
  • 1 0
 #chromag4life
  • 12 9
 Lots of beautifully made metal hard tails to choose from. Could have left the bloody carbon one out though, really was no need for that.
  • 4 5
 Fair call.
  • 2 0
 Hardtail will never be forgotten..

Good page pinkbike..is that the new Meta HT? Looks awesome..
Pinkbike can you give more hardtails? In a depth review surely. Maybe twice a month..just said..by the way thanks ????????????
  • 6 1
 Missing the whyte 905, puts some these bikes to shame for less cash
  • 1 0
 Ummmmm, so for hardtails to be more affordable than a full suspension they should cost less than, say, a YT Capra Alu or Specialized Stumpjumper ST. Some of the hardtails on this page are priced kinda silly IMHO. Equal or less than $1000 makes sense.
  • 1 0
 I rode a Specialized Fuse Carbon Expert for over a year and while I really enjoyed the bike for me it is an N+1 bike not my daily driver. The carbon frame was just way too stiff and harsh to run 29er wheels and tires 100% of the time. I think there is a great opportunity for a fun slack angle hard tail with a 120-140 mm fork out there but if I had to do it again I'd go steel or Ti for better ride compliance and it would be a second bike not my primary. You really have to ride a HT with your A game and be ready for some serious ass whacking if the trail gets rough.
  • 3 0
 My cheap ass Octane One Prone build has been getting all the love lately while Canyon Stive has been relegated to bike park duty...
  • 1 0
 Canfield EPO/Nimble 9?
Was this a sponsored post? How was this list compiled? There are some solid choices on the list, but some obvious omissions. Maybe in the intro a little bit of methodology on choosing the bikes would help.

Diamondback Mason is a great choice for those with shallow pockets.
Production Privee Shan is another contender for a mid range

I just went through this searching for a fun hardtail this spring. Transition got ruled out because there is almost zero value in the builds and overall expensive. Same for Chromag. Honzo was looking good. Stanton was looking good, Production Privee was on my list, Orange Crush was on there and the gorillia gravity pedal head was on the list for a more custom build... Ended up with the EPO because I'd ridden it in the past and I scored the right build used on PB. My Knolly Warden now sits unused. I raced the High Cascade 100 on the EPO. For sure not a race bike, but it did the job way better than the Warden would have. The EPO has been amazing. There are some spots at Sandy Ridge that the Warden handles much better, but the EPO was still super fun on, just a touch slower, but still very much point and shoot!
  • 2 0
 I compiled the list by putting a few that had caught my eye or that I had ridden over the last year and then a few others that we collectively thought would be interesting. We kept it to a fairly small number but there are, of course, many other great hardtails out there and this was by no means meant to be a comprehensive list...just a few to check out!
  • 1 0
 @danielsapp: I cant believe how many complaints there are for missing bikes. Clearly this was not intended to be a comprehensive list of the worlds hardtails. Thanks for sharing a few, it was a great concept for Checkout.
  • 1 0
 Wow man. People will pay anything this industry asks for. Why we have bicycles that cost more than motorcycles. I buy my hard tails for under 100.00. There is no good reason to spend that kind of money on a bikes like these. If you can ride a bike you can buy any older shore style hard tail at a fraction of the cost, fix it up and have a blast on it. To each their own but seriously why spend more than you have to especially when the hunt and making the deal are at least half the fun. Its great to see things going full circle back to hardtails.
  • 5 5
 As a huge fan of hardtail bikes I can only say $1,650 USD (Frame Only) chromac frame.... is INSANE, for that price you can get Carbon or even a Titanium frame or even complete bike/
Also @pinkbike wtf is wrong with you!? Check-out-hardtail edition and you haven't mention bike companies and their models which kick ass hard - Santa Cruz's Chameleon, Kingdom's Vedanta(x2), the S7 by Why Cycles, the super epic Dragonslayer 26+ and many many more...yet again you put shitshows like transition and Chromag... sometimes i wounder why I still open pinkbike....
  • 1 0
 I think..those hardtails need to be "introduced" more and more to compete the hardtails you mentioned;
Production privee - sure everyone knows
Chameleon - it's like celebs on bike world
Etc etc..
????
  • 3 0
 The Surface is the handmade in Canada model. I'm sure the build is higher quality and more detail oriented (you choose the color) than their production models, but I have no first hand experience with em. The Rootdown would be the more affordable production bike equivalent for them ($740 USD).
  • 2 0
 Can you show me where I can get a Titanium hardtail frame for $1650? No seriously, I want to know
  • 3 0
 Yep, the Chromag Surface frames are built by legendary framebuilder Chris Dekerf in Richmond, BC and custom painted for each order. The Primer is built by Chromag's other master framebuilder Mike Truelove in Squamish. Very high quality craftsmanship at a cheaper price than a full-custom frame

For us normal people they have equivalent frames built in Taiwan. Still high quality but much more affordable. JensonUSA carries a complete Chromag Rootdown with Pike+GX Eagle build for $2600 complete
  • 1 0
 @FrantikLex: That is a good price. That said, I wish the geo was more up to date but guess I should keep watching for sales.
  • 2 1
 @dtimms: kingdombike.com/collections/hardtails go for it also if you can find the desired size you can get Kona Honzo Ti it is around that price range

But still 1650$ for steel frame with nothing really special besides Chris Dekerf's name and custom paint witch lets face it can be done in your local auto body shop for 100-200$. Also I've forgot to mention Nikolai's Argon GLF witch can be fitted with kind-a custom paint
  • 7 4
 Probably ok for children to get rattled around on but no thanks, not for me.
  • 3 0
 Also no Pipedream moxie! Gotta be one of the most talked about hardtail frames of the last 10 months or so over in the uk
  • 1 0
 true, these Moxies look amazing... was also looking at it but got a Ragley Bigwig instead
  • 1 0
 Hey guys, great article since I am just about to get myself a META HT AM. Question is: 29" or 27,5"+?? Whats your opinion? I mostly want to have fun with it - incl. some road-fun and pumptrack joy
  • 1 0
 27.5+ slicks
  • 2 0
 Really enjoy my Chromag Samurai. Fun and simple. Riding an AM hardtail seems a little like telemarking—making it harder on yourself in order to have more fun ????.
  • 1 0
 Ha! "Licence to suck" is what "they" used to say about telemark skiing. I say this as both a tele and hardtail aficionado. Seriously though- it's all about terrain and riding style. As an old-timer who has gone through the whole cycle- from fully rigid in the 80's, then front, and eventually- full suspension- most of my riding now is at moderate speeds in moderate terrain, where one of the amazingly capable modern hardtails (Surface in my case) is all that I need. Fun and simple says it all.
  • 3 0
 So, ORANGE doesn't count?
  • 3 0
 Definitely check out the Norco Torrent also!
  • 2 0
 Agreed! I have a 2018 Torrent and it's a fantastic bike.
  • 2 0
 Was hoping to find Commencal Meta Crmo here. It has a very interesting seat stay. Too bad it's not in the 2019 line up.
  • 2 0
 as a frame it still is in the lineup. the stays look wild in person, but i think the additional flex is minimal. well made very clean looking hardtail though
  • 3 0
 I built up a Meta Cromo earlier this year...bike is so fun to ride. It’s basically a DJ bike that you can actually pedal. Easy to manual, bunnyhop, rails corners, etc. I pick that bike over my carbon Tracer a lot of lately it seems.
  • 1 0
 @optimumnotmaximum: Eying for a sale on 2018s.
  • 2 0
 @nyhc00: Thanks man, that says a lot.
  • 4 0
 @nyhc00: my hardtail gets ridden more then my process 153, of course east bay Cali has a good variety of trails a ht is a great bike for around here. The 153 is for days of riding Mr toads, downieville ect.
  • 5 0
 @nyhc00: i built mine up with 26 inch wheels as an urban assault comuter- nothing beats the looks you get after doing a stairgap in a suit. I havent ridden my fs since i got it in june, so it must be doing something right i guess.
  • 4 0
 @optimumnotmaximum: you have to get pics of the stair gap in a suit. A briefcase hanging from one grip for bonus points!
  • 1 0
 Sonder Transmitter! But get your own wheelset because the ones that come with it are heavy and the freehubs are absolute trash
  • 2 0
 Great bike. I bought the carbon frame version and built it up. If you don't live in the mountains a hardtail is fine. I had a FS prior and this is just as capable where I live and way easier to maintain.
  • 3 0
 Canfield EPO should make that list. It's a killer hardtail.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I looked and considered a Transam but then saw the cost & quality vs say a Curtis which I got instead.

Miles ahead of the rest is Curtis
  • 1 0
 While polarizing, any reason you didn't have one of Sick Bicycle Co bikes in here? just to hard to get a hold off?
  • 1 0
 Production Privee?
  • 1 0
 Love my Slackline, Took it to BPW few weeks ago, so impressed with how it handled everything
  • 3 1
 HTFL - Hard Tail For Life
  • 1 0
 I love my Honzo, but $3 - $4K on a hardtail seems nuts. What’s next? $2,000 for a sweet fully rigid with coasters?
  • 2 0
 Stanton looks like a super deal. Reynolds 853 vs 4130 Chromoly
  • 4 3
 My dartmoor hornet frame cost £160 new - f*ck paying that kinda money above for a hardtail.
  • 1 0
 I was split between the Dartmoor and the Octane One Prone over the winter. Went with Prone and love it. Totally agree with you, screw those prices above and thank God for these legit Polish brands with actual sane prices!
  • 1 0
 And don’t forget this affordable beauty here: nordestcycles.com
  • 1 0
 Hardtails are fun. So are full suspension bikes. Thank goodness we have the choice to ride what we want!
  • 2 0
 My vote has to be for the Last Fast Forward
  • 3 0
 Love my rootdown!
  • 3 0
 No Canfield's?? Fail..
  • 2 0
 YES!!! been waiting for this
  • 2 0
 And no GG Pedalhead!?! WHAT
  • 1 0
 Canfield EPO is the best hardtail I have ever ridden. Love it. I am sure there are tons of other good ones too!
  • 1 0
 Dang, that RSD middle child checks all the boxes, but the external dropper routing really bothers me
  • 2 0
 Pictures on the website are of preproduction models. Production ones have internal dropper routing that exits above bb.
  • 1 0
 @kryten: oh nice!
  • 1 0
 came here for Cross Country galore. Got disapointed.
  • 1 0
 Where’s my Santa Cruz chameleon!!!!
  • 1 1
 hard to look at an article about hard tails and not see a legendary GT Zaskar - GT really seem to be missing a trick here
  • 1 0
 What's the track in the Chromag vid?
  • 3 2
 My Trans AM 29 is awesome
  • 1 0
 Yeah they looked all ok until one notices the really atrocious welds. Worse than a halfords special imo dating way back
  • 1 0
 @titaniumtit: I'm looking at it, and fail to see your complaint. Thing rides great, and it was cheap
  • 1 0
 @titaniumtit: bad welds you say, cannot verify I'm affraid the're covered in dirt.
  • 1 0
 @Braindrain: goodstuff!
Just aswell ;-d
  • 6 5
 Not a single dual crown?! That's what hardtail pride is all about!
  • 1 1
 Reminds me of how the latest Evil Imperial build on this forum should or could be.

Out rageously rudeboiiiiiii ;-D
  • 2 0
 Trek Stache
  • 1 0
 This. Wish there was a steel version.
  • 1 0
 Guys check AluTech Cheap Trick 29er...awesome HT
  • 1 0
 It's not very cheap tho
  • 1 1
 Trek Stache in a 27.5+ config is ludicrously fun, low and slaps the turns like nothing I've ever ridden.
  • 1 0
 Wait, Stache doesn't have a 27.5. It's 29plus or 29, right?
I was really, really hoping they would have included the Stache. I already have a 2013, but its size 15.5 and was for my 2 sons as they grew. It is a 29er and ten I thought they went to 29plus after they changed the frame.
  • 1 0
 Spot Brad ROCKER 27.5+ is a great hard tail. Check it out.
  • 1 0
 Waltworks makes dope custom hardtails
  • 1 0
 Didn't know this many people were out searching for speed bumps...
  • 1 0
 I'm waiting for the new Ibis hardtail to drop. #highhopes
  • 1 0
 Pipedream Moxie!







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