Love the show, and love your honesty. You have almost completely ruin other mtb channels for me. When I want to know about a product or a bike, all I can think is I wish Steve reviewed this so I know what it really is like. Never change, man! Here is for a lot more bikes reviewed in 2023!

I will be buying stuff based on your recommendation, starting with the inflator

Happy New Year Steve. Thanks for giving the Team Marin and Roscoe some love. For a lot of people a mid-range bike is their realistic aspirational bike, so more information on these types of bikes really helps. I'm really enjoying my Team Marin 2 on east coast trails. It's a great bike for the Don Valley in Toronto.

A word of gratitude to you Steeve, all the way from tiny little Malta (Europe), not only for the great videos; but also for making sure you stay as unbiased and objective as is humanly possible. This is my go to channel on anything MTB. Well done and happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

Glad I watched this- going to look into those cycling shorts, I have been cursing mine the last few rides . This was probably one one the best videos I have watched in a long time. Super informative and straight to the point. Cheers everyone from Prescott.🍻

I met the Neuhaus team doing testing at Tamarancho in Marin, Northern California. Really nice people. They actually agreed with you that they spend too much time engineering and testing and not enough on marketing!

You had me all the way until the Neuhaus. I love your channel. Your information is so honest and on point. I am in the market and was already looking at two of you runner up bikes you happened to mention. Trek and Marin. Then, the finale, everything I was waiting for and ...just a frame? Ha! Well played. Not exactly the hardtail I was expecting. I liked! I subscribed! Looking forward to the next one! Keep them coming!

I’m glad I’m not the only person who finds the cleat position on clipless shoes too far forward. And your comments about Hardtail to Full Suspension overlap is spot on. I certainly don’t need an “enduro” hardtail to go with my Enduro full suspension I need a trail bike and trail bikes need Ground Controls front and rear

Just ordered the toolkit you recommended. Was looking for a travel one with a little more organization vice just a bag. Thanks for the tip. Also my Binary Maniak just came in, looking forward to building it up in the new year. Will it replace my Spot Rocker? We’ll see…Happy New Year and thanks for a great channel.

Thanks for being a trustworthy source for cycling info.

Thanks for all your hard work this year. Berd is the word !!! If the Maniac isn’t the 2022 Bike of the Year I’ll be disappointed 🤣🤣 All the best to you and your family for 2023

I like a dab of slickoleum on my forks , suspension and dropper before every ride . I clean them before applying . This keeps the maintenance on these items much less needed cutting it by maybe half which is a big cost savings if you can't do the maintenance yourself . . For me as a minimalist kind of guy I am always looking to do more with less .. nice review on the items

i ran a CC Helm and i do kinda miss it. the ability to change progression in just a few minutes is very clever. no spacers to lose, drop, store. i also run the GC on my spot ryve. good rubber! and lastly, i agree that socks are high on the list of things you should focus on!! the merino sock is a game changer for long days, coming from a backpacking background (much like Steve) i have been riding with merino (darn tough, farm to feet) since i started riding MTB. spend the $18 on a pair of socks. worth every penny.

Thanks for all of thesse, I really needed some bike cleaner and pliers, and this really came in useful!

Steel is real...... I rode a Reynolds 853 Brew 200 Proof. I loved that thing... It carved through the single track.

That shirt is rad. Happy New Year!

What a list! Even though I don't own a hardtail, this is one of my favourite channels. Never miss a video. Great work, and happy new year mate. Looking forward to more great content in 2023.

Thanks for a great year and thanks for being so honest with all your reviews looking forward to getting a new hardtail this year

I like that you throw ideas like the rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, for the novices like myself

I am an aircraft mechanic and i bought the 5 piece set of Knipex and had a stomach ache for a week from the cost.

Handup shorts have back pockets! It drives me crazy that all these bicycle clothing companies design pants and shorts with no back pockets. Yes I understand that while I am riding my bike(seriously), I would not want anything in my back pocket. Most people I know have to drive to get to the trails. Having a back pocket allows me to put my wallet, etc. in my back pocket while driving to the trails. Makes stopping for food, the store or bar, whatever to and from the trails easier. For a quick ride around the neighborhood or down to the store simple. For me, I tend to just find good shorts that I can wear all the time. I hate have to change for every different activity. Thanks Handup, I'll be looking to buy some of your shorts soon.

Maxxis ardents 2.4 I stand by them for everything. I ride all kinds of terrain also. I love them and keep buying them

Wow, thanks for recommending so many great products. After several months, my Manzanita should be here any day now. Excited to build it up!

Fantastic video dude. Very informative. Love your content. Keep it coming and happy new year to you my friend!

I just get my Team Marin 1 last week, really have fun with it! And yes, some component needs to upgrade, soon. Happy new year!

Happy New Year! Thanks to you and your family for all the great videos in 2022. I know it a lot of work but know that you are appreciated.

Happy new year, Steve! And thanks for this and all the other great videos you created in 2022.

Thanks Steve, and Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Bud!! Thanks for all your help this year!!

Echoing all the others - love your stuff. Another diehardtail fan here. But really, came here to say it stoked me out when I saw the tire & instantly knew it by tread. The GC grid is so slept on in its category. Just put on a fresh set of T7 grid 2.35s today, in fact. Great value tire.

Saw my first Maniac in the wild today. What a bike! Myself being a big surly fan, I'd love to see a video with your take on them. Keep up the great work

Thanks Steve. Through your Patreon i advise in the past year I enjoyed a middlechild, a sweet yellow Chameleon mullet and am presently building up a Parma colored mmmbop with those nukeproof wheels. Put the rear 27.5 nukeproof on the chameleon R just to experience the 102 points of engagement and Wow! Like you said, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. Great videos, great knowledge and experience shared.

I recently got a Banshee Paradox in size L with the raw aluminum color. It is an incredible hardtail.

fantastic video. thanks bro and happy new year

The Marin team 2 geo is very close to my 2020 Giant Fathom, heck even the frames look very similar.., the chain stay is a little shorter on the Marin.. I hope to give the Marin test ride to note the similarities.. The Neuhaus is a dream bike for sure

This is a great video idea, thanks for posting!

Happy new year Steve and thanks for another year of great videos.

Hi bro, brilliant unbiased vids, with in depth reviews. A question? I'm 55yrs old, UK mucky weather based, ridden many bikes/brands over the years, parts/materials/everything from BMX early 80s coming to the UK, to now. I got a fatty not naming brands on this question, so I got a fatty non suspended, 4.8in tyres on a 26in wheel on a steel frame, 2x hard tails aluminium 140mm travel , steel hard tail non suspended 3in tyres on a 27.5 wheelset, gravel bike aluminium 700c with 38mm CX tyres but can't get used to drop bars. Years ago I loved the XC hard tails, light, fast, responsive. After losing some family members depression kicked in, and my fit body turned into a fat body just over 300lbs. So what options have I got hard tail wise that can motivate me to get my weight down under 300lb back on track so to speak and get motivated again. I see most carbon hardtails are still PF bottom brackets which I'm not so fussed on, as I prefer silence. So guessing my only option is steel maybe, in a 29er, with 80/100mm front travel? Can I have your thoughts and experience on this question please. Thanks.

Just ordered the tire inflator I've been looking for one, thank you!!

Thanks for the great review! Thanks again for the help and bike recommendation through patreon /subscribestar. My new bike got an honorable mention lol

I'm late to the hardtailParty, but I bought the Team Marin 2 for my son (12yrs races XC with NICA) because of your review of it. It's got the updated seat stay support, and I got it for $500 off (due to a few blemishes that I can't even find on the frame 😳). I just got it, put it together, and rode it in the driveway. Damn! It's fantastic!!!

Thank you for the time stamps!

So gald you mentioned the Trek Roscoe! I have had my Roscoe 8 for 2 months now, because of how well rounded it is I've stayed on a hardtail, really robust versatile bike with great components for the price

Great video, Steve, as always. Please help me to choose between two bikes that you had mentioned. The Team Marin or the Roscoe. A few things. A.) I'm officially a Senior now. 2.) I prefer uphill to downhill. 3.) Which has the more upright geometry.? I don't want anything too aggressive. I will be going up and down small mountain trails replete with tree roots, branches and small rocks. I will not be going over big boulders or flying through the air. Secondly, I will be going a bit over some relatively "clean" paths over open fields. Spring is but a few weeks away in the north eastern part of North America where I live and I can't wait to get out there and ride a hardtail after a hiatus 18 years!!

The demo with the saxx was unnecessary, but appreciated. I liked what you said about the overlap in the bike stable. I've got a plus-mullet rigid Karate Monkey and then a Specialized Status 160. They actually compliment each other quite well! (And can share wheels!)

Really appreciated this video. I've put the Aeroe rack on my list! I sure wish there was a battery powered inflator that would service the higher pressures in rear shocks.

Happy New Year!

That LA backpack is real similar to my USWE Patriot and I had a helmet drop out of the bag one day while getting out of my car, dropped straight to pavement and cracked it in one quick move. I suggest nobody ever puts their helmet in a pouch like that unless you are using a secondary strap on the helmet itself to secure it. Otherwise that pack design is the perfect size for most rides.

New subscriber here. Thanks for all the amazing content! I'm hoping you can review the BMC TwoStroke AL soon. The Geo numbers on a size M sound like they would work great for you!

wonder what would be involved in adding lockout to the PNW Coast suspension... one would have to presume that there would be no disadvantage (besides maybe weight and cost) vs a traditional dropper at that point.

Great review! Too bad to hear about those cracks in the team marin, I hope those get mitigated, seems like such a good/accessible bike

Congrats on picking up the limited edition helm!

I feel my Maniak paired with my incoming Neuhaus Solstice will have me grinning from ear to ear in '23! Super happy with my Maniak so far, by the way. :)

Another great video, just wondering where you would place the banshee enigma in that list, I realise it probably wasn’t available at the time, it’s such a great frame for me and made want to ride through the dirty English winter

Brand spanking new to the channel. Great Video, just ordered a pair of Club Ride Johnsons. I was hoping you had a recommendation for a multi tool to bring along on rides? Any recommendations???

Have you ever tried a leather saddle? Maybe try a Brooks for the bikepacking rig.

It’s because of this channel I too have a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol.

Is the new Fairlight Holt on your radar for reviewing? Thanks for such great videos that really help elucidate the the purity of mountain biking to those of us who are new like me!

Great video, Steve! I enjoyed seeing all these products in one segment. Happy New Year to you and your family!

Wow honesty have a fab new year

So pumped I found this channel. I just ordered a Ragley Big AL 1.0 per your recommendation! Quick question. I know you mentioned it before, but what is your favorite dropper post switch again? I know you've mentioned it in a couple videos but now I can't seem to find them.

Hi love your videos. Have you ever done a review on Marin san Quentin 3? Keep up the great work 👍

Do a best budget hardtail video!!!! Would love to see it

Just recently found your channel. You put out some great thoughts and reviews. Thanks so much. Been riding for over 30 years myself and of course started on a rigid HT and have always kept one as a backup in my stable. For many years I've been mostly on full bore FS and full on DH rigs, riding most days of the year, but now find myself looking to simplify. One of my most enjoyable bikes is a a Surly KM with heavy duty 275x2.8 wheels (well actually a 2.6" up front right now). Over time my carbon fiber wonder bikes will wear out. When that happens I'd like to replace all of them with a higher end, more modern HT so I'm starting to look now. That's what led me to your channel. Again, thanks so much. I'd like to give back. What's the best way to contact you directly?

Would you go with the commensal or salsa timber jack for northeast riding. Lots of roots and rocks etc. Just picked up your channel and it super great. Keep it up.

I got the Roscoe. It’s great for me!!!

So for an “affordable wheel set”, aluminum rim with berd spokes? Or carbon rim with steel spokes?

Hey Steve you should give Kirkland women's wool socks a try, they aren't cycling specific but they make a great 3 season (not summer) sock! They have an excellent blend lof Merino wool.

May I suggest a HT Party t-shirt with a banana and avocado on the front?

As usual, a great and versatile review. Did you separately review the dropper post anywhere? And, following your world of bikepacking adventures , which bike would you pick, because Nick’s frame was not on your list when you picked a bike for your family overnighter.

Surprised there was no honorable mention for the Chameleon. You seemed to really enjoy that one...maybe a little more than the Roscoe. And they're readily accessible locally too, for the most part.

Can you please review the Marin San Quentin? The geometry is different from most bikes but super fun

I'm surprised the Banshee Enigma wasn't in the mix. I've never ridden one, just seemed like a solid choice.

PARTY SHIRT!!

You should do a video and testing on a inverted suspension fork. Iv been thinking about getting 1 just to be different.

Interesting list. I'm curious about the Paul Clamper brakes - no fluid?. How do they compare to the standard hydraulic disc brakes? I'll have to do some research.

Interesting video.

What are your thoughts on best helmets

Hi Steve, nice video! Got any recommendation for a portable pump that can handle 29x2.6 tire?

Thanks Steve for the recommendations! I recently purchased the Milwaukee pump, but am having issues with the pump reading pressures with the presta chuck. Any recommendations or tricks you've used? Thanks!

what is the purpose of a very expensive hardtail that is comparable to a mid tier full suspension frame? is it just to flex?

On the Neuhaus Hummingbird, what type of steel tubes is used? Also, know if they pre-treat the steel tubes to help prevent/limit rust? And when you say lightweight, what range are you talking... sub 25lbs?

would the forecaster be an equivalent to the special matrix tire?

Surprised the Maniak didn't get a special mention!

Will you be reviewing a Ti Neuhaus bike that he's working on?

Knipex last forever

What make is the tool roll? Cheers

I love those specialized side load bottle cages. Most annoying thing though is my stumpy Evo came with a right side load cage instead of a left side.

Do you also run ground control as a front tire?

Steve, does the fork negate the one up bars flex?

Any spotlight/love for Pace Cycles soon?

13:50 you really do have some cojones

I wish the intro was LOUDER!!!!!!!!

No pedals : )

My heart was broken after my Team Marin broke :(...

Bro it’s 5 grand…

🎄🎄🎄 👏🎁🎉✨

🍌🥑😂

Thanks Steve. I just used the link to get a pair of AT long pants. I've been needing a new pair and have not been satisfied with performance vs price. I'm glad to know these are your favorites.

Glad to hear the hardtail I made for you was in the running for hardtail of the year! It was a fun bike to make and it was nice to meet you and ride your gnarly home trails.