Rocky Mountain Growler 40 Review - A Sub $2,000 Ripper!

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Күн бұрын

Rocky Mountain Growler 40 Review - A Sub $2,000 Ripper! The ‪@rockymountainbicycles‬ Growler 40 is an exceptional hardtail and quite possibly my favorite I've ridden so far!
2023 Growler 50: alnk.to/9IbyJ8G
2023 Growler 40: alnk.to/58nRdUL
2022 Growler 50 (on sale): alnk.to/4Xt6f8m
2022 Growler 40 (on sale): alnk.to/74qhSHv
2022 Growler 20 (on sale): alnk.to/cHIxgOH
Great Flat Pedals: amzn.to/3h7yJbZ

My Favorite Helmet: amzn.to/3nE5hgv

My Favorite Knee Pads: amzn.to/38v35Sa

MTB Shoes: amzn.to/2WwIjfa

Shock Pump: amzn.to/3rhOLow

Torque Wrench: amzn.to/2WBcHVS

Upgraded Grips: amzn.to/37BzuqI

GoPro to film your rides: amzn.to/2Kgykby

MTB Gloves: amzn.to/2KiHgNA

Crank Boots: amzn.to/3azBLEK

Mud Guard: amzn.to/3h88ylN

Links are affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission off any purchase you make. It costs you nothing extra, but helps support this channel!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Model Overview
1:05 - Specs
2:43 - Bike Weight
2:55 - Ride Impressions
6:00 - Issue!
7:22 - Who's This Bike For?
8:14 - Pros
8:40 - Cons
8:54 - Potential Upgrades
9:27 - The Cobra Score!
12:03 - Outro
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Пікірлер: 80

@mfmonthefmf Жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Just found one at the local shop and I think I'm sold

@eliotdixon6549 2 жыл бұрын

I ordered one today! I have a Trek Slash 7 (my only current bike), which I *do* love. But I can feel myself becoming complacent with that big squishy bike. So I started doing some research into cost effective hardtails and came up with this one. Very much looking forward to the first ride! Thanks for the video!

@maximl6228 Жыл бұрын

Very Good Video!!! This was exactly the video I needed, you gave specific reviews to individual parts of the bike like the tires and brakes, which most channels don't. Thanks for the video man, I'm currently debating whether getting this bike or a nukeproof scout 290.

@YoungDoug13 2 жыл бұрын

Stoked for this review. I've been looking at these

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Douglas! Hope it answered all your questions!

@RunBikeMike 2 жыл бұрын

Great review

@Happy_Biker 2 жыл бұрын

I love those fork warning stickers.

@NotoriusVlad 2 жыл бұрын

you should also score value for the price, which is super important too. Some companies have a much higher profit margins than others.

@keken_25_pr48 Жыл бұрын

Niice review ! Like your Score System and remind me a good KZfaqr. I'm Currently on a Marlin 6 22 willing to upgrade to a Rocky Soul 10 or 20. I will be testing those tomorrow. I considered Stoic 2 and Quentin 1 but idk I think Soul could a better all around in that price.

@harrygrimley4352 2 жыл бұрын

Look at the angle on that one ! Very nice. Beyond my skill level and price. Pretty. Thanks for sharing this with us

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

I could see you rippin it on a Growler Harry!

@ThatPNWlyfe 2 жыл бұрын

I sold my Evil Following MB and bought a Rocky Mountain Growler 50 this year. The Growler feels similar to the Evil when climbing but without they pedal bob. Downhill it is a blast and is great for our buffed out loamy trails in the PNW.

@chrisbfleetwood 2 жыл бұрын

The 50 is sick. I love mine. Such a beast.

@BFM777 Жыл бұрын

Btw that’s a medium frame that md by the bottom of the seat post means it’s a medium! Sweet bike just bought a RM fusion 40 loving it!

@PieterFret 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kyle! How does this compare to the Giant Fathom 2, in your opinion?

@emiliocobosgonzalez3355 Жыл бұрын

I outride most trail bikes but i cant afford a propper enduro bike yet, ill get this one becaouse itll let me ride and have fun

@chrisbfleetwood 2 жыл бұрын

Don't feel too bad about including the crank failure, Kyle! I had the same thing happen to me with my 2021 Growler 50! Crank just fell off on a pathway! I went flying. Was some sort of manufacturer defect! Nothing to do with the growler itself. Luckily I ended up getting them upgraded to a better Shimano crank set!

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

Sucks to hear it's happening to others! A couple people have mentioned it, so must be a bad batch of those Shimano cranks. That's great they gave you an upgrade! I loved the Growler despite that issue.

@chrisbfleetwood 2 жыл бұрын

@@CobraKyle its a fantastic hardtail. Not sure im worthy of it lol. Thanks man, love the content btw.

@MTBAlex 2 жыл бұрын

Bike looks great

@adamparkinson849 Жыл бұрын

curious how this compares to the similarly spec'd Xtrada 7 ?

@ryoenigeno5808 2 жыл бұрын

Dont the cranks have a plastic lip that prevent the crankarm from being fully installed?

@nolanhopkins1219 2 жыл бұрын

I just bought a 2022 growler 40 and on the firs ride my crank arms were both coming loose! I don't even remember if there was any sort of bolt or cap on the ends of the bottom bracket where the crank arms connect but maybe they fell off causing the arms to loosen. Thoughts? Does this sound like a warranty issue?

@JaredRMorgan 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been waiting for this one, Cobra.

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

I hope it was worth the wait lol

@JaredRMorgan 2 жыл бұрын

Always!!!

@waltw8230 Ай бұрын

How tall are you, just curious and what size bike was this a large correct?

@GautamSharma-un3cr 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing review!! I want to get into mountain biking. I'm looking for something to ride on some local trails. I want a bike for good 2-3 years and I will make upgrades along the way. Do you think this would be a good bike for a beginner?

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I think this could be a great beginner bike! As you become a better rider, this bike will be up to more challenges than if you went with a cheaper more "traditional" style hardtail (steeper headangle, cheaper parts, etc...). If you've ridden bikes in the past, I think this bike will take a bit to get used to, but once you're familiar with it, you can rip on this thing!

@toddgriffin8345 9 ай бұрын

Love the bike, not liking the Clarks S4 brakes. Very soft. Are they resin pads only? Anybody have thoughts or ideas to improve or is replacement the best option?

@stevef2084 4 ай бұрын

Would you consider this, a Nukeproof Scout 290, or Kona Honzo for under $1300? Got leads on used versions of all three here in AZ. I'm mostly a trail runner in Arizona. TIA

@tobechinosiri4402 Ай бұрын

This was a size Medium not a Large. Was wondering why the dropper was sticking out so much. You got a smaller bike, that's why it felt more playful.

@oklahotb3217 2 жыл бұрын

I didn't realize the stock build NS was so portly. My build came in at about 32-33 lbs but it does have carbon headset spacers lol

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

I think it was 34-35 when it had the 29" wheels stock. I put 27.5 plus and that's when it weighed 36. Very fancy with your carbon spacers!

@oklahotb3217 2 жыл бұрын

@@CobraKyle Yeah I went full on weight weenie lol.

@ryanevans2655 Жыл бұрын

Anyone think this bike would be too aggressive for Bentonville/NWA, or spot on? (My home trails are Turkey Mtn in Tulsa, but I figure more people have been to Bville)

@JS-sy8mo Жыл бұрын

Would this be a fun bike to single speed??

@nolanhopkins1219 Жыл бұрын

What rotors and pads did you upgrade to? My growler came with shimano 2 piston brakes.

@nolanhopkins1219 Жыл бұрын

I ask because the calipers specify resin only and I’m trying to find something metal that is compatible. Thanks!

@WheresYourToque 2 жыл бұрын

1:44 LOL

@nolanhopkins1219 2 жыл бұрын

What was your solution to the crank arm falling off? I have a 2022 growler 40 and the exact same thing happened to me on the first ride.

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

This was just a review bike, so I sent it back to Rocky Mountain after this happened. If you bought yours from a shop, I would talk with them first about getting the cranks fixed/replaced. If purchased online, I would email Rocky Mountain and Shimano to see about getting a replacement. Seems like more of a Shimano issue that Rocky Mountain, but I'd touch base with both just to insure it gets taken care of. Sorry that happened to you on the first ride. It's a really rad bike, and hope it all gets resolved for ya!

@s14tat 2 жыл бұрын

Damn tough scoring system if a 52 is there highest score in the list. Well as long as you are consistent with it.

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I want it to be as objective as possible. 52 isn't a bad score as similar bikes will receive a similar score. More of a means for comparison. If I gave this bike say a 90 out of 100 it would imply that it's the lightest bike with the nicest components that could dominate World Cup XC, Enduro World Series, and Downhill all while costing under $3,000. I wish that bike existed, but unfortunately it does not haha.

@s14tat 2 жыл бұрын

@@CobraKyle I understand that but with the way you are rating it statistically speaking a 52 is dead average and it doesn't seem like we will be seeing 80 a bike that will score 80 or even 70 anytime soon if ever but because you've already were so stingy with giving out seven and eights you have to be consistent now so anything that's good is a five.. I'd rather you be consistent because then the scores actually mean something

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

@@s14tat I think eventually there will be some bikes that get into the 70's and 80's. All the bikes on there so far are sub $3,000 bikes with the exception of the Scott Spark which was around $4,000 I believe. If I'm giving a budget hardtail 7's 8's and 9's, when a S-Works Stumpjumper gets a 10, that doesn't seem right either because objectively a $8,000+ bike is far better than a sub $2,000 hardtail. If I start reviewing bikes that are well over $5K, those scores will start to come up drastically I think. The Growler is an exceptional bike and performs well at a lot of things, but I try to score it based off of the standard in that category. Enduro/Downhill for example: It's a great bike for an Enduro line, but in my eyes the standard (5) would be an entry level full suspension enduro bike with 160mm of travel (maybe more/maybe less). Even if the Growler has slightly more aggressive geometry I think most people would be faster on a full suspension bike. I do appreciate the feedback of the scoring! I imagine as I test more and more bikes, it will change my perspectives on previous bikes I've reviewed and therefore I will adjust scores accordingly. All the bikes on there already....you have no idea how much time I put into them, and adjusted, and readjusted lol. I stress over it a lot and hope it's helpful to viewers.

@s14tat 2 жыл бұрын

@@CobraKyle knowing your train of thought makes sense. This is obviously a very tricky subject to handle which is we don't see so many numbered scores for bikes. By your logic a trek Marlin would be a 30 point bike because you are rating them as a whole from entry to Gucci bikes on the same scale which wouldnt be fair to the marlin because 30 means it's bad. Yeah they are outdated and horrible for the money but even I think 30 would be too low of a score for it. I would think 1 to 5 might be better. With the Growler being a 3-4 and the marlin being a 2 would be more representative of the difference in bikes.

@jonkalm Жыл бұрын

In RM website it says front is boost 15 and back is boost 148. Does that mean thru axels ? Someone from RM told me they were QR and that’s weird

@CobraKyle Жыл бұрын

The Growler has thru axles front and rear. QR would be 141 or 135 in the rear, and potentially 100 in the front.

@ih302 Жыл бұрын

It's a thru axle that looks like a QR since it has a lever similar to that of a QR.

@eviltaz78 2 жыл бұрын

I'm wondering how this bike will compare to a commencal meta HT. On the market for a new hardtail and currently running my trusty Raleigh Tokul 3.

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

I personally haven't ridden the Commencal (I'd like to though)! If you like the 27.5" wheel size of the Tokul, then the Commencal would probably feel more natural to you. Comparing the size large geometry of the two bikes, the Commencal is certainly shorter in terms of reach and wheelbase. Would probably be a bit more playful and agile on slower riding whereas the Growler is probably more confident on faster terrain. I kind of prefer the shorter fork travel of the Growler, but that's my personal preference. The most expensive Growler 50 does bump travel up to 150, so you have that option. 160mm of travel on the Commencal to me is more travel than I would personally want. Either way I think both bikes look solid, so just gotta assess your trails and what you want to accomplish as a rider!

@josephleeman8716 2 жыл бұрын

This is a great review! Just recently picked up the ‘21 Growler 50 and LOVE it. I’ve parking lot tested the Meta which didn’t feel as planted underneath me which felt a little more foreign. Hardtail Party claims this frame to be significantly more compliant than the Meta…

@eatnosenuggets 2 жыл бұрын

You said size large, but the tag near the seatpost says MD.

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure how that sticker came to be. The email from Rocky Mountain says large, and to be sure I bought a caliper and measured the bike and it is in fact a large. I thought maybe it stands for "Media" so they know it's a review bike, but who knows.

@eugene44569 2 жыл бұрын

2:27 that's a large? But it says medium. Maybe it got misstickered like Jared's t7

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah they told me they only had a large to send me. It felt similar to my large bikes, and I measure the headtube according to geometry chart and it also aligned with a large. The sticker really threw me off too haha.

@Jshep_97 2 жыл бұрын

How does this compare to your Timberjack? Do you feel one is better than the other?

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

They are both somewhat similar I'd say. The Timberjack is a stiffer frame, and my body hurts a bit more after riding it. The reach numbers are near identical, but the wheelbase on the Timberjack is a good amount shorter, and for me I really like short bikes because I find them even more poppy and fun. The spec and price of my Timberjack is more comparable to the Growler 50. I'd say if you live somewhere with lots of long downhill descents where speed is your priority, then I'd go with the Growler. If you have a lot of flowy trails that require a bit more pedaling, they would both do good, but I'd personally take the Timberjack in that scenario as it's a super short bike, so I can bunnyhop it easier. Both really cool bikes!

@blackychane 2 жыл бұрын

@@CobraKyle Thank you. This is the answer I was looking for in the comment section. Lol

@alextolliday5584 2 жыл бұрын

Are trek Marlins 2022 model or 2021 model good for jumps ? I don’t know much about mountain bikes

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't recommend a Marlin for jumps. They have more old school cross country geometry. Good for pedaling around and going fast on light trails, but I wouldn't jump one. I reviewed a Marin San Quentin 1 which is about $1,100 new...that bike jumped really well.

@alextolliday5584 2 жыл бұрын

@@CobraKyle thank you ❤️

@ronaldd8741 2 жыл бұрын

The dougscore

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

"Thhiiiiiiiis is a lawsuit" -Doug DeMuro

@simonopletal9820 2 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know where to find this bike in europe?

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

Here is a link to the Rocky Mountain Dealer Finder: bikes.com/pages/find-a-dealer Looks like they have quite a bit of dealers around Europe.

@corduroyepps4700 2 жыл бұрын

Kg !!!!!! Kg !!!!!!???? Rocky Mountain this is America get your sh*t together. 😁

@go4384 2 жыл бұрын

Due to demand most of these are out of stock and if in stock are now well over $2,000. Not really worth it at those prices.

@lambertj.2892 Жыл бұрын

Buy a Fusion 10 then.

@gerardopino5199 2 жыл бұрын

looks like its a size MD.

@ryanackley3426 2 жыл бұрын

Glad someone else saw that.

@fishrideandski4910 2 жыл бұрын

'looks like a session"

@John_D2 2 жыл бұрын

that frame is a medium.

@LGDE88 2 жыл бұрын

should have been all red :/ not digging the two tone paint

@CobraKyle 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah Rocky Mountain has some interesting paint choices. Especially on the 2022 models. I like the uniqueness of the two tone paint, and it does look a lot nicer in person!