Honest reviews derived from honest riding. It's great that you didn't edit out that spill, take it so naturally and explain why it happened. Thank you so much!
Steve- thank you for your persistence in getting this frame in for review on the channel! I love my DownRock- so playful and agree that it likes to go hard and fast! Corners so well, climbs incredibly, and is very composed downhill, like you described. The GMX+ is a killer bike as well! Glad to see more U.S. exposure for Curve!
I believe that plus tires were the perfect thing to come along for hardtails. They give just enough "suspension" feel without all the suspension maintenance. First time I ever rode a plus hardtail I was sold on the idea and I ended up buying one w/o any regrets.
Agree 100%. Had a Vassago Mooseknuckl e with Jones carbon hoops, DT hubs, XTR 1x12 and Enve fork, 29x3 - it was amazing. Now riding a Priority 600x with Pinion C.12 / gates, I9 Hydras, WTB KOM i40, Paul Klampers, Jones carbon bar, Whisky No.9 fork, 29x2.8 Maxxis Rekon, etc and it is really nice. I've never been able to love FS bikes (though I've tried). Like many here at HT Party, I started riding in the 80's, and that ethos/riding experience has carried ever since.
Another amazing review Steve! Even though I have been a hardcore,hardtail trail rider for over 2 decades with a few custom made frames and all my bikes are custom builds, you are definitely the “SME” (subject matter expert) I completely agree that stack height determines how much rise you want. I have owned Ti frames that are too stiff for my weight (155#) same with steel frames that are way overbuilt and heavy. Not many people are as picky about the nuances of the frame details and how that translates to the feel and type of trails and rides it suite best. As the saying goes “you can’t choose a book by the cover” and Steve you have read the pages and have the experience to compare.
I re-watched this video a 2nd time, in full screen, with the sound down, some chill music on and loved it. What an awesome view and scenery. Its like some sort of real-life-training video that you would pay money to cycle to with zwift, Rouvy or Tacx training or something.
Thank you for letting us love hardtails! I also Had high hopes for this bike. This looked like one of those hardtail party reviews that I would rewatch maybe 3 or 4 times, but well, now we know. I Can’t stand those bike reviews where every bike is oh so perfect anymore. Thank you and keep on keeping on
Hi Steve. Long time subscriber. Thanks for reviewing a bike from my home city! A really great looking bike, even though I'm not in the market for one right now. I'm still trying to find my stolen bike from last July. I appreciate your videos & watch them all. I hope you & the family are well mate. Take care! 🤙🏼 - Mikey
Steve, I appreciate how you reiterate in this review what you've said in a couple previous vids (the 853/Ti Sherpa comparo comes to mind): there is no "hard and fast" rule for frame material equating to a specific feel. It's an important reminder for us as we look for our next bike to consider what, exactly, we're looking for in frame feel, and not to get locked into a frame material to the exclusion of all else. Nice work!
Another fantastic review I'm glad you left your little mishap in there it's good to see that you don't editor everything out thanks once again for a great review
I never heard of the Curve DownRock bike, but definitely has potential right there. I generally don't have that kind of money for titanium bike, but a steel hardtail (Marin or Kona) it's possible for me for do.
What a beautiful frame! I would like maybe a little more compliance in New England on the roots and rocks but I'm 6ft 240 and maybe get more flex with a large and being heavier. Love the look of that frame!
That's a gorgeous frame. A lot of that beauty - to me - is the straight down tube. I hate the ones with a bend at the headset. And Steve, THANKS SO MUCH for the 5DEV coupon. I got a set for my 2016 Yeti ARC to replace the RF Next SL I had on it. Hoping they are indeed softer but either way, I got 165s!
That would be a fun video, but I don't have enough parts to build up all of these frames at once. But this is the sort of thing my bike consultation service is all about.
So sounds like it would be a good second bike if you have a full suspension for the really rough stuff and reserve this for the longer days in the saddle and more flow trails.
Good video like always. Hey Steve can you do a review on the Orange Crush 2023 It’s going to be available in August and I’m interested in what you think
Love the review and love the channel. I've heard you mention 141 qr a few times. Wondering what exactly is the beef with it aside from more susceptibility to user error?
User error is a huge part of it. I care if people getting into the sport have decent shifting and braking and are safe. I've seen rear wheels fall off or slide under power. There are so many downsides: misaligned rotors, misaligned derailleur, poor shifting, noodly rear end, unwanted flex, incompatibility with most modern boost hubs, a weaker part where you don't need it, total confusion in the industry, and a totally new standard that didn't need to exist). What's the upside of 141qr? It saves a company $5? It frankly should never have existed. They should have just gone straight to boost thru axle.
Beautiful bike and great review. I also like your comparisons and explanations along the way. But- was this really a black diamond trail? It didn’t look like it. BTW, what helmet are you using? Looks cool,
That's a great question for my bike consultation patrons. Most people looking at the ragley are on such a tight budget that this isn't an option for them.
Great review! BB's seem to be sinking as of late, wonder what the industry thinking is behind that. Can't wait for more steel reviews! Just got a GG Pedalhead and it is already my favorite bike I've ever owned.
me too :D haha, I've been anxiously awaiting his review and he is probably getting sick of hearing about it. I've got a few gripes about mine but don't want to bias any future conversation here by mentioning. I have both Pistola and the PH, seems lately I'm reaching for the PH unless the trails really justify the squish.
@@hardtailparty good point on the BB, I noticed you mentioned that in your Scout review and it makes sense. No rush on the Pedalhead! Love mine, will be curious to hear your thoughts on it once you get to it, wondering if it will compare to the Sherpa at all.
Sales people, pretty much anywhere, are going to do what they can do to make a sale. That is their job. So if you go into a place uninformed about what you need and want, you are very likely going to walk out of there with something that isn't quite right for you. So yeah, absolutely figure out what you need before you start walking into shops. I know of only a couple of shops that actually have people who will do the work to sell you exactly what you need, and heck, even send you somewhere they know has what you need if they don't have it. Generally, those are smaller shops that have staff that are actually bicycle enthusiasts themselves and are more passionate about bikes than they are making a buck.
Great review! You pretty much nailed it, I bought a DR because I wanted a playful do everything aggressive hardtail. I’m curious how you felt the stiffness compared to a Yelli? I was on a 2016 Yelli before I got a Downrock, and the DR is just so much more supple comparatively. Granted I’m in the 185lbs+ rage with gear on.
Great review Steve! With regards to frame compliance. You mentioned you are running some stiff wheels. How much stiffness can be dialled out by the average joe running softer OEM cheap 30mm internal alumimum wheels (e.g. whatever comes on a trek roscoe 7) or lower tyre pressures I wonder? I get that you can't have rear tyres with so little air they flop around but its worth the question anyway. Perhaps thats what you mean when you say you also tried with the nukeproof wheels.
Yeah my nukeproof wheels are noticeably softer, and this frame was still stiff with them. Big volume tires with less pressure helps but a stiff frame still transfers lots of micro vibrations to your body.
Steve's own design, the Binary Maniak, is 415mm at its shortest adjustment. I don't think you can get a 29er chainstay much shorter than that as the tyre will hit the stays or bb shell. Maybe gain a few mm if you elevate the chainstay like the trek stache.
Honest reviews derived from honest riding. It's great that you didn't edit out that spill, take it so naturally and explain why it happened. Thank you so much!
Thanks for saying that, i feel it's important to showcase that stuff.
Steve- thank you for your persistence in getting this frame in for review on the channel! I love my DownRock- so playful and agree that it likes to go hard and fast! Corners so well, climbs incredibly, and is very composed downhill, like you described. The GMX+ is a killer bike as well! Glad to see more U.S. exposure for Curve!
Definitely one of the best looking hardtails around 👌🏻 There’s something about the unpainted raw look that’s just so good looking 😍
I believe that plus tires were the perfect thing to come along for hardtails. They give just enough "suspension" feel without all the suspension maintenance. First time I ever rode a plus hardtail I was sold on the idea and I ended up buying one w/o any regrets.
Awesome. I'm totally in the same boat.
Yeap I still miss my Krampus.
Agree 100%. Had a Vassago Mooseknuckl e with Jones carbon hoops, DT hubs, XTR 1x12 and Enve fork, 29x3 - it was amazing. Now riding a Priority 600x with Pinion C.12 / gates, I9 Hydras, WTB KOM i40, Paul Klampers, Jones carbon bar, Whisky No.9 fork, 29x2.8 Maxxis Rekon, etc and it is really nice.
I've never been able to love FS bikes (though I've tried). Like many here at HT Party, I started riding in the 80's, and that ethos/riding experience has carried ever since.
Cotic Solaris Max (‘22) with 27:5 plus. My only bike.
@@hardtailparty how does this frame compare to the lynskey livewire Build quality ? As I am in Australia they are similarly priced for me .
Another amazing review Steve! Even though I have been a hardcore,hardtail trail rider for over 2 decades with a few custom made frames and all my bikes are custom builds, you are definitely the “SME” (subject matter expert)
I completely agree that stack height determines how much rise you want. I have owned Ti frames that are too stiff for my weight (155#) same with steel frames that are way overbuilt and heavy. Not many people are as picky about the nuances of the frame details and how that translates to the feel and type of trails and rides it suite best. As the saying goes “you can’t choose a book by the cover” and Steve you have read the pages and have the experience to compare.
All my life working as an instructional designer, and now it's my turn to be the SME. Thanks for the kind words.
I re-watched this video a 2nd time, in full screen, with the sound down, some chill music on and loved it. What an awesome view and scenery. Its like some sort of real-life-training video that you would pay money to cycle to with zwift, Rouvy or Tacx training or something.
The black and silver color scheme looks so nice on that rig. I wish my falls were as graceful as yours. Keep up the great content!
Thank you for letting us love hardtails!
I also Had high hopes for this bike. This looked like one of those hardtail party reviews that I would rewatch maybe 3 or 4 times, but well, now we know.
I Can’t stand those bike reviews where every bike is oh so perfect anymore. Thank you and keep on keeping on
Hi Steve. Long time subscriber. Thanks for reviewing a bike from my home city! A really great looking bike, even though I'm not in the market for one right now. I'm still trying to find my stolen bike from last July. I appreciate your videos & watch them all. I hope you & the family are well mate.
Take care! 🤙🏼
- Mikey
Steve, I appreciate how you reiterate in this review what you've said in a couple previous vids (the 853/Ti Sherpa comparo comes to mind): there is no "hard and fast" rule for frame material equating to a specific feel. It's an important reminder for us as we look for our next bike to consider what, exactly, we're looking for in frame feel, and not to get locked into a frame material to the exclusion of all else. Nice work!
Hell yea, I've been looking forward to this one!
Can't wait for the day to save up enough and use the bike consult service. Slowly but surely. Another good one
Another fantastic review I'm glad you left your little mishap in there it's good to see that you don't editor everything out thanks once again for a great review
Great review, fantastic breakdown on the frame and the way it feels and rides!!! Great stuff Steve!!!
Man that fall at 6:09 looked so scary. Right at the edge of a nice steep slope
It happens to the best of us :-)
What an incredible trail! Thanks for sharing
I never heard of the Curve DownRock bike, but definitely has potential right there. I generally don't have that kind of money for titanium bike, but a steel hardtail (Marin or Kona) it's possible for me for do.
What a beautiful frame! I would like maybe a little more compliance in New England on the roots and rocks but I'm 6ft 240 and maybe get more flex with a large and being heavier. Love the look of that frame!
At 240 it'd probably be perfect for you
That's a gorgeous frame. A lot of that beauty - to me - is the straight down tube. I hate the ones with a bend at the headset. And Steve, THANKS SO MUCH for the 5DEV coupon. I got a set for my 2016 Yeti ARC to replace the RF Next SL I had on it. Hoping they are indeed softer but either way, I got 165s!
They'll be softer. Enjoy those amazing cranks
Nice review! Still waiting for the stif squatch review ;)
You and me both. I've been waiting ever since it was announced. Unfortunately i doubt I'll ever see one.
You have to do back-to-back Esker Japhy Ti vs this vs Sherpa Ti.
Esker Hayduke 27.5+ titanium too. Had the opportunity to demo a steel one in Fruita and really liked it, was a lot of fun
That would be a fun video, but I don't have enough parts to build up all of these frames at once. But this is the sort of thing my bike consultation service is all about.
Beautiful Ti frame!
So sounds like it would be a good second bike if you have a full suspension for the really rough stuff and reserve this for the longer days in the saddle and more flow trails.
Good video like always. Hey Steve can you do a review on the Orange Crush 2023 It’s going to be available in August and I’m interested in what you think
Been waiting for this one! It definitely is beautiful but so out of my budget.
Great review! Are you going to review an NS Eccentric at some point? The frame is on sale at CRC for a great price, and the geo looks pretty good!
I've reached out to them before. I'd like to review one someday. I have 12 frames in for review at the moment. Busy times!
Sounds like a more supple wheelset would improve the ride feel a little. Great review as always.
A little
I'm looking forward to seeing how this compares to the production Maniak!
Coming soon... I'm about to receive mine.
@@hardtailparty 🤩
Love the review and love the channel. I've heard you mention 141 qr a few times. Wondering what exactly is the beef with it aside from more susceptibility to user error?
User error is a huge part of it. I care if people getting into the sport have decent shifting and braking and are safe. I've seen rear wheels fall off or slide under power. There are so many downsides: misaligned rotors, misaligned derailleur, poor shifting, noodly rear end, unwanted flex, incompatibility with most modern boost hubs, a weaker part where you don't need it, total confusion in the industry, and a totally new standard that didn't need to exist). What's the upside of 141qr? It saves a company $5? It frankly should never have existed. They should have just gone straight to boost thru axle.
Beautiful bike and great review. I also like your comparisons and explanations along the way. But- was this really a black diamond trail? It didn’t look like it.
BTW, what helmet are you using? Looks cool,
There were two trails in this video. One was a blue trail, the other was a black diamond. Tough to get a feel for it on the GoPro.
👌As always, a great video, how would you compare it to the big al🤔
That's a great question for my bike consultation patrons. Most people looking at the ragley are on such a tight budget that this isn't an option for them.
Great review! BB's seem to be sinking as of late, wonder what the industry thinking is behind that. Can't wait for more steel reviews! Just got a GG Pedalhead and it is already my favorite bike I've ever owned.
me too :D haha, I've been anxiously awaiting his review and he is probably getting sick of hearing about it. I've got a few gripes about mine but don't want to bias any future conversation here by mentioning. I have both Pistola and the PH, seems lately I'm reaching for the PH unless the trails really justify the squish.
I just took my pedalhead out on it's first ride last night. Review coming in the future, thanks for your patience. I'm editing these as fast as i can
I think the lower bb gives a feeling of stability at speed without the wheelbase having to be super long. I think it also makes the stack taller.
@@hardtailparty good point on the BB, I noticed you mentioned that in your Scout review and it makes sense. No rush on the Pedalhead! Love mine, will be curious to hear your thoughts on it once you get to it, wondering if it will compare to the Sherpa at all.
Sales people, pretty much anywhere, are going to do what they can do to make a sale. That is their job. So if you go into a place uninformed about what you need and want, you are very likely going to walk out of there with something that isn't quite right for you.
So yeah, absolutely figure out what you need before you start walking into shops. I know of only a couple of shops that actually have people who will do the work to sell you exactly what you need, and heck, even send you somewhere they know has what you need if they don't have it. Generally, those are smaller shops that have staff that are actually bicycle enthusiasts themselves and are more passionate about bikes than they are making a buck.
Sorry hate to go off topic... But I'd love to hear your take on the calphee cephal
Me too. I've tried to get one in. Geo looks OLD school though.
Great review! You pretty much nailed it, I bought a DR because I wanted a playful do everything aggressive hardtail.
I’m curious how you felt the stiffness compared to a Yelli? I was on a 2016 Yelli before I got a Downrock, and the DR is just so much more supple comparatively. Granted I’m in the 185lbs+ rage with gear on.
Very similar stiffness to the new yelli
Great review Steve! With regards to frame compliance. You mentioned you are running some stiff wheels. How much stiffness can be dialled out by the average joe running softer OEM cheap 30mm internal alumimum wheels (e.g. whatever comes on a trek roscoe 7) or lower tyre pressures I wonder? I get that you can't have rear tyres with so little air they flop around but its worth the question anyway. Perhaps thats what you mean when you say you also tried with the nukeproof wheels.
Yeah my nukeproof wheels are noticeably softer, and this frame was still stiff with them. Big volume tires with less pressure helps but a stiff frame still transfers lots of micro vibrations to your body.
Do you have a Hummingbird coming through for review?
I will in the future
Have you tried a Canyon Stoic yet?
Nope, you'll know it when I do
Hi can u review dartmoor primal? 🤭🤭
Any plans to review the Guerrilla Gravity pedalhead?
Yes. Coming soon. If you can't wait for the review, I'll chat about my findings on Patreon
That bike (Guerrilla Gravity pedalhead) only comes in ONE size on their website. Maybe supply/availability/etc issues?
@@josephfarrugia2350 that's my guess.
Hey Steve, are you still riding SS or did Flagstaff do you in ?
I don't currently have a SS built up, but I'm going to build another one very soon.
@@hardtailparty Great, Hardtails and SS way too much fun.
@@jamessher6956 my knees can't handle ss full time, but it's sure fun and a great workout.
So Steve... On a 29er what is a short chainstay in your opinion??
Steve's own design, the Binary Maniak, is 415mm at its shortest adjustment. I don't think you can get a 29er chainstay much shorter than that as the tyre will hit the stays or bb shell. Maybe gain a few mm if you elevate the chainstay like the trek stache.
@@davidh7414 Thanks for reaching out!!
Shortest I've seen is 410, but it didn't fit a very big tire. I consider 415-425 short.