Appreciate the straightforwardness of this review! I echo other comments here in saying this is one of the most honest and well said reviews of the Rootdown I've seen. I got a 2020 this year, size large, and all the things you've mentioned in this review are spot on to my mind as well. For as big as the bike is when standing next to it - the thing just disappears out on the trail, and that's one of the best compliments any bike can get. Until someone throws a leg over a Chromag, it's hard to quantify how they feel. Kick it Rootdown!
Thanks for the feedback! I do love the bike and you make a great point: when awareness of the bike disappears, that's a great bike! How we gonna kick it...!
Hands Down, Top notch bike review and forest park scenes here from a local rider ! Heck of a job WGU ! Setting the bar and slapping down any global commercial pro bike pushers out there !
Bro , watching your vid was such a therapeutic experience , your edit , clips and mellow tone are a welcome change in the days over the top visual noise and sound bites lol . I’m running a Ragley Mmmbop HT out in Cali , at 53 the idea of going back to full squish just doesn’t seem appealing , we enjoy the simple pleasure as we age , and trying to pick clean lines and ride a HT smooth is a joy . Thank you for a great vid and best of luck Ride safe ,
Thanks for the feedback - I figure part of the appeal of this sport is getting out in the woods for some mellow time too, so I don't know that I could honestly make an edit with all the over the top visuals! I hear what you're saying about the HT vs. full squish. I'm probably coming up to a new bike purchase soon (since my growing son has his eyes on my Chromag), and feeling like it might be another HT. All the best.
This is a great video, your editing and commentary were so good. As for the 'review', I feel like it didn't really start until 3:57. Which would have turned me off a bit if I was new to the channel and just looking for a Rootdown review. Thats just my thoughts! Trying to give back some constructive criticism. Damn you also shred on that thing.
Thanks for the feedback and I think you're right! I've added chapters, so hopefully that will help direct people. I hope the riding is still good where you are - might be time to wax up the skis!
Great video- glad I found your channel. I was interested in the Rootdown but it was a bit out of budget at the time, so I ride. Rocky Growler which is ally but very similar geometry (64 degrees head tube etc). What you said about riding a HT and keeping the bike ‘smooth’ (so in the air!) rang really true for me and I’m trying to get better at that. Huge part of the satisfaction of riding a modern HT for me is riding tough trails cleanly- like you I’m not the best or most committed mechanic so that was one of my reasons to want to keep my bike simple and put it away wet sometimes. Will keep an eye out for you and your dog on the trails!
Thanks for the feedback Drew. The Growler was on my short list too. Honestly, I don't think the Chromag is worth the premium, given that there are so many good, modern geo hard tails out there right now - I'm pretty sure I'd be having a lot of fun on a different frame! Hope to see you out on the trails.
First minute of the video … he went into a shop and they sold him a Stan’s rim for the “strongest wheel you can get” …. They did you dirty. Trolling aside, just got the same frame and I’m super excited to build it out. Great video!
Garet, now that you mention it, I did crack the rear rim on the Stan's not too long after getting it! They replaced it on warranty, so not so bad! Have fun with the bike - it's a blast!
Great watching you ride those trails in North Van. Was my old stomping grounds in the 90s before I moved to Vancouver Island. I'm looking at either Rootdown, Torrent and ESD, so this was a great vid to watch.
Thanks for the feedback. In some ways not much has changed on the trails since the 90s and so much has changed! Hope you're getting some good winter riding on the Island. I think you can't go wrong with those bike options.
Great video man. Killer editing, commentary, audio, and video shots. This bike is definitely killer and I'm more interested than ever! Chromag makes some killer stuff and its awesome to see how well it handles all that proper gnar!
Thanks! It definitely handles anything I can throw at it. Hey, I watched your video about your friend that had the big crash. Thanks for putting that out there as kind of an antidote to all the crazy wild riding that so many channels are showing - which is super fun to see, but I think it's easy to get complacent about the consequences. I've got a teenage son that is always pushing it, so assessing and evaluating is a big theme when we ride together. Awesome work.
Trying to get my hands on either one of these or the other two frames you mentioned. As a roadie/gravel guy from Alberta now living in BC this seems the perfect entry into the North Shore vibes.
Good luck getting your hands on one! I'm actually waiting for a new frame as well since the M/L Rootdown is a little small for me. I think if you are used to the gravel bikes, a steel hardtail will be right your alley for the North Shore. Good luck!
Excellent vid! I got a 2020 Rootdown and It's a beast. I paired it with a Marzocchi z2 coil - 160mm. I absolutely love how it just bulldozes through anything I throw at it. The CushCore is really nice on it too (running just some inexpensive Spank wheels and hubs atm). The sizing is also right on... I got a medium (5'8").
Great review mate! I'm looking at building up a Wideangle frame for myself and give my teenage son my 1st hardtail. This will be my 2nd hardtail build and I'm hoping it will be as awesome as my 1st (Ragley Bluepig). Love to see more of these amazing trails there in the NW!
What a great review. Your video makes great watching - I’d love to get a chance to ride those trails, like Ladies only etc. Very down to earth review too.
I'm guessing the bike weighs around 32-33 lbs. I'm not really sure. I think I have a scale around here somewhere. I'll get it out next time I go ride and let you know. It's not light - I've definitely gone for burliness with the components over weight savings.
@@jago116 My 2020 size L weighs in at 31 lbs in their GX build (other than grips and adding a set of Scarab pedals, it's bone 'stock' per their build sheet, direct from Chromag)
@@whatgoesup8972 some of the best! Curious have you/will you take this to Whistler bp? Just picked up an aggressive hardtail and excited to see what I can do with it
@@montyjcm I probably won't go in the bike park with it, but that's more cause I probably wouldn't do the bike park. If I did, I'd totally feel like this bike could handle jump lines. The braking bumps would suck though.
I did and they didn't really address the issue, but they did give me a good deal on a new frame. Given that I bought the bike off pinkbike and not through them or a bike shop, I was okay with that. As I mentioned in the video, so far so good with the new frame, and I'm sure they would have replaced the old one had I bought it from them (or a shop). Thanks for subscribing!
@@whatgoesup8972 I feel confident in saying that they would have honored it no questions asked if you were the original owner. I've had nothing but positive customer service experience with the Chromag crew, and I get the impression they really stand behind their product. Just hard to say what the original owner did prior to you buying the PB frame, so I get their position on that one. Glad they hooked you up on the '19 though!
@@Adamas_83 I definitely agree Chromag would have replaced it if I was the original owner - and like you say, who knows what the previous owner did, although I was riding it for a year before the issue. I definitely appreciated them extending a deal on another frame.
Don't see a lot of Chromag reviews, I thought you did a great job and love the trails where you are. I'm pretty jealous living in Ontario. Did Chromag replace the cracked 2018 or did you have to pay for the new one? I'm on a 2015 ROS 9 and need to upgrade to something with more modern geo.
I didn't buy the original frame from them, got it very lightly used, so they didn't replace it, which I understand, but they did give me a deal on the new one. I love the geo on it, especially with a fork that can be set to different lengths of compression. Thanks for the feedback and I was thinking there aren't a lot of Chromag reviews, so hopefully some people find it helpful! I actually rode the bike a bit in Ontario last summer... yeah, the trails aren't quite the same!
@Thomas Kuhn, are you thinking of getting a chromag too? I also live in ontario and i heard chromag bikes are pretty overbuilt, so i’m not sure if i should make the purchase, because i would rather want something more supple and comfortable.
@@matejamitrovic4275 You must be watching Hardtail Party, he's always talking about Chromags being overbuilt. I wouldn't buy a Chromag for Ontario riding, head angle is too slack and reach/wheelbase too long. A Chromag would be for going to places like Whistler or Colorado. Check out the Canfield Nimble 9 if you are looking specifically for a steel hardtail. HTP has a full review.
@@thomaskuhn6541 Thanks Thomas. I also considered bikes like the canfield and Cotic bfe max, but i also found the santa cruz chameleon to have pretty good reviews. Although the complete bikes of the chameleon are overpriced and not really “value” i think i can buy the frame and do a build.
@@matejamitrovic4275 I had pre ordered a Bfe Max but cancelled the order recently, that bike is even less suitable than the Chromag for Ontario riding. Chameleon would be a great choice, I don't think the aluminum D build at $2650 is overpriced at all. I may go for the Ibis DV9 when it comes back in 2022.
Great video. I am looking into buying a chromag bike. Unfortunately, they are out of stock. Since you are looking for a large frame, are you looking into selling this bike? Thank you
Hi Abraham, it's amazing how bikes are still selling like crazy! My son has his eye on my bike, and he's growing like crazy lately, so he's probably going to be getting my M/L Chromag and then I'll be looking for a new bike, so not selling right now! Thanks for the feedback on the video!
Hi, I'm not totally sure of the weight and it does change a little depending on the wheel set I have on, but I think I had it weighed once with 29er wheels on there and it was 32lbs.
Nice video nice bike! By the way, did you contact Chromag with regards to your frame that has a crack/ broken bike? Does Chromag offers warranty or such thing that relates to that? Thanks🤙
I did contact Chromag, but I bought the bike from a friend of a friend, so not from them or through a shop, so they didn't warranty it, which I understand, but they did give me a very deal on a new frame. I'm pretty sure they warranty their frames otherwise. Thanks for the feedback!
@@whatgoesup8972 for sure! I've been looking at both the Rootdown and the Stylus as my first bike to build from the frame up. I've also been scared to invest in 29" wheels and your video gave me a little insight on the bike and the wheels. 27.5+ has been my wheel size as of late but the 29's intrigue me.
Both great choices of bike. I was the same way with moving to 29er and I have not regretted it at all. I'll probably put on my 27.5" wheels soon, just cause I've got them and the rubber is new, but 29" is my preference. Maybe I'll do a video about the differences.
@@whatgoesup8972 That would be great! I'd watch for sure. If you do that maybe include how the 29'ers change the standover height in any way. I'm 5'10" but I have really short legs, 28"inseam, and that matters to me as most size M frames just barely fit me in standover. Thanks man and keep it up!
Hi David, The traction is great - almost too good in the cornering! I think because of the short chain stays the rear end really digs in and whips through the turns and if I'm not careful, I get rear of centre and the front end gets a little loose. I have to remind myself to stay on top of the bike through the turns because at speed, it is so lively. I'll probably switch to my 27.5+ wheel set for winter soon, for the added grip climbing, but it's really planted climbing too.
They did not, but I bought the bike second hand (barely used), so not from them or from a bike shop, so I don't hold that against them. They did give me a deal on a new frame (which brought it down to the price of a Kona or Norco frame!).
Chromag Stylus is my first mountain bike and it is great. I heard that Rootdown is a bit more forgiving than Stylus (which is very stiff), so I just wonder lol. What I think is that aggro hardtails works the best for riders who already have plenty of experience and good skills. I felt it can slower the progression of intermediate riders because smaller room for error affects the confidence.
I agree that you can progress faster with a full suspension bike. I guess the ideal scenario is a hard tail to hone the skills, a full suspension to push the skills!
Appreciate the straightforwardness of this review! I echo other comments here in saying this is one of the most honest and well said reviews of the Rootdown I've seen.
I got a 2020 this year, size large, and all the things you've mentioned in this review are spot on to my mind as well. For as big as the bike is when standing next to it - the thing just disappears out on the trail, and that's one of the best compliments any bike can get. Until someone throws a leg over a Chromag, it's hard to quantify how they feel. Kick it Rootdown!
Thanks for the feedback! I do love the bike and you make a great point: when awareness of the bike disappears, that's a great bike! How we gonna kick it...!
Hands Down, Top notch bike review and forest park scenes here from a local rider ! Heck of a job WGU ! Setting the bar and slapping down any global commercial pro bike pushers out there !
Bro , watching your vid was such a therapeutic experience , your edit , clips and mellow tone are a welcome change in the days over the top visual noise and sound bites lol .
I’m running a Ragley Mmmbop HT out in Cali , at 53 the idea of going back to full squish just doesn’t seem appealing , we enjoy the simple pleasure as we age , and trying to pick clean lines and ride a HT smooth is a joy .
Thank you for a great vid and best of luck
Ride safe ,
Thanks for the feedback - I figure part of the appeal of this sport is getting out in the woods for some mellow time too, so I don't know that I could honestly make an edit with all the over the top visuals! I hear what you're saying about the HT vs. full squish. I'm probably coming up to a new bike purchase soon (since my growing son has his eyes on my Chromag), and feeling like it might be another HT. All the best.
Great video as always man👍 it’s probably the best review of a Rootdown on UA-cam so far. I look forward to your videos.
Thanks man!
A trick: watch movies at Flixzone. I've been using them for watching lots of of movies during the lockdown.
@Kylo Fabian definitely, I have been watching on Flixzone for since december myself =)
@Kylo Fabian definitely, been using flixzone for years myself :D
This is a great video, your editing and commentary were so good. As for the 'review', I feel like it didn't really start until 3:57. Which would have turned me off a bit if I was new to the channel and just looking for a Rootdown review. Thats just my thoughts! Trying to give back some constructive criticism. Damn you also shred on that thing.
Thanks for the feedback and I think you're right! I've added chapters, so hopefully that will help direct people. I hope the riding is still good where you are - might be time to wax up the skis!
@@whatgoesup8972 You're welcome. Added chapters is a great solution for that! Ya, sadly the winter season is pretty much in full effect here.
Great video- glad I found your channel. I was interested in the Rootdown but it was a bit out of budget at the time, so I ride. Rocky Growler which is ally but very similar geometry (64 degrees head tube etc). What you said about riding a HT and keeping the bike ‘smooth’ (so in the air!) rang really true for me and I’m trying to get better at that. Huge part of the satisfaction of riding a modern HT for me is riding tough trails cleanly- like you I’m not the best or most committed mechanic so that was one of my reasons to want to keep my bike simple and put it away wet sometimes.
Will keep an eye out for you and your dog on the trails!
Thanks for the feedback Drew. The Growler was on my short list too. Honestly, I don't think the Chromag is worth the premium, given that there are so many good, modern geo hard tails out there right now - I'm pretty sure I'd be having a lot of fun on a different frame! Hope to see you out on the trails.
First minute of the video … he went into a shop and they sold him a Stan’s rim for the “strongest wheel you can get” …. They did you dirty. Trolling aside, just got the same frame and I’m super excited to build it out. Great video!
Garet, now that you mention it, I did crack the rear rim on the Stan's not too long after getting it! They replaced it on warranty, so not so bad! Have fun with the bike - it's a blast!
Great watching you ride those trails in North Van. Was my old stomping grounds in the 90s before I moved to Vancouver Island. I'm looking at either Rootdown, Torrent and ESD, so this was a great vid to watch.
Thanks for the feedback. In some ways not much has changed on the trails since the 90s and so much has changed! Hope you're getting some good winter riding on the Island. I think you can't go wrong with those bike options.
Check out the Canfield nimble9
You remind me of a very calm, relaxed Will Ferrell 😅 I'm Ron Burgundy? Hehe
Love the bike 👍👍
The dog has excellent Trail handling what an awesome Trail Dog
Thanks and yes, he is - he just was right away too, hardly any training for it.
Great video man. Killer editing, commentary, audio, and video shots. This bike is definitely killer and I'm more interested than ever! Chromag makes some killer stuff and its awesome to see how well it handles all that proper gnar!
Thanks! It definitely handles anything I can throw at it. Hey, I watched your video about your friend that had the big crash. Thanks for putting that out there as kind of an antidote to all the crazy wild riding that so many channels are showing - which is super fun to see, but I think it's easy to get complacent about the consequences. I've got a teenage son that is always pushing it, so assessing and evaluating is a big theme when we ride together. Awesome work.
Trying to get my hands on either one of these or the other two frames you mentioned. As a roadie/gravel guy from Alberta now living in BC this seems the perfect entry into the North Shore vibes.
Good luck getting your hands on one! I'm actually waiting for a new frame as well since the M/L Rootdown is a little small for me. I think if you are used to the gravel bikes, a steel hardtail will be right your alley for the North Shore. Good luck!
Great honest review dude 👏
Thanks! Mostly trying to keep it simple!
Excellent vid! I got a 2020 Rootdown and It's a beast. I paired it with a Marzocchi z2 coil - 160mm. I absolutely love how it just bulldozes through anything I throw at it. The CushCore is really nice on it too (running just some inexpensive Spank wheels and hubs atm). The sizing is also right on... I got a medium (5'8").
Hi Scott - that sounds like a beast of a bike! Are you running Cush Core front and back? I was thinking of just starting with the back...
Great review mate! I'm looking at building up a Wideangle frame for myself and give my teenage son my 1st hardtail. This will be my 2nd hardtail build and I'm hoping it will be as awesome as my 1st (Ragley Bluepig). Love to see more of these amazing trails there in the NW!
Nice plan - I hear those Ragley bikes are great. I'll keep posting vids of my local trails!
What a great review. Your video makes great watching - I’d love to get a chance to ride those trails, like Ladies only etc. Very down to earth review too.
Thanks John, glad you like it. The trails are good - if you have the change to ride 'em, I'd recommend it!
Love your videos man! keep it up! Hoping to get my rootdown in the new year
How much does your bike weight? Approximately
Thanks man! You will love the Rootdown if you get one - it's a do-anything machine.
I'm guessing the bike weighs around 32-33 lbs. I'm not really sure. I think I have a scale around here somewhere. I'll get it out next time I go ride and let you know. It's not light - I've definitely gone for burliness with the components over weight savings.
@@jago116 My 2020 size L weighs in at 31 lbs in their GX build (other than grips and adding a set of Scarab pedals, it's bone 'stock' per their build sheet, direct from Chromag)
Thanks for sharing great review! Im on the same bike and love it glad I stumbled across your channel!!
Thanks Jamie! Winter might be a bit of damper on riding, but I'll keep putting stuff out of me crashing around the woods on the Rootdown.
Love your review! And the bike! I'm super close to pulling the trigger on a stylus! :)
Thanks man! Stylus would be fantastic! I'm starting to get the new bike itch right now!
This is a great video, thanks!
Thanks Chapman!
Man I wish I lived there! Awesome riding and review!
Thanks Jonathan - I do have to remind myself how lucky we are with these trails!
@@whatgoesup8972 some of the best! Curious have you/will you take this to Whistler bp? Just picked up an aggressive hardtail and excited to see what I can do with it
@@montyjcm I probably won't go in the bike park with it, but that's more cause I probably wouldn't do the bike park. If I did, I'd totally feel like this bike could handle jump lines. The braking bumps would suck though.
I'm looking to get a hardtail for riding the shore. Subscribed to your channel. Good stuff!
Did you contact Chromag about that cracked frame?
I did and they didn't really address the issue, but they did give me a good deal on a new frame. Given that I bought the bike off pinkbike and not through them or a bike shop, I was okay with that. As I mentioned in the video, so far so good with the new frame, and I'm sure they would have replaced the old one had I bought it from them (or a shop). Thanks for subscribing!
@@whatgoesup8972 I feel confident in saying that they would have honored it no questions asked if you were the original owner. I've had nothing but positive customer service experience with the Chromag crew, and I get the impression they really stand behind their product. Just hard to say what the original owner did prior to you buying the PB frame, so I get their position on that one. Glad they hooked you up on the '19 though!
@@Adamas_83 I definitely agree Chromag would have replaced it if I was the original owner - and like you say, who knows what the previous owner did, although I was riding it for a year before the issue. I definitely appreciated them extending a deal on another frame.
Don't see a lot of Chromag reviews, I thought you did a great job and love the trails where you are. I'm pretty jealous living in Ontario. Did Chromag replace the cracked 2018 or did you have to pay for the new one? I'm on a 2015 ROS 9 and need to upgrade to something with more modern geo.
I didn't buy the original frame from them, got it very lightly used, so they didn't replace it, which I understand, but they did give me a deal on the new one. I love the geo on it, especially with a fork that can be set to different lengths of compression. Thanks for the feedback and I was thinking there aren't a lot of Chromag reviews, so hopefully some people find it helpful! I actually rode the bike a bit in Ontario last summer... yeah, the trails aren't quite the same!
@Thomas Kuhn, are you thinking of getting a chromag too? I also live in ontario and i heard chromag bikes are pretty overbuilt, so i’m not sure if i should make the purchase, because i would rather want something more supple and comfortable.
@@matejamitrovic4275 You must be watching Hardtail Party, he's always talking about Chromags being overbuilt. I wouldn't buy a Chromag for Ontario riding, head angle is too slack and reach/wheelbase too long. A Chromag would be for going to places like Whistler or Colorado. Check out the Canfield Nimble 9 if you are looking specifically for a steel hardtail. HTP has a full review.
@@thomaskuhn6541 Thanks Thomas. I also considered bikes like the canfield and Cotic bfe max, but i also found the santa cruz chameleon to have pretty good reviews. Although the complete bikes of the chameleon are overpriced and not really “value” i think i can buy the frame and do a build.
@@matejamitrovic4275 I had pre ordered a Bfe Max but cancelled the order recently, that bike is even less suitable than the Chromag for Ontario riding. Chameleon would be a great choice, I don't think the aluminum D build at $2650 is overpriced at all. I may go for the Ibis DV9 when it comes back in 2022.
Love that dog !
He's a winner (and it's his birthday today)!
Great video.
I am looking into buying a chromag bike. Unfortunately, they are out of stock.
Since you are looking for a large frame, are you looking into selling this bike?
Thank you
Hi Abraham, it's amazing how bikes are still selling like crazy! My son has his eye on my bike, and he's growing like crazy lately, so he's probably going to be getting my M/L Chromag and then I'll be looking for a new bike, so not selling right now! Thanks for the feedback on the video!
This is great!
Thanks! It's a bit old now, but I stand by it!
Nice! Thanks...great little review.... curious is you know. what's the weight?
Hi, I'm not totally sure of the weight and it does change a little depending on the wheel set I have on, but I think I had it weighed once with 29er wheels on there and it was 32lbs.
@@whatgoesup8972 ah not too bad - same as my Firebird.... good to know thanks so much.
Nice video nice bike! By the way, did you contact Chromag with regards to your frame that has a crack/ broken bike? Does Chromag offers warranty or such thing that relates to that? Thanks🤙
I did contact Chromag, but I bought the bike from a friend of a friend, so not from them or through a shop, so they didn't warranty it, which I understand, but they did give me a very deal on a new frame. I'm pretty sure they warranty their frames otherwise. Thanks for the feedback!
@@whatgoesup8972 Oh, I see. I already subscribe to your channel because your contents are really nice. Ride safe🤙
Great review!
Thanks man - glad you like it!
@@whatgoesup8972 for sure! I've been looking at both the Rootdown and the Stylus as my first bike to build from the frame up. I've also been scared to invest in 29" wheels and your video gave me a little insight on the bike and the wheels. 27.5+ has been my wheel size as of late but the 29's intrigue me.
Both great choices of bike. I was the same way with moving to 29er and I have not regretted it at all. I'll probably put on my 27.5" wheels soon, just cause I've got them and the rubber is new, but 29" is my preference. Maybe I'll do a video about the differences.
@@whatgoesup8972 That would be great! I'd watch for sure. If you do that maybe include how the 29'ers change the standover height in any way. I'm 5'10" but I have really short legs, 28"inseam, and that matters to me as most size M frames just barely fit me in standover. Thanks man and keep it up!
nice whip!
Thanks - I like it. A lot!
Great review of the bike, but the riding is waaaay more impressive!
Thanks! I try to make it work!
Great video
Thanks Pavan!
Good video. Is this the taiwan version or the one built in canada?
Hi Ryan - the Rootdown is made in Taiwan. The made in Canada version is the Primer, I'm pretty sure.
Bro that dog is cruzin
He is surprisingly quick on the trails, and then not so surprisingly lazy for the rest of the day!
Are you still on the Rootdown? Any changes?
How do you find the traction from the rear wheel? Especially in climbing or cornering?
Hi David, The traction is great - almost too good in the cornering! I think because of the short chain stays the rear end really digs in and whips through the turns and if I'm not careful, I get rear of centre and the front end gets a little loose. I have to remind myself to stay on top of the bike through the turns because at speed, it is so lively. I'll probably switch to my 27.5+ wheel set for winter soon, for the added grip climbing, but it's really planted climbing too.
What is the offset on the fork that you are running?
Did they replace the cracked frame for you?
Nice review man, i just pre ordered mine too.
Right on! I'm excited for you!
Did Chromag replace that broken frame for you?
They did not, but I bought the bike second hand (barely used), so not from them or from a bike shop, so I don't hold that against them. They did give me a deal on a new frame (which brought it down to the price of a Kona or Norco frame!).
@@whatgoesup8972 I'm a bit surprised at how short the Chromag warranty is!
@@mybadvideos I know - kind of makes you wonder what the Chromag premium cost gets you...
Trail dog)))
Chromag Stylus is my first mountain bike and it is great. I heard that Rootdown is a bit more forgiving than Stylus (which is very stiff), so I just wonder lol.
What I think is that aggro hardtails works the best for riders who already have plenty of experience and good skills. I felt it can slower the progression of intermediate riders because smaller room for error affects the confidence.
I agree that you can progress faster with a full suspension bike. I guess the ideal scenario is a hard tail to hone the skills, a full suspension to push the skills!