It would be great to have a hard tail vs full suspension comparison/discussion. Looking at upgrading from an old Norco hard tail and mostly ride trail/flat so I’m thinking the cost savings of a hard tail makes more sense, but would love to hear your thoughts...
I demoed this same model a few weeks ago and I was super surprised with it. Everything felt solid and durable and the plus tires and rims made for a super fun bike. Wish it was a little cheaper but I'll probably pick one up later in the year anyway.
I just bought one too. It's pricy but having all SRAM parts and that nice frame gives me a little feeling of buyer's security. So long as you treat them right you can make them last forever. At least the drivetrain anyway, obviously hydr-brake system has to be refreshed every few years of course.
The price for what you get is pretty good. I just picked one up over the Trek Roscoe. I kept bouncing between the large and medium-large on the Trek for a couple hours. I got on this and within 30sec I was sold. Fit perfect in a large and the level brakes were way nicer feeling than the Shimano. Not sure why that is but I've never been more comfortable on a bike.
I ended up getting my daughter a fuse 27.5 plus used, and it's pretty fun I find myself riding it. The base package weighs as much as a bag of concrete but can imagine it being a hoot in a lighter package.
Yeah they are as heavy as a Walmart bike at the cheaper level. If you do a frame up build with some decent parts with this new geo you got yourself a New England ripper!
Great video, thank you! I also have a Rockhopper and I need an upgrade and I am seriously thinking on getting a Fuse M size (I am 5’8”). The trials where I live, and my budget don’t need a full suspension. Keep up the good work. Blessings
I really like the Fuse. Unfortunately, where Iive everybody has a Trek, Specialized, or Giant. I live in a small community, and that's what the shops sell or have sold. I'm looking at other brands because of this, but I wanna support local as much as possible which is leading me to Kona.
I picked up a 2019 Marin San Quentin 2 and upgraded all the parts with just the frame and saddle stock. It had carbon crank, carbon bars, Baron rims, hydra hubs, Pike fork, 2.8 tires and Vittoria inserts. All for comfort on a HT when I take it to local trails (Santa Cruz, Ca) and after spending all that money, the bike was still not comparable to my 2014 On One 45650b with 2.25 size tires no inserts. I put the Marin SQ2 back to stock and sold it. Then I bought a steel frame (Guerilla Gravity Pedalhead), put my parts on there and WOW!! Steel is real! Even if you get the Ragley steel frame, which is a lot cheaper that Pedalhead, it's still better than any other aluminum frame. The Fuse, MSQ are good entry level bikes for the money, but I wouldn't spend $2k on an aluminum HT. Just buy the $1800 Stumpy. I bought my HT for easy trails but I end up riding it on the trails I take my 2019 Stumpy Expert 27.5+ on.
Thanks for the review. Im considering this bike or the 2019/2020 Commencal Meta HT. But its a hard sale for me since I could get Rockshox Lyrik 150mm fork with the Commencal. While the Specialized Fuse comes with 35 Gold Fork and its 200 dollars more... Been a Specialized man all my biking life and currently own a Specialized 2018 Enduro Pro but it might be time to try out something else for my next HT.
I'm literally in the same position. Currently riding the 2018 enduro pro and between the comencal meta ht and this for a HT option. Id go for the commencal except I dont think it accepts a bash guard. Did you end up picking something up?
Luis Efrén Islas Cortés I also have a Hightower as my main bike and in the market for a hardtail for your exact reasons. Other bikes I’m looking building frame up are the Chameleon and Nukeproof Scout.
Kyle Style Would the aluminum chameleon be the better option? I just cant decide as the R+ has more suspension but it has fat tires which for racing are not preferred. However the R does not have the same fork.
Hello, I am buying my first (used) mtb and I am thinking between this one and Cannondale f-si, borh carbon frame. How would you compare them, which one should I choose? I would use it in mountin for trails but also as a everyday bike in the city. I have 1700 dollars to spend top.
hey dude, what it like for just general riding on the road with the gear rations? im looking at getting the normal fuse 27.5, il also still be using it off road as it something im looking at getting back to as im cube acid is starting to get a bit old and needs a lot of matince being 8 years olds
It’s the tire rolling laterally. Every time you hear that popping noise when I turn the tire’s bead is releasing from the rim. Now you know and knowing is half the battle. “GI JOE”
Thanks for the review. I’m about to order the same bike. I’m 5’10 and the Specialized size guide advises to go for a ‘large’. You said you had the medium, how does it feel? Does the bike feel ok or would you have preferred a larger size?
I'm also 5'10 and I was considering the large, because guy at my LBS made me try a Spec. Fatbike in medium and large and I felt cramped on the M... But should I stick with the medium Fuse?
@@jctrails Well i read that reach is what matters a lot, and on the Large Fatbike, the reach is 437mm, close enough to 440mm which is what the Medium Fuse has... The LG Fuse has 460mm
Yeah the fork is 👎🏽. Price wise though the Expert (bike in your video) is a pretty good package. Typically Specialized doesn't offer frames outside of the S-Works family but you can get the FUSE as a frame only option(comes in oak green). Buy the frame then do a build that suits the rider 👌🏼
Can you please do a real test of a Rockhopper?! The only videos online are dads riding green trails. I've ripped my Rockhopper down blacks before, so I know someone can push it further. I want to see just how far a Rockhopper can go.
Did you try lower pressure? I run my fuse (2016 comp with 3" tyre) at 13 psi back and 12.5 front. It eats alot of the small bump stuff and the bike gripps like hell! I think it would work with around 16 psi on the 2.6" what do you think?
Love your channel and the vid. By "frame up build" you're referring to just the frame itself minus everything else right? That would be the way to go. For someone who would do the kinds of upgrades you mentioned, with carbon wheels and a better fork, I'm guessing you're probably looking at 2 grand at minimum. And with those kinds of specs I'm guessing you're probably gonna want to upgrade the entire drive train from NX too in order to keep it in balance with the other high end stuff. Often people tend to buy complete bikes for a frame up build though and I could never really understand that. You just end up paying extra and end up with a bin full of unused parts afterwards. That 35 gold fork alone probably adds about $500 to the price tag. I don't know, I guess it might make sense if you're someone like Oldshovel that likes to rebuild bikes out of spare parts lying around. Sorry about the long rant. Anway, liked & subbed.
Yeah I’m in the same boat. It’s because of the virus, everyone is taking up biking for an activity. We walked into a huge bike store last Saturday and the owner walked up to us and said every single bike had been bought.
Please more HARDTAILS!
I know! I forgot how much fun they are!
It would be great to have a hard tail vs full suspension comparison/discussion. Looking at upgrading from an old Norco hard tail and mostly ride trail/flat so I’m thinking the cost savings of a hard tail makes more sense, but would love to hear your thoughts...
Cool video. I just purchased a new specialized Elite rockhopper. Rides awesome. Mostly been long distance street riding.
Fuse is the best hardtail I've ever used
Me too I'm in love with mine.
I just bought mine . Waiting for it to come in . I'm excited..
is it good as a bike for tours and kind of cross country?
Only downer on that bike it comes with rims that are too narrow that's why the tire keeps rolling off the rim.
I demoed this same model a few weeks ago and I was super surprised with it. Everything felt solid and durable and the plus tires and rims made for a super fun bike. Wish it was a little cheaper but I'll probably pick one up later in the year anyway.
Ray Macko yeah it could be priced a little better, but as complete package it’s a super fun hardtail.
I just bought one too. It's pricy but having all SRAM parts and that nice frame gives me a little feeling of buyer's security. So long as you treat them right you can make them last forever. At least the drivetrain anyway, obviously hydr-brake system has to be refreshed every few years of course.
The price for what you get is pretty good. I just picked one up over the Trek Roscoe. I kept bouncing between the large and medium-large on the Trek for a couple hours. I got on this and within 30sec I was sold. Fit perfect in a large and the level brakes were way nicer feeling than the Shimano. Not sure why that is but I've never been more comfortable on a bike.
@@DavidDiaz-nf2lr I'm considering this bike but still unsure of which size. I'm 5'10"-5'11". Which do you recommend?
@@MotoMatt418 I'm 5'9 but my Specialized dealer tells me that at my height, the large would be so much nicer than the medium
I ended up getting my daughter a fuse 27.5 plus used, and it's pretty fun I find myself riding it. The base package weighs as much as a bag of concrete but can imagine it being a hoot in a lighter package.
Yeah they are as heavy as a Walmart bike at the cheaper level. If you do a frame up build with some decent parts with this new geo you got yourself a New England ripper!
I was just looking at this bike last night , didn't even know about it. Thanks for the review !!
Flatzout it’s a super fun bike!
Waiting for this. This bike is on my list.
LiveFreeandShred it matches the EVO nicely!
Great video, thank you!
I also have a Rockhopper and I need an upgrade and I am seriously thinking on getting a Fuse M size (I am 5’8”).
The trials where I live, and my budget don’t need a full suspension. Keep up the good work. Blessings
I have the 2019 and just put a 140mm Fox 36 on it. So much fun. Love the bike so far!!!
Kris J awesome!
I'm trying to figure out what fork to use on mine..
@@justinholmgren2780 I was also looking at this, I figured Rockshox Sektor RL would be a nice cheap replacement...
@@MrNat916777 thanks I just had the Fox float 34 performance elite installed recently and I'm thoroughly impressed!
@@justinholmgren2780 Thats even better! Nice!
Which one is Better between Fuse, stache and roscoe ?
kona honzo, salsa timberjack, dartmoor primal, orbea laufey. i would stay as far as i could from spec and trek.
Roscoe is really good for the new year
I really like the Fuse. Unfortunately, where Iive everybody has a Trek, Specialized, or Giant.
I live in a small community, and that's what the shops sell or have sold.
I'm looking at other brands because of this, but I wanna support local as much as possible which is leading me to Kona.
I picked up a 2019 Marin San Quentin 2 and upgraded all the parts with just the frame and saddle stock. It had carbon crank, carbon bars, Baron rims, hydra hubs, Pike fork, 2.8 tires and Vittoria inserts. All for comfort on a HT when I take it to local trails (Santa Cruz, Ca) and after spending all that money, the bike was still not comparable to my 2014 On One 45650b with 2.25 size tires no inserts. I put the Marin SQ2 back to stock and sold it. Then I bought a steel frame (Guerilla Gravity Pedalhead), put my parts on there and WOW!! Steel is real! Even if you get the Ragley steel frame, which is a lot cheaper that Pedalhead, it's still better than any other aluminum frame.
The Fuse, MSQ are good entry level bikes for the money, but I wouldn't spend $2k on an aluminum HT. Just buy the $1800 Stumpy.
I bought my HT for easy trails but I end up riding it on the trails I take my 2019 Stumpy Expert 27.5+ on.
JC: *Bob's and weaves between trees and turns*
Me: *struggles to not eat shit riding down a slight road hill*
CommanderTaco 😂
They need to put 35mm rims on these things to stop the tyre squirm/roll
It looks so smooth where you're riding in Australia it's a rocky and rough where I don't know if I could live with a hard tail
Thanks for the review. Im considering this bike or the 2019/2020 Commencal Meta HT. But its a hard sale for me since I could get Rockshox Lyrik 150mm fork with the Commencal. While the Specialized Fuse comes with 35 Gold Fork and its 200 dollars more... Been a Specialized man all my biking life and currently own a Specialized 2018 Enduro Pro but it might be time to try out something else for my next HT.
I'm literally in the same position. Currently riding the 2018 enduro pro and between the comencal meta ht and this for a HT option. Id go for the commencal except I dont think it accepts a bash guard. Did you end up picking something up?
Nice video! I am going to buy this bike, what upgrades would you recommend? Is it an all rounder like nukeproof scout?
Ioannis Paraskevopoulos I would upgrade the brakes and wheels. It’s a good all rounder.
JC TRAILS What brake upgrade would you recommend?
Great review. is it plush? I know it is a hardtail, but with this tires and the 130mm fork?
Christine R I wouldn’t call it plush, more like compliant. The wider tires paired with the 130 fork take the edge off the bumps.
Debating picking up a Fuse Comp. Currently on a 2021 Rockhopper expert. What do you all think? Is fuse comp better than the expert rockhopper?
The new orbea Laufey 2020 is similar, if anyone is looking for this kind of hardtails
D gmpdc 🤘
7:07 I thought you were flipping another passing chipmunk. Hahaha. Ah. Hardtails are fun! Thanks for this video.
Eric Jon Po they were so many chipmunks!!
Is it worth the price? Im thinking on getting this as a second bike for commuting and fooling around. I have a Hightower as my main bike.
Luis Efrén Islas Cortés I think so. Just negotiate the price with your dealer, you should t have to pay full retail.
Luis Efrén Islas Cortés I also have a Hightower as my main bike and in the market for a hardtail for your exact reasons. Other bikes I’m looking building frame up are the Chameleon and Nukeproof Scout.
aluminum chameleon! Everything for your Hightower and bolt up to the chameleon too!
@@kylestyle2092 The new black/green color option looks very nice!
Kyle Style Would the aluminum chameleon be the better option? I just cant decide as the R+ has more suspension but it has fat tires which for racing are not preferred. However the R does not have the same fork.
Damn! That’s one kick-ass hardtail 🤘
Hello, I am buying my first (used) mtb and I am thinking between this one and Cannondale f-si, borh carbon frame. How would you compare them, which one should I choose?
I would use it in mountin for trails but also as a everyday bike in the city.
I have 1700 dollars to spend top.
megatron
I’m 5’1” and own this bike and can jump it perfectly
OxygenBreather hey i wanted to ask which size have you got
hey dude, what it like for just general riding on the road with the gear rations? im looking at getting the normal fuse 27.5, il also still be using it off road as it something im looking at getting back to as im cube acid is starting to get a bit old and needs a lot of matince being 8 years olds
What do you mean rolling the tires? Tires roll by design... I'm confused
It’s the tire rolling laterally. Every time you hear that popping noise when I turn the tire’s bead is releasing from the rim. Now you know and knowing is half the battle. “GI JOE”
Love HTs but my old shoulders get beat up tossing the bike around all day 😕 Fun for sure though. Nice job!
Trail Breaker I hear ya. As I get older my old back appreciates some squish.
Needs 35mm rims with 2.6 tires.
Thanks man awesome video ! I am thinking about buying it I am 6’1 ( 184 cm ) and 210 pounds I am unsure I should go to large or XL what’s your take ?
Emmanuel Beaufils hey I would go with a XL and put 35mm length stem on it.
JC TRAILS thanks man I thought the XL as well appreciated
Thanks for the review. I’m about to order the same bike. I’m 5’10 and the Specialized size guide advises to go for a ‘large’. You said you had the medium, how does it feel? Does the bike feel ok or would you have preferred a larger size?
and what about the 2020 orbea laufey
This or trek stache?
Specialized > Trek
Im not sure if i should go for the Rockhopper expert or The fuse someone help me
I went with Fuse and absolutely love it. I found the Expert like what's in the video. Very very happy with the purchase!
This or Trek Roscoe?
joey this for sure!
I'm also 5'10 and I was considering the large, because guy at my LBS made me try a Spec. Fatbike in medium and large and I felt cramped on the M... But should I stick with the medium Fuse?
That’s tough to say. It all comes down to your preference. Do you a large or small bike feel?
@@jctrails Well i read that reach is what matters a lot, and on the Large Fatbike, the reach is 437mm, close enough to 440mm which is what the Medium Fuse has... The LG Fuse has 460mm
COOL video.. Is posible to convert this fuse into 29er?
Jose Canteros Leyes Jose, it is a 29r.
Got one
Cool hardtail. How did riding the Fuse compare to your Stumpy ST?
50mtb it’s a hard comparison since the Stumpy is a full suspension. The geo on the 2 bikes do feel similar though.
This or a roscoe 7?
Yeah the fork is 👎🏽. Price wise though the Expert (bike in your video) is a pretty good package. Typically Specialized doesn't offer frames outside of the S-Works family but you can get the FUSE as a frame only option(comes in oak green). Buy the frame then do a build that suits the rider 👌🏼
Nicholas Bischof that’s what I would do throw a Pike on it and a nice wheelset.
Can you please do a real test of a Rockhopper?! The only videos online are dads riding green trails. I've ripped my Rockhopper down blacks before, so I know someone can push it further. I want to see just how far a Rockhopper can go.
If I can get my hands on one I certainly will.
Did you try lower pressure?
I run my fuse (2016 comp with 3" tyre) at 13 psi back and 12.5 front. It eats alot of the small bump stuff and the bike gripps like hell! I think it would work with around 16 psi on the 2.6" what do you think?
When I bought my Fuse the dealer recommended ~19 psi. So far I’m liking it. I’m in FL though so very flat for the most part.
Beefy 34.9 seatpost diameter
Yup
Been looking for a large for months. Nowhere to be found
I think my bike shop in ND has a large.
Adventures On A 700 Dollar Hardtail Could you give me the name of your bike shop please. Thanks
@@sparks701 Val's Cyclery in Minot, ND.
Adventures On A 700 Dollar Hardtail
Thanks buddy! I’ll give them a try. Appreciate it
@@sparks701 ask for Rory, and tell him Renee sent you. 😁
How tall are you?
5’10”
So it’s like a Roscoe 8 but cost 900 bucks more
Jesus not even close.
Love your channel and the vid. By "frame up build" you're referring to just the frame itself minus everything else right? That would be the way to go. For someone who would do the kinds of upgrades you mentioned, with carbon wheels and a better fork, I'm guessing you're probably looking at 2 grand at minimum. And with those kinds of specs I'm guessing you're probably gonna want to upgrade the entire drive train from NX too in order to keep it in balance with the other high end stuff.
Often people tend to buy complete bikes for a frame up build though and I could never really understand that. You just end up paying extra and end up with a bin full of unused parts afterwards. That 35 gold fork alone probably adds about $500 to the price tag. I don't know, I guess it might make sense if you're someone like Oldshovel that likes to rebuild bikes out of spare parts lying around.
Sorry about the long rant. Anway, liked & subbed.
That's pretty much what I'm doing. Just buying a basic fuse 27.5 and will change almost everything out over the winter.
7:30 doo-doo-doo-doo-dooooo
Would like to know how much it weighs to compare it to the marin san quentin 3 (2019)
I’d love to find a dealer who has this bike. Sold out online.
Yeah I’m in the same boat. It’s because of the virus, everyone is taking up biking for an activity.
We walked into a huge bike store last Saturday and the owner walked up to us and said every single bike had been bought.
My LBS in North Dakota has a few Fuse's left.
Shraminix drivetrain
Same as mine
Very nice bike
Sub and like
Arigato
ill never buy a dual suspension
Wdym why
"He's looking for something" almost an X rated vid lol
Haha