Why the Humble Hardtail isn't Going Anywhere Anytime Soon

This week we’re re-sharing one of our favorite podcast episodes, and we’ll be back next week with an all-new show. Pat White is a longtime product manager for Kona Bicycles and Doug Lafavor aka Dr. Dew has been designing bikes at Kona for decades. In this episode we ask: Which factors make a hardtail ‘hardcore’ or more aggressive compared to say an XC or entry-level hardtail? What are aggressive hardtails good for in terms of riding style or trails? What are the limits? How important is frame material when it comes to designing a hardtail? Is there one material that’s generally superior to the others? Are there higher costs involved in building hardtails from steel than aluminum? Where does the compliance in a hardtail frame come from? Do you look at component selection differently for a hardtail vs. a full suspension bike? If so, what are the key areas where the builds differ? Is there any lingering debate about wheel size when it comes to hardtails? Are sliding dropouts an important selling point? What do you think about Internal cable routing on hardtails? There seems to be a focus on making seat angles steeper lately. How do you approach seat tube angles for hardtails compared to FS bikes? Are there things you’re able to do with hardtail geometry that just aren’t feasible with a FS design? How is the balance between chainstays and reach considered on a hardtail? For a lot of riders cost can be a factor in deciding to go with a hardtail. What does the typical hardtail rider look like? Do you own a hardtail mountain bike? How often do you ride it? What are some tips for riders to get the most out of a hardtail mountain bike? Do we need to modify our riding style, or reconsider preferences for things like tire and fork pressure? ✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available to Singletracks Pro supporters: singletracks.com/support --Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks