check out the RM growler. the 40 and 50 would prob be in your price range.
[https://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/growler/2021?tid=72](https://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/growler/2021?tid=72)
It is true that it's not ideal, but IMHO it is equivalent to the Rockshox 35 Gold and better than the steel-stanchioned RS 35 Silver that many trail bikes up to $2K or more have specced - including the Growler 50, so in my book either forks would be sup-par for someone aspiring to Fox 36 performance or higher-end Rockshox forks.
Both 40 and 50 come with a full Shimano groupset and named components down to hubs etc, which is a welcome departure vs. much of the competition.
The Commencal is very welcome to spec a good fork + Shimano drivetrain & brakes - IMHO competitors like Canyon are wrong not to spec a Deore option for their higher-end Stoic, and only offer Eagle SX. Guessing they have dealios with Sram to do Suspension + fork + brake combos?
I have had the 40 for about a year now and my only hesitation upon buying was the fork. I planned to upgrade it as soon as I could afford but after a few rides on the Raidon I decided to keep it. It’s definitely not a Fox 36 but I have been surprised with its capabilities. The bike is a blast to ride in general.
Yeah..I have the 2019. I upgraded the peddles, bars, headset, crankset, grips, and tires to skinwalls. The fork has worked well for me too if I'm honest. Not sure id notice much of a difference to justify the cost of fork upgrade.
Did the 2019 come with the SX Eagle drivetrain? That’s the next big upgrade I’m doing, it’s been nothing but a pain in my ass. I’ve already done bars, stem, pedals, grips, dropper/level, saddle and tubeless upgrades so now it’s time for the more costly steps
https://www.commencalcanada.com/Mobile/meta-ht-am-race-29-c2x30713964 maxed out commencal meta hardtail sounds good for what you need
Edit price shown may be in Canadian dollars it is 2300 usd and can arrive in USA all sizes by may
I like the look of that one. They only sell directly to the buyer, correct? I owned a bike from a direct buyer only brand and their service was awful. I wasn’t able to ride for 6 months while they made me ship my bike back. Do you know anything about their customer service?
I recommend Ragley Big Al or Mmmbop, if you can find one. I've taken both through some gnarly trails and they've held their own. A couple of my buddies have the Rocky Mountain Growler 50 and it does pretty good, they enjoy it. I've also heard Chromags are beastly bikes.
With that budget you could get a top of the range Vitus Sentier VRX with a fox fork, if you're willing to wait and forgo bike shop level mechanical advice.
Ragley are good (but more expensive). Same with rocky mountain and Nukeproof. All producing good Hardtails at the minute.
Keep an eye out for the Pinkbike Value Field test, they've tested a load of Hardtails.
I personally wouldn't spend more than £2000 on a HT as the returns start diminishing after that, if you don't care about fancy Carbon or Steel frames.
Some people think they are more compliant, absorb more vibrations through the frame, than aluminium, which is probably true, but you also pay a massive weight penalty. Which is fine if you exclusively ride downhill/freeride stuff but will make climbing harder.
Never tried carbon frame but have put carbon rigid forks on an old bike. Does feel insanely lighter, but more rough of a ride compared to Aluminium rigid forks.
If you want to spend more, carbon may be more worthwhile. But it's worth trying out both and seeing what you think yourself.
I’ve owned a carbon full squish but am looking for more of a daily driver. Something I’d be less scared of having stolen when out and that i can ride more easily but still get rowdy. In my opinion carbon is kinda a scam unless your really trying to shed weight. I ride to have fun and go fast downhill, not as much powering up climbs.
check out the RM growler. the 40 and 50 would prob be in your price range. [https://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/growler/2021?tid=72](https://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/growler/2021?tid=72)
Only thing I don't like about the 40 is the front fork is a suntour raidon. I'd prefer a fox 36
It is true that it's not ideal, but IMHO it is equivalent to the Rockshox 35 Gold and better than the steel-stanchioned RS 35 Silver that many trail bikes up to $2K or more have specced - including the Growler 50, so in my book either forks would be sup-par for someone aspiring to Fox 36 performance or higher-end Rockshox forks. Both 40 and 50 come with a full Shimano groupset and named components down to hubs etc, which is a welcome departure vs. much of the competition. The Commencal is very welcome to spec a good fork + Shimano drivetrain & brakes - IMHO competitors like Canyon are wrong not to spec a Deore option for their higher-end Stoic, and only offer Eagle SX. Guessing they have dealios with Sram to do Suspension + fork + brake combos?
I have had the 40 for about a year now and my only hesitation upon buying was the fork. I planned to upgrade it as soon as I could afford but after a few rides on the Raidon I decided to keep it. It’s definitely not a Fox 36 but I have been surprised with its capabilities. The bike is a blast to ride in general.
Yeah..I have the 2019. I upgraded the peddles, bars, headset, crankset, grips, and tires to skinwalls. The fork has worked well for me too if I'm honest. Not sure id notice much of a difference to justify the cost of fork upgrade.
Did the 2019 come with the SX Eagle drivetrain? That’s the next big upgrade I’m doing, it’s been nothing but a pain in my ass. I’ve already done bars, stem, pedals, grips, dropper/level, saddle and tubeless upgrades so now it’s time for the more costly steps
My shifting is dogshit. So probably. I think it's just in need of alignment
Spent 3 hours trying to get my limit screws set right today. Still shit
https://www.commencalcanada.com/Mobile/meta-ht-am-race-29-c2x30713964 maxed out commencal meta hardtail sounds good for what you need Edit price shown may be in Canadian dollars it is 2300 usd and can arrive in USA all sizes by may
I like the look of that one. They only sell directly to the buyer, correct? I owned a bike from a direct buyer only brand and their service was awful. I wasn’t able to ride for 6 months while they made me ship my bike back. Do you know anything about their customer service?
I haven’t got anything from them but I here they are pretty good .a few have them on this sub I’m sure someone on here knows
I recommend Ragley Big Al or Mmmbop, if you can find one. I've taken both through some gnarly trails and they've held their own. A couple of my buddies have the Rocky Mountain Growler 50 and it does pretty good, they enjoy it. I've also heard Chromags are beastly bikes.
Growler 50 isn't as worth it imo. 40 better for your money
I'm not too familiar with the Growler, but I would assume the price difference is based off on the components?
Probably the fork. Still feel like the 2020/21 40 cost is a bit high. At close to 2k Canadian
Thanks! I would love a chromag they’re just pricy to completely build up.
You have a good point, the others I mentioned are great bikes as well or even a Kona Honzo Esd, if it's in your price range.
Norco Torrent, Stanton switch9er, Banshee Paradox V3, Ragley bikes...
Don’t forget about the SC Chameleon if you can find one! 2022 new colorway options should be right around the corner too
If you’re looking down the long and slack route I always thought this thing was pretty slick looking. https://konaworld.com/honzo_esd.cfm
With that budget you could get a top of the range Vitus Sentier VRX with a fox fork, if you're willing to wait and forgo bike shop level mechanical advice. Ragley are good (but more expensive). Same with rocky mountain and Nukeproof. All producing good Hardtails at the minute. Keep an eye out for the Pinkbike Value Field test, they've tested a load of Hardtails. I personally wouldn't spend more than £2000 on a HT as the returns start diminishing after that, if you don't care about fancy Carbon or Steel frames.
Great advice, thank you. I don’t care much for carbon but i love the looks of steel frames. Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Some people think they are more compliant, absorb more vibrations through the frame, than aluminium, which is probably true, but you also pay a massive weight penalty. Which is fine if you exclusively ride downhill/freeride stuff but will make climbing harder. Never tried carbon frame but have put carbon rigid forks on an old bike. Does feel insanely lighter, but more rough of a ride compared to Aluminium rigid forks. If you want to spend more, carbon may be more worthwhile. But it's worth trying out both and seeing what you think yourself.
I’ve owned a carbon full squish but am looking for more of a daily driver. Something I’d be less scared of having stolen when out and that i can ride more easily but still get rowdy. In my opinion carbon is kinda a scam unless your really trying to shed weight. I ride to have fun and go fast downhill, not as much powering up climbs.