TOP 5 BEST VALUE XC HARDTAILS OF 2023

When it comes to XC racing, the hardtail is still the weapon of choice for most weekend warriors and professionals alike! That's why this week I'm swapping my jorts and slack headtube angles for a bit of Lycra and carbon and giving you my top five budget XC hardtails!

Interested in a Polygon Syncline? We are affiliate partners with Bikes Online, and if you purchase one through this link we'll get a small kick-back. Thanks!

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:41 Criteria
1:02 Vitus Rapide VR
4:00 Marin Team Marin 1
6:21 Specialized Chisel
9:49 Polygon Syncline C5
13:20 Canyon Exceed CF5
16:24 What'd I Miss?

#mtb #hardtailmtb #xcmtb

[raymond]

The syncline c5 is the best, after upgrades, got it down to around 9kg+. Beast.

[jackiegammon]

Whether it's a Canyon or any other brand of bike, most shops WILL know how to work on them. If not, just like this video, there is always info online. As a shop owner, I have confidence in saying that. Now, I also want to say that for bikes that are under $2000, that carbon frame is NOT the same as higher models. I guess at this price point, I would not see myself spending more money to get a heavier bike and less of a warranty. Like you, I'm a metal person, so aluminum, chromemoly or my favorite titanium. The frame is the heart of a bike, so as parts wear out, if folks are so inclined, then it would make sense to upgrade then. The other portion of this, if you find a shop that you trust and that is helpful, why not support them? If you need to send a bike back to a consumer direct company, you will need to box that bike back up and send it back to them. If you aren't able to do that, then your shop can do that, but at a cost, So in the end if you have to do that, please look at the cost...at that point you are very close to what a bike in a shop cost. That shop is going to help you in any way that they can, and get to know what you like or don't like. As a last reminder, if you ship your bike out, do you have another to ride until it arrives back home? Often times, shops may have a loaner or rental bike to help you with that. Just another side to the story...

[Unfriendly_Ghost]

Just placed an order for a Specialized Chisel after watching this video! I have been doing tons of research and this video helped out tons! Will update once I pick up the bike from the shop

[madcapper]

I've got the 2021 Rapide VR that I bought during the pandemic for $1499. Bought it for the great spec at that price point and as far as I know it's exactly the same as the '23 model except mine came equipped with a Reba 110mm rather than the SID and Racing Ray/Racing Ralph tires. Great bike for the $$ except for a couple minor drawbacks. No water bottle cage for the seat tube and you can't fit any larger than a 32t ring in the front. But regardless, a fantastic bike for the $$. I did upgrade the WTB wheelset with a set of Hunt Race XCs but the stock WTBs are more than adequate.
Thank you for profiling the great deals on these XC bikes. XC hardtails don't seem to get quite the same amount of love and airtime as its more gnarly trailbike cousin.

[joshuaallswang]

Josh! Brooo The BMC two stroke Al 1 XC bike would of been the best bike on this list!! 67 HTA 75 seat tube angle nice long reach, thru axles, and everything else. Not to mention the best aesthetics! Pink bike (your favorite) did a review on its channel about it! Check it out!

[mellissanash]

BMC Two Stroke would my choice on the alloy options. Under $2k for various models, down country race geo and it looks pretty legit cool. There is carbon models that start at $2k.

[virginiascurti]

The Syncline C% with 27.5 in tires is the only one of the bunch that fits me.

[madcapper]

Bikesonline has some great deals going on right now with the Synclines, especially the C2, which is currently going for $799. Considering the carbon frame and Deore 1x11 group set, it's gotta be the best bang for buck deal on the planet right now. Bike could use an upgrade or two but then again it looks pretty trail ready out of the box. Price is 50% off from the true original price. I remember when that bike first hit the market it was at the listed $1599 for quite a while.

[rule]

Have a Chisel Ltd frame built up with XT group set Judy gold forks, Hope wheels and hubs....it is a dream to ride on the ups with better shock absorbancy than a carbon bike. Down side is 12kg with pedals and cages...so an upgrade of wheels and fork will I hope get down to 10kg. I would say buy one if you want a great light trail xc bike, ✌✌

[madcapper]

By the way, congrats to Wendy on getting the gig with Bikes Online. Saw her on the vid for the Path gravel bikes the other night 👍

[jacobrich]

Wasnt really considering a chisel until your video but now it might be out my roscoe choice, especially with the sale Specialized has now

[virginiascurti]

I got news for you I was choosing between the Chisel and the X-caliber. I could not find one shop that had it that I could go check it out in person.

[KeosAdventures]

The Chisel frame is probably the lightest at 3.09lbs. The Chisel and Team Marin was the 2 XC bikes that i was looking at. Ended up with a Maniak and running a SID ultimate lol

[alexrobles]

Great video! You should do under 3, 000 next.. 👍

[hardtailgang]

I dunno much about XC other than 1) I lack the conditioning and 2) There's lots of hardtails. I'm definitely on board with one of those things!

Thanks for the shoutout and reppin' the gang! ❤❤❤

[barnet]

Take an look at the Canyon and the specialized and you see those rider reviews have to be bought.

I mean seriously an carbon fiber frame for equal money and the more bulletproof groupset?

Put in some nice wheels down the line and you easily race that one. And you would be the limiting factor.

[gmbh]

Hi guys, im a newby.. im just wondering why i never see the Trek mtb in the list. Is it that bad or are the other bikes just better of you look to the price/quality.

Excuse my English. Greetings from Holland

[benjaminteague]

I’m thinking of getting exceed cf 6 as currently $400 off in sale. Has better components than cf 5.would there be advantages to this?

[ramo_fpv]

How good is the giant xtc slr 2 (2023) compared to the bikes here?
My budget is 1000€
I don't know anything about bikes. I just want a good and fast mountainbike to for streets and offroad. It should be easy to climb. I don't care about good downhill performance.

[virginiascurti]

Also the Syncline only comes through BikesOnLIne and they have a horrible customer service experience if there is a problem and any warranty work means disassembly and boxing and send it back to them in CA.