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
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