If I Were Buying My First Mountain Bike in 2025… bbkMTB 2025-05-14 | Thinking about buying a mountain bike in 2025? In this video, I break down what I’d personally do if I was starting fresh—what kind of bike I’d look for, key things to avoid, and how to get the most value for your money. Whether you're brand new to MTB or looking to upgrade, I cover the differences between hardtails and full suspension bikes, what features actually matter (and which ones don’t), the pros and cons of buying from a local bike shop versus going direct-to-consumer, and why suspension mount design is something you shouldn’t overlook. I also share what I’d buy today and the reasoning behind it. If you’ve got questions or you’re looking at specific bikes, drop a comment—I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about riding this season.Find out why 2025 is a great year to start riding: youtube.com/watch?v=zdLNajb8MJI00:00 – Intro: "What Bike Should I Buy?"01:00 – Step One: What Kind of Terrain Are You Riding?01:35 – Why a Hardtail 29er Might Be the Best Starting Point02:58 – Key Features to Look For (Dropper Post, Tapered Headtube, Tubeless)04:35 – Full Suspension: When It Makes Sense and What to Watch Out For06:55 – Direct-to-Consumer vs Local Bike Shop: The Pros and Cons08:44 – Why Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Better10:00 – A Quick Word on the Used Market11:12 – What I’d Do If I Were Starting from Scratch Today
Keep Doing What You Love bbkMTB 2025-10-08 | In this epic fall mtb video I want to talk about how important it is to keep doing the things it is that you love. The things that get you outside and off of a screen. As we get older it's so easy to fall into low friction and low substance activities, and sometimes those are useful, but you have to make the time and effort to try and do the higher quality activities that re-energize you and refuel you. Thanks for watching!Full Trek Fuel EX Gen 6 Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNVDTmwTHmgSO6e9he3Lpr9za8_-vJH6h
Do You Really Need a New Bike? Why I’m Still Riding My Trek Fuel EX Gen 6 bbkMTB 2025-09-18 | Everyone feels the itch for a new bike, but do you really need one? After years of riding and upgrading, I’ve come to realize that the Trek Fuel EX I already own is more than enough to handle the best rides of my life. Modern bikes are so capable that chasing the latest frame or build won’t transform your riding. In this video I share why I’m still riding my Fuel EX in 2025, what upgrades actually matter, and why riding more is almost always better than buying more.Would I Still Buy the Trek Fuel EX in 2025? (Long Term Review) youtu.be/M0HjtWdI210Full Trek Fuel EX Gen 6 Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNVDTmwTHmgSO6e9he3Lpr9za8_-vJH6hFind out why 2025 is a great year to start riding: youtube.com/watch?v=zdLNajb8MJI00:00 Do You Need a New Bike?01:26 Trail Break – Unreal Alpine Section02:05 Why I’m Still on the Fuel EX (Frame vs Parts)04:14 New Models vs Reality – Gen 7, LX, MX08:25 Upgrades That Actually Matter, Skills, and Familiarity
Just Fun & Flowy bbkMTB 2025-09-17 | One of those trails that just makes you smile the whole way down.
What You Watch Follows You on the Trail | MTB Thoughts bbkMTB 2025-07-23 | Hope everyone’s summer is going good! Quick video today — just wanted to talk about something that’s helped me enjoy MTB more lately. Basically, curating what I watch and letting less negativity into my feed. The subscription box bookmark trick has helped a ton. Little things like that really add up. Hope you’re getting out for some good rides, thanks for watching! #mtb youtu.be/bQ6m76ihla4My main channel @BBKDRAGOON
This Section Rips bbkMTB 2025-06-29 | One of those sections that just flows — dry, fast, and dialed. Summer riding is the best. #mtb #mountainbike
Would I Still Buy the Trek Fuel EX in 2025? (Long Term Review) bbkMTB 2025-06-18 | I’ve been riding my Trek Fuel EX (gen 6) 9.8 GX AXS for over 2 years — through upgrades, mistakes, maintenance headaches, and some of the best trail days I’ve ever had. But in 2025, would I still buy this bike again? In this video I break down what’s held up, what’s worn out, the upgrades I’d recommend, and my honest thoughts after a full season of real world riding. #mtb #mtbreview #mtbyoutu.be/T0-dN5IvTXgFind out why 2025 is a great year to start riding: youtube.com/watch?v=zdLNajb8MJI00:00 The Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 in 202500:30 The First Year With The Bike01:50 New Cockpit & Trail Tires03:02 Suspension03:53 The Issues I've Had05:52 Exceptional Frame Design06:51 Climbing Performance07:20 Ride Wrap It ASAP07:50 Avoid Used IMO08:32 Should You Buy It In 2025?
I Almost Hit a Bear bbkMTB 2025-06-12 | This ride took a turn I wasn’t expecting. I was descending a trail when a bear ran out in front of me and just started hauling down the line—caught the whole thing on the GoPro. But honestly, the real story here is how this season’s been going. It’s the first time in years where I’ve felt fully back on the bike—more confident, more capable, and just plain stoked. What’s made the biggest difference? Just showing up. Not trying to prove anything, just being consistent, staying intentional, and letting the progress build. If you’ve been putting in the work and waiting for it to click, I think you’ll relate to this one.
This Is Why You Always Look Ahead on the Trail… bbkMTB 2025-06-06 | Turns out bears have pretty good line choice.
This Made Me Love Mountain Biking Again bbkMTB 2025-06-04 | Racing mountain bikes was one of the best things I ever did. It pushed me, shaped me, and eventually left me a bit burned out. I was juggling college, training, racing pro, and somewhere along the way—I forgot why I started riding in the first place. This video is about the advice that brought me back. A few simple words from a friend that didn’t mean much at the time, but years later… they hit hard. If you’re new to riding, deep in it, or coming back after a break, I hope this gives you something real to hold onto. #mtb #mtblife youtu.be/bQ6m76ihla4youtu.be/T0-dN5IvTXgFind out why 2025 is a great year to start riding: youtube.com/watch?v=zdLNajb8MJI
The Beginner MTB Tips I Still Use Today bbkMTB 2025-05-22 | Some beginner MTB tips that I’ve had to remind myself of this season. They’re obvious, sure—but they still matter, and they’re easy to forget. Watching good riding, learning to corner properly, knowing when to walk something… it all adds up. Progression doesn’t have to mean sending it every ride—it’s about riding smart and staying consistent. These are the basics that keep you on the bike and having fun. Hope this helps someone out there like it helped me. #mtb #mountainbike 00:00 – First Season Back & Where I’m At Now01:15 – Why Watching Great Riders Still Helps03:15 – The Method for Safe, Real Progression05:57 – Braking and Cornering: Where Speed Really Comes From07:42 – Have a Go-To Trail for Practice and Drills08:24 – Trackstands Are More Useful Than You’d Think08:50 – Walk It, Assess It, Session It09:28 – Why Riding With Others Changes Everythingyoutu.be/T0-dN5IvTXgFind out why 2025 is a great year to start riding: youtube.com/watch?v=zdLNajb8MJI
2023 Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 Long Term Review: Trailbike Of The Year? bbkMTB 2023-09-24 | The Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 is one of the most capable trail bikes I have ever ridden and after 4 months with the bike I'm ready to share my long term review. This new design from Trek pushes the limits of a 140mm trail bike and really gives a sense of confidence that is usually reserved for an enduro bike. I’m going to share with you everything I’ve learned riding the new Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 over the last 4 months; you’ll learn who this bike is for, where this new frame design shines, and 3 things I wish I would’ve known when I first got the bike that anyone interested in the new Fuel Ex Gen 6 should know. This is easily one of the best trail bikes of 2023 and worthy of your research if you're interested in this frame.Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 Impressions 2023: youtu.be/jtKyg0BYdg8?si=7jwASeXJbjhpQ7rbWhat I'm Riding: (Affiliate Links)Front Tire: Maxxis Assegai jenson.sjv.io/DKqRnjRear Tire: Maxxis Minion DHF jenson.sjv.io/QyG2APDMR Deathgrips jenson.sjv.io/9g9ynWShop Jenson USA jenson.sjv.io/vNxPGy#mtb #mountainbike
Nothing Compares To That Sound... #mtb #ridemtb #mountainbiking #shorts bbkMTB 2023-08-30 | #mtb #ridemtb #mountainbiking #shorts
Riding through the moon dust #mtb #shorts bbkMTB 2023-07-10 | So dry and so loose, summer riding at its best #mtb #shorts #mountainbike
The REAL Summer Mountain Biking Experience... bbkMTB 2023-07-04 | Summer is here and the mountain biking season is in full swing. Today we're checking out some of the epic mid country rides in the southwest on the Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6. Rain is needed soon as the dry conditions, while amazing, are starting to get mighty slippery. It's hard to believe the year is going by as fast as it is! Thanks for watching!Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 Impressions 2023 youtu.be/jtKyg0BYdg8More MTB Reviews and Trails: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNVDTmwTHmgQbq-yuAuN7uGABy804Fup6#mtb #mountainbike
When The Summer Riding Kicks In #mtb #shorts bbkMTB 2023-06-22 | Summer riding is always the best time for #mtb #shorts #mountainbike
Perfect Day For Some #mtb #shorts bbkMTB 2023-06-02 | Great sounds for a perfect mountain bike day on the trails.#mtb #mountainbike #shorts
Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 Impressions 2023 bbkMTB 2023-06-01 | The Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 is one of the most capable trail bikes I have ever ridden. This new design from Trek pushes the limits of a 140mm trail bike and really gives a sense of confidence that is usually reserved for an enduro bike. Today I'll talk about my impressions of the new Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 so far, how the bike climbs, how the bike descends, and all the different features of this ultra-adjustable rig. This is easily one of the best trail bikes of 2023.00:00 Trek Fuel Ex Gen 6 202301:00 Tech Overview And Features02:43 Climbing Performance04:31 Descending Performance05:51 Tires06:45 Overall First Impressions More MTB Reviews and Trails: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNVDTmwTHmgQbq-yuAuN7uGABy804Fup6#mtb #mountainbike
Moab Mountain Biking Just Hits Different #shorts #mtb bbkMTB 2023-05-23 | MTB in Moab, UT just hits different, the trails in Moab, the scenery, the slickrock tech, it all makes for such an epic experience for any mountain biker. This was lower Porcupine Rim in May 2023, conditions are already solid on The Whole Enchilada from UPS to LPS and then to Porcupine Rim. 2023 is looking like a good year for mountain biking in Moab.#shorts #mtb #mountainbike
The Best Sound In The World #mtb #shorts bbkMTB 2023-05-22 | Nothing beats the pure sound of MTB tires shredding through the dirt on a dry dusty day. Something about hearing the suspension over the rough stuff as the freewheel hums just gets the stoke rolling. #mtb #shorts #mountainbike
The Best Early Season MTB Trail? #mtb #shorts bbkMTB 2023-05-19 | Mountain Biking The Whole Enchilada in Moab, Utah is already running so good. Is this the best early-season mtb trail out there? UPS, LPS, and Porcupine Rim are already open, with Burro and Hazzard still closed due to the massive winter Moab had. The Enchilada remains one of the best MTB trails ever and for good reason, it's legendary. #shorts #mtb #mountainbike
Mountain Biking The Whole Enchilada In Moab, Utah 2023 bbkMTB 2023-05-16 | Mountain Biking the Whole Enchilada in Moab in 2023 is absolutely amazing. No other trail in the world is like The Whole Enchilada and getting to shred a MTB down this epic adventure is worth it! Moab had a massive winter so Burro Pass and Hazzard County are currently closed, but UPS trail, LPS trail, and Porcupine Rim trail are all open for the 2023 season and are running great. This epic MTB adventure is one of Moab's most iconic trails for riders, as you follow an epic route down along a large cliff, with incredible views, fun tech, and plenty of smiles all day. The Enchilada is a legend for a reason, this ride is worth respecting as there are some risks involved, but I strongly recommend checking it out at some point if you can. Thanks for watching and subscribe for more Mountain Biking videos, trail rides, and more!Check out my main channel here: youtube.com/bbkdragoon#mtb #mountainbike
