Chromag Aperture 2014 - My first hard trail Bike!

This green Chromag Aperture was my very first hardtail trail bike, and it completely changed the way I thought about riding bikes in trails. I went into it expecting a harsh and bumpy ride. What I found instead shocked me. The bike felt smooth, fast, and alive under me. No kidding. Even in rock gardens, it had this way of carrying speed and control that reminded me of a soft tail, but with its own playful edge.

The moment I started jumping it, I realized how much confidence it gave me. If I cased a landing, the rebound felt controlled and predictable. I'm not sure if I'm alone on this, but feeling like the suspension will come back too fast and kick me out of the bike was a constant feeling before. The bike came with me, never fighting back, and I could trust it to stay in line. That confidence was new, and it made me fall in love with hardtails.

Riding this bike sent me down a rabbit hole of learning more and more about hardtails. I discovered how much they teach you about your own riding. My lines became cleaner. My climbing technique improved in ways I never expected. I felt connected to the trail in a way that no other bike had given me.

Setup

Some of the key parts that made this Chromag Aperture so special:

• Frame: Chromag Aperture 2014, M/L size

• Fork: Fox Van 32, 140mm

• Wheels: Easton EA70 rims and hubs with 26" Maxxis Ardent tires

• Brakes: Shimano Deore with 180mm rotors

• Drivetrain: 2x10 setup with 170mm Shimano cranks

• Dropper Post: X-Fusion with remote, 110mm

• Cockpit: Nukeproof Warhead bar with Nukeproof grips

Looking back, this bike was more than just my first hardtail. It was the one that made me a better rider. It showed me that a hardtail is not about what it lacks, but about what it gives you. Speed, control, and a direct connection to the trail. This Chromag Aperture lit the spark, and from then on, I was hooked.