Video: 7 Enduro Bikes Ridden & Rated - Field Test Roundtable

Sep 6, 2022
by Alicia Leggett  


PINKBIKE FIELD TEST


Enduro Bikes Roundtable


Contra MC vs. Claymore vs. Tracer S vs. Meta SX vs. Patrol vs. La Sal Peak vs. Megatower


This time around, we took to the Pacific Northwest to test a group of enduro bikes in their element: rain, slop, and seemingly endless wet roots awaited this eclectic mix of bikes. With a mix of 29" and mixed-wheel setups, a couple of high pivots, and rear travel from 160 mm to 170 mm, these bikes all have what it takes to put down fast times on the enduro track, but that doesn't mean they're all the same. In this video, we discuss our highs and lows, which components make or break the bikes, and which ones we'd want to have as our own.

Looking at the selection, the obvious standout is the Contra MC, with its big shiny idler pulley, gorgeous paint job, and elegant tubing. We found it to be a very purpose-oriented machine: the heft and ground-hugging ability made it a handful in meandering terrain, but when pointed down the steep-and-rough, it truly lived up to its "MC" (magic carpet) moniker. The bike is a stunner.

The Deviate Claymore is another one that grabbed our attention. While the Contra MC does the high pivot thing in steel, the Claymore opts for carbon fiber and has a wholly different personality. It's less monster truck than rally car, and what it loses in bump absorption compared to the Contra is gained in pop and versatility. We all agreed that Deviate struck gold on this one.

We also tried three takes on mullet setups, with the Commencal Meta SX, the Transition Patrol Carbon, and the Intense Tracer all providing vastly different rides from one another but with a small rear wheel in common. We'll chat about how those stack up against the dual 29" bikes, too.

And what of the classics? We also tried two carbon 29" enduro bikes without high pivots. While that description sounds pretty vanilla by today's standards, these two were anything but boring. The Fezzari La Sal Peak came with a splash of purple, an excellent spec, and maybe the most versatility of the bunch, while the Santa Cruz Megatower has gained frame storage box and an astronomical price tag to go along with it.

Each of these seven bikes brought its own strengths and weaknesses to the table, and we put them through the wringer with all the shuttle laps, massive pedal days, torrential rain, and delirious laughter we could handle.

Watch the roundtable video to hear more of our impressions from this group of heavy-hitters.


7 Enduro Bikes


Enduro bike Field Test
Contra MC
• Travel: 164mm rear, 170mm front
• 29" wheels
• 63.5° head-tube angle
• 78° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 480mm (large)
• Weight: 37.2 lb / 16.8 kg
• $4,500 USD (frame, EXT shock)
• REVIEW

Enduro bike Field Test
Deviate Claymore
• Travel: 165mm rear, 170mm front
• 29" wheels
• 64.3° head-tube angle
• 78° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 490mm (large)
• Weight: 34.7 lb / 15.7 kg
• $3,822 USD (Frame, Fox shock)
• REVIEW


Enduro bike Field Test
Intense Tracer S
• Travel: 170mm rear, 170mm front
• 29" front, 27.5" rear
• 64° head-tube angle
• 77.4° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 475mm (large)
• Weight: 35.7 lb / 16.2 kg
• $7,199 USD
• REVIEW

Enduro bike Field Test
Commencal Meta SX
• Travel: 160mm rear, 170mm front
• 29" front, 27.5" rear
• 63.6° head-tube angle
• 78.1° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 481mm (large)
• Weight: 35.9 lb / 16.2 kg
• $5,800 USD
• REVIEW


Enduro bike Field Test
Transition Patrol Carbon
• Travel: 160mm rear, 160mm front
• 29" front, 27.5" rear
• 63° head-tube angle
• 77.6° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 475mm (large)
• Weight: 33.6 lb / 15.2 kg
• $6,599 USD
• REVIEW


Enduro bike Field Test
Fezzari La Sal Peak
• Travel: 170mm rear, 170mm front
• 29" wheels
• 64° head-tube angle
• 77.5° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 485mm (large)
• Weight: 34.9 lb / 15.8 kg
• $8,200 USD
• REVIEW


Enduro bike Field Test
Santa Cruz Megatower
• Travel: 165mm rear, 170mm front
• 29" wheels
• 63.5° head-tube angle
• 77.5° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 472mm (large)
• Weight: 34 lb / 15.4 kg
• $11,199 USD
• REVIEW


Which Field Test bike would you most like to ride?




The 2022 Enduro Bike Field Test is presented by Rapha, POC, and Continental. Thanks for keeping us dressed, safe, and rolling rubber side down.



Posted In:
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314 Comments
  • 158 4
 trying to find a girl who laughs at my jokes the way alicia laughs at kazimer
  • 13 16
 Trying to find a girl who rides as good as Alicia!! Even though she's WAY better than me. LOL.
  • 4 73
flag likeittacky (Sep 6, 2022 at 21:13) (Below Threshold)
 Maybe your jokes suck is why or there to much of dude type jokes. It all depends on the type of gal you're trying to humor; don't expect any reaction you'll set your self up for failure. Delivery and timing are also crucial, be spontaneous but nonchalant, they love it (at least the good ones do). Hence, girls with a good sense of humor are rare this day and age unfortunately but there's still some gems left thankfully that need good men in their lives that aren't cheese balls in personality and have some uniqueness in humor with some fukn character to share.

Good Luck! Smile
  • 4 1
 @likeittacky: where do I sign up for your macho classes?
  • 4 3
 I gave Alicia props for being a great rider and got down voted.... Lot of jealous males here on PB....
  • 1 4
 @valrock: Being witty towards girls is macho? You're a nincompoop if that's what you think.

Trying to help the poor sap out with his struggles of making a female giggle at some corny jokes and you blokes think its egotistical and macho... HAHAHAHA LMAO!!!!! No one else had any advice for him; instead they all upvote the pathetic post bowing their heads in shame of their own pity. The pussification of the male species is totaly evident here!
  • 1 2
 @mybaben: Yup a large percentage of people on here are not upside right -

"Perfection of means to confusion of ends seems to characterize our age."
  • 127 0
 Would like to ride the Contra. But would rather own the Claymore.
  • 69 1
 And which would you kill?
  • 79 4
 @idecic: The Fezzari
  • 2 1
 @nyhc00: Smile
  • 1 0
 Second
  • 54 11
 you know that nothing matters when over 500 ppl would ride a SC Megatower while, basically, is one of the weakest bikes in this test.. and basically weakest in its category while costing as much as a base commuting car..or a good(very good actually) motorcycle; I'm not against expensive things but.. if they do cost alot, they better be bloody brilliant!
  • 9 4
 @eugenux: that just goes to show that people value the name more than the function.

I only ride PARK!
  • 38 2
 @eugenux: It was Matt's favorite. I'm not a fan of the pricing but I think some of you have blinders on while watching these reviews.
  • 5 0
 @eugenux: I hear that. Look at the Intense. One of the fastest bikes in the test and also one of the most disliked due to it's lively nature.
  • 12 15
 @jeremy3220: actually, it is called being polite. Calling SC's bike a dog poop would be equal to calling mid engines Ferraris some of the worst cars in production.
No journo, no magazine.. jo one is imune to the powers of marketing and brand image over time. Also.. no tester or magazine wants to go at fences with a brand like SC..., so, they are being polite; and, let's remember that SC is the brand that pb racing team is using aaand, I'm pretty sure they didn't brought the bikes, if you catch my drift.
  • 22 5
 @eugenux:

I've owned some Santa Cruz bikes before.

Honestly, they're generally pretty middle of the road as far as geo and performance goes. They're not usually outstanding.

But where they make up for it is in the customer aftercare. Bearings go out 2 years after buying it? They got you covered. Generally just feels like they take the small details of bike ownership further than anybody but the tiny brands, but they simultaneously have the parts availability and service speed of the big brands.

There's value in Santa Cruz and I don't think anybody is stupid for buying one. I don't currently own one or have plans to buy one in the future, so it doesn't land in the "must have" for me, but I don't think it's worth pretending that this bike is bad, or not worth buying because it didn't have as progressive geometry as the Deviate.

But it is worth making fun of them for the price because top of the line eBikes shouldn't cost that f*ckin much. Shit, you can buy a Stark VARG for $1000 less than the top end megatower.
  • 14 5
 @eugenux: comparing SC to Ferrari is a huge strech. SC used to be a mid pack brand, cheaper way to get VPP suspension than Intense. Then they rebranded to premium when they went to carbon but they are not Ferrari. Their are an upper middle class brand like Audi. They are not small production volume, no customization, no weird rare features or materials. Are they good bikes? Yeah but people thinking SC is the most premium brand out there must have started riding 1 year ago and only read leaflets in bikeparks.
  • 3 0
 @carters75: I'm not sure what they mean by LIVELY. The bike goes where I want it to go... Kinda like a good hunting dog.
  • 6 1
 @spaced: this is what I mean...People will drop 14 grand on the most expensive bike in the shop and think they have the best you can get. A Santa Cruz with a DHX2, XX1 cranks, DT Swiss wheels, off the shelf brakes, a wtb or sdg seat and a generic stem etc is not the best you can get even if you have paid a stupid amount of money. The best is like an Unno, Antidote or a bike that actually performs fantastic with PUSH, EXT, Tune, Extralite, Trickstuff, SQ lab etc...People are paying Pagani/Bugatti prices for Mercedes/BMW quality and performance.
  • 10 0
 @William42: Genuine question; is free bearing replacement the only thing SC offer? They don't fit them, do they?
I just think it's odd to value free bearings while clearly paying for them up-front by the bike costing £thousands more than competitors.
I'm pretty sure I would never go through £1000 of bearings during my bikes lifetime
  • 2 0
 @jeremy3220: that’s because Matt is a racer and doesnt buy into the mullets. If you would of put a carbon spire in there I bet it would of won.
  • 1 0
 @idecic: megatower
  • 5 0
 @William42: for the premium price you pay, they should cover bearings for an 18wheeler and fitment.

I would take better performance over free bearings any day.
  • 5 0
 @TimMog:

Mostly just an example. Here's another way to think about it: ever buy a new bike and initial impressions are that it is the best bike ever to be created, and that it's going to revolutionize everything? But after a few years of ownership, it's got some annoying quirks, and some of the geometry decisions that seemed revolutionary at the time are now just a bit cumbersome?

The Santa Cruz bikes I've owned tend to not have those quirks. You miss out on cutting edge geo, but get something that's going to be super reliable and as fun in 5 years as the first day you jumped on it.

To be clear, they're not for me these days. For my own personal wants and needs, that added benefit isn't enough for me to want to spend the extra 3-4k on one. Plus, it's not like other bike brands don't offer that aftercare to some degree, or that Santa Cruz is the only one that manages to fit that bill.

But when I see somebody riding one, I don't immediately think "haha that dumbass got suckered!" - at the end of the day, they're pretty sweet bikes.

The other thing to bear in mind is that bike reviews are inherently biased. Pinkbike's job is to sell new bikes that push the edge. Their job isn't to say "After 4 years of ownership, this bike was our favorite to own." And those two answers/bikes are frequently different.
  • 2 0
 @hardtailhowie: uh last I checked lots of racers are buying into mullets...
  • 1 0
 @adespotoskyli: Buy a Norco Range. Killer performance....but I reckon it is a bike demanding maintenance.
  • 2 0
 @William42: Nope, never had that problem. I bought a Geometron and it's almost certainly the last bike I'll ever buy...

Again, to me that just sounds like SC are very expensive, very average bikes. My original question was about the aftercare, and it's supposed value.
  • 2 0
 @Soucy: I bought a privateer 161, it's just the right bike for me
  • 69 11
 Older I get, the more and more Climbing comes into play... None of these bikes are doing it for me sadly. Sucks getting old and realizing that bashing down tech chunk on a sled is going to be replaced with a more nimble, lighter bike with less travel that is easier to get up the hill...
  • 34 26
 Completely agree. I am 35 and still a regular top 10 kind of enduro racer but recently bought a megatower. Initially thought it was good, but the longer I've kept it the more I've realised it's just not nimble enough, nor is it a good climber. Considered going back to my ripmo for that best of both worlds, where I can really enjoy all day epics, and beast climbs better.
  • 162 5
 What? Cmon dude. Your are not that old. There are lots of riders in their 40s/50s riding bikes like these and sending it hard. Once you succumb to the age excuse, there is no turning back. Use it or lose it.
  • 57 1
 Even without being old... I'm realizing more and more how downhill speed is dependant on how much is left in the tank after climbing.
  • 12 7
 @DirkMcClerkin: yeah I’m finding the older I get the more of a park rat I’m becoming. Just getting up the hill is getting harder and the lift/shuttle option let me enjoy the ride down.
  • 12 6
 Yup, it's climbing or the highway for me.

I suspect one of these bikes would probably work as an all around bike, probably not the high pivots as they tend to suck energy when climbing tech.

Hate to say it, but I suspect the best climber is the Fezzari Wink
  • 9 3
 @toop182: Ibis needs to build a proper Enduro bike. The Ripmo blows through its rear travel way to easy and the side load is blowing up shocks left and right. I love how it climbs but they need to fix some issue with the back end. I also switched to the Mega from the Ripmo and do miss it but like I said they need to fix it.
  • 23 0
 All mountain field test would definitely be the most relevant for those of us who don't get to ride "winch and plummet" zones every ride... And those of us trying to do everything on one bike.
  • 4 0
 @alwayslivingthedream: I have to agree. The stoke was high when the Ripmo was released, but that feels like it was ages ago (I think the current Ripmo predates even the Yeti SB150 by a year or more?). Bummer, because Ibis suspension is usually quite dialed.

Really, the Ripmo is still a great contender for all-mountain/aggressive trail. I have to believe that Ibis is working on a new model in the 160-170mm category. We'll see!
  • 6 1
 @toop182: yeah, also I find that I can descend on a 140mm bike faster than a 170mm bike, just one or two sections that I'd like more travel, however the other 95+% a more sprightly bike is better. I wish I had the time/fitness to ride a mega bike all the time though
  • 10 0
 I did hope that there'd be a section on what they thought the best climber was. Even when I plan to ride down super chunky stuff, I prefer to climb up singletrack to the top, so it matters to me even on this category of bike.
  • 10 5
 @toop182: Your diet must be the one killing you, not the bike.
  • 5 0
 @alwayslivingthedream: Typical of yoke driven shocks unfortunately.
  • 4 0
 @dwbaillar: not that long ago PB had a Field Test of what they called "aggressive trail" bikes (because "all mountain" ain't fashionable) and I think it could be what you're looking for? www.pinkbike.com/news/video-6-aggressive-2022-trail-bikes-ridden-and-rated-field-test-roundtable.html
  • 5 0
 Why not look at other Dw-link bikes then? Ibis isn't the only one... Atherton bikes or Pivot also do, and I'm sure others do too?
  • 2 1
 @alwayslivingthedream: True, Ibis doesn't cut it with the Ripmo. It is a great bike though.
  • 48 0
 46, riding a carbon v1 sentinel. All my buddies went ebikes route, and I’m riding solo for one year now. On keyboard, I search and read about light nimble trail bikes. On the weekend I grab my Sentinel, climb steadily as I can, and have a blast going down. 35 to 40 kms with 1000m ele. and a smile at the end with some cold beers. Hope I can still do it for more time. Shit part? It’s not climbing, it’s riding alone
  • 10 1
 An enduro bike will climb nearly as well as an all mountain or trail bike if you put light tires on it and flip the climb switch, esp. since trail bike now weigh as much as enduro bikes! The problem is that lightweight tires can't hold up to hard riding, so even on my hard tail I run thick tires and inserts.
  • 3 1
 @bananowy: Meh. Except for the Stumpy Evo, they are all just regular trial bikes, not AM.
  • 1 0
 @cogsci: How so, please explain?
  • 3 1
 @Aeyogi: Trial bikes, eh? I figured trial bikes were single speed and fully rigid, but what do I know Wink
  • 11 0
 @hamncheez: and I thought pedants were those things that hung from old clocks, but what do I know...
  • 26 0
 @toop182: I’m the same age as you and yet I feel completely opposite. I am a far better rider today than at any point in my life before. I joke that I passed my prime 15 years ago, but honestly a healthy diet and consistent exercise have made me a better climber than any short travel bike ever could. I have no plans to give up my long travel enduro/park bikes because road gaps, big hucks, and gnarly descents are why I love bikes, and I’m still happy to pedal the big bike to any trail or feature.
  • 22 0
 Mid 40's isn't old.

If my 40 year old, 120 pound girlfriend can manhandle a 35+ pound aluminum Patrol (with Assegai/DHR), you guys can suck it up too.
  • 32 0
 @Pyres: You had friends to ride with? Nice! I'm 48 and I don't know anyone to ride with. People my age mostly haven't kept up with the fitness required to ride up the hills. It's certainly more difficult as you get older for other reasons than general strength decline. People end up having a lot more responsibilities and finding even a half day a week to dedicate to just biking is a real challenge. You have to make a conscious choice to put biking before a lot of other things that are demanding your time. I know I'm an outlier and I know that as I age I will only become more of an outlier. While I love mountain biking, it really comes down to an innate fear of getting old for me. Keeping my fitness up to the modest level I do is how I battle father time.
  • 10 0
 @Explodo: Yeah I hear both you and Pyres. My primary riding group is twenty years younger than me because its so hard to find anyone in my age group who can hang but I still ride alone much of the time. Don't know about the ones who buy handicap bikes because they are dead to me now Smile
  • 4 0
 @JSTootell: I went through this line of arguing with myself when I sized down my chainring. I *can* pedal a 32-tooth ring on our trails on my bike, but I enjoy the ride more with a 30-tooth. For my hobby, it's not just about what I am capable of, but rather what I enjoy.
  • 3 0
 @DirkMcClerkin: just get a bigger tank ;-)
  • 1 0
 @betobi: So true.

But besides Nino, I think all of us need to worry about burning all of our matches
  • 2 0
 @Pyres: agree completely. You just need to get some new riding buddies.
  • 1 0
 @bananowy: that's pretty close, but in selecting something that would be fun on long xc rides to bike park and shuttle days, I think 150 to 160 travel would be more the middle ground. Also bikes with handling to maintain momentum on rolling terrain.
  • 1 0
 And that would 100% be my next bike! @KJP1230:
  • 2 0
 The older I get (44) the more impatient I am with long climbs. I can still handle them ok if I'm pedalling regularly, but I just get bored of a long grind unless the views are awesome or the pace is really chill. Longer sustainted steeper climbs are just plain tedious. That said, I'm just not ready to go full E, but if I had unlimited cash Id have a lighter kenovo or something like that.
  • 1 0
 @jesse-effing-edwards: I agree. I'm also time poor so I don't get large blocks of time to ride in. Recently got a E Reign and I still ride all the same trails (Queenstown NZ no not tame stuff), but I cover so much ground so quickly and do 4x the amount of descending. Still ride the steam bikes from time to time as they do offer a different experience but the E bike is awesome and makes the climbs either fun or done really quickly.
  • 2 9
flag Jordmackay (Sep 6, 2022 at 15:12) (Below Threshold)
 @toop182: Should of got the new Nomad. Will 100% be the best bike of 2023. f*ck this field test the bikes are shite
  • 2 0
 @DirkMcClerkin: that’s so true dude
  • 5 0
 yeah but the thing is....shorter travel bikes are fun as hell. I'm mid 40's now, have been riding long travel enduro sleds for the last few years. I borrowed a "downcountry" bike for a while this summer...I actually like it more than the enduro bike for everything except bike park/DH tracks.
  • 9 0
 @jesse-effing-edwards: I'm the opposite, although I'm still in my late 30s. In my 20s I was all about dat shuttle & park runs. Now I ride the same trails but pedal-shuttle, even when we have multiple cars. Without the cardio I would get (even more) fat, and I enjoy the opposition and difficulty, as my inner adrenaline-junkie has subsided. I love the solitude on solo rides, and I have great convo with my riding buddies when we are together. This morning before work I rode with an Economics professor, and we always have great, deep, intellectual conversations, although they are a bit one-sided as he is in far better shape and I'm always winded trying to keep up

For those wanting a group to ride with who aren't 22, 5am rides are awesome. All us dads in the valley ride at that time- its before work so we can ride daily AND since everyone at home is asleep we aren't taking it out of family time.
  • 7 0
 @ivemadeahugemistake: I'm sure there will be some dissenting opinions, but Zwift was a bit of a game changer for me. Many days I don't have time for a mountain bike ride, but I can squeeze a zwift race into just about any day. It wildly increased my ability to consistent exercise, especially through winter. Turns out, the climbs can actually be pretty fun when you're fast. And if you still only care about the downhills, you can get more laps in and have more energy to charge them.
  • 3 1
 @toop182: what? I get that you like climbs now but you are not old and age didn't make you do it. You just never liked pure park and now you admit it and have money to do so. I find it weird people think at a certain age they need to mellow out.
  • 4 1
 @JSTootell: so much this. My father started riding DH when he saw how many old 60+ year old dudes in Czech DH cup raced. Age is just an excuse for some people
  • 4 0
 @avgas: The number one barrier to being able to enjoy biking is fitness, so that makes perfect sense.
  • 2 0
 @Notmeatall: username checks out.
  • 1 0
 Take the Intense for a pedal... I'm 215lbs and have no problem pedaling up hill. All the video and photos they showed came from a downhill one way trail. Really don't need to pedal on that trail as they hold chainless races on it. So I think they didn't really capture what each bike is truly capable of.
  • 4 0
 @Pyres: this is why I don't like ebikes. They separate people
  • 5 0
 @hamncheez: I’m in the exact same boat. Lapping the bike park was always fun, but with a young family I can’t rationalize the time away from kids but also can’t afford to lose any fitness at this point, so the style of riding had to change, but I’d say the quality of it has remained. I’ve found that improvement is intrinsically satisfying, so while sending bigger features was what I chased a few years ago, going further or faster on a light trail bike is what I chase today and it’s as rewarding as ever. Plus, there are a ton of fun events that push the fitness and still on proper terrain (True Grit, Park City P2P, etc.) that I wouldn’t have been able to do exclusively riding shuttle laps or bike park.
  • 8 0
 @Explodo: oh yea Facts. At 55 the pack gets even thinner. I ride solo all the time. The only enduro riders I see in my age bracket are at races and I see the same out of state faces 3 to 5 times a year. A buddy of mine who is a little older than me upstream kayak races says at some point all out door competitive sports become silent sports - just less and less people in your bracket - it become you and the clock - or you and the course - you and the wilderness. There is just so much more things to be done to maintaining an older body for peak fitness - it’s a time commitment for sure. Some days you forget that Advil is not a daily vitamin and skipping the gym to recover is necessary and not just a guilty pleasure. I’ll keep doing enduro because I love the speed and difficulty but it is truly hard to accept your days at a certain performance level are numbered.
  • 2 0
 @10DollarHelmet10DollarHead: wait until you get into your late 60’s. That pack becomes really thin. I still love to go downhill as fast as possible for my age, but I can’t hang with the younger boys on the climbs so it’s mostly solo rides, which isn’t as fun. Biking is best with a crew even if it’s only one or 2 others.
  • 1 1
 @DirkMcClerkin: it’s hilarious how my fastest times on my local trails are on a friend’s ebike (excluding climbing). Definitely can confirm what you said lol.
  • 10 3
 Yep, 58 and riding with the young bucks.
I agree with the term handicap bikes 100%. Harden the f$ck up - it’s biking, not moped riding.
@preston67:
  • 3 1
 Found the unfit people Smile
  • 4 1
 @DirkMcClerkin: how much is left in the tank after climbing is much more about your fitness than the bike
  • 2 2
 @Dogl0rd: There is no point in saying this, people just need to believe that this one light carbon bike makes their lives better and you do not mess up with people who believe in something, especially something that compensates for their failures. Telling them that they are wrong is totally pointless. Besides, economy needs them badly.
  • 2 2
 @MattInNZ: hope your doing 4x the trail work or donations to a trail association, too?
  • 1 1
 @toop182: Wow... that's not ideal and a bit of a shame. Like many, i kinda covet a Santa Cruz, my perception being it 'should' be the best out there.... but if the reality if different to the perception, then that would be a bit of a shame.
  • 2 1
 Two bikes mate, you need two bikes.
  • 2 0
 @chakaping: I need way more than 2.... but buying them is a bit more complex Smile
  • 1 0
 @toop182: Hightower is a great all rounder chief. up, down, jumping, racing. does it all.
  • 3 0
 @NWintheUSA: 45, worn out by life and had enough uphill pain in the Alps over the last 20 years. I may be handicapped, but I now very much enjoy going uphill and goofing around horizontal rock gardens on my moped. Manning up is a healthy man's game that depends on a lot of favourable factors.
  • 1 0
 @Dogl0rd: Totally. Distant second. But second none the less...
  • 2 0
 @dwbaillar: You mean like when they do trail bike shootouts? This was the Enduro bike shootout. It's literally a "longer travel DH oriented climbable bike" review.

That's fine if it's not the bike you need for your riding and area. Just be patient and wait till you get reviews on the bikes you're interested in. I'm on a 160/160 bike with DD tires and wish it was a 180/170 bike with DD tires. When I move in a month, I'll probably want to be on a 115/130 bike, and I'll check out the downcountry reviews.
  • 1 0
 @alwayslivingthedream: agree, I killed 2 shocks and was frustrated at the poor bottom out and shocking chain slap protection at the time. I am hoping for a new ripmo model soon
  • 2 0
 @Explodo: We should talk!! I'm in your age range and live close by!
  • 28 3
 Shag: Patrol
Marry: Claymore
Avoid: Fezzari
  • 7 14
flag covekid (Sep 6, 2022 at 18:10) (Below Threshold)
 I’d much rather avoid the Contra. Damn that thing is ugly….. The Fezzari looks like a supermodel by comparison!
  • 6 2
 I'd rather avoid the Megatower
  • 3 1
 Almost the same, but I'd be having sexytime with the Contra.
  • 4 0
 I know this is a joke, but I'd still like to defend the Fezzari. Not the best looker, thats for sure, but good value, good durability, good ride quality, great customer service.
  • 23 0
 I own and love the la sal peak. But if I were to deviate, The claymore looks super cool.
  • 23 0
 That is not a round table.
  • 34 16
 Fezzari still sounds like a wish ferrari knock off. Like you've said ferrari in the most over the top, stereotypical, racist Italian accent.
  • 65 1
 i cooka the pizza
  • 16 13
 racist? doing an italian accent is not racist lmao
  • 53 5
 @rideordie35: everything is racist try to keep up
  • 5 12
flag funboi-parisi (Sep 6, 2022 at 12:52) (Below Threshold)
 @rideordie35: disagree
  • 12 22
flag inked-up-metalhead (Sep 6, 2022 at 13:10) (Below Threshold)
 @rideordie35: doing an over the top, 'itsa me' Italian accent is most definitely racist.
  • 7 7
 @inked-up-metalhead: nationalist at a push, but not racist
  • 3 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: it's not racist, it'sa mee, Mario
  • 2 1
 So the origin is that the owners 10 year old son (at the time, the kid is probably in his 20s now) made up the name and the owner thought it was adorable so he stuck with it. Its like a big inside joke
  • 2 0
 Italianx*
  • 13 0
 Great work guys, really enjoying the format! How did you get along with the Continental control tires in Bellingham, compared to something like a set of Assegai/DHRII? Have you had any issues? Would you run them on your personal bikes? I seem to recall @mikekazimer saying in one of the recent podcasts that they work well and Seb also reviewed and apparently liked them. So maybe this one's more of a question for @mattbeer and/or @alicialeggett.
  • 11 0
 @DrHeadshot We were all impressed with how the @ContinentalMTB tires performed. The only way to get the grippiest compound, which was much needed in those wet conditions, is to select the DH-spec casing. That weight was a bit overkill for the Bellingham trails, but the 120 TPI DH casing is still supple. Without back to back tests against other tires, I couldn't go into exact details, but I'd like to spend more time on them.
  • 2 0
 I'm not any of the illustrious reviwers mentioned, but I am in the PNW (a bit closer to the Seattle Metro than Bellingham, but not far off).

I put on a DH casing/Supersoft Kryptotal F this summer, and ironically have it matched up with a Trail casing/Endurance compound Kryptotal R with an insert atm.

I'm pretty impressed honestly. Same with a number of buddies who came off of Assegai/DHR EXO+ combos. We'll see how it goes after the rain comes back in a month or so though.

The obvious oversight is the supersoft compound in the lighter casings, as the DH casing is way more than needed around here for normal trail riding (even though the DH casing pedals pretty well, at least out front, and it IS super damped which is great).

At the very least Enduro/Supersoft for the Kryptotal F and Argotal, and then a Trail/Soft. Although I'd honestly argue a Trail/Supersoft should exist as well, but that might just be a PNW thing. As even the "trail" casing, is decently beefy (~1050g or so for my 2.4x29 Kryptotal Re).
  • 3 0
 I'm running the kryptotal front/xynotal rear in the enduro/soft casings and I'm loving them, xynotal in the rear feels like a better aggressor/dissector and the kryptotal like a slightly better rolling assegai
  • 1 0
 Currently running Kryptotal Fr/Re in Enduro Casing and i really like them so far. Even in pretty muddy conditions they held up surprisingly well where i think with the previous mounted assegai/dhr combo i would have struggled a bit more.
  • 16 1
 Yeah, but the *next* generation of the reverb is gonna be perfect. -sram
  • 16 7
 Watched all these reviews and now the round table, and still wouldn't trade my 3 year old Enduro for any of them. Really impressive crop of bikes from Specialized last go round - Epic Evo, Stumpjumper, SJ Evo, and Enduro all ahead of the competition by a couple years - going to be a tough act for the Big S to follow.
  • 5 0
 I also have the current Enduro, and I simply love it. I cannot believe a bike with that much travel pedals so well - and on the way down it just rips. That said, I really wanted the Deviate Claymore when it was released, and I want one even more now that they reviews have landed. I suspect that the only reason Matt Beer didn't have it higher on the list is because of the reach. The bikes he resonated with happen to have the shortest reach in the test.
  • 1 0
 Call me crazy, but I keep spending money to maintain my '18 E29 (Ohlins coil model). Best bike around? Nope. But it just does everything so well for me, I can't see a reason to spend my money to replace it.
  • 2 1
 @JSTootell: I love my 2018 too, minus the paint fading in the sun (guess the pink pigment just wasn't meant to hold up to sunlight). It's amazing how something with 160mm of travel can pedal so well.
That being said, the next-gen Enduro does look very tempting. One of these days it will probably happen.
  • 5 0
 I understand buying a bike every two years from 2014-2018, as geometry completely changed, but people who do that now are mostly just spending money (nothing wrong with that, shiny things are fun). Bike geo has been pretty solid since 2018-19. I've wanted to replace my SJ Evo frame for a while, but updates like a Mezzer and Cascade link have kept it relevant; I'm not sure what a new bike could do that my current bike can't. My braindick wants the Patrol, but the SJ Evo is so capable and mod-able I can't imagine getting rid of it.
  • 1 0
 @4thflowkage: luckily for me, 2018 is four years ago. So, it’s totally justified.
  • 1 1
 Tried the Range and then the Megatower 2 but came back to the enduro because it fits me and does everything really well. No blind spots. I feel like the new mega probably just nips it but SC’s sizing put me on either too long or too short a bike.
  • 2 2
 New Enduro should be coming soon, I imagine it will be an evolution of the current design. Mullet compatibility, steeper seat tube angle.
  • 12 2
 Why is the Megatower the third most popular choice in the poll? It seems like the PB reviewers found nothing special about it but it cost a lot, has a bad dropper post and is loud.
  • 7 0
 Because it's a Santa Cruz, bro!
  • 1 0
 Fwiw my megatower came with a one up dropper post and is no longer loud since I installed a sram UDH instead of the santa cruz UDH
  • 1 0
 @gnarnaimo: I noticed they complained about the xo1 axs but not the gx. Is that really the issue just the hanger?
  • 2 1
 Marketing works.
  • 1 0
 @iridedj: Perhaps both, I haven't ridden an axs Megatower. It does seem axs derailleurs are noisy on every bike they are on however. The Santa Cruz UDH is unfortunately a miss by the brand.
  • 9 0
 I’ve got my eye on that claymore, but ride an XL and usually prefer longer chainstays. @alicialeggett you think the rearward axel path lengthens it enough to keep it balanced even with a longer front end?
  • 2 0
 CCing @mikekazimer on this question since he listed the chainstay length being the same for all sizes as a con.
  • 6 0
 It's wise to always keep your eye on a claymore
  • 2 0
 Did you already look at the kinematics diagrams on the Deviate website under Suspension Data? The rear axle is 10+mm back around sag and ~15-20mm in the midstroke. Have to imagine it doesn't ride like a 440mm rear center.
  • 1 1
 How tall are you? I'm 6ft 2 and my ideal sizing is 490 reach and a 440 chainstay as a mullet. Anything longer than that isn't good for my trails which are mainly in woods but I can still race. Short chainstays are life
  • 2 0
 Same with the XL size. I think people decide on a length or chain stay size and then get all bent out of shape not finding their 'preferred' size. I was the same, and then thought ah-sod-it!...and bought a Slash that is 3mm shorter than my self imposed 'minimum'. Two things now come to mind a. I don't think I can actually feel the 3mm difference b. I've stopped worrying about it and just ride my bike.
  • 8 0
 Glad to see the shoutout to TRP brakes.

I'm on some OG Quadiems, and have had exactly zero problems with them since I installed them. The longest single descent I've had with them was ~2300ft of elevation loss, and the biggest single day I've had on them was 13,000ft. Never once had them do anything weird. They don't pump up, fade, squeal, or vibrate. The bite point doesn't wander, and you can use Shimano pads, and mineral oil so you can find the consumables anywhere.

Plus the few times I've reached out to TRP support (new frame build, needed longer hoses, and they'd changed from my old hose size to new ones, wanted to make sure which was compatible), they've been back to me in less than a day each time.

I know there are lots of great brakes out there. But given my experience with these, and the pro reviews who seem to gush about them, I'm likely to try the DHR-Evo/Trail's on my next build.
  • 4 0
 for what it's worth, i never got along with the Quadiems and eventually just went back to Zees. The DHR-Evos on the other hand have been amazing and i can't imagine going back to Zees now.
  • 1 0
 @ervandew:

Sounds like the DHR-Evos will be an even larger future upgrade then Smile .
  • 2 0
 Curious if you can do a quick bubble-bleed type-thing on these like the Shimano's. Have to admit that's the main reason I stick with Shimano--for ease of maintenance.
  • 2 0
 @IamZOSO:

You totally can. They even sell a first party bleed cup that is basically identical to the shimano one (with the different fitting of course).

Its how I do most of my more "maintenance" bleeds.
  • 1 0
 @ocnlogan: Oooo I'm sold then! Thanks!
  • 2 0
 @IamZOSO: The difference is you probably don't need to ! My Shimano brakes always felt better if I bubble bled them every week or two. I'd bubble bleed my DH brakes after every day in the park. In my case I bought Dominions - yeah I can't bubble bleed them, have to break out the syringes, but I also don't need to !
  • 1 0
 @ervandew: I had quadiems for like two years as well, loved the modulation and build quality, but power was lacking. Replaced them with mt5's and have been pretty happy. They don't have the unbreakable feel but I've got a dealer close by so it's ok

If I could get dhr evos and a guarantee of good fast aftermarket support I'd get them in a heartbeat
  • 8 0
 @mikekazimer @alicialeggett @mattbeer : The one thing we didn't get was a quick discussion of what were your favorite/least favorite bikes for climbing. Any chance of a quick comment on that side of things?
  • 3 0
 Yeah and it sucks there is no efficiency test. I thought those were one of the better tests.
  • 8 0
 I'd like to know the answer to the following question: "If you were going to take one bike an on all day epic alpine ride with tons of climbing and descending, which would you take?"
  • 1 0
 @DBoyle: I agree. This is the type of ride that I can see (some) of these bikes behind used for.
  • 3 0
 @MarcusBrody We'll discuss how the bikes performed uphill in the Impossible Climb video too.
  • 1 0
 @mattbeer: Thanks!
  • 8 1
 Why Rock Shox hasn't done away with the Reverb is beyond me. Makes no sense when there are soooooo many better/cheaper options.
  • 3 0
 Although they haven't discontinued it, the Reverb AXS has essentially supplanted it. I imagine that SRAM doesn't want to only have a super expensive post, and also doesn't want to adopt the same basic cartridge design of most other budget posts on the market. I haven't tried the current Reverb AXS yet, but its a few tweaks away from being ideal. Not having cables is huge. It's apparently smooth and has the bleed port if necessary. If RS can poach a few features from the One Up dropper - a 200 mil option, limit the insertion depth, and make it shimable - it would be worth the cost. That's a lot of ask, through.
  • 3 0
 @jerrytek:There is probably a good reason Sram hasn't brought out a 200mm Reverb AXS. I've seen one get buzzed by the rear tyre on a small frame long travel enduro bike. They would need a redesign to get rid of the little battery unit at the rear of the post to give more tyre clearance
  • 5 0
 I bought the Intense!!! Rode it at Sun Peaks, Silver Star, Snoqualmie, Duthie and Galbraith over the last few weeks. The bike can handle it all. The Chad storage system is awesome!!! I'm running a One up with tools so the only time I need to open the storage up is if I get a flat.
  • 6 1
 Commencal Sx Ohlins edition is what I’ve on order.
Bike park, tick!
Fast on the gnar, tick!
Good uphill traction, tick!
Quite bike, tick tick!
They rated the Ohlins suspension, tick!
Great price, TICK TICK!
Just have to ride it fast to get the cornering tick….
Clicks on all the how to corner fast videos on YouTube
  • 6 0
 I ended up with the meta sx, no regrets, such a great bike for where i ride. The difference between it and my previous bike is rather shocking actually (older RM altitude).
  • 2 0
 Got one on order before these reviews came out. Still getting it anyway.
Mullet was main factor price was second.
How do you find the cornering?
FYI I'm getting a medium (172cm height) Ohlins edition for reference.
  • 2 0
 @ryandodgeshaw:
Congrats i think you're going to like it especially with the Ohlins setup. I got mine second week of july, i am 188cm and went with a large.

With regards to cornering...fairly quickly i felt my downhill confidence, and competence, increased because of the stability that is quite apparent with this bike. Admittedly the uphill climbs is where i got caught out a few times simply because of the 29' front wheel that i wasn't use to on certain tight switchbacks. After a half dozen climbs or so my strategy changed for climbing and i haven't looked back since. For me the meta sx really does blow away my previous bike and has rekindled my love of riding, in fact i have ridden almost every day since i got it.
  • 1 0
 @ModularSynth: Thanks bru! Helpful!
It's always interesting to hear thoughts of the people that actually own and ride a bike I'm getting.
Looking forward to picking mine up..... In November lol
#forkshortage
  • 10 2
 That Tracer looks tasty. Wish it was a full 29 bike though.
  • 7 3
 Exactly why I didn't pick it, I'm not interested in a mullet.
  • 1 0
 Full 29 is being released shorty from what I hear…..
  • 1 0
 @covekid: A couple months away... :-/
  • 11 2
 I'll take the Patrol.
  • 1 0
 oops. meant to upvote not down vote
  • 6 0
 A few years ago when we saw a $11.2k ebike, it was super-expensive. Now a "simple" enduro bike can costs that much Frown
  • 7 0
 Polite request for Grim Donut 2 review
  • 5 0
 for the frame only option bikes...rest of the build kits were done by PB or from bike company?
  • 14 1
 Those bikes were tested as supplied by the companies.
  • 2 2
 @mikekazimer: I feel like this comment words has reversed.
  • 1 0
 @DKlassen8: What? I think you got it reversed ???.
  • 6 0
 @Joecx: It used to read: "Those bikes were supplied as tested by the companies." Sneaky Kaz done and edited his comment and made me look like a fool!
  • 2 0
 @DKlassen8: LOL, we are all fools at one time or another, I guess it was your turn.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: I sent you a question to your inbox, please respond if you could thanks.
  • 5 0
 Always like to see how these compare against past winners, newest is not always better.
  • 4 0
 Lots of cool bikes in this test. Even though these are some of the newest bikes on the market there isn't a notable performance improvement over the "old" Specialized Enduro.
  • 2 0
 nailed it. They were like...but the Enduro still kills it... lmfao nice try guys
  • 3 0
 @DBoyle: The fact that they didn't say any of them surpassed the Enduro says it all. 4 years old now and everyone else still can't find that level. The fact that they are known for cracking is probably the only reason people get rid of them.
  • 2 0
 @fwp39: The cracking is a pretty big deal! Great bike design... geo is a little aging in the STA and HTA. I really wanted to get one, but the thing has two common crack locations... and a seemingly high rate of failure. Probably not a huge issue if you buy new from Spesh... but that cracking issue has killed any resale value on the Enduros.
  • 2 0
 I think we are hitting a period of stabilization in the geometry evolution. The Enduro was early on this current design. Heck, the original Ripmo is still a great trail bike, just maybe not in the league of the current long travel enduro bikes. The last 5 years has seen some great changes and now we are in a bit of a golden age where everything is pretty dang good.
  • 3 0
 @whambat: I think you’re right. I don’t see enduro and trail bike geo getting too much slacker/steeper at this point. I doubt we will see any mainstream bikes slacker than 62 degree head angles any time soon. I guess if we start seeing 600mm+ reach on bikes we could see 90 degree seat angles lol.
  • 1 0
 @Baller7756: 200lbs rider with over a 100 rides on my Enduro, the cracking isn’t a huge deal. If they steepen up the seat tube angle they will need a S6 size…
  • 1 0
 @somebody-else: OK… it’s not a climbing bike anyway, but certainly it could do with a 1 degree slacker HTA.

Would you pay $2500-$3000 for a used frame, or $6000 for a used Spesh Enduro knowing about the cracking issues?
  • 2 0
 @Baller7756: I grabbed a Comp build back when it came with a 170 Lyrik, the price was much better over a year ago (I even got a $200 discount LOL).

I only ride it in low position (63.9), recently I swapped it to a 180 Zeb, so it’s roughly 63.3 now. I tried a Slack-R 1.5 degree in it with both forks but that was too much for most trail riding.

It’s not a whippet on the climbs, but it’s got the traction to get up things I haven’t been able to on my old Ripmo AF or Reign.

I won’t buy any frame used, I even bought a new Chromag and those are absolutely bomb proof.
  • 5 0
 How does the Ohlins fork compare to the rest?
  • 4 1
 Id love to know this as well. I just built a new megatower with the ohlins fork and I cant tell if i love it or hate it. Id love to hear the field testers opinions on the different forks
  • 5 0
 I've got Fox, RS, and Ohlins. Imo the Ohlins is step more refined than the others. It's way easier to set up, and the ride quality is better. There's just a smoothness to it I've never been able to get with the others.
  • 13 0
 Check out Vital Mtb “let’s go racing” series on their YouTube channel. The presenter is building a bike to race enduro professionally and tests different brands for bars, wheels, brakes and suspension. Ohlins wins out in the suspension department (and trp wins for brakes which seems to echo the pb roundtable praise about those brakes). Definitely a great series to watch in its entirety.
  • 4 0
 @haen: that series was so good.
  • 2 2
 @haen: I really thought they should add the Suntour forks and shocks there.
  • 1 0
 @crustin: I second that! Excellent series.
  • 1 0
 @PhoS: I wonder if Pinkbike don't want to come out and say that one fork is better than another...
  • 2 0
 @InstantBreakfast: that's like asking your friends if your girl is cute or not
  • 2 0
 @Notmeatall: Formula, Manitou, Intend, DVO. The list goes on. Enduro mag did a pretty extensive test in late 2020. Would love to see them repeat with current offerings.
  • 3 0
 @InstantBreakfast:

You hate it. Howsabout a straight swap for my Lyrik?
  • 5 1
 Regarding the comment about the Intense and Fezzari being high energy; wouldn't increasing the rebound damping fix that?
  • 2 1
 I thought something along the lines of that too. But these people know how to turn the dials on their suspension so that can't be it. I did wonder if e.g. a custom shock tune or different shock would fix it, there was no mention of this possibility @mattbeer @alicialegget. Because compared to the retail price, a custom tune would not be that expensive.
  • 1 0
 @alicialeggett of course. Where is the edit button?
  • 1 0
 One more question:would this be different with a heavier rider? Sounds like it, but those who rode the bikes might know better.
  • 1 0
 It depends on the leverage curve of the bike. You can only do so much with damping adjustments otherwise you end up fixing one area of the travel only to negatively effect another. Like maybe you slow the rebound to tame some of that pop but now it’s too slow at the top stroke so it chatters etc.. maybe it’s a really special tune like a progressive rate rebound you can make it better but these are all off the shelf bikes. I think this is a big part of why your seeing more bikes going towards a flattish linearly progressive curve so it’s easier to tune in the damping adjustments and not run into weird flow restrictions etc. as mentioned in the Atherton bike article.
  • 1 0
 @ak-77: Maybe a custom tune would improve those bikes, but I'm guessing the number of people who get custom tuned suspension small. Besides, the bike company should be shipping bikes with shocks that are suited for their suspension design. For the most part, I think that riders should only expect to need a custom tuned shock if they're well outside the weight norm for a given frame size.
  • 4 0
 @avgas: I agree with those points, but
1: Judging from what I see around me on trails and in bike parks, people with the BMI and riding abilities of @alicialeggett would not be my reference if I was product manager ordering shocks for a bike brand. I would get them tuned for heavier people riding slower.
2 An in depth review like this is made better if it can pinpoint the cause of (and maybe even solution to) negative aspects of a bike. If it can at the same time advertise to the readers that money is better spent on suspension personalization than on gold colored stanchions, it's even better.
  • 1 0
 @fiekaodclked @Jesse221 Nailed it.
  • 5 0
 So - what happened to the grim donut?
  • 2 0
 Oh yeah, it was supposed to be part of this field test, right? Maybe it’s still to come, like a bonus at the very end?
  • 1 0
 @Twin8: 2 years since the original grim donut and 1 year since pivot made the grim donut 2.0 and zero follow up on the thing. Bizarre.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer, when you say the Tracer is too energetic, does that just come down to the suspension? If it were tuned softer and less "springy" would that help it feel more controlled?
  • 1 0
 I've been searching for a replacement for my 2018 Rallon for a while now which has been the perfect bike for me but a bit short. Tried a bit shorter travel w/ a long stroked Evil Calling w/ a coil which was fun and amazing but still a tad short, Then went Wreckoning V3 which was almost perfect but the seat tube insertion was too shallow so I had to run the seat with setup where the seat was either too high when dropped or too low for climbing, .It climbed well but was a pig compared to my Rallon. Ridden a Firebird, Enduro, Ripmo, and few others. but nothing felt good enough for me to buy. I've been trying to get a shop to order a new Rallon frame but to no avail...Orbea won't sell it even if I'm willing to wait a year or more.. Just pulled the trigger on a Claymore, Frame only no shock. I have all the parts to build it up already, X01 Drivetrain, gonna test a DHX2/and Float X on it (X is the perfect big guys air shock) and RF Next R cranks/Bar Turbine stem. Fork is gonna be a Trust Shout but I also have a 23 Zeb Ulti, and a 22 Fox 38 in my parts bin if I want to. Due in October....time to hurry up and wait Sorry for the long post lol
  • 2 0
 So how much did you mortgage your house for and how many organs did you sell?
  • 1 0
 @FloydTShark: Current Stable is a Transition Spur X01 w/. Float X/Fox 36, The Rallon, a Trek Rail 7 highly upgraded, and Rise H-LTD. I have a California Mortgage and if the bikes cost me in organs I'd only have my junk left....lol
  • 1 0
 but what grips do you have?
  • 1 0
 @k2theg: LOL
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer @mikelevy
Thoughts on a “tier-list” style comparison down the road? I feel like we’be got quite the catalogue of bikes to compare with. I know the Enduro is always compared to but I’d be curious how other past favorites like the Altitude or Spire stack up against the pack.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the reviews. I was debating on the Megatower and that's what I choose in the pool because I don't know much about these other bikes availability. However, after hearing about the Megatower noise I think I'm going to be looking into the Yeti SB150 in C2 with Fox Factory Suspension. Hoping to go and check it out tomorrow while it's on sale if still available. I also rode a Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy a few weeks ago around the shop and was very impressed with the components! But it's a little heavy at over 33lbs. So many dope bikes makes it hard to choose. I figured I would stick with Enduro even though I have a 26" dedicated DH rig.
  • 1 0
 A lot of people losing their perspective on the Santa Cruz price.

There is a Megatower S build available with near identical specs to the Patrol for $6800.

Would be good to see a more apples to apples review.
  • 2 0
 Interesting selection of bikes overall. Do these vendors pay to have their product in the test ? how does PB decide on the bikes on test ? @mikekazimer
  • 11 0
 Nope, there's no cost to have product reviewed on Pinkbike. A lot of it comes down to availability, and which bikes we haven't reviewed yet or were recently released. We try to get a mix of mainstream and more obscure brands in these tests to keep things interesting.
  • 2 5
 @mikekazimer: Why does your field test tolerate such a significant discrepancy in the purchase prices - ie) the mega? It clearly impacts the overall experience of the product.

Perhaps a pick up truck roundtable for shuttling? Ram: "Oops, all we have is this TRX".
  • 4 0
 @billybilly, again, a lot of it has to do with what's available - often times the media samples end up having high end builds. We do our annual Value Field Test every year to try to counteract that a bit, but there's obviously no getting around the fact that the bikes in this round-up are really expensive. However, I don't think that the ride experience would be altered that dramatically if these bikes had more mid-range components; the chassis is still the same.
  • 4 3
 @mikekazimer: I've said it many times before, but IMO in a comparative test like this, testers should be allowed to upgrade (or downgrade) components at will to get equal price points. This is what most people do, so this is how tests should be. Manufacturers should be given a price point indication for the test, and if they go over they can not complain if a part gets swapped for something lower end.
  • 2 0
 @ak-77: if you give these manufacturers rules to follow when sending free bikes out for a test, many will probably not bother.
  • 1 0
 @thisc*nt: Not true. There are many media outlets that do tests of e.g.
"6 trail bikes with a price below 3000 euros compared". The manufacturers send those bikes for free. Also, I have never noticed that it was not allowed to switch out parts in a test. E. G. Control tires here, but I have seen plenty of Pinkbike tests where a fork or wheel set was changed to see what the effect was. So there is nothing stopping this format IMO.
  • 5 2
 If you had to choose one for an XC race which bike from the field test would you guys choose?
  • 3 0
 100% the Contra or meta sx. Super light bikes that zoom up hills
  • 6 2
 720p video? What is this, a throwback to 2005?
  • 1 0
 I know its kind of an outlier but has anyone ridden the trek slash as well? The patrol looks fun and so does the megatower but im still for some reason interested in the slash. Looks like a session too
  • 3 0
 Deviate caught my eye. Amazing that companies are finding ways to make the hi pivot pedal better.
  • 3 0
 The Claymore is super sexy just wish the stack was higher on the XL.
  • 3 1
 If that's the only thing stopping you, ProTaper makes a 76mm rise bar Smile
  • 3 1
 @AndrewHornor: that'd be like putting a mustache on a super model.
  • 1 0
 @thisc*nt: how did you know thats how I like my supermodels?
  • 2 0
 @Spencermon: because that's an imperial supermodel. Metric supermodels (as preferred by most of the world) are mustache free.
  • 1 0
 @thisc*nt: "It took me like three hours to finish the shading on your upper lip. It's probably the best drawing I've ever done"
  • 1 0
 @thisc*nt: imperial, imperial, there's gotta be some Star Wars joke in here somewhere.
  • 3 0
 New 5010 inc, is it a mullet?
  • 2 0
 I am surpriced how they did not talk high about the fastest bike Contra MC.
  • 4 2
 You guys could refuse to cover or review all bikes with cables that run through the headset.
  • 3 1
 No. Review them and keep saying what a bad idea it is.
  • 3 2
 For those of you using a Mullet setup, are you carrying two tubes to rescue you from flats? Or am I the only one that hate's walking home?
  • 5 0
 I've never tried it, but rumor has it that a 650b tube can stretch into a 29" wheel. In the unlikely scenario you get a front flat, it sounds like the smaller tube could get you home in a "pinch"
  • 5 0
 One tube to save them all
  • 13 0
 One tube will work with different wheel sizes if you get a little creative. 27.5" tubes will stretch to 29", or a 29" tube can be slid into itself to get it to fit a 27.5" rim. Also, tire plugs help make tubes less necessary these days - tubes are more of a last resort.
  • 2 0
 @formerbmxguy: We've got people home with 29" tubes in a 27.5" wheel too. All good.
  • 1 0
 I've tried it both ways and find it easier to get the 29 tube into the 27.5 wheel rather than stretch a smaller tube onto the larger diameter rim. I wouldn't leave a misfit tube in there long term but I've never had any issues with doing this.
  • 5 1
 I've ridden entire seasons with a 26" tube in a 29 wheel, and a 29 tube in a 26" wheel (back in the day before reliable tubless and 650b )
  • 1 0
 You can always jam a 29 tube in a 27.5 tire -- done it many times. Though I can't really remember the last time I front-flatted...
  • 4 1
 Tubes? You could try double down casings and tire sealant… never had a flat that way. Even dealing with installing Cush core sounds better than tubes. Lol
  • 2 1
 I ride a mullet. Put double down casings, the correct amount of tire sealant and you’ll never have a problem. I carry tire plugs on long rides before I’ll ever carry a tube.
  • 3 1
 Tire inserts front & rear, plugs, sealant & Co2. No tubes required.

You can still ride out on an insert in a pinch, but that hasn't happened yet to me.
  • 2 1
 Do people carry tubes anymore? If you have a heavier tire casing the most you should need is tire plugs and extra sealant.
  • 4 0
 @MT36: until you smash a rim……..
  • 3 1
 @thatguyzack: I guess you've not ridden the kind of terrain I ride every day. Killed three rims with DD tires last season. Tire insert has that number down to only 1 tire this year.
  • 1 0
 @stubs179: Last several rims I smashed, I just rode out on the smashed rim. The tube wasn't going to save the day anyway.

I gave up on carrying a tube. Three years carrying one and never once used it. Also finally gave in and put in an insert after finally finding a rim that wouldn't cave underneath me, but got tired of pinch flats with DD tires. Though I did get by for a good month with bacon sticking out of my sidewall on my last tire.
  • 2 0
 @MT36: Absolutely. In fact, a few months ago it saved my buddy when a massive branch blasted through his brand new tire (the tire was on its first ride). The hole was so big that even the tube itself was trying to bulge out of the gash, no plug in the world would have saved that. It got us to the cars without having to walk of shame the last few miles as it was getting dark.
Also, the tube just fits in the storage area of my frame, so I don't even think about it until I need it
  • 1 0
 I've done multi day alpine tours where I carried a spare tire in case I would smash one in the three days of rocky descents before the next bike shop. Mullet bike would make that even more annoying. Though in honesty, I was on a 29 and my buddy on 27 so we each had to carry one anyway, if we had been on the same size we would have carried one tire between us.
  • 1 0
 @MT36: Ripped my tire at Silver Star. Flipped the bike over took the tire off and pulled the tube out of the storage and off I went in about 8 minutes.
  • 4 0
 Ok then, riders are definitely still carrying tubes hahaha
I run DH casings and haven't had the need to even carry bacon strips (although i still do just in case).
Cheers to everyone sending it harder than me and destroying wheels
  • 1 0
 A 26" tube will fit a 29" tire without any problem.
  • 1 0
 @thatguyzack: awfully confident over here....but I like your still. Tubes are for noobs
  • 3 0
 @JSTootell: I use about 1 tube a year. Wether it’s for me or someone on the trail. I personally run aluminum rims and DH casing tires so a tube will usually get me out. If I destroy a rim so bad I can’t make a tube hold, I’d be walking no matter what.

Everyone has different experiences and rides different terrain I guess.
  • 2 0
 Who flats a front tire?
  • 1 1
 @RonSauce: I was just riding a double black at a bike park following my GF this last weekend (Skidmarks at Mammoth), when a guy flatted his front right as he caught us.

I don't know what his setup was, besides he was running a tube. But he was riding with the guy who runs the local DH series (Fontana, where Gwin used to show up on occasion) so I would *think* he had a decent enough setup.
  • 1 0
 Years ago I was riding a friends 29er and flatted it. My bike was a 26 and I only had a 26 tube which I stretched into the 29er wheel and rode home. A year later I visited him again and realized that he was still running the 26 tube...
  • 5 3
 Am I the only one that really wants 2 water bottle mounts on my big rig these days? So nice not carrying a hydration pack.
  • 1 0
 Yes
  • 6 0
 Are you familiar with Pinkbike? We're here to debate which 38mm forks to ride down blues slowly, give kindergarten suspension advice to a former national downhill champion and make cringy comments about the female editor who is actually excellent at her job. Take that pragmatic hydration talk somewhere else :-)

My Guerrilla Gravity fits 2 bottles and it's one of my favorite features!
  • 3 0
 @jdejace: i think alicia has the most on-the-nose input amongst the panel
  • 3 1
 I voted for the transition because it’s relatively light and relatively cheap.
  • 1 0
 I really thought the Intense was going to be higher in the list. But confused some.. a top choice to be raced but last to want to ride. Fro.
  • 2 0
 the patrol is the perfect galbraith bike. anyone should be able to do a couple laps with that bike.(55yo. 2020 patrol)
  • 1 2
 I gotta say, as a buyers guide these field tests are becoming pretty lame. Too few bikes tested, and even within the few that are here there’s a pretty wild range of categories. And there’s always some boutique bike that folks can’t realistically get their hands on in a reasonable timeframe. Seems way less “info” and way more “-tainment”. Test the bikes the buyers have access to, against bikes with the same focus, and test more of them. Including that bike you already tested last year (huge eye roll) because you know what? Folks want to actually know how all the main bikes available now stack up to help them make a pretty significant poor financial decision Smile
  • 1 2
 Still very much enjoy the top level infotainment, however. But a bit underwhelming in scope. Moar bykes
  • 2 0
 Almost there! Huck to flat tomorrow I hope
  • 2 0
 The Groove Tube resurfaces!
  • 1 0
 The groove tube and Kentucky fried movie are too funny!!
  • 1 0
 @mattbeer my new favourite presenter. Vindicating my purchase. @mikekazimer we’re fighting now.

#TEAMMegatower.
  • 3 1
 People who voted Fezzari just want to watch the world burn
  • 1 0
 Call these freeride bikes. 140 130 120 trail bikes with inserts and good tires for the win!
  • 1 0
 sounds a little bit as if mike knows a little about the new enduro. maybe even has one already.
  • 4 6
 Dear pinkbike, please consider doing field tests for bikes for short riders (like less than 5'3") and perhaps extra tall riders? So hard to find good bikes that fit short adults.
  • 1 0
 My GF rides an XS Patrol, still too large for her. She definitely feels that pain.
  • 1 0
 Buy an Athertail 150. They are made to suit each individual rider
  • 1 0
 Why your request got canned is typical here on PB! It Shows how ignorant some people can be.

Look at Pivot bikes; Chris Cocalis thinks about the short people to and their bikes are pretty darn good!
  • 1 0
 Now do a direct comparison to the endruo haha
  • 1 0
 Throw these guys in the lake!!! www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRPK4vyU
  • 3 2
 WHO BUY A SANTACRUZ SERIOUSLY ?????? buy 2 commencal instead ??? wtf!
  • 1 0
 how come no pivot firebird???
  • 1 0
 So when are Commencal gonna release a new 180mm-travel Supreme SX?
  • 1 0
 Sounds like you four had a lot of fun making this.
  • 2 2
 Love the field tests. Patiently waiting for the XC test.
  • 1 0
 #lookslikeanenduro
  • 1 2
 Pretty sure the Specialized Enduro's layout is a copy of the Santa Cruz Nomad V4.
  • 1 0
 Nah…Enduro is a case of looks like a Demo
  • 1 2
 5800 minimum price .... LOL
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