Our Favorite Full Suspension Bikes Under $3000 From The 2021 Pinkbike Field Trip
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- Опубліковано 19 сер 2024
- You have seen the individual reviews, but which of our five Field Trip full suspension trail bikes came out on top? Join Mike Levy and Sarah Moore to see which bikes surprised them, which bikes they liked and which ones didn't quite hit the mark.
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More Pinkbike videos:
Ibis' $3,000 Ripley AF Review: Precise AF | 2021 Pinkbike Field Trip
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Devinci's $2,299 Marshall Review: Capable All-Rounder | 2021 Pinkbike Field Trip
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How Many Skinnies Can We Ride In One Lap? | North Shore Skinny Challenge
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Title should be changed to - “Our favourite bikes nobody can get under $3k anytime soon”
Disagree polygon is available
Industry is messed up
😂
You need to find a trustworthy reseller that takes pre-orders, is willing to give estimates and ensures you that the bike you ordered is actually in backorder at the factory.
People often avoid pre-orders, so often those are still available :)
Now they’re well over $3k 😭
The Siskiu T that I bought is my first MTB purchase since the early 2000s. It has really sparked my enthusiasm and ride time for mountain biking. I once associated trail riding with a garaunteed otb. No longer! I love that bike.
Love my n7 as well
Im the one who judge the bike by its look too, yeah and I think the marin is so beautiful until i see the close up footage from the siskiu T8, dude that paint job is really on the next level, and the fact that marin and polygon is made in the same factory is amaze me to lol
Only downside is that the Marin bikes usually are specced really bad for their prices
Love the series, well done. Two very accomplished knowledgeable riders giving honest feed back is great to see. Also confirms my recent purchase of the T8 🤙
I want that T8!
It’s over already? That was fast!
Ik, right? I can't believe it's over. It seemed to(and did) go so quickly.
🤔Insert that's what she said joke here 😁
Yeah it seemed way shorter than the usual field trips.
No impossible climb?
Come on man!
@@rolux4853 I think stuff like impossible climb and huck to flat is still to come
@@vtecmossy 😩😩
Polygon makes some of the highest quality budget bikes on the market
Trash bikes
@@clydechai1720 Definitely aren't trash.
I can definitely vouch for the Polygon Siskiu T8. Comfortable on both ascend and descend. No Ragrets!
As a 200lb SoCal high desert rider, I will only use Shimano 4 piston resin pads (although I have XT rotors) due to how they feel. A ton of power, bite and best of all..... they're freaking quite as a church mouse. If I rode in the wet then it might be different.
Love that Polygon Siskiu T8!
I've bought the Rift Zone 3 in 2020 back when it was a bit under $2600. (Getting it dialed in cost another $350). Between the price increase which were not accompanied by single upgrade for 2021 and the competition from the likes of Ibis etc, I don't see why you would buy one today. Don't get me wrong, I like the bike and it does everything I want, but it's good, not great. If you are on a more limited budget go with the Rift Zone 2 and upgrade later as needed.
That said, their description of the Rift Zone did not match my experience with it. It feels very planted descending. It's not plush but stable. However it is a heavy bike and it doesn't feel like an efficient climber until you flick the lockout. The one thing I agree with completely is that when climbing it doesn't have the kind of ground hugging suspension that creates endless traction. It has lot's of antisquat and you need to stand to let the rear move up and over sharper edged obstacles on the way up.
You guys need to make a special exemption and add "Status" MTB - 140 by Specialized.
For 2600$, you get a Fox Rhythm 36, DPX2 rear shock, 140mm of travel - albeit it's a mullet.
Additionally, would be nice if these were compared to last years budget line up.
For example - the Mythique VRX (albeit, that model didn't change much this year) but the others did (e.g. Meta TR).
Love the look of that Status! Gonna have to check that out.
Polygon looks and seems like fun 10 out of 10 would do a buy tbh it's more so the paintjob but nice bike
Thanks for actually testing these and not just looking at specs.
It's always weird watching these in the UK. The Marin they said wasn't quite as good as the ibis... But in the UK the Marin rift zone 2 is £2,550 ($3300 USD ) and the ibis is £3599 ($4694 USD ) that's a huge price difference
Surprised there was no mention of those Ibis wheels.
Over here in Europe the brand "Radon" is definitely the way to go. It is insane what you get for your money in comparison with other brands!
Pink Bike: "Let's make a video on things trail builders hate which includes skidding."
Also Pink Bike: "Let's film ourselves testing bikes which include skidding."
Be consistent Pink Bike.
Ha; I noticed that too.
Yeah, as someone who spends heaps of time building trails, seeing back wheels locked up is so uncool. Heaps of people watch these videos, let's show them how to ride in a manner that doesn't wreck our tracks. Please.
Love this! Finally Bikes I can affort xD
Polygon and Devinci look the best tho
This is a great test for lots of people, I think right around $2750 is where you start seeing the benefits of a full sus over a hardtail for the same price
For me it's $2643.67
@@kool_dud8547 5head precisely
CDN or USD?
@@fcbotieno usd
I’m very happy with my Devinci Marshall! I wish it wasn’t as heavy as it is… but perhaps a few upgrades like fork and wheels would put it in a lighter weight class. Overall it has handled everything well
Brakes seem to be a sore point so why not have a brake test? Lets see what brakes give the best performance over all, OEM equipped and after market.
Also known as "2021 bikes that might be available by 2023".
I had to scratch my head at any reference to value when it come to the Ripley AF - in Australia, it's over $2,000 more than the Polygon!
In fact the Deore build Ripley AF is now US$3700!
That "Giant Trance X" has an amazing look ❤️😀 he got a vote for me 🙂😀
Snagged the last T8 in Switzerland. Rode it 1x, then broke my arm the next day. Now I just get to look at it for 6-8 weeks...
I wish you a speedy recovery 🙏
Next bike probably going to be the Ripley AF or (presumably new this August) Giant Trance 29 (the original 115mm travel one). If the price and spec of the current Trance 29 carries over to a modern frame for next year it'll be a very tough choice.
It's been cool seeing Sarah do these, but I miss the Kazimer/Levy combo.
I think they rotate, Kazimer did value one last time round and Sarah did the expensive ones
@@bongocat5223 border is closed, Kazimer can’t join them in Canada for the testing
Would love to see you guys do a review out side the big names ie. Fezzari
I never heard of them before and just googled them.
They seem to be pretty good and the pricing starts pretty low with decent parts, but also can get up really high.
I’d like to try one, but I’ve never seen on in Germany.
Not in a store, neither online.
💥$$🔥 Polygon FTW
I cant understand a bike being 3k after-tax being called cheap!~
I totally agree with Levy's complaint about Brakes! I bought a NX V1 Ripmo to save some money and hated the Level T's so much, I went out and bought SLX 4 piston brakes. Although, SLX are good, they don't seem to bite consistently as Levy explained.
It would be great if you guys could do a Brake review. I'm curious about Magura.
As I mentioned previously, I went from a Ripley to a Ripmo. I still miss my Ripley, and may get a used one as a backup bike. Very fun bike!!
From other reviews, magura mt5s are very well reviewed. I would say they're comparable to Shimano XT 4 piston brakes. Both systems use mineral oil, which I consider a plus (less messy than dot fluid). You could also go "shi-gura" since most Shimano levers are compatible with magura calipers. Double check on some forums before you go shi-gura!
@@EcologicTwinkie I just spoke to my LBS about them and they mentioned while they are good Magura has some issues, such as oil leaks. He suggested that I get XTR. If I decide to do that I would sell my SLX set first.
@@NDemanuele1 Hope you went XT. XTR with a hair more weight. No way anything XTR is worth the upcharge.
I don't understand the problem with mixing Shimano and SRAM. I prefer Shimano brakes and SRAM drivetrains and haven't noticed any ergonomic issues with the levers.
Nice comparaison, but what about the Canyon Spectral al 5
I have had bikes with the same problem where you can really reach the SRAM shifter with the Shimano break but since the Shimano brake levers are long on the cheap stuff you can just put on the break lever first then slide n the shifter. BAM problem solved.
got the giant trance and got to say its been treating me nicely wish it had a bit more back travel but the fox shock is nice
I just started MTB riding 6 months ago. I've started on a Polygon Extrada 5 (2x10 hardtail). My plan is to have it for at least a year then buy the Siskiu T8. Polygon is well made using premium components for very competitive prices.
Is polygon sold in the US? Did you order online? The Siskui is currently out of stock.
@@kentabella2524 yes. Google it. Bikes online
My only regret with my T8 purchase is that I didn't make it a year ago. Thing is awesome.
Just bought a Giant Trance 3. It’s funny you mentioned sedona AZ because that’s exactly where I’m riding 😂👍🏻 that and Phoenix rocky trails etc 🙌🏻
Can you explain what it is EXACTLY you didn't like about the Rockshox Gold RL fork? It came stock on my current bike and this being my first bike in close to twenty years, I'm just curious what it is about that fork that does not gel for you
Stumpjumper 2021?
I think its unfair to compare marin in a size medium to the ibis in a size large, of course in that case ripley is going to feel more stable
In Canada the Devinci is by far the cheapest one. Like the polygon you have to pay shipping and taxes and a 13% duty and that would put it right around $3000
The Devincis are a tad more expensive down here in the lower 48, but not terribly so. The idea that I can get Weagle suspension, 148 spacing, a threaded BB, in an alloy frame is good, (That's why the Ripley AF and Ripmo AF are on my list.) But the North American manufacture of the Devinci *is* a selling point for me. If that Marshall becomes available frame-only, it will probably be my next bike.
Unfortunately Devinci upped the price after this was made, currently Marshal is $2799 CAD, with taxes its above $3K.
This may be old news but, I bought a Polygon Siskiu T8 from MEC here in Toronto, back in July of this year (2022) and it came to $4000 all in.
At the time, it was ordered in, but they now have them on site.
They often have sales throughout the year as well, and I've seen it drop temporally at least 2 or 3 times since I bought mine.
What about the stumpjumper?
Waiting for IMPOSSIBLE CLIMB AND HUCK TO FLAT
Giant all the Way
I’d love to get the Ibis, but their cheapest build sells for 4.500€ in Germany, that’s just insane!
That’s 5000$! Almost double of what you pay in North America!
YT jeffsy better option?
@@lestar123 the YT‘s are better priced in Germany, but still much more expensive than in the US.
Ridiculous if you remember that YT is a german brand that for a long time nobody outside of Germany knew of..
I bought their Noton in 2009 when they still called themself Young Talent Industries and it was a fine Bike.
Kind of the first Freeride/Fun bike that you could also pedal up a mountain.
And yes the Jeffsy definitely is a fine bike, but I think it’s way more downhill oriented than the Ibis.
I think the Izzo would be a good opponent however.
Of course it’s not a hard hitter like the Jeffsy, but you can throw it down a trail or two, while still being a good climber.
If it makes you feel better if you want a similar Ripley these days you're paying over $4k US. Took it out of the running for me.
@@jeffloucks2120 wow so the bike prices also rose in the land of the free?
I got lucky last year, I got a dealers show bike for a very good price.
Santa Cruz Tallboy CC with Rerserve Carbon wheels and full X01 bling for half of the retail price.
With full life long guarantee on frame, wheels and bars.
I’m super happy with it, it pedals really well, is super poppy and can take a beating on the downs!
I’ll never need more travel on a bike that isn’t purely for descending!
That bikes geometry and kinematics changed the way I thought about bikes.
I’d go with the giant trance. I have a 2015 or 16 not to sure because I got it used but I absolutely love it compared to my 2004 Santa Cruz bullit.
11 years difference in those bikes, I'm sure you do love it more lmao
i take my 2021 Trance 29 to the jump park and hit monsters hahah Love this bike.
So which one is the most idiot-proof ? Dollars spent on robustness today are dollars saved on repairs tomorrow.
im a little bit sad that the orbea occam is not here(i have one). The value is amazing!
I have one also and it rocks
I have never heard of orbea before, but one of my local bike shops sells them. Would you recommend one? I'm also looking at a kona process or giant trance
Wouldn't say that anymore. The base H30 is over $3k and is fairly comparable to the Trance 29 3 at about $2500.
all round which is best
Love the series. Could you also do a Budget Downcountry Full Suspension?
If you are on a budget, trail bike is where its at. Plus the Ripley and Rift Zone give you DC performance with more reserves...which goes back my first sentence.
Plus you loose a bit a what DC and XC bikes are based around when you go budget components and Alloy Frame.
Polygon Siskiu T8 will be targeted as my next bike, as substitution of my old siskiu D7 2019.
I wonder how Ripzone would be sized'd up - i.e. Wheelbase and stability?
Marshall should be spec'd with a better Fork - i.e. a Fox 34 or Pike/Lyric
Ripley AF - the Fuel Ex/Tallboy killer (from what I read)
Giant? Keep that Maestro at 115 for the 29er
Try THRILL RICOCHET please!
Woulda loved too c how the 2021 specialized stumpjumper stacked up to them lol
I own the 2022 Giant Trance 27.5 aluminum , the world can have the rest .
Any plans to review a Starling? I saw a video on a gearbox bike called the Spur. I think it would be cool to review any of thier bikes though. Steel single pivot R853 tubing. I like reviews on unusual bikes even if I can't afford them!
I look at what goes into making a modern dirt bike, say a 2005 honda crf450, and then these mountain bikes and compare prices. Good god, I just don't get it. It just doesn't make sense to me. I really want to buy a new mountain bike but the price for what you get seems insane. I guess I'm just out of the loop.
i was interested in the marin bike , after your reviews , im not sure but chance of availability of other bike is slim to none .... what to do what to doo ....
Finally polygon ftw, notes prices will go up lol
This one time in base camp...!!
I currently use Shimano mt4100 2 piston brakes and they work GREAT. Maybe its my frame of reference, my last bike had mechanical brakes.
Definitely better than mechanical! The jump to 4 piston is almost as good.
Siskiu is now $300 more. Ripley is like $700 more. What else is a good option?
Comparing DTC online bike prices to LBS prices is really apples to oranges.
The LBS brands offer value in the assembly, fitting, adjustments and long term service. If you are going to compare these brands there should be a monetary value given to all those services - never mind that you are supporting local business that do more for your local biking community.
Yes, some of us can do all those mechanical tasks, but they are not without some investment of time, tools and hassle. Adding $150 for assembly, $25 for fitting, and $50-100 for included tightening and tunes would add at least $300 to each of the DTC brands and make them less competitive from a pricing perspective.
This has been a call out on previous comparisons, and should remain a part of your presentation IMHO.
surprised the Status is not on this list
How do you guys feel about the Canyon Neuron?
Older-ish trail geometry in between XC and trail. Friend has one that felt very comfortable.
Relatively lightweight and efficient. Thing I didn't care for is they kept the price the same and downgraded the current fork.
Thanks for the info!
Marin Rift Zone is the bike for me. Pedals very well.. Love the geometry and feel of the bike.. Cheers.. #madeforfun
A friend just bought that bike, same build level, and loves it. He races XC but wanted a bike to take on the trails with friends as well. Works great for him.
Unfortunately, the Ibis is no longer under $3000.
Still worth it, though.
No spectral 6?
Please do the same with enduro bikes!!!
Love your Channel! Newbie here of 4 months just purchased an Orbea H30 looking to upgrade the brakes, any options I should be looking at? I appreciate any opinions
speciaized status 160 or 140?
That bike is hard to come by even to reviewers. Only certain dealers sell it and specialized didn’t make a big deal about releasing it. I just ordered one my self. Lol.
@@bimmermac i got one too and i was wondering why they didnt mention it, but yeah its true, the status is more of a hidden gem
@Vlad Cristian At that price point getting 4 piston brakes is super rare. If you really look at it it’s parts nobody really buys, people usually upgrade to code RSC brakes not R’s, the elusive nx shifter that is MMX compatible, the 200mm rotors that people usually upgrade to. It’s amazing and we both have one. Woohoo.
@@bimmermac where did you order it from, I thought it was in store only?
Shhhh don’t give away the secret! JK in all seriousness I have the 140 and it’s such a great ride, couldn’t be happier.
Giant for me!
Hey, would you pick the polygon sisku T8... Or Norco FS 2, Calibre triple B? Thanks 👍
is there a reason why Fezzari Cascade Peak did not make the list?
Marin for me
Ibis
Don't know if you read these comments but take a look to Kellys Swag bike from Slovak bike company.
hi, how come nobody seems to be testing the Focus jam 6.8 £2.500.
could you please bring this model at this price into your test/reviews pls i think its loads better than the T8 etc
I love Kas but Sara is awesome also. :) how about next time all 3 of you. the more the merrier.
dude where is the canyon torque
No wonder you guys are so likable. You’re both Canadian. Being your southern neighbor, people are so uptight down here.
Hi guys would like to know what the best full sus bike for the quantocks hills in Somerset trial bike
8:18 my mans face
How would the Cannondale Habit 3 fit in this list?
When you say the suspension is 'active', what do you mean?
It moves around a lot. Depending on who is saying it they may be complaining about pedal-bob, or they may just be noting that it moves. All of the maestro-link bikes I have ridden did have very active suspension, but not fatiguing pedal-bob. I didn't love all of them, but they all had good traction on climbs.
What about Commencal’s meta tr???
Why do u never include cube bikes in your tests. They are very cheap compared to the specs
I got my trance x for 2300 before they were selling so many they bumped the price to 2500
Same and thanks for posting this. I was really confused when they mentioned its pricing because I was sure I paid 2300 for mine.
Lol the Ibis ripley FRAME ONLY starts around 3K. Where did they get these numbers?
Prices have risen. Especially the Ibis Ripley and Ripmo.
got a vander t7, the siskius poor cousin
Idk man got sx and shimano brakes I can find the lever... brakes could def work a bit better🤣
merida still the best budget of all the budget bikes😁
thanks peoples
Hey @pinkbike. When this Covid thing is over can we see.more Daniel Sapp in these bike reviews? I miss his perspective and personality.
I was thinking about buying a Trek Remedy 8, I don't know the US dollar prices, but I think it was not mentioned becurse it's either more expensive, or just not as good as these bikes. Will the Remedy be good compared to these bikes? I currently ride a Trek Roscoe 8 2020
It's more expensive than $3000 (US or CAD). Besides that, It can be considered a bit "obsolete", because it has 27.5-inch wheels.
I own 2021 Remedy 8 on XT, I bought it without conviction (I bought a bike last summer when the bikes were out of stores...). I'm happy with it, it's a great deal - Remedy 8 has better equipment than all the bikes shown here! Although if I were buying now, I would seriously consider buying Slash 8.
@@Fils_PL But a slash is way more expensive, and a downhill bike right? I'm from Denmark, a flat ass country.
@@Descenter1976, yes, slash is more downhill-focused. When the new Slash came out, it cost less than 300 euros more than Remedy in my country (Poland).
Don't get me wrong, I think Remedy 8 is a great package for the money. You get amazing specs and practically the best front suspension on the market (Lyrik Select+ doesn't have only one adjustment that it Ultimate has, but except that same fork. Note that it has a 2021 new upgrade DebonAir spring.). Drivetrain is great, breaks are powerful - no need to add cash. The question is whether the bike on 27.5 inch wheels suits you - the new fashion is 29. When I was buying it didn't matter to me after I came back to the bike after 8 years of break and then everyone was riding on 26" :-)
The frame was updated in 2019 and has not been modified since then. Remedy received excellent marks from Pinkbike - search for reviews. In enduro-mtb.com test in 2019 Remedy 8 won the test, with one downside "brakes and tires limit the bike" - for 2021 breaks are upgraded and way more powerful (whether you choose the version with Code's or Shimano M6120).
You will be more than happy with Remedy :-).
Orbea Occam H20 - $3k. Great package.
i want one bad but there just so hard to get
Jumped another $5-600 in price. :(
@@jessebennett7163 Watch Jenson. Considered but the value was lost with big price increase.
My T8 is in transit ETA Feb 1 :(