REALLY?!?! Fezzari for the win? Good on them. Thanks guys. That was the best mountain bike review series I watched all year. Obviously a lot of work went in. We appreciate the honest reviews
Great series - thanks for posting! Very good panel. Dario was the standout reviewer for me. Would have been nice to see a couple of other bikes make the test group but I was glad to see that you guys included the Specialized as a benchmark. Keep up the good work!
Would have really liked to see the Devinci Spartan!!! I think it could be better than all those going downhill, a bit different than the range but well yeah, I would have liked to hear what these guys would think of it versus the others! My friends just want me to buy a spech enduro but they keep changing theirs on the warranty lol like yeah it maybe ride really well but if it breaks every couple of months thats a no for me!! Spartan is heavier, same slack SA than enduro, but pretty sure it is even better going down!
Great wrap up, gents! Difficult request: Revel Rail29 vs Canfield Lithium. Small travel differences but both are relatively similar. It would be very interesting to see how both companies work with the CBF. If you guys get the chance to compare the two, please do!
I would love to see this as well. From what I've been told by a dealer that carries both brands. The Revel Rail 29 is a bit poppier and more playful than the Lithium and a little smaller in feel. I want to love the Lithium, especially as it's not particularly expensive as a frame only option (the way I would go), but I'm also 250lbs and like doing big bike things and 17% progression just doesn't have the support. I've demoed a Lithium and it really feels like a bigger Ibis Ripmo, including the lively handling but also the too easily bottomed out back end
I love Canfield, but man a bottle outside of the triangle is a bust for me, I'd go Revel Rail29 for that reason alone. I hate wearing bags/packs, and my tools fit in my downtube anyways.
@@mrvwbug4423 yeah I wouldn't recommend the lithium to a 250 rider, unless 6'2 or less on coil shock without progressive spring or HBO. Better for those 225 less with nice air shock like ohlins w/ volume, maitou mara or cane creek kitsuma air, maybe new ext air. At 180 or less coil easier swallow without progressive springs. So a ohlins tuned sprindex, cc kitsuma/ dbcoil, ext custom, 2023 rockshox, or personal fav retrofit push with sprindex may fair well. Can experiment with progressive coil, 1 degree angleset and 180 travel with size large and smaller. Idk how feel recommend size xl riders 6' 2 or more, unless you love super short stays, better off One.2 S3 or different brand.
@@siebitup there way get in frame 600ml bottle with $100+ fidlock/yt mods, but not readily apparent. I actually find evoc pro 1.5l rides nicer weight distro than in frame storage for weight reason after first testing with ebikes with range extenders no room for in frame water bottles. Then realized rather have water weight on hips well distributed unless in 36C desert, than water making a heavier frame need to pedal without e-pedal assistance.
@@erdawe66 My take from a demo ride it felt like a Ripmo with more travel and better pedaling manners. I ride a Ripmo but have it cascade linked. Next bike is going to be something with a very progressive back end like a RM Altitude.
Would love to see a comparison of these vs the RM Altitude as well. Your reviews are WAY better than PBs field test. I also like that you were able to source a Specialized Enduro to compare these to, and it still seems like the best bike in the class, but you also broke your picks down by rider type as well which is great.
After I bought my Fezzari La Sal Peak I thought I'd probably return it beacause it would be overkill for me. I don't race and I don' t ride really gnarly trails. But I was really really surprised at how good it is climbing, navigating techy terrain and fun on mellow smooth trails. Pedaling power transfer feels almost immediate, much better than my previous trail bike. The suspension platform works great. It tracks terrain really well and handles every kind of terrain well. It climbs better and is faster than my previous trail bike. It's just a lot of fun, so versatile and such good value. I agree with the reviewers, it's a great pick for most riders.
Walter, can I ask what your previous trail bike was? Looking for some comparison. I’m currently on a 2014 Giant trance 1, and looking at getting a La Sal, but worry about sluggish climbing. Looking for a little longer trail bike, and the La Sal seems to fit.
@@elborrego5643 My trail bike is a 2017 Salsa Pony Rustler.. a Horsethief with 27+ wheels instead of the 29'er. It utilizes a Dave Weagel designed split pivot suspension and is and excellent climber with 120mm of rear travel. I got my La Sal Peak 2.0 in July and was completely blown away with how good it climbs with 170mm. Honestly, it feels just as efficient to me going uphill as my Pony Rustler. But the La Sal Peak is so much more fun on really gnarly and high speed sections in the bike park. So for me it's been all upside. No more pain going uphill than before; but far more capable on the downhills and chunder.
Great, honest content. It's refreshing to hear more down to earth, discussion format reviews versus the usual scripted dribble. As an owner of two Canfield hard tails, I am looking towards replacing my alloy GG Smash (RIP, GG) with a Lithium in short-shocked setup. I rarely race, LOVE hauling ass with smooth suspension just working, and dig small brands.
Loved the round up, it felt like you guys actually knew the bikes and gave them reviews that accurately depicted them unlike the pinkbike field test for the enduros.👍
I think the Specilized Enduro is the best overall bike,very well balance handling and one of the best of it not the best rear suspension enduro bike on the market. It could be a good choice for racing,but I think I would choose a more sharper handling bike to do enduro races,like SC Megatower or the Orbea Rallon. That Jekyll looks great too, I bet it would made a perfect EWS bike too. Very good video!
Good data / review! Definitely helped me not pick the Lithium. Not because the Lithium is bad, but because it's not the kind of thing I was looking for. I feel like Canfield is like Trek in that they are doing some cool stuff, but they are not as progressive in the geo dept. Now Canyon on the other hand. :-)
Y’all based in CO? I’ve lived here since a teenager or 23 years to be exact, so pretty cool seeing a mtb UA-cam channel based outta here these days. Cool to see the growth of MTB culture Mt Bachelor had added to it with the bike park. An enduro bike is on my list to get back into riding after an XC rocketship for the majority of our trails around here.
Really interesting comparison. Like that you compared to the Specialized Enduro as a reference point... I always find it difficult to understand these big comparisons, always of new bikes only (which I understand in terms of demo bike availability), as if bikes released 1 or 2 years ago are suddenly inferior and forgotten... Now you just need to add on the RM altitude and the new yeti sb160 ;)
Excellent review! Looks like you picked the difficult trails rock-rock Terrain where such bikes are needed and can SHINE and other bike designs Flail & FAIL
@@paulb5390 Okay. I hear you. Oakridge Oregon has shuttle service on Loam trails ... none of the fuk'd up shale of Bachelor . Even the shuttle services around Bend offer better trail-surfaces . But I'm not looking for big air either. Or for lift / shuttle services either. xc for me. To each their own.
I only have experience on the Canyon Torque and the Specialized Enduro. Between those two the Enduro is a better all around bike. It doesn’t feel as big and climbing techy trail it’s more maneuverable. And boy on the way down it feels soooo smooth. I ended up selling my 160 Canyon Spectral and bought the Enduro. I also have a beefed up XC bike for “normal riding”
I would go with the Fezzari for all around riding, but the Enduro still holds its value great and is a looker bike! How many tokens in fork and shock Drew, and what is your body weight fully kitted? Both awesome bikes!
After reading your reviews a lot it was fun to watch one. Liked it just as much or even more ! Despite you highlighting the important things of ride feel over components, you are very pleasant. I wished to be able to say that about our German reviewers… watching the video I felt sad not being able to ride so many bikes before buying. Have you ever thought to have a audience episode where you invite a bunch of lucky non professional individuals to take part in such a review session? I also wonder what would be your „most fun bike“ choice ? I currently fell in love with the Rallon but am totally not the use case. No racing. Maybe the Orbea brings one advantage for me as a not beginner but not really good rider : simple trails will be more fun but the geo can cover my ass when on enduro holidays in the alps or Pyrenees
I also think the Specialized Enduro (and likely the Yeti SB160) is the reference here. Just saying the Rallon feels less rigid with lower builds (M10 or even the M20), a really good climber, and overall more usable in a variety of roles than most others I tried. Fezzari not really available in the EU, but they look more alike with the Rallon than different, so I wonder how close customizing could get them. As for the value pick, the Torque was tempting, especially the mullet, but for a little more money I still wanted the Rallon. In the end, as you also hinted, any of these bikes are likely more capable than most of their riders, so the choice is more of a personal intersection between skills, means and wishes (like with so many other things).
@@bottejan3712 yes, I was considering the carbon wheels, carbon bar, suspension tuning - the difference may be small and eclipsed by advantages of the higher end models.
Take into account that I am an amateur - a pro should make these comparisons for more credibility. But I was very-very positively surprised by the Rallon. On pumping tracks barely any pedaling was needed (my other bikes are all less efficient), on steep climbs it was planted, downhill nicely controllable, even in the high geo, which I chose for better clearance. It feels like a Kenevo SL, only lighter. I was amazed how well it climbs, I changed my mind about getting an ebike. I think the M10 is the best value for most people, or even the M20 with small upgrades (brake pads, shifter, etc). It's expensive for a "value"-bike, so it's middle ground between Canyon/YT and e.g. Santa Cruz/Yeti/Specialized, with potential issues (rear triangle looks vulnerable). Will see.
I own a nuke giga 290..it is a pretty rad and capable bike on which you can attack basically whatever trail you need or want, even if you are lacking some skills to really master that said trail. Having said that.. it is a supremely fast bike but, it is fast due to its geo not because of its suspension(some would think it is a DH with a sc fork, when you look at its 180mm of travel.. but, actually, it is a little too harsh and pointy to be that). For the enduro, the suspension performance comes first and the geo is the result of suspension development.. and that's why it is a great pseudo-dh bike even though it isn't the slackest or has the most suspension travel for this category. It is a very very accomplished bike. What I missed from other bike magazines enduro tests is always have the previous last year's winner to come back and "fight" again the newcomers. If everyone would do such a thing.. we might have seen the spez enduro being the winner in this category for years in a row, since its launch date. It is simply, the perfect blend for hard mountain biking. I would never put it as a versatile bike.. because it will never be that 150-160mm enduro-ish bike on which you can pedal the mountain... in fact, in the pedaling "departament", it fairs slightly worse than my giga. Still, it is the bike I would recommend it to pretty much anyone who wants a real capable enduro bike...9 out of 10 times.. it is that good.
The Pinkbike waterbottle reference was pure gold! Great shootout as always. Following the full-face helmet review, looks like you guys are using the Fox Proframe RS a lot during this shootout or just for decorating the table discussion?
Fox was our gear sponsor for the shootout, we were splitting time between the RS and our Rampage Pro Carbon helmets. Most of the crew was rocking the RS though for a majority of the shootout.
What a wicked video, thank you for all your guys' hard work on these reviews! 2 questions, if you were to buy a 2020+ Specialized Enduro, would you get it with an air shock or a coil shock? And also, does anyone know what happens to Specialized's old stock? Like where do all the 2021/22 bikes go that they didn't sell? I'm trying to find a way to buy a "new" surplus stock bike from a few years ago for hopefully a lower price but haven't had any luck so far. Cheers!
Thanks very much! We always hope people will enjoy and find these videos helpful, so we appreciate the comment. We’d go with an air shock as we think there’s a lot of benefits on this platform.
I'm currently 5'7" riding a SC Bronson MX. I race Enduro in AZ and CA. I'm looking to do some BIg Mtn Enduro events in 2023. Would the Orbea Rallon be much more capable compared to my Bronson MX?
Great reviews, camera work, and production. But in reality the only one consider is the specialized. Odd grouping of bikes if which none I would ever really consider. The Norco is cool but I gotta pedal places.
It's a better grouping of bikes than the PB field test. It just proves that there is variety in the enduro bike world, you got your fun, playful bikes for daily riding like the Canfield and Fezzari, your out and out race bikes like the Orbea and Cannondale, and your super send freeride bikes that will probably be seeing more shuttle days than pedal days i.e. the Norco. The Specialized just does a lot of things well and is an all arounder
But what about the enduro always cracking!? I mean, my friend who is riding like me, average rider, no big jumps or drops, just little tracks with roots and rocks from eastcoast, already broke his twice in about a year! The other one broke his after 2 months of having it!! We're not pro racers!! They still like it and say the warranty is so good bla bla 🤦♂️
Most of our guys are 5'11 to 6'3. We've been riding larges for a decade, until now, where we must have shrunk and started looking at mediums more frequently. haha.
The more I put research on bikes the more I realise there is endless options, and stats not always reflect to bike feel and personal preference.. It’s so hard to choose the right bike without being able to test at least a handful of options that are available that I’m thinking to choose with my eyes… How do others feel about this opinion?
Maybe, I expect them to outlast my Yeti SB150 and 130 with lifetime warrantee (defect only) by a decade or hard riding. They are build very burly and cost 1/4 of Yeti without shock. They are 7075 aluminum built in Taiwan, much burlier with aftermarket adequate downtube protection than made in Vietnam carbon. If you crash a Canfield they hold up.
Hey loan wolf, I was thinking about buying the la sal. Everyone says it feels more like a trail bike than enduro bike. I currently have a 2018 alloy jekyll. Do you think the fezzari will still be able to smash gnarly bike park tech as well as my jekyll? I still want it to feel like a big travel bike and less like a trail bike
It's 170/170 with fully modern geo, it should do even better than your 2018 bike. They say it has trail bike feel, because it doesn't feel dead and awkward at slower speeds like the racier bikes can. Basically it's a good choice for an enduro bike that is going to be your only bike. Even my Ibis Ripmo which only has 151/160 travel pulls off the feels like a trail bike on easy trails and feels like an enduro bike when doing big bike things
@@mrvwbug4423 ok that makes more sense.. i think im going to demo one (i live 30 min from their hq in utah). ill probably order one if i like it. it will be my only full sus. i do have an xc hardtail tho for my xc races.
@@mrvwbug4423 i also have an extra dual crown laying around.. just need a dh spaced front wheel and could make the la sal a bike park monster for my whistler trip in 2 years
If u r lookin for confirmation bias, no need. the mega is great. I only have a little time on one but it was amazing. If u got the coin, and want a mega, get one. No one ever buys a well reviewed Santa Cruz and doesn't love it. For my Miller Lite budget the mega was a little too Champagne.
@@chrisfrolich683 haha yeah I drink that champagne. ive had one for a few months now raced on it plus almost 1000 miles its sick. just would like to see what they think vs the rest
@@DavidFoundCo Yeah, I'd love to see all of these compared to the Enduro and Altitude as those two seem to be the top two bikes in the class for the last few years. I'm glad they were able to get an Enduro for comparison. The Altitude feels like an absolute weapon on high speed tech
SB160 came out a little too late for this test I think, and Yeti is very shy about press bikes. And the Wreckoning would probably be lucky to get through the test without a cracked frame
@@mrvwbug4423 I have an insurgent mx, beat the living sh*t out of it and it's fine. Stop hating homie. 🛑✋🏾 If they're good enough to handle rampage, their good enough for me. 🤷🏾♂️
REALLY?!?! Fezzari for the win? Good on them.
Thanks guys. That was the best mountain bike review series I watched all year. Obviously a lot of work went in. We appreciate the honest reviews
I wonder how much that was that premium suspension made a difference. I know pinkbike wasn't a huge fan of the fezzari but it had an x2/38.
@@justind5262 The Rockshox Zeb ultimate and Ultimate deluxe shock on the elite build is pretty fantastic too.
Honestly, I can't get over the name. I guess I'm shallow, but that name is 🧀E
@@justind5262 A huge difference.
but look at its suspension package. EXT coil and fork will transform any bike into something special. Hard to beat when set up correctly.
Great series - thanks for posting! Very good panel. Dario was the standout reviewer for me. Would have been nice to see a couple of other bikes make the test group but I was glad to see that you guys included the Specialized as a benchmark. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Would have really liked to see the Devinci Spartan!!! I think it could be better than all those going downhill, a bit different than the range but well yeah, I would have liked to hear what these guys would think of it versus the others! My friends just want me to buy a spech enduro but they keep changing theirs on the warranty lol like yeah it maybe ride really well but if it breaks every couple of months thats a no for me!! Spartan is heavier, same slack SA than enduro, but pretty sure it is even better going down!
lol I have watched this video 5 times now and still enjoy it, btw it makes me want the Canfield every time. Great video guys.
Thanks so much ha ha. And glad to hear it.
Great job guys. The 3 of you did an awesome job comparing the bikes specs, cost and feel. Appreciate all the effort you put into this project.
Thank you very much Larry. It was definitely a stressful and busy couple weeks, but feedback like your makes it worthwhile!
Great wrap up, gents!
Difficult request: Revel Rail29 vs Canfield Lithium. Small travel differences but both are relatively similar. It would be very interesting to see how both companies work with the CBF. If you guys get the chance to compare the two, please do!
I would love to see this as well. From what I've been told by a dealer that carries both brands. The Revel Rail 29 is a bit poppier and more playful than the Lithium and a little smaller in feel. I want to love the Lithium, especially as it's not particularly expensive as a frame only option (the way I would go), but I'm also 250lbs and like doing big bike things and 17% progression just doesn't have the support. I've demoed a Lithium and it really feels like a bigger Ibis Ripmo, including the lively handling but also the too easily bottomed out back end
I love Canfield, but man a bottle outside of the triangle is a bust for me, I'd go Revel Rail29 for that reason alone. I hate wearing bags/packs, and my tools fit in my downtube anyways.
@@mrvwbug4423 yeah I wouldn't recommend the lithium to a 250 rider, unless 6'2 or less on coil shock without progressive spring or HBO. Better for those 225 less with nice air shock like ohlins w/ volume, maitou mara or cane creek kitsuma air, maybe new ext air. At 180 or less coil easier swallow without progressive springs. So a ohlins tuned sprindex, cc kitsuma/ dbcoil, ext custom, 2023 rockshox, or personal fav retrofit push with sprindex may fair well. Can experiment with progressive coil, 1 degree angleset and 180 travel with size large and smaller. Idk how feel recommend size xl riders 6' 2 or more, unless you love super short stays, better off One.2 S3 or different brand.
@@siebitup there way get in frame 600ml bottle with $100+ fidlock/yt mods, but not readily apparent. I actually find evoc pro 1.5l rides nicer weight distro than in frame storage for weight reason after first testing with ebikes with range extenders no room for in frame water bottles. Then realized rather have water weight on hips well distributed unless in 36C desert, than water making a heavier frame need to pedal without e-pedal assistance.
@@erdawe66 My take from a demo ride it felt like a Ripmo with more travel and better pedaling manners. I ride a Ripmo but have it cascade linked. Next bike is going to be something with a very progressive back end like a RM Altitude.
Would love to see a comparison of these vs the RM Altitude as well. Your reviews are WAY better than PBs field test. I also like that you were able to source a Specialized Enduro to compare these to, and it still seems like the best bike in the class, but you also broke your picks down by rider type as well which is great.
Thank you very much! We appreciate that and will see if we can’t get a Rocky! We love the PowerPlay for sure.
I second that, would love to see a RM Altitude
After I bought my Fezzari La Sal Peak I thought I'd probably return it beacause it would be overkill for me. I don't race and I don' t ride really gnarly trails. But I was really really surprised at how good it is climbing, navigating techy terrain and fun on mellow smooth trails. Pedaling power transfer feels almost immediate, much better than my previous trail bike. The suspension platform works great. It tracks terrain really well and handles every kind of terrain well. It climbs better and is faster than my previous trail bike. It's just a lot of fun, so versatile and such good value. I agree with the reviewers, it's a great pick for most riders.
Walter, can I ask what your previous trail bike was? Looking for some comparison. I’m currently on a 2014 Giant trance 1, and looking at getting a La Sal, but worry about sluggish climbing. Looking for a little longer trail bike, and the La Sal seems to fit.
@@elborrego5643 My previous trail bike a Fezzari Cascade Peak.
@@waltermagana6720 Nice, thanks for replying so quick! What year was your cascade? just curious about geo compared to my 14’ Trance
@@waltermagana6720 thanks!
@@elborrego5643 My trail bike is a 2017 Salsa Pony Rustler.. a Horsethief with 27+ wheels instead of the 29'er. It utilizes a Dave Weagel designed split pivot suspension and is and excellent climber with 120mm of rear travel. I got my La Sal Peak 2.0 in July and was completely blown away with how good it climbs with 170mm. Honestly, it feels just as efficient to me going uphill as my Pony Rustler. But the La Sal Peak is so much more fun on really gnarly and high speed sections in the bike park. So for me it's been all upside. No more pain going uphill than before; but far more capable on the downhills and chunder.
Great, honest content. It's refreshing to hear more down to earth, discussion format reviews versus the usual scripted dribble. As an owner of two Canfield hard tails, I am looking towards replacing my alloy GG Smash (RIP, GG) with a Lithium in short-shocked setup. I rarely race, LOVE hauling ass with smooth suspension just working, and dig small brands.
Thank you very much and we love the little brands too!
I appreciate Sean, and Dario's insight on this one!
Great round-up! Was waiting on Dario to say one of the bikes wasn't wearing enough pieces of flair.
Haha
Talking to the local suspension tuner apparently the new float X has been a way more reliable shock than the X2
I heard the X2 is a total money pit, from a lot of people.
X2 performance feel subpar, float x is more lively
Love my float x2…. When it’s not blown which is twice in 3 months. Not really reliable.
Loved the round up, it felt like you guys actually knew the bikes and gave them reviews that accurately depicted them unlike the pinkbike field test for the enduros.👍
Thank you very much. We appreciate the kind words.
I think the Specilized Enduro is the best overall bike,very well balance handling and one of the best of it not the best rear suspension enduro bike on the market. It could be a good choice for racing,but I think I would choose a more sharper handling bike to do enduro races,like SC Megatower or the Orbea Rallon. That Jekyll looks great too, I bet it would made a perfect EWS bike too. Very good video!
Thanks very much for sharing. Appreciate it.
Very high-class review series. Congrats and thanx, guys!🤘🏻
Cheers from Germany
Thank you! Appreciate the compliment.
Good data / review! Definitely helped me not pick the Lithium. Not because the Lithium is bad, but because it's not the kind of thing I was looking for. I feel like Canfield is like Trek in that they are doing some cool stuff, but they are not as progressive in the geo dept.
Now Canyon on the other hand. :-)
Wanted to know about the pivot firebird... Also had my eye on the Orbea. The Specialized is always more expensive, so I dont think
Y’all based in CO? I’ve lived here since a teenager or 23 years to be exact, so pretty cool seeing a mtb UA-cam channel based outta here these days. Cool to see the growth of MTB culture Mt Bachelor had added to it with the bike park. An enduro bike is on my list to get back into riding after an XC rocketship for the majority of our trails around here.
Right on Austin. Yes we are based in Bend, at the moment and spend a bit of time at Bachelor in the summers! Cool spot.
I'm glad I watched this, I now have no desire to sell my specialized enduro. You just saved me a chunk of money by putting to rest my "new bike" itch.
Haha. Glad to hear it! Maybe treat that sweet machine to a bath and some fresh rubber then!
Really interesting comparison. Like that you compared to the Specialized Enduro as a reference point... I always find it difficult to understand these big comparisons, always of new bikes only (which I understand in terms of demo bike availability), as if bikes released 1 or 2 years ago are suddenly inferior and forgotten... Now you just need to add on the RM altitude and the new yeti sb160 ;)
We've got a Yeti so we'll just have to get a Rocky.
Great vid gents!!! Awesome mix of bikes, new and old, aluminum and carbon, high pivots, keep em coming 🤙🏼
Excellent review! Looks like you picked the difficult trails rock-rock Terrain where such bikes are needed and can SHINE and other bike designs Flail & FAIL
That's Mt Bachelor outside Bend, OR. Pretty much the only decent bike park in OR. But yeah lots of lava rock there
@@paulb5390 Okay. I hear you. Oakridge Oregon has shuttle service on Loam trails ... none of the fuk'd up shale of Bachelor . Even the shuttle services around Bend offer better trail-surfaces . But I'm not looking for big air either. Or for lift / shuttle services either. xc for me. To each their own.
@@captnhuffy I've been there. I did Mountain Bike Oregon in Oakridge a couple years ago. It was a lot of fun!
Specialized enduro for the win !!
Going to have to add the WAO Arrival 170 and SB160 next
Heck yeah we will!!
I only have experience on the Canyon Torque and the Specialized Enduro. Between those two the Enduro is a better all around bike. It doesn’t feel as big and climbing techy trail it’s more maneuverable. And boy on the way down it feels soooo smooth. I ended up selling my 160 Canyon Spectral and bought the Enduro. I also have a beefed up XC bike for “normal riding”
I would go with the Fezzari for all around riding, but the Enduro still holds its value great and is a looker bike! How many tokens in fork and shock Drew, and what is your body weight fully kitted? Both awesome bikes!
Thanks a lot. I’m 5’11 and with helmet/pads in I’m 180-183ish.
@@TheLoamWolf Whats your fav reach?
480-485 on non-e and 475-480 on ebikes. And we like taller stacks.
Great review, I love my Fezzari La Sal Peak. It suits me perfectly.
After reading your reviews a lot it was fun to watch one. Liked it just as much or even more ! Despite you highlighting the important things of ride feel over components, you are very pleasant. I wished to be able to say that about our German reviewers… watching the video I felt sad not being able to ride so many bikes before buying. Have you ever thought to have a audience episode where you invite a bunch of lucky non professional individuals to take part in such a review session?
I also wonder what would be your „most fun bike“ choice ? I currently fell in love with the Rallon but am totally not the use case. No racing. Maybe the Orbea brings one advantage for me as a not beginner but not really good rider : simple trails will be more fun but the geo can cover my ass when on enduro holidays in the alps or Pyrenees
Thanks the testing! Curious why no Commencal meta SX or even clash?
It's not for a lack of trying, they just didn't have any bikes available for us.
Kip from napoleon dynamite loves reviewing bikes
You could say he’s getting pretty serious about it.
nice comparison guys 🤘🚴
No Ripmo?! Would've liked to see how it compares to the Orbea, Specialized and Fezzari.
I also think the Specialized Enduro (and likely the Yeti SB160) is the reference here. Just saying the Rallon feels less rigid with lower builds (M10 or even the M20), a really good climber, and overall more usable in a variety of roles than most others I tried. Fezzari not really available in the EU, but they look more alike with the Rallon than different, so I wonder how close customizing could get them. As for the value pick, the Torque was tempting, especially the mullet, but for a little more money I still wanted the Rallon. In the end, as you also hinted, any of these bikes are likely more capable than most of their riders, so the choice is more of a personal intersection between skills, means and wishes (like with so many other things).
Why you are saying that lower end models of Rallon are less rigid? Is it tune of Float x vs x2 , carbon wheels? Cannot think of anything else.
@@bottejan3712 yes, I was considering the carbon wheels, carbon bar, suspension tuning - the difference may be small and eclipsed by advantages of the higher end models.
Take into account that I am an amateur - a pro should make these comparisons for more credibility. But I was very-very positively surprised by the Rallon. On pumping tracks barely any pedaling was needed (my other bikes are all less efficient), on steep climbs it was planted, downhill nicely controllable, even in the high geo, which I chose for better clearance. It feels like a Kenevo SL, only lighter. I was amazed how well it climbs, I changed my mind about getting an ebike. I think the M10 is the best value for most people, or even the M20 with small upgrades (brake pads, shifter, etc). It's expensive for a "value"-bike, so it's middle ground between Canyon/YT and e.g. Santa Cruz/Yeti/Specialized, with potential issues (rear triangle looks vulnerable). Will see.
Great review guys! Really good breakdown of how each perform. 👌
I'd love to see how the Canyon Strive compares to the Rallon, Jekyll and Enduro.
Thanks very much
Great video, one thing did not make sense , overall Fezzari but the Enduro was a pick on every category!
Would have loved to have seen a Santa Cruz bike in this lineup. Bronson? Megatower? Nomad? All very capable enduro bikes.
We would have too! Sadly they opted out.
Still got my strive ..almost 4 years and still in great shape with well over 1k on it
I own a nuke giga 290..it is a pretty rad and capable bike on which you can attack basically whatever trail you need or want, even if you are lacking some skills to really master that said trail. Having said that.. it is a supremely fast bike but, it is fast due to its geo not because of its suspension(some would think it is a DH with a sc fork, when you look at its 180mm of travel.. but, actually, it is a little too harsh and pointy to be that). For the enduro, the suspension performance comes first and the geo is the result of suspension development.. and that's why it is a great pseudo-dh bike even though it isn't the slackest or has the most suspension travel for this category. It is a very very accomplished bike.
What I missed from other bike magazines enduro tests is always have the previous last year's winner to come back and "fight" again the newcomers. If everyone would do such a thing.. we might have seen the spez enduro being the winner in this category for years in a row, since its launch date. It is simply, the perfect blend for hard mountain biking. I would never put it as a versatile bike.. because it will never be that 150-160mm enduro-ish bike on which you can pedal the mountain... in fact, in the pedaling "departament", it fairs slightly worse than my giga. Still, it is the bike I would recommend it to pretty much anyone who wants a real capable enduro bike...9 out of 10 times.. it is that good.
Nice reviews, enjoyed it a lot!
The Pinkbike waterbottle reference was pure gold! Great shootout as always. Following the full-face helmet review, looks like you guys are using the Fox Proframe RS a lot during this shootout or just for decorating the table discussion?
Fox was our gear sponsor for the shootout, we were splitting time between the RS and our Rampage Pro Carbon helmets. Most of the crew was rocking the RS though for a majority of the shootout.
@@TheLoamWolf Thanks for clarifying! Really appreciated your full-face review too.
I wish you guys would have tested the new Intense Tracer.
wonder how the new SB160 will compare to this test? did yall have a demo yet?
Stay tuned!
I'd like to see that on test as well! that Fox Infinite rear suspension set up was updated .
I love me a good shoot out video. All mountain/trail bikes next?
^^This, I would love to see how the AM bikes like the Ibis Ripmo and Transition Sentinel hold up against the enduro bikes when doing big bike things.
What a wicked video, thank you for all your guys' hard work on these reviews! 2 questions, if you were to buy a 2020+ Specialized Enduro, would you get it with an air shock or a coil shock? And also, does anyone know what happens to Specialized's old stock? Like where do all the 2021/22 bikes go that they didn't sell? I'm trying to find a way to buy a "new" surplus stock bike from a few years ago for hopefully a lower price but haven't had any luck so far. Cheers!
Thanks very much! We always hope people will enjoy and find these videos helpful, so we appreciate the comment. We’d go with an air shock as we think there’s a lot of benefits on this platform.
Great series. congrats. Canfield for me!! haha
Right on! Thank you very much for watching.
Sad you did not put the Santa Cruz Megatower
But nice video fun to watched
I'm currently 5'7" riding a SC Bronson MX. I race Enduro in AZ and CA. I'm looking to do some BIg Mtn Enduro events in 2023. Would the Orbea Rallon be much more capable compared to my Bronson MX?
No. Prolly a bit but its not a race bike. For an enduro its light maneuvering and poppish all mountain do everything enduro unlike a yeti for example
Great reviews, camera work, and production. But in reality the only one consider is the specialized. Odd grouping of bikes if which none I would ever really consider. The Norco is cool but I gotta pedal places.
It's a better grouping of bikes than the PB field test. It just proves that there is variety in the enduro bike world, you got your fun, playful bikes for daily riding like the Canfield and Fezzari, your out and out race bikes like the Orbea and Cannondale, and your super send freeride bikes that will probably be seeing more shuttle days than pedal days i.e. the Norco. The Specialized just does a lot of things well and is an all arounder
But what about the enduro always cracking!? I mean, my friend who is riding like me, average rider, no big jumps or drops, just little tracks with roots and rocks from eastcoast, already broke his twice in about a year! The other one broke his after 2 months of having it!! We're not pro racers!! They still like it and say the warranty is so good bla bla 🤦♂️
Revel Rail 29 wins. Got it.
Should have reviewed the Marin alpine trail for a budget option
Would love to see Banshee in a test like this!
I’ve owned a few they’re awesome!
I know we can’t have all bikes on every test, but dearly missing a spire in the shootout
Imagine telling people
That $7k+ mountain bikes are “bargains”. What kind of audience do these guys really think they’re talking to? 🤦♂️
For reference what height erc are you guys? Do you normally ride a large?
Most of our guys are 5'11 to 6'3. We've been riding larges for a decade, until now, where we must have shrunk and started looking at mediums more frequently. haha.
🤙Good stuff. You mentioned all were size L and the Canyon was XL. What are your heights?
5’11- 6’3
Wish you guys woulda thrown in the stumpjumper over the enduro
I’m torn between the Norco Range and the Jekyll as my park bike/ big days out…
I’m looking at the Jekyll and it’s a serious contender for my enduro runs as of now
The more I put research on bikes the more I realise there is endless options, and stats not always reflect to bike feel and personal preference..
It’s so hard to choose the right bike without being able to test at least a handful of options that are available that I’m thinking to choose with my eyes…
How do others feel about this opinion?
We agree!
Canfield lithium seems cool but almost like a trail/enduro hybrid.
The Canfield two year warranty sucks, however
Certainly not ideal and again, part of why Drew opted to go away from it on his personal choice.
Eww, even my alloy frame Ibis has a 7 year warranty.
Maybe, I expect them to outlast my Yeti SB150 and 130 with lifetime warrantee (defect only) by a decade or hard riding. They are build very burly and cost 1/4 of Yeti without shock. They are 7075 aluminum built in Taiwan, much burlier with aftermarket adequate downtube protection than made in Vietnam carbon. If you crash a Canfield they hold up.
Too bad you didn't have the EWS championship winning bike - a Rocky Mountain Element. This looks like a test of the best of the pelaton.
Well done thanks! endurolife
Thanks for watching. We appreciate it.
So I guess It's the Rallon for me being in Vegas wooop! wooop! But I have the Wild FS and the OIZ, so I really have No Choice lol
Haha. that Wild FS is a good one.
And what is about Santa Cruz Nomad 6 & Megatower 2 ?
If I could have a dollar every time you said 'like' ....
Se eu pudesse ter uma dessas escolheria a cannondale jekyll. Salve do Brasil.
So what bike one I don’t know if I missed it but there was no clear winner. As far as I heard it was the specialized enduro or was it another bike
Has anyone run mixed wheel on the Lithium?
No SC megatower ….???
Hey The Loam Wolf can I buy that Jekyll of yours?
Seems like there’s gonna be quite a line! Haha.
Why no Megatower?
Probably couldn't get a press bike from SC
Why not the Canyon strive cfr instead of the torque?
And guys, what is your choice for bikepark all day long in your summer holidays ?
Are these trails in Oakridge Oregon? If so, which area(s), Larison, Dead, Alpine, or Hardesty?
This is at Mt Bachelor in Bend, Oregon.
wait... no Niner WFO? It's one of the best rides i've ever been on
How many “likes” in one video can a person say!
Why such a small field? Limited my manufacturer availability?
I love the canfield lithium and fezzari. Both look cool as fuck as well :)
Nukeproof mega
what year is that Enduro Frame?
Is there a dedicated review on the trp 12 drive train?
Not yet.
Hey loan wolf, I was thinking about buying the la sal. Everyone says it feels more like a trail bike than enduro bike. I currently have a 2018 alloy jekyll. Do you think the fezzari will still be able to smash gnarly bike park tech as well as my jekyll? I still want it to feel like a big travel bike and less like a trail bike
Loam
It's 170/170 with fully modern geo, it should do even better than your 2018 bike. They say it has trail bike feel, because it doesn't feel dead and awkward at slower speeds like the racier bikes can. Basically it's a good choice for an enduro bike that is going to be your only bike. Even my Ibis Ripmo which only has 151/160 travel pulls off the feels like a trail bike on easy trails and feels like an enduro bike when doing big bike things
@@mrvwbug4423 ok that makes more sense.. i think im going to demo one (i live 30 min from their hq in utah). ill probably order one if i like it. it will be my only full sus. i do have an xc hardtail tho for my xc races.
@@mrvwbug4423 i also have an extra dual crown laying around.. just need a dh spaced front wheel and could make the la sal a bike park monster for my whistler trip in 2 years
Torque is more for the bike park eh?
Lithium and it’s not a ebike? Noooooooo!!!
Hahaha. What’re you gonna dooooo!!???
@@TheLoamWolf email Canfield Bros and ask them ebikes, full and light both
Oh don’t worry we’re already talking! Hah
Are Scott bikes ok?
Yes they definitely are!
Is the Specialized Enduro a full Twenty Niner??
Yes it is.
@@TheLoamWolf, is it your personal Custom build bike?
No Banshee Titan? You guys missed out ! Best riding bikes for the money in the game. Would love to try the Canfield though.
Dude on the far right is like why am I even here
He says that every day of his life. 😂
no mega?
Not this time. Next year we hope to get one.
If u r lookin for confirmation bias, no need. the mega is great. I only have a little time on one but it was amazing. If u got the coin, and want a mega, get one. No one ever buys a well reviewed Santa Cruz and doesn't love it. For my Miller Lite budget the mega was a little too Champagne.
@@TheLoamWolf sweet hopefully a forbidden too !!!
@@chrisfrolich683 haha yeah I drink that champagne. ive had one for a few months now raced on it plus almost 1000 miles its sick. just would like to see what they think vs the rest
Like like like like like
Where was this filmed? Thanks
Bend, Oregon. More specifically at Mt Bachelor.
What year is the specialized Enduro?
2022.
Why no YT Capra?
I Think about to buy a specialized enduro. Can I fit 2.8 or 3.0 tires on the rear wheel? Why maxxis or schwalbe don't have 29er in 2.8 tires any more?
2.6 is max on the Enduro, why on earth would you want to put plus tires on a FS 29er? 2.6s are boat anchors enough on a 29er
where is ARC8 EXTRA ???
No Commençal? The best enduro bike might actually not be in this group 😂
You spelled Rocky Mountain altitude wrong 😂😂
@@DavidFoundCo Yeah, I'd love to see all of these compared to the Enduro and Altitude as those two seem to be the top two bikes in the class for the last few years. I'm glad they were able to get an Enduro for comparison. The Altitude feels like an absolute weapon on high speed tech
@@DavidFoundCo C-O-M-M-E-N-C-A-L :)
Need some Evil and Yeti bikes here.
SB160 came out a little too late for this test I think, and Yeti is very shy about press bikes. And the Wreckoning would probably be lucky to get through the test without a cracked frame
@@mrvwbug4423 I have an insurgent mx, beat the living sh*t out of it and it's fine. Stop hating homie. 🛑✋🏾 If they're good enough to handle rampage, their good enough for me. 🤷🏾♂️
Canfield wins..yet again
Which DH park is this?
Mt. Bachelor
They have like 80k worth of bikes just sitting there
No commencal???