Best 2020 Downcountry Bike: Round Table Discussion | 2020 Field Test XC/DC
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- The votes are in, which of the 5 downcountry bikes will be deemed the champ of the 2020 XC/DC Field Test? Specialized Epic Evo vs Yeti SB115 vs Transition Spur vs Revel Ranger vs Cannondale Scalpel SE.
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I don't think I'll ever buy one of these bikes but I still watched the shit out of all these videos
Same ha. Definitely not a XC/DC kind of guy but enjoyed these reviews.
@@nickhukriede If you can have a two bike quiver, one of these and an enduro bike is the way to go.
H B yup, I’m looking for a friend for my sb150 and I think the specialized epic evo has my money
Yes, most of these bikes cost more than my last two cars. This is bike porn. And differences are beyond first-world problems.
@@oneillgatta5020 Yeah, 100%. If I can swing a specialized epic evo and something like a Commencal Meta TR Race, I am going to.
Mike Levy trolling us ever so slightly with the Grim Donut shirt.
That Transition Spur looks so good.
It sure does.
The new Kona Hei Hei would have been great too.
Yeah. They miss that one
They are doing xc/dc bikes with lower travel, the hei hei is a trail/enduro bike. But if your talking the hei hei dl then you are right.
@@bandannajoe6 How is the Hei Hei an enduro bike? it's got 100mm of travel in the rear and 120 in the front. It has also won the marathon world champs a few times.
My goodness! I thought Mike Kazmir left Pinkbike. It's good to know he's still doing reviews. His opinions line up with my own thoughts so it's a relief to see him.
Great review. That Spur is a cool bike. Bummer the new Hei Hei wasn’t in the mix though. Kona needs more love. Their bikes are just fun!
Great content. Thanks @Pinkbike
I'm really interested in how these bikes also compare to the more "mainstream" options as well such as the Top Fuel included last year, and the Spark/Spark RC.
Thanks again for the great reviews.
2021 top fuel now sports news RS sid shocks and forks, same as scalpel and epic Evo... I'm curious too
I was in the market for a long while...obsessing over what bike to buy, reading and watching reviews... Due to high demand and CovidFest, I never demo'ed these new bikes. Last month, I plunked down for the Yeti SB115 Turq1 sight unseen. It ticked all my boxes on paper. Then these videos came out and now I have buyers remorse. Framed a heavy master of none, voted unanimously in last place by Pinkbike, the Yeti "missed the mark". Whomp whomp. I will still have fun on it - just gotta keep that in perspective.
Don’t let the review shape your opinion. Depending on where you ride and how you ride the Yeti may actually be the best bike for you .
@@hughsnyder891 I'm looking for a good all arounder. I'm only going to have one bike so everything from chunky shuttle runs down Mt. Wilson (L.A.), to more mellow rides in the Santa Monica Mts...
Timotheos Leahy sounds like you messed up.
the best bike is the one that makes you want to ride it....
@@g496r500t No matter what, it's going to be waaaay better then the bike I have now.
Why not new yt izzo (got rave reviews) & evil following the most quintessential dc bike of all time? But otherwise awesome vid.. Especially casmer felt he was more than just for asking questions.. This time... Unlike last round up of xc bikes... 😂
Sarah had a nice smile today, but I would have like to hear her more today.
I don't remember if Sarah got a chance to actually ride any of these bikes?
I really enjoy Pink Bike's excellent reviews - this series was great!!!
Wheres Kona Hei Hei DL. Kona started this downcountry malarky several years ago when they slapped a 120mm fox 34, riser bars and wide rims and dropper on their xc 100mm hei hei frame. Is a wicked bike still today 🤟
Haha. I just posted the same question. I’d love to see it compared to the Transition. I ride the green crdl of the bike you described and a big Honzo....both incredibly fun and rowdy for what they are.
Don't forget their Process 111!!!
Wow. Didn’t know 120mm travel bikes were considered downcountry😂. Slowly my bike is becoming an xc bike as it’s 140/120 ig. Anyway, nice vid and sweet rides
I race XC on 140/130 🤷♂️, but our local XC courses are pretty rugged...
My Spot Ryve 115 is the best down country bike, period.
Yeah, it’s gonna be the Transition spur for me. I’ve heard too many good things about it and everyone says exactly the same thing. Feels like a trail bike but climbs like an XC bike.
I wish yall had included the new Kona Hei Hei, Norco Revolver 120, and the Ibis Ripley- with a 120 mm fork in the these discussions. Got to limit it somewhere. Oh and for kicks thrown in the old Specialized Camber- maybe the first down country bike.
Mondraker F podium DC would've been interesting too.
The izzo would have been a good fit for this company too.
@@sm-qw9mj @pinkbike has already tested that model, also don't know if just throwing a 120mm fork on it makes it DC, all these bikes have more than 110 mm rear travel.
@@howarddavies136 I don't know what the definition of Downcountry is -but with 130 rear travel it definitely is in the trail category, most folks define trail as it rides equally well up and down, from what I've heard Izzo is not a adept climber.
I completely agree with the Camber. I own a 2015 Specialized Camber Carbon Expert Evo and love that bike (120 front and rear). Down country before there was such a thing.
Next time you guys do a remote meeting call, record the audio on the remote user's computer in addition to having the video call. Then overlay that audio file into the final edit of this video and you'll get wayyyy better audio.
While you're packing up bikes Levy, the SE, SB and EVO would be right at home on my side of the Rockies.
Great video 👍👍👍! As a current UA-camr, I am on the lookout for fresh ideas! Good Job!
Having come from a xc hardtail for years, I picked up a RM instinct 18 months ago for something different. Super fun ride but I'm totally over biked for 90% of the riding I do normally (flame suit on)
Selling the rocky and looking hard at these shorter travel bikes, tailored more for the riding I do most of the time. Torn between the evo and the spur, expert/x01 builds. Decisions are hard
Well done review series PB! This content is top notch
Get the spur
@@axelp7297 yea I'm leaning that way
Loved this series of reviews! Keep them coming!!! Enjoy
Hi there, thanks for the reviews!! Question, how would you compare the Orbea Oiz TR to these bikes?
I work at a shop that sells both Transition and Orbea and have spent decent time on both. The Oiz TR is a super fun bike that’s more capable than standard Oiz but still maintains the racier feeling than the Spur. Most comparable to the Scalpel and the Epic EVO.
Sb115 is not in the same category as the other bikes in this category. The sb100 would be this category. The Sb115 would be better against the Stumpjumper.
I disagree, the yeti 115 is more of an XC bike than the stumpjumper however the yeti sits on the far end of XC bikes toward the trail category where as the stumpjumper ST is a trail bike that sits toward the XC category. At the end of the day there is no one perfect XC bike and the Yeti 115 is a fantastic bike for someone who is mainly XC but does some trail activity where as the bikes on the opposite end of the spectrum are going to be more XC focused but sacrifice trail performance. The bike market wouldn’t be as competitive and interesting as it is if every manufacture stuck to the “XC is 100mm, trail is 140mm and enduro is 170mm mindset” so it’s nice to see yeti try to fill a gap
I am surprised they did not get the opportunity to test the Pivot Mach 4SL
Or Pivot Trail 429
Are these reviews only for pro racers? Can we please see comparison of aluminum frames? Tall boy, top fuel maybe...
Lol get a job
Great review. Too bad that another great down country bike is not in this comparison - Santa Cruz Blur. 120 mm fork can be easily installed on it.
Where does this Ripley slot in this stack of bikes? Somewhere between the Ranger and Epic?
Tallboy as well.
Would be interesting. I need a bike for multi day tours in the alpes. Hard to decide between Ripley, Spur and epic evo
@@best-sound Have you thought about the Norco Optic? It has great reviews.
Greg Lollback I believe the Optic is pretty heavy, like 30lbs even at high end build. Probably would want something lighter for long rides. The Epic Evo looks great
@@zachturner6866 yeah, it is heavier. Mine is 32 lbs, but it rides light. But you are right. Those XC bikes are a lot lighter and would be easier to pedal up hill.
you need to include the scott spark
Funny to hear that you would not choose your favorites. I went like Nice to whaaat in a second.
You guys should test the Tallboy from Santa cruz
GRIM DONUT. We will not forget
Great test, waiting for commencal AM an TR video, cheers from Colombia
Great series, really outstanding in many ways
Include Spot Ryve 115 in not a big name but is an interesting proposal.
I agree rode one in Nov at Sedona Festival… great overall ride.
Nice honest review. Thumbs up.
The Hei Hei belongs in this comparison.
I love my new Cube Stereo 120 HPC TM..
How do they compare to the Grim Donut though?
They are fed to the Grim Donut so that it may live...
@Pinkbike If the weights of the Epic Evo and Scalpel SE were the same what would be your choice for rolling or XC terrain that is not biased towards downhill.
I'll probably just buy all five ya know. ⛏ Too much money...it's hard being a mountain biker. OOOOOFFFF $!$!$!$!
Yt izzo?
Better than all of these bikes imo
@@DilanHamawandy than
Trail bike innit geez
@@staceykinguk idk kinda
What happens if you put a higher rise bar, a pike or a lyrik and 200mm rotors on them?
I guess the tough thing about this is wondering if the epic evo would still be so good in the lower specs...??
u guys should do a hardtail field test
You guys might call me crazy. I did get my 1st full suspension bike Christmas time. I thought I was going to like over time. I ended up selling it. Because just can't stop riding my xtr hardtail instead. Just so much faster and climbing ability is on a different level. Of course it doesn't take the hits as good as a full suspension. But I'll take speed And effIcIent.
Pls review the ibis ripley 4 😁
WHY NO IZZO?
I would like to see a real review of this bike by a major bike channel, it looks really interesting for the average Joe like me who need one bike to rule them all and more XC than DH.
It's a pretty amazing bike. I got my Pro model in Ghostship Green last week and it shreds. Pinkbike forums have a whole thread on it, so does the MTBR forums, I'd check those out. Everyone that gets the Izzo freaking loves it. I'm super excited for bigger bike channels to start getting them in for reviews, unfortunately it came out during the pandemic so no one has really had a chance to get out and do videos with one yet.
I just got a trek fuel and saw the video you guys did years ago on it and it’s sooo funny compared to this
Oh dear... So basically those bikes with more of an XC focus were the favorite for climbing, those with an Enduro focus were best when pointed downhill, however the best all-rounder and what should win the Down country bike test is the Yeti SB115... If you're looking for the one bike which can do it all then the Yeti is the clear winner.... To say otherwise? Hmm.. may come with a $$$$$ price tag eh?
As always great content!! 😎
Sarah is good, you should have her on the podcast more
Shouldn’t Tallboy 4 be part of this review?
I get that when people took true XC bikes and mod'ed them it so their more like enduro geometry and tires etc., they got franken-named 'down-country'. But when bike makers respond by making off the shelf enduro bikes that are lighter-weight... aren't we just talking about light-weight enduro bikes?
Should I put a SID 120 ultimate on my Timberjack?
Shame you didn't review the Santa Cruz Blur. Run it with a 120mm fork and it's extra-capable an XC killer.
Yeah or maybe even the Tallboy?
65 - 67 degree for Down Country? More like trail. Not everyone wants to haul a Grim Doughnut round the trails.
Spur for the Win.
Fuel Ex for trail.
trail country would make more sense, these arent really dh bikes at all
or cross trail?
Or I dunno a “mountain bike”
epic evo diff
Did I gather correctly you didn't use the suspension lockout on any of the bikes during testing? (Not even during the efficiency test?)
I would have thought that would made quite a difference.
Why? Do people actually lock out suspension when it matters?
cant wait until a bike with 150mm front and rear and a 64 degree head angle is called a cross country bike
At 22 pounds and $12,000 👊👊😆😆
What down country bike is the most down country? 🤔
oof spur or evo for east coast riding??
Mike levy on the teleprompter
Damn what happened to Yeti...?
Still waiting on the grim donut.....
What bout the Gurilla
Yeti SB115 is amazing. Fastest uphill and fastest downhill.
Siempre firme Ar formas
The bike is solid and my Ebike conversion went great. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Very smooth ride at 30mph with no problems (135 miles ridden so far). The picture is a bit deceiving - there is WAY less space in the center of the frame than it shows. The suspension connection takes up the entire thing. So I needed to attach my battery on the bottom of the frame and my controller on the top. Instructions for assembly were lacking but honestly it wasn't too hard to figure out even though I have very little bike knowledge. Watched some youtube videos on adjusting the disk brakes but that was it. Still, I am loving it and very happy with the purchase.
Wait what's that? NOT THE GRIM DONUT!!
grim doughnut? Urban myth!
Yeeeet
Spot Ryve 115 for me.
Have you actually ridden it? Other reviews make it sound pretty harsh on descents...
I have one and I don’t find it harsh at all. I ride in mostly rolling terrain though.
We're you able to compare it to anything else in this category before buying?
I bought the Ryve last April so there wasn’t much in this category at the time. I rode the Salsa Spearfish. It is a nice riding bike but 2.5 lbs heavier than my Ryve and less rear travel. I liked the Epic EVO but that version had the brain rear shock and I did not want to deal with potential issues that was going to have. Now the 2021 Epic EVO would probably be choice if getting a bike today.
he makes the questions suuuuuuuper longa lol
I also want a quality bike, some what durable light, quick, responsive, non jack hammer of a bike.
But NOT A PEDAL AND CRANKSET DESTROYER.
I just think it is a waste of money to spend a lot of money on a new bike that is poorly designed with a BB that is too looow, and then spend a lot more money on a short crankset.
I am also looking I think at 100-130 rear travel bikes.
A bike that does everything well including climbing and not too long.
I am sick of watching all the videos that are at bike parks, ski resorts or deserts like Moab, California, etc.
I live and ride in the Midatlantic region.
Guys have you heard that now we have cycling social media? BikeSlice www.bikeslice.com/ref_cmVmXzQ2MjM=/
Try NS Bikes Synonym from Poland ;)
Blur tr?
You know who wears Lycra while riding a bike? People who actually RIDE their bikes. People who spend long periods pedaling and aren’t just doing a few gravity runs.
Grimmmmmmmmmm donnnnuuuuuut
I can’t have any one of these bikes...I’d look horrible in Lycra! 😊
Just wear slimmer fitting mtb clothes. Some cross riders are starting to wear knee pads, too
Trail bikes
seriously levy, your shirt is genuinely inappropriate.
Where's the table? 😂🤔
Is there still any XC full-sus bike on 27.5 left?
Or have those damn marketologists (who don't give a sh** about biking) already killed 27.5?...
I guess XC riders like to be fast
Yeah, reasonably priced downcountry bikes next please....under $4k maybe. Who cares about 5k+ rigs. At this price point u know how to ride, you know what u like, differences are minimal and noticeable for pro level riders. There is whole bunch of people who want to step up to a decent bike but have neither the knowledge nor budget. These people need more help choosing next bike. Aluminum framed tall boy, top fuel, stance, canyon neuron.....what else is there?
I agree. How about AL shootout?
Better buy Enduro or DH for that price!
Who can afford any of this crap? Not every passionate mountain rider, earns a six-figure income.
Lmao, can Levy even manual?
Only on a BMX 😂
Shoot out of bikes for the One-percenters.
Disagree. Anyone serious about mountain bikes will need to spend something like $5k for a new bike.
Disagree. As someone who has spent $5k and up on a number of bikes I know anyone seriously invested in the sport can have just as much fun and ride just as fast on bikes much less expensive.
lycra isn't cool
You guys have so many bikes.Gif me one please , i got no money 😂😂😂
Wtf is a down country bike?
roundtable but you didn't let her talk much..
BC? What is it BC? Why people can't just say the words?
Is it sooooo long that you really need to say it as "BC"?
I live in Iceland, you can find extremely long words in Icelandic... still people say them. But those English speakers, they just go: BC, LOL, IMO, ATC, NCPC... and so on. Ridiculous.
Down country? Please, stop. Just stop
Exactly. WTF even is a “down country” bike. Smh
first!
Downcountry bike?
You mean trail bike
Its like half way from XC to Trail.
Less agresive, less travel, lighter and more efficient than Trail. But definetly not XC
What the hell is Down country.... can we talk about gravity and lift park bikes!?!?!?? Nothing beats a transition patrol is the best all around huck to flat bike one can buy! The spur is overpriced for a stupid ass trail bike
Someone should smack the fruity flavored beverage out of your hand for calling it "Down country".