Great video and riding! At 2:18 there was a typo on our website that has since been updated. The SWB has 55 mm of fork offset which is the same as I developed for my old 29er bikes years ago. The LWB has 76 mm of fork offset. Enjoy the ride!
I was actually going to reach out about that for my comparison video since I noticed it on the fork itself, so thanks for correcting it here. And of course thanks for sending it out for review!
Something I always appreciate about your reviews is how you break down and clearly describe aspects about each bicycle that make it unique. You don't just describe stats and how well it rides. Not only do you describe such things clearly, you do so without over-selling them. Even when you are biased, it's clear where you bias stands and why. I noticed something different with the SWB review. I feel like the LWB was such a unique bike compared to other bikes you have ridden, that you had to find new ways to describe the new and unique experience. While the SWB and LWB are very different, it came across, to me, that you have a better understanding of the experience and therefore can describe it more clearly and fully. Do you feel your thought process was different? Regardless. I always appreciate what you have to say about bikes. Thank you!
Also, aren't those crux amazing if not slow? I don't think I've ridden another tire that felt so much like velcro in every off road situation I took it on.
Thanks! I try to not let my bias or personal preferences come through but boy is it hard sometimes haha. In regards to my experience reviewing the LWB vs SWB, you’re exactly right. The LWB was more of an experience of understanding what a Jones bike is all about and trying to get that out there. I already knew a bit of what to expect with the SWB, so my focus was a little different. It’s one reason I feel like the comparison of the two is deserving of its own video.
I own both. Had to find out for myself. For those that don't own both ...this is a legit review. I use the lwb for longer days and the swb for Mtn trails and long days. If I could only have one it would be the SWB.
Rode my SWB on the Baja Divide with 3” in 2019 and switched it to 29x2.3 for the tour divide last year and really enjoyed 29x2.6 up front with the b+ in the back for a true mullet when i was driving to trailheads. For long mixed rides with limited gnar I’m really liking the 9er setup. And it’s right at 30# with a dropper and unfancy wheels. The stock wheels and tires are dang heavy but love the bike and it’s been fun trying out different setups. At this point my rear derailer and headset are the only things stock on it! Jeff should absolutely offer jt as a 29er option (and 2x). I’m probably not going back to b+ unless I go back to that Baja sand.
I’ve wanted to ride a Doggler since they came out but never had the chance. On paper it looks to be more of a rigid 27.5 mountain bike that can run narrower 29ers to make it faster rolling on roads. I’d love to try it out though and see what it’s really like.
Well, I ride a lot of fat and plus bikes which are already going to be in the high 20s/low 30s so a couple of extra pounds isn't a big deal to me. If I compared it to my Cutthroat with a carbon frame and wheels and 29x2" tires then yeah it's noticeably slower.
@@RideYearRound agree....but i sold my cuttie and build up a much heavier surly wednesday with a 29+ wheelset and a fat wheelset coming up and I have to say that the wednesday is more comfy then the cuttie and down singletrack and gravel roads the wednesday is faster and more stable...so dont think about the weight as a bad thing only....happpy trails
Have you tried a fat front on it yet? I think something like a 27.5x3 and a 27.5x3.8 would work well. It would probably add a bit of grip, suspension, and trail without slowing down the bike too much. Also, are those 29+ or 2.6in XR2’s on the LWB in the race pic? I am currently using 29+ XR2’s as my rear tire of choice, and am wondering how the 2.6’s compare. Great review!
I actually did test it with that exact fat front/plus rear set up, I just didn't bring it up in the video because it wasn't a super long ride and I didn't have much to say about it. The 27.5x3.25" set up had more than enough grip and cushioning and felt more balanced, so I'd go with that size before the 3.8" unless I was in sand or some snow.
OK. So I bought a LWB-HD/e and I absolutely love it. I don't drive and have a long commute so I love the comfort but it's heavy. I almost never ride my salsa vaya anymore. Think I should sell it and get the SWB?
Maybe, although I don’t know that’ll really be that noticeably lighter to make it worth it. I’d try some fast rolling 2.6” tires first and see how much that helps.
@@RideYearRound I think I'm going for it. I almost never ride my vaya anymore because the tires are too skinny and the bike too fragile for off road. I have a surly midnight special for road riding. I want something for ripping gravel and snow. The HDE is dope for carrying stuff but its not sporty.
The little piece that holds it down broke and my watch is almost 10 years old so I was trying to decide if I should buy a new watch, cycling computer, or just get a new strap…so that part was filmed during my “I haven’t decided” phase haha.
jones bikes ooze joy, just not uber trendy and i aint mad one bit about it, does everything i want and i grab it over fancy rigs all the time. some of the most capable and comfortable under-biking out there.
I’ve used a 27.5x4.3 with a 29+ on the LWB in snow and on dirt and also briefly tried a 27.5x3.8 with a 27.5x3.25 on the SWB. In both cases it made the bike feel way more confident in techy stuff, but I found a matching 3.25 up front was just as good but kept the bike feeling more balanced.
For my older Jones I have a 26x4 from I use for single track. For my LWB I have a 27.5 x 4.5 which I have only had a short ride but will be testing it soon… The 26x4 is great for single track…
I have a v1 SWB. I love it. My favorite bike by far. Singletrack rides, bikepacking, gravel roads, all good. My nice rigid mtb from the mid 90’s was $850 new in ‘94. Jones bikes are not cheap, but considering how awesome they are and considering inflation…the price isn’t that bad.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. You buy a bike to suit your needs and your style of riding, just like you buy clothes and shoes to fit you, and to work in the environments you use them. Like anything in life, cost is an issue if you don't have the money to buy it, and perceived value isn't just based on cost. I personally like rigid bikes, so the lack of suspension on a bike isn't an issue. If you feel you need or just want a suspended bike, buy one, be happy and go on your merry way. I would take one of these over a similar price full suspension bike. But then I like to ride a 6 speed Raleigh Chopper, a miniature Penny Farthing and a recumbent trike amongst several others. 😂
@@another3997 they're priced as if they are being custom built in the US. Frames are manufactured in Taiwan, and the bikes are assembled in China. Also, the components are lower end. They're unique bikes, but in my opinion, a little overpriced.
Great video and riding! At 2:18 there was a typo on our website that has since been updated. The SWB has 55 mm of fork offset which is the same as I developed for my old 29er bikes years ago. The LWB has 76 mm of fork offset. Enjoy the ride!
I was actually going to reach out about that for my comparison video since I noticed it on the fork itself, so thanks for correcting it here. And of course thanks for sending it out for review!
next bike for sure, love jones's design philosophy and passion for building and riding stuff
I haven't tried a mullet setup, but as a SWB owner you're 100% spot on about everything. Looking forward to the comparison!
Something I always appreciate about your reviews is how you break down and clearly describe aspects about each bicycle that make it unique. You don't just describe stats and how well it rides. Not only do you describe such things clearly, you do so without over-selling them. Even when you are biased, it's clear where you bias stands and why.
I noticed something different with the SWB review. I feel like the LWB was such a unique bike compared to other bikes you have ridden, that you had to find new ways to describe the new and unique experience. While the SWB and LWB are very different, it came across, to me, that you have a better understanding of the experience and therefore can describe it more clearly and fully. Do you feel your thought process was different?
Regardless. I always appreciate what you have to say about bikes. Thank you!
Also, aren't those crux amazing if not slow? I don't think I've ridden another tire that felt so much like velcro in every off road situation I took it on.
Thanks! I try to not let my bias or personal preferences come through but boy is it hard sometimes haha.
In regards to my experience reviewing the LWB vs SWB, you’re exactly right. The LWB was more of an experience of understanding what a Jones bike is all about and trying to get that out there. I already knew a bit of what to expect with the SWB, so my focus was a little different. It’s one reason I feel like the comparison of the two is deserving of its own video.
The Crux’s are an awesome tire. They’re actually faster rolling than I expected from the tread pattern and size, but yeah so grippy!
I own both. Had to find out for myself. For those that don't own both ...this is a legit review. I use the lwb for longer days and the swb for Mtn trails and long days. If I could only have one it would be the SWB.
Never heard of this company but now I want one! Thanks
They make some great bikes!
Rode my SWB on the Baja Divide with 3” in 2019 and switched it to 29x2.3 for the tour divide last year and really enjoyed 29x2.6 up front with the b+ in the back for a true mullet when i was driving to trailheads. For long mixed rides with limited gnar I’m really liking the 9er setup. And it’s right at 30# with a dropper and unfancy wheels. The stock wheels and tires are dang heavy but love the bike and it’s been fun trying out different setups. At this point my rear derailer and headset are the only things stock on it! Jeff should absolutely offer jt as a 29er option (and 2x). I’m probably not going back to b+ unless I go back to that Baja sand.
Oh boy, I’m down to this and hudski doggler for a do it all. The weight on this scares me a bit for hilly rides. This summer sale is making me sweat!
I’ve wanted to ride a Doggler since they came out but never had the chance. On paper it looks to be more of a rigid 27.5 mountain bike that can run narrower 29ers to make it faster rolling on roads. I’d love to try it out though and see what it’s really like.
How does this sucker get up the mountain compared to the boutique bikes you get to sample? Is 35 lbs brutal or not too noticeable?
Well, I ride a lot of fat and plus bikes which are already going to be in the high 20s/low 30s so a couple of extra pounds isn't a big deal to me. If I compared it to my Cutthroat with a carbon frame and wheels and 29x2" tires then yeah it's noticeably slower.
Build it from frame up .
@@RideYearRound agree....but i sold my cuttie and build up a much heavier surly wednesday with a 29+ wheelset and a fat wheelset coming up and I have to say that the wednesday is
more comfy then the cuttie and down singletrack and gravel roads the wednesday is faster and more stable...so dont think about the weight as a bad thing only....happpy trails
Have you tried a fat front on it yet? I think something like a 27.5x3 and a 27.5x3.8 would work well. It would probably add a bit of grip, suspension, and trail without slowing down the bike too much. Also, are those 29+ or 2.6in XR2’s on the LWB in the race pic? I am currently using 29+ XR2’s as my rear tire of choice, and am wondering how the 2.6’s compare. Great review!
I actually did test it with that exact fat front/plus rear set up, I just didn't bring it up in the video because it wasn't a super long ride and I didn't have much to say about it. The 27.5x3.25" set up had more than enough grip and cushioning and felt more balanced, so I'd go with that size before the 3.8" unless I was in sand or some snow.
Nice looking bike. Searching for a new adventure bike so will look into it
Would love to try a Jones bike if I can get a visa to the USA. I don't think anyone sells the full bikes here in Australia.
OK. So I bought a LWB-HD/e and I absolutely love it. I don't drive and have a long commute so I love the comfort but it's heavy. I almost never ride my salsa vaya anymore. Think I should sell it and get the SWB?
Maybe, although I don’t know that’ll really be that noticeably lighter to make it worth it. I’d try some fast rolling 2.6” tires first and see how much that helps.
@@RideYearRound I think I'm going for it. I almost never ride my vaya anymore because the tires are too skinny and the bike too fragile for off road. I have a surly midnight special for road riding. I want something for ripping gravel and snow. The HDE is dope for carrying stuff but its not sporty.
Black Friday! I ordered the SWB! So now I'll have the HDE for long loaded tours and the SWB for commuting, bike packing< and gravel racing.
Another great review 👍🏼
Thanks!
I will probably get an SWB or LWB not sure yet.
Hopefully this and the comparison video I'll be doing help you on that...they're both great bikes though!
Jones bike is super bike, I don’t have one but I believe it’s a very good bike, hope to have one❤😊
What’s going on with that flappy wrist watch band? Lol- love the Jones stuff, I think the SWB is a super cool ATB/Rigid MTB, thanks for the review…
The little piece that holds it down broke and my watch is almost 10 years old so I was trying to decide if I should buy a new watch, cycling computer, or just get a new strap…so that part was filmed during my “I haven’t decided” phase haha.
I was about to comment on the watch band as well. I guess I'm weird, but it irritates me.
jones bikes ooze joy, just not uber trendy and i aint mad one bit about it, does everything i want and i grab it over fancy rigs all the time. some of the most capable and comfortable under-biking out there.
That’s why I ultimately bought the LWB. I had several bikes in for review plus my own bikes but I only wanted to ride the Jones haha.
Where is that. Looks like a great place to ride
A lot of places around SW Montana. It really is a great place to ride.
@ 🫡
Anyone ever try 26x4+” up front with 27.5 in rear?
I’ve used a 27.5x4.3 with a 29+ on the LWB in snow and on dirt and also briefly tried a 27.5x3.8 with a 27.5x3.25 on the SWB. In both cases it made the bike feel way more confident in techy stuff, but I found a matching 3.25 up front was just as good but kept the bike feeling more balanced.
For my older Jones I have a 26x4 from I use for single track. For my LWB I have a 27.5 x 4.5 which I have only had a short ride but will be testing it soon…
The 26x4 is great for single track…
Someone let me borrow theirs for unbound next year
It's an overpriced rigid bike.
I have a v1 SWB. I love it. My favorite bike by far. Singletrack rides, bikepacking, gravel roads, all good.
My nice rigid mtb from the mid 90’s was $850 new in ‘94. Jones bikes are not cheap, but considering how awesome they are and considering inflation…the price isn’t that bad.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. You buy a bike to suit your needs and your style of riding, just like you buy clothes and shoes to fit you, and to work in the environments you use them. Like anything in life, cost is an issue if you don't have the money to buy it, and perceived value isn't just based on cost. I personally like rigid bikes, so the lack of suspension on a bike isn't an issue. If you feel you need or just want a suspended bike, buy one, be happy and go on your merry way. I would take one of these over a similar price full suspension bike. But then I like to ride a 6 speed Raleigh Chopper, a miniature Penny Farthing and a recumbent trike amongst several others. 😂
@@another3997 they're priced as if they are being custom built in the US. Frames are manufactured in Taiwan, and the bikes are assembled in China. Also, the components are lower end. They're unique bikes, but in my opinion, a little overpriced.