4 XC Race Bikes Tested - Trek vs Specialized vs Cannondale vs Canyon | 2020 Field Test XC/DC
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- Опубліковано 4 сер 2020
- The moment you have all been waiting for, it's time for the final showdown. Trek Supercaliber vs Specialized Epic vs Cannondale Scalpel vs Canyon Lux. Which World Cup ready XC bike will take the crown after this years XC Field Test?
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You guys totally eliminated Trek Supercalibre from the conversation. Also, Norco Revolver needs to be in the test.
Very interesting that you compared these 4 successful XC race bikes. But everybody who is into XC knows that Scott Spark RC is missing in this test.
Not one word on the Supercaliber... hmmm
Was waiting for something as well
As a Supercal owner, I'm surprised at that myself. It's a nice bike, but I feel like Trek is confused right now. Seems like they are just worried about flash in the pan stuff without concentrating on what really works.
Not the best bike, but not the worst is OK, except when you make a bunch of fuss over a new design and it ends up being "bleh".
Loads of other reviews on UA-cam rave about it. Just find it curious that it wasn’t even mentioned in the round table really.
Maybe she never actually rode it since she never mentioned it. Hmm...
Not sure who she is other than she works at Pinkbike but I get the impression that she's not a racer. Why would we ask her if the future of race bikes are changing. It'd be ok if he asked about trail bike because she does ride trails.
Maybe I'm wrong and she is some world famous racer that I just don't know.
Was saying the same thing. Damn.
Title need a review! Specialized vs Canyon vs Cannondale hahahaha
The grim donut would be great down these trails
Soon
Soon
What’s a grim donut
CookieCrispYeet It’s an XC race bike
CookieCrispYeet ur mom
Trail people reviewing XC bikes.. meanwhile MVDP is winning world cups with the Lux
I just purchased a new lux. I will be interested to see what I think. I loved the specs and geo so that's why I went with it.
Not trail people...
take it easy bro..it is only opinion..there will be always Specialized vs Canyon vs rest of the pack people...
@@mochno1 reviewer race for spe team this review not fair kid
I think that the Grim Donut would shred this course
The word “Trek" should be removed from the title
Yeah, hardly any mention... was it just stuck in 3rd? Out of the top 2 but not the worst?
The individual review of it was pretty positive.
Hiks hiks..... I love Trek very much
1. The lux is 3k-4k cheaper then the rest. That's another bike. And it's a great bike.
2. Imo the Scott spark/rc is a benchmark in the category and very missing here.
3. Still, great collection and interesting to see that the bike performed differently on different parts of the trail.
Just picking 4 XC bikes is the real problem here when there are so many to chose from plus I don't think any XC racer runs the standard Lux out of the box. So I suspect it is not the sort of test I would argue that makes sense. If you are buying a 10K bike I would not chose based on this it is like buying based on a car magazine, You have to go out and test it yourself. A friend went out to Canyon and test rode several bikes while he was out there. Another person I know visited Commencal and tried their bikes and a slew of other back home
I would personally go scott spark and BMC myself but neither of these were on the list.
So i suspect as per usual it is biased towards what US and Canadian customers are interested in more than what are good race bikes
@@davidatwilliams fully agree. Personally, was riding the previous model lux for 5 years and was very happy with it. This model is really great with dropper and 2 bottles, and I think that if you add 10mm to the fork it will solve many of the issues they mentioned.
Now I'm riding a Spark (120mm) and it's the most fun I had on a bike in 15 years and 10 models.
For 3000€ I can get a full KTM Myroon Master
I'd like to see another test with the Oiz, Scott Spark, and Evo - the last one is not always billed as a XC race bike but it's 21 lbs with dropper and sure it has a 120 up front but that doesn't make it slow!
Where's the scott spark?
caɹl On the podium.
I’m getting a Scott genius pretty soon
Why wasn't a power meter used ? You need a power meter for timed test so results don't vary based on fatigue/effort/mood.
WHERES THE HUCK TO FLAT!
Yeah, no shit!
Where the SuperCaliber end in overall time and your preference position for the SuperCaliber?
Sick!🤙
I have the Lux. Love it. Last decent MTB I owned was a 97 Kona AA so I may not be the best judge.
What type of camera do you guys use? Awesome quality!!
Jesus, people can be harsh on here, eh. Well done PB, thanks for your efforts.
@PinkBike get after a field test of the new Kona Hei Hei, freaking looks like it would rip Up & Down!!!
Hmm nothing mentioned on the supercalibre????
Please do a review on the Scott Spark RC 2021 AXS WC.
I love your videos
Would love to see the new Orbea Oiz in this comparison.
AYO! 🔇 WHERE'S 🔇 THE 🔇 TREK 🚲 SUPERCALIBER 🔇???
Sorry for the lack of SuperCaliber-weird it didn't come up in the video! We discuss it in a lot more depth in tomorrow's Pinkbike Podcast, as well as give away some sneak peaks at the Downcountry bikes and updates on the Grim Donut part 2 video. :)
Puted in bin
@@pinkbike thanks for the response! Made my day
Pinkbike thank you.
I would love if you guys would have test the bmc fourstroke and kross earth
Also you guys dint test the scott rc the world champion bike
It is amazing how we love US bikes in Europe, but in US everyone hates European bikes! I think it is a bit unfair especially for a World Championship bike! The Canyon Lux lacks the innovations found in the US industry but it shines on the other hand in terms of primitive and brutal XC flair! For example, after riding many Trail bikes I ended up buying the least "competent" trail bike of the bunch Canyon Neuron. I rode literally everything but I think the Neuron had an "all aroundness" never seen in any other trail bike....130mm (right in the middle) , a combo of old geometry with some slackness, an epic climber, very efficient, still not the best on the downhill segment.....but then again in Europe we still push bikes on the top ourselves! (not many bike lifts here!)
It's not that they "hate" it. This person is comparing 4 of the best xc bikes in the world, and they didn't like one as much as the others. Wouldn't put that under the "hate" category. Not to mention she never even discussed the trek at all; it's probably an even worse fate to be completely unmentionable.
I test rode the Lux and the Neuron at Sedona last year. The Pinkbike reviewers are right about the lockout and dropper setup on the Lux. It's a disaster and unworkable. Also, for me, the suspension just didn't work. If I hit something big it took the edge off but may as well have been a hardtail over smaller, chattery stuff. Now the Neuron I really liked. Competent suspension and the geometry was "reasonable" for a trail bike whereas so many "trail" bikes now are practically enduro bikes.
Well I Hate US Bikes.
This could have been a good review series if these two rode XC. Missed opportunity to bring in some added panel expertise.
Sarah raced XC at the elite level for several years FYI
great high level overview of the four bikes. For those that didn't watch each individual review, you need to stop complaining about the round table and go watch each review.
I got exactly what I wanted from each review compared to what I hear and read about each bike from separate sources. The surprise was the comment about the Scalpel being the most forgiving on the rough terrain. I figured the SuperCal wouldn't be as good where I ride with LOTs of roots. And I have heard the Epic is awesome, but I have also heard about the clunking of the brain. oh, btw, I agree with a few others that maybe the Scott Spark RC 900 would have been nice to see in the mix. The BMC Fourstroke, Orbea Oiz are not as common in the US, but would love to see a review of their top end bikes.
Anyway, good overall review, now to figure out which bike to drop some serious $$$ on.
She is awesome! Looked way fast!
What happened to the supercaliber?
Can You do test of scott spark RC 900 ?
I am thinking what Van Der Poel can do with not so good bike like the Lux...
You guys should have also tested the Norco revolver.
There are quite a few XC bikes that should've been included and weren't... Granted some aren't "new" but the Revolver is, and then the Spark while being at the end of its life cycle was well ahead of the geometry game.
Just wondering how would i feel if i ride one of this bikes after riding an anthem 29er from 2011 .....
I have a giant hardtail and the bikes definitely ride differently from 10 year ago. the better bkes mean less work bullying the bike, less work being beaten up on newer trails what is weird though on smoother trails the newer bikes clearly inferior. basically the bikes are design for very different trails. In many respect it is like saying would you use an enduro bike for a down hill race, You could but you would not be as fast.
Just an ancedotal point I remember one enduro race that a rider from Canyon decided that he would not use a strive because the course was too smooth so we went for their trail bike the spectral. Simply put it is horses for courses which is why I always say if you raced you would have a different bike for every course
So are these sort of videos intteresting? Yes Do they actually tell you everything you need to know? No. Would you spend 10K on a bike on just this video? hell no
What happen with the down country bike test?
Her dislike and explanation about the Cannon Lux had me laughing. I understood. Seem more Appealing than Idealing 😏😉 And I’m considering upgrading my Trek and looking into buying a Specialized. They look nice. Thank you for this
Yay! The other Mike!
Where’s the podcast on the super caliber????? I’m waiting. You guys are killing me.
So buy the lux when it comes out with mordern geo unless ur prepared the drop 12 grand
This.
There are Epics and Scalpels that don't cost 12 grand...
There are Epics and Scalpels that don't cost 12 grand...
@@TheDavidjakeson They have less of the features of the 12 grand bikes so you pay for it in weight and quality of components so while you are correct there are cheaper version around they are not on test and they ride differently. I have tried a cheaper version of a Epic and more expensive version you can go woith the one with no brain etc they are different bikes even to a non professional
@@davidatwilliams You can buy the S-works frame and build your own bike. Unfortunately, the S-Works frame costs almost as much as a complete Canyon Lux. So go figure...
cant believe they did not include the grim doughnut it would have climbed so much faster
That bike made all of the others look terrible in comparison and with it’s 57 degree head tube angle it’s unbelievably agile on the climbs and decents
There may be a Grim Donut cameo coming up...
@@pinkbike cool i thought i heard something about that on the podcast but i was not sure
Wow, not a single word about the Trek? Was it that forgettable?
Missing for Scott Spark/Scale
Where is scott? I mean.... Nino is rocking on these
the spark Is almost 4years old
@@emmaparedes12 oh, so nothing new on the frame since 2016? i did not know that. 👍
@@emmaparedes12 and still rockin'!
Why have you not decided to review the YT Izzo with this group?
Lux is a beast,
The Lux is a great bike. Race results show that.
Scalpel is a really interesting bike to me. While the Specialized looks great I don't think I could ever get used to the "clunk". I've ridden the last two generations of the Brain on the Epic and the clunk is real. Lux I've ridden and I'm not impressed with and the reviewers are right that the lockout and dropper setup is a disaster. Supercaliber, to me, seems like it should be a gravel bike :)
I won't call the lux lockout/dropper lever as a disaster. You have to adapt to it, but after some rides there are no issues with it. Within a short test there's no time for that, but in the reality that's not a problem.
I agree; I was fast on my old epic, but it didn't act like I wanted it to. Moved to a Pivot 429SL (Pre-boost) and that was too playful for use as an xc bike - It's not efficient to huck everything when racing marathon. Moved to a hardtail, but looking to get back into the dual game. Might could strongly consider the Epic Evo - no brain might be a winner!
@@Ahats5 Yeah I'm eyeing the Evo as well as the Scalpel SE. XC light but with a bit of extra give. Curious to know the antisquat and antirise numbers for both bikes.
osi22 Better yet, get rid of the dropper all together. Less distraction and significant weight saving when compared to a carbon seatpost. The only dropper that I think is viable in an XC scenario is the new BMC dropper that’s integrated into the bike. Other than that, having to sit down to drop your seat cost you some pedal strokes and adds weight. Still can’t fathom why people run them on race courses when the top ten of any competitive XC field in majority of places is void of droppers.
@@sarahwood8943 I agree with you 100%. The BMC Fourstroke nailed the dropper with the suspension lockout and dropper on one lever. Such a simple system. No idea why the rear triangle has so little clearance though.
Where was the Trek?
How come people always forget Giant Anthem? For me its good bike, fast acceleration, nimble and smooth going dh. Hopefully Leo Paez can prove it in xc world cup tour.
drinking game: 1 shot every time pinkbike says “modern”....spoiler, you’ll be drunk 30 seconds in
to any video they have.
yea , in these days how you call xc bike/ hardtail ? or now all cattegories devide by FS bikes only .? .
in vid says xc which also means climbing going UPPPP ! people(prooos) forgot how to go up mountains ?(all i see on those channels is how peps go down/jump for 7min ,and then theres 2sec how they go up , but laters talking 2min how good is that bike on climbing , fssssss)
Love Cannondale bikes
It would be nice to include the new Orbea Oiz
Honestly, I think the concept of Brain is redundant, all those bikes actually pedal so well with the suspension open that you don't need a lock-out, be it manual or automatic...
I never would have imagined a lefty winning the list. Apparently they've gotten better in the past 10 years.
Love the reviews. Can't wait to see what you have to say about the SB115. Wish the hei hei made the short list.
I rode a 100mm lefty a few years ago, and it's easily the best 100mm fork I have ever ridden. Nothing else is as smooth. For a trail/enduro fork, I'd rather have a Pike or an MRP Ribbon, but for XC, that Lefty was outstanding.
I own A supercaliber, it is beautiful and awesome, I ve own more than 5 epics, before, the trek handles perfectly
Did the Epic have a harsh/unrelenting ride compared to Supercaliber?
Jose Sanchez
No not at all , I don’t have the bike brain set to its hardest,
I think the epic would be more capable on tall rocks, because it has more clearance from the ground, but the supercaliber can turn better because of its lower center of gravity, I thought the super caliber was going to be lighter because of the small shock, but it is not. Both weight the same, that disappointed me a little.
R N. What Supercaliber model/size you have and how much it weight? I heard the Epic does not fully locked out like other bikes with manual lockout. This is true? Does it impact the pedal efficiency on climbing or smooth terrain/pavement roads? There still some pedal bob?
@@JoeySanchez1575
I have the top super-caliber 2021 and the top Epic sworks 2020 with same components, both Large
Wire less Electronic shifting sram, and a reverb.
They weight 21.5 pounds
You can fully lock the super caliber and go “ road biking “ if you want.
The epic can be set to fully lock,
But you will feel the brain activating, you get use to it but it is there, to minimize that “ clack feeling” you set the brain one click less than locked.
But then you don’t really know exacly if it is locked or not, I get very confused really.
And now it appears that both of my brain , fork and shock are not working,
The epic,s bottom bracket has 1 inch more of clearance, so it is more capable on rocky climbs and descents ,
If the terrain is hard I will go for the epic , if it is mellow you will be fine with either one.
I love the epics geometry and capabilities, the brain I can live with, but not if they are not working like now that I have to send them to specialized.
My friends brain has 2 years and it is actually in specialized fixing it.
@@Ekzit21 thanks
You guys forgot the scott spark
“10 years ago I was not that comfortable on descents...” I think this is a bit of marketing hocus pouch. I was on a Gary Fisher Superfly 100 10 years ago, it was a 29er that weighed under 23 pounds and wasn’t radically different. Maybe not as slack and a slightly less efficient pedaler but not a ton in it.
My Procaliber had a faulty front suspesion and the shop gave me the Supercaliber, Iam not a racer but always give my best going up or down an I like the bike, but on my timed course of about 18 minutes I was faster on a Procaliber by 20 seconds.
The Trek was not even mentioned in the test. But the Specialized Epic blew it them away, although it was just as fast as the Trek and had slower performance results than the Canyon. Yeah, we get it, handling the Canyon suspension during a race needs expert knowledge, which she probably doesn't have. Who is she...? Oh, she rode races, 3 years for Specialized. Got it! :/
that why spe bha bha bha
Sooo you meant to say "3 XC Race Bikes Tested" No Trek mentioned??
At least Pinkbike is reliable (for me): Every single XC bike test comes down to the same conclusion: For racing I prefer the bike that Pinkbike dislikes. And I hate the bikes they prefer.
You can tell Pinkbike testers aren't current XC racers.
Right? The lux is the current world champ and it's her least fav...
@@agenttickle6412 Funny some people believe it is Canyon Lux being World champ, not Pauline. I have this bike and cannot agree more with Sarah. Actually I can even tell I regret buying it, though it came really cheap as demo bike.
mtbcrosscountry.com/riders/sarah-moore/ Isn't Sarah an ex XC pro?
Please do huck to flats
Man, watching these guys you'd think wearing Lycra is a requirement when on an XC bike or going fast uphill! Its not. DON'T WEAR IT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MIKE!
bh lynx race!
Trek comes out with a totally new style frame and yet you guys don’t talk about it.
Hi! I am Vietnam, i want to buy Trek GX 9.8 , how can I buy ? Pls support me. Thanks
That’s cool but I’d rather the grim donut
3
Cannondale scalpel ult. overpriced 12500,00€ for what! A golden Sticker.🙄👀👏🙂☺😁😎😇
7mins video & the Supercaliber was mentioned for 5 seconds... What the hell Pinkbike?
You don’t gain time on the super techy stuff in a race. I don’t know where she got that from. Majority of XC races are open flats with steep punchy but not technical climbs followed by short somewhat technical descents or shoots. Other than the few technical climbs, its all about efficiency. If we’re talking the same rider across all of the bikes on a real XC course, the Canyon would wipe the floor with the epic and the cannondale. Also don’t get why it has a dropper. Droppers force you to sit down. When you need to be standing up going into a descent. Until self dropping droppers like the one on the BMC become more mainstream, steer clear of droppers when racing. 95 percent of XC courses don’t have long enough descents to warrant the weight penalty (upwards of a quarter pound or more compared to most carbon seat post) and lack of efficiency when dropping the seat. Go to bike radar if you won’t proper XC reviews. No offense to Pink Bike as their videos are top notch, I just think they either need to hire more people who race XC or avoid the topic. I know Sarah has done stage events in the past that are XC oriented but World Cup style racing is a very different beast to stage and endurance racing.
She probably gets it from her World Cup racing experience. Look her up, she's raced at both the U23 and Elite level.
James Hammond and yet she thinks that 720mm bars are too narrow and 80mm stem are long. Its like they expect downhill geo from xc bikes. Clueless reviewer. And when i hear the words gnarly and plush suspension on xc environment, i shake my head every time...
Michael Henry i am more than up to date with modern bike trends, and thats why i know that most big brands in size L or M, with XC category run 70-80 or even 90mm stems. Only few american brands who always come with the usual marketing bullshit “todays xc courses are gnarly” try to merge trail geo into xc bikes. And almost every pro runs smaller frame with 100mm or longer stems.
James Hammond Most XC courses aren’t nearly as technical as World Cup courses or her local area. Notice I said World Cup STYLE XC racing. Courses even at national levels don’t have as much chunk as world cups. I’m sure it would feel better to have a more squishy plush feeling ride but it certainly isn’t as fast. Plus, she hasn’t competed in World Cups in almost 8 years dude. I was basing my comment on her more recent racing activity which has been longer stage events not XC races.
Michael Henry I have 740 and I wouldn’t dare go larger. Personally I think it comes down to shoulder width. I have slightly narrow shoulder overall so I could understand 750 or 760 mill bars. That being said I think the narrower the bar you can run while not compromising stability, the better. Sense of speed slows down allowing you break mental barriers on the descent while riding on a narrower bar. It also allows you to take faster lines that may include some trees that come a bit too close to comfort on a wider bar. I’m basing this on east coast trails by the way which are generally a lot more tight compared to west coast trails.
Hey comment section: which xc bike would you buy for around 3000€/$
If u didn't buy yet... I would take the canyon lux cf 6..
Specailized is has A.I.
What about Scott Aspect 940? 😂😂
Trek was not even mentioned lol! Not a good thing.... 😝
No one word for the World champion bike?? waste of time, I am here for the Supercaliber...
Pls test some Dh bikes again 👍🏼
This is my first road ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and I have taken it out a handful of times and so far it is exceeding all of my expectations. I didn’t want to break the bank on a first bike and the herd is a great option for getting a fast bike with reliable components. I plan on riding this bike for many years to come. Thank you Sava!
So nothing about the TREK!! Did yas even try the bike??
I know it's been said already but....why have Trek in the title and then not mention it ALL. No comments at all, either positive or negative.
Bizarre.
Everybody:I have a Dream Bike
Me:I have a Dream Sponsor
Here's a great review of the TopFuel vs a basic bike!!ua-cam.com/video/2IzC7IzjEMM/v-deo.html
How does this include the super caliber when you don’t even say a work about it? Wtf...
Scott BMC KTM ... ?
Can you TRY to get through a XC bike test without the cliches about wearing lycra?
Yeah agreed, it’s quite childish schoolboy humour.
The Supercaliber is so awesome they would need an entire video just for it ~ the other 3 bikes dont deserve the same "review space" as the supercaliber.. Its obvious that the Supercaliber left them speachless..
Make reviews on bikes people can actually afford.
Complains about the canyon and the only things we’re 3 $100 upgrades on a $5000 bike
Hell noooo Brain is nooo good, when you stand up and you get a bump the suspension opens and it doesn’t feel good, plus the service it takes more then a month 👎🏻
waiting for treks feed but not even mentioned hahaha title should be specialized vs cannondale vs canyon 👎
People wtching this, and hoping that there is something about trek:👁👄👁
29 are too big
I came for trek..... 😑
How can you compare a $7000 bike with $12000 bike? Important to mention I have been a Cannondale rider for many years. Their customer service is garbage. They are just bike frame salesmen. That's why my next bike won't be a Cannondale anymore.
Is it really that bad? As I'm thinking of buying a Scalpel HiMod World Cup
@@msagoo29 you only have 1 year warranty on most components. Frames vary from 3 to 5 years. If any of your SRAM, Shimano or what ever non Cannondale part breaks you have to chase it down yourself. In Europe dealers are ok but in Australia it very bad. They’re only interested in selling. Smaller dealers are better but are being screwed over by Cannondale importers. I am someone who worked his whole life in the automotive industry designing cars. If Ford, BMW or Porsche would have this business plan they would be bankrupt within a year and facing thousands of lawsuits.
There is a reason why many bikestores across Europe don’t want to sell Cannondale anymore. And ditched them for Orbea or other exotic brands. I would be very nervous if I was Cannondale (or even Specialized). Canyon is selling bikes for half the price and it is easy to find spare parts. Also Canyon answers back to emails now that’s a great start
@@z33z19 Thank you mate that’s good info. I’m in the UK & looking for a top end xc bike, looks like cannondale is off the list, I keep hearing stories of bad customer service, probably bc of Dorel. Specialized is overpriced, Scott isn’t so bad but no stock, Canyon exceed is appealing as it’s £3000 cheaper than the competition for a World Cup spec bike. Giant Anthem 29 0 is meant to be good - lots of dealers, top carbon construction & lifetime warranty
@@msagoo29 if you’re after a hardtail I would definitely try the Canyon Exceed or GIANT XTC good value and easy to service. With the Canyon I would keep my hands off Reynolds wheels. I’ve got bad experience with them their spare parts supply chain sucks.
Huge let down and borderline click bait. Testing $12K bikes and woops - forget to even mention the Trek. Now I remember why I've never subscribed to Pinkbike. Pitiful.
And they failed to include the Scott Spark which at the price level they were testing is like missing the Elephant in the corner.
@@Pesmog Scott Spark, Orbea Oiz, Norco Revolver and a few other big names weren't in the test
so trek is crap?
The Trek Top Fuel 9.9, puts all these mediocre XC bikes to Shame!
Such a bias commentary, just removed trek in your title if you're not gonna say something about it.
Your "Real World" lap time testing is completely unscientific, unnecessary and misleading. Field tests would be better without it.