How does this compare to the smuggler and the 5010 you reviewed? How would you choose one over the other? 2 questions I’ve had are 1) if you had an enduro bike for when you’re pushing it with either speed or difficulty and a lighter duty trail bike for every day riding. Would the Druid fit as the smaller bike? 2) a lot of people say this punches above its weight. Could this bike replace a 150/160 bike without significant drawbacks? (Stumpy evo, fuel ex, sentinel, etc.)
So generally I would frame this bike in a different category than the Smuggler or 5010. Hear me out, there is always going to be some overlap in the categories, but both those bikes come stock with a 34 or Pike and less fork travel. However, I do have a 36 on the way for the 5010 and I'm excited to see what that does for the bike. So to answer your first question, I would go Druid V2 for a more all mountain do everything bike and 5010 for the short travel, lets go fast and hit some steep jumps. 1) I would lean toward something like the Evil Following or 5010. I feel the Druid is too much in the middle of the trail to enduro spectrum. 2) I would put the Druid V2 up against the Fuel EX and Sentinel no question. I go farther and say the Druid edges out the Sentinel due to the stiffer frame and how well the suspension handles big, high speed hits. It would be harder for me to choose between the Fuel EX and Druid.
I just sold this bike as it was a bit much for me in southern Utah, what 120-130mm trail bike would you recommend? I’m getting decision paralysis. Following, Trail 429, Izzo, Smuggler, Rascal. All on the list. Help! 😂
It will kinda depend on what was "too much" about the Druid. I really like the Rascal, it climbs more comfortably and efficiently, but as far as downhill, I think it's just as capable as the Druid. The Following stands out as a super fun ride that's definitely more snappy and quick, gets off the ground faster than the Druid and still surprisingly capable. The other dual 29 that comes to mind is the Commencal Tempo. If you're interest in mixed wheels the SC 5010 is the way I went.
Interesting you mention Evil Following as that’s what I have and am looking to add the next step up. Something more capable in the rock gardens and drops but still reasonably light and pedal-able because 90% of riding will be on less aggressive local trails but want the capability for when I travel. How would you compare this then to the Evil Offering or Fuel EX?
@@kevinclark9176 I think they’re very comparable bikes. The Evil and Trek climb a bit more efficiently and I tend to prefer the more stretched climbing position of those bikes. The bikes all descend at a similar level, but EX and Offering have that poppy feeling you’re probably used to with the Following.
Awesome video! I’m going to be getting a Druid frame end of August and I’m having trouble deciding between a 150mm or 160mm fork as I’ve been hearing with the 150 fork the bike feels a little unbalanced with such a capable rear so a lot of people have been bumping up to a 160. What do you think? What I’m looking to get out of the bike is an all mountain bike that I could also take to the bike park during the summer but, a majority of my riding will be local trails that consist of mostly high speed tech with some medium sized hits.
I thought it felt pretty balanced. It's already a 20mm difference in travel and while a stiffer fork may be good for the higher speeds, I got to the end of the travel more at the back. I would probably go with a 36 150 over the stock lyrik. It depends on your area but if you ride a fair bit of chairlifts or shuttles, the Dreadnought maybe a better way to go.
If the druid is your only bike and you plan to do some blacks and bike park go 160. If you have a dedicated enduro stick with 150mm. Currently running 150mm and it feels pretty good.
I built up a V2 frame a handful of months back and went to a 160 mil Lyrik Ultimate from 150 and haven't looked back. I haven't found any drawbacks to cornering or moving the bike from one side of the trail to the next. It really does add to the capability of the bike, imo! I also happen to love the way the Lyrik feels once set up to my liking. The added ATC height of the 160 is negligible and I ended up just dropping 5mm of spacer from under the stem and it feels about perfect. I'm on an S2 at 5'10'' and generally prefer a 'smaller' bike. This fits and feels how I'd always imagined a 29er should fit me. I've really had a hard time putting this bike down to give my other bike some much needed attention. It's the best all round bike I've owned and in some ways, reminds me a little of my old V1 Megatower but with noticeably less square edge feedback through the pedals and rear end! SO good!
How does this compare to the smuggler and the 5010 you reviewed? How would you choose one over the other?
2 questions I’ve had are 1) if you had an enduro bike for when you’re pushing it with either speed or difficulty and a lighter duty trail bike for every day riding. Would the Druid fit as the smaller bike?
2) a lot of people say this punches above its weight. Could this bike replace a 150/160 bike without significant drawbacks? (Stumpy evo, fuel ex, sentinel, etc.)
So generally I would frame this bike in a different category than the Smuggler or 5010. Hear me out, there is always going to be some overlap in the categories, but both those bikes come stock with a 34 or Pike and less fork travel. However, I do have a 36 on the way for the 5010 and I'm excited to see what that does for the bike. So to answer your first question, I would go Druid V2 for a more all mountain do everything bike and 5010 for the short travel, lets go fast and hit some steep jumps.
1) I would lean toward something like the Evil Following or 5010. I feel the Druid is too much in the middle of the trail to enduro spectrum.
2) I would put the Druid V2 up against the Fuel EX and Sentinel no question. I go farther and say the Druid edges out the Sentinel due to the stiffer frame and how well the suspension handles big, high speed hits. It would be harder for me to choose between the Fuel EX and Druid.
Thank you for creating the insight.. I think this is my nxt bike
Awesome, it was fun putting the video together
Thank you for the video 👍
@@ryansteiger6960 glad you liked it!
I just sold this bike as it was a bit much for me in southern Utah, what 120-130mm trail bike would you recommend? I’m getting decision paralysis. Following, Trail 429, Izzo, Smuggler, Rascal. All on the list. Help! 😂
It will kinda depend on what was "too much" about the Druid. I really like the Rascal, it climbs more comfortably and efficiently, but as far as downhill, I think it's just as capable as the Druid. The Following stands out as a super fun ride that's definitely more snappy and quick, gets off the ground faster than the Druid and still surprisingly capable. The other dual 29 that comes to mind is the Commencal Tempo. If you're interest in mixed wheels the SC 5010 is the way I went.
Interesting you mention Evil Following as that’s what I have and am looking to add the next step up. Something more capable in the rock gardens and drops but still reasonably light and pedal-able because 90% of riding will be on less aggressive local trails but want the capability for when I travel. How would you compare this then to the Evil Offering or Fuel EX?
@@kevinclark9176 I think they’re very comparable bikes. The Evil and Trek climb a bit more efficiently and I tend to prefer the more stretched climbing position of those bikes. The bikes all descend at a similar level, but EX and Offering have that poppy feeling you’re probably used to with the Following.
@@NICADV thanks. The Following is my first modern bike so I’m not glued to it as a brand or feel, though I do have fun with the poppy feel.
You should do a review on the new RM Instinct
@@NB-ski that’s one I’m working on. Unfortunately, my local Rocky rep only has the Altitude in his fleet.
Awesome video! I’m going to be getting a Druid frame end of August and I’m having trouble deciding between a 150mm or 160mm fork as I’ve been hearing with the 150 fork the bike feels a little unbalanced with such a capable rear so a lot of people have been bumping up to a 160. What do you think? What I’m looking to get out of the bike is an all mountain bike that I could also take to the bike park during the summer but, a majority of my riding will be local trails that consist of mostly high speed tech with some medium sized hits.
I thought it felt pretty balanced. It's already a 20mm difference in travel and while a stiffer fork may be good for the higher speeds, I got to the end of the travel more at the back. I would probably go with a 36 150 over the stock lyrik. It depends on your area but if you ride a fair bit of chairlifts or shuttles, the Dreadnought maybe a better way to go.
If the druid is your only bike and you plan to do some blacks and bike park go 160.
If you have a dedicated enduro stick with 150mm. Currently running 150mm and it feels pretty good.
I built up a V2 frame a handful of months back and went to a 160 mil Lyrik Ultimate from 150 and haven't looked back. I haven't found any drawbacks to cornering or moving the bike from one side of the trail to the next. It really does add to the capability of the bike, imo! I also happen to love the way the Lyrik feels once set up to my liking. The added ATC height of the 160 is negligible and I ended up just dropping 5mm of spacer from under the stem and it feels about perfect.
I'm on an S2 at 5'10'' and generally prefer a 'smaller' bike. This fits and feels how I'd always imagined a 29er should fit me. I've really had a hard time putting this bike down to give my other bike some much needed attention. It's the best all round bike I've owned and in some ways, reminds me a little of my old V1 Megatower but with noticeably less square edge feedback through the pedals and rear end! SO good!
@@TFritz82 Thanks for the info that really helped.
@@adriantodorov1323 anytime pal! 👊
😂 did you just learn the word accessible
@@phantasma2323 thanks for watching!
Canfield bikes, actually
🤷🏻♂️