Strongly disagree! I know mountain bikes are for the most part all very good these days, but this guy could review a rusty old mongoose from the 90s and make me want to buy it. I don’t really care about his reviews, I just want to ride like him…
@@danielray1558 Just the size of terrain you're riding. They're pretty similar, but the Switchblade pumps/climbs with more gusto. The Firebird is a softer ride.
My 2022 Switchblade was a pop monster. I was fearless on the bad boy. My only issue is I found it to be heavy. I had 8K in mine and it was basically 2lbs heavier than my Ripmo or sb130 and I felt way more fatigued at the end of my rides. Not sure what the weight is on this version but I thought I would share. All that aside man your reviews are a highlight of my day when they hit.
and the ride quality did not offset that slightly heavier weight ? I remember my old Ripmo was fairly light weight but doubt the SB is 2lbs heavier than a SB130. It's not always about weight !!
@@gnar_tar I own a 2022 Switchblade myself in Pro xtr/xt config and I've never weighed it. All I can say is that it does not strike me as heavy at all. It is a mini enduro bike so it obviously won't feel like an xc bike. Given a bike in itself is really just the frame that is what should be weighed and compared as an apples to apples comparison. It has to be said that on more burly bikes they will typically beef up the frames so even though it's carbonfibre it will still have some weight to it. Anyhow, I don't care about the weight either, because the feel is where it's at.
@@a8f235 I own a Pivot Firebird and a Shadowcat, ride and build quality of Pivot bikes is second to none. Never used a scale but how good they are on the trails. Could care less about the weight haha
For the PNW the Firebird is hard to deny. I think the Switchblade is a killer option for more trails in the interior, thinking the Midwest, Utah, anywhere the extra speed on flatter terrain pays off. 🔥
If you got the terrain and you are going to really use it, sure the Firebird is an obvious choice. I own the previous Switchblade and it's like a mini enduro. It's the do it all kind of bike, that is mostly a trail bike but can also take _some_ abuse. So, are you riding bikeparks(or similar), or do you do trail riding is the thing you need to be honest with yourself about. The Firebird is just overkill if you only do trail riding, so just a little heads up.
Running i9s to EX511 wheels. Don't feel the weight or the need to go carbon rims just yet Shadowcat is such a light and efficient rig that the reduced fatigue makes up for the extra focus needed due to the trail geo. Still, one hell of 27.5 bike. Pretty sure Spencer speed peaked during that review 🤣
@@ninjabic Think best described by Fuscia color. It's a darker fuscia though. Someone would say pink, some a purple. So I'd just say whichever color matches it based on your preference. In super bright light its more pink, in more trail shaded situations probably purple. Am running the blue mirage color though so I don't have miles of staring at a dangerfruit toptube... That being said, I've given my Shadowcat small accent colors of blue and pink... its looking like a neat bubblegum bike now.
They’re worlds apart. The sentinel is much more stable and long feeling. The Switchblade is a more agile and an active ride. I’d go with the sentinel if you’re looking for confidence, and the switchblade if you’re looking for pop and zest 🤌🏻
If a reviewer is ultra opiniated and negative about a bike I think no brand would send anything his way. E.g Bunachan... Think Spence is positive and instead of being negative or spilling the cons of the bike he simply states WHO the bike is GOOD for. Which I think is review centric and good enough for most. If you want a pros vs cons and full whammy of negatives then written reviews especially on Pinkbike and forums are for you.
These are the best bike reviews on TH-cam for sure
Strongly disagree! I know mountain bikes are for the most part all very good these days, but this guy could review a rusty old mongoose from the 90s and make me want to buy it. I don’t really care about his reviews, I just want to ride like him…
@@mikes.8305😂
100% wish they happened more often.
@@mikes.8305agree, but it's the most fun to watch. Those trails are stunning, and the video and riding is top notch.
I agree. Love this format
One of the few channels where I HAVE to watch the video as soon as it comes out!!! Thanks for posting!
Best bike reviews on TH-cam hands down. Love how consistent these are and the trail POV while you are doing the review.
First time I’ve heard Spencer out of breath. Still the best reviewer on TH-cam.
Oh, it happens all the time!
Still thinking about the way the Switchblade connected with that corner at 10:32 ! 🤤
How would you choose between this and the Firebird?
@@danielray1558 Just the size of terrain you're riding. They're pretty similar, but the Switchblade pumps/climbs with more gusto. The Firebird is a softer ride.
Galby is running so damn good right now. Excellent video!
Love my 2021 Switchbade and definetely will try the 2025 model soon, love the cinfidence the bike gives with its stability in any circumstance
My 2022 Switchblade was a pop monster. I was fearless on the bad boy. My only issue is I found it to be heavy. I had 8K in mine and it was basically 2lbs heavier than my Ripmo or sb130 and I felt way more fatigued at the end of my rides. Not sure what the weight is on this version but I thought I would share. All that aside man your reviews are a highlight of my day when they hit.
and the ride quality did not offset that slightly heavier weight ? I remember my old Ripmo was fairly light weight but doubt the SB is 2lbs heavier than a SB130. It's not always about weight !!
@@gnar_tar I own a 2022 Switchblade myself in Pro xtr/xt config and I've never weighed it. All I can say is that it does not strike me as heavy at all. It is a mini enduro bike so it obviously won't feel like an xc bike. Given a bike in itself is really just the frame that is what should be weighed and compared as an apples to apples comparison.
It has to be said that on more burly bikes they will typically beef up the frames so even though it's carbonfibre it will still have some weight to it.
Anyhow, I don't care about the weight either, because the feel is where it's at.
@@a8f235 I own a Pivot Firebird and a Shadowcat, ride and build quality of Pivot bikes is second to none. Never used a scale but how good they are on the trails. Could care less about the weight haha
❤
Would love to see a comparison with the new ripmo, battle of the long travel trail bikes with dwlink
just moved to lynden, hoping I can get to the trails one day soon
Buying one next week🤙🤙🤙
Little bike, LOL
And speaking of talented riders, I always enjoy watching you ride. Substance is a style all its own.
I’m building up my Switchblade V6 frameset right now. Hopefully all the parts and pieces come in so I can be shredding it next week.
I’d like to hear your opinion on Switchblade vs Ripmo V2S.
So the hard questions is, Switchblade or Firebird? Not much lost going to a Firebird and a lot gained.
For the PNW the Firebird is hard to deny. I think the Switchblade is a killer option for more trails in the interior, thinking the Midwest, Utah, anywhere the extra speed on flatter terrain pays off. 🔥
If you got the terrain and you are going to really use it, sure the Firebird is an obvious choice. I own the previous Switchblade and it's like a mini enduro. It's the do it all kind of bike, that is mostly a trail bike but can also take _some_ abuse.
So, are you riding bikeparks(or similar), or do you do trail riding is the thing you need to be honest with yourself about. The Firebird is just overkill if you only do trail riding, so just a little heads up.
Hi, how I would be very interested in your comments how new Switchblade compares to Trail 429 ?
dariuszostrowski9201 - just go watch his trail 429 video! One of the fastest most furious rides I think he's done.
I’ve seen it ! Many times ;) that is why I asked for small comparison 🤗
How would you compare this to the Ibis Ripmo?
Any chance there could be some ebikes reviews? Maybe the new school "light weight" eebs? Cheers
Sounds like the Shadowcat is gonna be a little more beginner friendly.
Do you think the reynolds carbon wheel upgrade is worth the cost?
Running i9s to EX511 wheels. Don't feel the weight or the need to go carbon rims just yet
Shadowcat is such a light and efficient rig that the reduced fatigue makes up for the extra focus needed due to the trail geo.
Still, one hell of 27.5 bike. Pretty sure Spencer speed peaked during that review 🤣
@@AORNova is the shadowcat more pink or purple in person? I can't tell from the vids
@@ninjabic Think best described by Fuscia color. It's a darker fuscia though. Someone would say pink, some a purple. So I'd just say whichever color matches it based on your preference. In super bright light its more pink, in more trail shaded situations probably purple.
Am running the blue mirage color though so I don't have miles of staring at a dangerfruit toptube... That being said, I've given my Shadowcat small accent colors of blue and pink... its looking like a neat bubblegum bike now.
@AORNova thanks for the reply man! Happy shreddin if you get out this weekend! Yewww!
How would you compare this bike to the Transition Sentinel?
They’re worlds apart. The sentinel is much more stable and long feeling. The Switchblade is a more agile and an active ride. I’d go with the sentinel if you’re looking for confidence, and the switchblade if you’re looking for pop and zest 🤌🏻
@@SpencerAstraPOV Thank you, nice work as always
he feels like he is on a very nimble package
😂
This or Druid!!?
TRANSITION SMUGGLER... pretty please!?
$$$$$
Yep and that’s totally misleading. What’s the point of giving a review if you can’t say the truth.
Garbage will be garbage 👍🏻
Another overpriced trash bike with another “review” from this guy that has nothing negative to say.
These aren’t reviews
This is garbage👍🏻
Yoo - interested in your input, as i’m in the market soon. Do you have some modern trail bikes you’d recommend that aren’t “trash?”
@@guychuxI wouldn’t trust this guys comment. He’s a hater. Checkout the other TH-cam videos on the switchblade.
@@guychuxif you believe a bike will make you good at mtb then no one can help you.
Garbage will always be garbage.
We must have arrived on Sesame Street... Oscar the Grouch entered the comments. Checks out... Knows a lot about garbage.
If a reviewer is ultra opiniated and negative about a bike I think no brand would send anything his way. E.g Bunachan...
Think Spence is positive and instead of being negative or spilling the cons of the bike he simply states WHO the bike is GOOD for. Which I think is review centric and good enough for most.
If you want a pros vs cons and full whammy of negatives then written reviews especially on Pinkbike and forums are for you.