Think you´ve just landed a 100%. I cannot talk for everyone of course, but for my part: this (first) review had it all. Stay as dead honest and vital as you are!
SEE OUR LONG-TERM BRONSON REVIEW HERE - th-cam.com/video/siYFtUN5bdc/w-d-xo.html Video Contents 0:00 - Introduction 1:03 - What is New on The Bronson 2:25 - Geometry / Sizing 3:54 - Bronson Models & Pricing 4:30 - Our Bronson Test Bike 5:28 - New Santa Cruz Handlebar 6:09 - First Ride Impressions 8:15 - Nomad or Bronson? 9:27 - Bronson V3 vs V4 10:36 - Climbing 12:14 - Stack Height 12:53 - Setting Sag 13:34 - FOX 36 Fork 14:56 - Long-term Plans
As others have said, great unbiased feeling review. Totally agree with the point on taking bikes for a long arduous ride rather than a quick fun spin. Read too many reviews lately based on one short ride with less than 500m of climbing...of course it felt great!
Awesome review, one of the only channels I see sticking to their guns and keeping it as unbiased as possible. I look forward to the conclusion of this review.
Huge down tube diameters and no storage compartment 😩 (at least they have could put on some mounting points for repair tools on the top tube). More brands need to jump on the Specialized SWAT train!!!
Would try dropping the lowers on the 36 and pull the air shaft, probably excessive grease in the negative chamber. The new fox stuff is buttery smooth but they still seem to have some issues with assembly
Nah, Fox will just get harsher and harsher, until the smallest bumps send sharp shockwaves through the hands. RS Zeb or Lyrik are really the two best forks out there.
Beat on this for the rest of the year and at some point compare it to the Hightower. I want to know if (back to back) you think the mullet setup is a gimmick or if you think the HT actually rides better.
The front wanders on climbs bc handlebar rise is way too much...it needs a 10deg or less rise handle bar and 0deg rise stem and as few of HT spacers as possible to lower the stack...I have a Foes Mixer Trail set up in this way, it never wanders and climbs like a beast...MX mtb's are the way!!! Nice review
Looks like an exciting option to me, still wishing they'd kept it as a dedicated 27.5er all rounder in their lineup. I'm just looking forward to the V2 treatment of the Megatower sometime in 2022. My V1 is getting long in the tooth 👀
I bought one of the last Mk 2s CR build reduced from £3,800 to £3k, the new equivalent is now a whisker under £5k. Even then, I've replaced the awful SRAM drive train for XT/XTR, swapped over to the Hope brakes I had from my previous bike etc etc
I’d really like to know what’s that best climbing bike?! I’m really searching for a bike that is a good climber, since my daily riding involves more climbing than descending. But I do not want a XC bike since I have back issues and need the upright position of a trail bike. Edit: spelling
Own a Bronson V3, have demoed a lot of Pivots and Ibises and Yetis. I would say Pivot and Ibis are best climbers, followed by Yeti, with Santa Cruz lower link bikes nipping right on their heels. Of course it also depends on the type of climbing- technical chunky, short and punchy, or just fire road long slog. I think that the SC is really good and maybe on par with the others in the techy climbs, but the others have an edge in the other types of climbing. But, I have a SC Bronson V3 because IMO it decends better than those others- I prefer the plushness of the VPP on the way down. The differences these days though are so much smaller than what they used to be- they’re all so good.
@@dadventuretv2538 my bronson climbs amazing on tech but is so incredibly bad on single track/ fire road style climbs compared to my intense primer. Bronson is for sure more capable on gnar but I'm still significantly faster on the primer in nearly all situations with the 29 wheels
If it were my bike I'd at least invis it. Learnt that one the hard way :( Anyway, nice bike Santa Cruz, I used to have the Bronson 1. V4 looks miles apart.
Please explain the "Im not a Dr but I stayed at a Hampton Inn last week "joke to me. We can do this outside office hours if you are amendable to this arrangement.
I think clients are just trained to buy top components even if they don't need them or take mtb serious. They even remind you that you don't need to spend that much money on a bike but people don't listen or care they want top gear to look cool and thats a problem we need to fix I think
Santa Cruz needs to stop mixing suspension brands unless it's something like a Push ElevenSix with a 36 Factory. Dropping a coil conversion into that Fork will make a world of difference. My Vorsprung Smashpot 36 with Grip 2 and Push seals is brilliant.
@@obi-wankenobi9871 because it looks awful, this is not a budget brand where every penny matters and the Fox X2 Factory Kashima is a better and more adjustable shock. Its like putting a shimano front brake with a sram rear. It would work, you would stop just fine but its definitely not the right thing to do. The only time mixed brand suspension works is when its a top end rear shock like a Push or EXT.
What is frustrating is there are a couple different grip 2 tunes...and they use the same part number. Good luck figuring out if your buying lighter or heavier tune.
How can they justify those prices? Recommend looking at Transition Bikes if your looking for a cheaper (still pricey) bike with fantastic performance and builds.
Ya, i wanna buy one. and questioning the mx, tho i shouldnt.. b/c i demo rode a 24' at spyder mtn, didnt notice it was mx (lol) and was blown away with how good it was. But that was comin off a jank bike too, to be fair. the grip was hugely increased vs. my old db atroz bike. lol.
Good point. Never thought of that but then I never carry a spare unless I’m going on a LONG ride. I ride extra tough casing, tubeless and carry a Stan’s dart. Also use Orange Sealant Endurance. That stuff has never let me down. It seals the very occasional puncture almost instantly. (Obviously you’d have to carry both or risk just carrying the 27.5 rear).
I bought a 2021 Pivot Switchblade with 29" wheels but it is also designed to be run as a mullet bike. Next step is to put a 27.5 wheel out back to try it out. Question: would you get better results with a regular 27.5 rear wheel or a 27.5+ rear wheel? Fortunately, the Pivot Switchblade is compatible with both.
I wanna see a mullet nomad. Like having 165/170mm outback. I’m waiting for either a yeti sb165 mullet or nomad mullet. Which ever comes first is getting my money. Like to get there attention.
It is a little of both. A neglected bike won't perform and stinks to ride, but, we do try to make it a littler harder on a bike than we would if it were our own.
Salut, merci pour cette vidéo vraiment super complète peux tu me dire stp qu'elle taille fait tu et qu'elle taille de vélo à tu choisi, je suis sur le point d'acheter le même mais j'hésite entre le M et le L je mesure 1m77 Bye 🤘
If I had 7K at my disposal....I'd buy the XT version. Bummer the frame cost got jacked up too. Might be more inclined to move parts and buy a 29er fork and front wheel.
Wow! They ruined it! I waited over a year for them to go "inbred thunderhonky", eliminate aluminum, increase the downtube size with no storage, up the price for an entry build... when the s build aluminum had GX and fox 36 on the front for $3999?!!! Hard pass Santa Cruz!!! THX, now I gotta look at something else! Fokkers!
couldn't agree more. I am a very satisfied owner of a bronson v3. looks like i am going to ride mine for quite a while, because the v4 clearly isn't an option for me at all.
@@nelson4483 yours is the one I was told was going to be this year, same color, same build by santa crud themselves and that's the one I wanted! Mullet bikes aren't designed to be quiver killers and playful like the Bronson (was)
Why are you making a big deal about the thickness of the frame? It is the same as the Nomad V5 which you recently reviewed and I don’t recall the same reaction about frame thickness
The Bronson's downtube is actually bigger than the Nomad's. That's why we were kind of tripping out. It really is massive. Not an objectively big deal but we do try to note frame differences.
I'm looking forward to following how this unfolds too. 29er in the back def has better rollover in many sections, while 27.5 in the back I think can be moved around easier in the extreme techy junk...
Question is just how much extreme techy junk do you have to ride. In between, a 29er will be faster. But is faster all you want? It’s starting to show people want to go back having fun on their bikes.
I have a short travel 29 Transition and a 27”Yeti, I find the 29 is awesome for long days but if I want to have fun and not care about distance or KOM’s I’m grabbing the yeti and doing shuttles.
I think mixed tyre bikes are here to stay. Enduro moto bikes are mixed wheel and have been for ever, I can see more bikes being mixed wheel with more emphasis on tyre choice and brakes. I also think the bike Industry should take a leaf out of the moto industry and offer very good build kits as standard with no fuss. You don’t see a KTM enduro with 10 brake options and shock options, it’s all down to the rider and skills. Only pros upgrade that stuff.
Think you´ve just landed a 100%. I cannot talk for everyone of course, but for my part: this (first) review had it all. Stay as dead honest and vital as you are!
Congratulations Dude, that’s awesomeness!!
👍👍
Cheers,
Dave
From Toronto
Peace
0:22 The review is good, but the real highlight is that reflection ripple transition. Beautifully done!
Right?? some next level filmmaking stuff right there
As an Englishman, the level of dry wit on display here is appreciated! 😂
Great video concept too 🤙🏻
$5000 for a bike with a NX eagle. Woohooo
who´s stablishing the prices ?? The dentists office ??
I see they are competing against Specialized to see who can charge more for basic spec 😂
@@lexusstefan927 Ouch brother , those old days where Golf was the expensive sport, ja ja
@@lexusstefan927 what are you talking about? The basic spec for the stumpy evo for the same price gets you xo1 gx mix with code rs brakes son
It has xo1 , hes saying mx (mixed wheel/mullet)
won't buy a new bike until next winter anyway, so I'm already super stoked to see the full review of this bike!
You should get a bike on preorder now if you want your bike by then lol..
@@devindebruhl yes thats true haha
SEE OUR LONG-TERM BRONSON REVIEW HERE - th-cam.com/video/siYFtUN5bdc/w-d-xo.html
Video Contents
0:00 - Introduction
1:03 - What is New on The Bronson
2:25 - Geometry / Sizing
3:54 - Bronson Models & Pricing
4:30 - Our Bronson Test Bike
5:28 - New Santa Cruz Handlebar
6:09 - First Ride Impressions
8:15 - Nomad or Bronson?
9:27 - Bronson V3 vs V4
10:36 - Climbing
12:14 - Stack Height
12:53 - Setting Sag
13:34 - FOX 36 Fork
14:56 - Long-term Plans
Was wondering how tall you were and what size the bike was.
As others have said, great unbiased feeling review. Totally agree with the point on taking bikes for a long arduous ride rather than a quick fun spin. Read too many reviews lately based on one short ride with less than 500m of climbing...of course it felt great!
Awesome video, these are probably my favourite type of videos to watch 🤘🏻
Same lop
Great review!! Looking forward to that long-term review as well!
This is one of the only channels I watch that I click thumbs up before the add even ends!! Keep it up guys!!!!!!
Awesome review, one of the only channels I see sticking to their guns and keeping it as unbiased as possible.
I look forward to the conclusion of this review.
Huge down tube diameters and no storage compartment 😩 (at least they have could put on some mounting points for repair tools on the top tube). More brands need to jump on the Specialized SWAT train!!!
giant frame tube that looks like an electric-bike, that suck..
Best mtb reviews on u tube. So nice to have an unbiased opinion with an open mind.
Damn man, I love those Santa Cruz bikes. The design is just stunning,sick,epic! I will aim for next Nomad, that's my dream bike.
Excellent first ride review. Excited to see the full review.
You guys are killing it with these review videos recently. They are organized, entertaining, honest, and feel genuine. Good stuff guys.
I love my Bronson so much that I upgraded it for a transition spire.
Would try dropping the lowers on the 36 and pull the air shaft, probably excessive grease in the negative chamber. The new fox stuff is buttery smooth but they still seem to have some issues with assembly
I do this with all my new Fox forks.
That Fox 36 probably still needs to break in before it really starts feeling good
Agreed, we aren't writing it off.
Nah, Fox will just get harsher and harsher, until the smallest bumps send sharp shockwaves through the hands. RS Zeb or Lyrik are really the two best forks out there.
Thanks for the great review! Wondering what it would feel like with a 27.5 front wheel and 170 or 180 mm fork
i love yall raw dry style great review
Beat on this for the rest of the year and at some point compare it to the Hightower. I want to know if (back to back) you think the mullet setup is a gimmick or if you think the HT actually rides better.
The front wanders on climbs bc handlebar rise is way too much...it needs a 10deg or less rise handle bar and 0deg rise stem and as few of HT spacers as possible to lower the stack...I have a Foes Mixer Trail set up in this way, it never wanders and climbs like a beast...MX mtb's are the way!!! Nice review
Looks like an exciting option to me, still wishing they'd kept it as a dedicated 27.5er all rounder in their lineup. I'm just looking forward to the V2 treatment of the Megatower sometime in 2022. My V1 is getting long in the tooth 👀
Love what you do and how you present it. Subscribed
What better bronson or slash?
I bought one of the last Mk 2s CR build reduced from £3,800 to £3k, the new equivalent is now a whisker under £5k. Even then, I've replaced the awful SRAM drive train for XT/XTR, swapped over to the Hope brakes I had from my previous bike etc etc
Which mtb will be easier for over 45 to learn wheelie or manual on if you have trouble having balance? santa cruz hightower or bronson
Absolutely stellar review gents.
So what's the name of the 140mm best of the best climber you alluded to?
It was the custom Privateer 141 that we just reviewed, aka, The Escalator.
I was think the orbea occam
@@jtsblocks was hoping it was the occam as I just bought the m10.
@@vitalmtb thanks will check that review out.
wow, really great in depth review. Thx
Hopefully the new Megatower comes soon. It really needs an upgrade
What changes would you suggest for a new Megatower ? Steeper seat angle ? Adjustable head angle maybe ?
@@323johnnybravo Needs to be more slack in low setting.
@@323johnnybravo Just a newer geometry overall
We just opened ours at the shop I work at and it is sick and already sold
Whats the best climbing 140mm 29er youve ridden Brad??? Im in the market for something in that range.
If you had to choose between the Bronson or the trek slash, which would you choose? Having a heck of a time deciding.. Would appreciate some feedback.
I’d really like to know what’s that best climbing bike?!
I’m really searching for a bike that is a good climber, since my daily riding involves more climbing than descending.
But I do not want a XC bike since I have back issues and need the upright position of a trail bike.
Edit: spelling
Probably an ibis
or a Pivot
Own a Bronson V3, have demoed a lot of Pivots and Ibises and Yetis. I would say Pivot and Ibis are best climbers, followed by Yeti, with Santa Cruz lower link bikes nipping right on their heels. Of course it also depends on the type of climbing- technical chunky, short and punchy, or just fire road long slog. I think that the SC is really good and maybe on par with the others in the techy climbs, but the others have an edge in the other types of climbing. But, I have a SC Bronson V3 because IMO it decends better than those others- I prefer the plushness of the VPP on the way down. The differences these days though are so much smaller than what they used to be- they’re all so good.
I’d say a Ripley?👀
@@dadventuretv2538 my bronson climbs amazing on tech but is so incredibly bad on single track/ fire road style climbs compared to my intense primer. Bronson is for sure more capable on gnar but I'm still significantly faster on the primer in nearly all situations with the 29 wheels
5:28, I too like tires that grip
I prefer a slidey, “am I going to make this corner?!” tyre myself.
@@Mockle07 I'm hot on the tire-less trend myself, sketchy
@@jp2246 🤙🏻 Next level bro!
What did you think of the tire set up with the widths it came with? You mentioned you prefer wider, curious if you still felt that way after the ride.
Great review! You talked about the nomad, curious when you would prefer the nomad over that new bronson? Thanks!
nomad has more travel at 170 vs 160 and is even more catered to the downhill portion of a ride than the uphill
@VitalMTB Great Review. Can you let me know what saddle you have on this Bronson please?
Mixed suspension brands irk me!
now waiting for 5010 MX… and I would love to see Magura breaks in it
What was the unnamed best climbing bike…Ripley…sb130?
They already have a huge downtube. Just add a little door for internal storage already!
Getting Big hit vibes with the mullet wheelset! I need this bike!
Which bike would you rather have? The 2021 Nomad or the 2022 Bronson?
How do you think the 2021 5010 would be as a mullet? Thanks cheers!
Beautiful bike and interested in mixed wheels on a bike around this travel. Unfortunately Santa Cruz isn't really the best value out there.
Love Santa Cruz I want one but i ended up going with commencal much better value
Would love to compare this to the Hightower. Though I am buying a Bullit and selling my Hightower
Would love to see this comparison 👍
Those water shots were awesome!
Thanks for the Detailed Review!
Im on the way to hospital to sell one of my kidneys for this bike. But the doctor said, I need 5 kidneys to afford it. Sad life.
If it were my bike I'd at least invis it. Learnt that one the hard way :( Anyway, nice bike Santa Cruz, I used to have the Bronson 1. V4 looks miles apart.
Bit of Betty White foresight there at the end ❤️
Need to do tests with mullets...
I have last years model with 27.5 both front and rear. Can I change it to MX ? Would you recommend it or not
of coarse just grab a 29 fork wheel and give it a spin.
When are they going to fix and hide the exposed routing cables at the rear shock?
Do a Ibis Ripmo V2 review por favor :)
Bro now I really want a bronson
For me the bronson is $7211
I put a Cascade mullet link and a 160mm Fox 36 up front on my Hightower V2, so I guess I have Bronson MX now.
I ditched my 29' Ripmo, to get a Bronson. Can you you swap the 29' front tire for a 27.5?
Please explain the "Im not a Dr but I stayed at a Hampton Inn last week "joke to me. We can do this outside office hours if you are amendable to this arrangement.
I think clients are just trained to buy top components even if they don't need them or take mtb serious. They even remind you that you don't need to spend that much money on a bike but people don't listen or care they want top gear to look cool and thats a problem we need to fix I think
Which Frame size is the yellow bronson from the Video?
Glad I bought my v3 back when these things were simi-affordable 😂
Glad I bought my bronson when they were affordable 🤯
My pristine second hand S built V3 came for 100$ more than the V4 frame only option…. 😂
@@27Nets a steal!
Glad I bought mine when alloy was a thing🤣
@@Egan183
Yeah wood used to be a thing as well. 🪵
Wish i could get one in my hands someday any model would do
Looks like an ebike with that downtube. Thanks for an honest review.
I agree. They could’ve used that big ass tube to store tools or snacks like on the treks.
Santa Cruz needs to stop mixing suspension brands unless it's something like a Push ElevenSix with a 36 Factory. Dropping a coil conversion into that Fork will make a world of difference. My Vorsprung Smashpot 36 with Grip 2 and Push seals is brilliant.
They need to stop mixing brands for what reason? To please the fanboys?
@@obi-wankenobi9871 because it looks awful, this is not a budget brand where every penny matters and the Fox X2 Factory Kashima is a better and more adjustable shock. Its like putting a shimano front brake with a sram rear. It would work, you would stop just fine but its definitely not the right thing to do. The only time mixed brand suspension works is when its a top end rear shock like a Push or EXT.
Thanks for the review! Didn't need all the commentary on how hot and humid the ride was though
such a shame fox has not dealt with there harsh damper tune.... reason why i sold my 2020 grip 2 36 and got a DVO Onyx, which is killer!
What is frustrating is there are a couple different grip 2 tunes...and they use the same part number. Good luck figuring out if your buying lighter or heavier tune.
@@rezenclowd3 even more reason to go DVO my pike rct3 i had a few years back was fricken heinous harsh
@@adamt3289 PIKE RCT3 is soo harsh, 20% sag feels like 10% in other suspension
@@LucasGoncalves-sp5nh yep its the worst rockshox damper ever i believe might aswell fill the fork with rocks...
How can they justify those prices? Recommend looking at Transition Bikes if your looking for a cheaper (still pricey) bike with fantastic performance and builds.
Ya, i wanna buy one. and questioning the mx, tho i shouldnt.. b/c i demo rode a 24' at spyder mtn, didnt notice it was mx (lol) and was blown away with how good it was. But that was comin off a jank bike too, to be fair. the grip was hugely increased vs. my old db atroz bike. lol.
with the mullet bike, what inner tube would you carry in your bag? 27.5 or 29? hmm
Good point. Never thought of that but then I never carry a spare unless I’m going on a LONG ride. I ride extra tough casing, tubeless and carry a Stan’s dart. Also use Orange Sealant Endurance. That stuff has never let me down. It seals the very occasional puncture almost instantly. (Obviously you’d have to carry both or risk just carrying the 27.5 rear).
27.5, you can stretch a smaller tube much more easily than you can fold a 29 accurately
is it possible put a chaing guide ?
I bought a 2021 Pivot Switchblade with 29" wheels but it is also designed to be run as a mullet bike. Next step is to put a 27.5 wheel out back to try it out. Question: would you get better results with a regular 27.5 rear wheel or a 27.5+ rear wheel? Fortunately, the Pivot Switchblade is compatible with both.
Try it out! It's all personal and depending on terrain.
If your rims are wide enough do a 2.6 but with a stiffer casing. Like a Maxxis dhrii with the exo+.
I wanna see a mullet nomad. Like having 165/170mm outback. I’m waiting for either a yeti sb165 mullet or nomad mullet. Which ever comes first is getting my money. Like to get there attention.
When you do those long term tests, do you perform services at the recommended intervals or put'er away wet and abused? Interested in test parameters
It is a little of both. A neglected bike won't perform and stinks to ride, but, we do try to make it a littler harder on a bike than we would if it were our own.
Can I make it full 27.5 without screwing up the geo or suspension? I Wana ride steep lips on a Bronson, and that requires a 27.5
What do you mean steep lips? Show us a vid or something. Am wondering about mx vs 27. My home trails warrant mx.
Bronson CC 2021 😍
Can you switch Mullet to Reqular wheel size and both 29er and 27.5 or just 27.5 with a new front shock?
Switchblade or a Bronson?
Salut, merci pour cette vidéo vraiment super complète peux tu me dire stp qu'elle taille fait tu et qu'elle taille de vélo à tu choisi, je suis sur le point d'acheter le même mais j'hésite entre le M et le L je mesure 1m77
Bye 🤘
gREAT CALL TO HOLD UNTIL TO THE BIKE SEE IF THE SHINE STICKS. also have to consider SC need for profit margin.
What happens to all your old test bikes? Do you send them back to the company, give them to testers, etc.
They all head back to the brands. Test bikes are only ever on loan.
love the water bottle, I want one please
If I had 7K at my disposal....I'd buy the XT version. Bummer the frame cost got jacked up too. Might be more inclined to move parts and buy a 29er fork and front wheel.
11:15 I'm curious what 140mm bike are you talking about?
Maybe???
th-cam.com/video/1phpyPpbtdo/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=VitalMTB
Wow! They ruined it! I waited over a year for them to go "inbred thunderhonky", eliminate aluminum, increase the downtube size with no storage, up the price for an entry build... when the s build aluminum had GX and fox 36 on the front for $3999?!!! Hard pass Santa Cruz!!! THX, now I gotta look at something else! Fokkers!
its ok, this is gonna sell out with or without your order probobly
@@seanhornchek6440 yeah, I know. But I want them to know that there's people out there not happy with their decision and they lost $ from me.
couldn't agree more. I am a very satisfied owner of a bronson v3. looks like i am going to ride mine for quite a while, because the v4 clearly isn't an option for me at all.
@@nelson4483 yours is the one I was told was going to be this year, same color, same build by santa crud themselves and that's the one I wanted! Mullet bikes aren't designed to be quiver killers and playful like the Bronson (was)
@@seano218 there are quite some things not the be liked on the new one
when is the release date?
When you refer to the Nomad V4 do you mean the V5?
yep. mistake. here's the vid for nomad v5 - th-cam.com/video/WS_LcYE_UZ0/w-d-xo.html
Man the prices on these new bikes is RIDICULOUS. CR build for over 5k? 😳😳
😂😂 in NZ its even more. A C R build is $9450 NZD which after a rough conversion is $6800 USD
@@AustinSue DAMN 🤬🤬🤬🤬
at 11:20 he says he's been riding a 140 mil. bike that's the best climber he's ever ridden. What bike is he referring to?
Where can I see the final review in this video
it's in the process of being completed...another week or two.
Please let me know I’m so exited I have that bike and I want to hear your professional opinion
left the world of enduro 4 years ago. what's next 26 (aint dead) with a 700cc upfront?
how tall are you?
Can someone help me what size bike should I get I’m 180cm tall
Why are you making a big deal about the thickness of the frame? It is the same as the Nomad V5 which you recently reviewed and I don’t recall the same reaction about frame thickness
The Bronson's downtube is actually bigger than the Nomad's. That's why we were kind of tripping out. It really is massive. Not an objectively big deal but we do try to note frame differences.
Love it 👍
Will anyone be riding mullets in 3 years? Or will everyone that bought an OEM 29/27.5" bike ditch it for a 29er with the right geo by then?
I'm looking forward to following how this unfolds too. 29er in the back def has better rollover in many sections, while 27.5 in the back I think can be moved around easier in the extreme techy junk...
Question is just how much extreme techy junk do you have to ride. In between, a 29er will be faster. But is faster all you want? It’s starting to show people want to go back having fun on their bikes.
I have a short travel 29 Transition and a 27”Yeti, I find the 29 is awesome for long days but if I want to have fun and not care about distance or KOM’s I’m grabbing the yeti and doing shuttles.
I think mixed tyre bikes are here to stay. Enduro moto bikes are mixed wheel and have been for ever, I can see more bikes being mixed wheel with more emphasis on tyre choice and brakes. I also think the bike Industry should take a leaf out of the moto industry and offer very good build kits as standard with no fuss. You don’t see a KTM enduro with 10 brake options and shock options, it’s all down to the rider and skills. Only pros upgrade that stuff.
Heaps of storage in the frame...??SC....swat box..specialized...Trek too..??