The Ultimate Enduro Bike // 2021 Rocky Mountain Altitude // Mixed Wheel Size MTB
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 พ.ย. 2021
- click "SHOW MORE" below. Rocky Mountain Altitude: bit.ly/3y8PFsi
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Rocky Mountain Altitude: bit.ly/3y8PFsi
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K-edge Gravity Stem Mount: bit.ly/3UQtelL
Stan's NoTubes DART Tool: bit.ly/3giMYJ7
Maxxis Rekon Tire: bit.ly/3M0PQM3
Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35 Tire: bit.ly/3fAuJEp
Maxxis Dissector 2.4 Tire: bit.ly/3fuJFDT
Maxxis DHF Tire: bit.ly/3fzTf8y
Maxxis DHR II Tire: bit.ly/3e2oOYf
Troy Lee Design Drift Shorts: bit.ly/3EbziPQ
Pearl Izumi Pro Bib Shorts: bit.ly/3dWZMd0
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OneUp Flat Pedals: bit.ly/3dXCKCL
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I’ve been debating this bike (well, actually the 27.5, not the mullet), the Propain Tyee, and the Yeti SB150. I want a bike for everything - from chair lift stuff, single track enduro type (similar to the EWS races), to the desert trails you ride in the beginning. You’ve tested all three bikes. In which order would you pick these bikes? I had the Santa Cruz Megatower on the list, but it seems these three work better.
I would appreciate any input. Will order via your links to help your channel.
Just depends what you value most. The Tyee and Altitude are a little more easy going than the sb150. But that 150 is incredible when the speeds get high and the terrain gets chunky. Very stable planted to the ground sort of feeling. The sb150 just feels so long.... I like a little more playful bike personally.
@@mtbyumyum Sounds good. I appreciate the response/ insight. Will think a bit on this. I can't test the Propain Tyee, so really going on (unbiased) reviews like yours to make as best a decision as I can. Thanks very much!
The Lab Austere Hip pack is pretty great, especially for the price. I bought one this spring and have used it all summer... two thumbs up. Very comfortable and I haven't lost a bottle (Camelback 20oz podium bottles) once all summer.
Just because of your great review on the Pivot Firebird (27.5“ version), I‘ve got my self a XL frame (I‘m 6.4) and built it up to a Mullet bike one year ago. A great ride for my taste.
Thank you for all your cool reviews. Cheers from Switzerland
Nice, congrats! Thank you
I set up my Evil Offering v1 as a mullet and it rides great! I'm a believer! Great video!
Nice! Thanks for sharing
I bought my 2021 Altitude after your last review of the bike. I love it! Also I had to be twinners with Cam Cope because he slays.
Haha that’s awesome! It’s been a long time. Nice to hear from you!
Great review, I test rode one at my bike shop in SoCal along with a Niner Rip9 in the 27.5 wheel size back in 2019. I liked both and went with the Niner. Now that I have moved to North Carolina and the trails are completely different here compared with SoCal its been a good choice in 27.5 size. I do miss the wide open trails out west though!
Right on!
Super awesome video! This IS how to do a mullet properly! if a bike is capable of geo changes with the "flip chip", as well as downgrading the travel on the fork to fit that 29 on there, heck yeah the mullet would be so friggin awesome. Now this makes me want to go ride one that is properly set up!
Totally! I've heard of other people mulleting bikes and end up with what looks like terrible geo... 72 sta for example.... this bike rides incredible!
Great video, awesome bike, and that tire burp at the end was epic, lol.
haha I put it at the end as a special treat for the few that actually watch my video till the end lol Kevin is an incredibly talented rider for sure!
I want this bike as my 2nd bike to my ripley AF. Thanks for the videos!
Do it!
Your videos are excellent. I’ve been binging them since I came across them a few days ago. The opening shot of this was one was great and your reviews are thorough and informative.
The mullet idea is super interesting to me. I’m curious to see if it really sticks or if it’s just a trend. My current bike is a ‘16 stumpy 6fattie with 3” tires, which proved to be the latter.
haha Nice, welcome! Yeah, when I first swapped my Altitude to a mixed wheel bike I thought it was money and it sort of felt like at the time the industry might start to move this direction.... there are enough indicators, at least to me, that this will stick. I've got a lot to say on the topic but in short, bikes are getting too long in my experience... they're becoming more demanding to ride and not as fun... all for the sack of "ews racer boy" sort of bikes that are more stable at higher speeds.... speeds I don't see very many riders ever hitting. We'll see. Thanks!
Great review, thanks again!
My pleasure! Been loving this mullet bike!
I just bought a 2021 Banshee Spitfire mullet after having my 2018 RM altitude for a few years and I love it. I'm Banshee for life, the shock just feels great all the time
Right on
I am thinking of mulleting a V3 Spitfire as well. Actually trying to decide between Prime or Spitfire. How are you finding the geometry change? I know Keith at Banshee recommends using the Prime instead, but I would prefer the shorter chainstays of the spitty.
The reverse follow cam is so nice! Big fan.
Yeah, I've been loving that angle. Maybe it's just my computer but I feel like you can see the terrain better too.
@@mtbyumyum that’s exactly why I love it. Somehow the rocky bits on Jacobs are clearer.
Thanks for the mullet review! Another small benefit of the Altitude is you can convert it to an Instinct pretty easy.
Yeah, that's right. Just swap that front shock mount piece correct?
@@mtbyumyum Yep... instinct front shock mount and shock. Plus you'd probably want to reduce the travel on your fork; so swap out the air-spring and service the lowers while you're at it. Or use the Cane Creek HELM which has travel adjustment without swapping the air-spring. Either way... it is 30-60 minutes of work to convert it over. That seems pretty awesome to me.
Yo J awesome review dude , I just went nuts and bought the OrbeaWild FS E BIKE !! 😂 I never thought I’d leave Santa Cruz but Dude I’ve been wanting to try something new and so far I’m absolutely loving the Orbea , it’s an absolute blast ! I know it’s an ebike but for me it makes sense and it’s about having fun right, so I bought it and it’s truly amazing 🤩
That's awesome. My buddy Doug just bought that same e bike... congrats!
Great stuff 🤘🔥
Thx🤘
Thanks for the discount code on on the hip pack. I know you’ve raved about that pack for quite some time so I’ve picked it up for my partner. She will love not using an actual Fanny pack anymore!
100% I'm always shocked that people strap those big things around their waist... looks miserable. Your partner will love this hip pack!
Does work the other way... i.e. 29er w/ rear 27.5 wheel installed.
Riding a Banshee Phantom V3 and it has adjustable rear drop outs.
Like you have pointed out, mullets rail!!
Tis my favourite bike I've ridden.
Mullet FTW!!
Awesome! Yeah, I've not had experience with starting a mullet with a 29er... my concern would be dropping the bb too low... if the bike comes with a flip chip, mullet link or the like, do it!!
So clearly you need to mullet the Ripley. The internet needs to know! That Rocky is so cool.
Haha I’ll get right on that😆🤙
I have a 2018 Alchemy Arktos 29 and I made it a mullet. Alchemy engineered a linkage to maintain the geometry. I’m a believer in the mullet wheels and hope they stick around!
Yeah, that's right... I forgot about that. That's awesome that they do that. I think mixed wheel bikes are here to stay!
I've been going back and forth between 29er for it's front wheel roll over and 27.5 for it's nimbleness. I've found my 21 SJ EVO full 29er gives me everything I want while still being full 29er, they nailed the geo for my riding style and physique
Just spent a few days on a 21 stumpy evo... 29, excellent bike. wish it climbed a little better but such a cool bike!
@@mtbyumyum yeah I came from a pivot Mach 6, not the newest version but I've been thinking if I did a mullet it would be the new mach6 which my old one climbed amazing
I've been riding the Firebird and it's a lot of fun. Would love to ride a M6
29/26 mullet is the future!
Very interesting. Excellent point that the ride9 is ideal for mulleting a bike that is not designed at the get go to be mullet. Mulleting changes the suspension angles an can undo the engineered suspension characteristics. The ride 9 allows you to compensate.
Only downside is having to Bring 2 sizes of spare tires on road trips.
Yeah, although.... after filming this video a few months ago I've learned there are a lot more bikes offered with engineering built in via addition links or flip links to support a mixed wheel size options. New Stumpjumper evo has a link you can add to run 27.5 rear, new Orbea Rallon has a similar add on link, Pivot Firebird has a flip link... I think mixed wheel size bikes might start to be more accepted in 2022 We'll see.... I've been riding mine this way since the fall of 2020 and loving it! Also, you can use a 27.5 or 29 tube in either wheel haha ask me how I know. In fact, you can stretch a 26 tube into a 29er.... it's a pain but I've done it!
That's why it's suggested if you can find a 27.5 bike with a 20mm difference front to rear. Shorten the fork travel by that 20mm and the geo should be very close.
@@Sworksfsr that‘s perfectly right.
Utah local - love your channel. I request the Specialized Enduro. I know where you get your test bikes controls some of the brands you test, but try!
I could probably snag one from the pros closet next spring… 🤞
I bought a Lab Austere and it is the best hip pack. Thanks
Great to hear! Such a good minimalist product. I love it!!
I love mullet. I will never go back to just a regular matching wheels size
I feel the same way.... I was shocked that more of the industry hasn't embraced it as quickly.
Sweet bike dude and well reviewed! Rocky Mountain are killing it with their paint jobs! Would you have any interest in testing the new E bikes they have just launched ? Hearing great things about them.
Yes! I can't wait to get my hands on the new powerplay. I have the current Instinct powerplay and enjoy it although I dont ride it as often as I'd like
Funny you’re both talking about this. I have the 21 instinct pp. it’s a blast. I don’t ride it as much as I’d like to. W that I have a 19 V1 Switchblade. I mullet that bike pending where I ride. There are definitely noticeable differences in switching wheels around. Anyway, was thinking of replacing the switchblade w a 21 Instinct mainly for compatibility w my PowerPlay. Just not sure if it’s worth doing as I really do like the v1 switchblade, but it’s a very finaky bike when it comes to maintenance with parts compatibility. Any 2¢??
Hard to say... I loved my time on the current Instinct.
Hey Jason, I know I’m way late to the party, but how does the mullet work for you on extended climbing? Do you feel way back in the bike?
Also, can you get ahold of a Specialized Status? I rode one around the parking lot of a bike shop recently. Felt super comfortable compared to my Fuel Ex. Then I got home and read a bunch of reviews about how bad it climbed. I don’t think the Fuel Ex is that great of a climber either though, more of a monster truck.
I prefer total 27.5" so I'm glad a few major brands are going reverse mullet and keeping 27.5" alive so I'll be able to get all the tires and rims I'll need, knowing they won't be going out of production anytime soon.
Glad to hear! Although, have you tried a 29er?
@@mtbyumyum Yeah, I'm also 5' 8" and didn't care for the 29er, seemed like I was on top of it instead of inside it.
Consider a mullet for your next bike!
@@mtbyumyum It's worth a try
I Have a 29er 2021 altitude in large, im currently running a 27.5 rear wheel with ride-9 in steepest setting and the bike is surprisingly really good. HTA is slightly steeper than 2nd from slackest(where i was when on full 29er) - i could slacken it off some but for my locals it works good(i also have a angle set sitting here that i could use too, the RM Altitude probably works better as a 29er coming down to a 27.5 rear if wanting to keep 170/160 setup
Interesting. Didn’t even think about starting w a 29er… any problems w pedal strikes? Feel like the bb is too low?
@@mtbyumyum bb is about 2mm higher in steepest an 27.5 vs 29er an 2nd from slackest.
No issues with strikes but i dont ride in rocky up highs so dont have an issue
Thanks! I much prefer the follow cam view! Also, does that fanny pack drag your shorts down like most do?
The pack doesn't push my shorts down at all. Sort of acts like a belt around my shorts now that I think about it.
I’m 5’10 and love 29! I’d consider mullet but I don’t feel the need
Nice video
Thank you!
I would like to see you review a Trek Slash 9.9
I really want to get the new Bronson mx. this one looks sweet too
I'd love to try the new Bronson
They had some at skypark (Santa’s village) but my 5010 was so much fun out there
Just got a Bronson...after one ride my beloved V2 Ripmo is up for sale. The ability to move the bike around was greatly improved for my 5'7" frame. No more butt buzz and I didn't feel like I was giving up much plowability with the smaller wheel out back.
I've got my Switchblade coming in 29", but I'm stoked that the option to go mullet is there. I planned to try it even before watching this video, but now it gets me a lot more excited.
Yeah, it's very interesting to see just how many bikes are mullet compatible right now.... I'll be very interested to see if this trend sticks!
Do it. It makes a difference pending where you ride. I have a variety of terrain. Only thing I’ll say to keep an eye on is I’ve had an issue w a slight wobble w the 27.5 but not the 29 on rear. Which is weird because the bike was purchased as a 27.5. No one knows. No frame cracks. Only other inconvenience is if you wish to swap head sets. I have both headsets and found that leaving the 17mm spacer in no matter which Wheelset is what’s comfortable. Of course this all is on the V1 switchblade.
@@jasonemmett1837 I ride a lot of the same trails as Jason, as I'm local, seeing how much he's enjoying it makes me really want to.
great vid....what's the trail?? Looks awesome!
Corner Canyon Trails in Draper, Utah.
Excelente vídeo. Súper….
Thank you!
Mullet the 429 would like to hear ur thoughts on that.
Changing the setting from"high" to "low" has an effect on the spring characteristic on my nomad. I believe this happens on this bike, too.
So to me, on my nomad, adjusting the bike in it's hight is not the end of the story. The suspension does not feel the same.
That's correct. This is likely not ideal but at the time, a year ago, this was a very good option.
@@mtbyumyum it is still a good option. Just even more parameters to be dialed in, lol.
Awesome....
Thank you! Been absolutely loving this mullet bike!
@@mtbyumyum Wonedring if I can do the same to my 2018 Alt.?
Yeah, but you'd be starting with a slacker STA so geo might not be as good...
@@mtbyumyum Well, that solves it..... 2021 RM Altitude it is.....😁
Yes, the 2022 Altitude comes with the 38 and the Instinct the 36, carbon 90 both are close to 10 grand.
Looks like you have the 'Rally' frame judging by color scheme?
Mine is a C 50 model
At 5-7 I’m a huge fan of mullets. Mind if I ask your inseam and them length of dropper you’re about to run on the Altitude?
I can fit a 185mm bike yoke dropper in my size Medium Altitude. Not sure of my inseam
@@mtbyumyum that’s rad. Thanks!
Since you’ve sold the Ripmo v2, I am guessing you like the Altitude more? I have (and love) the Ripmo v2 so I’m curious how’d compare the two.
The Ripmo V2 is the better all around bike. Climbs better and is just a lot of fun. So, no... but.... I really like the mixed wheels sized bike. Hoping Ibis comes out with something next year mullet compatible
@@mtbyumyum good to know! Who knows maybe you’ll end up buying your 3rd Ripmo at some point… :-)
I demo'd the SC mullet and was surprised and a bit bummed I didn't like it more
hum, interesting. What didn't you like?
@@mtbyumyum My ultimate test is a local technical tough climb (Eagles Tail - GJ, CO) and I felt like the smaller rear tire was struggling to push the bigger front tire. I ride this climb well on full 27.5 and full 29er but I was slower and a bit clumsy (dabs) on the mullet. Downhill was good, but yeah, not impressed enough to drop that much dough. Still a great bike but maybe not for me. So important to demo bikes before buying as you know
Agree 100%. Being 5'5" I never got along with 29er, but also felt I was missing something with 27.5. I've tested the new Bronson MX, SJ EVO mullet, and Guerilla Gravity Megatrail mullet. All are great options. I was leaning to the Bronson MX as my one bike to do it all, but lack of availability except for X01/XX1 reserve builds, I actually put a deposit down on the new 2022 Orbea Rallon. I'm just hoping it won't be too much bike, but it sounds like the Multitude covers the bases well. Hopefully you get to try a few more mullets to compare and contrast.
Nice. Good luck w the Rallon. Looks awesome!
@@mtbyumyum indeed. ETA is in 4 weeks so 🤞. The good thing about Orbea is they are made in Spain and sent via air freight. So less issues with Asian factories and shipping container delays which I believe Santa Cruz and many others are seeing.
Great video, but I think you got your geo math wrong. A 160mm 29er setup is longer than 170mm 27.5. Therefore, if you want to keep the geo in check, you would want to slacken the HTA. Reason being is a slacker HTA drops the front end and BB. The longer fork (29er) would then bring the front end and BB back up. You steepened the geo with flip chip AND put a longer fork on it, really raising the front end and BB.
Thanks. You'd have to look up the Ride-9 setting to be sure.... it's my understanding, the steepest setting is the geo numbers I'm working off. As per their website, in setting 9 the HTA is 65.5 and STA is 76.5 with a 170mm 27.5 fork. Swapping to a 160mm 29er fork and wheel/tire I believe it puts my back exactly 1 degree... effective HTA 64.5 with a STA of 75.5
Hi I have a transition tr500 and set it on 180mm rear travel. Can I put a 170mm 29er fork?
I really think, you need to start comparing bikes on the opposite side of the spectrum of trail riding. Especially on your local trails that you know well. I value your trail riding insights ...and I am winding up for a new bike so I really need to know how Ripley stacks up against Altitude....I know very diff. bikes ...that's the point. You love them both...on the same trail.....HOW?! lol
I see... The Altitude is a lot of fun at the higher speeds. Anything slower speed, the ripley or Trail 429 are more fun... faster, snappier and more lively... more connected to the ground and overall experience. But, the real reason I own a short travel bike is because of how often I ride. I ride 5-6 days a week. Pedaling a heavy long travel bike day after day is too taxing on me... Assegai, DHF and DHR II tires are just too much work to push around 7-10 hours a week for me. Doing that week after week just drains me. The ligher shorter travel bikes with Rekon, Ardent Race, Ikon tires are zippy and speed up the trail. It's not as much work to mussle these smaller bikes around on the down hill either and they just roll faster. For this purpose, I own two bikes. If I were to only own one bike, it would likely be a Trail 429, Instinct or Yeti sb130 with two sets of wheel/tire sets and I would likely spend most of my time on a rekon front and rear tire combo for its speed
@@mtbyumyum excellent!! Since it totally confirms my findings, lol. Middle of the road bike (130-140 rear) and two sets of wheels.
I think that the shorter you are and the longer travel the more a mullet will work for you. A shorter person on an Enduro bike will benefit from a mullet, In the opposite, the taller you are and the shorter travel the more a straight 29er is going to work well. A taller person on a Downcountry bike will benefit from a straight 29er.
This perfectly describes my interest in mixed wheel size bikes.... the janky steep trails that are sketch are the trails I prefer the 27.5 bike. But, I miss the confidence of the 29er up front. This Multitude has been a revelation for me!!
Please do a review of the ORBEA RALLON. Call Jenson USA
This makes me wonder how my Mojo 4 would do as a mullet. My issue is I have a long inseam and short torso and I always feel too on top of the bike with too much weight on my hands. Aside from the potential pluses you mentioned, I think I'd really the benefit from a much higher stack height. Hmm..🤔
I've actually heard of some one mulleting a mojo 4.... you for sure have to drop the fork down 10mm but I think there are better options out there to start from.
Sounds like a Bronson MX might be better for you
I did it and it's great!
@@gfowkes Awesome. I think you were probably on the FB Ibis forum. Now I remember seeing your Mojo mullet. No complaints or regrets?
@@mannyfnsc29 my only regret is that I sold it. Went back to the Ripmo. Wish I could’ve kept both.
Any plans to mullet the Trail 429?
No
Considering trying this on my Ibis Mojo HD5. Not sure what fork to use to keep the geo around the same as it is full 27.5. Any suggestions?
I have a HD3 and am wondering the same thing. Planning to swing by salt cycles to ask their thoughts. If I gain any helpful insight, I'll pass it along.
@@Shae-qj9sn thanks! Do keep me posted.
@@mikephelps145 I assume you have a fox 36 fork right now?
@@Shae-qj9sn Yes. 170mm
Isn’t it more like an “Emo”? Long in the front, short in the back?
Altitude compare to Ripmo V2?
How do you find the altitude Vs yeti sb150? I know you reviewed that one a while ago but...
sb150 feels bigger. More stable at speed. Not as maneuverable as the Altitude
Thanks for the reply... Thinking about what my next bike should be!
a lot of suspension, especially for your weight. Do you ever get even close to the bottom?
Yeah, all the time. It's a function of shock set up, not rider weight.
@@mtbyumyum of course it is but high speed bump hit at 200lbs vs 150lbs can be compensated by air spring but it's much harder at 200lbs to keep it plush off the top and ramp up soon enough.
I can't speak to this as I'm not an engineer. I've always understood it to be a function of shock (psi, compression, rebound) resistance equal to weight (force) on the suspension.
I have a 2018 altitude bc anyone know if I could convert it into a mullet or would it mess up geometry
Yes it'll very similar to this bike. As long as it has the ride 9 chip.
I've got an 18 instinct with a bc sized coil shock and a 160mm fox 36. I've just put a 27.5 wheel on the back but haven't been for a good ride yet but so far it feels good. I get bb drop of 13mm in position 3 but I've got an offset bushing in the front of the shock and a - 1.5deg angle set that gives a head angle of 63.9deg.
Wonder if this would work for my Hightower?
Does it have a flip chip? for a high and low position? As I recall it did....
@@mtbyumyum Yeah, you're right, I'll check it out and call my LBS,...thanks man!
Do you still have this bike? Are you going to sell it?
I've since sold it although, I know Utah Mountain Biking bike shop in Lehi Utah had them on sale now.... and they have the new "mullet link" in stock as well. Call Mike and see what he can do for you! 801-367-9750 Loved this bike!!
Mullets can get lost...