I love that trail, I do miss going up lower hills and down but it’s better being dh only. I really want a Smuggler, I have a Devinci Troy and I want a little less travel and better climbing and not compromising too much on the decents.
You can still climb it on even days, just can't go up and back down it like you said. But yeah it is a super fun trail! The Smuggler is an awesome bike for around here, definitely a little quicker feeling of a bike then the Troy. The Troy is still a rad bike though.
Awesome review!!! You perfectly described how I’d imagine that bike rides haha. Oh and I literally almost smoked the same woman and dog that day. She was DGAF.
Yeah it’s not great, I am going to talk about to and show pictures in my full review. A little disappointing but I guess at least you don’t run those often.
Can you compare it’s climbing and descending to the rocky element you reviewed a couple weeks ago? Thinking climbing goes to element, descending goes to smuggler, but how much better for both?
Yeah the element is for sure a better climber, not by a crazy amount but it’s noticeable. The Smuggler is quite a bit better at descending though and feels a lot more composed.
How would you compare the climbing efficiency and climbing speed to the SB130? How about during acceleration's such as coming out of turns or punching up a short steep climbs? Descending? Thanks for your input!
So to be 100% up front, I haven’t rode the SB130 for about a year. But I always thought the 130 was the bike to compare anything to in that specific comparison. I would say they are both very similar in climbing speed but I still think a lightweight SB130 is still going to be more efficient and faster. While coming out of a corner and getting on it hard I would say still might go to the 130 but it seems a lot closer.
Got my 5010 last week and took out today for the first time. The 5010 is amazing. First ride of the season and I was leaving my buds. The smuggler was one of my options, but they sold out so fast. I ride a medium.
Hi, thank you for your first ride report. I see you rode the Hightower v3... on paper, they seems like in different category, but is it really the case? SC bike climb good... If you remember a bit, can you give me your though between this 2 bikes? The most fun from the 2? Difference in climbing and spritlyness? I'm searching for a do it all bike (having a big enduro too), from XC hard to real AM in the Swiss Alps...
Hey I actually have both right now! They are definitely pretty close honestly. I would say the smuggler is a litter better climber and a more lively descent but still is super stable just not quite as stable as the Hightower. if you have an enduro bike already I would for sure go with the smuggler. I think if you take the spacer out of the rear shock (bring the rear to 140mm) then put a 150mm lyrik or 36 on the front it would feel even closer to the Hightower if not almost identical.
@@dialedmtb Now you had time with the 2 bikes (I hope), can you explain a little more the difference you find between those 2 bikes? Overall Fun? Efficiency? Poppiest? eays / hard single track trail downhill? I would really appreciate :-)
So they are very similar, Stumpy Climbs a little better and has a nicer fit & finish, but the Smuggler descends a little bit better. But with the sales that Specialized has going on the Stumpy right now that is definitely the bike I would buy if I were looking at both right now. What level of build are you looking at?
@@dialedmtb I’m trying to keep it at 5-6k. I’m coming from a 2007 trek fuel ex8 with 26” wheels. My son has a new base model stumpy. These new bikes seem huge and heavy but I can already see the confidence it’s gives my son. He gets through stuff that is a challenge for me and he’s only been riding for a month or two. I suppose my budget puts me at a comp or expert build.
So I would say get one of the 22' models since it's the same build in the expert but I think they are on sale for $4650. Then they also have the 22' Pro model for $6150 which is an amazing deal as well. I would do one of those for sure! How tall are you and what size are you looking at? But yeah the new bikes are so good it makes you a more confident rider for sure!
I will say I have not rode a Ripley, but I have rode the Ripmo. The Ripmo climbs surprisingly well for how big it is. I would also say the Smuggler surprised me with how well it climbs. So I would say, no the smuggler won't climb as efficient as the Ripley, but with that it won't be holding you back either! Between the two in my opinion I would go with the Smuggler every time. Unless you ride super smooth trails all the time and won't get the use out of the smuggler.
I am just over 5'8" and it fits great. If you are right in the middle I recommend to most people to size down and they seem to enjoy the bike a lot more.
I would say the biggest difference comes in descending. The Spur is an okay descender but not close to as capable or stable as the smuggler. It does climb a little bit better but I would say that is a smaller gap on the climbing side. I did do a full review on the Spur, you should check it out if you haven't already.
I am just over 5'8. If you go with a large I would say put a 40-42.5mm stem on it, or a medium use a 50mm stem. If you ride wide open trails a large will probably be pretty dang comfy and fast. If you ride tight and slower trails the medium will probably be more fun and faster in that situation. I would probably lean to a large if I were you though.
I love that trail, I do miss going up lower hills and down but it’s better being dh only. I really want a Smuggler, I have a Devinci Troy and I want a little less travel and better climbing and not compromising too much on the decents.
You can still climb it on even days, just can't go up and back down it like you said. But yeah it is a super fun trail! The Smuggler is an awesome bike for around here, definitely a little quicker feeling of a bike then the Troy. The Troy is still a rad bike though.
Awesome review!!! You perfectly described how I’d imagine that bike rides haha. Oh and I literally almost smoked the same woman and dog that day. She was DGAF.
Haha thanks man!! But yeah I saw you go by when we were at the gate at the bottom! lol I didn’t realize it was you until you were too far gone. lol
Some guys were talking about the cable routing, specifically that it was poor, especially behind the bottom bracket?
Yeah it’s not great, I am going to talk about to and show pictures in my full review. A little disappointing but I guess at least you don’t run those often.
Can you compare it’s climbing and descending to the rocky element you reviewed a couple weeks ago? Thinking climbing goes to element, descending goes to smuggler, but how much better for both?
Yeah the element is for sure a better climber, not by a crazy amount but it’s noticeable. The Smuggler is quite a bit better at descending though and feels a lot more composed.
How would you compare the climbing efficiency and climbing speed to the SB130? How about during acceleration's such as coming out of turns or punching up a short steep climbs? Descending? Thanks for your input!
So to be 100% up front, I haven’t rode the SB130 for about a year. But I always thought the 130 was the bike to compare anything to in that specific comparison. I would say they are both very similar in climbing speed but I still think a lightweight SB130 is still going to be more efficient and faster. While coming out of a corner and getting on it hard I would say still might go to the 130 but it seems a lot closer.
Sick ride ! I wanted one but I ended up going with the 2023 Santa Cruz 5010
Nice that’s rad! How do you like it?
@@dialedmtb I haven’t received it yet. Should be in the shop by the end of next week
Got my 5010 last week and took out today for the first time. The 5010 is amazing. First ride of the season and I was leaving my buds. The smuggler was one of my options, but they sold out so fast. I ride a medium.
@@crazybigball82 mullet 5010?
@@chocoloco911 yes sir! Gloss red Gen 5
🔥🔥🔥
Thanks man!
i want this bike!!
It is so rad!
I have the new SRAM AXS Transmission showing up today as well to install on this thing! Super stoked on that
@@dialedmtb I have feeling this bike will whup you back in shape........Good luck bro
Hi, thank you for your first ride report. I see you rode the Hightower v3... on paper, they seems like in different category, but is it really the case? SC bike climb good... If you remember a bit, can you give me your though between this 2 bikes? The most fun from the 2? Difference in climbing and spritlyness? I'm searching for a do it all bike (having a big enduro too), from XC hard to real AM in the Swiss Alps...
Hey I actually have both right now! They are definitely pretty close honestly. I would say the smuggler is a litter better climber and a more lively descent but still is super stable just not quite as stable as the Hightower. if you have an enduro bike already I would for sure go with the smuggler. I think if you take the spacer out of the rear shock (bring the rear to 140mm) then put a 150mm lyrik or 36 on the front it would feel even closer to the Hightower if not almost identical.
@@dialedmtb Thanks a lot for your answer. I would be interested to know the weight of your smuggler if possible?
It's about 29.5lbs with pedals
@@dialedmtb Now you had time with the 2 bikes (I hope), can you explain a little more the difference you find between those 2 bikes? Overall Fun? Efficiency? Poppiest? eays / hard single track trail downhill? I would really appreciate :-)
How does it compare to the stump jumper? I’m stuck. I ride trail. Equal up and down.
So they are very similar, Stumpy Climbs a little better and has a nicer fit & finish, but the Smuggler descends a little bit better. But with the sales that Specialized has going on the Stumpy right now that is definitely the bike I would buy if I were looking at both right now. What level of build are you looking at?
@@dialedmtb I’m trying to keep it at 5-6k. I’m coming from a 2007 trek fuel ex8 with 26” wheels. My son has a new base model stumpy. These new bikes seem huge and heavy but I can already see the confidence it’s gives my son. He gets through stuff that is a challenge for me and he’s only been riding for a month or two. I suppose my budget puts me at a comp or expert build.
So I would say get one of the 22' models since it's the same build in the expert but I think they are on sale for $4650. Then they also have the 22' Pro model for $6150 which is an amazing deal as well. I would do one of those for sure! How tall are you and what size are you looking at?
But yeah the new bikes are so good it makes you a more confident rider for sure!
@@dialedmtb I’m 5’11 185lbs. Looks like I’m in the middle of s3 or s4?
I would say an S4 for sure. the S3 will end up feeling pretty small for you once you get used to it.
Really having a difficult time choosing btwn this and the Ripley V4S. I know the Ripley kills it on the climbs, can the Smuggler compare at all? Thx
I will say I have not rode a Ripley, but I have rode the Ripmo. The Ripmo climbs surprisingly well for how big it is. I would also say the Smuggler surprised me with how well it climbs. So I would say, no the smuggler won't climb as efficient as the Ripley, but with that it won't be holding you back either! Between the two in my opinion I would go with the Smuggler every time. Unless you ride super smooth trails all the time and won't get the use out of the smuggler.
What height are you I am looking at this frame and trying to figure out if I need a MED or Large I fall right in the middle.
I am just over 5'8" and it fits great. If you are right in the middle I recommend to most people to size down and they seem to enjoy the bike a lot more.
Hello, as your tried the spur too, is there a big difference between them ? In pedalling section but also descending ? Thanks
I would say the biggest difference comes in descending. The Spur is an okay descender but not close to as capable or stable as the smuggler. It does climb a little bit better but I would say that is a smaller gap on the climbing side. I did do a full review on the Spur, you should check it out if you haven't already.
@@dialedmtb ok sonin your opinion the smuggler is more polyvalent than the spur ?
Yeah I would say so, I talk about the in my "Full Review" video that I think would help describe it.
Curious, how much does your setup weigh? I'd be coming from an Evil Following, weighing north of 30 lbs.
It’s is just under 30lbs with pedals and water bottle cage. I think it was 29lbs 9oz when I weighed it
Did you get a smuggler? On a following myself and wanting to try something new
What kind of fender ya got on there?
That’s a Syncros Fox 34 fender!
@@dialedmtb Thank you! Ordered! My smuggler is arriving this week 🙂
That is awesome, and of course! What build did you get? And get any rides on it yet?
How tall are you? You're on a medium. I'm 5'10 and a tweener between med & large in most bikes.
I am just over 5'8. If you go with a large I would say put a 40-42.5mm stem on it, or a medium use a 50mm stem. If you ride wide open trails a large will probably be pretty dang comfy and fast. If you ride tight and slower trails the medium will probably be more fun and faster in that situation. I would probably lean to a large if I were you though.
I like this bike…. But this is a horrible video/review.
Thanks!
Hahahaha. Buddy you’re in off season shape all season. 😂😂😂😂.
Rad