In my experience, after changing from brands including Trek, Giant and Specialised, Yeti are in another dimension in speed and bike suspension size. You can almost go an entire category below those competitors with pretty little impact if you're confident. If not, ride those until you are. Yeti (as you mention) just carry so much grip, so much corner speed WHEN RIDDEN HARD are soooo rewarding. As soon as you're fatuiged, it is all about over, get off before you hurt yourself, because the bike will outpace you. I think that is the rider preference part. Develop at that pace and engagement or enjoy some lazier trails with less input and fatigue whilst having fun, what it is all about at the end o the day!
I found something similar with my 2020 GT Force. You work with it and it’ll be insanely fast but when you’re fatigued it’s a handful. When you reach that point it’s best to kind of let it do it’s thing and just keep it rained in a little.
Seems you turned the SB 160 into a SB 140 with volume reducers. Usually you want that ground huggy traction in steep gnar for control and the increased travel for bigger hits at speed and compressions. To each his own.
Felt exactly the same about my nukeproof mega 290. So capable, it out paced me. I had to make sure the track suited the bike. Sold it. Now on a ripley af, haven't stopped smiling and on all trails.
Great review, Jeff. If the 160 is FAST, then I guess Yeti achieved what they wanted - it's a race bike, after all. But it's awesome that you were able to tweak it to match your needs. Adaptable is good.
Thanks for another great review! Still loving my Ripmo AF though. No need to go faster. I switched to a high stack and short stem recently and love it. Have you ever tried your Ripmo V2S as a mullet?
I see that Ripmo AF in the stand behind you. You should totally have some more fun with that thing by “long shocking it” with a 216x63 shock with one offset bushing in the rear eyelet/ you can also use a 8.5x2.5 shock as well with the same single offset bushing in the rear. This will net give or take 170mm rear travel with supposedly no change to geo. Most people will bump up the fork travel to 180 also. Considering how much you have been vibing with longer travel bikes this could potentially take a bike you already love and love it even more? I’m sure many out there would love to see you do this and share the ride experience!
He's already said he doesn't like how the AF rides with the travel increased. For heavy and very sendy riders like Jeff the AF frame is a tad too flexy to run at more than stock travel comfortably (or at least the 151 rear travel of a cascade linked AF, and his AF is cascade linked).
Nice bike ...r.e. Rotors ...I'm running a 230mm Magura's on the front and a 205mm on the rear of my Yeti Sb 150.... MASSIVE stopping power and zero brake fade on the long down hill sections..Not expensive either..about 200 bucks Australian
is it just me or is the switch infinity linkage just ano black instead of kashima coated? That blends in better now and much more easier to match in with parts that aren't kashima coated haha
Great review Jeff your riding style is unique. Have you ever heard about the Vitus Sommet 29? What you get for the price is really good, hope you can get one and try-review it!
I am your size and down sized to a small 160. Interested in your take on sizing of bikes. Changing the stem and stack height is something I never thought of when I tested the medium.
@@markgloeckler5991 Nice Im glad its a good fit. Im 5'6.5" and have a wingspan of almost 5'10" so it can be hard to find the right size for me, always in between a small or medium.
Great review JKW! I own an SB150 and have had the same shifting issues with a 12 Spd XT drivetrain. Gonna check the rear axle and maybe try the spacer as you did on the 160. I love your input on parts swapping for stack/reach/etc plus volume spacers. This video is gold for Yeti riders!
Right on Nero, it's a GREAT bike! I don't have any experience with the 150 platform though. If you have not experienced any weird hub tightening issues, the axle is probably fine, and the housing is easily replaced.
I just got a 150 but I’m a newbie. I’m really hoping it’s not too much bike for me. I wasn’t able to demo any and a race bike isn’t really what I want but I did want stability confidence and traction. I just don’t ride very fast. Hope I didn’t make a very expensive mistake
I was looking at the sb160 but in reality I decided not to get it. It does not fit my riding stile. My sb140 29er is awesome. I am glad and happy with my choice.
I'm still trying to understand where the washer is going/what was happening, and if it's a common issue or if this bike was missing something on assembly..
i've ordered my frame (M size being 6 feet) a week ago. What would be your suggestion if I want to use it as a daily driver. I live in the swiss alps. I want fun bike but still need some stability. I'm just scarred that if i max out spacers the bike will be not forgiving on alpine terrain. I ride mostly natural alpine "trails". Thx for the video ! looking forward for the new IBIS enduro rig being in your hands !
Thanks for the note- I am hoping to get to try that new Ibis bike one day too! For natural, rough, steep trails, where average trail speed isn't crazy high, I'd be inclined to run BIG tires (2.6 or 2.5) and likely no volume reduction beyond the stock amount. Our trails are heavily built up jump lines, which lead to more bottom outs than natural trails.
@grzesfajny does the size medium feel too small? what stem and handlebar rise you running? any comparisons to other bikes in terms of size and any reach issues at 465mm or front center 807?
Nice review...love it! I've had my SB160 for a month now and am still getting it tweaked. Coming from a Ripmo V2 and the Yeti definitely feels more stable at speed and better on steep rock rolls/gnar/tech. I also over forked to 180mm so that probably helps with the steeps at cost of climbing. Curious what your other settings are on the fork/x2. Pressures and clicks for HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR. Mind sharing those numbers if they are much off from the Yeti calculator? Trying to get this bike to a happy medium of pop vs stability. If you ever want to ride Spokane hit me up...we have some fun stuff here if you haven't been
Hey, I'm deciding on the ripmo vs yeti. I want the downhill park ability, worried the ripmo will bottom out, but local trails are flatter and require more pops for fun. Have you got the yeti to a slower fun position or has the ripmo let you down on the big stuff if you may? Hard to find people who have had both!
Hey, I'm deciding on the ripmo vs yeti. I want the downhill park ability, worried the ripmo will bottom out, but local trails are flatter and require more pops for fun. Have you got the yeti to a slower fun position or has the ripmo let you down on the big stuff if you may? Hard to find people who have had both
Interesting, in one of his videos Remy Metallier tells his friend to be more tall on the bike. That specific advice made me a better rider by like a 50% instantly. There where various reasons for this, like being able to look more far ahead on the trail, having more body "suspension" as your legs and arms are more extended so you use them more, and else. To me it makes sense and seeing all the pros they ride very tall in their neutral position and only get low to absorb impacts, the position is very dinamic. But you seem to have a different aproach, ride lower, is that a diference in styles? or are there other advantages for riding lower, or is this a complimentary thing to what remy's advice.
I think it varies from person to person. Jeff has a very stylish and playful riding style, whereas Remy is big on technical moves, wide open flow/jump trails. Best thing to do is experiment with body positioning, handlebar height/width, and bike geometry. It sounds like things have clicked for you! Edit: getting low, as Jeff mentions, is important when you need to get weight/pressure onto the front end, and gives you more range when going faster over drops/chunky sections (if not, the bike will pull you down with it). Also improves braking performance since you’re lowering the center of gravity substantially
I love the reviews, and this bike is sweet as per usual, not really any “bad” bikes out there, but there are some real crappy specs, and I feel that paying whatever premium the yeti has for SLX is such a slap in the face, like are you trying to tell me that they cannot spend the extra 10 bucs or whatever it costs them buying by bulk to upgrade from slx to xt?? I just don’t believe it
I’m torn, want the speed,capability for the odd enduro or road trip of the 160 but my neck of the woods are 135/140 territory. Emotion vs. Reality once again
Another year gone by and I still haven't picked my first full squish yet because of the same predicament lol Obsessed with watching enduro/dh riders and videos and the bikes, but I'm realistically only gonna be on average or up and down NE trails. Stuff like the Ripmo, Revel Rail, and now the WAO Arrival still sound like the king though of capability going down but still up without being a pig. I've heard the Arrival described as about on par with the Ripmo and it's the new kid on the block, they offer links to transform your frame around to 130, 152, or 170 so I've been keen on trying one of those... if 170 or 152 actually sucks for the area I could just go down to 130. I hope Jeff can can get the privilege of reviewing one and do a segment of trying out the different travel links this year 🤘
That’s why I went with the Stumpjumper EVO. I can set it up for where I’m riding. Realistically, I just leave it in the standard setting and it does good everywhere. My local trails lend themselves toward a true trail bike, but I’m not trying to beat XC strava times. I want the extra travel for when I travel and ride bigger terrain, because that’s the riding I love. My local loops just serve to keep me in shape.
I live in the NE and the Stumpjumper EVO (and a DH bike later) were my best option. The Stumpjumper climbs great and descends great, and its good enough to race high-level enduro on, and the DH bike is for park days and big sends at my local woods. The Stumpjumper is also great for park days too. Its my definite all-rounder
I got an enduro bike for that exact reason. I only had the money and space for one bike, so I got a 2021 GT Force 29 Alloy. It’s great on steep, long, and fast descents but is surprisingly fun on my local trails. It’s just a pain to climb in because it’s 38 lbs. I’d say go with whatever you can afford and don’t be afraid to stick to a more budget friendly option.
@@KYMXRacer That’s a great choice, considered that also. And I’m in the same bucket with the local trails. They’re 100% XC, keeping the Slayer for road trips because that’s what keeps me in the game.
I was between this and a Megatower and got the Megatower (v2). How do you think those two compare? I am indeed looking for a fast bike through the chunk here in Phoenix. Thanks Jeff!
64 degrees is the sweet spot Imo for enduro definitely but I gotta be honest the transition look dumb way to slack an slow imo like a 1970 raked out chopper lmao
Great content. Have a question I just bought a used 2020 factory X2. Turns out it needs to be rebuilt/ serviced. I talked to a suspension company and they said shock is not reliable and breaks often. Is the shock worth servicing. Cost is about $200.00.
This is why I would never use fox stuff again ,yes they look nice but too unreliable and expensive where as my rockshox isn't and it's easy to service yourself, get rid of the X2 and get the new super deluxe ultimate, a much better shock imo.
Uffff sorry to hear that BH! I have had good success with the newer X2s from the last year or two. The older units from ~2017-2019 were not as reliable for me, but since I preferred the more open damping, more progressive spring nature of the DPX2, I rarely rode X2s for a while.
There was a known issue with the 2021 X2s, enough that Fox had to pause production to fix issues and had to service a LOT of warranty claims to avoid a class action.
Sick review! I would be really interested on your opinions of a canyon strive or any other canyon bike, as they are a lot cheaper than a yeti or other similar brands. I know you might not be able to because of contracts, but a cool idea nonetheless!
what are the mountains you are riding on? i live in the same area but i didn't recognize the mountain that you said was under construction still. would love to know it looked amazing.
Port Gamble. Come down for the Evergreen bike festival in June! It's a super fun area--lots of variety, generally mellower than Galbraith and more rolling terrain, i.e. shorter climbs and descents. Totally worth spending a long day.
Well sir, I'm too old to rock n' roll . . . too young to die. So I'll leave those "fast" bikes to somebody else. My short (er) travel bikes, FS and hardtail suit me just fine. Love to watch you get after it though. XC/downcountry is my sweet spot, Nothing steep, blue black leaning blue is safe for my age. You'd be surprised how much you lose after 40. After 60? So much is lost forever.
@@JeffKendallWeed reviews of both the Mega and Giga would be cool if you can get your hands on them. They seem like very different bikes, with the Mega being more of a small-ish enduro bike along the lines of the RM Altitude and the Giga being the plush monster truck like a Spire.
Jeff, I love your riding style. Question: your weight balance always looks a tad bit over the rear wheel. I hear about needing to weight the front tire for traction - but you never seem to have a problem with that. Makes me question the “weight the front wheel” talk I have heard. Thoughts??
Not necessarily, I nearly always max out the volume spacers. Got 5 in my 140mm fork. You can run less pressure for more supple initial and a higher ramp up for support.
In my experience, after changing from brands including Trek, Giant and Specialised, Yeti are in another dimension in speed and bike suspension size. You can almost go an entire category below those competitors with pretty little impact if you're confident. If not, ride those until you are. Yeti (as you mention) just carry so much grip, so much corner speed WHEN RIDDEN HARD are soooo rewarding. As soon as you're fatuiged, it is all about over, get off before you hurt yourself, because the bike will outpace you. I think that is the rider preference part. Develop at that pace and engagement or enjoy some lazier trails with less input and fatigue whilst having fun, what it is all about at the end o the day!
I found something similar with my 2020 GT Force. You work with it and it’ll be insanely fast but when you’re fatigued it’s a handful. When you reach that point it’s best to kind of let it do it’s thing and just keep it rained in a little.
Very keen to see what you make of the Orbea Rallon compared to the SB160, Spire and Firebird.
Interesting to hear about the problem with the cable housing/rear thru axle!
Hope you keep us posted!👌
Oh it's been great since- about a month riding as such.
Your knowledge and ability are second to none.
Thanks for the great content.
Seems you turned the SB 160 into a SB 140 with volume reducers.
Usually you want that ground huggy traction in steep gnar for control and the increased travel for bigger hits at speed and compressions.
To each his own.
Wow that second location at 12:50 looks SUPER fun
I just got a 130LR…. Going out for first ride this weekend. Main because of JKW and other riders hyping it up. I hope I like it!!!😮
I test rode a sb160 a few weeks ago. I agree with all your takes 100% it was fast and fun!
2:48 "hit the subscribe button if u're excited"
But I can't, I'm already subscribed 😂
Great video as always 👌
WE'RE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED, HE CAN'T SUBSCRIBE ANY FARTHER!!
Yeti bikes look so freaking good to my eyes
Jeff is the kid with all the best toys.
Holy susp spacers Batman! I actually don’t mind that frame color.
Still eagerly waiting on you to review the Orbea Rallon 😎
Good to see your video again!
You have riden that many bikes now!, what do you think is the best bike for the money for the type of riding you do?.
Felt exactly the same about my nukeproof mega 290. So capable, it out paced me. I had to make sure the track suited the bike.
Sold it. Now on a ripley af, haven't stopped smiling and on all trails.
Bit of a nooby here but bought a mega 275 and this does resonate with me abit. It just wants to be an absolute freight train everywhere 😂
Great review, Jeff. If the 160 is FAST, then I guess Yeti achieved what they wanted - it's a race bike, after all. But it's awesome that you were able to tweak it to match your needs. Adaptable is good.
Totally, air suspension is great for this!
Thanks for another great review! Still loving my Ripmo AF though. No need to go faster. I switched to a high stack and short stem recently and love it. Have you ever tried your Ripmo V2S as a mullet?
I see that Ripmo AF in the stand behind you. You should totally have some more fun with that thing by “long shocking it” with a 216x63 shock with one offset bushing in the rear eyelet/ you can also use a 8.5x2.5 shock as well with the same single offset bushing in the rear. This will net give or take 170mm rear travel with supposedly no change to geo. Most people will bump up the fork travel to 180 also. Considering how much you have been vibing with longer travel bikes this could potentially take a bike you already love and love it even more? I’m sure many out there would love to see you do this and share the ride experience!
He's already said he doesn't like how the AF rides with the travel increased. For heavy and very sendy riders like Jeff the AF frame is a tad too flexy to run at more than stock travel comfortably (or at least the 151 rear travel of a cascade linked AF, and his AF is cascade linked).
Nice bike ...r.e. Rotors ...I'm running a 230mm Magura's on the front and a 205mm on the rear of my Yeti Sb 150.... MASSIVE stopping power and zero brake fade on the long down hill sections..Not expensive either..about 200 bucks Australian
That's a gorgeous frame color, wow. I'd love to get an Antidote Carbonjack in that color.
Been waiting for your opinion on this one
Great episode. I enjoy the technical explanations.
Great content. Will you review the new SB165?
Great review and very well comprehensive explanations! Love it.
Jeff, thanks for your always great reviews.
If you were to pick sb160 or sb140 for your all around affairs, which one would be?
Hey Jeff, are you going to review the Yeti SB165?
Lets see that gym routine!
I bought the 160 2 months ago so good love it had sb 150 prior and it rides totally different
Hey Paul, how would you describe the 160 feeling vs its former 150? Cheers
I'd like to hear difference too! I'm on specialized enduro and wanting to get yeti sb150 or 160. Some good prices for sb150 now!
is it just me or is the switch infinity linkage just ano black instead of kashima coated? That blends in better now and much more easier to match in with parts that aren't kashima coated haha
depends on the kit level. C series are black. T series are still kashima coated
@@TheLeesto I've heard from more than one Yeti-phile that the C frame is the one to get, a lot more durable than the Turq frame.
I'm very happy with my 2023 Pivot Firebird, I did consider the SB160 but like the DW link vs Switch Infinity.
I was talking with a friend he said he needs to do always some kind of maintenance on the SInfinty and he is not happy.
Great review. Excellent video, as always.
Love watchin' your videos, Jeff. Would be cool to see you test out a WA1 Arrival in either a 152 or 170 guize.
Great review Jeff your riding style is unique. Have you ever heard about the Vitus Sommet 29? What you get for the price is really good, hope you can get one and try-review it!
I am your size and down sized to a small 160. Interested in your take on sizing of bikes. Changing the stem and stack height is something I never thought of when I tested the medium.
Do you feel good on the small though?
@@TomCollins-c4h Love the small, I have no complaints. Just interesting how others felt on sizing vs changing out stem size and stack height.
@@markgloeckler5991 Nice Im glad its a good fit. Im 5'6.5" and have a wingspan of almost 5'10" so it can be hard to find the right size for me, always in between a small or medium.
Still waiting for you to get on a Rallon!
Great review JKW! I own an SB150 and have had the same shifting issues with a 12 Spd XT drivetrain. Gonna check the rear axle and maybe try the spacer as you did on the 160. I love your input on parts swapping for stack/reach/etc plus volume spacers. This video is gold for Yeti riders!
Right on Nero, it's a GREAT bike! I don't have any experience with the 150 platform though. If you have not experienced any weird hub tightening issues, the axle is probably fine, and the housing is easily replaced.
I just got a 150 but I’m a newbie. I’m really hoping it’s not too much bike for me. I wasn’t able to demo any and a race bike isn’t really what I want but I did want stability confidence and traction. I just don’t ride very fast. Hope I didn’t make a very expensive mistake
I have an SB150 and I love it. I'd really like to have a go of the 160 and see how much better/different it is.
Nice video Jeff. Ride sage always 🙏😊
Love the video, what trails were you riding?
Hi Jeff, Love the vids bro!
I was looking at the sb160 but in reality I decided not to get it. It does not fit my riding stile. My sb140 29er is awesome. I am glad and happy with my choice.
What a setup!
Going to look at that shifter/axle hack. Thanks
I'm still trying to understand where the washer is going/what was happening, and if it's a common issue or if this bike was missing something on assembly..
i've ordered my frame (M size being 6 feet) a week ago. What would be your suggestion if I want to use it as a daily driver. I live in the swiss alps. I want fun bike but still need some stability. I'm just scarred that if i max out spacers the bike will be not forgiving on alpine terrain. I ride mostly natural alpine "trails". Thx for the video ! looking forward for the new IBIS enduro rig being in your hands !
Thanks for the note- I am hoping to get to try that new Ibis bike one day too! For natural, rough, steep trails, where average trail speed isn't crazy high, I'd be inclined to run BIG tires (2.6 or 2.5) and likely no volume reduction beyond the stock amount. Our trails are heavily built up jump lines, which lead to more bottom outs than natural trails.
@grzesfajny does the size medium feel too small? what stem and handlebar rise you running? any comparisons to other bikes in terms of size and any reach issues at 465mm or front center 807?
Some really good looking riders at about 5:15.
Are you gonna try the reverse offset stem?
Yetis colors are just always perfect
True!
Great review,would definitely like to see you riding the Pivot Shadowcat and Yeti SB135LR,both look so similar on paper
i am absolutely curious to see you review a cannondale jekyll 2023.
Nice review...love it! I've had my SB160 for a month now and am still getting it tweaked. Coming from a Ripmo V2 and the Yeti definitely feels more stable at speed and better on steep rock rolls/gnar/tech. I also over forked to 180mm so that probably helps with the steeps at cost of climbing. Curious what your other settings are on the fork/x2. Pressures and clicks for HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR. Mind sharing those numbers if they are much off from the Yeti calculator? Trying to get this bike to a happy medium of pop vs stability. If you ever want to ride Spokane hit me up...we have some fun stuff here if you haven't been
Hey, I'm deciding on the ripmo vs yeti. I want the downhill park ability, worried the ripmo will bottom out, but local trails are flatter and require more pops for fun. Have you got the yeti to a slower fun position or has the ripmo let you down on the big stuff if you may? Hard to find people who have had both!
Hey, I'm deciding on the ripmo vs yeti. I want the downhill park ability, worried the ripmo will bottom out, but local trails are flatter and require more pops for fun. Have you got the yeti to a slower fun position or has the ripmo let you down on the big stuff if you may? Hard to find people who have had both
Interesting, in one of his videos Remy Metallier tells his friend to be more tall on the bike. That specific advice made me a better rider by like a 50% instantly. There where various reasons for this, like being able to look more far ahead on the trail, having more body "suspension" as your legs and arms are more extended so you use them more, and else. To me it makes sense and seeing all the pros they ride very tall in their neutral position and only get low to absorb impacts, the position is very dinamic. But you seem to have a different aproach, ride lower, is that a diference in styles? or are there other advantages for riding lower, or is this a complimentary thing to what remy's advice.
I think it varies from person to person. Jeff has a very stylish and playful riding style, whereas Remy is big on technical moves, wide open flow/jump trails. Best thing to do is experiment with body positioning, handlebar height/width, and bike geometry. It sounds like things have clicked for you!
Edit: getting low, as Jeff mentions, is important when you need to get weight/pressure onto the front end, and gives you more range when going faster over drops/chunky sections (if not, the bike will pull you down with it). Also improves braking performance since you’re lowering the center of gravity substantially
How did you like that larger front disc? Don’t think you mentioned what you thought about it in the video. Sorry if I missed it.
Jeff’s analysis on this bike is spot on a have to see about purchasing one
How would you say the SB160 compares to the Transition Sentinel?
I‘m very interessted in this bike. Have you ever ridden a Megatower V1 for comparisson?
I don't know about that colour. Buying a non-turquoise Yeti is like buying a non-red Ferrari. Still, its a Yeti so Im sold!
It may just be to avoid the dentist allegations
Would love to get your feedback on Santa Cruz Megatower V2.
How much better of a climber is the SB140 than this 160? Did you notice much??
So how does this compare to a spire?
How would you compare this to the Mondraker SuperFoxy you tested. Seems like they are similar.
Can you review the 27,5 yeti sb 165
I would be really interested in what you think about Santa Cruz bikes, especially the Megatower 2 in comparison to the Yeti.
Yeah it'd be fun to try a Megatower, I should reach out to those folks and ask for a loaner.
I'm 5'4 and 140lbs... Can I ride a bike loke this with 160/170mm and 29er? Is a bike like this made for larger, taller people?
Oh man this will be SHWEEEEEET!!
Love the shred, but why discourage newbies. I for one am a very athletic fit dude, but new to the maintain bike scene.
Does anyone know what jump trails those are in the second half of the video?
I love the reviews, and this bike is sweet as per usual, not really any “bad” bikes out there, but there are some real crappy specs, and I feel that paying whatever premium the yeti has for SLX is such a slap in the face, like are you trying to tell me that they cannot spend the extra 10 bucs or whatever it costs them buying by bulk to upgrade from slx to xt?? I just don’t believe it
I’m torn, want the speed,capability for the odd enduro or road trip of the 160 but my neck of the woods are 135/140 territory. Emotion vs. Reality once again
Another year gone by and I still haven't picked my first full squish yet because of the same predicament lol Obsessed with watching enduro/dh riders and videos and the bikes, but I'm realistically only gonna be on average or up and down NE trails. Stuff like the Ripmo, Revel Rail, and now the WAO Arrival still sound like the king though of capability going down but still up without being a pig. I've heard the Arrival described as about on par with the Ripmo and it's the new kid on the block, they offer links to transform your frame around to 130, 152, or 170 so I've been keen on trying one of those... if 170 or 152 actually sucks for the area I could just go down to 130. I hope Jeff can can get the privilege of reviewing one and do a segment of trying out the different travel links this year 🤘
That’s why I went with the Stumpjumper EVO. I can set it up for where I’m riding. Realistically, I just leave it in the standard setting and it does good everywhere. My local trails lend themselves toward a true trail bike, but I’m not trying to beat XC strava times. I want the extra travel for when I travel and ride bigger terrain, because that’s the riding I love. My local loops just serve to keep me in shape.
I live in the NE and the Stumpjumper EVO (and a DH bike later) were my best option. The Stumpjumper climbs great and descends great, and its good enough to race high-level enduro on, and the DH bike is for park days and big sends at my local woods.
The Stumpjumper is also great for park days too. Its my definite all-rounder
I got an enduro bike for that exact reason. I only had the money and space for one bike, so I got a 2021 GT Force 29 Alloy. It’s great on steep, long, and fast descents but is surprisingly fun on my local trails. It’s just a pain to climb in because it’s 38 lbs. I’d say go with whatever you can afford and don’t be afraid to stick to a more budget friendly option.
@@KYMXRacer That’s a great choice, considered that also. And I’m in the same bucket with the local trails. They’re 100% XC, keeping the Slayer for road trips because that’s what keeps me in the game.
Great review
Have you ever tried a Forbidden Druid?
That I want to see
Trek slash also
I was between this and a Megatower and got the Megatower (v2). How do you think those two compare? I am indeed looking for a fast bike through the chunk here in Phoenix. Thanks Jeff!
Comparing the same two options. Leaning toward the Mega. Curious your thoughts. Happy riding!
64 degrees is the sweet spot Imo for enduro definitely but I gotta be honest the transition look dumb way to slack an slow imo like a 1970 raked out chopper lmao
Can't wait for you to jump on the new SB135 😅
what mudguard did you use on the bike?
I just can't get it out of my head that the switch infinity parts just don't look like they'd enjoy UK weather.
Great content. Have a question I just bought a used 2020 factory X2. Turns out it needs to be rebuilt/ serviced. I talked to a suspension company and they said shock is not reliable and breaks often. Is the shock worth servicing. Cost is about $200.00.
This is why I would never use fox stuff again ,yes they look nice but too unreliable and expensive where as my rockshox isn't and it's easy to service yourself, get rid of the X2 and get the new super deluxe ultimate, a much better shock imo.
Pinkbike trashes that shock all the time, its why you see them for so cheap used.
Uffff sorry to hear that BH! I have had good success with the newer X2s from the last year or two. The older units from ~2017-2019 were not as reliable for me, but since I preferred the more open damping, more progressive spring nature of the DPX2, I rarely rode X2s for a while.
@@Alan-75 your right. Thanks
There was a known issue with the 2021 X2s, enough that Fox had to pause production to fix issues and had to service a LOT of warranty claims to avoid a class action.
how does it compare to the stumpy evo?
Too good!
So…. Ride a Pivot Firebird and a Norco Range for the best coverage of all the gravity feed trails. Done! 🤣
Sick review! I would be really interested on your opinions of a canyon strive or any other canyon bike, as they are a lot cheaper than a yeti or other similar brands. I know you might not be able to because of contracts, but a cool idea nonetheless!
The Strive is gigantic, it's like 485 reach in size M. It's so big that Melamed opted to ride the Spectral 29 instead.
Do you no longer ride for WTB? Do you still ride them ever as personal preference?
Still ride the WTB tires some times, but I stopped working there at the end of 2017
what are the mountains you are riding on? i live in the same area but i didn't recognize the mountain that you said was under construction still. would love to know it looked amazing.
Port Gamble. Come down for the Evergreen bike festival in June! It's a super fun area--lots of variety, generally mellower than Galbraith and more rolling terrain, i.e. shorter climbs and descents. Totally worth spending a long day.
When you gunna try out the Canyon Strive?
"I don't want to go so fast" proceeds to rip down mountain fast a shit
Where you at ? Around Seattle
Yes, about 2 hrs north
Well sir, I'm too old to rock n' roll . . . too young to die. So I'll leave those "fast" bikes to somebody else. My short (er) travel bikes, FS and hardtail suit me just fine. Love to watch you get after it though. XC/downcountry is my sweet spot, Nothing steep, blue black leaning blue is safe for my age. You'd be surprised how much you lose after 40. After 60? So much is lost forever.
What’s your favourite?
The SB 160 or the Spire?
Ripmo.
@@JeffKendallWeed Where's the Altitude fit on that list ?
@@mrvwbug4423 the altitude is on the top of his list, he just doesn’t wanna upset ibis
inposible to get parts for Yeti frames in EU, if somebody know where just let me know :) thanks 🤘
What trail system did you venture out to?
It looked like Port Gamble in WA. I'm pretty sure I recognized some of the features. Great set of trails.
220mm discs?! Till now the biggest I'd heard of was 203mm 😮 EDIT: ok scrap that, I just saw there are 246mm discs now...
would be really keen to see a nukeproof giga review
Thanks Dylan! Maybe one day!
@@JeffKendallWeed reviews of both the Mega and Giga would be cool if you can get your hands on them. They seem like very different bikes, with the Mega being more of a small-ish enduro bike along the lines of the RM Altitude and the Giga being the plush monster truck like a Spire.
You should do ride review for the forbidden dreadnaught or druid
Yeah I need to borrow Logan's Forbidden!
Try a gt force?!!
Jeff, I love your riding style. Question: your weight balance always looks a tad bit over the rear wheel. I hear about needing to weight the front tire for traction - but you never seem to have a problem with that. Makes me question the “weight the front wheel” talk I have heard. Thoughts??
Adding so many volume spacers, you just want less travel
Not necessarily, I nearly always max out the volume spacers. Got 5 in my 140mm fork. You can run less pressure for more supple initial and a higher ramp up for support.
Say you don’t know how suspension works without actually saying it
I never thought to add volume spacers to make the bike more poppy. Might have to try it but won't make up for my lack of skill sending it.
Beautiful bike! You already are too fast! Need a bike with square wheels!
Why do you hate Santa Cruz?
Does he ever test Santa Cruz bikes lol ??
Jenson is his main sponsor and doesn’t sell them
Jeff will review only good stuff.
Why do people wear jeans that make them look like dogs are chasing them?
And