recently got a megatower, best bike i have ever ridden. it is so stable and so poppy and just makes you feel instantly comfortable! hands down an amazing bike
I was swapping shocks on my non-high pivot Force and found out that it gets next to no pedal kickback through the shock’s stroke despite just being a 4-bar. Seems like the high pivot version offers a lot of minor improvements with a trade off being less efficiency (but it’s an enduro bike so nbd)
I’d love to see last generation’s Force 29 Alloy compared to the new Force Carbon. They 2020-21 alloy models are still kicking around for sale and seem like they’d make a killer enduro bike for a more budget conscious rider.
Yes! Kevin and I were both incredibly impressed with how it rode so combining ride quality with the more affordable pricing makes it a bike well worth checking out, regardless if it's from us or not. it's an incredible deal that I think a lot of people don't actually realize.
Ibis states that a 29'' rear wheel won't fit. We're guessing it rubs on the seat tube or the chainstays somewhere... Never seen it done so I'm not 100% sure where the issues would occur.
This is interesting, you all carry YETI and you didn't include the SB160... Not enough room in the rack that day or what happened? I know you all knew you would get this question. Have to say the HD-6 revamped frame looks really sick. I can't stop looking at it. I know the SB160 is the least of travel in this category you tested but I wonder how it would have stacked up?
I’m really liking the HD6, but also considering a Yeti SB140. I want a bike that is playful, everyday rider, and capable for gnarly terrain and the bike park.
Now that you've had your HD6 for awhile, how you finding? have you taken it down gnarlier terrain or to the bike park? I've got the 27.5 SB140LR and am finding I want something bigger like the HD6 for bike park and stuff. Are you finding it playful?
I have had the Hightower in past and now SB160. The Yeti climbs like its lighter in weight, it might be in the Turq version. That's to say it climbs seriously good for 160mm of travel! The other thing, the Yeti carries insane speed that the Hightower does not do. Serious, it just wants to haul ass and it's got me in trouble a few times already as I wasn't expecting it to flow so fast. It feels more planted than the VPP, the shock comes stock with 2 vol reducers and if you add some, it becomes more playful as the Megatower. The Yeti feels easier in the air off jumps too, real confidence inspiring. Plus, I think it looks better than the Megatower, personal opinion though. I think the HD6 looks better than the Megatower too. I like that green color.
Im in a weird position, I know the answer for myself if there wasn't a huge "but", which is that I need to pick a new bike, and that I know the trail-AM category is what would be right for me. The "but" is that I'm looking for the top segment of the market that offers the BEST sweetspot between suppleness, small-medium bump nulling, and pedalability and it HAS to be full 27 or mullet compatible. I have a disc injury so I need one of the top suspension platforms that makes every root and bump disappear, I do not want to feel the trail under me, but I'm pedaling more than going just down. So i keep looking at the AM-enduro segment. I don't care about pretenses or if I look dumb with a big bike on my flow trails even single track here sucks with all the roots and rocks and agitates my spine, I just want to know if the HD6 or any other option is gonna fit those requirements for me. And secondly if I can go coil without making the pedaling bouncy
The HD6 demo that we had with us was too small for me to ride on the trail comfortably, but I did pedal it around briefly. My thoughts mimic Kevin's precisely... Not trying to sell you on anything, but I truly think that if you're considering the HD6, I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if I were in your shoes. Edit: Sorry, forgot to address the coil aspect. Although Ibis states that the HD6 is coil compatible, I'm not so sure it's necessary. The HD6 is plenty plush with the X2 air, so I'm not even sure it needs a coil to complement the DW-Link setup. The Fox X2 is already seen as being about as coil-like as an air shock can get so you'd be set. Additionally, I wonder whether Ibis knows this as well because none of their stock builds are paired up with a coil.
Hey Kevin here from the video. I think VPP (Santa Cruz) or DW-Link (Ibis) bikes would be a great option for you. Both these suspension designs have amazing off the top suppleness. These bikes feel the smoothest no matter how gnarly or tame the trail is. A coil shock improves this even further.
Thanks so much for all the replies! I actually just pulled the trigger on an Arrival 170 mx with a SDU coil. 🤩I wasn't able to locate a HD6 within driving distance to try but still hope I can try one some time and I'm *extremely* interested to see how the Arrival will directly compare to these other bikes
@@LastAphelion My buddy just got an Arrival 170 last month and is in love... As Kevin said, it's basically impossible to get a bad bike from a reputable bike manufacturer... Enjoy the new ride!
I removed my OneUp bashguard and used the stock ones that come on the X0 Transmission, they're built into the chainring. www.jensonusa.com/Sram-X0-T-Type-AXS-Eagle-Transmission-Groupset?_br_psugg_q=x0+transmission
The fact that the Ibis is around 12K, is a complete turn-off. I mean you can get x2 GT’s basically for that and for the Megatower the anti-squat is just as good as the Ibis. I think a little more bias in this review. For 12K it’s an e-bike all day situation there…
I am sorry and have no intention to offend, but that seemed to lack any real information. This one is better for bumps, this one is better for rocks and this one is better for everything..... Agree it's hard to split bikes at this level but that honestly doesn't help a potential buyer...
So you're saying that telling a potential buyer what type of terrain a specific suspension design was made specifically for doesn't help them in decision making?
Damn cant wait for the dentists who live by the coast to put these bikes on craigslist after 5 rides on flat singletrack
Sweet video! I want all the bikes, but you make me want the Ibis the most!!!
We're surprised you haven't been on one yet! Looking forward to seeing your review!
If I don't beat you to one Jeff....LOL (who am I kidding)
recently got a megatower, best bike i have ever ridden. it is so stable and so poppy and just makes you feel instantly comfortable! hands down an amazing bike
Yep, still enjoying mine just as much as when I first got it. Looking forward to seeing what they have in store for the V3 in a couple of years.
I was swapping shocks on my non-high pivot Force and found out that it gets next to no pedal kickback through the shock’s stroke despite just being a 4-bar. Seems like the high pivot version offers a lot of minor improvements with a trade off being less efficiency (but it’s an enduro bike so nbd)
I’d love to see last generation’s Force 29 Alloy compared to the new Force Carbon. They 2020-21 alloy models are still kicking around for sale and seem like they’d make a killer enduro bike for a more budget conscious rider.
I just received my force from you guys..... I'll put it to my own test tomorrow morning 🤙🤙
We don't think you'll be disappointed! Let me know what you think after you get a few rides in!
I loved riding the Force in this video. My favorite "high-pivot" bike I have ridden. Felt instantly comfortable on it!
Good review! I'm curious on the climbing difference between the Mega, Hightowera nd Nomad 🤔
Sick comparison. Isn't the force on an insane sale? All sweet bikes
Yes! Kevin and I were both incredibly impressed with how it rode so combining ride quality with the more affordable pricing makes it a bike well worth checking out, regardless if it's from us or not. it's an incredible deal that I think a lot of people don't actually realize.
Great review!
We're glad you liked it! Happy we could help.
I’m guessing you could put a 29er rear wheel on the Ibis for a more balanced ride if you wanted to . Or not !
Ibis states that a 29'' rear wheel won't fit. We're guessing it rubs on the seat tube or the chainstays somewhere... Never seen it done so I'm not 100% sure where the issues would occur.
This is interesting, you all carry YETI and you didn't include the SB160... Not enough room in the rack that day or what happened? I know you all knew you would get this question. Have to say the HD-6 revamped frame looks really sick. I can't stop looking at it. I know the SB160 is the least of travel in this category you tested but I wonder how it would have stacked up?
Oh I assure you, I tried... The SB160 was the original plan.
Great review
Appreciate the compliment!
I’m really liking the HD6, but also considering a Yeti SB140. I want a bike that is playful, everyday rider, and capable for gnarly terrain and the bike park.
Now that you've had your HD6 for awhile, how you finding? have you taken it down gnarlier terrain or to the bike park? I've got the 27.5 SB140LR and am finding I want something bigger like the HD6 for bike park and stuff. Are you finding it playful?
What about the SB160? 🤔
Right? They carry Yeti so what's up with that? I would be interested to hear how it compares to the HD-6.
@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 That would be a good comparison. I have the SB150 and I'm already thinking of the SB160.
That was the original plan, but something happened so things shifted to plan B.
@jensonusabicycles so what you are saying is that these didn't stand a chance to the SB160 so you had to do a video without? 🤔
@@DeepDiveExplorer no
Great video Google doesn't compare to the depth of videos. Describing..what u want and what u need...🎉🎉🎉🎉
I will pick yeti sb160 and high tower second.
I have had the Hightower in past and now SB160. The Yeti climbs like its lighter in weight, it might be in the Turq version. That's to say it climbs seriously good for 160mm of travel! The other thing, the Yeti carries insane speed that the Hightower does not do. Serious, it just wants to haul ass and it's got me in trouble a few times already as I wasn't expecting it to flow so fast. It feels more planted than the VPP, the shock comes stock with 2 vol reducers and if you add some, it becomes more playful as the Megatower. The Yeti feels easier in the air off jumps too, real confidence inspiring. Plus, I think it looks better than the Megatower, personal opinion though. I think the HD6 looks better than the Megatower too. I like that green color.
Im in a weird position, I know the answer for myself if there wasn't a huge "but", which is that I need to pick a new bike, and that I know the trail-AM category is what would be right for me. The "but" is that I'm looking for the top segment of the market that offers the BEST sweetspot between suppleness, small-medium bump nulling, and pedalability and it HAS to be full 27 or mullet compatible. I have a disc injury so I need one of the top suspension platforms that makes every root and bump disappear, I do not want to feel the trail under me, but I'm pedaling more than going just down. So i keep looking at the AM-enduro segment. I don't care about pretenses or if I look dumb with a big bike on my flow trails even single track here sucks with all the roots and rocks and agitates my spine, I just want to know if the HD6 or any other option is gonna fit those requirements for me. And secondly if I can go coil without making the pedaling bouncy
The HD6 demo that we had with us was too small for me to ride on the trail comfortably, but I did pedal it around briefly. My thoughts mimic Kevin's precisely... Not trying to sell you on anything, but I truly think that if you're considering the HD6, I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if I were in your shoes.
Edit: Sorry, forgot to address the coil aspect. Although Ibis states that the HD6 is coil compatible, I'm not so sure it's necessary. The HD6 is plenty plush with the X2 air, so I'm not even sure it needs a coil to complement the DW-Link setup. The Fox X2 is already seen as being about as coil-like as an air shock can get so you'd be set. Additionally, I wonder whether Ibis knows this as well because none of their stock builds are paired up with a coil.
Hey Kevin here from the video. I think VPP (Santa Cruz) or DW-Link (Ibis) bikes would be a great option for you. Both these suspension designs have amazing off the top suppleness. These bikes feel the smoothest no matter how gnarly or tame the trail is. A coil shock improves this even further.
Thanks so much for all the replies! I actually just pulled the trigger on an Arrival 170 mx with a SDU coil. 🤩I wasn't able to locate a HD6 within driving distance to try but still hope I can try one some time and I'm *extremely* interested to see how the Arrival will directly compare to these other bikes
@@LastAphelion My buddy just got an Arrival 170 last month and is in love... As Kevin said, it's basically impossible to get a bad bike from a reputable bike manufacturer... Enjoy the new ride!
This was sick!
Miss you, buddy!
Is the GT Force sport a good bike? I know it has no high pivot
Yes, still a good bike at a great price point. GT's have some pretty solid value for the price.
Sooooooo a mid-pivot?
What was the bashguard on the megatower?
I removed my OneUp bashguard and used the stock ones that come on the X0 Transmission, they're built into the chainring. www.jensonusa.com/Sram-X0-T-Type-AXS-Eagle-Transmission-Groupset?_br_psugg_q=x0+transmission
Anyone know what was the carbon cover on the bottom of the mega tower?
Rockguardz
@@jensonusabicycles thank you so much
very helpful
We appreciate it! Glad we could be of some help!
The fact that the Ibis is around 12K, is a complete turn-off. I mean you can get x2 GT’s basically for that and for the Megatower the anti-squat is just as good as the Ibis. I think a little more bias in this review. For 12K it’s an e-bike all day situation there…
There are cheaper build kits available, with very little sacrifice on performance. The starting kit is 6099.
N+1 bikes is running a deal right now. X0 T Type HD6 for $7k
Ibis HD6 is all mountain good
Sb160
When I simulate HD6 in Linkage X3 I get 240% anti-squat. How can THAT win this comparison? th-cam.com/video/VLsHH14cTpw/w-d-xo.html
P R O M O S M 😞
I am sorry and have no intention to offend, but that seemed to lack any real information.
This one is better for bumps, this one is better for rocks and this one is better for everything.....
Agree it's hard to split bikes at this level but that honestly doesn't help a potential buyer...
So you're saying that telling a potential buyer what type of terrain a specific suspension design was made specifically for doesn't help them in decision making?