Actually their not bad price in the near $5k with shimano Xt group set anywhere from fox performance elite to rockshox lyric ultimate or ohlins rcf36 air suspension not bad but their are better options for less with similar components
@@thetir0a car is something completely different tho, a full suspension bike is a high end product that start from at Least 2.5k if u want something good You can't get a supercar for 5k lmfao
Internal cable routing is really good looking and clean, but the external is so much easier to work on. It's a feature I wish more brands would implement.
I got a T8 on sale in Oz for $2600aud about 3mths ago…that’s about $1700usd! With the mad savings I spent about a grand & upgraded, bars, grips, brakes, tyres, BB, pedals, stem, dropper remote & headset. I also stripped it back to bare metal and had it powdercoated. (Love building bikes) So for approx $2400usd, I have an absolute beast of a trail bike for unbeatable value for money. I absolutely love it.
I have 2 fat bikes. I bought both second hand here in the UK. Frames had a few scratches but no dents. Bought quality 2nd wheels, upgraded the drivetrains when the originals wore out. Brakes are XT and SRAM level. All 4 pot. My fat tyres ( I have about 10) are mainly 2nd hand. Each bike all up cost me about £1300. I love them and I ride almost every day. No need to buy new.
As somebody who builds up and works on his bikes I prefer external cable routing. And I personaly also like the rough look of it. I think a mountain bike should look more like a off road machine than a slick road race car - but that's just my personal taste in design.
External cable routing is the GOAT! Both Vitus and Kona are now doing it and there are really no downsides except looks. It's so much easier to work with and upgrade for mechanics and riders. It's also cheaper to assemble, helping keep the price down.
mismatching brands for suspension only matters for aesthetics. Dialing your suspension in is waaay more important. After you do that and point your bike downhill, the different labels disappear. Especially since you can't see your rear shock while you ride. Currently on a Fox X2 and Zeb Ultimate. So much fun. ;)
Picked up a Status 160 about a month ago for that sale price of $2,250 and have been loving it! I was worried 160 might be too much for the climbs, but has proven to be a very capable all trail bike with such a fun aspect to it on the downhills!!
I've been riding a lot of bike parks in the Northeast this season (Thunder, Mountain Creek & Highland) and have seen at least 5-6 Status 160s ... Seem extremely capable and kinda surprised to see so much value from Specialized.
I’m stoked I came across this video. You’re truly one of the best, succinct, and most objective experts reviewing bikes in this category by far. You rock brother and keep up the outstanding vids.
i don't mind external cable routing, but love the internal looks... combo, internal cable shifter and dropper remote, while external hydrolic hose, love it love it...
I have no problem with mix match suspension, if anything it’s a great way to test out two different brands! My Giant trance 29er has a fox 36 up front and a DVO topaz out back! Bike looks beast!💯
Mixing and matching suspension is actually a good thing, with the ability to tweak tunes and performance, while being able to maximize value for consumers, no need to match brands as far as I'm concerned. I am far more worried about spec sheets that include SX Eagle rather than Deore. These drivetrains are not even in the same category, in every single way from: shifting quality to reliability to cost to clutch adjustability and replacement, Deore is the better drivetrain in every conceivable way. As for external routing, if the option was between fully integrated from the headset back or fully external; fully external all the way. Better access, no hard to trace rattles, no having to bleed brakes just to pull a brake off the bike, no spending time and/or money having cables routed. The singular trade-off is aesthetics.
The tens of thousands of dollars I’ve spent on MTB over the 30+ years of riding it has bought me- sweet bikes, countless good memories of riding incredible trails, seeing beautiful views from the tops of mountain peaks, met new friends and great people, kept me in great shape for a 52 year old, given me a permanent grin when thinking about my bike, thought me about engineering and manufacturing, given me injuries that make me smile when remembering how I got them, and given me zen like peace when riding in the quite forest…… money well spent and worth every single penny. If you’re one that complains about the prices of MTBs then I guess it’s just not for you…. Or maybe try a used bike and see where that takes you. Some objects are worth more than the sum of their parts, and imo MTBs are one of those
I see your point on the return on investment.. however, bikes that are more value driven enable more people to grow the hobby and stay in that awesome shape you touched on, for some families 3-4,500 on a bike is a massive deterrent. I’ve run into this situation trying to get a friend riding, hard to sell the value of a bike if someone’s never tried it. Overall, as the demand grows it will only benefit all of us as scales of economy play a large part. Gatekeeing something you love never adds to the fun in my experience.
Lack of funds to purchase the “Value” level bikes has not stopped me from enjoying mountain biking, guys like you probably turn their noses up at the bikes I have had and currently ride. I began with restoring a derelict Schwinn Frontier, then moved “up” to a DiamondBack Sorrento. My current bike is a 90s Cannondale Cad2 with Rocksshox Judy fork. I rescued it for $15 from a thrift store, relaced the rear rim and rebuilt the shock. I might have $250 into it. I’m not gonna blast past anyone on the trails but I’m gonna be out there enjoying it all for much less that 10s of thousands of dollars.
@@user-kq6ju6hc1w No need to be sarcastic, I’m trying to say, you can get a damn good bike used for cheap and ride the same trails. You don’t get a 10x better bike for 10x more money, there’s a sweet spot.
People are free to vent their frustration over overpriced bike, and bike components. Manufacturers price gouge their customers and that doesn't mean MTB aren't for them. It means their tolerence for price gouging is lower than yours and they're venting frustration and letting the bike manufacturers know that their CEOs should be pocketing less profits for themselves and instead passing some savings on to their customers. Good companies need to listen to their customers if they want to remain successful.
I've got a specialized status 140 S4. For Downhill it's the best bike I've ever owned. It's an excellent bike park bike but anything steep uphill through tight trees is hard work. The rear is so short the front is constantly trying to lift
the only problem i could see there being with this is when it comes to maintenance having to get different seals and fluid and stuff. Could be wrong though lol, i’ve never serviced my suspension myself and i have cheap sun your suspension lol.
I’ve had a 2021 Giant Trance X 2 29 for about 2 years now. It’s sick! I made several upgrades including Float X shock, i9 wheelset, better cockpit, more robust/grippy tires with a rear insert, and better dropper. Making progress better than I have on other bikes. Running lots of spacers in the back because of how linear the suspension is, and no spacers and high pressure in front (Fox Rhythm on 2021 model) to keep it slack and high in travel. only run it in the high mode for the Maestro suspension, otherwise bottom bracket was low af. Excellent bike. My only complaint is that I couldn’t buy one earlier.
I'd take the external routing on the Vitus all day long, especially now it's over the bb shell instead of awful loops under it. A lot of internal routing lets water in that doesn't always drain out properly.
I like that you cover some brands outside the big names- gives me a few to investigate. I agree with comments that it seems nuts that budget is 3000 and below, but I know you don’t set the price and I appreciate your upper ceiling.
As an engineer I would select the best front forks and the best (within the bike’s price range) rear suspension. So what if they don’t match manufacture. It’s all about the quality of the ride. Or did mountain biking become a fashion show like snow skiing?
Best trail bikes. No doubt in my mind we should be talking about hard tails here. You get a better kit for your dollar, you always get a lighter bike, and hard tails will always climb better.
I really don't get the Internal routing hate down here, but maybe it's just because the three bikes I've had internal routing on have all been super easy to work on? Also, how often are you actually routing cables vs getting them snagged on things?
Same here, appreciate the rundown! Liking the playfulness of the Kona and the Polygon looks like a fun ride. Any thoughts on the Devenci Django in this price range? Was liking it's reviews, but had noticed its external cabling 😆. Spending this much on something, I kindof want it to have that clean look, but I guess it's worth the cost savings trade off *if* they're actually delivering nicer components for the money 🤷
Love this list. Personally I’d like to see more bikes in this Aggressive short travel Trail Bike category with a few qualifiers. Only HTA 65 or slacker,No stupidly steep STA over 78, minimum rear travel 120 plus. Maximum front travel 150. The price can be any price and if they have a frame only or frame and fork option perhaps you could share someone’s personal build. Just a few thoughts
Should I go for Norco Fluid FS 4? I found one for 2000 € (around 2150 usd). Sometimes I ride long trips, 70-100km, a lot of asphalt too, is it decent for this type of riding too? I am not concerned about the rubber, can change that easily, I am concerned about other things and parts. What do you guys think pls? Will I need a lot of effort and energy on asphalt, or is it barely noticeable? Thanks for every answer, tip, basically any help. :D
Every mountain bike shoot out has a whole section of comments dedicated to how expensive full suspension bikes are.. if you want to get into biking, buy yourself a hard tail, price range is 600$-1500$ for entry level to mid level bikes. Even better, grab a used hard tail or full suspension in your price range. Full suspension bikes have a lot of expensive parts and have years of innovative works of art on them to crush tech trails and withstand drops and jumps. If you aren't hitting mtb trails hard and going to bike parks, do not need any of these bikes imo. If you want to hit a bike park and shred the flow there. Rent a bike for the 1 or 2 times a year you might get to go out to do this. If you hot trails 3 times a week or more and hit bike parks several times a year, it is cheaper to buy a $ 3000 bike because that'd be 1 year of rentals.
@@TopToBottomMTB if I had to do it again, I'd go for the AMP. I only didn't because it wasn't in stock and I was impatient. That being said, the bike is awesome and I'm happy to build it out as I hit limitations along the way. Love it to death!
I was always a big fan of the Scott spark 900 ultimate light, good travel, great trail bike But ever since 2021 they put the rear shock inside the frame and internal front cables into the and all that makes the bike very complex on servicing And it also looks like it’s a E bike So thankfully, I won’t be buying for another few years, but I may need to switch brands
Was actually tossing up between the commencal meta tr and am when i decided on the meta am after watching your vid on yours! Knew you'd have a commy in here somewhere 😅
Dude, to answer your question, nobody cares about shock brand front to rear, we just care about performance. The fork doesn't know if the brand name sticker on it is different than the sticker on the rear suspension. That is your issue, bro. If it works, it works.
I used to have a Rockshox Debonair piggyback shock and an SR Suntour Durolux fork before I went back to a hardtail. With a proper lower leg service, the bike just monster trucks through roots and rock gardens without costing an entire Japanese shitbox.
The 2023 fluid was pretty ordinary, it's my most recent realisation about the industry, reviews, now I rent bikes to see for myself after trying some marin and the fluid I understood reviews are paid adverts and not really a great indicator of the quality of a bike...😅
I was going to buy the fs a4 and had ordered it but jenson usa messed up the order and refunded my money so I went with the canyon spectral Al 6 and couldn’t be happier and I agree with the mismatch suspension lol
@@TopToBottomMTB thanks I was also looking at the YT as well and really wanted it over the canyon but the wait time was crazy over a month at the time I was looking at it that’s when I said get the canyon and I couldn’t be happier because it’s so good and is so good and durable but now I want an affordable emtb lol 😂
How about the Carbonda FM1001? I have their enduro oriented FM1002 and it is a pretty good bike. Not for all since, you gotta build it yourself though.
Hey man thanks for another great video. I can't stand mixed anything on my bike... It triggers all sorts of ocd for me 😅 I think that the fluid a2 is probably the best value bike right now. Even more then my trusty polygon t8. Though I wish they just specd a bomber air at the back...
Yeah same… starting to come around to the idea of mixing components to get the most out of them… I’m playing with a Sram Axs derailleur and Shimano drivetrain right now… working really well!👌🏻
I love that $3k is entry level... grr... I guess I could not feed my kids for a year or default on my mortgage... Maybe my desire to actually get up on a mountain trail will have to be relegated to watching someone else do it.
It's entry level for a "professional" level.. The entry level for amateurs is around 360 USD up to 600 for some very good bikes .. He has a video for those you should check it out.
T8 for sure! Way better pedaler and way more playful for blue trails. N9 is too much bike for blues. If you’re gonna order consider using the link in my video description, helps the channel out! 🤘🏻
@@TopToBottomMTBWill absolutely do. Thx for the input. I see the bigger travel and get excited but, probably don’t require it. I do like the Shimano XT components and better brakes thought
True but trust me… I have both in the garage and I only ride the Collosus in Whistler or super steep and chunky double black trails. 90% of the time it’s the trail bike that comes out with me.
Looks like a great all-round bike. Just paying a lot for carbon… If saving a pound or two is worth that much to you… If not, I’d look at the Marin or polygon.
U stipped me watching as soon as u brought up pros closet. Not only their used bikes are near retail (even for models that are a few years old) but ive heard bad reviews.
I have a lyrik Ult fork and dvo jade rear, best combo ever. I prefer my shimano xt drive train but i use some chinese 155mm crank set because Im cheap and my favorite brake Hayes Dominion A4. I also hate the internal cable routing and its too hype imo.
Re the Vitus - did he just say external cable routing on a 'high end' bike? Vitus were amazing value 2/3yrs ago, still great bikes but got the rep since and the prices have gone up in line.
#TopToBottomMTB I' watching everything I can on Trail bikes from the last 2 years at the moment trying to choose a new one and your reviews are top. I do have one question; Why is having the same make suspension front and back so important? Will it unbalance the ride or is it just a mind thing? (I have head issues with non matching tyre brands lol). Antony, UK.
Thanks for the kind words! Hope the videos help with your choice! 🤜🏼🤛🏼 The main thing for me is maintenance… servicing the shock and fork will usually take the same oil and lubes. Also they will have the same feel and rebound speed. But that will be hard to tell.
You should definitely include cube bikes they are really good and have extremely good value. Especially the alloy enduro bikes are really good. Edit: or radon but they are like canyon.
💥 Heads UP!! 💥
Massive SALE on NOW!👇🏻
bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/eKJVDX
If you’re in the market for a new bike, NOW is the time!
To me its crazy that the “Value” level is in the multi thousands.
Actually their not bad price in the near $5k with shimano Xt group set anywhere from fox performance elite to rockshox lyric ultimate or ohlins rcf36 air suspension not bad but their are better options for less with similar components
@@waldowsxxghostxx8577 you know, thats how much I paid for my car. Price is ridiculous.
i’m in shock 🤣
@@thetir0a car is something completely different tho, a full suspension bike is a high end product that start from at Least 2.5k if u want something good
You can't get a supercar for 5k lmfao
@@timlpld9784 2.5k is the value level, the equivalent of a Toyota Yaris.
Internal cable routing is really good looking and clean, but the external is so much easier to work on. It's a feature I wish more brands would implement.
Yeah,they used to. Everyone thinks newer is better. Not always the case.
I got a T8 on sale in Oz for $2600aud about 3mths ago…that’s about $1700usd!
With the mad savings I spent about a grand & upgraded, bars, grips, brakes, tyres, BB, pedals, stem, dropper remote & headset. I also stripped it back to bare metal and had it powdercoated. (Love building bikes) So for approx $2400usd, I have an absolute beast of a trail bike for unbeatable value for money.
I absolutely love it.
Wow!💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻😳
I have 2 fat bikes. I bought both second hand here in the UK.
Frames had a few scratches but no dents.
Bought quality 2nd wheels, upgraded the drivetrains when the originals wore out.
Brakes are XT and SRAM level. All 4 pot.
My fat tyres ( I have about 10) are mainly 2nd hand.
Each bike all up cost me about £1300. I love them and I ride almost every day.
No need to buy new.
As somebody who builds up and works on his bikes I prefer external cable routing. And I personaly also like the rough look of it. I think a mountain bike should look more like a off road machine than a slick road race car - but that's just my personal taste in design.
External cable routing is the GOAT! Both Vitus and Kona are now doing it and there are really no downsides except looks. It's so much easier to work with and upgrade for mechanics and riders. It's also cheaper to assemble, helping keep the price down.
Thanks!
Good internal cable routing is easier to work on than unscrewing multiple cable holders or using zipties. Crappy internal routing, though, is brutal.
people demand that. Also Kona Honzo does external too. Customers just want it that way. I understand why.
Dumb
Totally agree brother. What's looks without function? Aloha.😎🤙
mismatching brands for suspension only matters for aesthetics. Dialing your suspension in is waaay more important. After you do that and point your bike downhill, the different labels disappear. Especially since you can't see your rear shock while you ride.
Currently on a Fox X2 and Zeb Ultimate. So much fun. ;)
Cheers! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
true dat. i have a lyrik ultimate/dvo jade x on one bike and a lyrik/kitsuma air on another. mixing wheel brands tho, i cannot accept
Picked up a Status 160 about a month ago for that sale price of $2,250 and have been loving it! I was worried 160 might be too much for the climbs, but has proven to be a very capable all trail bike with such a fun aspect to it on the downhills!!
Sick!
I've been riding a lot of bike parks in the Northeast this season (Thunder, Mountain Creek & Highland) and have seen at least 5-6 Status 160s ... Seem extremely capable and kinda surprised to see so much value from Specialized.
Where are you guys finding that price.? On there web site it’s $3999
160 should be 2999 by now. Both 160 and 140 used to be sold for 2249. 140 still the case but 160 got back to the msrp. Now sure where you got 3999.
What brand is “Common-Saw”??? 😂
I’m stoked I came across this video. You’re truly one of the best, succinct, and most objective experts reviewing bikes in this category by far. You rock brother and keep up the outstanding vids.
That's a different world than I live in$3,000 isn't a budget bike to me
i don't mind external cable routing, but love the internal looks... combo, internal cable shifter and dropper remote, while external hydrolic hose, love it love it...
External routing is superior for maintenance purposes and upgrades. If you want to pretty it up, get colored housings to match your bike.
I have no problem with mix match suspension, if anything it’s a great way to test out two different brands! My Giant trance 29er has a fox 36 up front and a DVO topaz out back! Bike looks beast!💯
I had a trance before my Commencal meta… loved it!👌🏻
Mixing and matching suspension is actually a good thing, with the ability to tweak tunes and performance, while being able to maximize value for consumers, no need to match brands as far as I'm concerned. I am far more worried about spec sheets that include SX Eagle rather than Deore. These drivetrains are not even in the same category, in every single way from: shifting quality to reliability to cost to clutch adjustability and replacement, Deore is the better drivetrain in every conceivable way. As for external routing, if the option was between fully integrated from the headset back or fully external; fully external all the way. Better access, no hard to trace rattles, no having to bleed brakes just to pull a brake off the bike, no spending time and/or money having cables routed. The singular trade-off is aesthetics.
Thanks for your insight! What do you prefer? Internal or external?
SX is horrible - feels, looks AND shifts are all pretty poor. For me, internal for looks, but external for working on at home.
The tens of thousands of dollars I’ve spent on MTB over the 30+ years of riding it has bought me- sweet bikes, countless good memories of riding incredible trails, seeing beautiful views from the tops of mountain peaks, met new friends and great people, kept me in great shape for a 52 year old, given me a permanent grin when thinking about my bike, thought me about engineering and manufacturing, given me injuries that make me smile when remembering how I got them, and given me zen like peace when riding in the quite forest…… money well spent and worth every single penny.
If you’re one that complains about the prices of MTBs then I guess it’s just not for you…. Or maybe try a used bike and see where that takes you. Some objects are worth more than the sum of their parts, and imo MTBs are one of those
I see your point on the return on investment.. however, bikes that are more value driven enable more people to grow the hobby and stay in that awesome shape you touched on, for some families 3-4,500 on a bike is a massive deterrent. I’ve run into this situation trying to get a friend riding, hard to sell the value of a bike if someone’s never tried it. Overall, as the demand grows it will only benefit all of us as scales of economy play a large part. Gatekeeing something you love never adds to the fun in my experience.
@@Bikes_N_Adventure I agree! McDonald's employees should be able to afford a Lamborghini!
Lack of funds to purchase the “Value” level bikes has not stopped me from enjoying mountain biking, guys like you probably turn their noses up at the bikes I have had and currently ride. I began with restoring a derelict Schwinn Frontier, then moved “up” to a DiamondBack Sorrento. My current bike is a 90s Cannondale Cad2 with Rocksshox Judy fork. I rescued it for $15 from a thrift store, relaced the rear rim and rebuilt the shock. I might have $250 into it. I’m not gonna blast past anyone on the trails but I’m gonna be out there enjoying it all for much less that 10s of thousands of dollars.
@@user-kq6ju6hc1w No need to be sarcastic, I’m trying to say, you can get a damn good bike used for cheap and ride the same trails. You don’t get a 10x better bike for 10x more money, there’s a sweet spot.
People are free to vent their frustration over overpriced bike, and bike components.
Manufacturers price gouge their customers and that doesn't mean MTB aren't for them.
It means their tolerence for price gouging is lower than yours and they're venting frustration and letting the bike manufacturers know that their CEOs should be pocketing less profits for themselves and instead passing some savings on to their customers.
Good companies need to listen to their customers if they want to remain successful.
I've got a specialized status 140 S4. For Downhill it's the best bike I've ever owned. It's an excellent bike park bike but anything steep uphill through tight trees is hard work. The rear is so short the front is constantly trying to lift
Thx for sharing!🤜🏼🤛🏼
I don’t mind the different suspension. I’m loving my Lyrik Ultimate up front and Float X rear. Rides smooooooth.
Noice👌🏻
the only problem i could see there being with this is when it comes to maintenance having to get different seals and fluid and stuff. Could be wrong though lol, i’ve never serviced my suspension myself and i have cheap sun your suspension lol.
I’ve had a 2021 Giant Trance X 2 29 for about 2 years now. It’s sick!
I made several upgrades including Float X shock, i9 wheelset, better cockpit, more robust/grippy tires with a rear insert, and better dropper. Making progress better than I have on other bikes. Running lots of spacers in the back because of how linear the suspension is, and no spacers and high pressure in front (Fox Rhythm on 2021 model) to keep it slack and high in travel. only run it in the high mode for the Maestro suspension, otherwise bottom bracket was low af. Excellent bike. My only complaint is that I couldn’t buy one earlier.
Sounds like a sick build!👌🏻
The Canyon is the ONE! Shimano SLX, DT SWISS, FOX. C'mon, hands down the best bike, in my humble opinion. Aloha.😎🤙
Mahalo my dude!!
I'd take the external routing on the Vitus all day long, especially now it's over the bb shell instead of awful loops under it.
A lot of internal routing lets water in that doesn't always drain out properly.
Good point!🤔
I like that you cover some brands outside the big names- gives me a few to investigate. I agree with comments that it seems nuts that budget is 3000 and below, but I know you don’t set the price and I appreciate your upper ceiling.
As an engineer I would select the best front forks and the best (within the bike’s price range) rear suspension. So what if they don’t match manufacture. It’s all about the quality of the ride. Or did mountain biking become a fashion show like snow skiing?
Still riding and loving my 2020 Jeffsy.
Love hearing that! Great bikes! What build did you get?
Best trail bikes. No doubt in my mind we should be talking about hard tails here. You get a better kit for your dollar, you always get a lighter bike, and hard tails will always climb better.
Great video…just what I needed. Thanks!
Cheers Aaron!🤜🏼🤛🏼
I really don't get the Internal routing hate down here, but maybe it's just because the three bikes I've had internal routing on have all been super easy to work on? Also, how often are you actually routing cables vs getting them snagged on things?
Yes, I like external cable routing because my current Felt has external cable routing.
Perfect timing, I am looking for a bike like this
yeah same
What are you guys leaning towards?
Same here, appreciate the rundown!
Liking the playfulness of the Kona and the Polygon looks like a fun ride. Any thoughts on the Devenci Django in this price range?
Was liking it's reviews, but had noticed its external cabling 😆. Spending this much on something, I kindof want it to have that clean look, but I guess it's worth the cost savings trade off *if* they're actually delivering nicer components for the money 🤷
Marin and Vitus look great for me
Vitus 💪🏽💪🏽
Specialized stumpjumer nothing else😮❤
External cable routing just makes sense. External might look pretty but I'm in the freaking woods.
I bought the Norco fluid a4. Replaced the recon and bam. Great bike.
You liking it!?
I was looking at the T8 the other day at MEC, looks sweet
i personally ride a fox float x with kashima in the rear, and a rockshox boxxer worldcup edition from 2015 (i think) and i love it
Nice… I know it works, it’s just my OCD talking…🤣
Process has external cable routing for easy maintenance.
Thanks!🤜🏼🤛🏼
Love this list. Personally I’d like to see more bikes in this Aggressive short travel Trail Bike category with a few qualifiers. Only HTA 65 or slacker,No stupidly steep STA over 78, minimum rear travel 120 plus. Maximum front travel 150. The price can be any price and if they have a frame only or frame and fork option perhaps you could share someone’s personal build.
Just a few thoughts
Should I go for Norco Fluid FS 4? I found one for 2000 € (around 2150 usd). Sometimes I ride long trips, 70-100km, a lot of asphalt too, is it decent for this type of riding too? I am not concerned about the rubber, can change that easily, I am concerned about other things and parts. What do you guys think pls? Will I need a lot of effort and energy on asphalt, or is it barely noticeable? Thanks for every answer, tip, basically any help. :D
Sounds like a perfect fit for you! And a pretty good deal!👌🏻
what do you think about the Tektro brakes? from what I've read so far, they fade quickly, which can be frustrating/dangerous while longer descending
I bought a Marin Rif zone 1 is a nice bike for a good price
So TPC is basically Grailed and StockX but for Bikes? That’s dope
Curious? You’re referring to the Fluid Fs4, but you are showing the Fs1 Green, Fs2 Slilver/red, Etc…. It is the Fs1 that won the awards, I believe
Every mountain bike shoot out has a whole section of comments dedicated to how expensive full suspension bikes are.. if you want to get into biking, buy yourself a hard tail, price range is 600$-1500$ for entry level to mid level bikes. Even better, grab a used hard tail or full suspension in your price range. Full suspension bikes have a lot of expensive parts and have years of innovative works of art on them to crush tech trails and withstand drops and jumps. If you aren't hitting mtb trails hard and going to bike parks, do not need any of these bikes imo. If you want to hit a bike park and shred the flow there. Rent a bike for the 1 or 2 times a year you might get to go out to do this. If you hot trails 3 times a week or more and hit bike parks several times a year, it is cheaper to buy a $ 3000 bike because that'd be 1 year of rentals.
Best geometry for bad back, Can’t hunch or stretch to much. Thanks
My choices are commencal TR vs canyon neuron 6, vs soecialized status?
Which one would you guys buy?
commencal will be 4 me but with better set up,price is droping i cant wait to get my hands on it
Great selection of bikes here 🔥, these bikes will have you laughing on the trails
Oh for sure 🤣
Vitus for the win! I am LOVING my 2023 VRX!
I’d love to ride one… How is it?
@@TopToBottomMTB if I had to do it again, I'd go for the AMP. I only didn't because it wasn't in stock and I was impatient. That being said, the bike is awesome and I'm happy to build it out as I hit limitations along the way. Love it to death!
I personally like external cable routing. You'll understand when you get old. Make it count! Aloha. 😎🤙
I was always a big fan of the Scott spark 900 ultimate light, good travel, great trail bike
But ever since 2021 they put the rear shock inside the frame and internal front cables into the and all that makes the bike very complex on servicing
And it also looks like it’s a E bike
So thankfully, I won’t be buying for another few years, but I may need to switch brands
Was actually tossing up between the commencal meta tr and am when i decided on the meta am after watching your vid on yours! Knew you'd have a commy in here somewhere 😅
I have the Spectral, it shreds!
125 or the regular one?
Incredible review
The regular Spectral AL5 is where its at bro. 125mm just isnt Trailbike territory. And its quite a bit cheaper.
I don’t mind a green polygon colossus N7 if switching to a trail hardcore mode
Thanks for this video. I prefer deluxe rear and rhythm front suspension with a rear brake external routing
Cheers!
Thanks for the comparison! Where did the footage of the green spectral with the white forks come from?
Cheers! All footage came from Canyon’s YT channel.
Thank you! Great video!
No probs! Cheers!
Polygon is top notch for its price and durability! Riding N9’s and believe they are highly capable…
What bike is the one in the start of the video? The glossy maroon one. I like that one.
which is the best one of them?
Why dont I ever see Radon Slide trail. Imo nothing can touch this in terms bang for buck!
Dude, to answer your question, nobody cares about shock brand front to rear, we just care about performance. The fork doesn't know if the brand name sticker on it is different than the sticker on the rear suspension. That is your issue, bro. If it works, it works.
I used to have a Rockshox Debonair piggyback shock and an SR Suntour Durolux fork before I went back to a hardtail. With a proper lower leg service, the bike just monster trucks through roots and rock gardens without costing an entire Japanese shitbox.
Great review!
Cheers Ben! Just trying to help new-comers to our wonderful sport start off with a quality bike! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
I just bought a 2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct A30 for $3800 Canadian.
Nice video!
Just bought a Jeffsy for 1999 on sale, perks on being a giant, xxl size 17:06
The 2023 fluid was pretty ordinary, it's my most recent realisation about the industry, reviews, now I rent bikes to see for myself after trying some marin and the fluid I understood reviews are paid adverts and not really a great indicator of the quality of a bike...😅
GIANT IS BY FAR THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK, BY FAR. GREAT BIKES.
Had a trance a few years ago… I thought it was great too.
I was going to buy the fs a4 and had ordered it but jenson usa messed up the order and refunded my money so I went with the canyon spectral Al 6 and couldn’t be happier and I agree with the mismatch suspension lol
Ooh!!! Good call! I think you’d of been happy with either one of those but I’m glad to hear that!🤘🏻
@@TopToBottomMTB thanks I was also looking at the YT as well and really wanted it over the canyon but the wait time was crazy over a month at the time I was looking at it that’s when I said get the canyon and I couldn’t be happier because it’s so good and is so good and durable but now I want an affordable emtb lol 😂
in the geometry specifications why don't they tell you what the ground clearance is from the ground to the center of the bottom bracket
My T8... always a happy ride.. 🤙👌
Very good bikes in this list..
Shout out to Commencal Meta 👌🤙
Yeah T8 bro!🤜🏼🤛🏼
Waiting for my Canyon to come on the next week!
Stoked for you! What model did you get?
@@TopToBottomMTB I’m beginner and was advised to take spectral al5(full size suspension), so I’ll make some upgrades closer to al6. Can’t wait
@@DronSnow sick! You’re gonna have blast!🤘🏻
@@TopToBottomMTB hell yeah! Thank you, sir!
Think you may have found the right bike, I've been riding for years and looking at that very bike as a great do it all
How about the Carbonda FM1001? I have their enduro oriented FM1002 and it is a pretty good bike. Not for all since, you gotta build it yourself though.
Hey man thanks for another great video.
I can't stand mixed anything on my bike... It triggers all sorts of ocd for me 😅
I think that the fluid a2 is probably the best value bike right now. Even more then my trusty polygon t8. Though I wish they just specd a bomber air at the back...
Yeah same… starting to come around to the idea of mixing components to get the most out of them… I’m playing with a Sram Axs derailleur and Shimano drivetrain right now… working really well!👌🏻
I love that $3k is entry level... grr... I guess I could not feed my kids for a year or default on my mortgage... Maybe my desire to actually get up on a mountain trail will have to be relegated to watching someone else do it.
It's entry level for a "professional" level.. The entry level for amateurs is around 360 USD up to 600 for some very good bikes .. He has a video for those you should check it out.
2023 Polygon Siskiu T8 v. 2023 Polygon Collosus N9 - Enduro, which would you choose and why??
Where do you live? And what trails do you mostly ride? Blues? Double Blacks?…
@@TopToBottomMTBSan Diego, CA. Blues
T8 for sure! Way better pedaler and way more playful for blue trails. N9 is too much bike for blues. If you’re gonna order consider using the link in my video description, helps the channel out! 🤘🏻
@@TopToBottomMTBWill absolutely do. Thx for the input. I see the bigger travel and get excited but, probably don’t require it. I do like the Shimano XT components and better brakes thought
True but trust me… I have both in the garage and I only ride the Collosus in Whistler or super steep and chunky double black trails. 90% of the time it’s the trail bike that comes out with me.
What do you think about a BMC speedfox ONE nx 2022? Is the first bike I’m going to buy and I don’t see to much reviews
I’m thinking of buying a Giant Trance 2 for 2k new. What do you think, or should I spend a bit more for an Ibis Ripmo AF NGX for 2700 on Jenson
I got 2021 trance 3 has been really good
I’m looking at the new 2023 Cannondale habit carbon 2, am I missing the goal when considering this bike?
Looks like a great all-round bike. Just paying a lot for carbon… If saving a pound or two is worth that much to you… If not, I’d look at the Marin or polygon.
running mezzer pro fork and super deluxe rear shock because mara pro reservoir doesn't fit the frame. no problems.
Yeah I know it works but my OCD says 🤢🤮
Internal routing adds what benefit to going fast?
Aerodynamics 🤔
@@TopToBottomMTB I call bs
@@DanHovarterI think it's a joke.
I have a Marlin 5, but even these "budget" bikes are out of my grasp, at least for quite a while. Maybe someday....
My friend keeps telling me to get mullet. Is every bike with a flip chip mullet compatible? Or is that something different?
How does the Intense 951 Trail compare to these? I just saw it today at Costco for $2999.99
What is Bikes Direct all about ? Good prices and specs but can't find any "newer" reviews of the bikes they offer.
Never heard of it… looks sketchy.😬
U stipped me watching as soon as u brought up pros closet. Not only their used bikes are near retail (even for models that are a few years old) but ive heard bad reviews.
Sooo, where are the budget options??
What are your thoughts on the giant talon? Good bike for mostly road riding with light trails?
Oh yeah! Had a Giant before my meta and loved it! The talon is perfect for that!
I have a lyrik Ult fork and dvo jade rear, best combo ever. I prefer my shimano xt drive train but i use some chinese 155mm crank set because Im cheap and my favorite brake Hayes Dominion A4. I also hate the internal cable routing and its too hype imo.
Yeah coming around to the idea of mixing suspension… and components… just really like when everything matches.
Re the Vitus - did he just say external cable routing on a 'high end' bike? Vitus were amazing value 2/3yrs ago, still great bikes but got the rep since and the prices have gone up in line.
Why do people keep complaining about value being expensive budget is cheap and value is the best bang for your buck!!!!
#TopToBottomMTB I' watching everything I can on Trail bikes from the last 2 years at the moment trying to choose a new one and your reviews are top. I do have one question; Why is having the same make suspension front and back so important? Will it unbalance the ride or is it just a mind thing? (I have head issues with non matching tyre brands lol). Antony, UK.
Thanks for the kind words! Hope the videos help with your choice! 🤜🏼🤛🏼 The main thing for me is maintenance… servicing the shock and fork will usually take the same oil and lubes. Also they will have the same feel and rebound speed. But that will be hard to tell.
Ive given up hope of ever being able to upgrade from my walmart hard tail 😂 the price of a mountain bike is just insane
Yeah… the used market is getting pretty good though.
external or internal cable doesn't bother me, as long as I'm enjoying my bike.
Well said!🤘🏻
we would like a video with FREY CC FAT... very beauty ebike... chinese ebike... compliment for your channel... 👍
Thanks! I’ll look into it
ah yes, canyon always at the top
Great bikes! You have one?
Are you agreeing or complaining..?
@@TopToBottomMTB I *want* one, i'm stuck with a merida for now
Yt>
I mean, I am a Specialized feller but Canyon is THE brand that does it all, as it should (closely)
You should definitely include cube bikes they are really good and have extremely good value. Especially the alloy enduro bikes are really good.
Edit: or radon but they are like canyon.
Hard to get here in North America
Polygon really knows whats up with their bikes. i have an Xtrada 7 22 and a T7 21 XL and they absolutely rip
Sick! 🫶🏻
@@TopToBottomMTB ty! I just uploaded some fpv of riding the t7
I miss external cable routing...
So 3k is the Lower end of the price spectrum 😮 and here I thought under 1k was more realistic