Its mostly lack of skill and practice. Levy should be able to do it until he gets to the top on his personal bike first so he knows he can do it and its not just him practicing on different bikes
It's definitely not a lack of skill, he's obviously an experienced rider, but yes, he should practice the line successfully on perhaps a 120mm/120mm bike to see if it's even remotely possible and to make it fairer for all the test bikes
Impossible climb vids are entertaining but also pretty irrelevant. I think I would rather know how these bike perform climbing the line you'd actually pick, not how well they double as a trials bike. Basically these vids show how they climb a fire road, and skip straight to unrideable terrain.
Honestly feel like if he had the saddle down he would’ve made it over those roots. On tech climbs I drop my saddle so I can pull the bike up whatever I need to.
yes, but some of it was steep and loose, and if you don't sit down, you don't have enough weight over the back wheel, causing your tire to slip, losing all momentum and speed.
@@zacg2953 Steeper than flat, yes; looser than velcro sandstone, yes. But he walked up it very easily in the pre-run on foot, didn't slip a step, didn't grab a root to keep him from falling backward. But it's also not sidewalk/horizon flat, it does have some pitch. Not saying it's dead easy, but he seems determined to make it harder than it needs to be.
@Marcus Bowling, yes-- saddle down a bit, and also a better sense of momentum and how to help the bike carry through/across, instead of deflecting/slowing down/forcing suspension to work needlessly.
@@youtubeaccount9058 that's what I'm saying, if the Salsa rode as good as the Giant and the Specialized and they thought it was good, why didnt they mention it Im just saying that if it did good, give it the credit that deserves
Climbing Challenge Clapping!!! That was an awesome trail section. Love the climbing videos. In life we all have to climb up, before we can go down. Nice work Mike Levy and crew.
Wonder why they didn’t give the Blackthorn the credit for getting up there too. Also without struggling as much on that first step up as he did with the Stumpy and Trance.
You have to factor in performance peak. The moment he is still fit enough to do the work and has enough knowledge of what he needs to do to make it happen. In the beginning, there isn't enough knowledge and at the end there is lots but his fitness is in play.
Humble observation Sir . So many have focused on a single front chainring of 30 - 36 teeth . I still ride a double front chainring ring style 29" bike and that tiny ring is invaluable at times like these in Your video. What a comparative video concept it would be for a chainring shootout at the same location !
Ohhhhh, found this series TODAY and also love this second video I watched...soooooo many comparisons only focus on going down, this is an appreciated exception....would love to see more of these...but maybe with a little less difficult climbs...to better judge the capabilities of the bike itself and less of the riders talent or slippery terrain...
He’s said in the (recent) past he likes HT’s because he can crank the tension up to high hell. He said he has used Shimano SPD’s in the past as well, but can pull out of them fairly regularly. Shoes in this video kinda look like either Shimano AM’s or Hellcat Pro’s. #Barneygotrobbed
So, subjectively Mr. Levy, what do you think? Did the bikes that got the furthest feel like the ones that should have gone furthest? It's a useful exercise but your judgment of which work best is worth more than the results on one or two tries IMO.
So the Blackthorn made it just as far with what appeared to be less effort, but didn't get mentioned in the summary? Specialized and Giant must write bigger checks?
The videos where you ride with a downhill pro are always good. You should bring in Brayden Bringhurst for the next impossible climb. Would love to see how he does.
God I love these field tests. I think one thing that would help balance the test out is for Mike to do 5 runs (or so, doesn't matter) on his personal bike so he can get a better feeling of the trail/line/technique.
Testing "methods" aside, I think it says a lot about the Trance and Stumpys overall platform that he was able to come to a dead stop, hop for damn near 10 seconds, and re-enter his climb with a relatively stable riding stance. It's not like it's all too surprising that he achieved that on the most efficient suspension platforms and not on any of the enduro bikes. I think the Trance is one of the best values and overall line ups in the game. Stumpy as well, although they seem to keep messing with it in ways I don't always like. SX on the budget model now flex stays on the high end models. That said the higher end alloy model will probably always be a great pick.
Can we just get a Mike Levy sped up chipmunk voice video? Telling us about aliens, conspiracies, the Grim Donut, and include his bloopers and outtakes from this year's vids. Just like 2020; disturbing, funny, and incomprehensible. 😁
Understandable that the impossible climb is for entertainment and thus views, but I recommend a "trail climb" to go along with the fire road efficiency test to supplement uphill performance. As compared to the impossible, super tech, "trials" climb...especially not with the seat all the way up Mike!
These tests are cool but why does taking the worst line have to be part of the test? I feel like even the best line on that climb would still be challenging and provide insight into the technical climbing abilities of each bike.
But every time he makes a run, he is able to narrow down the best line. Giving the advantage to the bikes tested in the second half of the group. Good effort though, no test is perfect
This is not fair comparison at all, are all the the bike at the same higher specs as S-Work - $10000? Or Specialized the only brand that paid you for this?
Pinkbike doesn’t get to choose which spec the company sends them. You have to remember they’re not paying for the bikes it’s the manufactures that are sending review models out to them. And the manufacturer decides which model to give them,
You forgot that the Salsa made it to the second step up, not just the Giant and Specialized!
mike sliding along on his face in the intro is priceless
Its mostly lack of skill and practice. Levy should be able to do it until he gets to the top on his personal bike first so he knows he can do it and its not just him practicing on different bikes
Great point. It should be a climb he knows well and can clear on at least A bike. Then he can see how the others stack up.
Common, you are too logical for bike reviewers.
It's definitely not a lack of skill, he's obviously an experienced rider, but yes, he should practice the line successfully on perhaps a 120mm/120mm bike to see if it's even remotely possible and to make it fairer for all the test bikes
Seems to me like saddle height plays a factor.
@@dit4963 haha, thanks. TH-cam is fun to critique sometimes lol
Impossible climb vids are entertaining but also pretty irrelevant. I think I would rather know how these bike perform climbing the line you'd actually pick, not how well they double as a trials bike. Basically these vids show how they climb a fire road, and skip straight to unrideable terrain.
Just me or didn't the Blackthorn get just as far and look easier doing it?
Yep - no idea why they didn't mention it
Honestly feel like if he had the saddle down he would’ve made it over those roots. On tech climbs I drop my saddle so I can pull the bike up whatever I need to.
yes, but some of it was steep and loose, and if you don't sit down, you don't have enough weight over the back wheel, causing your tire to slip, losing all momentum and speed.
At least an inch to1.5 inch drop. He needs to fully utilize that dropper post. It's not just for descending.
And actually used the low gear. It's easier to balance and ride slow over tech if you don't need to put as much power down.
@@zacg2953 Steeper than flat, yes; looser than velcro sandstone, yes. But he walked up it very easily in the pre-run on foot, didn't slip a step, didn't grab a root to keep him from falling backward. But it's also not sidewalk/horizon flat, it does have some pitch. Not saying it's dead easy, but he seems determined to make it harder than it needs to be.
@Marcus Bowling, yes-- saddle down a bit, and also a better sense of momentum and how to help the bike carry through/across, instead of deflecting/slowing down/forcing suspension to work needlessly.
Mike - creates 5minute course with a loop
Also Mike - gets stuck on second corner.
Salsa, Giant and Specialized got yo the same big step, why do they only mention Giant and Specialized?
💰
It looked like the Salsa did it better too...
I think they filmed it in a different order, because that Split Pivot Salsa smoked everything else, (without as much trial hopping.)
You have a good point. But if it were a plot to favor Giant and Specialized, why ride the Salsa to the same point and say nice things about it? 5:46
@@youtubeaccount9058 that's what I'm saying, if the Salsa rode as good as the Giant and the Specialized and they thought it was good, why didnt they mention it
Im just saying that if it did good, give it the credit that deserves
Salsa Blackthorn also reached almost the top but the winners are giant and specialized?
Barney rules..
Dude you just spoiled the video.thanks.
Just reported you for hate speech 😂
Bet salsa didnt pay them as much to say something good about their bike as specialized...
The blackthorn and the stumpjumper were exactly the same
You know, I don’t always agree with PB but at least you keep me entertained fairly regularly with content so thanks and Merry Christmas!
Climbing Challenge Clapping!!! That was an awesome trail section. Love the climbing videos. In life we all have to climb up, before we can go down. Nice work Mike Levy and crew.
Wonder why they didn’t give the Blackthorn the credit for getting up there too. Also without struggling as much on that first step up as he did with the Stumpy and Trance.
You have to factor in performance peak. The moment he is still fit enough to do the work and has enough knowledge of what he needs to do to make it happen. In the beginning, there isn't enough knowledge and at the end there is lots but his fitness is in play.
Can you do another video with which of these bikes are best at hike a biking up this? (Since that is what I'd be doing). :P
Humble observation Sir . So many have focused on a single front chainring of 30 - 36 teeth . I still ride a double front chainring ring style 29" bike and that tiny ring is invaluable at times like these in Your video. What a comparative video concept it would be for a chainring shootout at the same location !
Barney got to the same big step as Giant and Specialized
I am tired just looking at this
For a moment I thought I accidently left my gopro on.
Honestly, impossible climb is one of my favorite segments to watch.
Mike, super good riding on that Stumpy!! Great job!
tecko climbs can be scary sometimes and on those land yachts with over 160mm of travel makes it even harder, hats off to levy for having a go.
That climb looked brutal.
I LOVE the impossible climb videos! Bro Science FTW!!
6:20 I love the happy Gilmore quote
Ya lol
Ohhhhh, found this series TODAY and also love this second video I watched...soooooo many comparisons only focus on going down, this is an appreciated exception....would love to see more of these...but maybe with a little less difficult climbs...to better judge the capabilities of the bike itself and less of the riders talent or slippery terrain...
What about the blackthorn?
super informative set of videos this past couple weeks! thanks for doing the work for me I'm going to go with the SLASH! woooo
Just excellent! What a great rider. Good luck there.
잘 보고 있습니다~!!
항상 고맙습니다 ~!!
Nice climbing! I'm pretty sure the Salsa made it just as far though.
I love the camera man smiling in the background
Mike Levy: the absolute trials god
I really want to try the climb. I feel like I could do it. But GoPro affect so who knows
I could do it.. On my dirt bike.
@@NONO-hz4vo How about the 360 degree turn around the 6 pack? NOT doable on a MX.
The 360 just requires a liberal application of throttle.
Salsa: Am I a joke to you??
Have a second episode with ebikes and those beers lol that would be some excellent fun
That course was ridiculous. There was no way any of those bikes were making it up there.
Mike Levy is a jedi! I can't unclip this fast! If it was me for the test I would have died hundred times xD
Which knee protectors do you wear and how good are they?
What kind of shoes and pedals does Levi use? I’d love a video on that!
He’s said in the (recent) past he likes HT’s because he can crank the tension up to high hell. He said he has used Shimano SPD’s in the past as well, but can pull out of them fairly regularly. Shoes in this video kinda look like either Shimano AM’s or Hellcat Pro’s.
#Barneygotrobbed
All the bikes looks crazy
Great effort buddy
So, subjectively Mr. Levy, what do you think? Did the bikes that got the furthest feel like the ones that should have gone furthest?
It's a useful exercise but your judgment of which work best is worth more than the results on one or two tries IMO.
So the Blackthorn made it just as far with what appeared to be less effort, but didn't get mentioned in the summary? Specialized and Giant must write bigger checks?
#Pinkbike - How the hell does Levy do this climb over, and over, and over, and over again? INSANE BRUH!
I was feeling that, I've got a few impossible climbs where I live... feel the burn! Get some...
Looks exhausting
why do i keep coming back and watching these videos about bikes ill never be able to afford lmao
That's like 25% of being a mountain biker ! Haha
The videos where you ride with a downhill pro are always good. You should bring in Brayden Bringhurst for the next impossible climb. Would love to see how he does.
Can't help but thinking it's also a learning curve, which bike is most like his own etc. Lots of variables makes it hard to see what this test means.
Like the Happy Gilmore golfball, the Norco Shore couldn’t find its “home”. 🤣🤣🤣
God I love these field tests.
I think one thing that would help balance the test out is for Mike to do 5 runs (or so, doesn't matter) on his personal bike so he can get a better feeling of the trail/line/technique.
I used to do these climb challenges in my xc years. fun memories :)
I feel like the trail bikes may have fared better with a DHR2 out back, the Dissector is prone to spinning out when you stand up on tech climbs.
When do we get to see the mike face slide in it's entirety?
Ok so now I need to see someone conquer this climb
Testing "methods" aside, I think it says a lot about the Trance and Stumpys overall platform that he was able to come to a dead stop, hop for damn near 10 seconds, and re-enter his climb with a relatively stable riding stance. It's not like it's all too surprising that he achieved that on the most efficient suspension platforms and not on any of the enduro bikes.
I think the Trance is one of the best values and overall line ups in the game. Stumpy as well, although they seem to keep messing with it in ways I don't always like. SX on the budget model now flex stays on the high end models. That said the higher end alloy model will probably always be a great pick.
My sponsor wouldn't appreciate this but man I do love some Sierra Nevada!
That racecourse looks so fun. Y’all are awesome!!!🤘😎
Can we just get a Mike Levy sped up chipmunk voice video? Telling us about aliens, conspiracies, the Grim Donut, and include his bloopers and outtakes from this year's vids. Just like 2020; disturbing, funny, and incomprehensible. 😁
Should have done a 3 hop limit.
Unlimited hops, three dabs and out just like trials.
Understandable that the impossible climb is for entertainment and thus views, but I recommend a "trail climb" to go along with the fire road efficiency test to supplement uphill performance.
As compared to the impossible, super tech, "trials" climb...especially not with the seat all the way up Mike!
There was a difference in performance of the bikes on the impossible climb, but make the climbing results more "tangible".
I hope the trek does well but I think the specialized is going g to be awesome at the climb
The cream rises to the top 🤘.
Sh#t Levy can do that would have me walking from the beginning. Great segment.
Akshully Mike the impossible climb is those roots at the beginning. Come on man!
hyped for the huck to flat
Respect!!
These tests are cool but why does taking the worst line have to be part of the test? I feel like even the best line on that climb would still be challenging and provide insight into the technical climbing abilities of each bike.
The Giant has live valve so that’s got a pretty good advantage so my bets on the giant
Hopping Is not cheating, climbing is climbing. Great entraining video
But every time he makes a run, he is able to narrow down the best line. Giving the advantage to the bikes tested in the second half of the group. Good effort though, no test is perfect
"(Mike huffs)" must watch with the closed captions on
Transition Sentinel for the win!
We all know that this kind of tests aren’t the most cientific. But I can’t stop thinking that they weren’t prepared in the best way.
I saw some skinnies -
Oh wait, they were Mike's legs. ))
That climb - yeap - impossible.
I would like to see an impossible climb competition with all the PB presenters (testing riders not bikes)
Ayee there's Jason
This video made me doubt everything i ever watched on pinkbike.
when r u gonna do this on dh bikes
Oh man is this the climb on fromme? I walk this every time.
How an ebike will do?
The tire pressures on the two 27.5 bikes should not be the same as on the 29ers.
Do a video about trails in india and psynyde bikes
Can you pls do a dh bike field test
Do it again with flats!
At this point we're just watching Mike ride
Thank you for not wearing the XC tights again.
Maybe use flats next time, gives u more confidence
This is not fair comparison at all, are all the the bike at the same higher specs as S-Work - $10000? Or Specialized the only brand that paid you for this?
Pinkbike doesn’t get to choose which spec the company sends them. You have to remember they’re not paying for the bikes it’s the manufactures that are sending review models out to them. And the manufacturer decides which model to give them,
Levy....your ambition outweighed your talent on this one...good effort... participation ribbon
Wasn’t it all about skills not the bikes??😅😂
isnt this more about technical strategy of rider? He was more experienced with later bikes so he went further.
He just loves the stumpy
I don't know but for me I'd somehow "gas out" the more i try so the bikes that come late finish off worse than the previous ones......
That looks hard
But fun 🤩
Pedal up ???
Only the grim donut would make it to the end of the impossible climb
An xc hardtail was needed for comparison
I'm trying to figure out how all the trials hops are more relevant than just standing the hell up. Like bro, none of us are going to ride like this.
#justiceforbarney !