Pinkbike added a trio of affordably priced trail bikes to the cadre of high-end dream machines we reviewed during our Whistler Field Tests. All three have aluminum frames and were priced under $3,000 USD, but that's where the similarities ended.
The Whyte
G-170 S hails from the UK, wears 27.5-inch wheels, has aggressive gravity-specific geometry, 170-millimeters of rear-wheel travel and a 180-millimeter fork.
Norco's Fluid FS 1 is more trail oriented, with 29-inch wheels, 120 millimeters of rear wheel travel and a 130-millimeter fork, and the third member of the cast, Transition's
Scout Alloy NX, splits the difference between the two, with 130 millimeters of rear suspension, a 150-millimeter fork and numbers capable of handling all but the pointiest lines in the valley.
There are a lot of bikes to choose from in the $3,000 range, so we picked three different examples that embraced the best qualities of the genre to give the uninitiated bike buyer a feel for what's out there, and for which features are most important.
Whyte G170 S: $2499
The winner of last year's Pinkbike Award for best value, Whyte's 27.5-inch wheel G-170 S is capable of racing enduro or smashing out bike park laps. Outfitted with just-right components, it can be purchased ready-to-ride for less than cost of an elite-level frame from the likes of Specialized or Yeti.
Somehow, Whyte's designers assembled a high quality, 170-millimeter-travel aluminum chassis with value components that are proven capable for a gravity-oriented trail bike and packaged it all with modern geometry for an MSRP that seems impossible. We're not sure how they managed it, but the G170 rides and feels much like a pro level bike - solidly built and immensely confident under saddle.
G-170 S Details Purpose: All-mountain, bike park, enduro
Construction: aluminum, Horst-Link type suspension, 170mm travel, ISCG-05 mounts.
Wheel size: 27.5" (plus compatible)
Geometry: (medium) Head angle: 65º, seat angle: 75.5º, reach: 452mm, BB height: 333mm, chainstay: 430mm
Sizes: Sm, med, large, XL
Suspension: 180mm RockShox Yari RC fork (37mm offset), Deluxe R, DebonAir shock
Key Components: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed drivetrain, Guide brakes with 200mm rotors, 150mm dropper seatpost
Contact: Whyte Bike | When I first started this project, I thought the Whyte, with its 27.5" wheels, heavy weight, and funky paint job would be my least favorite, but it has become my best friend.—From the Field Test |
What it Does Best Accomplished riders with skills have limited options if they want a gravity-capable, long-travel bike for an affordable price. Whyte's G-170 S is exactly that. Its sturdy chassis, low-slung bottom bracket and deep-travel suspension kinematics are sharply focused for technical, high amplitude trails. Under saddle, its ample reach, 35mm stem, and wide handlebar fall perfectly in place when the earth drops away and the fun begins. With plenty of grip, big brakes and no bad habits, the G-170 S can satisfy a top-level rider's need for speed, or make a hero out of a grom. I wouldn't recommend it as a trail bike, because it weighs 34 pounds and favors the downs. That said, it pedals pretty well and it's geared low enough to happily fulfill the "one bike" role for cash-strapped shredders.
Transition Scout NX: $2999
Transition's Scout Alloy NX handily overturns a longstanding assumption in our sport. "Affordable trail bikes" are most often associated with larger, established brands that can leverage economies of scale to reduce the cost of their entry level bikes to levels unattainable by smaller niche brands.
Historically, affordable offerings from small, elite level bike makers (I won't name names) fail because they have to spec embarrassingly cheap components on an overly expensive frame to achieve their price points. Transition's most affordable Scout, however, delivers a frame and build that are authentic to the Bellingham, Washington, bikemaker's rider-first ethos and technical Pacific Northwest trail heritage.
Scout Alloy NX Details Purpose: All-mountain, trail
Construction: aluminum, Horst-Link type suspension, 130mm travel.
Wheel size: 27.5"
Geometry: (medium) Head angle: 65º, seat angle: 75.5º, reach: 450mm, BB height: 335mm, chainstay: 425mm
Sizes: XS, small, med, large, XL
Suspension: 150mm Rockshox Revelation RC fork (37mm offset), Deluxe RT shock
Key Components: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed drivetrain, Race Face cockpit, Maxxis Minion DHFII/DHR tires
Contact: Transition Bikes | It's from a company that knows how to make a bike for the Pacific Northwest, which arguably, is some of the most technical riding (even for the easy stuff) that you'll get in the world.—From the Field Test |
What it Does Best Aptly named, Transition's Scout Alloy NX has the combination of pedaling efficiency and trustworthy handling that you'll need to ride unfamiliar zones and features with confidence. Its steering is calm and precise, and it always feels like the Scout has another ten percent in its handling bank to smooth out the moments when something goes wrong. Transition tuned its suspension kinematics to keep the rear wheel moving up and over the innumerable roots and rocks that pepper the Northwest trails, so there is a softness in the pedaling feel that avid XC riders may not like. That initial suppleness, however is a recipe that generates a lot of grip for topping technical climbs and that also helps maintain momentum anywhere trails are ungroomed and chunky.
Norco Fluid FS 1: $2899
Norco's Fluid FS 1 represents the basic trail bike, but updated with more aggressive geometry and suspension that reflect the massive learning curve that enduro has brought to the table of contemporary bike makers. In many ways, the Fluid's well-crafted aluminum frame and Horst link rear suspension mirror the features of the Transition Scout - and for good reason. Norco has been immersed in Northwest topography since it began making mountain bikes, so it's no surprise that they have arrived at the same time-proven mechanical elements.
Norco's Fluid, however, sports 29-inch wheels and a little less suspension travel, both of which give this bike a decidedly different personality. It feels more efficient under power and its larger-diameter
Fluid FS 1 Details Purpose: Versatile trail bike
Construction: aluminum, Horst-Link type suspension, 120mm travel.
Wheel size: 29"
Geometry: (medium) Head angle: 66.5º, seat angle: 76º, reach: 440mm, BB height: 342mm, chainstay: 429mm
Sizes: Medium, large, XL
Suspension: 130mm RockShox Revelation RC fork, Deluxe RT shock
Key Components: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed drivetrain, Guide T brakes, WTB Trail Boss 2.6" tires
Contact: Norco Bicycles wheels and high-volume tires carry more speed. Its steering and handling feel more sprite. The Fluid's suspension and frame geometry are capable of tackling chunky drops and steep descents, but this bike is happiest riding at pace on flowy singletracks and for longer forays into the backcountry.
| The person who is going to buy this bike is looking for the adventure - the longer rides, the longer climbs, and flowy trails. They're not going to be looking for the pointy drops and the scary stuff.—From the Field Test |
What it Does Best Norco's Fluid is the basic mountain bike, but in the best sense of the phrase. It's easy to pedal, fast enough to stay with the XC trail crowd on Wednesday training rides, and it feels planted enough to session technical lines when you are riding with your all-mountain buddies on Saturday. The Fluid FS 1 lacks the brute suspension travel, slack geometry and extended wheelbase to handle the intensity that a true all-mountain or enduro sled is designed for, but it will get you down more technical trails as long as you stay focused and in command. All things considered, that's a wide spread for any trail bike, which I believe is exactly what Norco had in mind when they designed the Fluid FS 1. It's a big world out there, but Norco made sure that you'll only have to spend $2,899 to start discovering it.
I'm just happy we are seeing reviews of bikes aligned with most people's reality. Thank you, Pinkbike.
*Due to being 100% cheap plastic
In general though, I've seen more poor castings of aluminium than faulty injection moulded plastic parts.
Also, agreed on the cassette range. I bought a Transition Smuggler NX last year, and that 11-42T range just wasn't wide enough. Replaced the entire cassette with an 11-46T Sunrace MX-8, which achieved the same range as a higher-level Sram XD-style 10-42T cassette (though not as wide as your 11-49 setup), without the expense of buying a new driver. And the wider range Sunrace cassette actually weighs 50g *less* than the NX it replaced.
I'm by no means a mountain goat uphill but I feel like with a 30t up front I never want easier and I'm rarely pedalling fast enough on trail to use the 11t. I suppose it depends where one is riding too.
Sunrace 11-46 cassette is far better from the perspective of gear intervals.
@vinay , I don't have solid numbers. That said, I have been riding/racing since the early 90's as well as
working as a mechanic for 10 years. The "cheaper" shifter may work fine, but the just don't last as long as higher end ones with better plastic and / or metals used. That goes for Shimano and Sram in my experience.
And it was only $80. That kit was also made specifically for the NX PG1130 cassette and required no modifications. All you had to do was adjust the B screw a little, add a new chain (because you needed more length) and you were off. When I bought it they even had a couple "scratch and dent" versions that had laser graphic mess ups for $40... looked perfect to me!
And changing 2 teeth on your chain ring doesn't have as much affect as changing 8 teeth on your granny cog.
To me that is the killer.
And as for sun race. Yeah. Not impressed. Bought an 11 46 10 speed for my wifes 9 speed. Fits great, looks cool, but the 46 isn't straight so the chain rubs on portions of the ribg when in the next hihher gear. I'm never going to hear the end if it. An NX would be nice but her hub isnt boost.
I can tell you that even as a fairly fit rider (did some low level xc racing), i find 50x32 the bare minimum range for 29" trailbikes. Riding in the Alps, their foothills or the Rocky Mountains quite often means climbing 2000+m vertical of steep trails or ramps. Having a low gear to spin while seated is required if you don't want to end up pushing your bike.
Back in the 3x drivetrain days, some people here would run 20t granny rings with 34t cassettes on 26" bikes.
Give em equal tires.
I can see me having this one for quite a while, and only upgrading things when they break rather than because i want to!
1. Well designed forward geometry paired with fine tuned suspension. It is a horst-link like Specialized FSR, and it rides pretty similar to (and even better than) a FSR bike, even with the stock Yari fork and the deluxe inline shock. The suspensions just feel so balanced and easy to tune. Just put around 30% sag front and rear and I could feel myself perfect in the center of the bike all the time, which means both the front and the rear wheel would have ample grip, contributing to the neutral and calm handling of the bike. Now I upgraded the fork to a Lyrik RC2 and the shock to a DVO, and the balanced feel still maintained well. Thanks to the reasonably-progressive leverage curve, no volume space needed to be added into the rear shock (and you can put on a coil if you want). Therefore, the rear always feel natural and lively without harsh bottoming-outs.
2. It goes with 29er wheels. Yes! It does. Whyte designed their bikes around 27.5*3.0 tires (as their geometry chart shows the numbers with 275*3.0 tires), and therefore, these bikes whould work with 27.5 / 27.5+ and 29 wheels (even without the flip chip). I put on 29 wheels with 170mm travel /42mm offset fork in the front last September. Based on my own measurement, the HTA is about 63.9, the BB height is about 443mm, the CS is about 433mm and the reach is about 443mm (7mm shorter compared with the 27.5 wheeled version); all these numbers are within reasonable range. The 27.5 wheeled version feels more like a free-ride/ park bike due to its super low BB, which worked really well in those Colorado bike parks and EWS tracks, but not a long-legged trail bike because of the numerous pedal strikes brought by the super-low BB. However, with some reasonably light 29er wheels, the bike can handle technical climbs now, which makes it more versatile (without sacrificing any bit of downhill performance) and become a long-legged trail bike for someone living in an area with steep and chunky trails (like me). The coolest thing is, with 170mm travels front and real, it should be the longest-travel trail/endure bike for now. (BTW, Whyte is officially selling carbon G170 bikes with 29er wheels and 160 mm forks now. )
3. It works in wet and muddy conditions. This bike comes from U.K., which means it is expected to work well in wet and mud, and it actually does. Even with very short chainstay, it still provides generous room for mud clearance (even with 275*3.0 or 29*2.4 tires), thanks to the curved (and frankly, really ugly) seat tube. Still remembered a ride in Crested Butte, Colorado last August on the famous Trail 403 (or 401? I), I caught in a thunder storm with serveral Yetis, SCs and Evils, and all those bikes are totally stuck with mud due to the lack of tire clearance or linkage design, and I am the only guy in the group who can roll down the hill. I admit that lots of people do not ride in the rain and this might not be a consideration, but we might be caught in the rain and mud sometimes that this is the time when those British bikes really shines.
4. Price, at least the U.S. market price. Frankly speaking, nowadays, thanks to the development of technology, there is no more bad bikes from those main stream brands; and most bikes feel pretty similar and perform closely to each other (I do not deny some bikes, like Yetis, Evils or those Polygons with R3ACT suspension are unique), especially those horst-link (four-bar link) bikes. Therefore, sometimes, price and build are the only factor. This bike has a similar build as those entry level alloy enduro bikes from more famous brands, e.g. Specialized Enduro Comp or Giant Reign 2 or SC Nomad AL D or Canyon Torque AL or Commoncal Meta AM Ride, which are about $300 - $800 more expensive than the G170s (and Giant and Nomad does have 29er versions). YT Capra AL does seem to be as valuable as G170 S, as long as you can really get one (at least I couldn't, and that's why I got the Whyte). Thefore, it is a reasonably good deal, considering the performance and versatility of the bike all together.
In all, G170 S is a good gravity focused bike with great value to save you some budget with ample potential to be more versatile and extremely capable if in felt in love with it and put some money to upgrade. It is ugly, and heavy, and the top tube is a bit tall (though I don't feel it as a problem at all even if I am only 5'7"), and does not take a real water bottle in the front triangle if you put a piggyback shock (the Carbon G170 has more room for water bottle thanks to a curved down tube), but it is a plain and simple workhorse that is always ready to take some hard beats.
For those who are kind of interested in this bike, I am glad to share more of my personal feeling of it.
So... PM me for my email???
I think the Fezzzari La Sal would have been a good fourth option, it’s getting done okay but had just started cracking the social media ceiling.
Another bike worth considering in this price range is Guerilla Gravity Trail Pistol or the Smash, hand built frames, not heavy, and domestic.
1 CAD = 1.05 AUD roughly, so if you bought the bike in Australia with Canadian dollars, it would be about $3054 CAD. Am I missing something?
If you take a look at the Fluid FS1 from 2018, it’s $2599 CAD and $2699 AUD ($2565 CAD). That’s very similar pricing vs whatever happened for 2019. I can’t see the tariffs jumping up that high in 1 year, but I’m that’s not a topic I’m well versed in. Regardless, thanks for your response.
I didn’t know that. I’ll have to take a closer look at Giant’s. Thanks for the heads up.
@WannabeMTBer I would also guess a lot of companies work in US dollars even if they aren’t a US company, might not help
Ever considered reviewing one of these? www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-am-100-s-full-suspension-mountain-bike-29-id_8407470.html
If these were all in size M, it'd make sense that the Norco feels more like a cruiser, with how it encourages a rearward defensive position, since its front center is a bit short in size M. It'd feel more up-to-date with the front stretched, like in size L or XL. Totally would recommend upsizing, if you're a more advanced rider.
What a beast.
Also, no YT/Canyon/direct bike because an entry level rider will most likely need the direction and after purchase support of a bike shop.
If I compare this to the level of detail provided in the SJ/Remedy/Process/Bronson/SB150 review (www.pinkbike.com/news/field-test-stumpjumper-vs-remedy-vs-process-vs-bronson-vs-sb150-editors-choice.html)... What the hell? Only got $3k to spend, don't expect hear about how the bike actually rides I guess? There's so much more meat to be had in a budget bike article... Did the lack of adjustments in the suspension components make a big difference compared to the top end stuff, or were you surprised at how good the ride was? Was the shifting and the braking up to snuff or does it highlight what we pay the big bucks for? Can you see where they've really had to cut corners to make the pricepoint? What stuff is good enough and what needs an upgrade? Surely we've got some examples where you've ridden the same model in top-end carbon... How does it compare? Check Andrew Major's work on NSMB for more thoughtful budget-bike content (for example: nsmb.com/articles/min-maxing-budget-bikes-marin),
3/10; please re-work and re-submit.
Yes, I am speaking from (bad) experience
Look at his opinions over the years from the 80’s on
. He was against disc brakes, against suspension front and rear ! Then when suspension was in he promoted unified rear suspension , he told people to cut there handle bars and add bar ends lol the list goes on of bad perspectives of his ! Can’t believe he has a job influencing people’s decisions !
Ps 29 ers don’t make biking better !
Next up, get us under the 2500 mark so we're dipping to 2k late season (the max I'd ever spend).
Finally, hit up the $1500ish range so we those who can only bank like 1k can buy something nice!.
There'll still be plenty of room for reviews on the 10k dream machines, to boot.
The 29" hype is so obvious, It's like 2002 all over again. May I just point out that in the meantime 27.5" was touted as the second coming of Jesus for a while. Now even though it's the latest size to become mainstream in mtb, it's being portrayed as the old/outgoing standard pushed out by 'innovative' (for the second time I guess) 29ers. Nicely spun.
Some company out there makes lightweight aluminum schrader tubeless valves too. Stan's was the quick find on google though.
the first paragraph says "Pinkbike added a trio of affordably priced trail bikes to the cadre of high-end dream machines we reviewed during our Whistler Field Tests"
(Disclaimer: King's stuff is dope).
#samhill
The Mega is a great bike, though; I reviewed the carbon version last year: www.pinkbike.com/news/nukeproof-mega-275c-rs-review.html.
PB would be wise to pivot these articles into being a single big one that you can just update and republish with minor tweaks. That way all of the previous work you did would still be consumed and people would have a more exhaustive list, which is what people want usually. Be sure to include some of the common standouts and boom, you give the people what they want.
People forget that you can race a $700 bike and it's still sweet. There's a lot of complicated stuff going on in this market, but we might as well look at the whole thing!
Again thanks for making this place exist in the first place.
It's a sweet looking bike as well.
www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/bikes-reign-advanced-2019
www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/bikes-reign-2019
m.pinkbike.com/buysell/2479417
Pinkbike likely gets traffic from all over the world and most countries compare their currency to the USD so I think it makes sense for a globally followed website like Pinkbike to show USD prices (as annoying as it is to us Canadians).
all of them are at least $2500 usd
Pinkbikes definition of affordable is strange
I know ppl are sick of hearing about YT but hell.
Don't like NX Eagle and some of the other components you often find on entry level spec? Get a $1,999 alloy frameset from Transition and build it up with SLX.
Heck - Canyon's new Strive (introduced in another article here today) is sold as a carbon frameset for $2,999 - which is the exact same price for which you could get yourself a Smuggler or Sentinel frameset.
There are a lot of really decent bikes at rather reasonable prices available these days. Norco, Marin, Diamondback. Hell, even entry level Santa Cruz isn't out of reach really. The direct to consumer model has certainly brought a bit of a value offensive into the market - good on them. I'd say at this point, the price differential is small enough that with the drawbacks of the direct model on the support/customer service side, it's not the slam dunk it used to be.
The Norco & Transition look almost identical, and the Whyte uses the same suspension (Horst) as both so they don't inspire much in me. But that's 'modern' bikes today. Maybe if they were closer to/under $2k my interests would then be peaked...
I could also do without all the SRAM/RockShok running gear. Fox & Shimano should at least be options for people like me who don't like/want to use SRAM products.
www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-fs-aluminum/fluid-fs-4
and cmon man.... you aint getting a half decent (new) trail bike for less than $2gs. It's an efficient market out there. I would like to see you test out some sportchek and walmart bikes though. That would be cool to see. I'm kinda joking but also kind of not because it would be interesting to see their performance in comparison.