Ridden and Rated: 7 Long-Travel 29ers
29ers have undergone a dramatic transformation over the last few years, and there's now a bumper crop of extremely capable options on the market from nearly every manufacturer. Components have caught up as well, and stiff wheels, wide tires, and long-travel forks are now readily available.
It can be overwhelming trying to sort through all of the options, which is why we've assembled this round-up of worthwhile contenders. All of the included bikes are designed for all-mountain / enduro riding, and they all have at least 140mm of travel. Of course, these aren't the only options out there, but they're all bikes that we've spent extensive time on over the last year or so, and are a good representation of what's currently on the market.
The Sentinel is Transition's first long-travel 29er, and the Bellingham, Washington, based company didn't hold back when coming up with the numbers for this beast. It may only have 140mm of rear travel, but don't be fooled – the Sentinel is designed with a very strong emphasis on descending.
Transition revamped their geometry this year, and in addition to giving the Sentinel a slack, 64-degree head angle, they also spec'd it with a reduced offset fork. The bike handles just fine with a 'regular' offset fork, but with the reduced offset it gains even more stability and front wheel traction. Let the Sentinel loose on steep, rough terrain and it comes alive, with no discernible upper speed limit, and loads of grip.
Transition revamped their geometry this year, and in addition to giving the Sentinel a slack, 64-degree head angle, they also spec'd it with a reduced offset fork. The bike handles just fine with a 'regular' offset fork, but with the reduced offset it gains even more stability and front wheel traction. Let the Sentinel loose on steep, rough terrain and it comes alive, with no discernible upper speed limit, and loads of grip.
Transition Sentinel Details
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Travel: 140mm rear / 160mm front
• Wheel size: 29"
• Aluminum frame
• 64° head angle
• 435mm chainstays
• Boost spacing front and rear
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 32 pounds (size L)
• Price: $4,999 USD
• www.transitionbikes.com
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Travel: 140mm rear / 160mm front
• Wheel size: 29"
• Aluminum frame
• 64° head angle
• 435mm chainstays
• Boost spacing front and rear
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 32 pounds (size L)
• Price: $4,999 USD
• www.transitionbikes.com
It's not the lightest option out there, especially compared to some of the high-end carbon bikes in this category, and it's not the bike to pick if you're looking for a lively all-rounder. On the flip side, for riders looking for something that can take on burly downhill runs, won't hold you back in the bike park, and can still be comfortably pedaled to the top of any climb, put the Sentinel on your short list.
Transition Sentinel full review
• Progressive geometry
• One of the best descending 29ers around
• Holds a water bottle
• Not the lightest option
• 2.3” tires are on the narrow side given the bike's capabilities
• Chainslap protector is a little short
Whyte is still a relative newcomer in the North American market, but if the British brand keeps cranking out bikes like the S-150C they shouldn't have any trouble attracting loyal fans. As the name implies, the S-150 has 150mm travel, with a carbon front triangle and an alloy swingarm (there's also a full-aluminum version available).
The overall frame design of the S-150 isn't a radical departure from what's already out there, but the geometry is decidedly new school, with a generous reach, and a reduced offset fork to go along with the 65.6-degree head angle. As RC wrote in his review, “Whyte's delve into the relationship of fork offset and head angles pay dividends at any speed and in all situations when riding the S-150. The handlebar feels weighted just enough to feel connected with the bike, and it clearly communicates where the front wheel is and what the tire's contact patch is doing.”
The overall frame design of the S-150 isn't a radical departure from what's already out there, but the geometry is decidedly new school, with a generous reach, and a reduced offset fork to go along with the 65.6-degree head angle. As RC wrote in his review, “Whyte's delve into the relationship of fork offset and head angles pay dividends at any speed and in all situations when riding the S-150. The handlebar feels weighted just enough to feel connected with the bike, and it clearly communicates where the front wheel is and what the tire's contact patch is doing.”
Whyte S-150
• Use: trail/all-mountain
• Chassis: carbon front section/aluminum 150mm four-bar suspension. Internal cable routing. Boost axle spacing
• Wheel size: 29" standard, 27.5"+ compatible
• Fork: RockShox Pike RC, 150mm stroke, custom 42mm offset
• Sizes: medium (reviewed), large, X-large
• Weight: 29.14 pounds/13.25 kg (medium)
• MSRP: $4,799
• Contact: Whyte USA, Whyte UK
• Use: trail/all-mountain
• Chassis: carbon front section/aluminum 150mm four-bar suspension. Internal cable routing. Boost axle spacing
• Wheel size: 29" standard, 27.5"+ compatible
• Fork: RockShox Pike RC, 150mm stroke, custom 42mm offset
• Sizes: medium (reviewed), large, X-large
• Weight: 29.14 pounds/13.25 kg (medium)
• MSRP: $4,799
• Contact: Whyte USA, Whyte UK
Despite the long and slack geometry, the S150 isn't a one-trick downhill pony – it's a comfortable climber and remains enjoyable even on mellower terrain.
Whyte S-150 full review
• Modern geometry creates excellent handling
• Good value considering price vs performance
• Guide R brakes aren't the best
• 760mm bars may be too narrow for some riders
• CrossMark rear tire isn't the ideal choice
Before the Hightower LT even officially existed, riders of the original Hightower were coming up with ways to eke a little extra rear travel out of their bikes. Santa Cruz recognized the demand for a longer travel Hightower, and the LT version was born, with 150mm of rear travel paired with a 150mm fork up front. It's not a radical departure from the OG Hightower – it's the shock link and rear swing arm that differentiate the two - and it handles very similarly to the original, but that extra cushion helps take the edge off of bigger hits and makes it easier to open it up a little more on rough terrain.
The Hightower LT's pedaling performance is excellent, making it an ideal choice for riders looking for an all-rounder, a bike that can handle just about any type of terrain, with a very natural, balanced feel that should suit a wide range of riding styles. However, it does ride a little more like a long-limbed trail bike than a full-blown enduro race rig; if EWS domination is in your game plan, there are stiffer and slacker bikes out there that would be better picks. There's also the fact that the seat angle is on the slacker side of the spectrum – taller riders may find themselves sitting further over that rear wheel than they'd like.
The Hightower LT's pedaling performance is excellent, making it an ideal choice for riders looking for an all-rounder, a bike that can handle just about any type of terrain, with a very natural, balanced feel that should suit a wide range of riding styles. However, it does ride a little more like a long-limbed trail bike than a full-blown enduro race rig; if EWS domination is in your game plan, there are stiffer and slacker bikes out there that would be better picks. There's also the fact that the seat angle is on the slacker side of the spectrum – taller riders may find themselves sitting further over that rear wheel than they'd like.
Santa Cruz Hightower LT Details
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Wheel size: 29"
• Rear wheel travel: 150mm
• 66.4º head angle
• Full carbon frame, C or CC options
• Boost hub spacing
• Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• MSRP: $3,949 - $9,249 USD (shown)
• Weight: 29 lb / 13.15kg (size large)
• www.santacruzbicycles.com
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Wheel size: 29"
• Rear wheel travel: 150mm
• 66.4º head angle
• Full carbon frame, C or CC options
• Boost hub spacing
• Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• MSRP: $3,949 - $9,249 USD (shown)
• Weight: 29 lb / 13.15kg (size large)
• www.santacruzbicycles.com
Santa Cruz Hightower LT full review
• Excellent pedaling characteristics
• Versatile, well-rounded performer
• Seat angle could be steeper
• Feels more like a long-travel trail bike
The new Slash is a purebred enduro race machine, with a stiff carbon frame, 150mm of travel, and a slack 65-degree head angle when it's set up with a 160mm fork. This isn't a bike for timid riders, or for cruising on mellow terrain, but for aggressive riders who aren't afraid to let off the brakes, the Slash delivers a wicked good time.
There's plenty of tire clearance, which is good news for riders interested in experimenting with the 2.5” and 2.6” options that have been popping up recently, and there's also plenty of room to fit a full-size water bottle inside the front triangle. For taller riders, the Slash's seat angle may be too slack, and fans of bar spins are out of luck – Trek's Knock Block frame design prevents the bars from spinning all the way around.
There's plenty of tire clearance, which is good news for riders interested in experimenting with the 2.5” and 2.6” options that have been popping up recently, and there's also plenty of room to fit a full-size water bottle inside the front triangle. For taller riders, the Slash's seat angle may be too slack, and fans of bar spins are out of luck – Trek's Knock Block frame design prevents the bars from spinning all the way around.
Trek Slash Details
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro race
• Rear wheel travel: 150mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Carbon fiber frame
• BB92 bottom bracket
• Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 19.5, 21.5
• Weight (size 19.5): 29.75 lb (13.49 kg)
• MSRP: $8,000 USD / $3,700 frame only
• www.trekbikes.com
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro race
• Rear wheel travel: 150mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Carbon fiber frame
• BB92 bottom bracket
• Sizes: 15.5, 17.5, 19.5, 21.5
• Weight (size 19.5): 29.75 lb (13.49 kg)
• MSRP: $8,000 USD / $3,700 frame only
• www.trekbikes.com
For 2018 the Slash comes spec'd with a shock that employs Trek's new ThruShaft design, which they claim creates a more responsive ride. We have one on the way to see if those claims hold true, but otherwise the geometry remains the same, and the Slash will continue on as one of the best big mountain brawlers out there.
Trek Slash full review
• Stiff frame
• Unflinching at speed – excellent race bike
• Seat angle may be too slack for taller riders
• Expensive as frame only
• Bontrager dropper post
The Enduro 29 deserves a good portion of the credit for ushering in the age of the long-travel 29er when it debuted back in 2013, showing that big wheel weren't just for cross-country bikes. The Enduro received a geometry revision for 2017, which entailed steepening the seat angle, slackening the head tube angle, and lengthening the chainstays a touch. For 2017 those figures have been tweaked again, and the upcoming model has a longer reach (462mm for a size large), along with the ability to chose between a 66 or 65.5-degree head angle.
The Enduro has the most rear travel out of any of the bikes mentioned here, but, remarkably, it's more of an all-rounder than a pedal-able DH bike. It's not as bob-free as the Hightower, but it's still a calm climber, and there's plenty of traction for keeping the rear wheel stuck to the ground on more technical ascents. When it does come time to descend, that 165mm of travel delivers a grin-inducing good time, and a very plush ride.
Specialized Enduro 29 Details
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Travel: 165mm
• 29" wheels
• Full carbon frame
• 66° head angle
• 432mm chainstays
• 12 x 148mm rear spacing
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight (size L): 29.5lb (13.4 kg)
• Colors: Graphite / Black, Hyper / Red
• Price: $8,500 USD / $3,500 frame only
• www.specialized.com
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Travel: 165mm
• 29" wheels
• Full carbon frame
• 66° head angle
• 432mm chainstays
• 12 x 148mm rear spacing
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight (size L): 29.5lb (13.4 kg)
• Colors: Graphite / Black, Hyper / Red
• Price: $8,500 USD / $3,500 frame only
• www.specialized.com
Specialized Enduro 29 full review
• Very manageable, especially for a 165mm 29er
• SWAT box provides room to carry snacks without a pack
• High BB on 2017 model, updated for 2018
• Short dropper post length – new WU dropper may help with this
If you were to go purely off the Yeti SB5.5's geometry numbers, it'd be easy to categorize it as a trail bike. After all, the 66.5-degree head angle isn't super slack, the 445mm reach for a size large isn't super long, and with 140mm of rear travel, the trail bike designation seems entirely appropriate. That is, until you let this wolf in sheep's clothing out onto the trails. The speed that it can carry is uncanny, and every test rider that swung a leg over the blue machine walked away impressed with just how fast and composed it felt.
It may not be the snappiest climber around, but the SB5.5 will still scramble up pretty much anything without much fuss, aided in part by its impressively low weight. The version we reviewed was spec'd with a Flock Float X shock, while the current model now has a Fox Float DPX2, which should only improve on an already excellent ride. The biggest downside is the location of the sole water bottle mount – it's directly in the line of fire on the underside of the downtube.
It may not be the snappiest climber around, but the SB5.5 will still scramble up pretty much anything without much fuss, aided in part by its impressively low weight. The version we reviewed was spec'd with a Flock Float X shock, while the current model now has a Fox Float DPX2, which should only improve on an already excellent ride. The biggest downside is the location of the sole water bottle mount – it's directly in the line of fire on the underside of the downtube.
Yeti SB5.5 Details
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Wheel size: 29"
• Rear wheel travel: 140mm
• 66.5° head angle
• Carbon fiber frame
• BB92 bottom bracket
• Sizes: M, L, XL
• Weight (size large): 28.5 lb (12.9 kg)
• MSRP: $7,095 USD as shown, $3,500 frame only
• www.yeticycles.com
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Wheel size: 29"
• Rear wheel travel: 140mm
• 66.5° head angle
• Carbon fiber frame
• BB92 bottom bracket
• Sizes: M, L, XL
• Weight (size large): 28.5 lb (12.9 kg)
• MSRP: $7,095 USD as shown, $3,500 frame only
• www.yeticycles.com
The 5.5 isn't quite as plush as the Trek Slash, or Specialized's Enduro 29, but it still has a very solid, unflappable feeling at speed. There's also a liveliness to its handling that differentiates it from the Sentinel and the Pole Evolink, the other two 140mm 29ers in this round-up.
Yeti SB5.5 full review
• Low weight
• Very quiet, extremely fast
• Poor water bottle mounting location
The term 'longer, lower, slacker' has become an overused cliché, right up there with 'game changing' and 'confidence inspiring', but the Pole Evolink 140 truly is longer and slacker than just about anything on the market, especially when it comes to 29ers. As longer reach numbers and slacker head angles become the norm, the Evolink 140's numbers are starting to look less radical, but we're still a few season away from numbers like this becoming standard, if they ever do.
With a 510mm reach for a size large, a 64-degree head angle, and a 456mm chainstay length the Evolink 140's dimensions are immense, and if spending all day working your way down super-tight switchback is your thing, you'll want to look elsewhere. The Pole falls into a similar category as the Transition Sentinel and the Trek Slash – these are bikes that need to be fed a steady diet of rowdiness to remain happy. Manualing and whipping through tight, consecutive corners aren't its strong suits, but those are easy to overlook given the stability and grip that this aluminum limousine delivers.
With a 510mm reach for a size large, a 64-degree head angle, and a 456mm chainstay length the Evolink 140's dimensions are immense, and if spending all day working your way down super-tight switchback is your thing, you'll want to look elsewhere. The Pole falls into a similar category as the Transition Sentinel and the Trek Slash – these are bikes that need to be fed a steady diet of rowdiness to remain happy. Manualing and whipping through tight, consecutive corners aren't its strong suits, but those are easy to overlook given the stability and grip that this aluminum limousine delivers.
Pole Evolink 140 Details
• Intended use: trail, enduro
• Travel: 140mm
• 29" wheels
• 64° head angle
• 456mm chainstay
• 142mm or 148mm rear hub spacing
• 7005–T6 alloy frame
• Evolink suspension system
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L
• Frame Weight: 3.9kg inc. shock, axle, headset, seatclamp, size Large (actual)
• Price: €2,450 frame inc. shock, axle, headset
• www.polebicycles.com
• Intended use: trail, enduro
• Travel: 140mm
• 29" wheels
• 64° head angle
• 456mm chainstay
• 142mm or 148mm rear hub spacing
• 7005–T6 alloy frame
• Evolink suspension system
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L
• Frame Weight: 3.9kg inc. shock, axle, headset, seatclamp, size Large (actual)
• Price: €2,450 frame inc. shock, axle, headset
• www.polebicycles.com
Pole Evolink 140 full review
• Progressive geometry
• Extremely stable
• Two water bottle mounts
• Difficult to manual
• Quick direction changes aren't its strong suit
• On the heavier side of things
Which One Should I Pick?
If you've made it this far, you've undoubtedly realized that not all long-travel 29ers are created equal. It's a matter of deciding what characteristics are most important to you in a bike and going from there. To make things a little easier, here's a quick breakdown of where the aforementioned bikes work best.
Racing: This category goes to the Slash and the SB5.5. They both have very different personalities on the trail, but the common denominator is just how fast they feel. For extremely rough courses – the Whistler EWS for instance – the Slash is the way to go, while the SB5.5 would be a worthy choice for tracks where the gnar factor isn't quite as high.
DH Performance: The Sentinel and the Pole earn high marks here, with stability in spades, and tough aluminum frames that can take a beating. The Enduro 29 and the Slash are also worth considering, but for riders who are almost entirely focused on descending, the geometry of the Sentinel and the Pole puts them on top.
All-Rounder: The Hightower LT earned high marks as a do-it-all machine, and its excellent pedaling performance makes it well suited to long days in the saddle. A 160mm fork helps improve its downhill performance, although it can still get a little overwhelmed in the really rough stuff compared to stiffer and slacker options. The Whtye-S150 is also a worthy entrant into this category, and although it's not quite a calm when pedaling compared to the Hightower LT, it's not far off.
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
As a dentist, I like to buy things that nobody else can afford, usually made of hybrid carbon titanium mix, then I take them to my local trails where I can show off how good I am on a bike, after all, who else do you know that can bunny hop over a twig, or trackstand for over 5 seconds! That's right - Nobody!
Remember to brush boys and girls!
Luckily though, I just this moment received payment from a client, so I can count my hundred dollar bills whilst I ponder what to purchase next - Should one go for Gucci, or Armani - Its so difficult to decide what to wear when digging trails on my estate!
Stay in school kids!
Rock on, Dentist!
For example, if you like food and trawl through restaurant reviews to see where you can eat well, you don't see people complaining about a review of a delicious steak, instead saying why cant ramen noodle cups be reviewed as steak is for the rich.
Now, I'm off to admire my watch collection and drink some 30 year old scotch.
Don't forget to floss!
Never put all of your investments into places where they can be found, taxed or even traced is my mantra.
Bitcoin is an option, but I'll go with some good old fashioned laundering and cleverly hidden physical assets instead! The goonies will never take one eye willies treasure on my watch!
My bad, I'll crawl back off to my corner now.
In order for anything to advance, there will be high end products built, and newer engineered products will always cost more.
Porsche / Honda / Subaru / VW for example all have race builds. THAT NO ONE HERE CAN AFFORD. ( Well, Maybe no one ) But we will read the reviews on those vehicles, and not complain that we can't afford those machines. That tech eventually trickles down to the masses, bettering what you can actually afford to drive. Works the SAME FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING, grow up.
If you can't afford it, don't bash those that can. Or, get a better paying job / career.
We should also flag and delete all comments on people complaining about price. 80% of all comments are this and it clutters up the feed of comments. If you can't afford it too bad! Leave space for people that actually want to talk about the bikes. Work harder and smarter. Wait till you get into houses and cars, bikes look cheap after that.
I guess I just wanted to have a bit of fun with the whole dentist thing, which I have enjoyed and hopefully has given a few people a laugh :-)
Let's be honest here, it's all about getting out and riding bikes and being truthful, I am yet to meet anyone when I'm our riding who isn't a decent person, regardless of then having a crappy old bike or the latest top of the range carbon boutique bike. I just wish it was more like that on here and people just had fun rather than getting angry or uptight.
Anyway, it's been emotional - peace y'all
As to pricing I personally believe bikes like people come in all kinds, too expensive, too cheap and everything in between. I just want to burn the world when one day I read comments filled with outrage at 'immoral" production practices of carbon bikes (as if it didn't concern nearly all bikes) and on the other day people deman lower prices... uhm, ocean fill is a result of A.Poor education B.pressure on lowering prices...
So what these whiny Pinkiebikies want is S-Works for 500$. By doing nothing. As simple as that.
I'm with you 100% on pricing. I say buy what you can afford or if you can afford anything, buy what you want and good luck to you. The filter down of products needs people with money to invest early so those who can't buy the latest and best need not be jealous as it will eventually benefit the more affordable end of the market.
I try and stay away from the moral dilemma in production as currently there is an impact regardless of what process or material is used (in common practice at least) but the take away is that a bike is still less of a problem than most other forms of transport.
In it's most straight forward way: for whom exactly are these reviews?
Yep, you are right, there are more affordable options, but don't those bikes are not these bikes, existentialy speaking.
The point you make is more like the guy bragging about his 300 series benzito.
Smh
THERE IS NO PLEASING YOU!!!
P.S. I feel sorry for any person who buys a bicycle based on a review on a website... demo it yourself. Bike reviews are entertainment filled with two three bits of valuable information, the rest is a brain candy filler.
Anyhow, fast forward a few months and she's over it, we're still happily married & still have the Slash. Great bike.
Now, those that are having their SO encourage them to get a new bike, and you're hesitating... just know us single bike guys are like hyena's; we will wait until after the death of your relationship, then pounce. Wheelieing off into the sunset with your chick on the handlebars.
Btw why isn’t the G16 29er included?
Seems like they explained themselves pretty well at the very beginning of the article?
Maybe Evil just didn't send them a bike to test.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/15207039
Unless! Evil is like hey dude, we’re releasing the Wreckoning MB soon so don’t bother in which case I just crapped my pantaloons. Thanks a lot overactive imagination!! I’ll see myself out...
Even with max pressure it blobs to much. With right sag and closed cs it feels like to pedal a DH uphill. Okay my bike is half enduro, half DH with 180mm travel and 64° HA. However CC also said this shock is a DH/FR thing. My fox air shocks are much more stable and firm for the pedal part.
Best compliment I can give the evil is that it uses the right amount of travel for the right bumps, predictably. I never hit any obstacle uphill or down where I am surprised about the amount of travel I used. I can’t say that about my tallboy LT that I owned before.
There will always be bikes missed from tests- there is just too many out there! The article is free to read and informative so just stop b%#ching.
I always read the comments section of the write ups,never is there any appreciation or praise- just childish digs, seriously mountain biking is a fun past time and hobby not a big political war!
Thanks Pinkbike - I appreciate you!
@mikekazimer , it's a pity you guys weren't sent the Coil version of Enduro. Also interesting to read about the Pole, since both the Finns and Chris Porter talk of their long geos as if they were turning better than short bikes, which... makes no sense. I love the fact that such bikes exist, I'd love to try one, but no need to try to sell cool aid with the bike
@aputz: The Wreckoning is unparalleled in it's descending abilities and yes it is definitely a tank. That said, I really have not had any trouble getting it to play around and pop off of small stuff and the front wheel lofts easily.
A couple months ago, 95% of the comments on the new Radon prototype was saying ''nicest bike ever, look like a jet fighter, etc''. Now that this frame is out, 99% of the comments are pure bashing! WTF lol
My general thoughts on the comparison are:
The Wreckoning is an unbelievably capable bike, yet given the nature of its suspension and stable feeling, these characteristics take away from its maneuverability as well as its acceleration. It is a tank of a bike. To get the most out of the bike I felt one had to work the bike quite dynamically and up to a certain speed (through corners especially) to get the most out of it. When this is achieved is and incredibly rewarding feeling on the bike.
In contrast
The Hightower LT is much more of a long-legged trail bike as stated above (I rode it with a 150mm fork). Yet, although riding at high speeds in rough terrain is drastically sketchier when compared to the Wreckoning, there was a sense of playfullness and flexibility that the Wreckoning doesn't offer. In addition, the Hightower LT, although it has a much more flexible riding feeling, is still there when you really need it in bail out situations (out of control/hucks into the unknown). However, once one approaches the Hightower LT with a playful sense (attempts ar riding like Ratboy) the bike shines by offering a playful experience while still being there when you need it.
In conclusion, given my personal goals of racing more, all day/multi-day epics and just having a more efficient rear suspension layout on the bike for what I need, I pulled the plug on the Wreck and went for the Transition Sentinel which I felt was a better allround option in terms of playfulness, stability, and pedalling efficiency. I have yet to ride the Transition.
IMO, it climbs much better than the Wreckoning and the SB 5.5c. That truly surprised me. It's about on par with the Hightower. In spite of its weight, I am confident it will be a great bike for all day back country adventures on gnarly trails. It turns like a much shorter bike, and it feels incredibly planted. However, I'm probably going to have to spend the winter relearning how to manual: it is a big bike, and so far I can barely lift the front wheel. It's fast.
And yet nearly every company offers the same STA for all sizes. WHY? Don't they understand that different people are different?
in complete agreement re: seat tubes getting steeper with larger sizes. Just look for the brands on the steep end, the Enduro 29 even with their setback Command Post climbs steep stuff better than any shorter travel bike in my historical stable; with a zero-offset post i could even have the saddle mounted mid-rail for the first time ever.
77*STA 63*HTA headtube lengths increase with each size as well.
Phrases like: "Seat angle could be steeper ", "Seat angle may be too slack for taller riders" should be corrected to: "Seat angle SHOULD be steeper" and "Seat angle IS too slack for tall riders". Accompanied by:"Riders above 6ft / 185cm are advised to look at competing products out there".
Can we just get the hell out with these bent/offset really slack actual angle seat tubes? Please? They are for the WURST!
I share your pain as I subscribed to Dirt for years and loved getting a glossy printed in the mail every month. Since going digital it has steadily gone downhill (excuse the pun). With Steve Jones leaving I think my love affair with Dirt is over. Hopefully he pops in some other mtb media and can add some of his uniqueness.
Mike Rose left Dirt too and Ed is probably too busy with Robotbike now. It is no longer Dirt as we know it (from print), that's for sure :'(.
Even the review says, it is best for smoother terrain.
It is low and long like an xc bike, you pedal the thing sitting down like an xc bike, very hard to lift the front wheel like an xc bike. It is feels very racy and fast.
BUT
It does not work on slower tech terrain, as a matter of fact, Richie Rude prefers the smaller wheels because in the east cost this bike would be just out of place.
More than a Colorado bike, it seems best for California style riding–smooth and long with the occasional rock.
Not too hard to understand if you try.
And keeping with that thought, I think it's ridiculous that they're using tread volume or pattern of the tires as a con or even a part of the review. This is the first thing anyone buying a new bike should evaluate for there riding and terrain and keep or swap out. In fact, all of these bikes should be tested using the same tires to level the playing field and take out variables that will almost always change once the bike is in the customer's hands. Note what tires the bike ships with, and note what level of tire this bike should ship with. But don't consider a poor rear tire for your riding zone as a 'con' on a $8,000 bike--that's a waste of a review.
They hear us all asking for a head to head test. And so they bastardize several articles they've written several months apart. Missing the point Pinkbike.
Sentinel: www.pinkbike.com/news/transition-sentinel-review-2017.html
Whyte: www.pinkbike.com/news/whyte-s-150-carbon-rs-review.html
Hightower LT: www.pinkbike.com/news/santa-cruz-hightower-lt-first-ride-review.html
Slash: www.pinkbike.com/news/trek-slash-99-29-rsl-review-2017.html
Enduro 29: www.pinkbike.com/news/specialized-s-works-enduro-29-review-2017.html
SB5.5: www.pinkbike.com/news/yeti-sb55-review-2016.html
Pole: www.pinkbike.com/news/pole-evolink-140-review.html
Whyte s-150 - Shimano xt brakes (modulation is overrated anyway) Get wider bars. Go for your favorite set of tires.
SC Hightower LT - slack seat angle? Doesn't matter the bike looks great. It is a long-travel trail bike.
Trek Slash - Slack seat angle? For $8,000 you have no choice but to ride it. Bontrager post? Be more appreciative.
Spec Enduro 29 - High BB? Less chance of hitting carbon cranks/pedals yeah? If you can afford $8500 you can afford a longer post.
Yeti SB5.5 - Bottle mounting? With a bike that sexy, who cares?
Pole Evolink - Manuals without brakes are more difficult.
Not the smartest question, but is there a company out there that puts their bottle mounts on the top tube?
Love this haha, how to make weight no issue.
@mikekazimer Maybe @OneUpComponents can Oneup the water bottle mounts on Yetis.
I thought I had explained it clear enough but I apologize, I should have been a little more clear in my post.
The droppers for 2018 are fantastic. The feel is nice they move at a quick but light feeling speed and the trigger is comfy to use. Maybe you shouldn't look elsewhere
I'm unsure how that shows the industry has it all wrong? If all bars start at 800 it gives the riders the option to cut down to what they need.... If it's only 760 and riders would prefer something wider you would be buying a bike that now requires a new part... And from what I can tell all these bikes are too expensive according to most of the comments so I'm unsure just how stoked folks would be having to spend more after spending a ton...
I know Enduro is all about going fast over rough terrain, but I still like for my bike to have an engaged, lively feel.
I have a Santa Cruz 5010 and I love how responsive, playful and rowdy it is. I know these bikes are basically the polar opposite of that, but when I get my next rig it will prob be a 29er.
I’ve heard/read the Specialized Enduro is the most “playful” of the current crop of long travel 29ers, but maybe I’m looking in the wrong category and should just go with an Evil Following or something more “trail” oriented?
I had an enduro 29er before the HT. HT way more playful and responsive.
Lenz had the Behemoth in 2005 ffs...
Specialized did not even make hardtail 29ers until 2011 or something.
However if you like to manual, get a Lenz. Easiest bike to manual by far.
The ones in this review have the front wheel glued to the ground, except the sc ht lt (I have not ridden the pole).
Yeti SB5.5: "Weight (as shown, size L w/o pedals): 28.5 lb (12.9 kg)
So put some pedals on the SB5.5 and it weighs exactly the same as the Hightower LT?
But the SB5.5 is incredibly light with no mention of weight of LT? or the weight listed is for an LT not shown bc "as shown" isnt stated??
Why even talk about weight when you list it in a way that make all the weights and statements about weight invalid?
Is the Transition Sentinel the wrong choice?
I've been mixing 27.5" rear and 29" front for a year now on my enduros, and that mixed wheelsize rides so much better. It provides for a really dynamic ride, physics never lie. the lower the distance from the ground to the rear axle, the better the bike can be manualled, put on the rear wheel, and that's important with every step down, floater etc.
as well when it get's steep, it's nice to not always get that big 29" wheel into the ass. more ass clearance with a 27.5 rear wheel, and mud clearance is better too. sure, if its a flat, easy rolling trail with no technical challenges, 29" still rules. but if you like to play the bike, get it on the rear wheel, if you like steep technical descents in between, try a 27.5" rear.
I was also impressed on the 1st pedal strokes and on the 1st climb to the real trails, which was a fire road. I could feel the Xtra weight and open angle of the ht (had a Rocky Mountain Element at the time) but it was climbing pretty well for such a big bike. But when the going (up!) got rough for real... Gee, what a pain!!!!! This bike can't climb technical trail. Climb this techy trail for 45min. and I was totally exhausted. Walked many sections 'cause the bike, objectively, really just couldn't get over the obstacles. That sealed the deal. There would be no deal. Not for me. Hated it even though I like SC in general. Finally bought a Norco Sight 9.2c which is a better fit to me. I ride w. friends who ride Rocky's Altitudes and Slayers or Treks and they're far more competent than the LT in every aspect.
1. Owners... like this one with a lot of Yeti-experience: Skinnybex @ forums.mtbr.com/orbea/orbea-rallon-2018-ride-review-1056312.html
2. Enduro Magazine >
3. VitalMTB > www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Orbea/Rallon-M-Team,18873#product-reviews/2781/expand
4. Bike Magazine > www.bikemag.com/gear/mountain-bikes/first-ride-orbea-rallon
5. Bikeradar > www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/orbea-rallon-m-team-review-51374
6. Singletrackworld > singletrackworld.com/2017/06/first-ride-2018-orbea-rallon
7. mtb-mag > www.mtb-mag.com/en/tested-orbea-rallon-m-team
8. French magazine enduro-tribe > translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.endurotribe.com%2F2017%2F10%2Fverdict-orbea-rallon-r5%2F
9. And last me
though I would love to see a side by side of economical bikes rather than high end stuff. maybe bikes between 2-5k US where average joe would be looking.. I mean I would kill for a Yeti but at 5k just for a frame...yeah no, hence my decision to run with canyon, good frame with decent specs for a price that didn't break my account of 5k aus (about 3.5k US
Although it wasn't included here, it's a really great bike, especially if you like going fast - those long chainstays turn it into a super fun freight train.
And then you didn’t include, arguably, the best bike in class. I would have let you guys borrow my Wreckoning in exchange for a full growler. Sheesh
I have ridden most of these and the Instinct would easily make it into the top 3 with the HT, and the Enduro. Also where is the Pivot, or Norco on this list?
I mean no disrespect, but leaving those candidates out while leaving in a bike like the Pole is pretty ridiculous!
As far as the "pay to play" accusation, that's absolutely untrue. This article is based on our experiences with these bikes, not on whether or not a company is an advertiser. No list will ever make everyone happy, but I do think the 7 bikes featured are a good sampling of what's on the market.
It might be crazy, but I think a 26 wheel in the small, 650b on the medium and 29 in the large and xl might make sense for a lot of riders.
I've noticed that my tall friends don't care if a chainstay is 16.6 or 17.6" long, they're able to lift the front just fine . But for us short riders, even 1/4" makes a HUGE difference. It's tougher to get behind a bike when you have stubby arms and legs and less range of motion. I'm glad to see bikes adjusting chainstays for size, provided their smalls actually have sub 17" chainstays.
www.liteville.com/en/40/technology/#technology_scaled-sizing
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj0uBQ7j5c4&feature=player_embedded
Spent a week in Whistler on a '17 Range C9 and was very impressed. So much so that coming home to my Yeti 5.5 was a bit disappointing.
Yeti 5.5 is good at everything I'd say but very good at one thing besides reacting to pedaling input. That can make it damn fast though as part of corner speed at least in lots of "enduro" type terrain one needs to pedal out of turns to really be fast.
Going to try a 18 Enduro 29 for next season. Will be interesting to see if I can better my times on it but '18 Enduro so far is seemingly going to be very good.
amen
*for rich people.
The Specialized one with the tilted head?
I am talking about a real dropper, not that anchor made on purpose for this bike so they can write "it fits 150 droppers".
It only fits a 125 as you can read everywhere and Specialized will tell too.
My bike was expensive, but cheap to own after that. Except for a couple hundred for shoes and helmet that last years, no other gear to buy. With trails two minutes from the house, no travel costs.