Video: 5 Value Bikes Ridden & Rated - Field Test Roundtable

Jul 19, 2023
by Mike Kazimer  

The batch of bikes we assembled for this year's Value Bike Field Test ended up being some of the best performing options we've ever had in this category. Modern geometry plays a big role here, along with the trickle down effect of better brakes and suspension showing up at lower price points.

Of course, each bike has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, so we sat down to discuss the highs and lows of this quintet of bikes under $3,500 USD.

When it comes to the best climbing bike, the bike we'd chose for longer days of pedaling, the Vitus Mythique Amp was the unanimous choice thanks to its balance geometry and reasonable weight. The GT Sensor was the most efficient feeling bike, although that did come at the price of some traction.

For riders looking for maximum climbing grip, the Marin Rift Zone and the Specialized Status each receive a nod, although the Status' geometry isn't really ideal for technical climbing – it can be a challenge to handle at times.

For pure downhill performance, the Specialized Status was our pick, with the Marin Rift Zone nipping at its heels. The Rift Zone is the more versatile option, but for riders who prefer steeper trails over everything else the Status is the way to go.

As far as the best value goes, the Specialized Status was the standout at its sale price of $2,250, and it's still a good value at its full $3,000 retail price. The Vitus Mythique is another very well spec'd option for its $2,599 asking price. And don’t forget about the YT Capra Core 1, which is currently on sale for only $1,999. Sizes are limited, but that’s a great deal if a rider’s size is in stock.

Watch the full video for additional insight into our picks, our timed testing results, and what changes we'd make if we had 500 more dollars in our budget to upgrade one of these bikes.


photo
Specialized Status 160
• Travel: 160mm rear, 160mm front
• Mixed wheels
• 63.2° / 63.7° head-tube angle
• 76° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 487mm (S4)
• Chainstay length: 426mm
• Weight: 34.6 lb / 15.7 kg
• MSRP: $3,000 USD (Was on sale for $2,250)
• More info: specialized.com

photo
YT Capra MX Core 1
• Travel: 170mm rear, 170mm front
• Mixed wheels
• 64° / 64.3° head-tube angle
• 77.4° / 77.7° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 464mm (lrg)
• Weight: 36.6 lb / 16.6 kg
• MSRP: $2,699 USD (Was on sale for $2,299)
• More info: yt-industries.com


photo
Vitus Mythique 29 AMP
• Travel: 140mm rear, 140mm front
• 29" wheels
• 65.5° head-tube angle
• 77.5° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 482mm (lrg)
• Chainstay length: 445mm
• Weight: 33.8 lb / 15.3 kg
• $2,599 USD
• More info: vitusbikes.com

photo
GT Sensor Comp
• Travel: 130mm rear, 140mm front
• 29" wheels
• 65.5° head-tube angle
• 77° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 485mm (lrg)
• Chainstay length: 440mm
• Weight: 34.2 lb / 15.5 kg
• $2,600 USD
• More info: gtbicycles.com


photo
Marin Rift Zone 29 XR
• Travel: 130mm rear, 140mm front
• 29" wheels
• 65.5° head-tube angle
• 77° seat-tube angle
• Reach: 485mm (lrg)
• Chainstay length: 435mm
• Weight: 34.8 lb / 15.8 kg
• $3,499 USD
• More info: marinbikes.com



Which bike would you most like to ride?





Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Videos Field Test GT Marin Specialized Vitus YT Industries


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92 Comments
  • 57 26
 Can we all please go one article without asking where Levy is? Give it a rest already.
  • 68 7
 The Mikes are pinkbike. I like everyone else but it doesn't feel the same without them. I hope PB and Outside realize this and are compensating them in a way where they feel valued and motivated to continue doing what they do.
  • 13 0
 Agree. Especially since he commented on the Podcast about Kaz that he's taking some time off.
  • 34 0
 @spottba: That is true for me too. If they were to leave and start their own site, I would honestly probably just follow them. There are a handful of options for MTB websites but I only go to this one and it is because of them and Henry and Alicia
  • 34 2
 @Kruton: Throw in Dario (he's new, but I've liked the work he's done here as well as for Vital) and I'm with you
  • 37 0
 @spottba: PinkMikes
  • 31 0
 I want Mike Levy's return to PB to be accompanied by a conspiracy nut style video like the Transition Carbon Smuggler videos.
  • 4 0
 @Kruton: Oh wait, and for the comments section and the buysell!
  • 3 0
 Oh, thanks for the reminder.
  • 12 1
 I agree! Where is Matt Beer in all these discussions, I wanna know what the fast guy thinks!
  • 1 3
 @bgilby: Comments are nice but wouldn't be hard to replicate on another website. I prefer facebook market for buy/sell myself
  • 11 0
 Idea. Pinkbike store sells a T-shirt that has Levy being abducted by aliens and says WHERE"S LEVY.

All proceeds get funneled into a PTO account for Levy to take off as much as he needs to every year.
  • 1 0
 @andeh23: I heard he's taking time off to train for the Four Loko with Chaz
  • 2 12
flag vorstellung FL (Jul 20, 2023 at 7:25) (Below Threshold)
 @spottba: I like Dario overall but he reminds me of a midwit that's discovered like level 1 of culture and flexes it everywhere non-stop.
  • 6 1
 @Kabrex: damned dude, does he owe you money or something?

Guy talks about bikes for a living, you don't have to write fanfic about him.
  • 26 0
 thankful for reviews for the peasant bikes I can possibly afford.
  • 23 1
 Voted for the Status as Most Likely To Ride because it's the most unique of the options. Gotta see if it's the playful, rowdy, and simple park sled that it claims to be.

If I was buying / recommending for a friend, I'd go for the Mythique for the best value, and the Rift Zone for the most future-proofing.
  • 9 2
 Status is likely best resale value as well. Around here the Spesh and YT would hold their value well, the other 3 would be competing for most depreciation the quickest (with Vitus likely leading the way). GT is seen as a box store bike (sport check) and for some reason there isn't much love for Marin. Mark Mathews absolutely rips on his Rift Zone and is local.. but you rarely see a Marin on the trail.
  • 3 1
 @eh-steve: not sure about where you live but there is a disproportionately high number of lightly used Status' for sale in my area
  • 15 3
 @eh-steve: who buy a bicycle with resale value in mind really?
  • 8 5
 @opignonlibre: I buy most things with resale in mind even if I never plan on selling, bikes are no exception
  • 2 0
 @mca896: It's pretty easy to look up where I live and even check PB used bikes in the area. People selling Statuses (Stati?) were trying to sell for close to msrp last time I looked. Only a few out there. All modified and wanting compensation for said parts. Status were a lot more difficult to find in Canada and the price isn't properly relative (I looked at grabbing one in Seattle and bringing it back on the Clipper).

Norco anything is a dime a dozen though. Need a Fluid or Sight? We've got you covered. Rocky Mountain? Which model and which build? Devinci? This is Canada right?
  • 9 4
 @opignonlibre: Found the Dodge driver.

Jokes aside. At any point in time you could be forced to liquidate any number of assets, bikes included. Having something that will sell quick for a good amount of money is valuable. What's the saying? "Guys don't have investments, they have toys they sell." I mean, please have investments, but not a bad idea to make your toys hold as much value as possible.
  • 1 0
 @eh-steve: lots in stock on the east coast. Not sure why, no terrain worth using them on out here.
  • 1 0
 @opignonlibre: some folks like to switch it up!
  • 1 3
 @stationaryisdead: with what you stated that's like admitting to being stupid.
If you don't plan to sell anytime soon, why even consider it?
  • 1 1
 @opignonlibre: I know a few people who sell their bikes and buy new ones every year or two. The ones who are smart about what they buy don't lose as much money as you'd think. I'm sure that if you average it out they still spend more money than people who keep a bike for 5-10 years, but they do benefit from getting rid of the bikes before certain maintenance issues typically arise.

Personally I couldn't be bothered, even aside from the money issue, my 7 year old bike is as entertaining as it was 7 years ago and I don't want the hassle of setting up and getting used to a new bike.
  • 3 0
 @stationaryisdead: @therealnobody : If you buy most things with resale in mind, or like to switch bikes early and often, you should buy second hand. This is the only way you can buy and sell something at roughly the same price, even sometimes make some money in the process. Most of the bikes, or any item is general, lose a lot of value from leaving the shop, then in the first 2 years. After that unless there is a huge technology/trend change, bikes don't lose their value so quickly if well maintained.

@n734535: I have been in that place and no, even being smart you only avoid losing money if you buy things with trade pricings. Besides, if you buy a bike you really like you wouldn't even think about swapping it every 1-2 years.

@eh-steve: ha ha I don't even have a car because I think it is financially a very bad investment (unless it is a collectable one, purchased at the right moment) given my way of life. I just rent a car the very few days I really need one in a year. If you buy >2000$ bicycles and you think you might be forced to liquidate assets in a short period of time, that means you have not planned correctly and don't have the proper insurances. I say that as a guy who fighted poverty for a while and who divorced twice. There are way more important things to consider before thinking about the resale value of your toys.
  • 1 0
 I am inpressed about Vitus.. it is 'just' a CRC brand.. but they are great value and always do well in those tests.. impressive...
  • 2 1
 @opignonlibre: Boring people whose lives are very calculated and are afraid to take risks.
  • 2 0
 @opignonlibre: I owned a less desirable brand frame, when I sold it at 1 year old nobody wanted it during the bike shortage for $800 including a pretty much new super deluxe ultimate. Then I bought a brand that people want, which was similarly priced new. That frame goes for $1200-1400 used a year later and they actually sell even now with bikes on sale. I don't buy my bikes to sell, but after that experience I definetely consider the resale value at least a small amount.
  • 24 0
 Sleep with the status , marry the Marin and kill that GT
  • 1 0
 Or the GT will get us all!
  • 8 0
 I know they're lame, but the ancient Ripmo AF still checks most of these boxes (160mm, 64.5`, 76'), climbs great, and is super affordable for less than $3000 with an SLX build from some shops. Just seems like one of the best affordable comprise bikes around yet.
  • 6 0
 m.pinkbike.com/news/2021-pinkbike-awards-value-bike-of-the-year-winner.html
  • 9 0
 I put a lighter wheelset on my Rift Zone and let me tell ya it doesn't feel budget at all. Pleasantly surprised with this bike.
  • 5 1
 corrected: Peasant is surprised
  • 1 0
 @pink505: I love my peasant bike
  • 6 0
 Constructive criticism here.

I was underwhelmed by this Test series. Not enough bikes on test. No travel to an destination. The video production value seemed to be turned down to "dudes in one of their mom's basement". Hosts had energy on camera best described as "post Nyquil indulgence".

I have loved Pinkbike tests in the past, even when the pikes weren't the types I would ever be interested in. The test panels were fun, engaging and goofy. The cinematography was great. This time - none of that.
  • 2 0
 The Field Tests are always awesome almost free content (I pay for Outside+, but still a good deal), but I agree with this critique. The script for prior field tests was working and this feels like the guys were made to film and edit their own footage in a week! The absence of an intro overview video, the loss of the impossible climb or the efficiency test, and the lack of footage to actually support the findings were all gaps.

Are we seeing a new round of cost cutting or just a rushed project that got less love?
  • 3 0
 @BrianMageemOt: tbh i feel the complete opposite of that.
Besides maybe the impossible climb (and even that only for entertainment purposes), everything else felt gimmicky to me and not really relevant/representative.
I liked this field test because it felt to me like it got to the point. The footage part I can agree on but in the past it were the same clips looped and reused as well so it doesnt really hold up.
And I think henry is a great Host/presenter. He does have his goofy moments but to me it feels more natural and I like the way he moderates.
  • 8 0
 Man, the Status is € 3,300 on sale (!) here in Europe. Crazy price difference.
  • 5 0
 Freeride - Status is maybe the best bike in the market for value This Vitus - longer dropper and upgrade to a better damper and you're pretty golden I hope they look at the Cannondales
  • 5 1
 So two at 77 and two at ~77.5 but the Status is unridable at 76? Is there more going on here? Does the Status sink into its travel more thus riding significantly slacker than the others? Is it chain stay length or balance?
  • 12 0
 The shorter the rear center the steeper the sta needs to be. Also I not sure how accurate that 76 is. Sometime companies measure effective sta at top of seat tube, which makes it look (on paper) like it's steeper than it really is. It should be measured at average seat height for a given size, but not all companies do this. And yeah, it also probably sinks into travel as well.
  • 5 0
 I ride a Status 160. Balance and the super long front are the issues. Front is so slack it wants to flop over, switch backs are trickier and it wants to loop out. However, just put the power down and it will climb...grip for days. I don't mind it at all.
  • 3 0
 If you buy a status because of this, get the size down from what you think you need. S2 with 27.5 front wheel and 170 fork feels like a slope bike on dirt jumps, and when I put the 29 back on it shreds the bike park. It pedals fine compared to my DH bike
  • 1 0
 "S2 with 27.5 front wheel and 170 fork"
I bought the frameset when it was on sale for $850 to build a park bike that I don't need. That's exactly how mine is set up (plus, I didn't own a spare 29er front wheel and DID have a 27.5 wheelest).
  • 2 0
 It would be nice to see overall comparison to previous years rides, including the Fluid which falls in the same category. What's interesting with the Vitus is the duty you get smacked with when ordering from Canada, probably better when ordering in the States.
  • 3 0
 I really enjoyed these test videos, but please could someone turn the brick wallpaper in the 'studio' the right way up, it's driving me nuts.
  • 1 0
 So a Marzocchi Z2 is better than a Pike Select?

Can anyone confirm/dispute this? I compared a Pike Select to a Fox 34 Rhythm (may have been an older 2019ish) and it was no contest, the Pike wins hands down - stiffer, plusher, etc. I also compared a Pike Select to a Pike RCT3 and the difference was negligible - the Select at 150mm travel does need to have the tokens/air pressure set up just right to not dive (at 140mm or lower it is a non-issue).
  • 4 2
 Loved this field test. Id also love to see an Enduro rear shock field test! Beyond Fox and Rockshox. Coils and Air. Thanks guys!
  • 2 1
 Coil shocks are awesome. If your bike has the right leverage curve for one, it's a cheap way to gain insane amounts of grip and smoothness. Putting a Bomber CR on my Process 134 was a game changer.
  • 3 0
 What about the Status vs the Stumjumper Evo alloy?
Asking (genuinely) for a friend.
  • 4 0
 with the stumpy on sale at the level it is right now i think it just depends on what kind of trails and riding your friend is looking to do. if they want to hit jumps and be rowdy id say the status, but if thats not really the goal and they're going to be keeping their wheels on the ground mostly, the stumpy
  • 11 0
 SJ EVO for speed, comfort, trail efficiency, geo adjust and SWAT. STATUS for slapping turns, jibbing off every bump, smashing the bike park and running from security because Urban Freeride is alive and well.
  • 5 0
 I own both...two different weapons man. The status is a slacked out party DH and not a lot of fun to point up hill. The super short rear end makes every run feel like you are 18 years old again. The Stumpy is so long in comparison and you can feel the length off the rear. I keep my evo set up at 64.5 and it pedals much mo better and is quite a bit faster in a straight line.
  • 6 0
 Agreed with comments here - and if your friend has to ask, they probably want the SJ
  • 2 0
 SJ Evo is a much more rounded bike. Does everything pretty well. If you only have one bike and ride some bigger stuff it’s a great choice.

But…..if you have a short travel whip and want a quiver bike, Status is a great bigger play bike.
  • 1 0
 @AC-Fabz: this man knows
  • 1 0
 Rode the Status at the beginning of last season and it is FUN. Wouldn’t be my first choice if you need to do a lot of climbing, but that thing is a party in any other situation.
  • 2 2
 Asking some good questions there.
But the real question is why don't Spesh make the Status with a more socially acceptable chainstay length?
Are they trying to corner the market in angry internet commenters who don't like modern geometry?
  • 3 1
 They already make enough dork bikes for dads who only like climbing and staying on the ground
  • 1 0
 @luckynugget: but what about the dads who don't have so much money?
  • 4 0
 If Spesh did that, I would have no interest in it. Also the Stumpjumper Evo Alloy exists.
  • 3 0
 I put Rift Zone because I had the previous version and really liked it.
  • 2 0
 I know it will never happen, but since we’re talking about value I’d love to see a “hardcore hardtail” field test.
  • 1 0
 No need for a thumb, let’s just bring phones and Apps and batteries and…..
  • 2 0
 Can we have the option "don't know but I'd like to see the results"?
  • 3 1
 The used market now has much better "Value Bikes"
  • 1 9
flag souknaysh (Jul 19, 2023 at 11:55) (Below Threshold)
 for sure, you can get this insane custom-built XL Druid for dirt cheap - www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3620090
  • 1 1
 In the Purdy dept, I'd go for Marin or Vitus For geometry and suspension, Specialized. No way I'd go with only 140mm - next bike has 160mm travel ... at least on the front.
  • 1 0
 Status. Niche bike at a price that makes it (almost) make sense to get another bike…..almost.
  • 1 0
 But which bike made it up around the first left switchback after the wood decked climb on Credit Line??
  • 2 0
 33.8 lbs without pedals is considered reasonable weight now? Wow
  • 2 1
 Ah the 'Staytiss' and the 'Mare-un'
  • 3 2
 None of these have motors how are we supposed to get uphill
  • 1 0
 Just drive to the coffee shop with any of these on the North Shore rack in your lifted Gladiator and spend your ride time spraying to people about how rad your new “budget” bike is.
  • 1 0
 norco fluid a2 under $3500. would be close with mythique?
  • 1 0
 Norcos are a bargain in NZ right now. Fluid A2 is on sale under $2500 USD.
  • 1 0
 That's value priced!? Laughs in Surly.
  • 1 0
 A weird thing to laugh in since this is what you get for $2600 from Surly:
surlybikes.com/bikes/karate_monkey

The Karate Monkey is perfectly good bike, but designed for a very different ride than say the Status or Rift Zone.
  • 1 0
 why would someone take a strut bike over a rocker bike?
  • 1 0
 How much weed does dario smoke
  • 1 0
 Vee-toos, it’s French.
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