WyoMoose

I think Pinkbike doesn't understand riding in 90% of the American West. Besides ski resort bike parks and some bigger trails in places like Moab, most of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana are more fun on a true cross country bike. I ride almost everything on an epic evo and have fun exploring on 20-50mile adventure rides. Having a bike that weighs 25lbs, climbs well, and descends well enough makes the whole adventure much more fun. I am not too sad if I have to walk around that ONE rock that requires 160+ travel. Further, almost all of the races in the west are xc style. I think the PNW influence is a little too strong in the industry. I am fine with 65-67 degree head tube angles but have you ever tried popping up switchbacks on anything slacker? Not all trails in the west were purpose built. XC bikes pop up hiking trails much better than enduro slugs. I think the PNW crowd is pushing the bike industry into strange territories with "trail bikes." However, I am happy that cross bikes like the element, spur, epic evo, etc. are now perfect bikes for most trails.