Video: Welcome to the 2020 Pinkbike Field Test

Nov 9, 2019 at 0:30
by Brian Park  


WELCOME TO THE 2020
PINKBIKE FIELD TEST
Brand new bikes. Real riders. Proper terrain.

Words by Brian Park, photography by Trevor Lyden & Brian Park


Every year for as long as most of us can remember, the Pinkbike family has made the pilgrimage to Las Vegas (or its sadder little cousin Reno—sorry Zink) for the annual bike industry trade show and bro-fest called Interbike. This year the event was cancelled, so our crew got together near Whistler, BC, and did something better with our time: rode the hell out of a bunch of brand new, high end mountain bikes.

For science.


Photo by Trevor Lyden
We gave this field 4/5 tractors. Rich in organic matter, and forming relatively round aggregates, this field had excellent porosity.

Photo by Trevor Lyden


We had to make some hard choices on which bikes to include in this test. In order to give ourselves enough time for a proper verdict on each bike we had to draw the line somewhere, so we only brought bikes that are brand new for next year.

We broke the bikes up into 3 loose categories, because arguing about arbitrary comparisons is one of our favourite things to do. In addition to the stand-alone videos about each bike, we compared and contrasted the bikes in our Editors' Choice round-tables. We also checked out several less expensive value bikes in a separate feature, so if these bikes are too rich for your blood, just stay tuned!


DOWNCOUNTRY (sorry)

photo
Mondraker F-Podium DC
• 100 (R) / 120mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 66.8° head-tube angle
photo
Pivot Mach 4 SL
• 100mm (R) / 120mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 67.5° head-tube angle

photo
Trek Top Fuel
• 115 (R) / 120 (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 67.5° head-tube angle
photo
Juliana Joplin / Santa Cruz Tallboy
• 120mm (R) / 130mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 65.7° head-tube angle

photo
Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol
• 120mm (R) / 130mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 65.9° head-tube angle





TRAIL

photo
Norco Optic
• 125mm (R) / 140mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 65° head-tube angle
photo
Orbea Occam
• 140mm (R) / 150mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 66° head-tube angle

photo
Intense Primer S
• 140 (R) / 150mm (F) travel
• 27.5 R, 29 F wheels
• 65.1° head-tube angle
photo
Pole Stamina 140
• 140mm (R) / 150mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 64° head-tube angle




ENDURO

photo
Ibis Mojo HD5
• 153 (R) / 170mm (F) travel
• 27.5" wheels
• 64.2° head-tube angle
photo
GT Force 29
• 150mm (R) / 170mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 64.5° head-tube angle

photo
Specialized Enduro
• 170mm (R) / 170mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 63.9° head-tube angle
photo
Rocky Mountain Slayer
• 170mm (R) / 170mm (F) travel
• 29" wheels
• 63.8° head-tube angle

photo
Yeti SB165
• 165mm (R) / 180mm (F) travel
• 27.5" wheels
• 63.5° head-tube angle


Photo by Trevor Lyden
There's a reason we chose Whistler & Pemberton to test these bikes, and the trails were in incredible shape.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
Extensive upduro testing too.

Photo by Brian Park
Yes, our huck-to-flat test is back.


THE RIDERS


Photo by Trevor Lyden
Mike Kazimer
Discipline: Trail & Enduro
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 160 lb
Notes: Managing Tech Editor, slug porn enthusiast.
Photo by Trevor Lyden
Sarah Moore
Discipline: Downcountry
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 155 lb
Notes: Content manager, world's worst trivial pursuit player.
Photo by Trevor Lyden
Mike Levy
Discipline: Trail
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 155 lb
Notes: Technical Editor and Tim Hortons corporate shill.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
James Huang
Discipline: Downcountry
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 155 lb
Notes: CyclingTips Global Technical Editor, resident drop-bar enthusiast.
Photo by Trevor Lyden
Luca Cometti
Discipline: Enduro
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lb
Notes: Guest tester & former lifestyle athlete.
Photo by Trevor Lyden
Jason Lucas
Discipline: Enduro
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 200 lb
Notes: Video supervisor & guest tester, only rides park.


Photo by Trevor Lyden
Taj Mihelich came to hang out and do some illustrations.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
Always rad to see Taj on a bike.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
Jason taking advantage of the moody conditions.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
Levy's Mini is even dumber this year.
Photo by Trevor Lyden
Like, a lot dumber.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
Sarah even smiles when she's stuck in traffic.
Photo by Trevor Lyden
Corner office.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
It only seemed to rain on days we planned to shoot.

Photo by Trevor Lyden
Whip it good.

Photo by Brian Park
We brought out a Phantom camera for the slowest of mo during our huck to flat test.
Photo by Brian Park
We also did a little thing called "The Impossible Climb."

Photo by Trevor Lyden
It ain't much, but it's an honest day's work.


We'll be kicking things off tomorrow with the Norco Optic, and we'll be releasing the rest of the Field Tests in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!




The 2020 Pinkbike Field Test was made possible by support from
Race Face apparel & pads, Giro helmets, & Sierra Nevada beer.


Author Info:
brianpark avatar

Member since Dec 29, 2010
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449 Comments
  • 304 6
 how dare they leave out my preferred obscure brand of bike!
  • 189 6
 It’s a conspiracy! Why no gearbox bikes? They’re getting that derailleur money!
  • 98 2
 @brianpark: no recumbent section? @Voreis is gonna lose his shit
  • 16 2
 Giant? I know!
  • 56 2
 "I've ridden the same steel singlespeed for 10 years. Why not test one?! I'm not in the market for a new bike anyways."
  • 8 0
 @AndrewFleming: Looks like more fun than going to Interbike to me.
  • 10 0
 @makripper: Devinci? WTF?
  • 16 16
 @AndrewFleming: Why would you need a review of a hardtail single speed? There's like three choices and they're all the same Wink
  • 31 14
 @brianpark: The real conspiracy is the almost total absence of 650b bikes. Sponsor's money can't be turned away, right?
  • 2 1
 @Abacall: Crazy eh? 2020 isn't new enough. Maybe need a 2025?
  • 16 1
 @brianpark: You mean big derailleur keeping gearbox down.
  • 2 4
 Well yeah, considering the most talked about observation was the fork or headset flex I would have expected more variation on the typical single crown fork. Something with a dual crown fork with travel dropped to suit the bike (Specialized has an Enduro bike again with a DC fork), that Structure bike with the linkage front suspension and maybe that Trust fork as out of all these options the Trust is getting most PB attention anyway.
  • 22 1
 @pinkbike : some of us still ride DH bikes how about we have a category for those? maybe a review on a couple different DH rigs?
  • 1 1
 @rockchomper: I saw a Transition TR 11 break in the park too. lol.
  • 6 9
 Because Pole bikes would win every category.
  • 13 0
 @nurseben: I was joking... There's always that one comment from someone that thinks there should be a review for a bike that only 3 people are going to buy.
  • 14 1
 @rockchomper: I remember those days when PB was only DH and Freeride... Now this trail downcountry taking over... and pulling out DH bikes... See to believe...
  • 12 42
flag flipoffthemonkeys (Nov 11, 2019 at 15:42) (Below Threshold)
 @rockchomper: my thoughts exactly...the only bike i'm thinking about buying this year is a DH bike. #downsyndromec*ntry can go f*ck itself
  • 3 8
flag garrisond5 (Nov 11, 2019 at 17:05) (Below Threshold)
 @southoftheborder: it's because they're stupid.
  • 11 3
 @southoftheborder: Having mostly wagon wheelers on deck this year is largely because we included the d*wnc**ntry category. No bike companies paid to be a part of this, and nobody is asking us to just review 29ers. It's more that they're selling, so that's what's being released. I think the only bike we decided on the 29er version was the Slayer—because the testers are taller, and we wanted a better comparison to the Enduro which has super similar numbers on paper.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: We have a Structure bike in the shop, and Levy is getting his thoughts sorted on it before writing something in-depth. And we have a piece on the bigger Trust fork coming as well, just not from the Field Test. We have to ride a fine line between leading and bleeding edge for Field Test. If they're not relevant to the majority of the audience things get lost. Trust us, we will let you know if we think either of those are the next big thing™.
  • 13 1
 @rockchomper: they can't test DH bikes because Paul Aston no longer writes for PB.
  • 2 4
 @phops:
My thoughts exactly. It should just be a review of the pole range. The rest is a waste of time
  • 1 2
 @timmytimtam: I have to agree with you on that one.
  • 3 2
 @flipoffthemonkeys:

Well, you're not a dickhead or anything...
  • 2 0
 @rockchomper: +1 Yeah bro!!! Big bikes till death!!
  • 1 0
 A 100/120 Pivot in the Downcountry category with other 120/130 bikes when Pivot has a 120/130 bike....
  • 2 1
 @phops: The Pole broke!
  • 2 1
 @timmytimtam: the pole snapped!
  • 1 0
 @branrowe: I wanna see that video.
  • 104 1
 Alright so when do we start placing bets on which one was the catastrophic frame failure?
  • 69 6
 Considering how many Intense frames I've broken, shouldn't be a long list.
  • 21 7
 Im going for the top fuel.
  • 28 0
 @Rondo: I happened to snap the links on the new enduro last month. Even though spesh says I was the only one, my money is on that.
  • 145 1
 Just to complicate things, we actually had two frames fail during the test. Bikes are SO good today, and several weeks of riding isn’t really enough to test long term durability... so yeah, we were very surprised.
  • 9 20
flag bigmeatpete420 (Nov 11, 2019 at 7:25) (Below Threshold)
 Wow. You must be really really bad driver @Rondo:
  • 29 7
 @Rondo: stick to basketball
  • 20 1
 @brianpark: my takeaway is that almost no manufacturer is immune to the odd failure. Not so say some don’t fail more than others. Wonder if we couldn’t have a database of failures, describing how and where frames have broken.
  • 11 0
 Someone who was at Whistler saw the broken frame and commented, but the comment got removed I think. But don't fact check me on this one.
  • 18 1
 @brianpark: I sure hope you guys are gonna say which frames broke.
  • 63 2
 @Upduro: yeah, I spoke to a few people, we wanna hold off on the 2 bikes that failed until the videos. It’ll give more context and makes for better TV.
  • 91 0
 @brianpark: The trick is to take them off the rack before you drive into the parking garage ಠ‿ಠ
  • 50 0
 @gumbytex: 100%. That’s our job.
  • 5 0
 @brianpark: That's understandable, rumors like this can spread easily and without any situational context the internet machine is just gonna do its thing and spin out of control.
  • 5 1
 @Angu58: +1 (I've seen more chain stays fail on that bike than any other)
  • 2 0
 China is messing with you guys.
  • 7 0
 @powderturns: that's a really good idea. I cracked a carbon frame once and the company was super quick about replacing it free of charge, which was awesome. I know shit happens, and I don't want to talk poorly of an otherwise great company, but it would be great to have a database somewhere that just tracks failures across all the companies. You'd probably have to provide pics and the serial number to try and keep people honest.
  • 6 0
 @GriefTheBro: more snappy Yeti chain stays? Where was that revealed.
  • 11 2
 Slayer and Yeti SB165
  • 18 4
 My bet is on the Yeti
  • 6 9
 Down country is just a trail bike? And the car is further back than the jump. Colour me disappointed.
  • 32 2
 How could it not be the Yeti? Yeti rear triangles have been snapping for 2 decades now.
  • 8 0
 @enki: You probably should've addressed that comment to RC.

ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb12300831/p4pb12300831.jpg

I'd guess he's hoping we'd all forgotten by now.
  • 6 0
 @metaam: slack headtube angle, but in the wrong direction

counteracted by TWO waterbottle holders, with space for a third and probably some potatoes too

Levy's dream bike
  • 8 2
 I wonder if its the GG super revved 30000000% carbon...
  • 1 0
 @Yetimike2019: Are you the same guy who posted a user review on vital? That reported broken links too
  • 7 1
 Met a guy at a trailhead with a snapped chainstay on his (admittedly year old) Guerilla Gravity. So maybe that one?
  • 3 1
 They broke two frames in testing? Wow, that's a bad situation, makes a guy wonder...
  • 2 0
 @splsce: Noooo, I was just about to order one. Now I have to wait for the videos.
  • 30 0
 It would be cool if a company said "Oh crap! That shouldn't have happened. We will review our designs, manufacturing, and testing and offer ______ to help out our customers in the event that this happens to anybody else. Stay tuned for details on our design, manufacturing, and testing updates." instead of whatever half-assed preproduction unintended uses blah blah blah shit they're most likely gonna offer up.

HINT: fessing up, apologizing, and making things right will almost always serve your bottom line better than excuses. So surprised how many people in senior leadership/marketing/QC/etc positions still don't grasp this and just try to cover their asses.
  • 35 0
 Whichever one it was I can guarantee was a pre production model!! That’s how this thing works right
  • 3 0
 @genemk: LOL Keep people honest? How many "I was just riding along when ....." stories do we have to read to know that a database submitted by users isn't really worth much.
There's that well known one where the guy posted a video of him missing a landing and frame breaking. He made is seem like it was one time, then someone who was there called him out because he had been casing the jump over and over.
  • 3 0
 @jonnycrash: same here... been waiting for a legit review on the thing.
  • 1 0
 22
  • 3 1
 @ZappBrannigan: would you look at that another GG that had the chainstay snap I wonder if they also had the seat stay tweak like mine did.. but they do have some of the best customer service to get replacements with no hassles.
  • 2 2
 My bet is on GG chain stays.
  • 1 0
 @font style="vertical-align: inherit;">font style="vertical-align: inherit;">powderturns /font>/font>:


Excelent
  • 3 0
 @splsce: I demoed a smash and I nearly ordered one that day. It was faster up and downhill on a trail I ride a lot on my smaller sb5.
  • 1 0
 @jonnycrash: wow. The SB5 is a nice bike too. A big part of that extra speed had to be the 29er wheels tho. Did you miss the SB5 at all?
  • 1 0
 @Svinyard: right, the bigger wheels carry a lot more speed. I ended up coming in hot on a bunch of jumps and had to tone it down. They help a lot on the uphill too, getting over tricky rock sections. FWIW I demoed a Firebird 29 too and didn't like it nearly as much.
  • 1 0
 @jonnycrash: I tested all Pivot bikes from Trail429 to Firebird 29... on all I felt "at home" on first run. On Firebird 29 I needed proper week of riding and seting shocks to feel "at home". After that is the fastest bike I ever tested. But I still like my Intense Carbine custom build pretty much. Smile
  • 11 1
 It's gotta be a 'downcountry' one, right? The definition of the world is basically 'riding bikes on gnarlier shit than they're designed for'

You can put big tires on a 100mm travel bike if you want but it's still a 100mm travel bike
  • 5 0
 @brianpark: i'm going to go out on a limb and guess levi was responsible
  • 2 0
 @cebe: Pretty sure that was the case too. The Firebird was at a busy demo day and they were rushed to get people on bikes. My first impression was the suspension was way off. I tried to fix it out on the trail but couldn't really get it feeling right.
  • 1 0
 @jonnycrash: nice
  • 1 0
 @Yetimike2019: I’ve heard of somebody else having similar problems with the same bike. You’re not alone
  • 6 0
 @gumbytex: i think you are right on, but seeing as how these shitty company failings seem to have no consequences, I dont expect much.

I mean just look at any bike review on PB and at least two people will complain about how they dont review Evil, a company that has screwed people over and over again. Same with Cannondale anyone who posts about getting screwed on warranty and broken frames gets downvoted here.
  • 1 0
 @enki: Hence why Mike drives the mini Wink
  • 1 0
 @jonnycrash: Don’t hold off based on that. If it happens, they’ll take care of you.
  • 2 2
 @gumbytex: Didn’t the government run, I mean public schools teach you anything, it’s never your fault it’s always a product of other people’s choices.
  • 4 1
 For anyone worried about the Guerrilla Gravity chainstay issue, it was largely confined to the previous alloy versions. I have not heard of anyone breaking a chainstay on the new Revved models.
  • 1 2
 In the intro, the rider falls off an Intense in a non tech turn that looks pretty easy. That's foreshadowing.
  • 2 0
 @JohanG: How many times have you crashed vs broken your frame?
  • 1 0
 @scvkurt03: Literally hundreds of frames.
  • 1 0
 @gumbytex: yeah and Pole have done exactly the opposite of cool, with all kinds of excuses (check their Instagram)
  • 1 0
 @JohanG: You've broken hundreds of frames? Every time you crash?
  • 2 0
 @sewer-rat: exactly right.

Pole are saying it was a prototype chainstay that broke.
  • 2 0
 @gumbytex: nope pole are claiming it was a prototype so just more of the same here.
  • 3 1
 @reverend27: also rumour is that arwin gwins mechanic installed it.
  • 60 0
 The "brand new bikes only" thing makes sense, why rehash stuff you already did. Sure. But how about in each category you pull in a reference bike that has been extensively reviewed (by you and others) and is well known as a standout in that category, and that a lot of folks have experience with? Not so much in a "we're testing this along with the other bikes" way, but more as a reference point - as in, this new batch of bikes improves on the known standard in x/y/z aspects, doesn't really improve much in a/b/c, and in general, is there real progress over what last year was considered best of breed in that niche of the market.

For example - in your trail bike category, how about pitting everything against a Smuggler or Process 134? Lots of folks know what those bikes can do, and it would be neat to see how the Optic (which is pretty similar in intention) stacks up against that, and whether the Stamina is a niche bike for a very narrow user group in that market, or whether it's something that'll show the way for the rest of the category or create a whole new category (the way, say, the Process 111 did back in the day).
  • 44 1
 I don’t hate this idea. We kind of do this anyway... we all have our personal staff rides and these are our local-ish trails, so it’s not crazy to have that in the mix. In our editors choice round tables we reference a lot of bikes beyond the ones on test, so hopefully that adds some context!
  • 7 2
 Exaaaaaacccttlly. We say it every.single.time these things come out. "How does it compare to the stuff we know?". The reference bikes need to be part of the formal test. Even if it's just one for each category.
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: Is that the same Pole Stamina that Mike Levy rode in his video with Gee?
  • 3 1
 @jaydubmah: I actually don’t remember if he was on the 180 or the 140.
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: or Compare current and past models as a reference within each model test
  • 1 16
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 11, 2019 at 11:33) (Below Threshold)
 @brianpark: hah, if he was on 180 yhen it makes sense why he was so slow. Verdict: grossly overbiked
  • 2 0
 @jaydubmah @brianpark
Just checked the video - I believe he's on the 180, based on the Lyrik/Super Deluxe build kit.
  • 3 1
 Because bike reviews are subjective, and one group of testers may not love a bike that was highly-praised by last year's testers, and the illusion will be ruined.
  • 56 10
 HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT HUCK TO FLAT
  • 38 4
 f*ck TO HLAT

EDIT: gdamn pinkbike censoring. The internet is for cursing
  • 14 18
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 11, 2019 at 8:29) (Below Threshold)
 @gumbytex: huct to flak? Hack to flut?

Anyhoo, just record yourself saying it 100 times and play it backwards. You will hear the devil speak!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: dorp to falt
  • 22 17
 @CircusMaximus: I actually feel like Down Country is for transitioning males who need Jesus or ride ebikes in Yellowstone since Marzocchi sucks and 26” trail bikes are for losers who ride like girls. Something something Hitler killed Epstein

Have I missed offending anyone?
  • 19 7
 @WAKIdesigns: Vegans? Or that goes under transitioning males?
  • 6 1
 @pakleni: but they eat meat
  • 7 0
 @WAKIdesigns:
You should stick to ballet
  • 49 1
 Nice to see a GG bike test for a change. Kudos PB!
  • 18 0
 Don't forget arguably the most positive piece of prose ever written by Mike Levy:
www.pinkbike.com/news/review-guerrilla-gravity-smash.html
  • 5 0
 Yeah, stoked on inclusion Trail Pistol. Been seriously considering it as my next bike, curious to see if that 130 fork is enough (or if they tossed a 140 on there without it ruining the ride).
  • 5 1
 Yes, the Trail Pistol/Pistola is a very good choice, probably the bike that suits the most people. Hopefully the review will capture the adjustable geo/headset/suspension, including options for changing stays to make a longer travel 29er (Smash), a short travel 27.5 (Shred Dogg), and a longer travel 27.5 (Mega Trail). Made in 'merica carbon!
  • 5 0
 @mikealive: Here you go: ridegg.com/pistola

I run a 150mm Fox 36 on mine, it doesn't suck.
  • 5 0
 @GuerrillaGravity:
2018 GG Smash:

"Cons
- Happy on rowdy terrain, but not quite as surefooted as a slacker, more forgiving bike
- Ummmm....
- Nope, that's all."
  • 5 0
 @mikealive: A 140mm fork definitely does not ruin the ride, I have a 140mm Helm on mine and the thing rips.
  • 3 0
 @GuerrillaGravity: hope the revved carbon didnt break.. just kidding. Love your bikes.
  • 4 0
 I ordered my ShredDogg without a review! Let’s hope the frame failure was not from an impact of over 300%!
  • 2 0
 @maxyedor: Man I'll take your word for it! Thanks for weighing in with your experience, it is appreciated. Definitely dig the company, that they're made in the US, and they still manage to give a decent price point. All pros in my book.
  • 2 0
 @86cucv: whaaaat! Yeah, that's exactly what I'm looking for 130R/140F gets me 95% of the trails I ride.. really it's the 140 up front that is my cutoff because I manage to bottom 130 more often than I like, or I have to ramp it up too much for my liking. Pistola is that sweet spot, thanks for the heads up.
  • 1 0
 @86cucv: Is there a way to browse all of their secret bikes without knowing the names already? I really like idea of the Mega Smash, but didn't know about that Pistola!
  • 4 0
 @gibspaulding: ridegg.com/sixsixsix
  • 1 0
 @86cucv: Nice, thanks! I really like the look of the Trail Dogg.
  • 45 3
 So by putting downcountry at the top of the article you're hoping for a calm, measured and considerate comments section?
  • 15 1
 You understand that winding people up gets pageviews, right?
  • 34 1
 Downcountry... Watch out, Backcountry almost sued you.
  • 26 0
 Did you photoshop a waterbottle on each bike to show whats really important?
  • 10 0
 Holy water bottles Batman! Just look at that Pole!
  • 11 0
 All huck to flat vids will be required to include a bottle
  • 6 0
 @Savagm: a bottle full of milk
  • 4 1
 @jaame: Trail Pistol will also carry two bottles, small down low (or tools) and large under top tube
  • 5 0
 @jaame: One potato

TWO POTATO!!!!
  • 24 0
 I wanna see a full gallery of the mini! With some explications/insights to the mods!
  • 4 0
 @mikelevy: featured on NSMB's 'pistons & pivots'
  • 7 0
 Lefty-righty fork, 24” wheels, dropper roof, clutter-free cockpit, low center of gravity, climbs like goat.
  • 1 0
 @ismasan: I’m not finding it. You have a link?? Thanks!
  • 2 0
 By Doug DeMuro
  • 1 0
 @Rider-TJones: hahs, it hasn't happened yet, sorry
  • 28 7
 WHY DONT YOU JUST RELEASE ALL THE VIDEOS AT ONCE LIKE NETFLIX???
  • 32 1
 LOUD NOISES
  • 14 1
 @Camstyn: Just had my coffee
  • 15 1
 When we've done that in the past, not as many people have engaged with them. Hopefully this way means that every day we launch a video that bike gets to be the talk of the day, rather than people just gravitating to the one they most want to buy, or the one they already own for validation.
  • 9 2
 @brianpark: Why do that when you can dump all of your content at once, and then listen to people complain about lack of fresh content a week later?
  • 3 0
 @Camstyn: have you seen Netflix's stock price?
  • 29 13
 I was really hoping for more 27.5 bikes this year. And I hope the Ibis or Yeti (the only two bikes I would buy here) win the picks just so there is more 27.5 consideration in subsequent field tests. I'm further surprised at the dominant wheel size given the smaller stature of the testers. I always think 29'ers look comical under little riders. And any 29'er on tech trails is like floating a river on a Walmart stability kayak, which has no interest to me.

Downvote away. Not a hater; just seeking some balance for my needs.
  • 11 6
 The inclusion of the Downcountry category skews the balance towards 29ers. Also the enduro testers are taller. We chose the Slayer 29 over the 27.5, but otherwise we’re a little bit at the mercy of what gets released every year. Smile
  • 12 7
 I have both wheel sizes on newish bikes and I can say hands down that I prefer the 29er in techy sections. My 29er has 30mm less travel and was bought for my local fast trails but I now pick this bike for almost all but Bike Park trails. Might just me but as I get older I don't want things to be harder.
  • 15 0
 @zarban: no little blue pills for u, then?
  • 4 4
 @brianpark: Downcountry is an actual category now? I thought that was just in marketing's imagination...
  • 5 1
 @zarban: Don‘t know why you get downvoted for stating a preference...
  • 3 1
 @zarban: same here. 130mm 29er it rips and doesn't feel big at all.
Low bb and low stack leaves me sitting way down into the bike. It reacts predictably and is stable allowing me confidence to try things I might not otherwise.
  • 8 0
 The benefits and drawbacks of the different wheel sizes has been done to death on PB and I think the choice for most people on PB has evolved now to personal preference for one or the other. Bikes reviewed on PB are often measured against the reviewers personal preferences for wheel size, geo, bottle cage mounts, etc and it's no secret that most PB reviewers preference currently is for 29. Every bike review I can remember where the model came in both 27.5 and 29 the 29 bike has been reviewed. Given PB glad eye for 29, the bike I'll be looking for is a 2nd hand 2019 27.5 Remedy because that bike must've been absolutely OUTSTANDING to be voted the best in last years field test against the stumpy 29, process 153 29, SB150 29, Bronson 27.5.
  • 5 1
 >And any 29'er on tech trails is like floating a river on a Walmart stability kayak

So just go faster to make it more interesting.
  • 2 0
 Like I told the guy above... It's because they're stupid.
  • 1 0
 @Ritgut: yep it's outstanding. Even if we aren't huge fans of the knock block on shorter travel bikes.
  • 1 0
 Still waiting for more mullet bikes to be released, especially in the Enduro (and DH) categories. I’m surprised more manufacturers didn’t jump on this. At a minimum I expected the new Slayer to be available as a mullet bike and also expected Transition or one of the other PNW bike companies to release one.
  • 14 1
 I feel like they need to add in some bigger "testers" not every rider out there is 150lbs get like Pete Matthews or someone like that on a rig testing.. someone who can cause some damage.
  • 2 1
 Amen to that..
  • 1 0
 Two broken frames wasn't enough for you?
  • 1 0
 @kpblasko: never!
  • 12 0
 Excited for this! Thanks for doing all this “work” for us. ???? Genuinely jealous your team is doing such fun and enjoyable work.
  • 13 0
 Let the battle (why is my bike not on the list b*tching) begin.
  • 14 0
 I was hoping that the 2020 Norco Sight was on the list. Saw one yesterday. Not quite sure what to make of it.
  • 6 0
 @rrolly: that is actually a bummer. It's a pretty new bike with huge changes.
  • 4 3
 @rrolly: Seems like the new Sight is the old Range, the new Optic is the old Sight, only both are a bit lighter maybe? It's a horst-link bike with reasonable geo. May not be flashy, but they're pretty tried-and-true bikes. Just get one with the travel range that works for you and have fun.
  • 3 0
 @big-red: "new optic is old sight"

Yeah, but no alloy option. The fluid is less travel and pretty low end builds and the optic is carbon only. It's a sweet bang for buck as far as a carbon bike goes, but I'd lean towards an A1 build if it existed.
  • 5 0
 @big-red: considering the total redesign I think that’s incorrect.
  • 5 3
 2019 YT Jeffsy 29 should be on the list, or at least fully reviewed by PB at this point in the season.
  • 4 1
 @CircusMaximus: Pretty sure he meant it takes the place of the old range in the lineup. The new sight is an Enduro bike and the new optic is all-mountain/mid-travel trail (a la old sight, albeit carbon only). The fluid FS is the alloy trail option and I guess the new revolver 120 is the carbon trail/burly xc option.
  • 2 0
 @eh-steve: my bad
  • 4 0
 Why no new Giant Reign 29er is my b*tch. Smile
  • 4 0
 @Marcencinitas: we'll have a YT in the first round of tests in 2020. Smile
  • 12 1
 But wait! How am I going to know how these compare to my 1998 26" bike!!?? Frown
  • 2 1
 You don't. Just enjoy 26" also.
  • 10 0
 Bringing Huang along was an excellent choice! I’m looking forward to seeing his contributions.
  • 11 1
 I want to know more and this dumb mini. Please do a full review.
  • 4 0
 front end looks sick huh
  • 10 0
 cobra 427 engine in a mini + moped tyres + drum brakes from the 1930's + whale penis leather seats
Did I guess right @mikelevy ?
  • 2 1
 @zede: you had me at whale penis leather seats. I wonder if I can get some for my 4Runner.
  • 5 0
 The header with no grill looks awesome. The cooler mounted to the front bumper, however, is worse than cables routed under the BB.
  • 8 0
 @PtDiddy: 4Skinner?
  • 5 0
 @PtDiddy It is very, very dumb. I love it. It might show up in a feature down the road Smile
  • 3 0
 @zede: Whale penis leather seats LOL I'm dying over here.
  • 6 0
 @mikelevy:
So, as it happens, that's a real thing, but luckily doesn't happen much anymore. A Latvian company, Dartz, makes all-the-way-ridiculous armoured custom SUVs, basically a nice big, diamond encrusted steamer on wheels. In 2009 or so they made a red one, fully bulletproffed thing with real whale penis leather interior for $1.5 mil. Pamela Anderson got on their case, and to this day you can get synthetic whale penis leather (thanks Pam!)
jalopnik.com/1-5m-russian-suv-features-diamonds-whale-penis-leathe-5380680

Their newest monstrosity can actually come with bullet proof child seats, let that sink in.
  • 7 0
 @metaam: people are always scream “D!CK!” at me while driving anyways. Now I can say “why yes it is!”
  • 1 3
 @mikelevy:

As a BMW/mini afficianado I look forward to this
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: I just want to know if that's an auxiliary oil cooler or an intercooler mounted to the front bumper, since it looks like there *might* be a turbo manifold hiding behind the grille.
  • 1 0
 @BlackVR: Its a mini with an oil cooler attached to the bumper and probably rocking some kind of a honda engine.
  • 1 0
 @BlackVR: No turbo... yet Smile
  • 1 0
 I watched the build video on this car and some of the other cars the shop did. It's super rad ????

Part of me was hoping you built it
  • 10 0
 Kazimer really looks like Alex Honnold’s twin in that mug shot.
  • 3 0
 Unrelated, reread "slug porn enthusiast" and then look at his photo again. I got a shiver, but your mileage may vary.
  • 9 0
 Well cancel my morning meetings. I’ve got some researching to do.
  • 9 0
 Excellent! Cannot wait. My potential new bike is in here..... somewhere!
  • 8 2
 Why is the GG only in one section? The thing was made to be whatever. This would have been the perfect test to see how the different configs of the GG compared to a bike specifically designed for it.
  • 12 0
 I was just thinking we need to make it even more logistically challenging next year. Smile
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: Haha tell them to send you more bikes!
  • 2 1
 Two bikes, one review, all four set up with similar suspensions, then ride and compare.
  • 8 0
 Pinkbike, I as a fellow BMXer that evolved into an MTBer, am giddy every time I see Taj. MORE TAJ.
  • 3 0
 Yesss!! I also want to see Taj ripping all these bikes apart!
  • 4 0
 A few months/weeks ago, this test was mentioned in an article. The author said that something about one bike was really noteworthy, but we would only get to know it once the test was revealed. Anyone remember this, and which article it was on ?
  • 5 2
 Taj’s illustrations? www.pinkbike.com/news/pink-bike-took-me-to-whistler-sunday-comics-with-taj-mihelich.html
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: A yes of course, it was the bike that broke! Thank you so much dude
  • 3 0
 Norco Optic www.pinkbike.com/news/video-norcos-2020-optic-is-a-short-travel-big-fun-trail-bike.html
  • 11 4
 Now let's have a hardtail version of this test!! Stoked for this one as well though.
  • 23 1
 We’ll have something for you in the new year. Smile
  • 22 0
 @brianpark: while you're at it, a hardtail section in the buysell please. there's a section for fatbikes and ebikes, but i still have to sift through every advert looking for a decent hardtail!
  • 2 0
 @tobiusmaximum: yeah this would be great.
  • 9 1
 Where's RC? Us old guys need the old guy perspective!
  • 6 0
 You’ll see him in the mix with the value bikes comparisons shortly!
  • 4 0
 @brianpark: geez let the old man ride the bling stuff he has earned it!
  • 5 0
 @LuvAZ: he committed the cardinal sin of doing a great job on the value bikes segment last year. So his reward for a job well done was having to do it again. Smile
  • 7 1
 they finally found a regular 200 pound guy for their review team. nice change from their usual team of thoroughbred race whippets.
  • 9 2
 Arrrggghhh, no Slayer 27, when's the freeride category announced ?
  • 5 0
 So did Levy finally officially make downcountry a thing? I mean I'm ok with it, but I feel like the public deserves to know.
  • 7 1
 He's still the only one saying it.
  • 8 0
 @friendlyfoe: it literally says “downcountry” on several bikes now. I hate to inflate his head any further, but it’s a thing.
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: Hmmm quick google search only shows it coming up on a handful of other magazine websites who have picked it up. But then what happens when you over-fork a downcountry bike. CrossDuro?
  • 2 1
 @brianpark: are we sure we’re not gonna be sued by backcountry? Is it legal to use the term downcountry?
  • 2 1
 @friendlyfoe: the Mondraker F-Podium DC says "downcountry" on the seatstay. And guess what the "DC" stands for. Smile
  • 8 0
 Reign 29?
  • 3 0
 agreed....
  • 37 31
 wow, just wow. Only 3 out of 14 bikes are 27.5". Not cool.
  • 19 2
 Hahahahahahaha [\laughsin29]
  • 12 9
 Pinkbike are clearly getting handouts from the manufacturers of 29" wheels.
  • 3 2
 I think all the bikes are just what are given to them. I dont think they hunt down bikes and rent them at their choice.
  • 23 20
 @tom666: 29ers are just plain better.
  • 20 3
 @jaydawg69: they're not better for me, my terrain or what I look for in a bike, and I'm not alone.
So I guess it depends for who, eh?
  • 1 0
 @tom666: so everybody then?
  • 10 2
 @ismasan: looks like you better do your own shootout then huh?
  • 5 2
 @jaydawg69: this. Went from a 140mm travel 27.5 @31lbs to a 130mm 29er @27.5lbs.

The 29 is faster more stable and just as fun to ride. Also I'm more apt to be playful because I know how my bike has my back.
  • 2 1
 @CircusMaximus: It's all those 29" specific wheel, tire and spoke companies. They're raking it in at our expense
  • 1 0
 @Svinyard: as stated in the sentence 'We had to make some hard choices on which bikes to include in this test'.
  • 3 0
 @reverend27: just registered downcountry.com bro, stay tuned
  • 3 4
 @ismasan: what terrain is it better? All Enduro, DH and XC top riders are on 29er. I used to be a 29er nay sayer but they finally got their geo sorted out. You obviously haven't tried anything new.
  • 1 0
 @ismasan: how the hell did you not have this registered @mikelevy ?
  • 4 2
 Looking forward to the test. The 29" takeover is in full effect, interesting. One question I have, looks like the tires were kept the same between all the bikes with the exception of the enduro bikes. What was the reasoning behind Assegai f/r on the 29 enduros a s dhf f/r on the 27.5 enduros? Rider preference?
  • 6 1
 Tire availability with DD. This was as close as we could get to parity in our time frame.
  • 6 12
flag WAKIdesigns (Nov 11, 2019 at 8:31) (Below Threshold)
 @brianpark: DD on enduros in Whistler... you disappoint me... if 40yr old Steve Jones was there...
  • 5 0
 So, is this Pinkfest ??
Will it be an annual event like a legit bible of bike tests ?
  • 6 1
 Yep, it’s too fun not to do it annually.
  • 5 0
 How can you have a bike test in Pemberton without the Stumpjumper Pemberton edition?
  • 2 0
 Hahaha
  • 5 0
 Hope you got a Taj can-can or nac-nac in the mix. Seeing him with Pinkbike makes me happy af. Thanks.
  • 3 0
 Yeah! Taj was one of my favorites back in the day and I always wanted a Taj Hoffman frame. Looking forward to seeing his style on a MTB.
  • 3 0
 I would like to see a write up on the mini too....i am a car nerd and would like to know the engine and trans in it. Looks like a Honda swap to me? Cant really tell what suspension and everything went in it?
  • 6 0
 It's a Mini-Tec front subframe with a Honda B18c installed in it. Front suspension uses QA1 shocks and is all re-worked along with it as that's part of the kit, while the rear is mostly stock with a set of KYB's AGX twin-tube dampers. A bunch of other stuff as well, but currently saving for the AWD kit.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Bet that sucker rips!
  • 4 0
 I came across this YouTube series of a Mini conversion after I was watching episodes of Project Binky. It was only when they did the reveal I realised it was Mike's

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5tAcmhSk5vbUohyBR1_2CdRVtiaibzTr
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: all wheel drive would be amazing do you do your own work? Maybe room for a turbo and hater pipe I see Smile
  • 1 0
 @TrevorPage: That's awesome thanks for the heads up- that's pretty cool. And with all that work on that car- why's that chucklehead letting people jump it.
  • 4 0
 @ICKYBOD: Sometimes the car gets jumped, too.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: probably pretty easy to jump just hit a speedbump fast. Jumping on a mtb would only require a MINI kicker lmao couldnt resist
  • 3 0
 @Cspringsrider: It's so light that it's off the ground fairly often, just not on purpose. Around 1,300lbs.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: ahh gotcha that makes sense. I am a sucker for a custom car no matter what it is.
  • 5 0
 At the end of all this, can you release a super cut of all the Taj riding for all us old bmx'ers?
  • 1 0
 Second this
  • 1 0
 Hell yeah
  • 4 3
 Just ordered an Optic. Decided against the Occam which was second on my list. I hope the Optic wins this battle here!

Otherwise: Byers remorse even before the first ride. The trail to the classifieds is the only way we gonna ride then.
  • 6 0
 Dude
  • 8 0
 Dude, it's a Norco. It's going to be a nice bike. Nothing crazy, but about as tried-and-true a design as they come. Just hope it wasn't the bike that broke in testing...
  • 4 0
 I think you’ll be presently surprised by the new Norcos. The redesigned Optic and Sight are killer bikes.
  • 5 0
 Please tell me you are kidding and not that influenced by the opinions of others. Ride what ya like.
  • 2 0
 @CircusMaximus: This.

The difference in these bikes is minutiae, with opinions from people who are not you, and as we all know, skill matters so much more than spec.

Ride the wheels off your nice new bike and love it.
  • 1 0
 @big-red: Norco makes their bikes pretty stout, I doubt it was theirs but who knows.
  • 9 4
 How is the Trail Pistol in the Down Country section....
  • 1 1
 Had the same thought...
  • 14 2
 Like I said in the video: there’s a ton of grey area and we tried to put bikes against other relevant bikes. If it makes you feel better, you can imagine the category is called “short-travel trail” or something. Smile
  • 14 1
 Great move to rile up all the GG fanboys.
  • 3 0
 Nevermind that it can be configured as a 130 bike as well: ridegg.com/pistola
  • 1 11
flag sanchofula (Nov 11, 2019 at 10:54) (Below Threshold)
 Because it's a short travel 29er, they had to choose between the Trail Pistol and it's longer travel brother (the Smash), so it made sense since that they chose the TP as that's where all the 29er folks are going ... and because long travel 29ers are gonna go the way of the dinosaurs cuz we all know those big wheels suck on big lines.

What you should be asking yourself is why in the world woudl PB test a bunch of XC bikes, I mean, come one PB, none of use ride those kinds of bikes; well, none of us will admit to riding those bikes Wink
  • 2 0
 @nurseben: whoa dude...
  • 2 1
 I noticed that you're using the same tires for each category. That makes a lot sense, bad tire choice on one bike can throw off the testing. However, the two 27.5 bikes in the Enduro field are using DHF front and rear instead of the Assegai's you use on the 29ers in that category. Just curious what the reasoning was behind that?
  • 3 0
 Stoked to see them testing with the same rubber.
  • 7 0
 Availability with the same DD casing. We tried to level the playing field as much as possible.
  • 1 0
 @brianpark I know that obviously, everybody wants their niche bike tested (and I think I've seen a few quips to that effect), but... would love to see a review of the new-ish Nicolai Saturn 14. It's so.... metally. Cutting-edge geo but trail bike figures. And they look a lot less like they're made of old gun parts these days. I just might want one, but they're like hen's teeth and a test bike doesn't seem likely...
  • 4 0
 So “hang out and do some illustrations” means “doing fufanus on rocks”?
  • 1 0
 It's Taj's preferred meditative position.
  • 1 0
 Just a thought: For comparison sake have a manufacturer spec comparison and a standard eq comparison. I say that because you put the same fork, a highly tunable shock(ie float X2), and same parts on every bike to really isolate particular models vs each other with the most variables controlled. Not only would it highlight the bikes with the most( and least ) thoughtful spec, but also the best bike. Just an idea for next year.
  • 2 0
 Let's see... Awesome bikes, incredible looking riding, and sponsored by Sierra Nevada... How many asses do I have to kiss to be on the 2021 test? I'm getting my knee pads and lip balm ready...
  • 4 0
 The amount of wires coming out of that Trek is impressive
  • 2 0
 more wires than a Bangkok telephone pole
  • 7 3
 So the new unreleased Evil Bikes didn’t make the list?
  • 8 3
 Has an Evil bike ever made the list?
  • 21 0
 @tbaldini: Evil hasn’t responded to our emails this fall. We’d love to test some of their new bikes.
  • 17 0
 @brianpark: they’re too busy trying to figure out how to make a functional website.
  • 2 0
 Evil bikes don’t live up their hype. They’re good, but need to improve to catch up with others. Also they’re cracking left and right. Join the Evil FB owners group to find out about cracked frames, and the lack of support from the Evil on many instances.
  • 2 0
 Glad to see that they put the same (almost) tires on all the bikes instead of judging them by whatever they shipped out with.
  • 4 0
 Bike check vid on Levy's mini. DO IT
  • 6 0
 @brianpark and @radek please make this happen, BUT @mikekazimer has to perform the car check.
  • 3 0
 Slayerrrrrrrrrr - Bring it on! I'm so sick of watching Slayer first ride review videos.
  • 1 1
 There might be a reason why there are only 1st ride reviews of the slayer...
  • 2 0
 @ppp9911: Yea, maybe there were... NOT ENOUGH COOKIES!!!?? !!!
  • 2 0
 Ha. Watched them so often. Then I bought one. It’s frukcing awesome. Does everything well.
  • 1 0
 @paulwatt: Great to hear! Al or Carbon?
  • 4 0
 Why is Mike Levy's discipline not 'downcountry'????????? #FakeNews
  • 4 0
 Super interested in hearing their opinion about the Pole Stamina 140...
  • 2 0
 Spoiler alert: just look at the Pole website...

"Pinkbike says that they loved the bike, and it looks like it is one of the fastest bikes on the test. Nevertheless, as the engineer of the bike, I would have wanted to have the actual bike on the test. We have known about the case since last month, and we tried to send a replacement swingarm to Pinkbike. Even from several attempts, Pinkbike didn’t let us send them the correct swingarm that they could test the actual frame. We are disappointed that we didn’t get the chance to send the actual rear triangle so they could have done the “huck to flat test” again. We thought it would be good that way as well because Pinkbike advertises the field test so that the bikes are “same as customers.” On other tests, the XC rear triangle does not perform as good as the Trail because it is lighter and, therefore, more flexy."

"We have communicated our concerns to Pinkbike, and we understand that views pay their bills." Ouch...
  • 4 0
 I bought a GG Trail Pistol. Hope that's not e one that broke.
  • 3 0
 Where are the DH bikes?! So many new ones from so many manufactures this year. Please!
  • 3 3
 The Tallboy and the Optic should be in the same category. DownCountry and Trail should merge under AllMoutain.
Why don’t we simplify the segmentation like:
CrossCountry for light machines to go fast up and down on moderate technical trails.
AllMountain for riding any kind of trails whatever the relief.
Enduro for going up peacefully and going down fast.
DH for going down, only down.




It s great that new kind of bikes appears but I don’t think we need to create a new
  • 1 1
 I realize the reviews are already completed but I'm hoping they focus on how the bikes perform for their intended use. I would think that people looking for a downcountry bike would mostly be concerned with how easy it was to put lots of miles on, and the Enduro bikes for their sendability.
  • 2 1
 Yep, we had 2 different areas (the downcountry bikes stayed in Pemberton), and 3 different timed test loops for the 3 categories.
  • 1 1
 Ok, so 26" is officially DEAD. I get it, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy upgrading and riding my 26'ers! One of these days I'll sell one of mine to make room for a modern trail bike but I'm not in a huge hurry. Nice rigs though!
  • 1 0
 Nah, it’s time to sell man. Don’t be like grandma who refuses to try a new cordless phone because she’s happy with her corded landline lol.
  • 3 0
 more Taj! sure hope there is footage of him downside tailwhipping the Mondraker off some rock wallride.
  • 2 0
 I’m sure its been said 900 times in the 14.5k comments before I got here, but why no Santa Cruz Hightower. Was new this year.
  • 1 0
 We already reviewed it: www.pinkbike.com/news/review-2020-santa-cruz-hightower.html
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: gotcha. Thanks Brian. I thought I had seen an Occam review before too, but maybe it was just a first ride.
  • 3 0
 Downcountry racing should be a thing, I mean against the clock gnarly xc trail riding. would be sickkkk
  • 1 0
 I'd watch
  • 3 0
 Y'all missed the best part! Look at all those Shimano builds! Finally the sleeping blue giant has risen!
  • 1 0
 It's funny, but depending on which forums you read, you'd get the impression that a British manufacturer from Halifax were the only ones that had frame failure...

(I've had four and not broken one yet)
  • 4 0
 Where is the new Ibis Ripmo AF ???
  • 4 1
 You know exactly why it’s not in the mix.
That $3,000 RipmoAF will out climb the other 29er enduros in the mix and will also beat them on the downhill.
That’s why they separated Ibis to the 27.5 category with Yeti which can actually can give them a run for their money, if their frames don’t crack. Now Yeti’s are not designed to be ridden when is muddy, that was revealed this last Outerbike at Bentonville.
  • 1 0
 @PJSANAB: I know exactly what you talking about. Either way though they said that they had a full test review coming pretty soon but nothing until now. @brianpark @mikelevy ??
  • 5 2
 Don't apologize for saying downcountry. Just own it and move on.
  • 2 0
 No need team, that Optic is already on my shopping list - it looks fricken fun and right on the money for what I need
  • 2 0
 It's incredible Smile
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: that’s what I need to hear , kidney for sale if you’re interested
  • 3 0
 To be fair it’s the only bike this year that makes me want to sell my stumpy Evo. Then I look at the stumpy and I couldn’t do it
  • 2 0
 @Bigwill13: that's fair enough. Being honest I'm really happy with my Marin but in all honesty that Optic looks bang on the money for what I need
  • 3 0
 Vories could bar spin Mike's mini
  • 2 0
 As I sit at home with a broken collarbone, it's things like this that keep me going Smile , thanks pb
  • 3 0
 Guess what, each bike fits one water bottle! Except for Pole - nurd!!
  • 2 0
 It's like the Bible of Bike Tests, but fuelled by Timbits and double doubles.
  • 2 0
 Looks like you put the same tires on all bikes, at least in the lineup photo. Much appreciated!
  • 2 0
 too bad the selection is somewhat limited for each specific category. for example, what about the Norco sight, Ibis Ripley?
  • 6 0
 We already reviewed the Ripley, and the Sight will get a stand-alone review soon.
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: cool looking forward to it!
  • 1 0
 I was excited about the DC section but then there was no Revolver. Have Norco not got any in their press fleet? The thing looks hot but I can't find reviews on it!
  • 2 0
 Levy took a look at them back in the spring: www.pinkbike.com/news/norco-revolver-2020-first-ride.html
  • 2 0
 SWEET! Funny that the Trail Pistol is not considered a Trail bike... Smile Not arguing with where they out it, just funny...
  • 3 0
 Good to see at least one larger person testing
  • 1 0
 Mike Levy, what engine is in that Mini ?
The manifold should be on the rear !!
Serious question.
I built a custom show winner in the UK 20+ years ago that's now in LA.
  • 1 0
 It's a B18c on a Mini-Tec sub-frame. AWD at some point, but it'll likely stay front-engined.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy:
That's a lot of power !
Must be frightening when gunned.
Well done on keeping it alive.
  • 1 0
 @crazy9: It's a bit much for FWD and the torque-steer is crazy bad, but the fun comes from trying to be smooth rather than letting it pull you off the road. From 35hp to somewhere around 200hp... Essentially undrivable when it's wet haha
  • 1 0
 BTW its better to huck to angle. Next year its innovation time. I would like to see Teeter Tooter Mega Slomo action with bikes in the 80-100mm travel range with tire inserts.
  • 1 0
 Huck to Dangerous Dansition.
  • 2 0
 Screw the bikes let's do a full breakdown of @mikelevy 's mini, love it man. Will it fit down A-Line? Me thinks yes.
  • 2 0
 It'd fit down A-Line but I'd end up in the trees for sure.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: you never know until you try...
  • 1 0
 How bout a rewind section so you can show how my dated 2016 spec alum enduro 29 measures up to all of these great new bikes that I cannot afford ????
  • 2 0
 So how many companies paid you to use the term of down-country?
  • 8 10
 When is the eMTB group field test coming? All these bikes look amazing, but the next time I drop 5k on a bike it will be an eMTB because they all climb better than any analog bike no matter how good they are, and they just make riding faster and more fun away from places with uplifts. Plus I'm getting old and my knees ache so I want to spend more time enjoying the ride than suffering.
  • 1 1
 better watch your step, this is pb after all....
  • 2 0
 I wanna know what Taj liked...
  • 1 0
 Looking forward to this.

As a Mondraker fan, I do wish the Super Foxy was available/ included for your testing.
  • 1 0
 Hey Suns! I'm curious about the SuperFoxy as well and hope to demo one in the future. I ditched the Foxy 29, I just couldn't get the back end to feel like I wanted it to. It was fast for sure but I didn't quite click with it. I'm actually extremely interested in the F Podium DC. Looks like a crazy fun bike that would cover 85% of the riding I do. Hopefully it isn't one of the bikes that broke...
  • 2 0
 What do they mean by Downcountry
  • 2 1
 They mean a new bike category marketing wants you to buy into.
  • 4 0
 Downcounty is a bike based on XC race bike that is overforked/overshocked and heavier duty tires/wheels etc. to handle trail riding. LIghtweight speed and nimbleness of a XC race bike but able to handle some real trail.
  • 1 0
 @ajaypate1 www.pinkbike.com/news/what-the-heck-is-a-down-country-bike-opinion.html
  • 2 0
 They can't call it Backcountry and it sounds better than Sidecountry, also just Country bike does not ring the right bell so there you go..
  • 1 0
 @preston67: Overforking doesn't make the bike more able to handle "real trail". Quite the opposite actually. A longer fork puts more stresses on the headtube area (especially for those XC frames with super short heattubes in order to have low stack despite the big wheels) so it will actually break under less rough riding than it would with the "intended" fork (no pun intended by any means). The only thing it does is make the rider more able to handle rough riding, for those who feel the original spec'd XC bike is too challenging.

That is, as far as the fork goes of course. You're always going to need tires, wheels (and possibly tire inserts) to deal with the terrain and style you're riding.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: I was just describing my understanding of downcountry, not recommending any particular course of action.
  • 2 0
 It's quite simple. Take a bike that would normally only be ridden by whippets in full lycra kits and disco slippers and give it to a bro wearing baggies and a flannel. Let the bro mod it to his liking and then take it on aggressive trail rides.

I somewhat disagree with the DC category choices in this test. The bikes spec'd with a 130mm fork should fall in the Trail category IMO. i.e. limit travel to 115r/120f for DC.
  • 1 0
 Kinda sounds like the Scott Spark series...

RC: XCO Nino type bike, 100mm travel
Reg Spark is now considered trail, 120mm and slacker HTA.
Genius is still in the line, more travel and more trail.
  • 2 0
 @zephxiii: I had a regular Spark and a Genius, The spark was a phenomenal bike and capable of more than one would expect. The major downside of the Spark is the single pivot, flex chainstay design which didn't pedal as well without engaging the suspension locks. The Genius actually had less bob when pedaling in the open position. I also didn't like the spaghetti cables on the front of the Scott bikes. The Spark was a super fun bike.
  • 1 0
 yeah awesome! loved the field test videos last year... really good format of biketests .. keep it up!
  • 2 0
 When is the actual field test coming out? Can't wait!!!
  • 3 0
 It all starts tomorrow Smile
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Thanks Mike!
  • 2 0
 Give me a review of that Mini!!! Big Grin
  • 4 0
 Review: SCARY AF haha
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy Bike tests. Great. Good. I know why I'll tune in to see (hear) this video. Finally. Fak.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy hell yeah that's dope add kit would be insane maybe room for a turbo?
  • 1 0
 Not anytime soon. It's a handful as is and would need the AWD kit before a turbo Smile
  • 1 1
 @mikelevy: ya I can see that torque steer is a bitch. But thats what I was thinking an all wheel drive turbo honda mini cooper. Thats ridiculous almost worse than the boosted boys hondaru
  • 1 0
 So pinkbike lost interest in Dowhnill and DJ bikes!! soon will see gravel bikes!
  • 1 0
 What about if your riding local trails adjacent to the city, is that frontcountry?
  • 2 0
 Taj really classes this whole operation up immensely.
  • 1 0
 Well if you huck to flat a XC bike I guess its going to break. Even the Huck is just over a Norris Mini.
  • 1 0
 Is there no Session when everything is a Session?

Obligatory existential Session comment.
  • 1 0
 Excluding any offerings from YT, Canyon and Commencal seems like a huge oversight.
  • 1 0
 I live in a cave, wtf is "downcountry"?
  • 1 0
 It's the same as upcountry, but it's when you go down .... it's a Nevada thing Wink
  • 1 0
 I was hoping to see a Hightower 2020 in the mix, bummer..
  • 1 1
 Seriously! Wtf pinkbike
  • 1 0
 @Ironmonsoon602 @nmisic Why would we do that when we already gave it its own huge standalone review? The search bar is your friend Wink www.pinkbike.com/news/review-2020-santa-cruz-hightower.html
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: sure, I've read the review when it got out and I understand your point Smile I was just hoping it would still be in the field test because the direct comparison to the other bikes and the rating for the best bike in the category at the end would be interesting to me. but yeah you would mostly have to repeat a bunch of stuff from the first review ...
  • 2 0
 @nmisic: second this. Comparisons are constructive beyond just how it is or is not a megatower light. Great review tho.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer any chance of a comparison to the Sight you have on test?
  • 1 0
 no megatower?? :-/ beast has ripped for me no matter what I am riding
  • 1 0
 Go rill aaaaaaaa! can't wait to read / watch that review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Yes stoked to see Luca in mix.
  • 4 3
 Really wish you had a Capra and a Jeffsy in there...next time?
  • 1 0
 Man I want a downcountry bike
  • 1 0
 I hope this is RAD - Thrash the Downcountry Bikes!
  • 12 11
 Pole looking like a bag of shit as always.........
  • 6 3
 I could care less, thank god brands are making bikes for the well endowed these days, stick to your Juliana dude.
  • 4 1
 @Imabigboy82:

Hung like a field mouse
  • 2 2
 I think the Stamina would be the perfect bike for you - holds 3 water bottles, which should be enough to flush all that saltiness out of your body. I love how triggered people get over Pole.
  • 3 2
 @AMFG: Im not triggered dude, I just said that Im happy Pole make bikes made for dudes who are tall and more elite in structure. As I say you guys stick to your small Juliana's they suit your little tonka legs. Good luck
  • 2 1
 @Imabigboy82:

I was commenting that Dutchman was triggered, not you!
  • 1 1
 @AMFG: Sorry dude haha, I take it back, all of it Smile
  • 1 1
 @artusbiker: hung like a field mouse in a field of tiny ants.... and not red ones. Go back in your hole sir.
  • 1 0
 I can’t wait for this! Hell yea PinkBike!!
  • 1 0
 Loved this series last year! look forward to more of it
  • 1 0
 Every frame has a water bottle
  • 1 0
 Kudos to you guys for putting a water bottle in all the pics.
  • 1 0
 1 - were control tires used?

2 - wtf is slug porn?
  • 1 0
 Yes. And you’ll need to ask Kaz. He explained it in great detail.
  • 1 0
 There is like 20 more bikes I would put on the list. Lol.
  • 1 0
 Sooooo..... what snapped? Also is that a vtec mini?
  • 1 0
 It is a Vtec Mini.
  • 1 0
 Finally some flares Mike.
  • 1 0
 I'd start with the Optic too.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy why didn't you guys decide to test the new SB140?
  • 2 0
 It has its own review soon Smile
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Cool!
  • 1 0
 Get with the Netflix age Pinkbike. What’s with the weekly tease?
  • 1 0
 I didn’t know Levi was running a B-series, need deets.
  • 1 0
 I miss any of Transition Bikes here Smile
  • 3 3
 Jason is only allowed to test the Top Fuel #contract
  • 7 6
 Okay boomer.
  • 21 2
 Epistein didn’t kill himself
  • 1 1
 Will Taj put out an animated version of a bike review?
  • 1 1
 "Downcountry (sorry)"...how sad it is...
  • 1 1
 Is that a Santa Cruz S-Works?
  • 1 0
 why you feel sorry?
  • 1 0
 Fucking pemberton 3
  • 2 1
 What ... no YT's?
  • 1 0
 Hey PB, it's 2019! Wink
  • 4 4
 People still ride Yeti?
  • 2 1
 They ride pretty damn good, when they’re new.
But eventually they might crack, and they aren’t designed for muddy conditions.
  • 2 5
 no 26"? good enough for Rampage but not for average trickers. wtf
  • 2 4
 wheres the E Bike?
  • 1 4
 No turner rfx?
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