dhbiker140

In my opinion, the standout difference with these bikes is the geometry. Not a lot of companies use similar geometry figures (especially with all of the adjustability). The Frameworks Enduro bike is also extremely similar to the Madonna. Take a look at the charts of those compared to other bikes and you'll see the difference. The Madonna or Frameworks will likely be my next bike this year for this reason. I always naturally end up setting my bikes up in a way that lands somewhere near these figures to make it fit/feel right, but by the time I do that, I have compromised the ride quality of the bike I'm riding to do so. Not saying it's for everyone, but it is ideal for some people.

Evan Wall slowly getting closer and closer to the podium

Surprised no one has integrated a Bluetooth speaker into an E-bike yet. That Ideal logo cap looks like a prime location to blast some tunes from.

Hopefully no slop in the mounting interface?

Same for Rye Airfield in New Hampshire.

@Dutze: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/who-are-pinkers-pinkbikes-2024-community-survey.html I would have typically agreed with you, but in fact the community survey shows roughly 2/3 of the Pinkbike audience is from US and Canada.

Definitely replacing “cranks” with “go sticks” in my vocabulary from now on. Thanks, Taj.

This is awesome, great article. I have an SB160 and have considered trying this. A couple questions: Was the bottom bracket height noticeably a problem in any specific situations? Also, I feel the same way about the ride characteristics of the bike ("on" vs. "in" the bike feeling, no steering with the feet, etc.) and I can't say I always prefer it. What are two or three other bikes that you would consider as being the opposite ride as the 160? As in, very "in" the bike and sharp in the berms/steeps? Yeti has treated me well over the years, notably during a warranty case with an SB150 that resulted in getting my SB160 frame for free, so I would like to stay loyal to them however if I was looking for a different ride quality it would be nice to have a couple options to consider demoing based on your recommendation. Thanks.

I thought the homepage thumbnail for this article was Dario’s profile headshot at first glance…..