2022 Pinkbike Awards: Value Mountain Bike of the Year Nominees

Dec 10, 2022 at 14:02
by Matt Beer  


Value Mountain Bike of the Year Nominees


There's no hiding that mountain biking is an expensive sport, and inflation hasn't helped that situation. More often than not though, bike companies send out the top of the line model to test because they want us to have the best experience possible. We all love riding the latest and greatest gizmos - don't get us wrong - but what about the folks out there that don't want to splurge on all the carbon parts and electronic components? They still want to ride just as fast and far as anyone else.

The truth of the matter is, those luxuries won't make up for poor suspension kinematics or goofy geometry. Pushing value bikes just as hard as their more expensive competitors can be quite humbling. Plus, we still have a ton of fun when we do test a bike that doesn't stretch to a five-digit price tag, provided it doesn't fall apart. That's why we give an award to the real hero of the bunch - the Value Bike of the Year.

The nominees for the 2022 Pinkbike Value Mountain Bike of the Year, in ascending price, are the Marin Team Marin 1, Specialized Status 140, Canyon Spectral 125 AL 6 and Norco Fluid FS A1.




Marin Team Marin 1
$1,589 USD


Why it's nominated

If the price wasn't a dead giveaway why the Marin Team Marin 1 was included in the nominees, let me explain - you can ride legit trails on this $1,600 bike. That was the price of my first real bike way back when and it didn't have disc brakes or a 12-speed drivetrain. A short stem and 67-degree head tube make for some quick handling, but that's what makes the Team Marin 1 such a blast in rolling single track. Yes, you might want to add a dropper post, but people rode bikes off-road for decades without them, and still do. Fortunately, building a list of upgrades is a worthwhile venture for this value bike nominee.

Marin built this hardtail to bring beginners into racing cross-country and it sure as heck will help more people catch the mountain bike bug.

FULL REVIEW




Specialized Status 140
$3,000 USD


Why it's nominated

The Specialized Status 140 is all about bopping about on the trail, which equates to tons laughs and air time. What it doesn't add up to is a lot of cash in order to do so. The barrier to entry for this bike that can pedal all day or lap jump lines is only $3,000 USD, and it can ship right to your door. That's a new method of sales from Specialized and is designed to reach riders that might reside beyond their dealer network. If the 140mm of travel isn't enough, there's also a 160mm version for the same price. Both builds include quality Specialized rubber, Fox air suspension, a SRAM NX 12-speed drivetrain, and an X-Fusion dropper post.

The Specialized Status is a relatively low-cost package deal to try your hand at enduro racing or sessioning your local neighbourhood jumps.

FULL REVIEW




Canyon Spectral 125 AL 6
$3,500 USD


Why it's nominated

Ok, let's get the weight out of the way first. The Spectral 125 AL 6 is not a light short-travel bike, but this was never meant to be an XC featherweight. Solid DT-Swiss wheels keep the rolling components round under abusive riders and an actual full-Shimano SLX groupset (no skimping on the cassette). The angles are also quite aggressive for the 125mm of rear wheel travel. To keep you out of trouble, the build is backed by a 140mm Fox 36 and wrapped with Maxxis 3C tires. Really though, I can't find a flaw in this build, especially when you consider the price is $3,500.

The Canyon Spectral 125 AL 6 is capable of more than your typical short-travel bike with a strong focus on descending.

FULL REVIEW




Norco Fluid FS A1
$3,999 USD


Why it's nominated

Balancing the specs, pricing, geometry and appearance of a mountain bike isn't an easy task, but Norco did just that with the Fluid FS A1. At $3,999, it's the most expensive of the bunch. Remember though, we're talking about value and not budget. What you get is bang for your buck. Sharp components, the right angles, and quality suspension, plus, it's still a workhorse. In our Fall Field Test, it went up against larger trail bikes that were more than double the price and held its own. It didn't shine in any one particular corner - it simply performed well everywhere.

Norco has built the Honda Civic of bikes. The Fluid FS A1 is simple, effective, well-priced and steps up the component choices in key areas.

FULL REVIEW






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114 Comments

  • 141 68
 Ahh 2022, the year of the value $4,000 pedal bicycle. And no this isn't a knock on the Norco but instead the bike industry as a whole.
  • 168 3
 4000 for a bike with top of the line fox suspension is definitely value in my book. That was unheard of pre pandemic. That’s like 2017 commencal prices. I’d say it’s pretty good
  • 79 2
 My first quality mtb back in 2012 was a yeti sb66 on clearance for $2700 ($3600 accounting for a conservative 3% inflation over the past 10 years). Aluminum frame, fox 32, fox rp23, SRAM x7 build kit. I thought that was a smoking deal back then. Ten years later and that Norco for only $400 (compared to the adjusted amount for inflation of course) more would absolutely blow that yeti out of the water. That’s A LOT of bike for the money.
  • 22 0
 Its not too out of whack with inflation. I was selling $1,500 bikes in 1989 with front suspension and good components, adjusted for inflation, maybe 3.6K? But arguably way less advanced. Its always been an expensive sport. We just like to remember our first beater we bought for $300.
  • 32 0
 Yeah I think “value” has a few different meanings. Is $4k a lot of money? Hell yes. Is what you’re getting with that Norco, component wise, a hell of a deal for the price compared to other bikes similarly spec’ed? Hell yes. So it’s more of a “value” compared to other bikes with similar specs, not a value relative to cheaper bikes.
  • 4 0
 @noplacelikeloam: fairly accurate, www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1989?amount=1500
  • 17 0
 @olafthemoose: I concur the pricing on this bike seems like it is from another era, especially for a Norco. Commencal has definitely been shifting price points, got to pay all those athletes I suppose.

What your comment reminded me of was Vitus, a company that is very much in its golden era price-wise, I'm astounded they aren't on this list. The Sommet CRS will set you back $3,900. A carbon frame, Zeb Select, Super Deluxe Select+, SLX Drivetrain, SLX brakes, and a set of hardy Neutron V2 wheels. Vitus won't even skimp on tires, Maxxgrip Exo+ on the front, and Maxxterra DD on the back.
  • 4 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: 100%, as a young kid my dad bought a 1989 Cannondale Red Shred brand new for $1k, which is ~$2400 today....all alum, full rigid, I'd say an equivalent bike today would be in that ballpark.

Now the $1600 Marin above is 100x the bike of that 1989 bike I had, for a fraction of adjusted price....
  • 16 0
 It never gets mentioned, but the Norco FS A1 is the top spec of that line. There are 3 levels below the A1 that seem to offer the same great value for price and smart spec choices. Personally the A2 for $1k less with still great suspension and a mix of SLX and XT is even better value than the A1.

Even the A4 for just over $2k has a great spec for the price. I'd probably find a way to swap out that fork, but other than that, everything else is pretty good to go (maybe tires? Don't know anything about those good year's).
  • 2 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: Vitus is great outside of Canada. But to bring one into Canada, until they open up a Canadian based distribution centre... you have to add almost 30% to their prices. But when they're on sale... sometimes it's worth it!
  • 1 1
 I think there is a difference between value and cheap. A full suspension mtb that´s worth riding will never be cheap. To much goes into making a bike. I agree that it would be nice if bikes were cheaper ... but it´s not really realistic
  • 1 0
 @schulte1400: how many chainstays did you break lol
  • 2 1
 @noplacelikeloam: good post. You made me think about what my first brand new bike (Univega Alpina RX-500 with Mag30 fork, 28 lbs on a good day). I bought that bike for $1K in 1990. That would have been $2300 in today's dollars. I LOVED that bike but no way I'd pay that much for what the bike was vs contemporary bikes nowadays. Even the cheap Polygon full suspension bikes would outperform that bike up or down. www.5miles.com/item/E8yaJXMXqvOroklX
  • 2 2
 @microfiz: Oh yeah, I remember being given a discount (via sponsorship) to afford a Rocky Mountain TiBolt. $2500 retail if I remember. Thats 6K nowadays. For a hardtail with a rigid fork!
  • 41 1
 Without getting political, there’s a bigger issue here. $4000 for a modern mountain bike is an absolute bargain, adjusted for inflation that’s no more expensive than the bikes we rode 15 years ago, and they were pretty dire. Modern mountain bikes are great.

The problem is that whilst inflation has upped the price of everything, your wages are pretty much what they were 15 years ago, combined with housing costs that have been artificially inflated to provide the illusion of ‘growth’. I’m not defending the bike industry (Santa Cruz and NX drivetrains) but the anger is better directed towards a series of Western governments who have consistently made their citizens poorer whilst enriching the few at your expense.
  • 5 0
 @Td5819: but I get a cheese basket for Christmas? Doesn't that make up for the wages?
  • 4 0
 @Td5819: I come here to watch rad videos and look at cool bikes, not be depressed about my dead end living wages. But here we are lol
  • 1 0
 @olafthemoose: but for $4k ish you can get 1-2 year old top of line used.
  • 3 1
 @jrocksdh: most used bikes are in rough shape. I’d have a really hard time spending that kind of money on a pb buy sell bike. I’d MUCH rather have a new fluid than a clapped out carbon ibis
  • 2 0
 @olafthemoose: same tbh. At 250 lbs, I don't waste my time with used mtbs anymore. I've broken way too many frames in my time to not have a warranty.
  • 3 0
 @olafthemoose: plenty of barley ridden rigs out there..esp from folks whom added an E to their garage last 2 years.
Analog just sits.
My 2nd hand jeffsy has been solid for 2 years I've had it so far.
  • 3 1
 @olafthemoose: plenty of barely ridden high-end used bikes out there, ride-wrapped garage queens. And as someone who did, in fact, by a clapped out Ibis on PB for dirt cheap, a complete overhaul was $500 and a few beers.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: do you get a warranty?
  • 2 0
 @olafthemoose: Lots of great amazing bikes and deals on buy sell. I get a ambassador deal and sell my bike every year. I'm a home mechanic and take insanely good care of my bikes (adds value) and always Ride Wrap the frame and fork. Before I put them up for sale tear them down, replace bearings if needed and take apart all the links, clean and regrease including the headset and bottom bracket. When I sell them, they're basically brand new with top flight suspension and components I only sell them for just enough to cover my next bike so they're always a great deal. They are in the $6K range but you're generally saving $2 to $3k vs a new one... for one that is next to new.

I've helped 4 people get into riding over the past few years by helping them buy used bikes... all were great deals for great bikes that are still running strong. I've bought 3 used bikes for my kids over the past few years. Last year picked up a barely used mint 2018 Rocky Reaper for $1500! Have bought 3 used bikes for my wife over the past number of years. Lastest was a Norco Sight that someone bought, used 3 times and it sat in her garage for a year before she decided to sell it for a steal.

If you do your research and know what you're doing.... lots of fantastic deals are out there. I've found that key is... if you're looking, be watching often (multiple times a day). The best deals I've found is because I saw the ad within 10 to 30 mins of posting and was the first person to contact them and made a reasonable offer right away and came to check it out and pick up that day.
  • 2 0
 Good value ≠ cheap. Good value means you get a lot for the money.
  • 1 0
 @TheBearDen: negative. So for $1500 frame plus an extra shock and a dropper I did pretty good.
Now id be hesitant if buying a used enduro or any other that has had major recalls/warranty issues past years.
  • 2 0
 @Bobtheguy: for a friend, I picked up a 2021Polygon Siskiu D7 for 1/2 retail on Craigslist. I put a parts drawer problem solvers spacer behind the cassette and true’ed the front wheel. The new owner changed the pedals and bars. Nice value bike with modern Geo for 2018 prices in that category. Those ‘pandemic’s over’ purchases are out there. Some interesting bikes show up on Kiiji (Canadian Craigslist analog).
  • 1 0
 @Td5819: I have this pipe dream that some company will use some decent geometry and pair it with tried and true (and cheap) manufacturing practices with a material like aluminum and make a bike that performs well for a low price. My $.02 from my economical armchair based on my view of the mountain bike world over the years:
[prices at cost to consumer given purchase of full bike]
-Make an aluminum full suspension frame with geometry that's approximately 1 year old [+$700]
-Put some middle of the road suspension on it [+$800]
-Middle of the road SLX-esque group [+$1000 with wheels etc.]
-House brand bits and bobs including a dropper [+$400]

I think that's reasonably conservative and gets you a great bike someone could buy for less than $3k that performs just below the Norco above. I'd love for a product manager/rep from a big company to open up a book and tell my why they couldn't do this with a bike any day of the week.

It bothers the hell out of me that employee pricing is almost always 50% off. Can we open up the middle of the road, high-performing bikes to some people by making margins more like 25%? It just pisses me off.
  • 2 0
 @A-HIGHLY-EDUCATED-PROFESSIONAL: I agree, especially regarding geometry. Good geometry isn’t free, but it’s a very cost-effective way to make a great frame.

We’re lucky in the U.K. that a few companies are actually pretty much doing what you suggest. Privateer and Vitus, Ragley and Nukeproof all make (relatively) good value aluminium frames with decent geometry. I’m not sure whether there’s an equivalent in North America.
  • 21 3
 I think everyone should be obligated to call their XC bike the [Brand] Team [Brand] [Number].

Norco Team Norco 1
Trek Team Trek 9.9 RSL
Rocky Mountain Team Rocky Mountain 40
Canyon Team Canyon 3
Santa Cruz Team Santa Cruz 4
NS Bikes Team NS Bikes 2
  • 37 0
 Welp, I'm starting a company called 'Team' bikes then. The Team Team Team 1.1.1 will set you back $11,100.00.
  • 5 0
 We're all on the Team Bikes Team
  • 3 0
 @j-t-g: ...and if you're not going to ride a Team from Team with the Team then you're off the Team and you can never ride a Team from Team and anyone not part of this Team is surely not a Team player and cannot work for Team building Teams for our Team. If there are any other questions about Team or the Team please read the Team manual written by our Team.
  • 17 0
 That Norco has to be the best of the bunch.


But the price the big S sold the status for around Black Friday/cyber Monday.... dang dude. Best deal I've seen in the industry in a long long time.
  • 1 0
 Is the Status available in the states? If so, what’s the difference between it and the SJ? The non-Evo SJ starts lower than $3k.
  • 1 0
 I missed it. What did it go for?
  • 3 0
 @gnarlysipes: but that build on the low end stumpy is garbage. The status ticks all the boxes and doesn’t compromise on brakes and suspension.
  • 2 0
 @PaulWolf: They are selling it direct to consumer for a big discount online.

Aside: This is a big deal because they also unloaded a ton on dealers without telling them they where having a online fire sale.
  • 1 1
 @gnarlysipes: way worse parts spec.
  • 1 0
 @gnarlysipes: You have to jump up the the $4k SJ comp to come closer to the parts spec, Status still has better brakes and fork.
  • 17 2
 IMO the Status is surely the winner. So many young riders I know picked up one of them when they came out because of their affordability and accessibility, and they have all progressed like crazy. Big up specialized
  • 4 1
 Happening around here too. Perfect grom bike.
  • 3 2
 @onemanarmy: for 3k it's a perfect bike for many. Though, the Rhythm fork lowers cracked on mine, and not through any crash.
  • 2 0
 @sorrymissjackson: Sounds like a warranty issue. That sucks.
  • 4 0
 @sorrymissjackson:

Sorry, miss jackson.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: tried my luck with Fox. They said I must have broken it in a crash. Scratches on the decals were enough proof for them.
  • 1 1
 I find it odd in the write up that they highlighted the NX drive train but failed to mention it has Code R brakes
  • 14 0
 The new Vitus Mythique, hands down, especially the VRX model
  • 10 0
 Right now Alchemy has all models of the Arktos on sale. The Arktos 135 (carbon frame) with full SRAM GX drivetrain, Fox factory 36 fork, Fox DPX2 Factory rear shock, and Industry 9 enduro wheels for only $4500!!!

alchemybikes.com/products/arktos-135-2022
  • 7 0
 Still think Ibis has some amazing offerings in Alu. Ripmo and Ripley are wicked bikes that would work for many. Love my ripmo af.
  • 7 0
 Just wait 6 months and there will be plenty of value new and used bikes for sale everywhere
  • 7 2
 My money is on the Status. Good price for a killer bike. Got one for my kid as an upgrade to a Transition Ripcord. Great move. The Grom is going to kick his old man’s ass on the trails pretty soon…
  • 2 1
 But we all know the Specialized Rule: Every Specialized bike, no matter how low it's priced, should be [Whatever The Price] – [US$2,000].
  • 6 0
 I really wish it was kitted out with deore rather than Sram
  • 1 0
 @singletrackslayer: so 1k for that bike? You're sure about the math there?
  • 2 0
 @sorrymissjackson: Looks like you missed the subtext. My point is about cheap Specialized haters. If Specialized gave them a bike for free they'd then proclaim, "Well, you should also give me $1,000 on top of the free bike." Some haters always hate.
  • 1 0
 @singletrackslayer: yes I did Smile . I own that bike, and can't complain (other than the cracked fork Fox said I broke in a crash)
  • 1 0
 @Dartmoor365: That's how it was at first, like almost all Specialized bikes. But then availability problems hit.
  • 3 0
 Is it actually the case that the Specialized Status 140 and 160 can still be had for USD 3000? At least in Europe it seems to be the case that there are only much more costly runner up versions available. I got my 160 for EUR 2.7k when it came out. Last I heard it was 3.3k, but it has been replaced now by an updated version. Haven't found confirmation on the Internet though.
  • 4 0
 www.specialized.com/at/de/status-160/p/199767?color=320387-199767
for 3.7k, which seems to be the very same bike. Doesn't matter much, since you can't get them anyway.
  • 3 1
 Norco is €5k, so the list is actual only for US
  • 1 1
 @wyric: pretty nasty considering that USD 4000 would be EUR 3779.40 Euro as of now.
  • 3 1
 US website shows the 160 is in fact $3k. Both colors in all sizes are in stock.
  • 6 3
 Maxxis needs to call the DHR/DHF the DHT, because it's driving my OCD wild when the DHR is in the front/DHF in the back.

It would also put an end to Cool Todd, that guy at a trailhead near you who wastes way too much of your time telling you why the DHR is better in the front/the DHF is better in the back.
  • 15 0
 No, call it the Maxxis Team Maxxis 1.
  • 6 0
 I've got a DHF in the back and Assegai in front. But it was more out of not wanting to waste a barely used DHF.
  • 1 3
 Also I need a history lesson on why there's no DHR 1 the same way we go over why they're called clipless pedals in every article. It seems like if that was ever a real tire it's been scrubbed from the internet.
  • 5 0
 @nowthatsdoomage: www.maxxis.com/us/tire/minion-dhr

Look harder? I guess they didn't call it the "DHR 1" though.
  • 3 0
 I believe running a DHF in the back is illegal in some Northern California open space preserves.
  • 1 0
 @DylanH93: same exact thing here, bud (rides great though!)
  • 4 0
 at $1550 I'd rather have the Commencal HT then the Marin. Comes with dropper, 200mm front rotor, Maxxis tires, and 30mm more travel. Marin doesn't seem like a great deal for $1600 on paper
  • 4 0
 I would like to nominate my own bike for its exceptional features like 2 wheels, handle bars, and seat and its ability to go both up and downhill. Truly remarkable.
  • 2 0
 I really, really loved the Marin Team Marin 2... until the seat stay cracked at the seat tube. There are a few others that have experienced the same issue: www.mtbr.com/threads/my-thoughts-on-the-marin-team-marin-2.1204532/post-15649527 Marin has updated the frame design with a bridge and now it appears that the seat stay just cracks at the brace. I've been waiting for 6 months for a replacement frame from Marin. I'm done with Marin.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, came here to see if anyone else mentioned this. The Team 2 seems sweet but I’ve been following that thread and it’s really not looking good!
  • 2 0
 If these don't provide enough value you can always buy a 26" bike for almost free. Or a bike with non boost wheel spacing. Incredible deals out there on the stuff that people no longer want and there is really nothing wrong with them.
  • 4 0
 2021 winner, Ibis Ripley AF: "A precision weapon." Presumptive 2022 winner, Norco Fluid FS A1: "The Honda Civic of bikes."
  • 2 0
 In the budget price range the hardtail is hard to beat, even the team 2 is cheaper than all the full sus and you get a fox fork
  • 2 2
 Honest question here. Pivot may or may not have value priced options. (I mean at this point
value is pretty relative with a range of $1,600 through $3,999.)

Why do we not see Pivot reviews or press outside of their team riders? They seem like great bikes.
  • 4 0
 Pivot makes great bikes, but they’re some of the most expensive on the market.
  • 2 0
 Is the Norco Fluid really $1500 better than the Polygon Siskiu T8?! Only bike I think comes close to value is the Status. Maybe one of the Vitus trail bikes, too.
  • 4 0
 Lol. No. That Polygon (and maybe the Similar Vitus) are the only Value hero’s anymore. This list is a farce without them. It should say “New Value Bikes” because they don’t look at the overall market and pick a Top Winner by merit, only a new bike or newly reviewed I guess.
  • 1 0
 The $1500 is for the Fox Factory suspension, XT groupset and the good brakes, pretty sure the Siskiu has none of those, despite being a great bike at a great price!
  • 2 0
 Fezzari Delano peak for $3600 with Slx drivetrain, DVO suspension and carbon frame is pretty good value. That Norco looks pretty sweet though.
  • 3 1
 4k "value" bike. Lol. I remember when the most expensive mountainbike money could buy was 4k. It really wasn't very long ago at all....
  • 1 0
 It's just nice that Norco is speccing a full XT Shifter, cassette and Derailleur instead of just the Derailleur like most brands.
  • 3 0
 That Marin Team Marin is such a fun bike.
  • 1 0
 This is my field of expertise and I will say that the best value bikes are:

Radon Skeen trail / Slide trail
YT Izzo
Rockrider XC900s
  • 3 1
 Both Status models are pretty good for the price
  • 2 0
 i guess they didnt want norco to win bike of the year again.
  • 1 0
 I'm so glad that my canyon stoic 3 only cost 1.300€ and it came with a 170mm dropper post.
  • 2 0
 Canyon Spectral 125 AL 5 all the way!
  • 1 0
 Matt Beer , great name ! Wish my parents would of named me , Scott Whiskey ! Cheers.
  • 2 1
 @Smashmouth: I wish my parents had named me Scott Whiskey...
There is no "would of," but there is a "would have."
I'll fcuk off now.
  • 2 0
 @sonuvagun: Not offended by your comment at all. you're correct .I speak in riddle, after eating a cookie for lunch. You know, could of, should of, would of ! Don't fcuk off on my account ! I liked your comment.
  • 1 0
 @Smashmouth: Okay, that's very kind of you. But, I'm going to have to reiterate, it's: could have, should have, would have (could've, should've, would've). The "of" is purely due to the phonetics of the conjunctive form.
But, you seem like you're a decent fella, so Merry Christmas.
  • 2 0
 @sonuvagun: Merry Christmas.
  • 3 0
 No Fezzari Delano Peak?!
  • 1 0
 "Remember though, we're talking about value and not budget."
PB Commenter- proceeds to b*tch about price.
  • 3 2
 ...just once I'd like to hear "it's the Glock-19 of mountain bikes'
  • 4 0
 Isn’t the Glock of mountain biking Trek?

Good (if not outstanding) quality, generally reluctant to jump on new trends, traditionally a little conservative in terms of colour and design. You know it’ll work out of the box but might not be the most exciting prospect.
  • 3 0
 Imbues the owner with a hero complex, owned by lots dudes who drive f-150s, and likely to create weird brand loyalty among its users? Sounds like a Yeti
  • 1 0
 2 of em look like YT Jeffy copies, just say N
  • 2 0
 Vitus Mythic?
  • 2 0
 Or however you spell it, how are you supposed to pronounce it?
  • 1 0
 You should check out my VALUE Mazerati!
  • 1 0
 Solid choices here
  • 1 0
 Agreeds
  • 1 0
 Privateer 161 or 141?
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