We didn't put a price cap on the bikes that were sent out for this round of Field Tests, which is how we ended up with several bikes that cost more than $8,000 USD, with the Rocky Mountain Altitude taking the win for the highest price tag in the enduro category at $9,099 USD. I know, you're probably all super disappointed none of the bikes broke the $10,000 mark...
Seriously, though, we realize that most people won't be shelling out eight or nine thousand dollars for their next bike, so we decided to dig a little deeper into the available configurations for each model in order to see which options offered the best value. All carbon-everything may seem appealing, but saving $2,000 or more by going the aluminum route does leave a lot more money in the bank for road trips, a bike park pass, or maybe more trivial things like food and rent...
Santa Cruz NomadThe least expensive Nomad is $4,499, with a NX Eagle drivetrain, Guide RE brakes, and a Zeb fork / Super Deluxe Select shock. The version I tested comes very well spec'd for $6,199, with a full XT drivetrain and Performance Elite 38 fork, but those Reserve carbon wheels drive the price up to $7,399. No matter how you slice it, the Nomad doesn't offer the best value, but I will say that going the C frame route is a good way to save money without a performance difference, and those carbon wheels aren't a necessary upgrade, especially if you're not someone who's going through tons of aluminum rims every year.
Norco ShoreLet's move on to the Norco Shore, which, instead of only being available in carbon, is only available in aluminum. There are only two pedalable models, plus the park version, so that makes things easy.
The A2 is the one that stands out – it has a Deore 12-speed drivetrain and MT520 4-piston brakes. Suspension is a RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate shock, and a Zeb R fork. That has a Charger damper, but not the latest and greatest version. Still, for the price of $3,699 it's a bike that should be able to take a beating. Well, those rims are a little soft, but other than that it doesn't require any upgrades right away.
Trek SlashNext up is the Trek Slash. The Slash lineup runs deep, with both carbon and aluminum options and all kinds of build kits. I should mention that it's cool Trek incorporated in-frame storage in the aluminum bikes as well – they're the first company that I've seen do that. I'd skip the very cheapest model unless that's all your budget will allow – the NX drivetrain and Guide T brakes mean that you'll probably find yourself wanting to upgrade parts sooner than later. For $4,000 the Slash 8 comes with a SRAM GX drivetrain, Lyrik Select+, and Code R brakes. It's a very strong parts spec - there's not much, if anything, that would need to be changed right away.
$4,800 gets you into the carbon Slash, but I don't think spending $800 more than the 8 is worth it just for a carbon frame. Plus, you end up with an NX cassette, which means you'd need to upgrade the driver body to get something lighter on there. Out of all the carbon models, I'd say the 9.8 GX or XT offer the best value. Remember, though, value is subjective – we're still talking about $6,000 here, and there are an awful lot of house brand components for that price. You can choose either a GX or XT drivetrain, and Code or SLX brakes to go with it. Suspension is a Zeb Select + fork, which gets the Charger 2.1 damper, and a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock.
Rocky Mountain AltitudeLet's head back across the border to Canada again and take a look at the Rocky Mountain Altitude. Once again, there are aluminum and carbon models to choose from. This time, the base model is worth considering. $3,500 gets you a Deore drivetrain, Marzocchi Z1 Float GRIP fork, and a DPX2 Performance shock. It's the brakes that'll probably need upgrading – they're a step below below Deore, and the brake lever ergonomics at that level are lacking a bit. Other than that, it's a great build kit to start from.
$5,249 gets you top of the line suspension on that aluminum frame, in the form of a Fox 38 and Float X2 shock, an XT drivetrain (other than the SLX cassette) and brakes. I do wish that this build had DT's 350 hubs with their star ratchet design rather than the pawled system found in the 370's. I don't want to second guess the product manager, but I do think Rocky could have saved money by spec'ing Performance Elite suspension, which functions exactly the same as the Kashima coated stuff, and put those savings towards the hubs or cassette.
Moving up into the carbon world, things get expensive quick. The Carbon 70 model has a 36 fork, a Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes. Honestly, the carbon Altitudes don't really offer a great value at all – if you're on a budget or trying to get the most bang for your buck I'd skip right over them, since you can save nearly $2,000 by going with the Altitude Alloy 70. Sure, there's going to be a slight weight penalty, but I wouldn't stress about that too much.
Propain SpindriftThings are a little complicated when it comes to the Spindrift's pricing. In Europe, the brand offers more value because they’re direct to consumer, and the prices are quite competitive. Here in North America, there aren't as many options, and adding in a distributor erases what could potentially be a 20% cost savings from the VAT that customers pay in Europe. Propain also has an a la carte menu system that makes it a little trickier to compare apples to apples.
However, we can compare the $8,599 model that I tested to the $9,099 Rocky Mountain Altitude. Even riders that are flush with disposable income want to know what they're getting for that money. In this case, the Propain offers the better value – you get carbon wheels (Crankbrothers Synthesis) vs. the aluminum Race Face ones found on the Altitude, plus SRAM's wireless electronic drivetrain. If you're going to roll around on an extra-fancy bike, you might as well let everyone know it by having little robot noises emanate from it whenever you shift, right?
At the less expensive side of things, for riders that have access to Propain's full lineup there are deals to be had, and it's possible to customize the bike exactly how you want, component by component. I do wish there were some Shimano drivetrain options, but other than that I'd say Propain's overall value is certainly higher than the non-direct-to-consumer brands.
What would I pick?If I was dead set on choosing from this batch of brand new 2021 models I'd probably either go with base model Altitude and upgrade, or figure out a way to get a Propain configured the way I want it here in the States. I'd skip the carbon version for all models, simply because it doesn't make sense if you're on a budget. That's not to say I don't appreciate the weight savings, but it's not enough to make me want to cough up an extra $1-2,000 dollars.
Hopefully you've found this deeper dive into these five models helpful - we'll also be doing another value-oriented Field Test in 2021, along with setting some price limits for the 'regular' field tests in the future.
RockShox ZEB R 180mm
RockShox Super Deluxe Select R Coil 180mm
SRAM GX Eagle (1×12)
SRAM G2 R 203/203
PROPAIN ZTR FLOW S1
Cheapest AL Spindrift is 2599 , same specs
Or the Commencal AM29: www.commencal-store.com/meta-am-29-origin-graphite-2021-c2x31641379
And yours to the list...
The drawback is that non-europeans would need to figure out how to bring one to your continent without spending a bundle.
As i commented on another article, the option to upgrade certain items at a relatively smaller cost increase is a really attractive prospect.
You might be happy with everything on the base spec but really just want to upgrade the brakes. You can do that for a small price increase here, wheras you would otherwise have to pay a large increase to pay for upgraded everything in the spec-level that has the brakes you want in a traditional spec tier system.
Would love to see more brands offering this. For myself personally, i'd probably never exceed the capabilites of a fork such as the Yari (which is spec'd on a lot low/entry tier builds). But having a bike with Code RSC brakes, i'd very much like something similar on any new bike i was considering - but i don't want to upgrade to that level and pay a premium for all the other upgrades i don't need.
Of course, we can all just buy the required upgrades ourselves. But i'd much rather a brand use their buying power to offer the upgrade at a much lower price (i think when i looked at propain last year they had a sale where you could upgrade to Magura brakes for £15 and a Fox Factory fork upgrade was around £200. Good luck finding those prices anywhere else).
www.propain-bikes.com/en/bikes/freeride/spindrift-al
But you should consider that it lacks a dropper post, so you're obliged to add a 200€ to the cheapest model giving 2850€ at least with shipping included.
Anyway, configuring the bike starting from the cheapest model again, I'd find my way to have my personal best comps choices under 4K€, always with AL frame. Pity only we can't chose Shimano drivetrains: I agree with Kaz that's limiting to have only Sram options, only with 10-52 cassettes (I really don't like them for the huge 42-52 jump)...
Propain guys if you're reading, please add the Shimano option for all of us pls
Regards,
MM
The Spindrift can fit a dual crown fork without loosing warranty ..
NX cost 20 bugs more then the SLX group set what is really bad, here in the EU.
NX is totally not good enough, SLX is more capable then the GX or at least on the same level.
Until not long ago. I'll ask my two friends who are still ship owners how Santa Cruz warranties all Sram/non- SC components for lifetime.
When I'm buying my new derailleur after destroying the stock one two weeks in, I'll upgrade a bit maybe and maybe throw on that better shifter since it's cheaper than upgrading to four pistons and tires that actually have grip.
Except for SX, that's the turdist turd that's ever turded. I'd rather have a front derailleur.
I agree that breaks, tires and suspension matter more. However, the biggest irk with me on garbage components at that price level is the boat anchor of a rear cassette
Problem is that bike manufacturers noticed that there are people who dont have problem to spend 8-9 or 10000 EUR/USD on the bikes and those top prices pull lover prices up...
Similar case is with cars, not that long ago you could buy stupid WV Golf for around 14-15000 now that car starts around 20000 EUR.
If you're arsed about price, stop looking at top tier full carbon specced bikes as if they should be sold with you in mind.
New bikes all have wide rims, short stem and bars, wide range gearing, 35mm stanchions and decent tyres, most have droppers too unless you're sub $2k. Its a fact that any 2020 model bike is better than something 5+ years old.
My 2020 altitude BC is good enough. It cost like 3k less.
I don't think I'll be buying any more RMs in the foreseeable future. I don't care for the build kits and the prices are terrible.
If anything I'll buy an Sworks frame and move stuff over
That slash 8 is a killer deal. Or buying the aluminum frame and building up a sweet whip with your choice of parts. I’d buy a slash 8 and a decent hardtail/dj bike before going to 9.8 and I’m a shimano pref guy.
Trek has a solid customer service team which is one of their best qualities as a company which is why they earn my business and loyalty. I've heard good things from Cannondale as well, but more positive vibes from Trek which is full of real bike enthusiasts - just call them and be nice and you'd find the same experience.
Carbon Vitus Sommet 29 or 27
will get the job done for me IMO
Rockshox Yari RC 170mm/Rockshox Super Deluxe R Suspension
Shimano 1x12spd M6100 Deore Drivetrain
WTB KOM Trail Rims
Maxxis Assegai/Minion DHR II Tyres
Unfortunately not in the test.
That said, the Rocky Mountain Alloy 30 is super tempting. Not sure I'd want to huff around a 35 pound bike as my daily rider, but damn that's good spec for a modern big mountain bike with all the good things.
Haven't noticed the weight (but most of my bikes have been on the heavy side), the parts spec seems to work well (including the DPX2 feeling better than the X2 on my Capra) and it's just stupidly fun and confidence inspiring
Who needs top of the line components when you can color match a Miami Vice themed bike ?
Granted, in years past house brands were usually not as good.. Hell, go back a fee short years and a Bontrager carbon bar had a totally different bend than the aluminum bar and was awful. And yes, dropper posts can be another hit or miss item..
Granted I think Bontrager makes some very good components and arguably better than many other house brands. And in some cases, tires, helmets, etc. they are competing directly with aftermarket and "do" have to add in/absorb those added costs. BUT for bars and stems I don't think that is the case. (maybe somewhat in XC??)
IMO the biggest hit on the NX groupset is the shifter and it's more ergonomic than anything AND it's the easiest and cheapest upgrade to make. (and probably 80-90% of groupsets specced on bikes would benefit from upgrading the shifter to go with the normally higher specced rear derailleur anyway)
I'd still choose NX and better suspension over GX and lower suspension myself.
What was the support like from Kona?
At the time I was on a grass roots program with them so I didn't pay much for the bike. There was no warranty on that program
Dave
Awesome value right now Is the top alloy builds from Devinci...
www.devinci.com/en/bikes/mountain/troy-gx12s-red
www.devinci.com/en/bikes/mountain/spartan-deore-12s-charcoal7031
The Spartan: an actual North American built frame !!!
I'm not even mad anymore that brands like SC/trek/speci are ripping their customers right off, just astonished by the amount of people letting themselves be fooled it's worth it.
Here’s another idea @mikekazimer : have PB staff spec their own builds based on the frame only price and “street price” of parts.
This would make a really interesting comparison to the factory builds, and also it’s what a heck of a lot of people reading will be doing anyway.
"Plus, you end up with an NX cassette, which means you'd need to upgrade the driver body to get something lighter on there."
www.garbaruk.com/12-speed-shimano-hg.html?category=2
I know your other job would have been that of an English teacher and you d be so suited for that !
Service parts support? You mean bearings? Most everything else is not bike brand specific. What would be interesting to know is what brands actually will warranty their frames if they break (not that "manufactures defect" bs- they always claim you're the problem).
And yea, warranty is bs because it is a fundamental lack of understanding by consumers. Bikes tried to offset the above problems by giving stuff away, afraid to lose people. Crash your car on a jump and see what all state says.
"which is the best investment also comes down to which holds their value"
Are you buying bikes for yourself or the next guy? Mike is talking here about value in terms of riding experience per dollar spent. Bikes (ones that we ride, not some collectors' items) are never an investment but an expense anyway as they always lose value over time. They are the cost of our fun in the woods alongside fuel, car park fees etc. If you would choose a worse-performing (for you) bike just because of resale value, fair play but I would never do that.
"the best service parts support"
do you mean the bearings you can buy in any hardware store or derailleur hangers that are made for most frames by a thousand aftermarket companies in addition to the manufacturers themselves? Neither is an issue unless you're going for some total exotica.
"Crash your car on a jump and see what all state says"
Is that specific car designed, marketed and sold with jumping and off-road racing in mind? If yes and it broke a swingarm on a landing, it should absolutely fall under warranty.
You’re missing the point. Having available parts for a bike may be a deciding factor between two different finalist. I haven’t spent the time but Nicolai used to have a page on their website stating they would make replacement parts for the original owner for a decade after date of purchase. That I think is the benchmark for after purchase support and I would say that’s a great investment.
Secondly there aren’t 1000 companies making derailer hanger’s for other brands. There’s a handful and for the most part they make it for a few years until it isn’t commercially viable. Trying to find a derailer hanger for a bike from a few years ago is near impossible despite the fact you can see it on the website. Pictures on websites don’t guarantee inventory.
And your last point about insurance, it’s a false equivalency. Subaru isn’t showing videos of Travis Pastrana and Ken block jumping Impreza’s and customers expect those vehicles to handle that sort of use.
The ASTM standards classify a category four as speeds less than 25 miles an hour and jumps no higher than 48 inches. Category five has even less definition just that it goes over 25 miles an hour but makes no qualification on what rough terrain or jumps mean.
I still think that there’s too much faith being placed in manufacturers warranty‘s. They’re there for manufacturers defect not as a coverall for something expensive breaking. I watch the Friday fails and seeing how much bikes go through, those little events are what add up to big failures and often times it’s a little thing that breaks the camels back and customers don’t understand how such a minor event could result in something breaking and it was the 1000 little things before that that did your frame in.
Yes, it's nice Santa Cruz will give free ones out.. But, there's a good amount of involved in changing them all..
Now if they could find a way to indicate to customers WHEN they needed new bearings then they’re on to something. I do miss the days of customers using grease guns and destroying bearings.