sucker-punch

@8a71b4: I have no experience with Cotic or any euro manufacturers, so I can't comment about their bikes, manufacturing process or customer service. I'm sure they're rad bikes. They definitely look the part. But there are three reasons why I shelled out my very hard earned money for my Reeb SST. First, the second I saw the prototype, I knew immediately I had to get one. The profile simply spoke to me. I'm usually not one to anthropomorphize an object, but for whatever reason, this collection of steel tubes makes me all fluttery inside. Second, it's handmade, using some pretty sweet modern design and manufacturing. It's both retro and modern at the same time. And as an old guy, this is important to me. I love industrial design that looks simple, but hides some cool tricks. And this bike ticks all the boxes in that regard. Third, their customer service is as good as it gets. I send an email, I get a response. Whether it's the guy who builds the bike, or the president of the company. And to be honest, customer service is probably my main consideration when buying anything with a higher price tag. I know I have the support of the company no matter what. I've never bought a bike sight unseen, so I was holding my breath it would be as good as it looks once it arrived. And it was better. The Cotic might feel as good for all I know, it might not. Personally, a full suspension bike with a coil shock set up single speed should not pedal this good, but it does. I found my forever bike in my SST and I'm seriously considering selling my long travel carbon frame to put towards the new Steezl as well. But to be honest, there's nothing a longer travel bike can do that my SST can't. If you need to save money, I get it, go with what is the less expensive option. I count my pennies, and for me the Reeb is worth every cent and more.

@gmoss: And it just looks freakin bad ass even sitting still. I like to sit and just stare at it.

@mariomtblt: You won't regret it. Don''t let the 120mm travel fool you. It punches way above its weight downhill and climbs really well. Mine isn't light, but I honestly don't feel it when climbing. It's definitely my forever bike.

@mariomtblt: Mine is set up SS with a coil as well. It's stupid how much fin it is.

Give'em a break, guys. Specialized just purchased the old Pear Izumi building for $15m. I mean, they can't have employees who actually work AND expand. That would be like, sound business and stuff.

As a Reeb SST owner, I may be bias, but it's a ridiculously fun bike. As a great poet once said, "...It is so choice. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up."

I think the word 'influencer' or 'ambassador' is what causes some people to roll their eyes. These folks were contract employees. Yeah, they got to ride their bikes and get paid for it, but they provided a marketing and promotional service that any bike company should pay for, just like they would pay to have a production team create a commercial. These people chronicled their journeys, created mini documentaries, all in the name of promoting a brand. They were doing a job, so yeah, they should get paid. Fabio Wibmer doesn't compete. Is he an ambassador? Cam McCaul? Veronica Sadler? Or are they contract employees? Marketing is designed to influence the audience to purchase a product. Influencers are nothing new, just the word to describe a new generation of marketers and sales people. I think the issue for these people isn't that they lost their job, but the manner in which they were fired. They were under contract, then suddenly terminated at the end of the year when it's all but impossible to get a new contract with a new company. Imagine working for any company, then being terminated during the holidays when no one is hiring. I think they warrant a sympathetic response.

I set my SST up single speed using a Rohloff tensioner and it's honestly one of the best single speeds I've ever ridden. It likes to be mashed and scoots up steep tech far easier than I anticipated. And I haven't used the lockout switch once. It has surpassed my expectations in SS form. Should you get one you won't be disappointed.

@Mobs: Rock Shox Deluxe Ultimate. Wanted to keep things simple out back. Works pretty well. I've honestly never reached for the lockout switch, which surprised me. Feels firm while climbing, no noticeable bob at all, then opens up on descents. And I went with the new Rock Shox Pike Ultimate (44mm offset). I'm really liking this fork. Haven't tried anything from RS in a while, and thus far I'm impressed. I might try a larger volume shock in the future, but for right now I like this combo.

@TheR: Sponsored, yes. But not necessarily racing. There is a completely new industry around sponsored riders who never actually race. Yet still move product. They're just not racers.