tehllama

@fartymarty: 150mm HT, because party mode. Somehow, this is my XC and road bike

Nah, just curved seat tubes that offset forwards, and slack actual seat tube takeoff with steep eSTAs

*The 5 year old Enduro design at home*

@mikekazimer: I think a bit more articulation on the concept of what the 'PB Cheap Bike Test' long term goal would be can go a long way. I love what you all are doing here, because what we probably want in the end is a $1200 bike a few years from now that has way fewer compromises, and the role that bringing the State HT into this can play towards that is massive. You all made the right call - but the narrative needs to line up on what bike you all envisioning winning the 2028-2029 version of this test and how manufacturers/product managers/distributors/designers can get there.

That's the beauty of this test, and being an annual one. Right now, the compromises are there, but might be fixable with volume. In a few years, we may actually get bikes in this (inflation-adjusted) price point that can actually do the job, survive, and weigh a similar amount. If Polygon could run a wider seat tube variant, I'd have owned that bike already (and tripled its value with add-on parts). The State is honestly closer, and might be able to close the gap on value (or at least get a $1200 offering that could enter the chat). Having a groupset that isn't just a forgotten heavy-steel version of two-generation old XTR would potentially go a long way. I think this is the best way Pinkbike can show what is possible, get maximum manufacturer participation, and also not risk making big brands squeamish (in the way a $2500 price point test could be - those bikes can actually keep up with and potentially embarass the $7500 ones).

@angryhiker: We should have arrived at the metacarcinization phase sooner by that logic, but it is basically inevitable

@brianpark: That's literally the plan I'm going with on mine, and I'm not actually concerned it'll fail. Admittedly, 32H 32" probably just makes sense for an all-season bike anyway, and the thicker layup out back is going to help because I'm on a hardtail, but honestly 148 wasn't really needed for 29" The argument I've been explaining to the nonbelievers is that if a 148 29" bike is good enough for Enduro bike loads, it'll be adequate for XC and Trail bike loads with a 10% larger wheel

@lkubica: Ah, you understand the master plan

Truthfully, this is the way. I only look at it as a retirement/side career for if I find myself in a position where I want to turn a large fortune into a small fortune.

I'm just here to laugh at the people down-voting this... imagine being sad that a tall person can have a bike that fits.