Awesome video. Did you have any issues with cable rattle or anything? Mines giving some feedback that I can't quite isolate. Cables or maybe chainslap. Was just curious. Thanks!
You know, it has developed a bit of knocking in the rear end that I’ve not been able to isolate. I don’t believe mine is chain slap as I’m running the new SRAM Transmission on it now which is super quiet and nearly free of slap. I thought for a time that it was the stock shock, but I just switched over to a cane creek coil and the sound remains. I’m planning to re-torque all of the pivots. I’ll post back here if I find out what it is, and please do the same if you don’t mind.
@@DrJMTB You got the coil on the Smuggler now!? I have been saving my Eleven Six until Push approves the Smuggler (hopefully soon). Was starting to get impatient and almost snagged the new Coil IL from CC. What are your thoughts so far? Mine came with the Float X but it’s been a while since I’ve had air on the rear of any of my bikes…ready to return to coil.
I’m about 5’10 and a half 165lbs and often feel no brand makes a bike for my size. I rode both the large and medium of this bike at the Hub a couple of weekends ago. The large felt like I was paddling a boat but the medium felt pretty good (in the parking lot). wish I could’ve taken on a trail for a real tryout.
Another 5ft10 bang on average size guy here who forever finds it difficult to get a bike that fits - which is crazy. Lots of manufacturers are still putting 440mm (or longer!) seat tubes on their size larges... I need 420mm max to run a 150m dropper - thats hardly extreme!
Ripmo Af currently riding NC and SC trails want lighter bike spur or smuggler? Ride XC and enduro love both, race about 2 times a year but I’m 54, so need something that climbs well and goes down fast. Which to chose?
I am not pro, but I am very technically focused. if you move your hips and shoulder left and the bike tips right to turn right you can corner way faster.
Hei Hei was sold last year. I had a 140mm Pike Ultimate with a Wolf Tooth 1° angled headset Nobl TR32 wheels on it. It would fly, but I wish Kona would update their geo on that bike a bit as making it slacker also slackens the seat tube as well.
Hey man! At 4:34 you say that you’re glad you didn’t get a size large. How tall are you? I’m 5’11” and have ridden a large for a long time, but am thinking of sizing down to a medium because of how long reach has gotten on so many trail bikes these days.
Don't do it. Please watch ruclips.net/video/vIxj6DTh5hU/видео.html. I do like the medium for most of my riding, but I'm not quite 5'10" could definitely ride a large and may even prefer it at times.
@@DrJMTB thanks for the advice!! I am dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome-related symptoms after riding a large Santa Cruz Hightower, size Large with 470 mm of reach for the last 4 years. I keep finding myself a little too far from my bars while riding recently too. I had the 2nd generation of smuggler before that with 457 mm of reach and never felt like the bars were too far out from me until going to the Hightower. But maybe it's the case that I just need to keep working on more thoracic spine strengthening instead?
@@christophercompton5034 If you have gotten on well with a 457mm reach in the past, don't let my advice keep you from it. You may very well have a shorter torso. I have the medium frame from this ride video for sale and can ship it if interested. And scapular stabilization and strengthening and upper back strengthening is never a bad thing. If you're having thoracic outlet type symptoms, be sure to check out my neck and back pain video where I give a lot of fit and ergonomics tips... ruclips.net/video/WiiCGYjWLVk/видео.html. ruclips.net/video/_oMRXyqdXeg/видео.html.
It was really hard to decide between this and the Spur, (I got the Spur). If I was in Dupont and riding trails like Ridgeline or slightly more technical, the smuggler would be a no-brainer.
In my opinion, the Spur is absolutely perfect for everything in Dupont, while the Smuggler is probably better for everything else around Pisgah. I rode my old Spur in Dupont several times, and it was f'n excellent; however, a lot of the more technical trails (Black Mtn, Bent Creek, etc) needed more bike to stay out of trouble. When things got really technical and drops got bigger, the Spur always hit its limits pretty quickly. The same was true out west where the Spur simply wasn't enough bike for most big trails in CO, UT, AZ, etc. The climbing was superb, but descending anything with big hits was a real test of fate every time. I'm currently on a Revel Rascal with 130/140, but seriously considering the Smuggler as a replacement soon. Just need to get one out on a trail to test it properly.
Nice review. I'm almost 5'10 and dread finding the right size between M/L. Its beyond frustrating for us avg height riders. Curious if you started with a frame only or built up a lower spec smuggler model? I'm looking at them now and its only the GX or XO AXS model. Frames are 3 months out =/
Thanks. I built up a frame only. The Transmission builds weren’t out yet or I would have considered the XO build for sure. Regarding sizing, I’m just a hair under 5’ 10” and could go either way, but we have a large in the shop as well and I am legitimately glad I went medium.
@@DrJMTB Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty close with 31.5" inseam so this helps with the M/L debate I'm having. Hope you make some more videos with it!
Curious if you've riden a DW link bike (Pivot, Ibis, etc) and how'd you compare the pedaling. I'm running an over-forked Ripley right now with -1 degree angleset. Absolutely love everything about it, but the increased capability of the Smuggler has my attention. Only concern is climbing when compared my DW link experiences...which are pretty phenomenal. Thoughts?
I have ridden a few Ibis bikes. I would say the Smuggler is going to get you 95% of the pedaling performance, and near double the capability. I’ve had several folks swing a leg over the smuggler, and they’re all amazed at how snappy it is. How tall are you? I have a medium frameset available.
This one slides in at around 2 lbs lighter than the current Tallboy. Both fantastic bikes, but a medium Tallboy feels just a tad more cramped than this Smuggler, making me want to move up to a large which feels a tad big. A lot of this dilemma comes down to sizing for me personally. I love both bikes and feel like both are super capable for their shorter travel. I feel like some one that is 5’11” to 6’ would fall dead in the sweet spot of a large Tallboy.
Thanks! My go to tire setup for a shorter travel bike like the Smuggler is a Maxxis DHF 2.5 Maxxgrip EXO casing front, Maxxis Rekon 2.4 Maxxterra EXO casing rear 👊🏼
Weird to me taking Ruffed Grouse to Rocky Ridge....we take it after Rocky Ridge to mosey over to Hooker and Ridgeline. Will give it a try but coming out at the bottom of Rocky Ridge just seems like a lot more climbing on gravel than starting at Guion Farms.
Noticeably higher bottom bracket on the Smuggler. I actually rode a size large current version 5010, and it actually had a slightly more burly feel to it, maybe a lot to do with it being a large instead of medium. I do feel like I could notice the rear end of the 5010 hanging up more in rougher sections, and I got noticeably more pedal striking on it. The 5010 is a blast though, and there’s just something about the quality of a Santa Cruz that’s hard to describe (in a good way). The Transition, built up with the same spec, would be around 1-2 pounds lighter as well.
Here's a review of the Transition Sentinel if interested... ruclips.net/video/vIxj6DTh5hU/видео.html
Great review especially where the only negative comes down to paint finish😊😊👍👍
I built one of these up to replace a spur, it's a phenomenal bike!
I’ve been checking RUclips constantly for more videos on this bike, I have my ripmo and have been wanting something snappy and trailishh like this.
Would a ripley be in that category
@@itr0863 For sure, I have ridden the ripley and it wasnt for me. The descending in specific. Im waiting to ride this when my LBS gets it,.
@@RobertoRodriguez-nj7ym thank you for your input. I was debating between the Ripley and ripmo.
Check out the WAO Arrival 130, it also has longer travel links so same frame can go AM or super enduro
I sold my Ripmo for this bike and I could not be happier!
Fun vid - the newly resurfaced Ridgeline is a magic carpet ride...too good.
Thanks! And I agree completely on Ridgeline 🤙🏼
Awesome video. Did you have any issues with cable rattle or anything? Mines giving some feedback that I can't quite isolate. Cables or maybe chainslap. Was just curious. Thanks!
You know, it has developed a bit of knocking in the rear end that I’ve not been able to isolate. I don’t believe mine is chain slap as I’m running the new SRAM Transmission on it now which is super quiet and nearly free of slap. I thought for a time that it was the stock shock, but I just switched over to a cane creek coil and the sound remains. I’m planning to re-torque all of the pivots. I’ll post back here if I find out what it is, and please do the same if you don’t mind.
@@DrJMTB You got the coil on the Smuggler now!? I have been saving my Eleven Six until Push approves the Smuggler (hopefully soon). Was starting to get impatient and almost snagged the new Coil IL from CC. What are your thoughts so far? Mine came with the Float X but it’s been a while since I’ve had air on the rear of any of my bikes…ready to return to coil.
That build is 👌👌
Question - please choose : this bike as equipped or a Spur build with the new130 Pike Ultimate?
I’m about 5’10 and a half 165lbs and often feel no brand makes a bike for my size. I rode both the large and medium of this bike at the Hub a couple of weekends ago. The large felt like I was paddling a boat but the medium felt pretty good (in the parking lot). wish I could’ve taken on a trail for a real tryout.
I hear you. We’re like dead on the average height male, and it perpetually feels like sizing is tough.
I think Trek has a M/L size, I’ll probably look into that
Another 5ft10 bang on average size guy here who forever finds it difficult to get a bike that fits - which is crazy. Lots of manufacturers are still putting 440mm (or longer!) seat tubes on their size larges... I need 420mm max to run a 150m dropper - thats hardly extreme!
Ripmo Af currently riding NC and SC trails want lighter bike spur or smuggler? Ride XC and enduro love both, race about 2 times a year but I’m 54, so need something that climbs well and goes down fast. Which to chose?
I am not pro, but I am very technically focused.
if you move your hips and shoulder left and the bike tips right to turn right you can corner way faster.
This might be my next bike depending on what Evil does with the following
Great Video and great Review !!!
Please specify wich Handlebar and wich Pedals are you using in your Smuggler ?
Thanks
OneUp carbon, 35mm rise and 5Dev Components Trail Pedals 🤙🏼
What hubs are you running? Sounds pretty quiet.
The new DT240
Would love to get a quick walk through video on your Kona Hei Hei and the changed you’ve done
Hei Hei was sold last year. I had a 140mm Pike Ultimate with a Wolf Tooth 1° angled headset Nobl TR32 wheels on it. It would fly, but I wish Kona would update their geo on that bike a bit as making it slacker also slackens the seat tube as well.
Nice, seems similar to my Izzo Blaze
Hey man! At 4:34 you say that you’re glad you didn’t get a size large. How tall are you? I’m 5’11” and have ridden a large for a long time, but am thinking of sizing down to a medium because of how long reach has gotten on so many trail bikes these days.
Don't do it. Please watch ruclips.net/video/vIxj6DTh5hU/видео.html. I do like the medium for most of my riding, but I'm not quite 5'10" could definitely ride a large and may even prefer it at times.
@@DrJMTB thanks for the advice!! I am dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome-related symptoms after riding a large Santa Cruz Hightower, size Large with 470 mm of reach for the last 4 years. I keep finding myself a little too far from my bars while riding recently too. I had the 2nd generation of smuggler before that with 457 mm of reach and never felt like the bars were too far out from me until going to the Hightower. But maybe it's the case that I just need to keep working on more thoracic spine strengthening instead?
@@christophercompton5034 If you have gotten on well with a 457mm reach in the past, don't let my advice keep you from it. You may very well have a shorter torso. I have the medium frame from this ride video for sale and can ship it if interested. And scapular stabilization and strengthening and upper back strengthening is never a bad thing. If you're having thoracic outlet type symptoms, be sure to check out my neck and back pain video where I give a lot of fit and ergonomics tips... ruclips.net/video/WiiCGYjWLVk/видео.html. ruclips.net/video/_oMRXyqdXeg/видео.html.
Now if we can just get one before the next model debuts
How would you compare it to the specialized stumpjumper?
It was really hard to decide between this and the Spur, (I got the Spur). If I was in Dupont and riding trails like Ridgeline or slightly more technical, the smuggler would be a no-brainer.
Both VERY fun bikes. Both can be brought very close to one another in capability/efficiency with a few tweaks too.
The Spur is more capable than about anything we had 25 years ago...ride it as aggressive as you want!
In my opinion, the Spur is absolutely perfect for everything in Dupont, while the Smuggler is probably better for everything else around Pisgah. I rode my old Spur in Dupont several times, and it was f'n excellent; however, a lot of the more technical trails (Black Mtn, Bent Creek, etc) needed more bike to stay out of trouble. When things got really technical and drops got bigger, the Spur always hit its limits pretty quickly. The same was true out west where the Spur simply wasn't enough bike for most big trails in CO, UT, AZ, etc. The climbing was superb, but descending anything with big hits was a real test of fate every time.
I'm currently on a Revel Rascal with 130/140, but seriously considering the Smuggler as a replacement soon. Just need to get one out on a trail to test it properly.
Nice review. I'm almost 5'10 and dread finding the right size between M/L. Its beyond frustrating for us avg height riders. Curious if you started with a frame only or built up a lower spec smuggler model? I'm looking at them now and its only the GX or XO AXS model. Frames are 3 months out =/
Thanks. I built up a frame only. The Transmission builds weren’t out yet or I would have considered the XO build for sure. Regarding sizing, I’m just a hair under 5’ 10” and could go either way, but we have a large in the shop as well and I am legitimately glad I went medium.
@@DrJMTB Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty close with 31.5" inseam so this helps with the M/L debate I'm having. Hope you make some more videos with it!
Curious if you've riden a DW link bike (Pivot, Ibis, etc) and how'd you compare the pedaling. I'm running an over-forked Ripley right now with -1 degree angleset. Absolutely love everything about it, but the increased capability of the Smuggler has my attention. Only concern is climbing when compared my DW link experiences...which are pretty phenomenal. Thoughts?
I have ridden a few Ibis bikes. I would say the Smuggler is going to get you 95% of the pedaling performance, and near double the capability. I’ve had several folks swing a leg over the smuggler, and they’re all amazed at how snappy it is. How tall are you? I have a medium frameset available.
5'11". Think I'm aiming for a large. But thanks!
@@DrJMTBstill got that medium smuggler frame?
@@RadarRS1 no, I sold it a while back. Appreciate you checking though!
How would you compare it to other bikes in this category? For example the SC Tallboy V5?
Thanks! 🤙
This one slides in at around 2 lbs lighter than the current Tallboy. Both fantastic bikes, but a medium Tallboy feels just a tad more cramped than this Smuggler, making me want to move up to a large which feels a tad big. A lot of this dilemma comes down to sizing for me personally. I love both bikes and feel like both are super capable for their shorter travel. I feel like some one that is 5’11” to 6’ would fall dead in the sweet spot of a large Tallboy.
Thanks!
What about climbing ability and pedalling efficiency compared to the Tallboy V5?
Thanks for the great review. Out of curiosity how tall are you?
Thanks.
Whoops! Heard it towards the end. 5’9”.
Thanks
how does it jump? looking to get it for playful trail and jumping machine.
Very well 🤙🏼
Looks like one of the best new trail weapons available, nice build! Transition makes some of the best looking bikes for sure.
What tires did you use
Great video
Thanks
Walt
Thanks! My go to tire setup for a shorter travel bike like the Smuggler is a Maxxis DHF 2.5 Maxxgrip EXO casing front, Maxxis Rekon 2.4 Maxxterra EXO casing rear 👊🏼
Always good to see reviews that aren't from the pnw!
Weird to me taking Ruffed Grouse to Rocky Ridge....we take it after Rocky Ridge to mosey over to Hooker and Ridgeline. Will give it a try but coming out at the bottom of Rocky Ridge just seems like a lot more climbing on gravel than starting at Guion Farms.
I would say it’s weird to me to have never hit the Grouse as a downhill… it most definitely adds a lot of gravel climbing, but I’d say it’s worth it.
@@DrJMTB true. I guess I could go that way down RG and climb gravel, RR, then up RG back over to Hooker and Ridgeline.
Nice review. 😀
how does this bike compare to Santa Cruz 5010? love your vids!
Noticeably higher bottom bracket on the Smuggler. I actually rode a size large current version 5010, and it actually had a slightly more burly feel to it, maybe a lot to do with it being a large instead of medium. I do feel like I could notice the rear end of the 5010 hanging up more in rougher sections, and I got noticeably more pedal striking on it. The 5010 is a blast though, and there’s just something about the quality of a Santa Cruz that’s hard to describe (in a good way). The Transition, built up with the same spec, would be around 1-2 pounds lighter as well.
How tall are you on that medium?
Never mind I just heard
Torn between this and the Optic
curious how much does yours weigh?
27 lbs as seen here
This bike deserves some proper trails... Nice build BTW.
What is up with bike companies making 90% of bikes have the most drab, dull and boring colors?