People are butthurt because their favourites brands/bikes/trail types aren't in the running but let's be honest here, best is always going to be an opinion at the end of the day; Your best will not be my best because I will always like and want what I like and want. Still I enjoy watching videos like this and thanks for making great content!
I have a Trek Fuel Ex myself..... lovely bike. Really anything much better in the price range at the local bike stores. Definitely liked the Fuel better than the Specialized Camber.
Agree with the trek fuel ex 7... trek has improved its geometry, the great look with routed cables, and the carbon-looking aluminum frames... had the 2016 fuel ex5 for 6 months, tried the fuel ex 2017... but i bought the fuel ex8... great trail inspired bikes for 8 hr riding with great confort... Bought the trek stache two months ago.... "hard-trail" as i called it... with its 3 inch bontrager's chupacabras and 13'ish kg weight makes it a great 29plus bike with awesome speed and 120mm manitou fork allowing you to ride over anything u want like a humvee...
I like cabbage but for this year my choice would be broccoli however if you have an unlimited budget asparagus is the answer. This years winner has to be leek with it's hard outer casing yet soft inner fill it doesn't get much better than this for 2017...
Where are the Nukeproof Megas? I have a 2017 Fuel EX9 and it's a sweet bike. Though the Trek is a bit more agile and playful, I prefer the build kit and surefootedness of my Mega 290.
I agree that most of the bikes on this list are out of reach from the majority of riders. Though there are also a large number of rowdy hard tails and more budget friendly full-suspension bikes are really great buys. On top of that, all these great bikes from the past 2-3 years are popping up on the used market. I look at these bikes like I look at top of the line cars: Fun to drool over now, but also cool to see what will trickle down to mid-level options in the near future. 🙂
if you're buying a nice bike for the first time buy used. I got a 3.3k Kona Operator for 2k and the only thing wrong is a bent back rim, worn out brake pads and a bent derailleur. Fantastic purchase and i know i like it enough to warrant spending more money next time i upgrade.
This is MBR's "opinion" after multiple people tested multiple bikes then got together and discussed which one they liked best. Data, numbers etc. mean squat. Yes i own a Fuel EX 9.8, however I was not a fan of Trek until I actually rode one. I've been riding all sorts of rigs since 1990. I tried 650b's don't care for them as a trail bike, however downhill and tight technical stuff, they are awesome. None the less back on subject, I don't care what company puts out what, if I ride it and like it(read as it's FUN) then I keep it. If not, that's what bicycle blue book is for.
Rode those 2017 Remedy and the Slash 29. Great suspension on the Remedy and the Slash 29 was super plush. Downside was the angled seat angle which prevented 150mm droppers and hard to find shock sizes for aftermarket upgrades. I would think using their own Bontrager parts would decrease the price but no. Trek is definitely not shy of innovating but I sometimes think they just do differently for the sake of being different. Why no inner carbon tube guides for internal line like Santa Cruz?
I have a bike shop with Trek,norco,Bergamont and Scott. Of course Trek Very comfortable bike but Scott's spark plus it's totally better climbing much better in technical trails!! It's jus all that Bikes I wanted but in one pice!! I have spark 720 plus 2017 I thought what should I took from 2018 models? And guess what I still can't find anything Rolls better than spark. Ps. I build 29 wheels for long XC trails and just put it in the "BUST"frame! And it works perfect!!!
Guys, First of all, I got the Fuel Ex & 2017 6 months ago. It drops chains like crazy and it has had a fair amount of mechanicals. Don't get me wrong it is a great bike for it's pricepoint but i think other bikes like the jeffsy are more deserving of the title. In my opinion the canyon strive or spectral should of won but thats just me.
Where are these trails? I'm looking for more places to ride, can you make a list of places in this video. I noticed Swinley forest which is my local trails. Thanks
Woah, i rode this bike a few weeks ago for a weekend and i have to say it kicks ass. BUT, i am buying the new 2018 Kona Process 153. (i think this will be the bike of the year for 2018) Love the Konas. Good job though guys.
Lol I used to have a 2014 trek fuel ex 7, worst full sus bike I’ve ever ridden. (Which isn’t saying a lot, but whatever) I’m glad they totally changed it up, looks like an actually fun bike now.
Have you guys had a chance to ride/review the new Evil Following MB ? I would think this bike should be in the running for 29er, short travel bike of the year.
Just once and about only one bike was how well it climbs mentioned. Not sure I'm a fan of where mtbing is has gone. Uplifts, trail parks and a lot of pushing it would seem. Meanwhile, out in the real world you'll be faster on something that climbs well and that was always a big selling point of any bike.
Mark Mundy It's not like more middle of the road intended bikes aren't available to you. This is everything in the history of the world ... the things that are most in right now get the most play.
I've been on a 29er for a few years now not sure if I want to stay or try a 27.5. I have a carbon XC hardtail that doesn't take kindly to rocks so I was leaning toward the AL Jeffsey too.
I'm looking at the Jeffsy. I don't think there's any other bike out there spec'd as well as the Jeffsy for the same price. Really, really great value. For Trek I'd probably go with the Remedy over the Fuel, because I'm looking for something that would be more capable on gnarly downhill runs. The Fuel would be great for my local trails, but I love to travel and try new trails, and want a bike capable of handling everything.
I say that trek the other day at the bike park and she was indeed beautiful! I own and love treks bit they are very expensive, looking at the yt tues as well
Thanks for the video guys, but how come there aren't any bigger hitters? everything is 140mm trail related, no catefories for Enduro or 160mm+ bikes like the Santa Cruz Nomad, YT Capra, Nukeproof, etc. I had to keep checking the title and description to make sure this wasn't just 'trail bike of the year 2017'
Just buy it bro! Been shredding on my Jeffsy 27.5 and couldn't be happier with it. I do feel like I made a mistake by not getting the carbon one, but ya boy aint rich haha!
Wilder Gurkensammler17 get the cheaper on. Trust me it's already insanely nice. Unless you are literally a pro or just have endless money, I would get the more affordable
Alexander Hall i want the bike for hard enduro/freeride use so im not sure which one can take more abuse. The only thing im not sure about is which suspension is better
Wow you didn't even test the all new Giant 29er range - given Giant build some of the frames for some of the contenders maybe you should have had a look at the Giant range -
I picked up the Trek EX7 29er new in October 2017 for AUD $2,499 because the 2018 model had been released, f@#ken bargain, and for those who can afford a Santa Cruz etc., go for it, I’d love to have one, but not on my budget. On the downhills and XC I’m right there with the rest of the expensive stuff and having just as much fun and it goes like a cut snake, so don’t bag it out if you haven’t ridden it and/or because it’s not your favourite brand, that’s what wankers do....don’t be a wanker, enjoy your MTB whatever your wheels.
Doove59 Is the Giant ATX 2 2018 MTB a good bike for under 500? I'll only be using the bike for flat trails without obstacles so basically on road and bike paths.
We had quite a few 6/10 bikes in the Hardtail of the Year test (Scott Scale 760, KTM ULtra Fire 29, Kona Shred, Marin Bolinas Ridge 2, Merida Big Seven 40, Ridgeback Dualtrack X1).
I'm surprised the orbea rallon didn't get a mention. Bang for buck it's hard to look past direct sales canyon etc. Interesting choice on the winner presumably frame quality tipped it. No titanium hard tails either 🤔
MBR magazine I was thinking it's probably 2018 alright. Shame it'll probably be forgotten about by next year although from the selection you have there I doubt it'll make a difference.
What does everyone has against XC-bikes?! Sorry but there are alot of places (even in the UK) were an XC-bike makes alot more sense than a downhill/trail/enduro bike! Could u make a movie about that for once, I can't do anything with any of these bikes in my region!
I ride a Specialized Camber, which is an XC bike, and great for my local trails. However, I enjoy traveling and riding new trails, which includes more downhill than what we have here. So it makes sense for me to get a trail bike next... something that can do it all. I've done one race, but really not interested in XC racing, so if I'm a little slower on a trail bike (particularly with climbs), then no biggie. I think that the majority of mountain bikers probably live in actual mountains, and therefore an XC bike would not be a good choice.
koen miseur XC used to be synonymous with MTB but that isn't the case anymore. Today an XC bike is a specialized tool for a specific kind of riding, just like a DH bike, and most people who are into modern mountain biking have the opinion that the perfect mountain bike is somewhere in between the two extremes.
Let me be clear, I like to watch reviews that aren't xc-bikes but 1 xc-bike would be cool. Now that they said a video only about xc-bikes are coming I'm more than happy!
Cool, makes me feel good about buying the Trek Fuel Ex 7! Have never owned a fs bike before and it rides very nice! My only qualm is that I bent the cassette when popping a wheelie! Had to pay $40 to get it replaced which was cheap enough but shit that shimano wouldn't cover that in the warranty...
Brilliant - all three hardtail bikes unavailable at the time of the video. Might as well title it "bikes you can no longer buy but we liked". Virtually pointless.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
A lot of negativity in the comments. Sounds like some of you guys just need to get on your bike and cheer up.
The best commentator of any mtb video
good comment! I agree.
no doubt
People are butthurt because their favourites brands/bikes/trail types aren't in the running but let's be honest here, best is always going to be an opinion at the end of the day; Your best will not be my best because I will always like and want what I like and want. Still I enjoy watching videos like this and thanks for making great content!
That Trek Fuel EX is an awesome riding bike. Best ride in its category.
I have a Trek Fuel Ex myself..... lovely bike. Really anything much better in the price range at the local bike stores. Definitely liked the Fuel better than the Specialized Camber.
I can't believe I just sat through that.
The QR lever positions triggered me hard.
That makes 2 of us.
Agree with the trek fuel ex 7... trek has improved its geometry, the great look with routed cables, and the carbon-looking aluminum frames... had the 2016 fuel ex5 for 6 months, tried the fuel ex 2017... but i bought the fuel ex8... great trail inspired bikes for 8 hr riding with great confort...
Bought the trek stache two months ago.... "hard-trail" as i called it... with its 3 inch bontrager's chupacabras and 13'ish kg weight makes it a great 29plus bike with awesome speed and 120mm manitou fork allowing you to ride over anything u want like a humvee...
I like cabbage but for this year my choice would be broccoli however if you have an unlimited budget asparagus is the answer. This years winner has to be leek with it's hard outer casing yet soft inner fill it doesn't get much better than this for 2017...
B Nice best comment ever!!!
🏆🏆🏆
Sums up the MBR review perfectly....kale didn't even get a mention..lol.
They didn’t even touch upon the bargain basement ‘spud 2’ with lightweight parsnip frame.
I just got my 2020 Blue Pig Race. I love it, but the huge change in geo from my old XC bike is a huge challenge.
Where are the Nukeproof Megas? I have a 2017 Fuel EX9 and it's a sweet bike. Though the Trek is a bit more agile and playful, I prefer the build kit and surefootedness of my Mega 290.
Can you guys test more canyon stuff
2017 Trek Slash 29er in the long travel/Enduro category is a sick machine as well.
A lot of great bikes out there these days, hard to buy a bad one!
Trail Features it is HARD(expensive) to buy good one man
I agree that most of the bikes on this list are out of reach from the majority of riders. Though there are also a large number of rowdy hard tails and more budget friendly full-suspension bikes are really great buys. On top of that, all these great bikes from the past 2-3 years are popping up on the used market.
I look at these bikes like I look at top of the line cars: Fun to drool over now, but also cool to see what will trickle down to mid-level options in the near future. 🙂
if you're buying a nice bike for the first time buy used. I got a 3.3k Kona Operator for 2k and the only thing wrong is a bent back rim, worn out brake pads and a bent derailleur. Fantastic purchase and i know i like it enough to warrant spending more money next time i upgrade.
Trail Features yes
This is MBR's "opinion" after multiple people tested multiple bikes then got together and discussed which one they liked best. Data, numbers etc. mean squat. Yes i own a Fuel EX 9.8, however I was not a fan of Trek until I actually rode one. I've been riding all sorts of rigs since 1990. I tried 650b's don't care for them as a trail bike, however downhill and tight technical stuff, they are awesome. None the less back on subject, I don't care what company puts out what, if I ride it and like it(read as it's FUN) then I keep it. If not, that's what bicycle blue book is for.
I have a 2019 Fuel Ex which is based on the 2017 design and why this video rocks:)
Great video as always, glad I rewatched after buying my bike
Vitus Sentier VRX or Escarpe VRX - both ridiculously spec'd, great value, confidence inspiring machines!!!
Rode those 2017 Remedy and the Slash 29. Great suspension on the Remedy and the Slash 29 was super plush. Downside was the angled seat angle which prevented 150mm droppers and hard to find shock sizes for aftermarket upgrades. I would think using their own Bontrager parts would decrease the price but no. Trek is definitely not shy of innovating but I sometimes think they just do differently for the sake of being different. Why no inner carbon tube guides for internal line like Santa Cruz?
YES
Waiting for my Vitus Nucleus VRS 2018 to replace my old HT. Can't wait! Thanks for the videos guys!
❤️
I have a bike shop with Trek,norco,Bergamont and Scott. Of course Trek Very comfortable bike but Scott's spark plus it's totally better climbing much better in technical trails!! It's jus all that Bikes I wanted but in one pice!! I have spark 720 plus 2017 I thought what should I took from 2018 models? And guess what I still can't find anything Rolls better than spark.
Ps. I build 29 wheels for long XC trails and just put it in the "BUST"frame! And it works perfect!!!
Guys, First of all, I got the Fuel Ex & 2017 6 months ago. It drops chains like crazy and it has had a fair amount of mechanicals. Don't get me wrong it is a great bike for it's pricepoint but i think other bikes like the jeffsy are more deserving of the title. In my opinion the canyon strive or spectral should of won but thats just me.
hey bros can you please review the trance 2018 maybe like the lowest priced version of the bikes
Fuel Ex 8 27.5 + comes with a standard 1x Sram drivetrain! It’s around $3000- $3200 though and still aluminum.
Where are these trails? I'm looking for more places to ride, can you make a list of places in this video. I noticed Swinley forest which is my local trails. Thanks
luke0770 yes, you're correct about Swinley. Plus various other locations around Surrey and Wind Hill bike park 👍
Didnt expected the Kona to be beaten by the FuelEx, but I agree on that in the end
Cheers for the reviews...just bought an EX7!
Love my trek fuel ex 8 eagle 2018. She is a beast
Warranty on wheels?
What brand of bidon is that I see on some bikes? Small size is perfect for Full Suss frames...
Soooo a big question... 27 or 29 Jeffsy for all mountain riding? From XC to light enduro.
Woah, i rode this bike a few weeks ago for a weekend and i have to say it kicks ass. BUT, i am buying the new 2018 Kona Process 153. (i think this will be the bike of the year for 2018) Love the Konas. Good job though guys.
Trek Fuel EX....wow...did not see that coming!
Good to see a lot of a more budget end bikes on the list
Also that red/black YT looks to have a bottle cage mount in a very hard to grab place hehe
Lol I used to have a 2014 trek fuel ex 7, worst full sus bike I’ve ever ridden. (Which isn’t saying a lot, but whatever) I’m glad they totally changed it up, looks like an actually fun bike now.
Have you guys had a chance to ride/review the new Evil Following MB ? I would think this bike should be in the running for 29er, short travel bike of the year.
4:04 Go go power rangers !! 😂
Lol!
Hi i m going to buy the trek superfly 9.6 . Soo do you recommanded to me?
Would like to see the merida one-twenty here real playful 29er trail bike.
being budget conscious , my last 3 duallies have been trek ,
curious how you rate the remedy ?
Trek Remedy 9 RSL 2017. Bike of the year for me
My bike of course!
More British Bikes! Bird Aeris One145 should be the winner for sure!
Just once and about only one bike was how well it climbs mentioned. Not sure I'm a fan of where mtbing is has gone. Uplifts, trail parks and a lot of pushing it would seem. Meanwhile, out in the real world you'll be faster on something that climbs well and that was always a big selling point of any bike.
Mark Mundy It's not like more middle of the road intended bikes aren't available to you.
This is everything in the history of the world ... the things that are most in right now get the most play.
Wow, his excitement really make me want to keep watching... 😫
Only know of the trek bike. We don’t get all makes in NZ
Thank you
Did you film some of this at swinley forest?
Wagwan Luca I thought the same too.
Yep, in the Labyrinth 👍
looks like a sick place to ride
Why can't I find a place to order a Beastnut? My Google search came up with nothing.
Go Outdoors has sold out as far as we know. Hopefully more are on the way. Just google Go Outdoors.
...so for retired amateur athlete😜what would U recommend? LUV your MBR
EMT Quiver An electric ♿wheelchair
What were you thinking with the Commencal's front axle? It's so wrong...
newt that was just there to wind people up! 😉
MBR magazine oohh, you bugger!
The calling is the best for sure
Makes it easier to pick I guess... I was sold on the Jeffsey until I heard how much the Trek EX is... DAMNIT!
I'm still getting a Jeffsy
Gary Gilbert 27.5 or 29er?
probably be the 27.5 Al 1 but the carbon models are reduced a little just as I was ready to pull the trigger.
I've been on a 29er for a few years now not sure if I want to stay or try a 27.5. I have a carbon XC hardtail that doesn't take kindly to rocks so I was leaning toward the AL Jeffsey too.
I'm looking at the Jeffsy. I don't think there's any other bike out there spec'd as well as the Jeffsy for the same price. Really, really great value. For Trek I'd probably go with the Remedy over the Fuel, because I'm looking for something that would be more capable on gnarly downhill runs. The Fuel would be great for my local trails, but I love to travel and try new trails, and want a bike capable of handling everything.
Yo is that swinley forest at the start with the guy in blue???
Tk C yes 👍
Gotta admit it's hard to beat a "riotous party for one" bike "that's always up for mischief" and "hard wired for speed".
I say that trek the other day at the bike park and she was indeed beautiful! I own and love treks bit they are very expensive, looking at the yt tues as well
3 hardtail bikes that have my interest.
Thanks for the video guys, but how come there aren't any bigger hitters? everything is 140mm trail related, no catefories for Enduro or 160mm+ bikes like the Santa Cruz Nomad, YT Capra, Nukeproof, etc.
I had to keep checking the title and description to make sure this wasn't just 'trail bike of the year 2017'
PaulCon check through our previous bike test videos for more enduro bike tests.
How many geometries does it have?
No specialized enduro or stumpjumper?
Could you guys test the yt bikes
Wilder Gurkensammler17 agreed
Just buy it bro! Been shredding on my Jeffsy 27.5 and couldn't be happier with it. I do feel like I made a mistake by not getting the carbon one, but ya boy aint rich haha!
Alexander Hall thinking about getting the capra cf/capra cf pro race
Wilder Gurkensammler17 get the cheaper on. Trust me it's already insanely nice. Unless you are literally a pro or just have endless money, I would get the more affordable
Alexander Hall i want the bike for hard enduro/freeride use so im not sure which one can take more abuse. The only thing im not sure about is which suspension is better
Where is Propain Tyee Carbon Race 2017
Where was this filmed?
Dan Louey Various locations around Surrey and Wind Hill bike park
Why did the intense primer not make it guys?
SOMMET!
Marty P I agree
Just set my Sommet up with Schwalbe's new addix 2.6 Magic Mary front and 2.6 Nobby Nic rear. Bike really rips, can't fault it for the price!
Marty P definitely agree, but companies offer their bikes to be ridden, these guys don't choose them
Why no 5.5?
I agree with the picks but where is the new polygon. Treks package for the price is heading in the right direction also.
I just bought the fuel ex 9.9 😝
Trek all the way!!
What about norco fluid fs3
If you plan to spend $5000+ on a bike, it’s hard to find a “bad” one......
I'd like a back garden like this.
Wow you didn't even test the all new Giant 29er range - given Giant build some of the frames for some of the contenders maybe you should have had a look at the Giant range -
Giant's new 29ers are 2018 bikes.
I picked up the Trek EX7 29er new in October 2017 for AUD $2,499 because the 2018 model had been released, f@#ken bargain, and for those who can afford a Santa Cruz etc., go for it, I’d love to have one, but not on my budget. On the downhills and XC I’m right there with the rest of the expensive stuff and having just as much fun and it goes like a cut snake, so don’t bag it out if you haven’t ridden it and/or because it’s not your favourite brand, that’s what wankers do....don’t be a wanker, enjoy your MTB whatever your wheels.
Doove59 Is the Giant ATX 2 2018 MTB a good bike for under 500? I'll only be using the bike for flat trails without obstacles so basically on road and bike paths.
Nice comment!
What about the voodoo bizango?
Bluepig ftw.
MBR do you guys think you could tell us which bikes got the lowest rating? (Just Curious)
We had quite a few 6/10 bikes in the Hardtail of the Year test (Scott Scale 760, KTM ULtra Fire 29, Kona Shred, Marin Bolinas Ridge 2, Merida Big Seven 40, Ridgeback Dualtrack X1).
Didn't expect this. Is it that good?
I'm surprised the orbea rallon didn't get a mention. Bang for buck it's hard to look past direct sales canyon etc. Interesting choice on the winner presumably frame quality tipped it. No titanium hard tails either 🤔
The new Rallon is a 2018 bike.
MBR magazine I was thinking it's probably 2018 alright. Shame it'll probably be forgotten about by next year although from the selection you have there I doubt it'll make a difference.
We've got one on order to test, so keep an eye out. We love the look of it and are excited to ride it.
MBR magazine sweet I'll look forward to that. 29er seems to be making a comeback or was it ever gone? 🤔
Loving my Transition Patrol.
What does everyone has against XC-bikes?! Sorry but there are alot of places (even in the UK) were an XC-bike makes alot more sense than a downhill/trail/enduro bike! Could u make a movie about that for once, I can't do anything with any of these bikes in my region!
koen miseur don't worry we've got an XC bike test coming up soon👍
I ride a Specialized Camber, which is an XC bike, and great for my local trails. However, I enjoy traveling and riding new trails, which includes more downhill than what we have here. So it makes sense for me to get a trail bike next... something that can do it all. I've done one race, but really not interested in XC racing, so if I'm a little slower on a trail bike (particularly with climbs), then no biggie. I think that the majority of mountain bikers probably live in actual mountains, and therefore an XC bike would not be a good choice.
koen miseur XC used to be synonymous with MTB but that isn't the case anymore. Today an XC bike is a specialized tool for a specific kind of riding, just like a DH bike, and most people who are into modern mountain biking have the opinion that the perfect mountain bike is somewhere in between the two extremes.
Let me be clear, I like to watch reviews that aren't xc-bikes but 1 xc-bike would be cool. Now that they said a video only about xc-bikes are coming I'm more than happy!
xc is a bit gay
Did I hear it correctly? "Long travel trail bike"? Is that meant to be an enduro?
0:30
" the creme de la creme"
That's a french expression :,-), love your accent :p
What about giant trance?
the only problem with the top bike is its 2x9 I think or 2x10?
So many overly sensitive Santa Cruz fanboys in the comments.
John Wren you read my mind. I own a 2017 Santa Cruz and I was expecting to see it here haha
Go TREK :) Woohoo!
Evil callin for me!
finally i can understand what he's saying
Cool, makes me feel good about buying the Trek Fuel Ex 7! Have never owned a fs bike before and it rides very nice! My only qualm is that I bent the cassette when popping a wheelie! Had to pay $40 to get it replaced which was cheap enough but shit that shimano wouldn't cover that in the warranty...
Radon swoop 170
Ivan Perica best bike ever👍
Bung from Trek perhaps? Find this difficult to swallow
The alloy Patrol from Transition was the best bike of 2017
If only you’d told us back then, you could have saved us a load of work.
Wheres this filmed?
All over Surrey UK, Wind Hill bike park and Swinley.
Try Polygon Square One
How much did Trek pay you?
Haa! What about cube stereo 160 ? Can't get a better bike to that price!
plus dangerous do cover portion hard stand pound.
Where's the canyon spectral??
Ashley's Big Boy Bike Ride it got beaten by the Commencal Mets TR
Is in your house that’s why you asking ;)
Swinley 🕵️
Fuel ex8
Brilliant - all three hardtail bikes unavailable at the time of the video. Might as well title it "bikes you can no longer buy but we liked". Virtually pointless.
Duncan Robertson complain to the manufacturers then. Just a thought.
MBR magazine no he's got every right to complain to you. It's just the dumbest logic to show things we cannot get anymore!
I guess the real reason for the video, is just to recycle some old content - saves being too creative I suppose.