Top American "smaller" Bike Companies in no particular order: Ibis Cycles, Yeti Cycles, Santa Cruz Bicycles, and Pivot. Reasons, quality in engineering suspension, warranty, and mountain bike focused. While Santa Cruz can be said isn't all that small anymore, they do have one of the better reputations for impeccable warranty support and carbon fiber development. Yeti can be argued to be most suspect in warranty support but they have worked on fixing that issue.
I build up a large Ripley AF, 30. 1 pounds with petals. Fox 36 on the front. only thing I’m trying to adjust is the more forward seat tube angle compared to the pivot.
Getting the most for your money: IBIS, its not even close. They may not have the bigger 29er like the firebird or flexibility to run 27.5 wheels but what they do make are reviewed and regarded very highly by many. It has also been said they get the best out of Dave Weigle in his suspension designs. The Ripley is a far more reachable in price, it's also lighter than the trail 429 and the Ripley AF is really more affordable. Cannot deny how fantastic Pivot bikes are but they are really creeping up out of reach for many.
I'm also 6'1 and pretty sure I would choose a size large. As is the case for so many people on the edge between sizes, you can pick between the large for a bit more maneuverability or the XL ( perhaps with a downsized stem) for stability.
I just got the Team XX1 AXS W/ LIVE VALVE in medium. UNBELIEVABLE in both uphill and downs. Not sure which was better... And I have 2 other VERY SWEET e-rides to compare/contrast.
I'm 6'0 ft and looked at the Large 429. The bike shop guy I talked with is 5'11 and prefers the Medium. I'm debating as the large seemed a bit tall for me but did not get a chance to ride the medium. Granted, this was just around the shop and not a demo on the trails so no real feel just yet. Which size did you go with and your height if you don't mind me asking? thx
I have a 2005 Intense EVP 5.5 with all updated components except for a slightly heavy wheelset. The bike weighs 29.0 lbs. I get I have 26” wheels but why would I want to spend 9K simply to get 29” wheels? 24+ to 25+lbs for 8-9K yes. I don’t understand all the bikers spending so much for heavy bikes!
Weight is a small factor in a bike's quality and value. Current bike's are more capable, stable, able to perform at higher speeds/more demanding terrain... there's a number of reasons why it is a challenge to get a modern, functional trail bike that will last to weigh significantly less than 30ish lbs
I haven't watched this video since filming... I hope, If I said something like that I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek...there are almost no garbage bikes these days.... 10 years ago I thought there were some bad bikes but these days, many different flavors of good bikes.
No not worth it. Compare to motorcycle with quick shifter transmission pistons advanced brakes, frame design, shocks rims tires all made with more material and mirrors lights electronics. A peddle bike that cost as much as some motorcycles is saying to me it’s too much money. Mountain bikes are great but cost is making it a not so great activity.
This is a high-end, premium quality bike. Mountain bikes can be bought for much less and still be capable of providing a fun experience, but as people become obsessed with an activity, there will always be a segment of those people who are more than happy to spend money on incremental improvements - and for those people, that is part of the enjoyment of the sport. It is similar to a person who drives a Toyota and has no appreciation for why anyone would spend more for an exotic car... it doesn't have to make sense if it is feeding into someone's passion for a product or activity.
one of the best review videos ever. Amazing job. so informative,
Wow, thank you!
Top American "smaller" Bike Companies in no particular order: Ibis Cycles, Yeti Cycles, Santa Cruz Bicycles, and Pivot. Reasons, quality in engineering suspension, warranty, and mountain bike focused. While Santa Cruz can be said isn't all that small anymore, they do have one of the better reputations for impeccable warranty support and carbon fiber development. Yeti can be argued to be most suspect in warranty support but they have worked on fixing that issue.
Well detailed review ! Great job !
Thanks Denis!
I build up a large Ripley AF, 30. 1 pounds with petals. Fox 36 on the front. only thing I’m trying to adjust is the more forward seat tube angle compared to the pivot.
Getting the most for your money: IBIS, its not even close. They may not have the bigger 29er like the firebird or flexibility to run 27.5 wheels but what they do make are reviewed and regarded very highly by many. It has also been said they get the best out of Dave Weigle in his suspension designs. The Ripley is a far more reachable in price, it's also lighter than the trail 429 and the Ripley AF is really more affordable. Cannot deny how fantastic Pivot bikes are but they are really creeping up out of reach for many.
Is it under 9 killagrams if not it not worth 9k
Great review, I was looking at buying one, torn between a large or Xl, I’m 6’1” any recommendations?
I'm also 6'1 and pretty sure I would choose a size large. As is the case for so many people on the edge between sizes, you can pick between the large for a bit more maneuverability or the XL ( perhaps with a downsized stem) for stability.
6’1” here and I ride a large frame. Sweet bike.
I just got the Team XX1 AXS W/ LIVE VALVE in medium. UNBELIEVABLE in both uphill and downs. Not sure which was better... And I have 2 other VERY SWEET e-rides to compare/contrast.
I'm 6'0 ft and looked at the Large 429. The bike shop guy I talked with is 5'11 and prefers the Medium. I'm debating as the large seemed a bit tall for me but did not get a chance to ride the medium. Granted, this was just around the shop and not a demo on the trails so no real feel just yet. Which size did you go with and your height if you don't mind me asking? thx
@@CK-lg2uu I'm 5'7.
@CK-lg2uu I own a Santa Cruz Tallboy in size L. Difference is very slight...
You guys should do a review on the 2022 firebird. Thanks.
Agreed. We've only had 2 of them in and they were sold so no time between them arriving, getting assembled and picked up by their new owners.
I’m looking to order the Pacific blue XTR / XT pro version with carbon wheels, how long is the wait to order roughly?
I think you already contacted the shop? If not, shoot us a email.
Ebikes! 😝😝😝😝😝😝😝😝 Please do mention them!
Not a dentist, but no kids so happy birthday to me...
Nice, enjoy!!
I got the fucking chills !!!! absolutely everything I fit perfect with !!..I'm so angry ...it's even my colors !!!
I have a 2005 Intense EVP 5.5 with all updated components except for a slightly heavy wheelset. The bike weighs 29.0 lbs. I get I have 26” wheels but why would I want to spend 9K simply to get 29” wheels? 24+ to 25+lbs for 8-9K yes. I don’t understand all the bikers spending so much for heavy bikes!
Weight is a small factor in a bike's quality and value. Current bike's are more capable, stable, able to perform at higher speeds/more demanding terrain... there's a number of reasons why it is a challenge to get a modern, functional trail bike that will last to weigh significantly less than 30ish lbs
Great bike the only problem is Pivot does not sell frame only totally ridiculous !!
I agree. Maybe once pandemic chaos is resolved they'll fix that... even though I can't figure out why they don't do it during the chaos.
Nope take a look at new 2023 Ducati scrambler. You tell me. Is Pivot a limited run? All hand made? All in house one of kind parts? Yikes!
Calling those other brands garbage is a bit over the top.
I haven't watched this video since filming... I hope, If I said something like that I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek...there are almost no garbage bikes these days.... 10 years ago I thought there were some bad bikes but these days, many different flavors of good bikes.
No not worth it. Compare to motorcycle with quick shifter transmission pistons advanced brakes, frame design, shocks rims tires all made with more material and mirrors lights electronics. A peddle bike that cost as much as some motorcycles is saying to me it’s too much money. Mountain bikes are great but cost is making it a not so great activity.
This is a high-end, premium quality bike. Mountain bikes can be bought for much less and still be capable of providing a fun experience, but as people become obsessed with an activity, there will always be a segment of those people who are more than happy to spend money on incremental improvements - and for those people, that is part of the enjoyment of the sport. It is similar to a person who drives a Toyota and has no appreciation for why anyone would spend more for an exotic car... it doesn't have to make sense if it is feeding into someone's passion for a product or activity.