Looking forward to this! While I’m here, just wanted to say a big thanks for your content this year. Got me through some moments Guy. Keep up the great work. Thanks a lot. Gary
Wow. That's proper stopped me in my tracks Gary. I'm sorry you've had some tough moments but I'm so stoked I helped you though them in some way. BTW if you've not watched it yet, check out the Rider Resilience film on RUclips. Hope you have a cracking end to the year and all the best for 2025 and beyond ✊🏻
I've now bought 3 bikes over the years based on your reviews guy. Loved them all!! Thanks for all the hard work you put in and maybe one day I'll see you up Stainburn, I'm on the Scandal!! 😉
So glad my recommendations have worked out for you Ian. I'll keep an eye out for you on the Scandal but be sure to give me a shout if you hear me ranting through the woods any time.
Bikes are bloody brilliant. Watching your videos ended up with me getting a previous model epic evo (whichever the second from bottom one is) for the same price as the new chisel after your advice. As an inveterate roadie, i still don't know how to ride it properly but its made doing "gravel" rides in Surrey way more fun. Thanks for the year's entertainment!
Great video Guy, the work that goes into them is much appreciated. I’ve bought many a bike on the back of your reviews, all the way back to the MBUK group test review days before the t’interweb ever existed, and now on RUclips too. Rocking a Titus Fireline as my main hardtail, and an On-One gravel rig, as well as my ebike, but the human powered bikes have mainly been off your recommendations. Have an incredible Christmas period and all the best to you and yours over the holiday 👏👍
Standing ovation for the monologue and a great wrap up to this year. Another list, mostly about gear would be nice. Pushing the boat out a bit but it would also great to see a list along the lines of its absolute pants, they’ve dropped a bo11ock or simply don’t do that again. Kudos for slipping in a reference to 2025, Shimano and wireless… I spat my tea out and choked on me biccie. Did anymore else?
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. TBF there's not many that are totally pants any more but definitely enough for a 'Go and stand in the corner and think about what you've done' parade of shame. I'll engage Grinch mode and get it done.
Ha! I loved your comment about people purchasing the RC429 based on your review because I kind of did that. I was looking at building up a hardtail from scratch in early 2024 but was pretty cautious on which way to go. When the revised RC 429 was released it was on my list. However, it wasn't until I watched your video review that I pulled the trigger on a frame this fall. Mine will be like the T-Pack you rode, but I plan to run Maxxis IKONs and a 130 mm Fox fork with the GRIP damper (because this the only fork I have available) with a full XT groupset. Can't wait to build it up!
@@numbers7905 that sounds a great build chief. I love the Grip damper as I find the more complex ones overdamped a lot of the time. Glad I could help narrow down your choices anyway 🤘🏻
Yeah, in my head I was thinking, "keep it tight, ten bikes, twenty minutes tops". Unfortunately it turned out there were a lot of other things in my head too 🤣
@@nicholasgartell5374 Stoked i pai koe e te rangatira, korero atu ki o hoa rangatira, kia haere tatou i te GKTV i Aotearoa ✊🏻 (thanks to Google if that was close, apologies if not)
Well, I did watch your RC429 vids, and I've got one coming with a 120mm SID and XT, just as soon as the next batch of frames get to Yorkshire. Cannot wait.
Hey Matt, hope you're super well. Often think that Steve would be shaking his head at what I do but hopefully with 'THAT' look and a smile on those rugged chops.
Really pleased there are now so many more affordable options now. Not just as entry bikes but for folks who just want to spend a reasonable amount of cash but still get a great ride.
I swear I've heard that while Santa Cruz warranty issues are typically handled extremely smoothly, they've had a history of denying frame replacements for rock strikes (only offering a new frame at a discount)
@ that Levo help me so much over that last six months both mentally and physically loosing over 4 stone and being in the best headspace I’ve been in years, not looking for an X-factor style sob story but there’s always another bike, as my wife reminds me constantly.
@@rickmoz Yep anyone who says e bikes aren't proper bikes is a dick. The transformations, recoveries, riding extension they allow people to make can be genuinely life changing
@@GuyKesTV you got me looking at an epic 8 comp now, can see an expensive start to 2025. One thing you said about the Vala and the schwalbe radial tyres the do make the bike feel dead and I’m not a fan. Once I’ve worn them out I’m going back to the eliminator and butcher they were fun and I just hope they will survive Ard Rock
Wondering what the deal is with that new Lauf XC bike in MTB world (mostly would like to sus out if XC tires are destined to get wider) and likewise, in gravel, wondering how much clearance is really needed looking to the future. I mean didn’t we play this game already a few years ago? I’ve been listening in to some interesting podcasts and discussions on Escape Collective recently. Anyway, fantastic list and sentiments! Happy holidays!
@@rileythuleen875 I’m hoping to get a go on that Lauf soon. Not sure we’ll ever see tires that width (and therefore weight) in racing but it looks it’ll be perfect for monster trucking up / across rooty / rocky mess at speed. There are still some climbs round here I’ve only ever cleaned on the Trek Stache FS with 29er plus tyres. That was a tank though so a killer to pedal at pace
Hi Kes, have you thought about doing "how to" videos? I should think you're pretty good at the mechanics side of biking. Straight talking, no bullshit sort of stuff from you would be well popular I reckon. Gotta fill that bike perfect gap!
Hey, Guy! Great video! I love seeing your enthusiasm, knowledge, and your fondness for a few bikes I’ve never even heard of! Interesting that you’ve loved the SB140 and the ASR. You also seemed to like the SB120 (at least the video you made seemed to show you being happy with it!). Is the SB120 not on the list for any specific reason or have you just reconsidered it after riding a bunch of other bikes? I just finally got my first ride on my Lunch Ride SB120 in (they have a great 2024 model year sale right now) and I think it’s going to be a really killer bike for my area. I’ll have some adjusting to do after coming off a a-little-too-small mullet hardtail but I think it’s going to be a super fun ride!
The only reason the SB-120 wasn't very near the top of the list was that it was a 2023 launch. It's pretty much the perfect blend of the ASR and the SB-140 though so I should have said that at least
@@GuyKesTV I forgot it was a 2023 launch. You're right (as always)! I was worried that maybe there was something you grew to dislike about it or something required more maintenance than expected (meaning I should pay special attention and watch out for it). I'm glad to hear the bike worked out great and you didn't find some reason to hate it! I'll keep watching the videos and liking, etc.! Thanks for making them!
Thinking about it. Like you I might be slightly needy. As the Orbea Rallon I bought at the beginning of the year. Is the pink and green bike GMBN's Blake Samson rode.
For my top 10 bikes, I would strike off any that aren't full-sus and any bike that doesn't come with a 120mm or 160mm fork. The 120mm fork bike would also have to have about a 66* HTA and the 160mm fork bike would have to have about a 64.5* HTA. Best new 120mm fork bikes: Epic, Spur, Chisel FS (Also best budget bike.), Scalpel, Element (I cheated. It comes with a 130mm fork.) Best new 160mm fork bikes: Hightower, Sentinel, Ripmo, SB140 Lunch Ride, Stumpy (If you change the fork internals to 160mm travel.)
Very sound rules to go by. Very keen to try Scalpel and maybe some day I’ll manage to get the Spur test bike I’ve been promised for about 4 years now 🤷♂️
It's not you that's not getting it, it's literally us here in the UK. We haven't seen that new Epic over this side so I didn't know it even existed. Sorry for the oversight and I'll try and find out why that is
@@smithandshortdogs Damn you! I'm guessing that NICA gives you guys a much bigger hardtail market whereas most folks over here who want a hardtail are still running a first gen 29er Scott or Cube from over a decade ago! Then new buyers are moving to full suspension. I really miss the Chisel HT I had though, such a superb ride
@@smithandshortdogs Thanks for the intel anyway, it seems I'm getting more views from stateside now (I should probably add subtitles) so try and I'll pay more attention to what models you guys do/don't have.
Top 10 hardtails of all time! The Chisel is my favorite bike I've ever owned. Planning on doing my first bikepacking trip with it next year, as well as entering my first race, and doing my first century! (All seperate, lol)
Absolutely. Naturally tight feel to it so get some light wheels on it (which is where you'll notice the weight loss most) and maybe a lighter cassette when the OG wears out and it'll be race ready.
@GuyKesTV yeah pretty tasty indeed, ever so slightly sad that the hubble purple colour with the old logo decal is gone, very very tempted by the solaris for the french divide, think it would really do the job
@@oscarrignell1108 would be sweet for sure. Interested to try the new Mason Macro too, as the geo seems more 'adventure' specific. Hopefully should have a frame and fork to build up shortly.
I'm no expert on flats but I really like the Leatt Hydradri as they come half a size larger than they say so you can fit fat socks in. Steve Jones from Dirt/EMBN always used to swear by really posh French wellies for proper filthy riding though. They use natural rubber and he says they're grippier than 5:10s. Pretty sure he won at least one national series DH race in them back in the day
@@creativechimp03 I’ve just got an air spring for the coil fork so I’m going to see how that goes. Otherwise aim for the Pro as that has an air fork as standard and it’s lighter 👍🏻
@ ah brilliant ok, didn’t realise the pro was an air fork. My old Bizango is just a basic air fork but works well with my weight so this sounds like a good shout. Do you think the industry will ever equate affordable bikes with people that just want to spend less? One thing I’ve noticed is that affordable bikes are always classed as bikes for people new to the sport, I’ve always had other financial commitments and hence bought cheaper bikes (bar one time where my student loan many moons ago went on a specialized FSR) but have ridden for over 35 years and often pass people on real expensive setups. I get why it’s framed like this for the upsell but the realism is, affordable bikes don’t equal beginner riders. Love that you cover a wide spectrum on the channel.
@ @ thanks for pointing that out mate. I’m definitely guilty of phrasing these as ‘gateway’ bikes on the way to a ‘proper’ bike. But that’s bollocks. They’re absolutely great bikes for any rider who just doesn’t want to spend more. And £1400 is a big chunk of money to spend on a non essential item. It’s probs more than I’d spend as the last time I had a ‘proper job’ I was kicking round on an old steel single speed because I couldn’t afford to replace the OG grip shift when it broke. Consider me standing in the corner thinking about what I’ve said and may you keep kicking the ass of people on much more expensive bikes for another 35 years 💪🏻
@@GuyKesTV I’ve heard you say it a little but not close to how most of the big channels phrase it. And don’t get me wrong I get the better equipment does also create opportunity in the right hands too, I’ve skied most of my life and know the feeling of great stiff skis and bindings vs more basic beginner setups but I feel like with MTBs the improvement at the lower level is so vast from the 90s/00s that these new breeds of sub 2k bikes in the right hands can ride most things and very well and not everyone can or wants to spend more as you said. Again thanks for the great content. As to another 35 years, that would be nice, might be a bit of a push!! 😂
What are you talking about, wireless-only is terrible! For me it defeats the entire purpose of mountain biking which is to get as far away from all sorts of electronic shite as I can.
@@YanDoroshenko I knew I could rely on you to start a fight in the comments first and literally on the first bike. Thanks for all your feedback this year mate 🤘🏻
@@KlintonSilvey With all due respect, I think you've misunderstood my point a bit. You are welcome to have your electronic shifting, but let me squirm in the metaphoric mud of the past with the primitive rope-powered technology.
I both admire you and pitty you in a weird way, on one hand, I love how much you know about bikes, your decades of experience really do show, you are one of the most passionate humans when it comes to bikes, which is why I almost pitty you, I thoiught I was obsessed with bycicles, specs, numbers, prices, and demos, but you my fine sir, take the win by faaaar, you talk so much about pointless details and opinions that it makes me think there is nothing else on your life going on, which in a strange way makes me happy I am not as lost in geometries as you, but I fear I will one day end up like you, we, after all, are slightly autistic, it is our destiny and our doom, I am so conflicted about these feelings, I´m gonna go on a ride, see ya later alligator and thanks for the years of content
haha, thanks mate but don't worry plenty more going on in my world beyond the workshop door besides bikes. I just got lucky and managed to turn my obsession and ADHD/autistic tendencies into a job and then somehow raise a family on it. Have a great ride anyway chief and make sure you don't let the pointless details get in the way 🤣
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
We'll all be thinking of little baby bejesus shortly. Absolutely classic. Great video.
Bless you 😜
Looking forward to this! While I’m here, just wanted to say a big thanks for your content this year. Got me through some moments Guy.
Keep up the great work.
Thanks a lot.
Gary
Wow. That's proper stopped me in my tracks Gary. I'm sorry you've had some tough moments but I'm so stoked I helped you though them in some way. BTW if you've not watched it yet, check out the Rider Resilience film on RUclips. Hope you have a cracking end to the year and all the best for 2025 and beyond ✊🏻
Happy with more lists Guy - clothing, tools, accessories and the bad stuff as well.
Cheers Maurice. This one seems to be going down well so far so I'll get cracking on some more
Bought a 5010 frame this year after watching your vids on it half a dozen times. Awesome bike, really glad I went for it.
Yes mate, that's awesome to hear. 5010 would have definitely been on the list but officially it's a 2023 bike
I've now bought 3 bikes over the years based on your reviews guy.
Loved them all!!
Thanks for all the hard work you put in and maybe one day I'll see you up Stainburn, I'm on the Scandal!! 😉
So glad my recommendations have worked out for you Ian. I'll keep an eye out for you on the Scandal but be sure to give me a shout if you hear me ranting through the woods any time.
Great to watch you when you mix those tea leaves Guy! Awesome year thank you. Keep it real in 25 and looking forward to the next one. Cheers ☕️🫖
Thanks Marcus, have a great festive season and get ready for more lists and features as well as the usual review stuff
Thanks guy much appreciated
Everyone loves your jacket here sir.
@@chip9832 thanks Wolfpack 🫡
Not me... It's horrid.
Bikes are bloody brilliant. Watching your videos ended up with me getting a previous model epic evo (whichever the second from bottom one is) for the same price as the new chisel after your advice. As an inveterate roadie, i still don't know how to ride it properly but its made doing "gravel" rides in Surrey way more fun. Thanks for the year's entertainment!
Great video Guy, the work that goes into them is much appreciated.
I’ve bought many a bike on the back of your reviews, all the way back to the MBUK group test review days before the t’interweb ever existed, and now on RUclips too. Rocking a Titus Fireline as my main hardtail, and an On-One gravel rig, as well as my ebike, but the human powered bikes have mainly been off your recommendations.
Have an incredible Christmas period and all the best to you and yours over the holiday 👏👍
Standing ovation for the monologue and a great wrap up to this year. Another list, mostly about gear would be nice.
Pushing the boat out a bit but it would also great to see a list along the lines of its absolute pants, they’ve dropped a bo11ock or simply don’t do that again.
Kudos for slipping in a reference to 2025, Shimano and wireless… I spat my tea out and choked on me biccie. Did anymore else?
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. TBF there's not many that are totally pants any more but definitely enough for a 'Go and stand in the corner and think about what you've done' parade of shame. I'll engage Grinch mode and get it done.
Hilarious and wonderfully madcap roundup. Like it a lot, and love the jacket.
Such a shame I can’t ride them all.
The jacket is certainly getting a lot of love but glad you enjoyed the video too 🤘🏻
Came for the list, stayed for the hoodie.
@@samosamelli 🤣🤣🐺
Ha! I loved your comment about people purchasing the RC429 based on your review because I kind of did that. I was looking at building up a hardtail from scratch in early 2024 but was pretty cautious on which way to go. When the revised RC 429 was released it was on my list. However, it wasn't until I watched your video review that I pulled the trigger on a frame this fall. Mine will be like the T-Pack you rode, but I plan to run Maxxis IKONs and a 130 mm Fox fork with the GRIP damper (because this the only fork I have available) with a full XT groupset. Can't wait to build it up!
@@numbers7905 that sounds a great build chief. I love the Grip damper as I find the more complex ones overdamped a lot of the time. Glad I could help narrow down your choices anyway 🤘🏻
Quality kes lad.. 🦖💨
Thanks mate
Wow!
Your on top form tonight!
Serious flow with no stalls or stopping of audio.
Well done! ( Have you been on the Christmas spirits early?) 😂
Yeah, in my head I was thinking, "keep it tight, ten bikes, twenty minutes tops". Unfortunately it turned out there were a lot of other things in my head too 🤣
Excellent video - loving it :)
Cheers Brian, spread the word
No way Guy! A lone wolf hoody? Ideal for picking up your dole/ benefits in your electric chariot. Are their any Jack Russel hairs on it ?
@@rule3036 dole pole and coffin dodgem just out of shot mate 🐺🐺🐺
@@GuyKesTVready to pull up outside Wetherspoons on the Scamborghini
@ 🤣🤣 that’s how I dole roll 🤘🏻
Bloody legend. Ngā mihi as we say in Aotearoa/NZ
@@nicholasgartell5374 Stoked i pai koe e te rangatira, korero atu ki o hoa rangatira, kia haere tatou i te GKTV i Aotearoa ✊🏻 (thanks to Google if that was close, apologies if not)
Well, I did watch your RC429 vids, and I've got one coming with a 120mm SID and XT, just as soon as the next batch of frames get to Yorkshire. Cannot wait.
Brilliant Guy, I'm quite sure Mr Worland would have loved it too!
Hey Matt, hope you're super well. Often think that Steve would be shaking his head at what I do but hopefully with 'THAT' look and a smile on those rugged chops.
@@GuyKesTV there would be that chuckle, to accompany the smile!
Hilarious. Thank you so much for your brain dump on the spin cycle. If you did all that on Yorkshire Tea you don’t need any Baileys. 😎
I don't agree with any of your picks but damn you are hilarious and entertaining!😂
There are definitely some left field opinions in there but glad you enjoyed it anyway
I don't know how about others, but for me, I would be interested in day to day life not only about bikes :D I mean a day of life GuyKesTV :)
Good to see a realistic entry bike on the list. Things mountain bikey can get quickly pricey :)
Really pleased there are now so many more affordable options now. Not just as entry bikes but for folks who just want to spend a reasonable amount of cash but still get a great ride.
I swear I've heard that while Santa Cruz warranty issues are typically handled extremely smoothly, they've had a history of denying frame replacements for rock strikes (only offering a new frame at a discount)
Love to try the Epic or Chisel, Love my Levo but i am tempted with a fast charging XC bike. another awsome video kes and merry christmas
Thanks mate, I reckon a fast XC bike is the perfect second bike for when a Levo feels a bit too much. Merry festives to you too as well mate
@ that Levo help me so much over that last six months both mentally and physically loosing over 4 stone and being in the best headspace I’ve been in years, not looking for an X-factor style sob story but there’s always another bike, as my wife reminds me constantly.
@@rickmoz Yep anyone who says e bikes aren't proper bikes is a dick. The transformations, recoveries, riding extension they allow people to make can be genuinely life changing
@@GuyKesTV you got me looking at an epic 8 comp now, can see an expensive start to 2025.
One thing you said about the Vala and the schwalbe radial tyres the do make the bike feel dead and I’m not a fan. Once I’ve worn them out I’m going back to the eliminator and butcher they were fun and I just hope they will survive Ard Rock
Do a stinkers list as well always good to know what to avoid.
Nice Wolf based fleece.
@@simonguard5087 🐺🐺🐺
Looking foward to the trek top fuel 120/120 xc build.
Specialized recently listed a Chisel FS Comp Evo build (130mm fork). It'll be cool to see some reviewers ride that as an alloy downcountry bike
I asked Specialized UK for a test sample as soon as someone tipped me off on the the US site listing. Hopefully get it soon 👍🏻
Wondering what the deal is with that new Lauf XC bike in MTB world (mostly would like to sus out if XC tires are destined to get wider) and likewise, in gravel, wondering how much clearance is really needed looking to the future. I mean didn’t we play this game already a few years ago? I’ve been listening in to some interesting podcasts and discussions on Escape Collective recently. Anyway, fantastic list and sentiments! Happy holidays!
@@rileythuleen875 I’m hoping to get a go on that Lauf soon. Not sure we’ll ever see tires that width (and therefore weight) in racing but it looks it’ll be perfect for monster trucking up / across rooty / rocky mess at speed. There are still some climbs round here I’ve only ever cleaned on the Trek Stache FS with 29er plus tyres. That was a tank though so a killer to pedal at pace
Heck yeah, can’t wait to hear your thoughts !
Love this video...thank you
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Kes, have you thought about doing "how to" videos? I should think you're pretty good at the mechanics side of biking. Straight talking, no bullshit sort of stuff from you would be well popular I reckon. Gotta fill that bike perfect gap!
Just got a cube reaction hybrid pro 800......for bikepacking. Maybe something on clothing to stay dry on such excursions would be helpful
Hey, Guy! Great video! I love seeing your enthusiasm, knowledge, and your fondness for a few bikes I’ve never even heard of!
Interesting that you’ve loved the SB140 and the ASR. You also seemed to like the SB120 (at least the video you made seemed to show you being happy with it!).
Is the SB120 not on the list for any specific reason or have you just reconsidered it after riding a bunch of other bikes?
I just finally got my first ride on my Lunch Ride SB120 in (they have a great 2024 model year sale right now) and I think it’s going to be a really killer bike for my area. I’ll have some adjusting to do after coming off a a-little-too-small mullet hardtail but I think it’s going to be a super fun ride!
The only reason the SB-120 wasn't very near the top of the list was that it was a 2023 launch. It's pretty much the perfect blend of the ASR and the SB-140 though so I should have said that at least
@@GuyKesTV I forgot it was a 2023 launch. You're right (as always)!
I was worried that maybe there was something you grew to dislike about it or something required more maintenance than expected (meaning I should pay special attention and watch out for it). I'm glad to hear the bike worked out great and you didn't find some reason to hate it!
I'll keep watching the videos and liking, etc.! Thanks for making them!
Thinking about it. Like you I might be slightly needy. As the Orbea Rallon I bought at the beginning of the year. Is the pink and green bike GMBN's Blake Samson rode.
Best get some Spokey Dokeys on it then boss. 🦄
@@ltrtg13 BTW hope you don’t mind me stalking you on your RUclips but that bike in your profile pic is lush!
For my top 10 bikes, I would strike off any that aren't full-sus and any bike that doesn't come with a 120mm or 160mm fork. The 120mm fork bike would also have to have about a 66* HTA and the 160mm fork bike would have to have about a 64.5* HTA.
Best new 120mm fork bikes: Epic, Spur, Chisel FS (Also best budget bike.), Scalpel, Element (I cheated. It comes with a 130mm fork.)
Best new 160mm fork bikes: Hightower, Sentinel, Ripmo, SB140 Lunch Ride, Stumpy (If you change the fork internals to 160mm travel.)
Very sound rules to go by. Very keen to try Scalpel and maybe some day I’ll manage to get the Spur test bike I’ve been promised for about 4 years now 🤷♂️
Chisel as a "budget" bike? You're having a larf entcha ?
Budget is Boardman, Voodoo, Calibre territory
I guess I am not getting something, but Specialized does have a hardtail. The epic HT was new for 2024, though no one tested it.
It's not you that's not getting it, it's literally us here in the UK. We haven't seen that new Epic over this side so I didn't know it even existed. Sorry for the oversight and I'll try and find out why that is
@GuyKesTV weird... we still have the chisel HT in the US as well.
@@smithandshortdogs Damn you! I'm guessing that NICA gives you guys a much bigger hardtail market whereas most folks over here who want a hardtail are still running a first gen 29er Scott or Cube from over a decade ago! Then new buyers are moving to full suspension. I really miss the Chisel HT I had though, such a superb ride
@@smithandshortdogs Thanks for the intel anyway, it seems I'm getting more views from stateside now (I should probably add subtitles) so try and I'll pay more attention to what models you guys do/don't have.
@@GuyKesTV New Epic HT is in the Harrogate concept store. Now has UDH and comes in your favourite colour.
Between Specialized Chisel FS and Scott Spark 970 which one would you recomend?
@@MaQuGo119 if you like lots of levers and lockout go Spark. Otherwise Chisel FS for sure
32:42 😂😂😂😂🎉😂😂😂
🍾🧑🏻🦳🫅🏼🤴🏻
Top 10 hardtails of all time! The Chisel is my favorite bike I've ever owned. Planning on doing my first bikepacking trip with it next year, as well as entering my first race, and doing my first century! (All seperate, lol)
@@flybyguy1450 Chisel would definitely top out my hardtails list! Good luck to both of you on all your 2025 challenges ✊🏻
Hi Guy, do you think the Chisel, built up light, pedals efficiently enough to race? (no lockout is a worry)
Absolutely. Naturally tight feel to it so get some light wheels on it (which is where you'll notice the weight loss most) and maybe a lighter cassette when the OG wears out and it'll be race ready.
I've been spending way too much time staring at pics of the Cotic Solaris
The new one in the A La Cate colours is particularly tasty eh?
@GuyKesTV yeah pretty tasty indeed, ever so slightly sad that the hubble purple colour with the old logo decal is gone, very very tempted by the solaris for the french divide, think it would really do the job
@@oscarrignell1108 would be sweet for sure. Interested to try the new Mason Macro too, as the geo seems more 'adventure' specific. Hopefully should have a frame and fork to build up shortly.
Keep up the shouting and good reviews, i could do your Opinion on flat pedal winter shoes , i run the high 5 d30 but could with a bit warmth.
I'm no expert on flats but I really like the Leatt Hydradri as they come half a size larger than they say so you can fit fat socks in. Steve Jones from Dirt/EMBN always used to swear by really posh French wellies for proper filthy riding though. They use natural rubber and he says they're grippier than 5:10s. Pretty sure he won at least one national series DH race in them back in the day
5:10 freerider EPS have primaloft in for warmth
@@tromansn thanks for the input 👍
Would be interesting to hear which bikes you didn't like most, or had big hopes, but rode shitier than you thought.
Consider it on the way boss
If you are a light rider like myself sub 65kg is there a way to get more travel out of the Voodoo? Or is it just the wrong choice for a light rider?
@@creativechimp03 I’ve just got an air spring for the coil fork so I’m going to see how that goes. Otherwise aim for the Pro as that has an air fork as standard and it’s lighter 👍🏻
@ ah brilliant ok, didn’t realise the pro was an air fork. My old Bizango is just a basic air fork but works well with my weight so this sounds like a good shout. Do you think the industry will ever equate affordable bikes with people that just want to spend less? One thing I’ve noticed is that affordable bikes are always classed as bikes for people new to the sport, I’ve always had other financial commitments and hence bought cheaper bikes (bar one time where my student loan many moons ago went on a specialized FSR) but have ridden for over 35 years and often pass people on real expensive setups. I get why it’s framed like this for the upsell but the realism is, affordable bikes don’t equal beginner riders. Love that you cover a wide spectrum on the channel.
@ @ thanks for pointing that out mate. I’m definitely guilty of phrasing these as ‘gateway’ bikes on the way to a ‘proper’ bike. But that’s bollocks. They’re absolutely great bikes for any rider who just doesn’t want to spend more. And £1400 is a big chunk of money to spend on a non essential item. It’s probs more than I’d spend as the last time I had a ‘proper job’ I was kicking round on an old steel single speed because I couldn’t afford to replace the OG grip shift when it broke. Consider me standing in the corner thinking about what I’ve said and may you keep kicking the ass of people on much more expensive bikes for another 35 years 💪🏻
@@GuyKesTV I’ve heard you say it a little but not close to how most of the big channels phrase it. And don’t get me wrong I get the better equipment does also create opportunity in the right hands too, I’ve skied most of my life and know the feeling of great stiff skis and bindings vs more basic beginner setups but I feel like with MTBs the improvement at the lower level is so vast from the 90s/00s that these new breeds of sub 2k bikes in the right hands can ride most things and very well and not everyone can or wants to spend more as you said. Again thanks for the great content. As to another 35 years, that would be nice, might be a bit of a push!! 😂
What are you talking about, wireless-only is terrible! For me it defeats the entire purpose of mountain biking which is to get as far away from all sorts of electronic shite as I can.
That is great and all, but for a lot of us, it's a major improvement and easier to live with.
@@YanDoroshenko I knew I could rely on you to start a fight in the comments first and literally on the first bike. Thanks for all your feedback this year mate 🤘🏻
Totally agree.
@@KlintonSilvey With all due respect, I think you've misunderstood my point a bit. You are welcome to have your electronic shifting, but let me squirm in the metaphoric mud of the past with the primitive rope-powered technology.
@@GuyKesTV o7
Woof😘
@@wingerdinger1 🤣🐺
I both admire you and pitty you in a weird way, on one hand, I love how much you know about bikes, your decades of experience really do show, you are one of the most passionate humans when it comes to bikes, which is why I almost pitty you, I thoiught I was obsessed with bycicles, specs, numbers, prices, and demos, but you my fine sir, take the win by faaaar, you talk so much about pointless details and opinions that it makes me think there is nothing else on your life going on, which in a strange way makes me happy I am not as lost in geometries as you, but I fear I will one day end up like you, we, after all, are slightly autistic, it is our destiny and our doom, I am so conflicted about these feelings, I´m gonna go on a ride, see ya later alligator and thanks for the years of content
haha, thanks mate but don't worry plenty more going on in my world beyond the workshop door besides bikes. I just got lucky and managed to turn my obsession and ADHD/autistic tendencies into a job and then somehow raise a family on it. Have a great ride anyway chief and make sure you don't let the pointless details get in the way 🤣
What gin company sponsored this post again? 🤣🍻
@@harv83 🤣🤣