As someone who rides a Vitus Mythique already. I agree with everything you said. I upgraded the fork, the rear wheel, and changed the cockpit a bit and it is such an incredible, aggressive bike. Perfect for the bike park and fast fun downhill trails. Pedals back up pretty damn well too.
Totally agree, I also ride the Mythique and upgraded the fork and shock. Rides like a charm, good bike to upgrade over a few years while still giving you that great agressive feel to it.
Crazy $3,000 is considered budget nowadays, but it's what it is ... There's a surplus of inventory, so right now is a good time to buy. I imagine the end of this year will be even better. YT, Propain and Commencal would be my top 3 choices, and I'd also consider Giant. I know Canyon is up there too, and of course buying used is probably the best option, so long as you're comfortable not having a warranty.
Just look at the amount of inflation we've seen everywhere over the last few years. The grocery store is oh so painful too. It sucks. You are right though- inventory levels are huge right now, so its a good time to seek out a deal! At least the days of not being able to get a bike are over.
My cousin just bought a YT. He loves it. They staff treat you really nice and they even let you do a test ride before you commit. Super sale going on right now. Check it out!
@@mattjns I heard those frames crack around the seat tube. There’s a few posts with pics on their FB groups. Is that still the case? I do think those Polygons are absolutely GOOD LOOKING but frames cracking is out of the question for consideration.
I just bought the Polygon here in Oz for the equivalent of under $1800usd. Crazy good bike for that. I upgraded the bars, grips, tires, bb, dropper remote and brakes. I’ll eventually upgrade the shocks, but I’m having heaps of fun.
Yeah, was going to say that the T8 is always on 'sale' for $1999 and sometimes less, and Reg price is 2399, not 2599. So, it is less expensive than the all the others by a chunk.
I owned and still ride a Vitus Escape VRX since 2019 (Trail bike of the year in Europe back then). Best bike I've ever owned. Can't get enough of it and will cry when I sell it. Ps. You forgot Canyon Spectral 29 $2800, probably my next bike.
The YT sale right now makes the Jeffsy the best choice here. I opted for the Core 3 carbon version recently as they didn't have the Core 2 in stock at the time and it is incredible value. Just about everything on the bike is one notch better than the Core 2 plus a carbon frame.
@@yamahschector If you live close enough to one of their Headquarters, you may be able to ride one. They may have a demo schedule available for this year if you email them.
Thank y'all so much for this, been anticipating it heavily since I saw the Vitus in your YT Shorts. I'm getting into the Mythique VRX by April, and this just solidifies my choice. Can't fugging WAIT!
@@dennispikephotography thinking of going up to the AMP now... my buddy just showed me that you're getting a lot for $300 more 😬 Means I have to work a couple extra shifts, but it's worth it 💪🏽
Too bad the polygon T9 wasn’t released in time. Still comes in under 3k. Would love to see something about it because I’m kinda torn between that and the core 2. 3k is my budget.
I kinda fell in love with this Vitus after watching the video. And selling sx and nx drivetrains should be considered a crime against humanity. These things just doesn't work. So the YT would need a new brakes and a new derailleur/shifter from the start.
Would be cool to see a $4000 price range comparison, would be interesting to see if the Ripmo AF is still the top bike under $4000 or if it's gotten long in the tooth (also to see if their decision to replace the DVO Onyx SC with a Marzocci coil fork was a good one).
I just bought the Fluid A3 for my son for the equivalent of US$1700 *and* it came with a Rockshox Deluxe Select shock (a nice bonus!). My son only weighs 50kg (110lbs) so the suspension feels great for him! Yeah it's heavy AF but we're planning to go tubeless and perhaps upgrade the fork to a Pike Select later down the line.
The canyon spectral 125 is on sale right now for 2199 euros (tax included) here in Italy (i guess all of Europe) with a Fox 36 rhythm , Fox float x performance and full slx components
Jeffsy is a very good all round shredder bike! New Marin rift zone 3 or 2 would be nice to add to this group. And maybe a modern down country trail bike Eg Merida one twenty
So, to sum up your half an hour talks: all bikes were fun, they are fun to ride, everybody was enjoying. Every bike is great, steeper are great, slacker are great, longer are great, shorter are great, shimano breaks are grate, but sram are great too, transmission is great, tyres are great, cornering was great, grip was great, you are great, we are great, everything is awesome... except... RS 35 silver is not that great, but considering the price of the bike it is great too. Great job, well done!!! What you wanted to say guys?
I got a Polygon Siskiu T8 to get back into riding. I was going to sell it for a new bike after a couple month because you know, I just want to look cool on a 5k bike lol. After a year on this bike I feel the same as you guys about it. Nothing to complain about it rides and looks like a longer travel bike. I'm just going to keep it as my trail bike and add a 5k+ enduro bike to the fleet. Not sure which one yet though because so many options nowadays. Or maybe a ebike shhhh?
Specialized Status out there @ $2250 rn and usually is available at $3000. Can be had in a 140mm version with full FOX suspension and complete NX. Yet barely any reviews on it. Would be an extremely interesting candidate in this test.
Picked up a norco fluid of the Facebook marketplace with a lyrik upgrade. Wanted it for the “everyday riding” and I think I like it more than my dream build trek remedy 😂. NEED lighter wheel set and to replace the Tektro brakes🤝
I'm currently riding my 2020 jeffsy upgraded to gx, stans ex3's with hope hubs and code stealth rsc ultimates, 160mm pike ultimate. Now even more of a ripper here in N Shore, and Squamish.
This is the meat of the Market -And I'm super biased of YT as Ive had 3 of them Decoy, Izzo, and Capra. Have plenty of Jeffsey brothers. But that Vitus build looked pretty solid.
I originally planned on getting a Fluid A4 but then I saw this video and looked up the A3 and found one for a little over 2000 usd. It’s a discount though and the original price is something like $3200
@the loam wolf, maybe this can be interesting to review also.... test the carbon version and "metal" version of the same bike side to side... and do this with a couple of brands. I am really curious what the more expensive carbon bike has to offer compared to the metal versions....
I ask myself the same question, why people keep buying more expensive bikes. It's like the guy who buys the Ford raptor truck. When a tacoma is probably better and less money. Sometimes people like to flex. Damn even people shred on hard tail bikes.
Does anyone have a contact for the US distributor for Vitus? They seem to have disappeared and the Vitus warranty links for the US result in "page not found".
Hi guys, I loved the review on the 4 bikes. I have a question, I just bought my second full susp. My first was a Polygon D6, which I loved. But I got a great deal on a Specialized Status 160. This bike list for $3,000, I got it for $1,500 brand new. What are your thoughts on this build? Don
Specialized makes great bikes and the Status is no exception. They did a fairly good job with Spec out of the gate, the only things that would be on our upgrade list once they wear out would be the brakes and the NX drivetrain. For $1500 you got an absolute killer deal of a bike.
I want back to back test rides to compare these to my upgraded 2014 trek slash that has about 2k more into it than all these bikes. I love my old bike and could not replace it yet after a few test rides of a few 2022/23 bikes. I wonder if these newer budget bikes are better than my older bike. I agree with these guys the poppy bikes are what I love too so vitus should be the choice only because of that but I really think the YT is great
@@TheLoamWolf I could not replace my 2014 trek slash yet because everything I road even a new slash felt wrong. So instead I bought a 2023 commencal meta ht ohlins edition I figured add a hardtail for now and replace the full suspension later. So far I am not a fan of the new geometry of the hardtail I bought. That’s because it’s still too new for me and I am use to older bikes.
Great report, really do appreciate the budget focus … but, not a single word on build quality? … e.g. there was a lot of ‘just get on it and ride’ coimments, but could you?
Vitus bikes are still completely MIA in the states. I’ve been trying to find them for 3 months and several outlets now say that they no longer ship to North America. The Polygons are always sold out in size L.
Until the deal with aftermath of the chain reaction / wiggle group gets sorted, we likely wont be seeing Vitus back for sometime. BikesOnline.com has a handful of Large Polygon Collosus's in stock right now, Siskiu's are a different story.
Here in Switzerland, you can get the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp for 3'300 CHF (3500$) right now. And I just ordered it in S4 Glossy White / Black. What you guys think? For me, this is a pretty sweet deal for a full carbon bike with some decent specs on it. A year ago this bike was sold for 5'100$ Cheers from Switzerland
Thank you Curis. Honestly the rear end did well, it was the fork that started bottoming harder and we think with volume reducers you could improve that a lot! BUT, travel is travel, so i'd say if you're regularly dropping more than 6-foot drops to flatter landings you may want more travel.
Just picked up a YT core 2 29r for $2150 crazy deal of a bike maybe down the road I’ll do a couple upgrades like all my bikes but hell of a deal and my first 29r I would of went with the status but didn’t like the mullet set up and also none in my size anywhere
Nephew had SRAM SX on his 2020 giant reign, mech and shifter broke within a week, they are total s*** . I replaced with NX mech and GX shifter, no problems since. SX should be scrapped.
I'm currently comparing these bikes to the Norco Fluid A2 with the Bomber Z2 fork, the Specialized Status and SJ Evo and Devinci Troy and Base Spartan. The Specialized and the YT are on sale ATM. I'm trying to decide if I want to have an aggresive trail bike or the old short travel enduro / all mountain category bike for park / shuttle days. Currently on a hard tail Fuse and renting for rare park trips.
I want to buu the yt jefsey core 2 but all my friends have 170 mm and not 150 mm and this summer whe want to ride big jumps in some bikeparks and we want to hit som DH. Do you guys think it is still a good option for me?
I had those tektro brakes come on my bike because of supply chain issues and rode them for 9 months before swapping to shimano 4 pistons. The actual power of the tektros with metallic pads is not bad at all but the lever design sucks(tektro even says it’s meant for 2 finger breaking). with different levers they would be a solid budget brake. There is also a flimsiness to them, a lot of up and down play in the levers, to be expected at the price I guess.
at this price range, especially if you are more of a trail type rider, I would reconsider your need for a rear shock. ragley's bikes for example, you can get an amazing spec bike for under 2k with solid frame. there is something to be said for the power transfer and pure joy that comes from riding a hardtail that just isn't the same on a FS.I know I would take a ragley over any of the bikes in this comparison and they cost less too. Just me and my XC racer opinions, buy what you want.
I started on rigid bikes then moved to hardtails and eventually full sus. I cant ride anywhere near as fast on my hardtail as I do on full sus. So for me anyway they arent as fun.
I don’t get it! You guys just named the Fluid bike of the year and three month later, no one is choosing it! Could you explain me what happened? I’m seriously considering an A1 or A2 but now…
Spec makes a big difference. Big difference between Fox factory and XT vs a RS fork that doesn't even have a DebonAir spring and SX eagle that will have to be upgraded within a month when the shifter or mech breaks
Hey Dominic, You may have us confused with Pinkbike? Believe they awarded Norco a Bike of The Year Award? We certainly praised Norco for offering some amazing features, tech, size specific geometry, custom tuning etc, but don't believe we ever said this was the best bike of the year anywhere? That said, it is a great bike, but we do think this particular spec is not the best of the bunch. We'd go up one level if we were shopping, sadly that bike is above the 3k threshold. Thanks and hope that helps?
Some of the sales this time of year make me wonder why I backed ordered a bike during a fourth of July sale last year. It seems everyone has a good offer right now. You know things are good when Specialized has a bike with basically the same suspension as mine for a thousand bucks less during the current (Status 140). Your getting a nx drive train and maybe I would choose Shimano over code r brakes but there 4 piston which great for the price. Marin also has some disgusting sales on full suspension bikes for $1400 or so if you are okay dropping to a recon silver fork on a 2022 bike.
At the time we originally requested bikes, Marin currently didn't have any inventory and Canyon was requesting all test bikes back and didn't get back to us regarding the roundup.
It's called PT Insera Sena. A factory located in Indonesia. Insera made Marin too. But Polygon is more common for local (Indonesian) market whereas Marin is more 'high-end' in there That's some nerdy info for ya! 🤓
Put away 150$ each month, sell some stuff over the duration of a year. Cancel that 10$ Ps5, Microsoft, etc. subscription. Order one less Pizza/ fast food each month. Change your Internet/ phone service to a cheaper one. In the end you are putting away ~60$ each month and you can buy your 3K Dream Bike in "only" 20-24 Months. Tell your friends and family about your " Bike" project. You will be surprised how people Support you if they see you put in the work and willpower! I know this, because I was this person in my Past 😉🙂. Cheers
I would rather pay and be known to buy a budget bike then to buy a bike in inflation times... When I bought my first bike $1900 was the top of the line and if you wanted to go raced then you paid your 10 grand...that was 2003. 20 years later they're considered budget and everybody else is just paying inflation just to have a name
I'm a complete beginner, but I just picked up a Polygon T8 for $1740 USD including taxes up in Canada. I'm super excited to start riding, but my only concern is that I was limited to inventory at the shop...all they had left were mediums and I'm 5'9". So I'm right at the max recommended height for that frame size.
@@miguelfragoso7023 I've only ridden it around my street so far, but it feels pretty good. I might get a small stem extension, but overall I think it'll be okay.
Yes, keep up the reviews on more affordable bikes!
Will do!!
Love budget bike roundups; always insightful on what matters for performance on the bike.
As someone who rides a Vitus Mythique already. I agree with everything you said. I upgraded the fork, the rear wheel, and changed the cockpit a bit and it is such an incredible, aggressive bike. Perfect for the bike park and fast fun downhill trails. Pedals back up pretty damn well too.
Totally agree, I also ride the Mythique and upgraded the fork and shock. Rides like a charm, good bike to upgrade over a few years while still giving you that great agressive feel to it.
Do you think the bike is worth it, or would you recommend I save up and buy something else?
what fork did you end up with?
It was refreshing that you didn't slate the less capable bikes, instead praising the better bikes. Really enjoyed the review.
Thanks! 👍
Love these cheap bike reviews! Shame Marin didn’t get you guys the new Rift Zone to review, that would’ve been a great addition!
A friend of mine here in Panama is trying to get me to commit to a Rift Zone over the Mythique as we speak! I'm not budging though 😬 😅
Lol cheap bikes? So a $2,500 bike is cheap? Wow .... a $300 bike is cheap 😂😂
Mtb is probably the most overpriced hobby out there, so yes. $2500 is considered quite cheap, at least for a full sus.
@@TriqxterRBI got 2023 marin rift zone 1 for 1800 dollars in CA. I plan to fully upgrade with time.
I put a 160mm ZEB select on my 27.5 polygon siskiu t8 and it rips steep black diamond trail well and turns like a dream . Never been happier!😁
WhTs the weight of your bike with the zeb? Also did you go with the small or medium?
Crazy $3,000 is considered budget nowadays, but it's what it is ... There's a surplus of inventory, so right now is a good time to buy. I imagine the end of this year will be even better. YT, Propain and Commencal would be my top 3 choices, and I'd also consider Giant. I know Canyon is up there too, and of course buying used is probably the best option, so long as you're comfortable not having a warranty.
Just look at the amount of inflation we've seen everywhere over the last few years. The grocery store is oh so painful too. It sucks. You are right though- inventory levels are huge right now, so its a good time to seek out a deal! At least the days of not being able to get a bike are over.
My cousin just bought a YT. He loves it. They staff treat you really nice and they even let you do a test ride before you commit. Super sale going on right now. Check it out!
I just got the Polygon on sale here in Oz for the equivalent of under $1800usd bucks. So there’s definitely bargains to be had !
You ride a $3k bike 2000 miles a year with some maintenance costs... doesn't feel so bad for the amount of recreational fun you get.
@@mattjns I heard those frames crack around the seat tube. There’s a few posts with pics on their FB groups. Is that still the case? I do think those Polygons are absolutely GOOD LOOKING but frames cracking is out of the question for consideration.
Just bought my first bike, went with the polygon T8! $2193 out the door, for the money you just really can’t beat it 😅
I just bought the Polygon here in Oz for the equivalent of under $1800usd. Crazy good bike for that.
I upgraded the bars, grips, tires, bb, dropper remote and brakes.
I’ll eventually upgrade the shocks, but I’m having heaps of fun.
Yeah, was going to say that the T8 is always on 'sale' for $1999 and sometimes less, and Reg price is 2399, not 2599. So, it is less expensive than the all the others by a chunk.
I owned and still ride a Vitus Escape VRX since 2019 (Trail bike of the year in Europe back then). Best bike I've ever owned. Can't get enough of it and will cry when I sell it.
Ps. You forgot Canyon Spectral 29 $2800, probably my next bike.
The YT sale right now makes the Jeffsy the best choice here. I opted for the Core 3 carbon version recently as they didn't have the Core 2 in stock at the time and it is incredible value. Just about everything on the bike is one notch better than the Core 2 plus a carbon frame.
I really wish I could test ride the YT. I am looking to replace my 2014 full suspension that I have owned from new.
@@yamahschector If you live close enough to one of their Headquarters, you may be able to ride one. They may have a demo schedule available for this year if you email them.
Correct! I Just got the Jeffsy core 2 for 1799!😲
@@johnnylloyd4487how?
The Specialized Status is only $2,250 right now! And $3k MSRP.
Crazy that one of the best values out there is coming from Spesh.
Yeah that’s a deal.
Fox 36 sux
The YT is my favorite out of all the bikes.
Thank y'all so much for this, been anticipating it heavily since I saw the Vitus in your YT Shorts. I'm getting into the Mythique VRX by April, and this just solidifies my choice. Can't fugging WAIT!
Awesome thanks for sharing and congrats on the new bike! You should be very happy.
I have a mythique VRX. You won't be disappointed. I LOVE mine.
@@dennispikephotography thinking of going up to the AMP now... my buddy just showed me that you're getting a lot for $300 more 😬
Means I have to work a couple extra shifts, but it's worth it 💪🏽
Yal are totally right , I have a 7k Santa Cruz, bought a $3k alloy Specialized Stauts and absolutely love it.
Haha awesome to hear that!
Too bad the polygon T9 wasn’t released in time. Still comes in under 3k. Would love to see something about it because I’m kinda torn between that and the core 2. 3k is my budget.
Great selection of bikes, loved the video! I also appreciate that you used the same tires across the board. Keep up the good work!
Thanks very much!!
Thanks for the great video! Just got the Jeffsy Core 2 on sale for 1799 at YT! It will take until March to get it here in the US but still so stoked!!
Heck ya! Really cant beat that price for such a solid bike. March will be here before we know it.
I kinda fell in love with this Vitus after watching the video. And selling sx and nx drivetrains should be considered a crime against humanity. These things just doesn't work. So the YT would need a new brakes and a new derailleur/shifter from the start.
Would be cool to see a $4000 price range comparison, would be interesting to see if the Ripmo AF is still the top bike under $4000 or if it's gotten long in the tooth (also to see if their decision to replace the DVO Onyx SC with a Marzocci coil fork was a good one).
Sub 3k bikes are alive and ready to shred! Some great deals right now 🤘🏻
I JUST PURCHASED COLA BEAR FOR
ANother great review. Been looking for feedback on the Vitus and this was very timely.
Shame you couldn't also get the new Marin Rift Zone as well (the XR looks great), but it's still awesome to see more affordable bikes being reviewed.
I just bought the Fluid A3 for my son for the equivalent of US$1700 *and* it came with a Rockshox Deluxe Select shock (a nice bonus!). My son only weighs 50kg (110lbs) so the suspension feels great for him! Yeah it's heavy AF but we're planning to go tubeless and perhaps upgrade the fork to a Pike Select later down the line.
I love my Polygon, team T8.
Oh hell nah
So did my buddy until he rode my norco sight today 😂
Love these roundups! Keep them coming!
The canyon spectral 125 is on sale right now for 2199 euros (tax included) here in Italy (i guess all of Europe) with a Fox 36 rhythm , Fox float x performance and full slx components
2299 in the US. Picked one up
I just copped a spectral 125 cf7 for 2775usd all in, up in canadaland. The deals are flowing!
@jaywintonyk5357 Awesome bike! I just bought the 125 CF 7 and love it.
Jeffsy is a very good all round shredder bike! New Marin rift zone 3 or 2 would be nice to add to this group. And maybe a modern down country trail bike Eg Merida one twenty
So, to sum up your half an hour talks: all bikes were fun, they are fun to ride, everybody was enjoying. Every bike is great, steeper are great, slacker are great, longer are great, shorter are great, shimano breaks are grate, but sram are great too, transmission is great, tyres are great, cornering was great, grip was great, you are great, we are great, everything is awesome... except... RS 35 silver is not that great, but considering the price of the bike it is great too. Great job, well done!!! What you wanted to say guys?
Haha...May want to watch it again if that's your takeaway. BUT great job on the summary. You are a great fan and we appreciate you greatly.
The polygon is 2,000 now. That's by far the best deal out of all of them.
$2000? 😯
On their website? I'm only seeing it for $2600
I see it for $2199 and have been highly considering since my budget is "as cheap as possible please".
@@audiophizile13 I just got mine for 2192.00 after tax and shipping. Currently $1999.00 for their July sale.
I got a Polygon Siskiu T8 to get back into riding. I was going to sell it for a new bike after a couple month because you know, I just want to look cool on a 5k bike lol. After a year on this bike I feel the same as you guys about it. Nothing to complain about it rides and looks like a longer travel bike. I'm just going to keep it as my trail bike and add a 5k+ enduro bike to the fleet. Not sure which one yet though because so many options nowadays. Or maybe a ebike shhhh?
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing.
@@TheLoamWolf for sure. Keep up the good work!
Could you test a rose root miller (preferable the root miller 2)?
Specialized Status out there @ $2250 rn and usually is available at $3000. Can be had in a 140mm version with full FOX suspension and complete NX. Yet barely any reviews on it. Would be an extremely interesting candidate in this test.
not only that, it's a mullet setup. only thing I would do is put a gx derailer on it.
@@mrbubblebuns3994 already got one lmao
Polygon is only $2274 delivered now.
Yup, just ordered one yesterday
Correct. I got mine for 2192.00 ordered last week. Therefore, best option of those per price point.
Picked up a norco fluid of the Facebook marketplace with a lyrik upgrade. Wanted it for the “everyday riding” and I think I like it more than my dream build trek remedy 😂. NEED lighter wheel set and to replace the Tektro brakes🤝
I think the best bang for your buck is the YT I love it
It absolutely is.
@@sourpatch3855 I’m upset that YT claims they didn’t have this model in stock at the time I wanted it but it’s cool you guys still did a great job
I'm currently riding my 2020 jeffsy upgraded to gx, stans ex3's with hope hubs and code stealth rsc ultimates, 160mm pike ultimate. Now even more of a ripper here in N Shore, and Squamish.
Great information on some of my short list bikes. I would have like more info on climbing abilities though, missed an important aspect
I agree about the Jeffsy's brakes. Stock pads aren't great. You switch out the pads they fare much better.
This is the meat of the Market -And I'm super biased of YT as Ive had 3 of them Decoy, Izzo, and Capra. Have plenty of Jeffsey brothers. But that Vitus build looked pretty solid.
Vitus and Nukeproof are also now available through dealers in the US, at the same prices as they list them at on CRC.
Yea, the Vitus is getting my money for sure
I originally planned on getting a Fluid A4 but then I saw this video and looked up the A3 and found one for a little over 2000 usd. It’s a discount though and the original price is something like $3200
The jamis a1 is 1800 and a2 is 1400 new at my local shop clearance....highpoint a1 is 800. Should i jump on one for my first mtb haha
I bought the Jeffsy Core 2 for $2249 a month ago and I love it!
Awesome to hear and thanks for sharing! Congrats on the new bike.
Great review by the way I was disappointed with the Norco Fluid fs 3 and glad I held off on getting it
@the loam wolf, maybe this can be interesting to review also.... test the carbon version and "metal" version of the same bike side to side... and do this with a couple of brands. I am really curious what the more expensive carbon bike has to offer compared to the metal versions....
Good idea.
I ask myself the same question, why people keep buying more expensive bikes. It's like the guy who buys the Ford raptor truck. When a tacoma is probably better and less money. Sometimes people like to flex. Damn even people shred on hard tail bikes.
2500 miles on my Poly and I broke a spoke nipple when I flat spotted the rear wheel...otherwise solid! Bang for the Buck.
That's pretty good, the most common issue I've heard with Polygons is wheel issues because that is the major area they save money
@@mrvwbug4423 Yea swap those heavy sucka's out.
Does anyone have a contact for the US distributor for Vitus? They seem to have disappeared and the Vitus warranty links for the US result in "page not found".
Would upgrading the damper on the Vitus be worthwhile? It would effectively become a Pike Ultimate.
Hi guys, I loved the review on the 4 bikes. I have a question, I just bought my second full susp. My first was a Polygon D6, which I loved. But I got a great deal on a Specialized Status 160. This bike list for $3,000, I got it for $1,500 brand new. What are your thoughts on this build? Don
Specialized makes great bikes and the Status is no exception. They did a fairly good job with Spec out of the gate, the only things that would be on our upgrade list once they wear out would be the brakes and the NX drivetrain. For $1500 you got an absolute killer deal of a bike.
@@TheLoamWolf Thank you for the quick response. I am so stoked!
What a bargain! Congratulation on that Bike and deal my friend.
@@IIISentorIII yeah, it is a great deal!
I want back to back test rides to compare these to my upgraded 2014 trek slash that has about 2k more into it than all these bikes. I love my old bike and could not replace it yet after a few test rides of a few 2022/23 bikes. I wonder if these newer budget bikes are better than my older bike. I agree with these guys the poppy bikes are what I love too so vitus should be the choice only because of that but I really think the YT is great
We’d say the newer geo is going to be the biggest factor and yes, they will ride better for more riders.
@@TheLoamWolf I could not replace my 2014 trek slash yet because everything I road even a new slash felt wrong. So instead I bought a 2023 commencal meta ht ohlins edition I figured add a hardtail for now and replace the full suspension later. So far I am not a fan of the new geometry of the hardtail I bought. That’s because it’s still too new for me and I am use to older bikes.
Great report, really do appreciate the budget focus … but, not a single word on build quality? … e.g. there was a lot of ‘just get on it and ride’ coimments, but could you?
Can you do a sub-$3k hardtail test please?
Vitus bikes are still completely MIA in the states. I’ve been trying to find them for 3 months and several outlets now say that they no longer ship to North America. The Polygons are always sold out in size L.
Until the deal with aftermath of the chain reaction / wiggle group gets sorted, we likely wont be seeing Vitus back for sometime. BikesOnline.com has a handful of Large Polygon Collosus's in stock right now, Siskiu's are a different story.
Really too bad you couldn’t have included the Specialized Status 140 which is going for $2,250 right now.
I’m liking the vitus I want to build a bike initially wanted a hard tail but a vitus FS frame would be nice to build around
Too many nice bikes, how do you chose? I has Marin San Q 2...should I upgrade?
Hey guy’s what do u think about the salsa rustler deore priced at 2,199 after being 3,199 MSRP. For a person who is just getting into mtb.
Here in Switzerland, you can get the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp for 3'300 CHF (3500$) right now.
And I just ordered it in S4 Glossy White / Black.
What you guys think?
For me, this is a pretty sweet deal for a full carbon bike with some decent specs on it. A year ago this bike was sold for 5'100$
Cheers from Switzerland
Very good choice.
@@deonbean6426 thx, it will take 4-6 weeks until they build the S4 🫠. But on the plus side it's spring by then and the Snow is gone 😉
I'm liking my Carbonda FM1002, and my Carbonda FM909.
Status 160 Specialized at 2249 well dressed. Thoughts?
better deal than all these bikes imo
Great video guys! How did the Vitus handle the drops? At what point did it start to bottom out consistently?
Thank you Curis. Honestly the rear end did well, it was the fork that started bottoming harder and we think with volume reducers you could improve that a lot! BUT, travel is travel, so i'd say if you're regularly dropping more than 6-foot drops to flatter landings you may want more travel.
$3k is mid tier bike above 3k i considered it a luxury bike already and 5-10k is a boutique and like sports car edition of bikes category
Just picked up a YT core 2 29r for $2150 crazy deal of a bike maybe down the road I’ll do a couple upgrades like all my bikes but hell of a deal and my first 29r I would of went with the status but didn’t like the mullet set up and also none in my size anywhere
18:50 I think that’s a float x
The guy on the left kinda looks like Robert Downey Jr.
Haha. We won't tell him that, he's already got an ego. 😂 We'll just start calling him Iron Man from now on.
Nephew had SRAM SX on his 2020 giant reign, mech and shifter broke within a week, they are total s*** . I replaced with NX mech and GX shifter, no problems since. SX should be scrapped.
I'm currently comparing these bikes to the Norco Fluid A2 with the Bomber Z2 fork, the Specialized Status and SJ Evo and Devinci Troy and Base Spartan. The Specialized and the YT are on sale ATM. I'm trying to decide if I want to have an aggresive trail bike or the old short travel enduro / all mountain category bike for park / shuttle days. Currently on a hard tail Fuse and renting for rare park trips.
Don't buy bike with rare park trips in mind. Keep renting and save the damage to your own bike.
@@ThisGuyRides great advice
I want to buu the yt jefsey core 2 but all my friends have 170 mm and not 150 mm and this summer whe want to ride big jumps in some bikeparks and we want to hit som DH. Do you guys think it is still a good option for me?
Can't chose between the T7 and faultline A1 both £1500 at go outdoors right now
'Budget (full suspension) mountain bikes'
fixed that for ya.
YT ALL DAY! LET'S GO!
Put a Pike Select 140 on that Norco for about $200 more on that build. Great review.
Not a bad idea.
@@TheLoamWolf Put a 2023 Pike select 150 and long-forked my Stumpy. Best upgrade I did. Rock Shox is level w Fox IMHO, after 20 years only on Fox.
Polygon is 2200 now. -U10
I had those tektro brakes come on my bike because of supply chain issues and rode them for 9 months before swapping to shimano 4 pistons. The actual power of the tektros with metallic pads is not bad at all but the lever design sucks(tektro even says it’s meant for 2 finger breaking). with different levers they would be a solid budget brake. There is also a flimsiness to them, a lot of up and down play in the levers, to be expected at the price I guess.
We agree great power but lever is a major issue.
I'd say under $4000 would be a good comparison
at this price range, especially if you are more of a trail type rider, I would reconsider your need for a rear shock. ragley's bikes for example, you can get an amazing spec bike for under 2k with solid frame. there is something to be said for the power transfer and pure joy that comes from riding a hardtail that just isn't the same on a FS.I know I would take a ragley over any of the bikes in this comparison and they cost less too. Just me and my XC racer opinions, buy what you want.
I started on rigid bikes then moved to hardtails and eventually full sus. I cant ride anywhere near as fast on my hardtail as I do on full sus. So for me anyway they arent as fun.
I don’t get it! You guys just named the Fluid bike of the year and three month later, no one is choosing it! Could you explain me what happened? I’m seriously considering an A1 or A2 but now…
Spec makes a big difference. Big difference between Fox factory and XT vs a RS fork that doesn't even have a DebonAir spring and SX eagle that will have to be upgraded within a month when the shifter or mech breaks
Hey Dominic, You may have us confused with Pinkbike? Believe they awarded Norco a Bike of The Year Award? We certainly praised Norco for offering some amazing features, tech, size specific geometry, custom tuning etc, but don't believe we ever said this was the best bike of the year anywhere? That said, it is a great bike, but we do think this particular spec is not the best of the bunch. We'd go up one level if we were shopping, sadly that bike is above the 3k threshold.
Thanks and hope that helps?
@@TheLoamWolf My bad! It’s Vital MTB and Pinkbike that named it bike of the year (or value bike of the year for the last one). Sorry
ANTI
EBIKE
EBIKE
CLUB
coolest shirt i've seen
Some of the sales this time of year make me wonder why I backed ordered a bike during a fourth of July sale last year. It seems everyone has a good offer right now. You know things are good when Specialized has a bike with basically the same suspension as mine for a thousand bucks less during the current (Status 140). Your getting a nx drive train and maybe I would choose Shimano over code r brakes but there 4 piston which great for the price.
Marin also has some disgusting sales on full suspension bikes for $1400 or so if you are okay dropping to a recon silver fork on a 2022 bike.
35mm or 50mm stem on a trailbike? Why?
Should’ve reviewed a Commencal clash
Id love to have a pooygon T8.
Why is there no Marin and Canyon?
At the time we originally requested bikes, Marin currently didn't have any inventory and Canyon was requesting all test bikes back and didn't get back to us regarding the roundup.
Well, I think that polygon might be a 'substitute' for marin because it came from the same factory!
It's called PT Insera Sena. A factory located in Indonesia. Insera made Marin too. But Polygon is more common for local (Indonesian) market whereas Marin is more 'high-end' in there
That's some nerdy info for ya! 🤓
Your Jeffsy has a Float X Shock, not a DPX2
$3,000 is a budget bike in what world? You people are insane!
jesus christ $3000 dollars!! i work at the mall...
Put away 150$ each month, sell some stuff over the duration of a year. Cancel that 10$ Ps5, Microsoft, etc. subscription. Order one less Pizza/ fast food each month. Change your Internet/ phone service to a cheaper one. In the end you are putting away ~60$ each month and you can buy your 3K Dream Bike in "only" 20-24 Months. Tell your friends and family about your " Bike" project. You will be surprised how people Support you if they see you put in the work and willpower! I know this, because I was this person in my Past 😉🙂. Cheers
Thank you for sharing an awesome and motivating story!!
Lightest bike 33 lbs?
Does anyone make a bike in this price range under 30 lbs?
Let's gooooo 🙌🏽🙌🏽
I would rather pay and be known to buy a budget bike then to buy a bike in inflation times... When I bought my first bike $1900 was the top of the line and if you wanted to go raced then you paid your 10 grand...that was 2003. 20 years later they're considered budget and everybody else is just paying inflation just to have a name
I've been riding since the mid 90's. It's sad when $3k is considered "budget"
Kent Trouvaille... best $398 I've ever spent lol
I'm a complete beginner, but I just picked up a Polygon T8 for $1740 USD including taxes up in Canada.
I'm super excited to start riding, but my only concern is that I was limited to inventory at the shop...all they had left were mediums and I'm 5'9". So I'm right at the max recommended height for that frame size.
How’s the size feel?
@@miguelfragoso7023 I've only ridden it around my street so far, but it feels pretty good.
I might get a small stem extension, but overall I think it'll be okay.
Budget? Still a lot of money 🤑
3k is budged, since when?
S-S-SUB 3000? AFFORDABLE?!!
$3000 hardtail next
You can actually get a YT Capra for $300 USD less then that jeffsy
I thought YT is Yeti 😔
If you say it really fast, it sort of sounds like it...