I can't believe this bike is only $4500 - Alchemy Arktos 135
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
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Link to the Alchemy Arktos 135: alchemybikes.p...
My new secret bike is an Alchemy Arktos 135! I was sent this bike as a loaner to review. I was not told what to say, no money changed hands. It will be sent back after a few months.
Gear I wear: Fly Racing Radium Jersey & Pants - www.flyracing....
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For business inquiries: evan@honestinfluence.io
Filmed by: @Cure Cycling
Written, directed, edited by: @Evans MTB Saga
We definitely should be looking for the best prices so that the bike brands do everything they can to keep their prices down.
your really becoming a real youtuber damn: review bike, surfshark sponsoring. youve gotten really far
27 k till 100k
And the videos are getting way more like those of the bigger bike channels, too. That probably was my favorite video from the channel until now because it just felt like a really professional and relatable review. Not saying that the other videos don't feel professional, but there's something about this video that's just right.
@@ElevatedMtbAvion damn :0
@@ironeinar he has been working with a few of the other guys also maybe they been spitting ideals at him I’m trying to make my channel as close to evans as possible but with my own spin
My Arktos 120 I got a few months back is fantastic. Coming off a Trek Top Fuel, wanted a high-spec, high quality carbon bike without the crazy prices the big brands are selling for. The Fox Factory components, Industry Nine wheelset and Hydra hubs and lowest component group starting at SRAM GX- incredible package for the money. And I wanted to support a small U.S. bike company instead of the big ones I have in the past. Great people and the buying experience was excellent-right down to the free white glove delivery to my door. If I lost this bike tomorrow I would buy the same thing again.
How do you like it compared to the TF? I'm torn between the 135 or a 2021 top fuel 9.7
@@AVincentDesign Both are great options, the Arktos just feels more well-rounded In capabilities and not quite as hard edged as the Top Fuel. You get a lot more bike for the money imo w/ the Arktos. Ive had no regrets.
Most modern FS MTBs are insanely complicated machines. Ive been riding for 30 years and I cant dial in a new bike in anything less than 6 weeks. A lot of that harshness could be eliminated by only a few clicks of rebound or lbs of air pressure. Just takes time to tweak it all to perfection.
I'd love to see a timed comparison of all the different setup combinations. Enduro mullet, trail, xc, etc. I think it could help compare mullet tire size effect.
I got you! Coming next month hopefully
@@EvansMTBSagaYou should try a gg they are made in Colorado and are awesome.
Love my Alchemy! Super underrated and great people to work with. It’s funny seeing riders on my home trails trying to figure out what brand I’m on.
I first thought it was a Revel bike 😅. Also, I really like how you and Seth from Berm Peak post videos so close in time to each other. Keep up the great work!
It's kind of on purpose on my part, but also RUclips tells me that's when all my subscribers are on RUclips
@@EvansMTBSaga that's cool. keep doing it!
@@EvansMTBSaga seems to work, I often find myself watching Seth's video and wanting to do something else but then seeing your video appear lol
I doubt that's by accident. He's wisely playing the RUclips algorithm game!
This is a pretty gnarly price for the speck, also for the suspension design. Most dual link bikes are fairly pricey. I've been eyeballing the Propain bikes since they share a similar rear suspension design. But that ability to up the suspension travel both front and rear is absolutely nuts. Safe to say this bike is now on my radar for the 2023 season. Maybe I'll only eat Ramen and just buy both the Propain and Alchemy haha! Still would be cheaper than the some complete bikes!
Alchemy was founded by ex Yeti employees. On the suspension, like a Yeti the initial bits of the travel are digressive to make the bike pedal good uphill without a lockout. Push hard into the suspension and it pushes through the digressive portion of the travel.
I demoed the Arktos in Sedona and was pretty impressed, rides as you described. Build spec is amazing for the price and the modular frame is a very cool feature
That's cool to hear feedback from someone else describing it the same way. Sometimes it's hard to articulate feel and portray it on video. And before I had feelings of "every bike is identical", but this one is awesome
Your RUclips star is definitely rising. Nice work my man.
As much as many of us dislike in video advertisements, we get that it’s what pays the bills and makes it possible to create the content and put it out there.
I don’t know if this is just you being creative, or if you’re following new trends pertaining to engagement, but two things in this video really stand out. First, great segue into the Surf Shark ad with the oven mitt. Very creative! Secondly, the split screen portion of the advertisement is just pure genius. This makes it much less likely that people will fast forward through the advertisement…if they do , they miss out on content as well.
Super impressed. Keep up the good work!
Merry Christmas!
I feel soo much faster and more confident with Kashima.
Alchemy bikes are super underrated. Fantastic bikes. One of the best looking bike IMO.
I don't like the kashima look😄
@@E620SE Bro, it adds like 5hp per gold stancion…backed by science
@@Eric.V. Black bike with black (Pike) stanchions 😉
Awesome vid Evan, as usual. I just wanted to say something, particularly about the frame. To be more specific, where it came from. Taiwan is a small country, but diverse, and you'd be surprised at what products come out of it. They are known for their high, dare I say, Japanese style quality. Also, if I remember correctly, Giant (you know, like the world's biggest bike brand) has a big frame factory in Taiwan as well. So, my point is that the fact that your frame comes from Taiwan is actually a pretty good one, rest assured in the quality and build. Your frame (as long as it isn't a lemon, etc.) will be just as strong and durable as your other frames!
Damn Evan, you look super confident on this bike! I'll have to check out Alchemy after seeing you ride
wow 4500 is super good for the spec, Pinkbike definitely should have reviewed that!
Especially considering the travel can be altered. Really a do-it-all bike.
Those bikes are insanely well spec'd for their price. I'd be surprised if you can find a better value carbon trail bike. You're getting fox factory, i9 hubs/wheels, gx for 4500.
Bike looks great. Especially fot the price. Same pricepount as the Norco recently reviewed pn Pinkbike but seems to me to be on another league
i have two give credit two the guy at first when i started whatching him he was not the best of riders and know he is a very solid rider
I can see your bmx background in those jumps.. looks steezy!
Loving the upload schedule, hope it’s manageable for you.
Oh yeah doubling this week because I skipped an upload earlier this month. Probably gonna take a week off after this
@@EvansMTBSaga ok man take care!
Evan, your riding has definitely improved. That was some nice style on them jumps 👊
Nice to see some more love for Alchemy! I love my 1st gen arktos. It's great in the long travel config.
I can't wait to try the long travel out!
I live 3 miles from Alchemy and found your channel looking for reviews on the Arktos! (which I just took delivery of in the same insane color!) Great stuff on your channel!!
Heck yeah Mark! Best bike with the best suspension design ever. I hope you love it. And if the bike feels a little bumpy downhill, just give it a little more speed and the bike will be flying (part of the design of the leverage curve)
Ayyyy! Love it! I just picked up an Arktos as well! Loving it so far!
Heck yeah! What color? Planning on doing the travel conversion?
I snagged the blood orange as well! I opted for the Arktos 150 for here in the PNW. It’s such a great value for the build! Glad you’re enjoying it, Evan!
You can absolutely see your bmx background when you ride. i love it!
That bike is awesome! I love how it’s like 3 bikes in one !
I also think this bike is underrated.I love the kashima coat on it! It wery matches the frame.
Evan i believe the designer of the arktos bikes has worked both at yeti and santa cruz
That's funny. Someone told me it looked like a Santa Cruz too. Its all coming together
@@EvansMTBSaga yes
Got a 2016 Yeti i still enjoy so much but I've been thinking about a newer Yeti for a change. All the other well known brands dont change my position on getting another Yeti. That just changed after I saw this video. Main reason I hesitate on a new Yeti is price. But after seeing this review and learning that either the founder or designer was a Yeti employee I think this is my future bike. There's no other brand that I know of that specs a bike like Alchemy does at the price Alchemy offers. Thank u for the review. I even read on Alchemy website that u can customize the frame color. I'd like a new Yeti but i can't justify spending 8 grand after seeing this video.
Thanks for having fun presenting your sponsor :)
Looks like it climbs really well. Getting closer to 100k subs!!
Just a suggestion but personally I like a head or chin mounted GoPro you should try it on one of your rides, for one of your videos or just a short, love your channel btw❤❤
Oh yeah I've been meaning to try a chin mount. Get that thing off my chest! 😂
They make spacers to run boost wheels in super boost frames. I think you have to get creative with the derailure, but it's still possible.
Ah man then you lose all the benefits
@@EvansMTBSaga sounds like an excuse to make a super boost set of mullet wheels.
I for one, welcome back the per video requirement of lacing a wheel
Oh man you've been around for a while! I appreciate that. I have a wheel build video coming up with Berd spokes and the new hook flange hubs from Onyx. But for a mullet wheelset, I have a wheelbuilder that wants to send me a set. I told him to surprise me, so maybe I'll just check spoke tension and trueness from a pro on that video
You should check out Fezzari and their Delano/La Sal Peak. Cool company and cooler prices
The reason why it looks similar to the yeti is because Sine and switch is the same technology yeti just added the complexity to it which really made it difficult to live with you to the amount of serviceability required.
Sick video man! The Alchemy’s look like great bikes, glad to see you on one. Maybe… just maybe, it sounds like an Alchemy might be in your permanent stable sometime 😬 I do love seeing different bikes though!
your riding has improved so much, dude you are ripping those trails. Nice bike being getting alchemy ads on my IG, might just pull the trigger with my xmas bonus
I know right! So many ads on my feed too haha. If you do consider buying, check back in and use my affiliate link (it's not set up yet)
5:05 I don’t think that Pinbike left the Alchemy out on purpose.
Keep in mind that they only concentrate on the newest or significantly updated bikes for 2023 and the Arktos has been around for a while now so, that’s why you wouldn’t find it there.
Hmm, I'm sure you're right. I have a feeling we've plateaued on geometry advancements and all new bikes will just have pointless upgrades like headset cable routing and new colors
@@EvansMTBSaga I certainly agree 👍. Love your content BTW. Keep going and hopefully you could test a YT Izzo or a Rocky Mountain Element soon.
canyon and alchemy seem to have best bang for the buck bikes, recently canyon had a strive model with fox factory suspension and full xtr components for only 5000 bucks on sale
6 months and 2200 dirt miles on my D7...I can't afford to have a ''new favorite'' every month!
Nice! Putting in work on that D7. That's a ton of miles. Done any upgrades?
It's sad that we live in a time when $4500 for a mountain bike is considered a bargain.
You're missing the point. It's $4500 for a top of the line, high performance bike
@@EvansMTBSaga Not at all. I agree that it is a "bargain" in the current environment when compared to the competition. I'm just making a social commentary. When you look at the actual components and the cost of production associated with all these high-end bikes, it becomes readily apparent how overpriced all mountains bikes are...and it's our fault for normalizing this and for financing bikes. $4000-8000 doesn't seem that bad when paying $150-400/month for 24-36 months.
I restored an S-Works from 2002 and that bike new was $3600. I agree that bikes are ridiculously priced (Yeti, Pivot, etc), but that's why I like direct to consumer bikes. Way better deals
@@EvansMTBSaga Agreed! A new S-Works is worth $14,000-15,000 these days. That's insane!
I wouldn't ever even look at the price 🤣 plus those S-Works are marketed to wheelie boys now
Alchemy is definitely underrated along with fezzeri imo
That bike is sick!! I think they will become more popular, priced right, looks great and best of all it performs well!
Colorado kid here. I’d never support those crooks at Yeti but this thing is an amazing bargain. I’d def buy one
Yeah man Yeti has gotten out of hand
“Reviewing” a bike and then saying “I don’t know” 50 times doesn’t give me very much confidence I’m your reviewing abilities.
My audience is strong & very smart, I love hearing their opinions and starting discussions about bike related things.
i love cube stereo 120 pro, its a good bike. i want to own it one day. We definitely should be looking for the best prices so that the bike brands do everything they can to keep their prices down, becose the prices of those bikes like mabye scoot they have over price bikes.
Same thing never ridden I9 wheels considering them, superboost I thought it was boost, and not ready for carbon yet. Another thing is removing Sram Brakes with mineral oil personal preference, & would not mind the Sram drivetrain would love to try them out myself.
I forgot about super boost. Been a little while since I have seen a bike with it.
I had to subscribe 😂
No bike parts for Christmas?! That’s not an option!! 😅😂
You made my day. Thanx
Haha thanks Andreas! I hope you get some bike parts. I asked for tools 😁
hey MTB saga I had a question for you, do you have a map of all the Bentonville bike trails? I'm moving to Bella Vista Arkansas next summer and I iust wanted an image of like a map of all of them just so I had something to reference when I'm on the trails.
Thanks, Charles.
Use TrailForks my dude
The price is actually not that bad given that you have lifetime garantie. You spend way more for a santa cruz or most other companies with lifetime garantie
Lifetime guarantee's I think are always for the original owner, which is great if you're going to keep your bike until you die, but most people will only keep a bike for a few years or so before they upgrade again, in which case a lifetime guarantee is useless.
@@benjy288 I mean you are right but I had to use my warranty for my canyon a few times and when the company can give you lifetime warranty I believe that the bike will not have the problems like my canyon had because they would be out of business fast when they have to deal with warranty issues for years
@@Simon__T But they would only be out of business if the original owners held on to their bikes for the rest of their lives, which they don't, most people will probably hang on to their bikes for a few years or so, in which case manufacturers that offer life time guarantees only have to honor that guarantee for a few years until the original owner sells their bike.
@@benjy288 you are right but I just think that the quality is just better when they have a good warranty but I could be tricked
I bought a taiwanese am ht frame for $500 and my god is it fast. They don't make it anymore but basically I built the equivalent of a commencal meta for under 3K. Not twice as cheap but you can add components you want.
Commencal makes great frames. I'm contemplating a Hardtail of theirs
You gotta come out to PNW! Call it a work trip ;)
I almost don’t believe that was you jumping at the end. That squashed manual was pretty sweet as well. I can’t see you actually getting someone else to dress up in the same kit and “pinch” ride for you. But I also have never seen that side of your riding. Must be that BMX background.
Haha that's funny. I guess I've been hiding skills! But I didn't really have trails to showcase my BMX background in Phoenix
Pinkbike didn't review it because Beta had just reviewed that bike at the beginning of the year. Before beta folded they were also owned by outdoor so it didn't make sense to revisit bike that already had a reliable, quality review out under the same umbrella.
Good to know! I didn't know Beta folded
@@EvansMTBSaga ya, back in May I think, it's a real shame, I hope Travis Engel finds a new home, I really liked that guys voice.
probably the top level of suspention and the carbon frame.
Suspension similar to VPP. I had the Arktos on my short list at one time.
why didnt you go for it? what did the other bike you got have over it?
@@TRISHYXX I ended up with the Santa Cruz Hightower. Mostly because of availability at the time. The superboost spacing also was a deal breaker.
It's a no brainier. Thanks for a great review.
Idk how to feel about alchemy, they seem good honestly, I just wanna see more out on the trails
Why are most bikes getting heavier? do manufacturers not care about weight anymore? 15kg for a full carbon 135/150 bike is pretty heavy, I assume that's without pedals too, if it is then add another 400g to that weight, my old 2017 full carbon trek slash 9.8 with 150/160 weighed 14kg with pedals.
Wonder if the canyon suspension can be increased 10mm front and rear to this bikes suspension 🤔 would be a good video
If it wasn't superboost I would probably buy one. Just a bummer not being able to use an 800 dollar rear wheel when I can just buy almost any other bike and still use it.
Sounds like you like the stiff rear end. Idk how tall you are but I have a V2 Evil offering you can borrow to check out. It’s medium though.
I have a Alchemy and I love it too
nice detail review 🤘🚴
It’s that new equipment hype! But in all seriousness maybe the geo?
Yeah something about it encourages a more front bias and performs so well in an attack position
4500 bucks for factory suspension, carbon frame and industry 9 wheels?? That’s the deal of the century? How are they making money on these? My Orbea Occam LT was 500 bucks more and has a much lower spec build.
They're not carbon rims. But still a very good wheelset, and I'm definitely impressed with the pricepoint
Got the same ergon saddle they're so good
I’m from Colorado and I’ve never seen this brand of bike
wow this bike is insane. i would make this downcountry bike. best value
Yeah the short travel version is $500 less too
you now looking easy on jumping, great!
Seems that the link for the bike in the description isn’t clickable, at least on mobile
bit.ly/3FBiRLC This should work, although it's not an affiliate link just yet.
I have the exact same bike same spec and color to love it
No way! That's awesome. Does yours handle really well?
@@EvansMTBSaga yes it dose
Super boost?? Eye roll emoji
I think it looks amazing. It does seem a little suspicious that it's the company's ONLY bike made in Taiwan? Could it be some aliexpress rebadge? In the RC car world this sometimes happens when a reputable brand has one or 2 models that are cheap generic aliexpress rebrands
I've done a bit of research on this, and it's 100% not an AliExpress rebrand. I believe it used to be in house, but their suspension designer has a deep history of production and connections in Taiwan. So I'd assume he recommended a great factory to keep costs down. This suspension designer for alchemy has developed frames for decades - Santa Cruz, Yeti, Bontrager, Praxis
@@EvansMTBSaga thats pretty neat! I think otherwise it's a fabulous price for a bike like this.
what do you mean by very accurate climbing?
$4,500 for a carbon frame built with fox factory shocks and dropper post, i9 wheelset with hydra hubs, and GX lunar drivetrain? That's pretty freaking cheap.
Bring that bike to Michaux ..... give it a real mtnbike test
Nice 👍 these are sweet bikes would love to ride one.
I notice your videos are in Bentonville and not Phoenix. Have you moved already? I bet you don't miss the summer heat. :>)
Yup I moved! It's super cold here right now haha. There's a give and take for every area I guess. It was 36 degrees when filming this video 😂
@@EvansMTBSaga That's a bold step to move your family cross country. I have moved a lot in my life and finally settled in Prescott. Love it here so I understand your decision. Keep up the good work on the videos and all the best from AZ. :>)
bro just building a bike in the middle of nowhere
Hi 0:32 what is the white thing covering the GoPro microphones? I am new on GoPro stuffs, so I would like get some good videos on my rides. Thank you
I just got some fake hair from the craft store and taped it on. But the official name is called a "dead cat"
XT bike is like $5500 w/factory Fox. Not bad at all
I may settle with that one if they give me the option to purchase after my trial period. XT is good stuff.
I can't wait to have my canyon
Made in Taiwan is a plus not a negative lol
I met someone who had an alchemy and has some issues with some bearings o bushings on the rear suspension link. Don’t remember if they were replaced for warranty or id he had to buy them. He told me that it could be some design problem. The bike is beautiful though.
You look really stylish dude
Thanks Moo!!
@@Zo33566 wdym
Dude, dragon scales is only one way. Even has a sign that says "do not enter"
Filming the uphill and downhill was done at the same time. Even though the footage looks cohesive, it's a lot of stopping, going back, restarting, move to the next spot
Evan, do you have plans on Reviving the Schwinn Axum?
I've thought about it here and there. I sold my original one, but every once in a while I consider buying another.
i guess its kinda too late now, its actually sad of your first build on the channel go away.
That’s an incredible deal! That’s what I spent on my Top Fuel and this us a better bike IMO.
I like the z1 better then the fox 36. Yes I know it’s the same.. I just like the m logo better 😂
That slack head angle bikes climb bad is an misconception, yes and no, it's more complicated than that, actually the can climb well. I went more in depth in comments below.
Steep seat tube angle will force weight on the front.
Um no it won't, a *steep* head angle will put more weight on the front since it positions you in a more aggressive position, you're leaning further forward. A slack head angle places more weight on the rear.
@@The_Real_JN Yes, steeper angle at both the seat tube and head tube will place more weight forward. Not a slack HTA.
@@GF-cb8rr true, so combined it's great.
@@The_Real_JN With an enduro fork, the weight is so high the bike stays planted, and the reach and head angle combined result in front end being planted, with with long enough reach rider has enough room to move and can be relaxed and does not move all over to stay balanced, and with long enough chain stay, the bike is more balanced, and more resistant to looping out. BTW I ride a Geometron G1. so the whole package is great, very easy bike to ride, very stable.
Short reach will and steep head angle will make you head bang, especially if way too small bike, as the reach is short and head angle is steep the fork will compress easily, and a lot of wight on the fork, and as the reach and head angle is steep you get thrown forward easily, but with proper reach and head angle it won't happen.
So you get thrown over the bar easier on steep head angle, especially with short reach, but long reach and slack head angle climbs get easier.
An bike like my G1 requires more body language to pivot it, easier to control, when wheeling too. But steeper head angle, shorter reach makes it more sensitive, but old school bikes were super twitchy and sensitive.
Old school bikes: you sat too far back, reach was too shorty by several sizes, and head angle was steep, especially on XC bikes.
With slack head angle steering is much better, short stem for direct steering, instead of swinging the bar you turn it.
A trails bike has steep head angle, short reach, to make it easier to jump on top of things, to rear wheel hop, high cockpit to easier lift the front end, steep head angle to get to make it easier to get the front wheel on an obstacle.
Different geometry for very different use.
Hopefully this explains it better.
Whats the blue knob on top? my float X doesnt have that.. it just has a black cap.
Bro how old is this video? Lol them cranks have been out for a while now. Haha. Nice ride
Haha new video! But my first time seeing the cranks. They're beautiful!! hahahah
@@EvansMTBSaga I heard the same guy that invented the infinity link for yeti is the same person that designed this suspension linkage but haven’t actually looked into to see if that true!
I've heard something similar too. Some even said it was a stolen design. My old yeti would bottom out so easily and this one's Sine curve is a much more drastic leverage curve compared to the Yeti. So props to that suspension designer! 🤣
@@EvansMTBSaga now you have me curious to try one! Haha. I just picked up the new 2023 norco fluid and loving that at the moment!
Another good video. I do agree with you about a great bike out of the box.
Thanks Bella!
Would you change anything about that bike? If so, what would you change?
The brakes. I love my Shiguras
bro you just built a amazing bike
Wow that’s a nice bike looks like it’s fun to ride 😎
Build a bike for 155kg 6ft4 where a crank doesn’t blow up.
How much is the bike?
Why’re you wearing a full dh kit to ride a trail bike in bentonville?
Why are you commenting on what a person wears? That's some school girl stuff.
@@EvansMTBSaga😂