Yeti SB5.5 Review (29" wheels, 140mm rear travel)

The SB5.5 is one of the best bikes that I've ridden in the past several years balancing downhill stability with a nimble feel suited for trail riding on days when you're not just blasting downhill.

Background:

Being 5’9” (175cm) in height, I’m at the cusp of being just being tall enough for 29er geometry to work well. My experience is that the increased size of 29er wheels vs that of a 27.5” wheel for medium sized frames results in slacker and slower steering geometry. Though many 29er bikes climb well and have better stability going downhill than 27.5” wheeled bikes, the shortcoming from a perspective of my ride preferences is that many of them require extra effort to steer around even moderately tight corners than an equivalent 27.5” bike resulting in a less intuitive, flowy handling feel.

I tend to look for bikes that are well-suited for being one-quiver bikes. Generally, I feel that these bikes balance good downhill ability with decent level of nimbleness for everyday trail riding along with good climbing efficiency and feel. Some bikes optimize for one or two of these factors and do make sense for either for racers in gravity-oriented events or XC race events. Most non-racers though ride a variety of terrain for which they’ll need to climb to enjoy the descents and are often on trails that aren’t always pointed straight uphill or downhill. Bikes that are good at descending, climbing and nimble handling feel tend to be the one that are most suitable for being that one-quiver, do-it-all bike.

Climbing – 4 stars

The SB5.5 climbs well, if perhaps only missing the final iota of firmness at the pedal and efficiency that some dw-link bikes can provide. With its 29er wheels and Switch Infinity suspension, I had expected the SB5.5 to climb like a mountain goat. While it was a solid climber, the initial acceleration when applying pedal force was perhaps a bit less immediate than I would have expected. That said, once the 29er wheels were rolling, the SB5.5 felt like a locomotive in its ability to maintain speed on less steep climbs and flat terrain. One factor that might have impacted my impressions were that the Maxxis Aggressor rear tire on the SB5.5 demo bike I rode didn’t seem to roll all that well despite apparently being designed as faster rolling than the Maxxis Minion DH-R. If increasing climbing speed is of interest to you for the SB5.5, I might suggest running a Schwalbe Nobby Nic as a rear tire paired with the Maxxis Minion DH-F in front. If better cornering traction is more important, I would suggest running the DH-R that has better cornering traction while still rolling surprisingly well. See our 2016 enduro tire report for more details. (https://www.dirtmerchantbikes.com/special-events/2016/5/13/pacific-northwest-spring-2016-endurotrail-tire-test-hans-dampfnobby-nic-dh-fdh-r-butcherpurgatory). We’ll probably run a comparison test this year comparing the DH-R, Nobby Nic and Aggressor as rear tires, but based on my initial impressions, it doesn’t seem to make sense to run the Aggressor as a compromise between the DH-R with better cornering traction and the Nobby Nic with better rolling resistance and feel.

Descending - 5 stars

This is where the SB5.5 really was outstanding from a perspective of fit for everyday trail riding along with confidence when riding steeper terrain. Despite head angle and wheelbase numbers that are actually on the steeper & shorter side, the SB5.5’s 29er wheels provide a welcome degree of stability on steeper terrain. The roll over capability and perhaps the greater gyroscopic effect of the larger 29er wheels provides confidence that the SB5.5 goes where you point it. The steeper head tube angle & shorter wheelbase combined with the stability of the 29er wheels provides a somewhat uncommon combination of stability and nimbleness.

Cornering – 4.5 stars

Where I was really impressed by the SB5.5 was its cornering ability despite having 29er wheels. Though not quite as quick to turn as some bikes with 27.5” wheels, the SB5.5 handles fast enough to not feel like its slowing you down in tighter singletrack. This is generally the aspect that has turned me off to many 29er bikes especially those from earlier generations of 29er for which handing agility was not a primary design consideration. It was only on super tight switchback turns that are difficult to clean on any bike that the SB5.5 felt somewhat long. The SB5.5’s relatively nimble handling balance is what makes it highly suitable for a one-quiver bike that works well on a wide variety of terrain. 

Geometry

I think the SB5.5 is able to balance downhill stability with nimble handling as Yeti has leveraged the roll over capabilities of 29er wheels to balance out slightly faster handling geometry. Here are specs for some long-travel 29ers so you can compare yourself.

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Long travel 29er bikes - Geometry specs

Durability of the Switch Infinity suspension

Though Yeti’s Switch Infinity suspension design (https://youtu.be/E2J873o4skI) may seem complex, the mechanics at Yeti shops I’ve spoken with uniformly agree that it is a more durable design than Yeti’s previous Switch design (https://youtu.be/RXXfhbrng5o) with the rotating eccentric cam (https://www.pinkbike.com/news/Yetis-Chris-Conroy-Talks-About-the-SB-66-Suspension.html). Both designs work well in drier climates, but the rain and mud in the Pacific Northwest can cause contamination of the eccentric cam of the earlier Switch design. The newer Switch Infinity design is apparently easier to clean and maintain, holding up better in wet climates such as ours

Comparison to the SB6 (27.5” wheels)

Comparing the SB5.5 to the SB6 which I’ve also ridden on the same trails, I would pick the SB5.5 as my everyday bike. The SB6 has great stability, but felt sluggish to me on flatter and tighter trails. The SB5.5’s 29er wheels seem to provide almost the same level of stability as the SB6 with geometry that is steeper and faster steering. For enduro racing, I don’t have enough back-to-back riding experience on both to make a judgment, but would suggest riding both the SB6 and SB5.5 if you’re interested in getting a Yeti.

Summary

I really had a LOT of fun riding the SB5.5. It inspired confidence on steeper, looser trails while still feeling decently quick on tighter singletrack.

Rating Guide

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2016 Video: David Turner talks about the design of the new Turner Flux v4.0

We had a chance to speak to David Turner about the design philosophy for Turner Bikes' new Turner Flux v4.0. Here are David's thoughts on Turner's new bike design:

CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW TO ACCESS THE VIDEO >>>

The new Turner Flux v4.0

INTERBIKE 2016: Alchemy Arktos Review (160mm rear travel)

When I test ride bikes at Interbike, I can pretty quickly sort demo bikes out into three categories shortly after getting on dirt. The first category of demo bike are what I call the ‘½ loopers’ which I really want to get off of as quickly as possible by cutting off the test loop as short as I can. The second category are the ‘full loopers’ which I’m happy to ride for a full test loop. Finally the third category of demo bike are the ‘double loopers’ which I’d love to ride for two loops or more. The Alchemy Arktos fell squarely in this third category and I would have gladly gone out for a third loop if common sense didn’t prevail, counseling me to save my legs for ride time on some other demo bikes.

A common characteristic of bikes that I seem to like are that they uniformly seem to roll well and are good at maintaining momentum uphill, downhill and on flat trails with an almost e-bike level of glide while coasting. 29ers do this, but some of the best 27.5” bikes now can provide this feel as well. The Arktos indeed rolls really well providing that oh so enjoyable feeling of just flying along the trail. As discussed below in the climbing section of this review, I attribute this feeling to the Arktos’ Sine Suspension’s ability to absorb trail imperfections without hanging up on obstacles. In my experience, few other suspension designs work this fluidly absorbing trail obstacles with little loss of momentum.

Climbing – 4.5 stars

The Arktos is a great climbing bike, if perhaps only missing the final iota of firmness at the pedal and efficiency that some dw-link bikes can provide. One characteristic that I noticed about the Arktos was its ability to remain fully active on ledgy climbs. Unlike lesser suspension design, rolling up a ledge or rock resulted in no discernable pedal feedback or loss of momentum. In my rating scale, with average climbing bikes such as the current Specialized Stumpjumper rated a ‘3’ and better climbing bikes such as the current Santa Cruz Bronson rated a ‘4’, the Arktos’ exceptional bump absorbing ability while climbing warrants at least a slightly better climbing score than a ‘4’.

Descending - 5 stars

Descending on the Arktos was completely predictable and intuitive. Very much a point-and-shoot type of bike, the Arktos provides a level of confidence that helps riders to progress to and master tougher descents.

Cornering - 5 stars

Though the trails in Bootleg Canyon tend toward being more open without tight corners, the steering on the Arktos felt quick and intuitive but stable upon first impression. With steering that I perceived to be quicker than that of more DH-oriented enduro bikes such as the Yeti SB-6, Pivot Mach 6, and DeVinci Spartan, the Arktos will likely be a good all-around single bike quiver that is fun to ride on both steep descents and carving fast turns in tight singletrack. No bike does everything well, but the best bikes available today such as the Arktos are able to balance a range of virtues. More specialized designs such as enduro race replica bikes excel at stability and control on steep downhills but require cornering on flat trails to always be done over the handlebars to minimize understeer while faster handling designs can require a higher level of attention and confidence to ride fast downhill.

Summary:  I had an absolutely fantastic time riding the Arktos both uphill and downhill and that fun to ride feeling is ultimately what a great bike is all about.

Rating Guide

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2016: DeVinci Django Carbon review (120 mm rear travel)

The DeVinci Django was quite nice to ride with slightly less climbing efficiency as its only real shortcoming compared only to the best climbing bikes.

Climbing – 4 stars

With its Dave Weagle designed Split Link suspension, the Django is quite an eager climbing bike with just a slightly less firm pedal feel than typically better climbing dw-link designs.

Descending – 5 stars

With a slacker head angle than some other bikes with a similar amount of suspension travel, the Django felt quite solid when descending. It had a similar handling balance to the longer travel DeVinci Troy (140mm travel).

Cornering - 4 stars

Cornering on the Django was quite predictable with perhaps slightly less sharpness in steering response compared to the new Turner Flux v4.0. On the flipside, though the Django may not turn in as quickly as the Flux, it also had a greater sense of stability when cornering than the Flux.

Summary:  

The Django was quite fun to ride with perhaps only slightly less climbing efficiency as its only apparent shortcoming.

Rating Guide

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2016: GT Sensor Carbon Pro Review (130 MM REAR TRAVEL)

Though the GT Sensor Pro didn’t excel in any single category, it was a solid bike all-around with a noticeably stout feel.

Climbing – 3 stars

The Sensor felt solid while climbing but wasn’t particularly snappy in its climbing feel. My sense from riding the bike is that the Sensor Pro might be heavier than other bikes with a similar amount of rear suspension travel.

Descending – 4 stars

Descending on the Sensor felt stable, secure and predictable. Perhaps its main shortcoming was its reluctance to adjust its line when cornering downhill due to a suspension design that was less conforming to rough terrain.

Cornering - 3 stars

The Sensor felt particularly stout for a 120-130 mm travel suspension bike but lacked a sense of responsiveness on the trail.

Summary:  

This might be a good bike for larger riders and/or those that ride and corner hard. The stoutness of the Sensor’s frame was its defining characteristic though that same stoutness might also be the cause of its less lively ride and handling.

Rating Guide

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2016: Cannondale Habit Carbon SE Review (120 MM REAR TRAVEL)

The Cannondale Habit had a frame geometry that provided a nice handling feel, but was ultimately let down by its suspension performance

Climbing – 3 stars

The Habit felt great climbing on the road, but perhaps underscoring the need to do demos of mountain bikes offroad, was less efficient when on trails. The Habit’s firm pedaling feel on the road likely comes from the moderately high pivot location for the single pivot suspension system. It works great on paved roads and smooth fire roads, but encountering trail obstacles such as when climbing rock ledges results in pedal feedback. Despite the perceived efficiency of the suspension due to the Habit’s firm feel at the pedals, just a bit more extended time on the bike revealed that the Habit required more rider energy for climbing than more efficient suspension designs with less pedal feedback.

Descending - 3 stars

Descending on the Habit was actually not bad with frame geometry promoting a desirable handling feel. The Habit’s weak link was the performance of its suspension. Unlike other 120mm travel bikes that effectively utilize all of their suspension travel, the Habit had a tendency not to want to settle well into its suspension travel. The result is a bike that handles decently well, but tends to get knocked around on rocky decents.

Cornering - 3 stars

Cornering on the Habit generally felt decent, but it tended to get thrown off line by trail obstacles. This characteristic led me to be less confident in cornering hard on this bike especially over rougher terrain.

Summary:  The Habit is a bike with reasonably good frame geometry in search of a better working suspension design.

Rating Guide

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2016: Marin Mount Vision Review (140mm rear travel)

The Marin Mount Vision was generally good all-around with no particularly negative characteristics

Climbing – 3 stars

The Mount Vision Pro climbed decently well, but wasn’t a particularly efficient climbing bike.

Descending – 4 stars

A solid descending feel was probably the best trait of the Mount Vision.

Cornering - 3 stars

Cornering on the Mount Vision didn’t feel particularly sharp, but was solid and predictable.

Summary:  

Though this may not read like a particularly positive review of the Mount Vision, it was actually a reasonably nice bike to ride without any negative traits that might become irritating with extended ride time.

Rating Guide

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2016: TURNER FLUX V4.0 REVIEW (120MM REAR TRAVEL)

Before we start, a note to you sharp-eyed Turner Homers about the black color of the Flux that I test rode. Yes, the Flux will be in white only & No, there will not be a black version. This is a pre-production frame that is the only rideable medium Flux currently is existence. So, please...Don't start emailing David Turner saying that you're ready to order a black Flux today. The white color is very nice.

OK, onto my review...

Climbing on the Flux feels like hitching a ride on a rocket ship. Even compared to the the RFX which two of my comparison test riders have said climbs better than their Santa Cruz 5010s, the new Flux gains altitude noticeably faster.

Climbing – 5 stars

I had given the RFX 5 stars for climbing performance in my Interbike reviews from last year (INTERBIKE 2015: Turner RFX v4.0 Review), but the Flux feels even a good measure more efficient than the RFX. It feels even as fast climbing as many 29ers I’ve ridden. This climbing efficiency does not however come at the expense of traction enhancing bump absorption. The dw-link suspension controls suspension bobbing with minimal compression damping by separating pedal forces from suspension movement. The resulting effect is a bike with a hardtail-like feel at the pedals while still absorbing trail obstacles and bumps to maximize available traction. This may all sound like marketing hyperbole, but all I have to say is that you really need to ride a Turner bike to understand how well it climbs compared to other bikes especially on more technical trails where the suspension needs to remain efficient while contending with roots, rocks and obstacles.

Descending - 4 stars

The Flux has a sharp handling feel, but does require more attention while descending than slacker angled bikes such as the RFX. The flipside of being more nimble and fast steering is, well, it’s faster steering. Pick your poison...faster steering or more stable.

Cornering - 5 stars

Steering on the Flux is quick and precise. If your trails are more tight and twisty than wide open and fast, this is your bike. Having lived and ridden in the Tri-state area around New York City, I’m quite familiar with how much slower and technical East Coast singletrack can be than West Coast singletrack. The rocks and roots found on East Coast singletrack reward a more trials-like riding style rather than just blasting through trail obstacles. More nimble bikes work great on this type of trail with their ability to thread narrow lines and be repositioned quickly on the trail. The Flux reminds me of my Kona hardtail that I rode back in those days with its eagerness to chase its tail on trails that wrapped around trees only with 120 mm of fully active suspension travel.

Summary:  The Flux was super fun to ride though requiring a more active riding style to stay on top of its eager handling characteristics

Here’s how I would compare the Turner Flux to the RFX. Both bikes retain a nimble feel for everyday trail riding unlike some enduro “race” bike designs, but with its faster steering manners, the Flux is perhaps suited to a different riding style and trail characteristics than the RFX. These are some considerations in deciding whether the Flux or the RFX would be the better Turner bike for you.

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INTERBIKE 2016: Fuji Auric Review (160mm Rear Travel)

I was pleasantly surprised at just how well the Fuji Auric rode. It has a suspension design based on the Breezer Repack that I rode last year (Interbike 2015: Breezer Repack Review) but that suspension design has been refined and works considerably better on the Fuji Auric than it did on the Breezer Repack last year. Though the Fuji Auric is not category leading in Climbing, Descending or Cornering, its all-around abilities will not hold you back in any way.

Climbing – 4 stars

Though not as fast to accelerate as the category leading dw-link suspension designs, the Auric is a more efficient climber than most bikes using a Horst Link suspension design such as the Specialized Enduro.

Descending - 4 stars

When I first got on the Fuji Auric riding on gravel roads and pavement, it felt really tall. I actually got off at the trailhead to verify that I was indeed on 27.5” wheels and not 29ers. Once on the trail though, this feeling of being tall and tippy went away. The Auric felt fairly stable and secure in its descending habits though still leaning more towards an XC/trail personality than that of an enduro race bike.

Cornering - 4 stars

Cornering on the Auric is reasonably quick and precise. During my test ride, its steering was predictable and intuitive which is, surprisingly, better than other bikes that I’ve ridden with more exotic pedigrees.

Summary:  Don’t let my 4 star ratings deter you from getting the Auric. Though not category leading in any characteristic, it is quite good all-around. It’s a bike that I would be completely happy riding without any regret about not spending more or getting a more “prestigious” brand name. With a retail price of $3000 to $4700, the Fuji is definitely worthy of consideration especially when cross-shopped against comparable models from Specialized and Trek.

INTERBIKE 2015: Cannondale Trigger Review (85/140mm travel)

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

The core feature of the Trigger is a proprietary Fox-designed shock that allows the bike to be adjusted to either a short-travel 85mm mode or a long travel 140mm mode.

Climbing - 4 stars

The Trigger had a pleasingly snappy climbing feel on smooth surface, but rougher terrain tended to throw it off-line easily.  Rocky climbs tended to throw the Trigger off-balance and off-line.

Descending – 2 stars

Despite having a 140mm long-travel mode, the Trigger has the personality of a short travel XC bike. Lack of compliance in the front shock and rear suspension requires a good amount of attention to keep the Trigger in line.

Cornering - 3 stars

The Trigger is fast cornering, but lack of compliance in its suspension require attention when traversing rough terrain.

Summary

I tried both the short and long travel modes. I quickly defaulted to using the long travel mode since the short travel mode didn’t necessarily feel much more efficient. The personality of the Trigger is definitely more XC-oriented even in the long travel mode.

Rating Guide                                                                                                                   

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2015: Breezer Repack Review (160mm travel)

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

The Repack is a good first effort by Breezer bikes to build their first longer-travel bike, but doesn’t yet have the stability and suspension compliance that might be expected from a bike with this much suspension travel.

Climbing - 4 stars

The Repack climbed well on roads and smooth trails, but its climbing stability was thrown off by rocks and terrain features reducing its ability to use its suspension to climb rougher trails.

Descending – 3 stars

Descending performance was okay. With a design oriented around faster steering, the Repack has more of a XC bike feel and is less composed descending rough trails.

Cornering – 3 stars

Again, the fast steering tended to get thrown off by mid-corner rocks and other obstacles.

Summary

This is a long travel bike with the personality of a fast rolling 29er. Lack of compliance in its rear suspension system reduced its ability to use that suspension to its advantage in rough terrain.

Rating Guide                                                                                                                   

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margi

INTERBIKE 2015: DeVinci Spartan Review (165mm travel)

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

The DeVinci Spartan was the most downhill-oriented of the bikes that I rode in the last two days. It tracks like a locomotive going downhill or going fast through the corners, but also requires more body movement to change direction

Climbing - 4 stars

The Spartan actually was a decent climbing bike with a solid feeling under hard pedaling. Where it falls short is that the Spartan is just not a fast climber due to its weight.

Descending – 5 stars

The Spartan is an extremely stable and solid-feeling descender. It was one of the best bikes I tested in the last several days for maintaining direction and not getting knocked off course by rocks. 

Cornering - 4 stars

The Spartan’s cornering is extremely predictable, but it lacks the last degree of nimbleness that the best bikes in the category (Turner RFX, Santa Cruz Bronson) now have.

Summary

This is a bike to consider if you are looking for one bike that can be used for bike park riding as well as for trail riding. If you're mainly going to be doing trail riding, the DeVinci Troy might offer a better balance between climbing ability and descending capability. Our review of the Troy from Interbike 2014 is located at: Dirt Merchant Bikes' DeVinci Troy review.

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margi

INTERBIKE 2015: Pivot Mach 6 Review (155mm travel)

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

The Pivot Mach 6 trades some of it dw-link climbing capability for better downhill stability

Climbing - 4 stars

Climbing performance was solid though the Mach 6’s climbing efficiency was balanced with downhill stability. The Mach 6 had less of a connected feeling between the pedals and the rear tire than the Turner RFX and the Bronson.

Descending – 4 stars

The Mach 6 was a solid descender with better tracking than the previous versions with suspension upgrades done to stiffen the rear suspension

Cornering - 4 stars

The slack head angle caused some wheel flop in tight turns. The slower steering required more deliberate steering inputs than other faster steering bikes.

Summary

With geometry oriented toward descending, the Mach 6 gives up some climbing efficiency and nimbleness in its handling.

Rating Guide                                                                                                                   

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margi

INTERBIKE 2015: Pivot Mach 429 Trail Review (29er with 116mm travel)

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

Wow, riding this bike was a revelation. At 5’9” in height, I’m not usually the best candidate for a 29er, but riding the Mach 429 opened my eyes to what can be done to create an exceptionally capable, all-around trail bike with 29 inch wheels.

Climbing - 5 stars

The Mach 429 climbed exceptionally well with the 29 inch wheels holding speed both uphill and downhill. Although the suspension travel is short, the 29 inch wheels provided enough rollover capability that climbing rocky trails and step-ups proved to be on par with long-travel 27.5” bikes

Descending – 5 stars

I expected that the Mach 429 with 29 inch wheels would climb well. What was a surprise was how solid it felt going downhill. The handling hit the ideal balance between nimbleness and stability just right. The Mach 429 remained stable at speed and down chutes and drop-offs.

Cornering - 4 stars

The Mach 429 was both responsive and stable in cornering. The only downside that I found for the 429 was steering that might not be quick enough for tighter trails. For the Bootleg Canyon trails used for Outdoor Demo at Interbike though, the Mach 429 steering was right on the mark.

Summary

For trails that are not overly tight, the Mach 429 Trail is a great choice. It climbs well, holds its line, and rolls over stuff like a 150mm travel 27.5 wheeled bike. It is definitely a bike that would be a top choice for me if my usual rides occurred on trails similar to those that I rode today at Outdoor Demo.

Rating Guide                                                                                                                   

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margi

INTERBIKE 2015: Specialized Enduro Carbon Review (165mm travel)

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

The Specialized Enduro rides very much as you might expect a modern enduro bike to ride.

Climbing - 3 stars

Climbing on the Enduro was okay. Not great, but not bad either. The platform damping of the shock does a good job of reducing the motion of the Horst Link (“FSR”) suspension design. I’ve also recently ridden the new Stumpjumper and Specialized’s updates to their FSR suspension design have noticeably improved rear suspension performance

Descending – 4 stars

The Enduro felt stable and predictable but lacks the balance of nimbleness and durability that the best bikes in the category have such as the Turner RFX and Santa Cruz Bronson

Cornering - 3 stars

Cornering on the Enduro was stable & predictable but a bit slow to react.

Summary

The Enduro hits all marks in terms of what you might expect from a modern enduro bike. Although it lacks the last degree of nimbleness and climbing efficiency that only a few bikes in its category have, you won't be disappointed to be riding an Enduro

 Rating Guide                                                                                                                  

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin

INTERBIKE 2015: Santa Cruz Bronson Review (150mm travel)

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

I had ridden the original carbon Bronson, but wasn’t impressed with its climbing abilities. Based on early reports on the new Bronson though, the changes to its VPP suspension geometry seemed promising.

Climbing - 4 stars

Climbing performance of the revised Bronson is really good with performance lacking perhaps only in comparison with dw-link designs that feel like they provide a more direct connection between the pedals and the rear wheel. Climbing performance of the revised VPP suspension is better than just about all of the Horst Link designs that I’ve ridden (e.g. Specialized FSR) that require more compression damping on the rear shock to manage the active nature of the Horst Link design.

Descending – 5 stars

The Bronson felt great going downhill. It seemed to settle into its suspension travel even better than the prior version of the Bronson for which descending was a strength. The handling characteristics provide a good blend of stability and quickness. The only area in which I thought the Bronson could be improved is that its frame is not  quite as stiff as that on the RFX so the Bronson felt a little less rock solid in choppy terrain or in off-camber corners.

Cornering - 5 stars

Steering on the Bronson felt both stable and predictable. Like the RFX, I wouldn’t characterize the handling as either fast or slow but rather as having the right balance between quickness and stability.

Summary

I really liked the feel of the revised Santa Cruz Bronson. Some bikes feel alive and responsive, while others do not regardless of whether they have geometry that fits the current trends. The Bronson is one of those bikes that felt both fun to ride and willing to allow its rider to push it harder.

Rating Guide                                                                                                                   

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margi

INTERBIKE 2015: Turner RFX v4.0 Review (160MM rear travel)

Dirt Merchant Bikes has medium, large & X-large RFX bikes available for demo in the Seattle area.

Reserve your demo at http://www.dirtmerchantbikes.com/demos/

or contact us at jeff@dirtmerchantbikes.com for more information.

NOTE on Comparing Star Ratings between Interbike 2014 and 2015 bike tests: I’ve found already that the new bike designs I’m riding this year are a step better than the best bikes I rode last year. What was a 5 star rating last year would only be a 4 star rating this year.

For this first day of Outdoor Demo at Interbike, riding the new 2016 Turner RFX v4.0 was my top priority.  With over six years having elapsed since production ended on the prior version of the RFX, to say that expectations are high for the new RFX is an understatement. I’m excited to say that the new RFX is hitting on all cylinders and the RFX will be the new core of our demo fleet based in the Seattle area. Now for the details:

Climbing - 5 stars

Turner’s implementation of the dw-link in their bikes provides a feeling that the pedals are directly coupled to the rear wheel in a way not dissimilar to how a hardtail feels when climbing. Hammering on the RFX, creates instant forward motion without rear suspension movement softening the directness of that connection. The main difference between how the RFX climbs versus a hardtail is the 160mm of always active rear suspension that digs in on loose, technical climbs. Some riders will state that suspension performance for climbing doesn’t matter because they can always lock out a rear shock, but the RFX’s dw-link suspension allows rear shocks to run with minimal compression damping providing better traction on loose, technical climbs. So the RFX provides an exceptionally high degree of climbing efficiency together with the advantage of a fully active rear shock maximizing the amount of available tire traction.

The RFX has climbing abilities at least equal to the Burner that has 20mm less suspension travel. The Burner itself is no slouch at climbing with several of my testers participating in our tire tests commenting that it climbed better than their shorter travel bikes. I am unable to make a more direct comparison between the climbing capabilities of the RFX vs the Burner as my experience with the Burner in our demo fleet is with Enve M60 wheels and 2.25 Schwalbe tires while the RFX I rode today has M70 wheels and 2.35 Schwalbe tires that add a bit of rotating weight.

Descending – 5 stars

As well as the RFX climbs, it is far from one-dimensional in its strengths. The RFX settles well into its suspension travel and is intuitive feeling on descents providing the rider with great control to make small handling adjustments with body movements or braking. Compared to other dw-link bikes, Turner’s implementation provides the climbing ability that the dw-link suspension design is known for with no compromise to descending stability. The RFX has a head angle and frame geometry that provides steering that is neither too fast nor too slow. The head tube angle is precisely balanced between enough slackness to provide the right amount of downhill stability while being steep enough to eliminate wheel flop on tight corners. I got in over my head on a dropoff, but I never felt like I lost control of where I wanted to go with the RFX. Being intuitive in its handling allowed me to feel confident in pushing the limits of my riding abilities.

In addition, though the RFX I tested weighs 26 lbs with a heavy SRAM GX component group and Enve M70 wheels (which are stiff but not particularly weight saving), it was designed with an eye towards frame stiffness. The stiffness of the RFX frame shows in how the RFX is able to plow through rocks and higher-g corners with no wavering in the rider’s selected line.

Cornering - 5 stars

What was really special to me about the RFX was that it provides a level of downhill stability substantially greater than the Burner while losing none of the Burner’s handling agility. Again, the RFX is not the fastest steering bike available, but rather strikes a balance between nimbleness and predictability in its steering. Adjusting cornering lines mid-turn requires only minimal body movement and steering. The RFX corners like a faster steering, shorter travel bike with the mid-turn stability of a big travel bike.

Summary

This is a one-quiver bike that I would choose to ride for all types of trail conditions in the Pacific Northwest. Typically, our trail conditions provide good grip so it’s fairly easy to get into higher-g cornering for which the stiffness of longer-travel bikes is helpful in resisting side loading forces. At the same time, the RFX steers fast enough that it doesn’t give up much in nimbleness to shorter travel bikes while providing an exceptionally intuitive level of downhill control.

If this sounds like a superlative review, it is indeed intended to convey the unique balance of strengths that the new Turner RFX offers.

For another opinion on the RFX, check out Pinkbike’s review located at: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/turner-rfx-v40-enduro-review-2016.html

Excerpt from Pinkbike’s review: “…for those new to the brand, test-riding an RFX will be an unexpected pleasure. David Turner is one of the more talented riders to occupy the top seat of a bike-making business, and his vision of the perfect mountain bike - versatile, balanced, and confidence inspiring - reflects a lot of saddle time.”

But, don’t just accept our opinions on the new RFX. We invite you to try out the RFX for yourself to see if it is a good fit for your riding style and preferences. Dirt Merchant Bikes expect to have our RFX bikes available for demo in the Seattle area around mid-October and are considering also having RFX demo bikes available for monthly demo sessions around the SF Bay Area. Feel free to contact us at jeff@dirtmerchantbikes.com for more details on RFX demos.

Rating Guide                                                                                                                   

5 stars - Absolutely outstanding

4 stars

3 stars - Solid performance, meets expectations

2 stars

1 star - Misses expectations by a wide margin