Thanks! appreciate the kind words.

A quick fix for that can be riser handlebars. The handling between the two bikes is quite different: I'd suggest trying both. There isn't one that is better, but you may find the stable, "carvy" nature of the DSX to your liking... or you may like the fast handling of the Trek.

@@BikeBrosBikeShop My height is 177 and I took a size L. I have to reach for the bar and it is very uncomfortable, my neck hurts

@@BikeBrosBikeShop Do you mean that I need a shorter stem? How can I raise the bar?

The new Stance is better for more aggressive riders: both in geometry and the use of thru-axles to give a stronger connection between wheels and frame. If it is a case of needing more suspension because you're doing more challenging terrain or needing things like more powerful brakes I think raising the budget is the requirement.

Hi, thanks for watching. Of all the bikes out there with longer travel, I think the Firebird, Giant Reign Advanced and Niner WFO would all be worthy considerations. This is both due to the pedalling efficiency and that each of these still put an emphasis on keeping the bike light and lively rather than being just a downhill smasher. The newer Firebird design is even better than the one in this test for climbing due to the steeper seat angle so I think it should work well for what you're describing. I'd have no hesitation riding either of the bikes I mention on climbs like Pneuma. One thing I like to point out regarding long travel and climbing is that if trails get really technical/steep, the extra travel can make things tiring just from the perspective of preloading suspension when lifting/maneuvering - that said, Pneuma isn't too technical until after ROS and most people avoid that. As mentioned, the new Giant Reign is a very worthy bike in this category now too (won 3 rounds of EDR in 2023), with 160mm/170mm suspension, respectable weight and a size medium that seems like would fit you well... just a thought.

Wow! Thanks for your fast response!! Appreciate the info & will give the giant a look. My buddies recently upgraded to a RM Altitude, SB 150, & Bronson mullet - leaving me in the dust, where I use to lead the charge on the downs. I’m trying to get my head around the newer geo - they all say the new bikes do everything their older bikes did better, being much larger on wheels & travel.

@@ramoncliff8946 You just happened to comment right before I did my weekly responding to all the comments, so good timing. I think stepping up to 29" wheels will help close the gap. I spent a couple days on the RM Altitude last week - it definitely adds a sense of stability and confidence on descents - I think partially because of the Cushcore - keeps things very still and planted but feels like it zaps your energy for quick accelerations or climbing. I only mention that because it could be the decision maker between a lively/fun longer travel bike or one that helps you smash your friends on a descent.

I think there's a couple things to consider. If your son is using the bike as an all-rounder and not pushing the bike to its limits, stepping up in size may be all that is required. If your son is riding more aggressively, riding steeper/more challenging terrain, doing bigger jumps, won't be deterred by an extra few pounds, stepping up to this new version may be a logical step. To do a frame swap, you will likely be looking at upgrading the fork and getting a new seatpost so getting a feel for what you could sell his complete bike for and buying this complete may be worthwhile.

Brakes are 6120 (Basically Deore but not called Deore) 4 pistons with servo wave levers (like SLX but missing one of the tool-free lever adjustments). Shifter and derailleur is SLX.

Thanks, I appreciate the positive feedback!

92mm pressfit bb

No shifter on the left, which makes things nice and simple or allows for a dropper seatpost remote on the left without adding confusion

Yours sounds like a perfect use case! I'd test out the gearing. With that massive cassette you're already looking at quite a low gear, but I definitely understand what you're thinking if you're going to be carrying a heavy load.

While the answer could go either way, I think the answer that fits the most numbers of riders is Trance X.

I think the 2023 is still an excellent bike and worth considering at the sale price. The 5mm travel won't be noticed. All you really miss out on is the downtube storage and headset adjustment but other than that (and a third position for the rear flip-chip), the 2023 geometry was great and so were the parts.

@@BikeBrosBikeShop great! Thank you for the reply.

Hi, I don't think 3" tires would fit. It has been a while but I think 2.6" is as big as it will safely handle.

It could be an easy tubeless setup. I'm always a bit shy to recommend that unless a rim is specifically considered tubeless just in case it turns into a pile of frustration for someone.

That is a tough question without knowing where those rides are. If you were on pavement or smoother gravel I think you would be happier on the DSX - it will be less tiring because the bike would be more efficient. If there was a lot of roots, rocks etc I think the Rockhopper would be less tiring and more comfortable.

@@BikeBrosBikeShop thank you very much sir for your reply now i will sell my rockhopper to buy a gravel wish you all the best in the world sir .

I imagine this is to meet a specific price. I'm only 185 lbs, relatively quick but not smashing corners or huge stuff so 36 vs 38 doesn't bother me. I imagine a rider who rides hard enough to appreciate the difference is probably stepping up to a fancier build to get a piggy-back/coil shock, fancy bits anyways.

it is. Canadian Dollars, so I think that is like $18.00 USD? haha

I have a personal bias (and actually all the shop staff do) against Sram SX rear derailleurs so we don't even bring in the Stance 29 1. We've seen far too much inconsistency in quality and performance from one bike with SX to the next... a couple bikes work well and others have caused a lot of frustration for customers and our mechanics trying to get the shifting to work nicely and remain in adjustment. The most interesting feature on the Stance 1, in my opinion, is the fork which is modestly upgraded from the Stance 2 - with that exception I would probably choose the Stance 2 over the the Stance 1 even if the price was equal.