Allied BC40 Review: The Fun Race Bike | 2022 Downcountry Field Test

[@hardtailparty]

This video really highlights that not all bikes are created equal, even with similar geo and spec. Many people say "bikes are so good these days that there's no such thing as a bad one." I wholeheartedly disagree, and people tend to use that statement as a scapegoat to justify their poorly-research decision. Reviews like this really help the end-user know what to expect out of bikes that they may not have considered, or had the chance to throw a leg over. Hopefully this highlights to everyone watching that the difference between bikes, even within the same travel category, are night and day. While none of the bikes in this test were inherently "bad", if you were looking for a specific ride feel, it's clear some of these bikes provided it far better than others. Bravo pinkbike team, another stellar review.

[@REB4444]

I've learned to choose a reviewer that looks for the same things I look for or has had similar results riding the same bikes I have ridden. Then the next time a new bike comes along, you will have a better idea of how it would work for you. Mike Ferrentino, from the old Bike Mag, is the one reviewer that matched what I was looking for in bikes and would trust his reviews over all the others. Wish he was still around.

[@pan0rama546]

Hardtail party knows a thing or two about bikes, fitment and the fact there is actually a fair amount of homework that should go into the process of selecting the bike that's right for each rider. That process still requires a bit of tweaking after you get the bike to dial things in. I would say it's close to impossible to expect that the bike off-the-shelf is just going to fit you perfect and meet all your needs and expectations, regardless of what marketing teams try to tell you 😂😂

[@jonathanguerdrum2863]

Would love to see this go head to head with the Transition Spur

[@mxcn-hz5nj]

Matt Beer's explanations are super articulate and well spoken. Really appreciate his insight, I'm learning alot.

[@nrodulfo]

You guys should make a video comparing the “winners” of the most recent field tests as long as the bikes are still available for purchase (like the Epic Evo)… it’ll be very interesting to see how the best “fun bikes” of each year field test stack up.

[@DEXVD]

The Blur TR and Top Fuel and Element would be good to throw in there too

[@meteormedia7021]

Norco Optic, duh

[@nvire5202]

There are some bikes that I didn't even know existed like this one, interesting !

[@yengsabio5315]

Ditto!

[@REB4444]

I'm glad that Allied isn't being tarnished with the "Wal-Mart' owned shade like Viathon was. The Viathon M1 was actually a well made bike that only weighed 21.5 pounds and had all the bling. Apples and oranges, but still glad the owners support mountain biking here in the USA and is not anymore expensive than Yeti or Pivot that are NOT made in the USA. My Pivot with the carbon wheels I added would cost about $9800. I'd pay a couple of hundred dollars more for an American made bike.

[@ShaneXCS]

Allied BC40 vs Epic Evo, vs Top Fuel, vs Pivot Mach4 SL, vs Ibis Exie. Lets make that happen please!

[@GavinKeller]

This bike was designed by riding the trails in North West Arkansas. We have lots of rocks, drops, and drops. So I think when they were riding the Back 40 they made the perfect bike for its use case. ALSO! Come to Bentonville for a field trip or at least a video!!!!

[@victordub]

i have an allied echo road / gravel bike and love it. Allied really knows what theyre doing

[@davecech4741]

It sounds like this is a superb bike. Really appreciate all of your detailed input in the video. I visited the Allied website, and the flexibility they offer in terms of builds is great. You can mix and match SRAM or Shimano components with RockShox or Fox suspension, and they also allow you to customize other components and paint colors. (Some of the paint colors look fantastic!) I also really like that the frame has a threaded BB (a press fit BB would be a deal breaker for me, particularly on a $10K bike). Matt's comment about the stem length was something I identified with, as one of the things I changed right away on my Epic Evo was to go to a 70mm stem. It "mellowed" the handling of the bike a bit for me....everyone is going to have their personal preference when it comes to steering response though. I checked their Shimano builds and one "miss" was that they come with the two piston versions of Shimano's XT / XTR brakes rather than the four. This is important enough to me that I replaced a perfectly good set of XT two piston brakes with the fours on my SC Highball. My Evo build came standard with four piston XTR....it's hard to go back to two piston brakes after getting a taste of the good stuff. Like others here, I would like to hear your thoughts about the BC40 relative to the Evo, Blur TR, Spur, Top Fuel, etc...although I suspect it would ultimately boil down to where you lean in terms of your wants / needs between an XC bike and a Trail bike, as there are probably no "losers" in this bunch.

[@jamiemcdonald4880]

My spur just showed up 2 weeks ago. Out of stock for a long time. The geo looks almost identical within 10mm of reach and 1/2 degree hta. I'd like to see a comparison also. It looks like this is becoming the geo sweet spot for comofort and all around capabilities. At the end of the day comfort and capability "spur" confidence. I'd bet the allied is an awesome bike!

[@lewis4175]

Glad this bike was included

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

The AXS RD is solely responsible for the drivetrain's loudness. The RD body has no means to help hold it against the hanger (like a tensioned cable or TRP Hall Lock) so when the chain goes slack and the clutch can't keep up the whole RD body swings violently back and forth slamming into the hanger.

[@TheCrookedWheel]

Correctamundo. I've taken to zip-tying the RD body to my chainstay. Ooooodles quieter, also helps with chain retention.

[@kevinclark9176]

@@TheCrookedWheel does that increase risk of breaking it in a crash?

[@TheCrookedWheel]

@@kevinclark9176 No. The upper body of the RD can't(won't) move laterally because it's not designed to do so. The zip tie just keeps the b-limit screw from banging against the derailluer hanger. The lower part of the body(ie., where the clutch is) does move, and that movement is completely unrestricted by the zip tie.

[@kevinclark9176]

@@TheCrookedWheel sweet. I might have to follow suit on this then.

[@yengsabio5315]

The price is... wow! I don't know what to say. Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[@rstrakovsky]

Sounds really well thought out, good job Allied!

[@gpa1978]

wouldnt it be a good idea to incluce a more pro-xc type of rider on these type of bikes reviews?

[@johnr5001]

Wow, timed with the Evil on the descents??!! Thought the Following would have slaughtered the other bikes.

[@bmwlane8834]

Are these as good as a Huffy?

[@KlintonSilvey]

One of the only really expensive bikes I would consider *if I had expensive bike money* -- another Pro is they have tons of color options for the frame.

[@matthewandelin1984]

Can you share the details of what settings were used in the fox 34 SC? For example, how many volume spacers were in the fork, and air pressure/rebound? And were they the same in the allied and the exie? Thanks

[@sambolo]

Not many years ago, I drove 120mm hardtail trailbike at bike parks with 67 headangle😄

[@jaketheriprrr]

"Pretty gnarly for the East Coast," Sounds like Sarah needs to visit Windrock, Snowshoe, Massanutten... Take your pick.

[@stevedeibler2181]

Michaux, Rothrock, etc….

[@TheJimty]

Would love to know if Mike and Matt would size up to a Large if buying one for themselves. Sounds like the Medium worked OK but was a little cramped. Interested to know if they would jump to the Large or stick with the Medium with a longer stem (and if so, how long)…..

[@shaun1900]

Geat review - this bike sounds like its very similar top the Norco revolver FS1 120mm - the Norco is half the price.

[@flow2tech]

@Shaun The Norco is more dated ..Doesnt look as sleek..Slacker seat tube angle and steeper head tube angle at over 67.5d.

[@shaun1900]

@@flow2tech I've ridden both now, very similar bikes. Norco is more Neutral, and Allied is slightly more capable on the downs, both climb very well. Its not twice the price better.

[@flow2tech]

@@shaun1900 right on..I ordered the allied frame with a 130mm 34 ..Going to build it a bit more on the light trail side..I already have all the other parts I can swap over and my bike shop gave me 15% off so that helped.. One of those have to have it buys...lol

[@shaun1900]

@@flow2tech sounds like a cracking project, enjoy the build and riding it.

[@numbers7905]

How does this compare to the Rocky Mountain Element from last year’s test?

[@nrodulfo]

Or the Epic Evo from the previous

[@GHinWI]

You’ll notice that every year they do this, they pick bikes that are comparable, but over a range. They never have bikes that are essentially identical, presumably because then the test result would be-“meh, they’re all great”-wouldn’t be very interesting.

[@robinmacandrew103]

You want to extend the stem a little. From what to what please?

[@brucehumphries6889]

Anytime the XC/DC shootout happens, it needs to be compared to the previous time….as in, everyone wants to know how these bikes compare to the Epic Evo

[@b00mski]

Axs has a much weaker clutch than the mechanical counterpart. Probably the main reason why it's loud

[@sgtkurry]

Uh oh, might add this to my stable.

[@BL-zt4es]

great company lovely frame.

[@TeddyParker]

Frame is 5600. Cheapest build is 7250. For those who are seriously considering this bike but don't need overpriced kashima or wireless components and what not.

[@tuftschristopher]

They force you to buy suspension in that 5,600. Frame works out to about 4,500 by my math

[@estebanaraiza]

Really nice bike, but too expensive frame weight's more then the new Orbea.

[@gabrielcarlothomas]

BC40 vs Epic Evo?

[@yowzerbaby]

Geo +1 for BC40 Weight +1 for epic evo Cost +1 for epic evo History building world class XC MTB bikes +1 for epic evo USA made + 1 for BC40 and Exie

[@yowzerbaby]

@@randallgd new mach4 SL just came out

[@baddriversofcolga]

"then he took a couple page out of my books" LOL Levy's so flustered with Danny stealing his skillz that he can't even speak right.

[@JoshMcGehee]

USA! USA! USA!

[@SpriteHide]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@CRAAZYpants2]

Good fishing in Quebec

[@memememe843]

10,750? Kind of ridiculous.

[@Catcrumbs]

SI units please

[@JoeJoe-C137]

Not a fan of xc bikes but am loving your new helmets 👍

[@note2self628]

This Canyon Lux looks pretty cool…

[@pchlars5666]

Very cool, expensive too. :/

[@mitchellsteindler]

An Enve road frame is 5500. How about that for a ripoff!

[@noejuliansaavedra]

👍😗🤘

[@MrMojoRisin22]

This bike has almost identical geo to the Ibis Ripley, just saying.

[@jaz21-e9w]

“Made in the US” cannot be a pro. It’s a pro if it’s made well, and that doesn’t depends where it is made.

[@janeblogs324]

Made in the US doesn't mean manufactured in the US though

[@jaz21-e9w]

@@janeblogs324 Ok. But the issue is that a pro is something objetively well done. If a bike is made in Russia by Putin himself but is well made, it’s a good bike.

[@janeblogs324]

Oh I get you. The lack of long warranty's and the bike industry coverups and lack of recalls on obviously dangerous designs tells all

[@neilashton9459]

The Allied is 100% made in USA in Arkansas - from carbon layup through paint etc. Their quality is very high so made here is definitely a positive IMO.

[@janeblogs324]

@@neilashton9459 if only this was in the advertising material

[@kmsbailey405]

First comment!

[@MrMojoRisin22]

Your mother must be proud!

[@shivulifestylevlogs]

Sir please gift me a one gear cycle 🥺🙏 Big fan from India ❤️😘

[@abastabul9115]

I only watch the field test for Alicia.

[@playmoreguitar5393]

Amazing bike. Ridiculous price tag. Sadly.

[@brakejuice]

Well it’s cheaper when they are built by 5 year old in poor countries