Are old Mountain Bikes bad in 2025?

🚨WIN my Santa Cruz Bronson custom build! (ANY SIZE) - raffall.com/37... 😎😎
Parts in this video:
OneUp Carbon Bars - thelostco.com/...
Magura MT7 - thelostco.com/...
Shimano XTR 9100 - thelostco.com/...
Ergon Orange grips - thelostco.com/...
Tools used in this video:
Strap wrench for rear shock - amzn.to/4hGGAM2
Plastic O-Ring Pick tool - amzn.to/4hGGDYe
Bench Vise Soft Jaw Pads - amzn.to/40Wj0oL
Torque Wrench - amzn.to/4aDI0o9
Maxima Plush Light 1 Liter - thelostco.com/...
Bike Repair stand with scale in arm - amzn.to/3ioCsXR
Digital air pressure gauge for compressor - amzn.to/3ZVw4YS
Green tire lever - thelostco.com/...
Bike Cleaning Supplies:
Chain Cleaning Machine - amzn.to/410z2yc
Wheel Cleaning Brush - amzn.to/3CtUpyn
Tire Brush - amzn.to/42IzIJP
Cassette Brush - amzn.to/40WOSJV
Soft Cleaning Brush - amzn.to/4aIQL0j
Muc Off Rotor covers - amzn.to/4gEcI1X
Drying Towel - amzn.to/3WJE8fA
For soap, I use dish soap. Then standard degreaser in the chain machine

[@EvansMTBSaga]

🚨WIN my Santa Cruz Bronson custom build! (ANY SIZE) - raffall.com/376162/enter-raffle-to-win-santa-cruz-bronson-5-custom-build-hosted-by-evan-steinberg 😎😎

[@Timmyboyparkourandmtb]

It’s my birthday today

[@sturomain]

Raffle available for Canada?

[@RogueRiders-p1h]

I just snapped my downhill Santa Cruz frame have it bean able to ride for a while it would be crazy if I won. good luck to everybody else.

[@MTB_HQ]

@@sturomain its world wide just administrated in the uk under uk law

[@kenh6096]

I had a warranty issue with my newest bike at the end of last year and ended up dusting off my over a decade old Orange 5 to fill in. So much so as a winter project I stripped it down and rebuilt it with all new group set, fork, shock, wheels, dropper and loving it. For me cycling is all about enjoyment and I just love the older bike. It just feels more nibble, responsive, more alive and brings a smile to my face.

[@alainbergeron1675]

From Montreal Canada! Evan, by far my favorite MTB channel! Keep up the good work.

[@flo8273]

i own the old bronson. get yourself a 29“ fork and run mullet. then the geo numbers are almost new. it is really worth it giving this a try!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Normally when you mullet a 27.5, you'd reduce travel by 10mm up front. So you're saying keep the same travel? I'd consider doing a second video on this bike, but man so many people are mad I did any upgrades to the Gen 2.

[@flo8273]

@ and let the haters hate. They can’t even afford the old version;)

[@AviatoreGK]

@@EvansMTBSaga I run a 29" fox 36 on my Bronson v2, I did not reduce the travel. It works extremely well. Everyone that owns that bike should absolutely try the mullet setup, it makes the bike much more capable and forgiving but still playful and agile.

[@AaronEpstein-gi4yc]

@@AviatoreGKso you increased the travel and wheel size I have a 2017 Bronson put a coil in the back and still have the stock fox 34 have though about ohlins 32 with a 29 or fox 34

[@jandzacovsky5281]

@@EvansMTBSaga Why worry about what others think? I still have a 2014 GT Sensor Carbon Expert (which is a bike on 650b wheels), and I've upgraded it really significantly too...

[@HiltonBroyles]

Been watching your videos for a while now, and i just have to say that i love your content, energy, and how much you teach the mtb community for free. Super fun to watch your content and please keep it up! Your raffle idea is amazing as well.

[@adamsolomon9353]

very underrated channel. Love the videos!

[@ThatcherShannon]

I definitely agree

[@tenpointsforgreg]

The timing of this video is great. Have a 2017 Bronson CC that I was debating on selling to swap for something newer. Opted instead to overhaul it with a new dropper, derailleur, cassette and a full fork/shock rebuild and it rides like new! Fun to see a video on how the v2 Bronsons hold up to this day

[@EvansMTBSaga]

That's a good move. Modernize it. It's a super fun bike

[@tprountzos]

That pink Bronson is a classic. I have a 2018 V2 that is so fun. So much more responsive at medium speeds than the longer, slacker bikes of today.

[@andreyp9962]

Greetings from Ukraine! I own the Bronson CC v2 and absolutely love it. It’s perfect for my local trails, which are flowy and have a flatter surface.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hello! I hope you're safe over there.

[@jordanhellawell418]

Слава Україні!

[@jimm244]

My wife rides a 2018 Bronson V2 with Factory DPX2 and 36 Grip2. 4-piston Guides and 1x12 GX. It’s still an amazing trail bike. A little steep and short for gnarly stuff, but for trail riding or even light park use, it’s still a solid bike.

[@dkone1746]

The 2015/2018 era Giant Reign's were solid bikes. Besides the slack seat angle, everything else was pretty modern.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Depends on the seat tube angle, but this Gen 2 with 74° felt great. I don't like the vertical feeling on the new bikes

[@mrvwbug4423]

Until you try climbing a steep tech climb, then short reach and slack seat tube angle = you're leaning heavily over the front in a desperate battle to keep the front wheel down. I remember that from the Giant Trance I used to have.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

@ Ah the perks of Bentonville not having super steep stuff! Good news, next video is a Sad to Rad with a Giant Trance!!

[@kult9569]

You probably don’t remember me, but I was your second donation on Buy Me a Coffee back when you were making videos about the Vitus Nucleus. I don’t get to shred as much these days, but I still check out your channel regularly to stay connected to the passion. It makes me so happy to see the incredible growth you’ve achieved over the years, and at that, it’s all been very well-deserved. Keep it up man!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hey man! I remember the username Kult and you commenting back in the day. Is this Owen by chance? That was a fun time making videos and learning the craft. Thanks for watching/supporting and I hope you get out to ride some more!

[@kult9569]

​@@EvansMTBSaga Yep, that’s me! Really cool that you remember-those were some good times! Hopefully spring will bring better riding weather here very soon. Keep killing it man!

[@eddieheatley7399]

i recently started mtb on my Dads 2016 norco sight and your videos have helped me fix it up 👍👍

[@dcouture79]

That older gen Bronson is still a great bike. I had one and have had several newer bikes since and it’s still one of my favorites by far.

[@jond1915]

I had a 2017 Bronson, I still think it was the perfect ‘all mountain’ bike. Climbed well, not great. Descended well, but you could tell when you got in over your head with steepness. It excelled in the middle of the bell curve in all aspects

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah I could tell with this bike! I wonder how it'd feel as a mullet

[@AviatoreGK]

@@EvansMTBSaga I bought a v2 bronson in 2016 and a couple years ago I put a new fox 36 on with a 29 inch wheel. I have then tested the original wheel and the new one back to back and the bike works so well as a mullet that I've never put the 27,5 on again. I still use it in local enduro races.

[@UltrafineDeluxe]

Still running a 2016 Kona Process 111 with the same Pike as that Santa Cruz. Feels great.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I was super impressed with that Pike! I'm not sure if its because its broken in, or why it felt good. Very sensitive to small bumps

[@ChrisJones-fm6wp]

Process 111 gang! I'm still riding my purple 2015. I'm replacing the Fox 36 I originally put on it with a closeout Pike I got that cost barely more than what the full service on the Fox cost.

[@thelifeofjessejames]

I had a 2015 Process 167, it was Kona’s last call for 26” wheels. I regret getting rid of it because it was a really cool bike but the small wheels held it back and it was quite heavy

[@milanboez]

Those pre lower linkage sannies are so fun. The v2 5010 was basically a jump bike. But they got exciting fast in the rough. Loving my v4 5010 still. More modern geo but 27.5 front and rear makes it not a boring mullet monster truck. Nice all round compromise for me, especially with a cascade link.

[@GhislainLeduc]

Old SantaCruz bike will always be good :) Great video as always! Stupid Canadian dollars is so low and the exchange for those tickets in pounds is almost 2x the value of the CDN $.

[@selder03]

I love that you put the 2.6in tires on the Bronson.

[@ThatcherShannon]

keep making vids like this, they are my favorites

[@amtyts]

Your videos sure make these long, snow filled winters in the northern parts of Sweden easier. Keep up the good work buddy! Just bought a bunch of tickets to the raffle. Fingers crossed 💪🏻

[@zafzo]

Come visit central Texas for winter. 20 to 24C and sunny all week this week! Then go back to Sweden when the fires of hell come back in summer.

[@amtyts]

@ haha sounds like a plan. Just have to check with my boss then I’ll be on my way 😜

[@elemix3454]

Just 2 years ago I had 2007 Rocky Mountain Slayer 30 and it was used for Downhill riding as a dream

[@sebtm6504]

im riding a 15 year old specialized enduro it its still a great well performing bike!

[@mofosos]

27.5 is more fun that 29

[@TheShdyazn]

I think mullet is the best personally

[@qwaggo6921]

Dude I’m going to try a mullet on my trek 4300 hardtail. It’s a large frame with 26 inch tires and I’m gonna get a new fork that supports 27.5 and get that bigger front wheel

[@stephenwilliams5633]

Absolutely

[@rocketcrusher979]

You should do a specialized demo 8 2015 build, that would be cool. And love the vids dude!

[@TranceFur]

“Mark and his wife are busy having a bunch of kids” 🤣 What a wild statement, I love it

[@Benshredz]

I actually bought a 2016 Scott Voltage DH bike in September for only $600 and it has been an absolute blast so far. Even though it was pretty cheap I was able to ride the day I got and just have been upgrading it since, so I think older bikes with a good cost are sooo worth it.

[@luis__jrtx]

Fit 27.5 to both my oldie 6r's and it gave them new life.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Awesome video Evan, I really enjoyed it! I go between my current year Chameleon 8 and my previous generation Chameleon 7 and I am always surprised just how good the 7 is. I still prefer the 8 in every way, but the old bike is still a freaking blast.... time to head out for a Saturday morning ride!

[@mikeburgh3956]

I love 275s! I have a Nukeproof Scout in a small (428 reach) I'm only 5'7 and fits me perfectly. Such a fun bike. I gotta say I love that Pink color Bronson.

[@ToxicFlame2014]

I bought a Medium 2015 Santa Cruz 5010 C for $1k last summer and have had a blast riding it and slowly repairing / tidying up everything and anything that needs work. I cant speak on comparing to modern bikes since theyre way out of my league in budget, but the santa cruz is the most expensive bike i have ever ridden (and my first carbon frame), so it definitely feels like it. The high end parts are still very good in today's standards and should do me well for a long time.

[@adambrown3770]

Great video. I think an older Mach 5.5 would be a great "retro" build. Also, a lot of older bikes can be revived with an angle-set. My older Giant Trance with a -2 angle-set is so light and capable.

[@MrMaddog1978]

I still have a 2014 enduro expert and a 2015 stumpjumper evo. Love them both. Will never get rid of them

[@AlexSamofal-r5e]

I'm still crushing it on my 2016 Nomad - super fun overall bike. I still use my new Megatower on super chunk trails, but I still love the old Nomad fro pretty much everything else! I'll ride it until it breaks!

[@richardbaker7134]

I run a 2016 radon swoop that has a load of modern features like 27.5 wheels and 170 travel front and 160 rear. It also won some awards back when it was released

[@artjomskokorevs561]

Greetings from Latvia! Love you stuff, tickets are bought, hope my odds of winning THAT BEAST are good! Take care, Evan!

[@leereiyuu]

That coffee-Bronson is just such a looker!

[@fpeter01]

I love my 2015 Lapierre Spicy. It has 27,5" wheels, non boost rear wheel, after I swapped the skinny wheels to proper downhill wheels it rips with confidence! Travel of the fork is adjustable with one turn between 130-160 mm. So you can achieve a better climbing position. Modern fork are more plush, but they don't know this function. One of the downsides is that the tire clearance at the front is not generous. Any tire over 2,25" is not mud friendly. The usual tire size for modern enduro bikes is 2,5"-2,6", finding a good skinny tire with tougher casing is not easy.

[@LockieTheobald]

The gold dropper looks sick.

[@andrewbreese3037]

I've got a Mk 2 Bronson, still fine for trips to the Alps, and still see at least 2 to 3 others on my days out at UK bike parks

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

Ride what you ride , that’s what I do , 2015 Giant Advanced XTC hard tail XC , upgraded to 1x SRAM GX, Stan’s Valor Carbon wheels , tubeless . Fast and light ! No dropper either

[@steveedwards7231]

From the left field and not big in the USA, 140 Merida from 2018 -2021. Short, high and steep but really fun.

[@johntotten4872]

Old man here. I was in my 20's when Mtn biking had its boom during the 90's. I bought a 93 Stumpjumper hardtail (No shock up front either) and gave it to my adult son so he could get into mtn biking. It is a very different ride to my Trek Marlin 7 but still viable. Older bikes have a more raw unpolished ride. You youngins have it easy with your refined new bikes. JK. New sub as I like your content.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

That "old" Bronson reminds me of my 2015 Enduro 27.5. Super playful, but yeah, my new mullet plows in comparison.

[@Spark_MTB_BMX_Coaching]

Evan just did more bike maintenance in one video, on his friends wife’s bike than I’ll do in my lifetime.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

😂😂 you should try a fork lower servicing. It's super easy and fun

[@That_Stealth_Guy]

I have to agree with you 100% on the used bike pricing, especially on bikes 5-10 yrs old. I understand the desire to get something back for the money you spent initiallym, however reality is different. When I am shopping for an older bike, I get a huge chuckle at the sellers who think a 2015 era bike is worth the same as 2024/25 of the same bike. It's not folks, sorry to burst your bubble.

[@Fxd_bean]

that pink bronson was my first love as a young bike mechanic that pink just had me at day one

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Its pretty cool! I kept looking down and going "wow"

[@acewray]

Thanks for your context and video creation effort. Love the bike reviews (especially hardtails). Some day i will transition to boost, hydraulic, and more than 1x8.

[@erik-g9d]

I built a mullet hardtail 27.5F/26R 120mm--feels so small and agile--most fun bike currently in the stable.

[@sjanzeir]

It was because I was researching building my own Shigura setup back then that I found your channel.

[@geridbridges4886]

nice shirt! I love N+1 Bikes, Shaun and his crew are awesome

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hey Gerid!

[@NoahSelby-kb6eh]

I have a 2016 stumpjumper rsf fattie and wow its so good ,i've gone through a airdrop edit v3 and a 2022 custom spec transition patrol sold both and went back to the specialised you just cant beat 27.5 old geometry bikes!!

[@corner_store_bill]

Still riding the bike I started on about 2y ago. A 2016 Rocky mountain altitude carbon. Love every min of it but I do see where newer geometry might help. Especially when tucking my knees in a turn

[@lukebeltrand3847]

Man I picked up a 2016 Stumpjumper carbon Elite this summer and it pedals soo good. I have a 2022 specialized status for rhe bike parks and it obviously does not pedal well in Comparison. I am shocked how much I love riding it on the local trails. BTW we were at Bentonville a couple days before Christmas and saw you at castle, super cool, we would have said hello but you were already gone before I realized it haha. My kids and I watch all your videos they are 9 and 12. Anyways it was cool to see you!

[@AORNova]

2016 Santa Cruz 5010, 2017 Pivot Mach 5.5 (predecessor to the current Shadowcat) , 2016 Stumpjumper, 2017 Yeti SB5, 2016 YT Capra, 2017 Commencal Meta. From what I can remember, really fun and unique >>trail

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Dude thanks for all the recommendations! I wasn't around MTB at the time so I don't know what was popular. I will screenshot this and keep my eyes open on Marketplace.

[@umtomtom]

great video, coming from a 2015 lapierre zesty to v3 hightower , i was questioning if it was worth the upgrade for a while until i took my old bike for a ride after 6 months on the HT. had pretty much the same experience as you, on the new bike i felt like i could tackle anything with confidence and that it made me a much better rider but also exactly like u said it took away some sensation as it made everything a bit too easy/dull u could say. in my opinion thats not a bad thing as being safer more confident in similar circumstances can only make you safer and progress further. i thought it would be easier to peddle but it aint that may be due to tyres or my age lol but overall the old bike is still awesome and possibly faster over light trails but if you want to take on bigger and better things regardless of lap times etc newer bikes absolutely rock. great execution of the point you’re making though, it answers alot of the things many of us are contemplating

[@dominicmarratta9944]

sir that's not an old bike imo

[@jond1915]

I agree, the 2016 holds up a lot better than a 9 year old bike would at that year. Imagine comparing the 2016 to a 2007 bike

[@dariusindrei]

It's actually fairly old

[@robertsilva5041]

For his lifestyle. It's old. For the average guy. It's not. See done. 😂

[@ErnestoV10]

Its old

[@MartinMarkov420]

Its just on the line >2016 👌🏻

[@szymonz.8448]

I have 3 SC bikes. 2015 Highball without any suspension - basically it’s my street/gravel bike 2016 Chameleon 7AL 29er with 130mm front - fun bike with big dirt bike feelings 2023 Hightower - main weapon Not gonna lie I would like to give a try that pink Bronson. Looks sweet and SO much fun 🔥

[@limelen6750]

Hey Evan I entered the Bronson raffle! Ever since then, I've watched the whole Bronson series 3-4 times in anticipation of winning haha. Currently, I have a 2018 bike with a ziptied derailleur and one gear, which sucks because the parts I need to replace are no longer being made because of the age of the bike, so I hope I win 😂, and even if I don't win, I'm happy to support your channel making, in my opinion, the best MTB videos. Keep making these types of videos; it makes people like me whenever I open KZbin to another banger. Good luck to any other people who have entered.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Wow zip tied derailleur is crazy! Good luck my friend

[@Ahats5]

Liked because you said running the brake line outside of the fork is a no-no

[@AZMTB]

My favorite bike from that era was my old Devnici Troy. So fun! And it's funny - later on I owned a v1 Hightower, rode it a few years and then went to a Megatower and while that bike can definitely get me down the chunk, the old Hightower was no slouch in comparison and now I find myself wanting to get another hightower again, haha.

[@theshedMTB]

Good video! I think the upgrades you did are basically what somebody would do normally with a bike they had for many years.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I agree! So many people getting so mad about the upgrades in the comments

[@AviatoreGK]

I bought this bike new and the only original parts still there are the frameset and the back wheel

[@bcliff7119]

I loved my 2018 Bronson. I wish I still had it.

[@Basketballneverend]

Just bought a SC Tallboy 4 CC for 2k, super stoked about it. Bikes are too good nowadays even the older ones

[@j.k.b9247]

I have the First Gen version of the Bronson C and it really is amazing. Got it with a Cancreek Doublebarrel for around 400€

[@markcosens1]

I demo'ed the v2 back in the day & it was the best bike I had ever ridden. Surgically precise. I purchased the v3 12 months later after all the rave reviews as my dream bike & absolutely hated it. Couldn't get on with it at all & sold it after 6 months at a huge loss.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Ah dang sorry it was a huge loss. Good to know to stay away from gen 3!

[@jimm244]

I have a Bronson 3 and really like it. Yes, it’s a change from the V2 for sure. The climbing is less efficient, but the amount of traction it generates on technical climbs is terrific (just stay in the saddle and crank). It’s less sharp, but more confident in chunkier terrain (v2 -> v3 was a substantial change in geo). The V3’s not my primary ride, but it’s for sure my preferred bike for park days. I feel like I sit deeper in the bike than my HT3, and 27.5 is tons of fun on flow and jump trails. I bought the bike at a rockstar deal, new old stock, right as the COVID shutdown was looming & before things got scarce & expensive.

[@887rb7]

Love this been wanting this kind of videos for ages ridden many nice expensive new bikes and the older bikes are great fun so easey to throw stuff around id love to see a very late nice 26 inch high travel trail bike and make it feel more modern with some headset angle spacers dropper and some lush new bits maybe its just me

[@ОлегШевченко-к8и]

Great video! 2016-2017th bikes are a real blast to increase skills on some chunk and corners. but after switching to modern bikes - they are like... required much less efforts to go over the same courses. It's cool but really boring. As for "what bike from those era should you try" - man I'm HIGHLY recommend the Canyon Strive CF 2017. 2.4 kgs frame, the shapeshifter to switch geo and rear travel by pushing the lever on the bar, it was (and still is) the true ultimate performance machine! if you good to deal with 142/12 rear axle tho

[@RolandvanVondel]

mannn!!, i have a 2012 Giant trance, and a 2008 Giant anthem, they still ride awesome!!!, those old bikes has a really good charm!, they have a couple of problems, but they are still kickin' [they both have 26' wheels]

[@bobobobobobo4597]

Dream bike at the time.. loved that loud pink color but just couldn’t afford it at the time. Did end up getting a Santa Cruz tallboy v5. Had no need for that much travel. Just wish I could get the color that I fell in love with😅

[@MyBetsie]

The older Santacruz bikes are great. I raced an enduro on an old tallboy where it performed fine. Best 2016.... Trek session 9.9. still racing my old session at the sharp end .

[@danielgrafik]

For an "older" bike build, you could go for something like '16-ish Mondraker Foxy? - they were quite ahead of their time with the geo, especially the sizing/reach. Be fun to see how the compare to your modern bikes. Maybe even try and get one with the super short 10-20mm stems they did?

[@GoodTrails]

Would love to see if you could do the same thing with a 26 inch bike! I know you tried with the red specialized but that was an XC bike. I bet you could build a really fun 26 inch bike from 2012 or 2013. Maybe 2013 Stumpy EVO or Enduro? Also, the Chameleon from that era was dope. Anyway, great video. Keep up the great work!

[@ifrainjimenez8857]

Thank you for the information looking in getting me one just not sure yet.

[@jason87d43]

It's like a bike farmer video but with a splash of mtb history

[@davidwoodley3288]

Love the video. my stead is a 2015 Giant Reign Advsnced 0. And honestly its still awesome, my main mods were swapped a 160mm 29"er fork to mullet it and obviously ditching thst awful Reverb dropper. Anyhow that bike eould definitely be my suggestion if you want a good old platform.

[@petedog9581]

I still ride my modernized 2013 Stumpy Elite 29er over my 2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct C30 on certain tight trails with slower speeds. The short reach and short chainstays make it easy to lift the front wheel. That can be a drawback on really steep chunky climbs and nervous on drops and ripper descents.

[@scottcrammond8571]

A 2016 5010 is my daily rider trail bike. I like the smaller frame and I think its pretty dang capable. I have taken on jump trails and really chunky awful trails in Pisgah i.e. Pilot Rock. I do have 140mm front fork on it

[@replagamer5]

I have a Haibike Sduro Allmtn Plus 2016 and it's in a really good condition with some upgades, new parts and servise it's not so different from brand new bikes and probably better than the stock bikes you can buy for these prices

[@Stazemtb]

2016 Specilzed enduro ally would be a great slope duro and or enduro build of an older bus solid bike I’ve done one with all new parts 🤟

[@brandonmartinez1198]

i ride a 2017 650b stumpy and it shreds getting some tech 4s and a coil so i will keep you updated on how she feels this season

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah please do! I like the look of those old Stumpy's better than the new one

[@DavidCharpentierBuzano]

I built a 5010c v2, and I love it

[@iplac3943]

Hey evan i really enjoyed this video, jumped on the notification! I got myself a giant reign 1.5 2016 2years ago and it's a blast. I really recommend you to test the reign 1 2016 because the geometry is really new and it got all the new standard! I got myself for 500€ . Have a great day !

[@su1raM]

I don't remember seeing on your channel at least one scott bike, I recommend to try Ransom or Ransom eride years 20-23. Love your channel 🤜🤛

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Dude I forget Scott exists all the time, especially with Trail or Enduro bikes. Nothing against them, maybe they don't spend a lot on marketing

[@viedsanchezcolin6003]

Good video Evans...more of this is really good,maybe Banshee bikes 😂 i have one the rune..greetings from Ensenada México

[@gajc89]

try a cube stereo 140. theyre full XT 12 speed drop post, hydraulic brakes,. you can usually get them for less than 1000$

[@JasonJen-JungKuo-ot4rh]

2018 Ibis Ripmo V1 ... still amazing

[@besomewheredosomething]

I did a "modern" build (meaning I put all modern suspension, drive-train, etc.) on a 2017 S-Works Camber 650b and I love the bike. I think it cost me around $2500 and this is with Fox Factory 34s (2021 mode IIRC), X01 drive-train, XT brakes, Fox Factory Dropper Post (lots of amazing deals the last year or so), etc. So yeah, I wouldn't pay anything over $1500 for that bike in that exact condition, considering what you can do if you do your research and build your own bike.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

My mate has a small batch 2009 Bronson only known to few people . Canadian 7005 frame .

[@andersbehncke2624]

You could try the 2016 Specialized Stumpjumper. Those bikes were pretty good, and the 6fattie version had boost through-axle front and rear :)

[@davidsuzukiispolpot]

The pink suits you very well

[@and2244rew]

I’ve got a 2017 Hightower and a 2024 transition scout. I will say that suspension performance has come a long way. That Hightower blows through its suspension unless it’s setup super stiff.

[@jackzadow3896]

Do an old downhill/park build. Is a 2016 bike the best budget way to get a park bike?

[@ross82]

I replaced my old reign-0 with a new trance because they both have similar trail geometry, the new reigns have full on enduro specs now. Kinda suggests they got it right back then, just added to the lineup as opposed to improving on.

[@Masordaz]

I would really like to see you testing a trek fuel ex 9.9 29er around 15’s or 16’s, In fact the bike that I owned at the moment and just love it, a trail bike those days, now, probably another down country more. I really like your videos

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I was just looking up new bikes and that Fuel looks awesome. Now it's about finding an old bike at the right price

[@jasno333]

In 2016, the Evil Following was pretty "ahead of its time" as a short travel 29" bike that wasn't for XC. Maybe give that a shot.

[@joedefao8834]

You should try a 2015-2016 Yeti SB5c. I still ride mine with 27.5 front and rear, but I have a 160mm Fox 36 up front. I like this bike more than many of the “modern” MTBs I’ve ridden. So playful!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hey Joe! Glad you commented about the Yeti. I've been looking at those for years, but I wonder, is the switch infinity problematic or hard to service?

[@joedefao8834]

I’ve had no problems with mine in almost 10 years. But I ride in CA, so it’s almost always dry. It’s easy to service with a little grease, and not too much work to pull it out and fully clean it, which I’ve done a few times.

[@oliverhunt9362]

I have a 2017 Specalized Enduro. Really terrific bike, but I’m going for a new frameset soon. Either Propain Spindrift or Bird Aeris 9, with potential for the optional 180mm rear link.

[@TrekSenda]

You should do a video upgrading the intense 951. Sick video btw

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I have a coil fork and shock for it 😬

[@TrekSenda]

Miniduro v2?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thats what I'm thinking! Not sure if I will do it, just has to line up with the schedule

[@Donovangulya]

This is just my opinion but I think the best way for you to test the bikes is SRAM gx or Xt with aluminum wheels bars stem everything and similar suspension.