What Is the BEST XC Bike In 2024? (Downcountry Buyers Guide Conclusion)

[@JSeg009]

This series of MTB reviews is what I enjoy watching on KZbin. Direct and straight to point information with good riding. Yewww! Thxs Mo!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!!

[@helmut2338]

Superb Video! As a german native speaker: You speak incredibly fast, but so clearly, that I understand every word without any problem. 😅

[@nathanaylott8639]

The guy needs to breathe, speaks way to fast

[@dazza187]

One of the best buying guide overviews ive seen. Great job with the videos and thorough explanations

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you so much!!

[@saddleweary2777]

Y'all sure are natural at bike reviews. The effort y'all put into these videos are appreciated very much. I wasn't sure about pushing a friend towards the scalpel but I think now that is what I'm going to do especially since a dealership is close by. Thanks for the great job.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thanks so much!!!

[@tegmaniac]

Great Video! So many options. Would like to see the Orbea Oiz

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

I've been riding for about 7 years and had two Hardtails Love it💯🤙🏾

[@roryveronda9933]

Great job on this whole test, I was looking forward to watching every bike - Happy to see Cannondale & Yeti tied, speaks volumes for Cannondale at its price point 👊🏼

[@TomCollins-c4h]

The Scalpel gets such great reviews, I'm happy for Cannondale, they have reasonable prices too.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Such a fun bike!!!

[@jeepsterc104]

Great job man this is the most comprehensive XC review series I've ever seen!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thanks so much!!

[@TheRickysee]

Bmc four stroke 01. Santa Cruz blur Cervelo ZFS5 100 Trek supercaliber canyon Lux, World Cup

[@RagoFam]

Not only was this a super fun series to watch, as a very old mtb'er, I was having a deja-vu. As a Thank You, Cannondale should send you a signed poster of their amazing racer Tinker Juarez in his heyday, and you'll see what I mean. Perhaps you already do. Total compliments to you two. Thanks!

[@davidmorris8121]

OMG... For years, i've fantasised about a short travel Evil, built as an XC bike! Needless to say, my mind is blown by the Evil Following in your test! With that build, the price must be frightening, but WHAT a machine! Guys, your tests have been the definition of RAD! You must be exausted after all of that! Amazing stuff!

[@kenbailey1164]

I would like to see if the Trek Top Fuel can compete with those other bikes. I truely enjoyed this shootout Mo!

[@KneekoMTB]

Y'all Mo & Hannah put in work for this test. I saw him countless times in Laguna putting in the mileage to make this epic video

[@wilfriedmestdagh1676]

Hi Mo, Great test! Bravo for the completeness of the test, we all know how difficult it is to gather so many bikes. Each one has a distinctive little trick and it's not easy to choose one without trying it out, and your comparison gives good pointers. I think flight attendance saves time: by its responsiveness and, above all, by the fact that it will work systematically. Between the Canondale and the Yeti, my heart leans towards the Yeti, yet the Scalpel looks more solid (? ) I don't usually like Rockshocks or Canondale too much, but only donkeys don't change their minds 🤷🏻‍♂️ Great test in any case, with lots of information to glean along the way (tires, geometry, pedaling, ...) 👍 ❤ P.S.: I listened to it at speed X 0.75 😂

[@michaeldiamond7063]

You should do a livestream with @MTBYUMYUam on these bike. He has ridden many bikes in this test. It would be great to see your conversations about these.

[@bike_somm]

By far one of my favorite bike shoot out videos I’ve seen you do to date!! 🙌🏽

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!

[@cdygreen]

Shoutout to Arin at PBS who has always helped me out with parts questions when getting my Spur built a few months ago. Their shop and staff are amazing.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Arin is awesome!!

[@XCRiders]

Love that you didn’t have a low end xc shoot out. I like the good stuff 🤩

[@moandhannahtravel]

hahaha!

[@djcordes4352]

Great info and video. Likely the best comparison I’ve ever seen in 38 years of this stuff!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thanks so much!!!

[@marksandoval5361]

Honestly, I don't think that there was a bad bike in the bunch. XC bikes with 120mm forks are so good right now, that you can't really go wrong. Most of the difference between these bikes was probably about geometry with wheelbase being most important. Longer wheelbase better descender. Shorter wheelbase better in the tight and twisty. I would have given the Spur the best 120mm travel XC bike for people who don't race XC award. The Spur was the first bike that made bikes with 120mm forks popular because it had longer geometry and then, bigger brands started making their XC bikes longer, slacker, and using 120mm forks.

[@mikeglefke1970]

Totally agree, the Spur is the OG of “down country”. All great bikes though!

[@moandhannahtravel]

So true!!! They are all amazing!

[@TheAngryHusky]

I have the Mondraker F-Podium DC-R from last year. Personally I don’t see how a bike in this category can be much better. They are all amazing and capable bikes. It’s pretty much coming down to asthetics and budget most likely.

[@19ChrisP74]

@@mikeglefke1970 The Following has been DC for a lloonngg time...

[@ondrej9]

​@@mikeglefke1970 I would say the real OG of 'downcountry' category is Kona Process 111. It was heavy by todays standards and no racer but it showed people what can bike with XC travel and modern geo do and years later I still want one. Also their Hei Hei platform was great.

[@EmotionRadio]

Great work. I’d say the Santa Cruz Blur, Ibis Exie, and Scott Spark would have been nice additions.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Those are rad!

[@prestonthomas5399]

I’m on my second scalpel. I never recommend it bc I don’t believe it has the highest quality of components but for me, best bike I’ve ridden and I’ve ridden a few

[@oldschoolmtb]

Great series and such a well thought out and comprehensive summary of results!! Major props for being unbiased and unsponsored by the bikes in the review. I have friends and acquaintances who own scalpels - they consistently praise the performance, light weight, and value of their rides. Looking forward to more of your reviews. Thanks for sharing!!

[@ShadLife]

Ha! Funny....sounds like the Transition is right up my alley! 🤘

[@moandhannahtravel]

It's a fun bike!!!

[@brianrowbotham4010]

I bought the new Mach 4 right when it came out and the suspension is amazing but it definitely lacks high speed stability. During a lot of rides that it was intended for and races it’s more than enough bike but if you’re hucking it down black trails (like I do) or at Downieville it feels overwhelmed from a geo standpoint. The epic 8 looks way better on paper for me but I definitely need to demo it first.

[@JS-sy8mo]

That montage of footage at the beginning was rad!! Makes me want to go ride! I had a RM element, not a cervelo…I miss the geo on the element haha

[@JS-sy8mo]

*now

[@TheHuester44]

Well imho it was an Awesome Review of all of the bikes . I’m happy to see the Cannondale made it to one of the favorites. Yeti is obviously well deserved as well . The reality is there wasn’t a bad bike in the bunch . Living in Arizona and meeting Chris from Pivot a few months ago they definitely make high quality bikes . I like the fact that Mondraker was in the mix . I’ve liked their design for a few years now . The Evil and Transition bikes seem like excellent choices if you don’t need a hardcore XC bike. Overall this was one of my favorite reviews you’ve done. For what it’s worth I like the Ari brand of bikes as well. They keep improving their bikes and allow more options to customize your build from the beginning.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!! So many good bikes!!!!

[@TheHuester44]

@@moandhannahtravel Indeed !

[@johncarrington8612]

Its a different topic but you could do a segment on chain ring size - do a cholla up to meadows and coyote back to cholla loop with a 28, 30, 32, 34, and maybe a 36t front ring. See how time is affected - overall time, uphill and downhill.

[@evolusd]

You guys have been working hard lately, all over my YT feed! Nice comparison, so much great info 👍 Evil for me!

[@zbigniewbohdanowicz8897]

Agree, Scalpel feels great

[@moandhannahtravel]

such a good bike!!

[@nhguapo]

Great job Mo & Hannah. You guys did a great job on this series. I found it to be very relevant and looking forward to your future reviews.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you so much! Stay tuned!

[@texasaggieproud]

I have an older 2000 model year Cannondale that was just accepted under their lifetime warranty claim. As a result of their help, I have just ordered the 2024 Scalpel 2 in that same Storm Cloud color (I do not like these drab black and dark gray bikes that so many are making now). Excited to get it. 🎉

[@saularanda4931]

Great job! I have a question about the tires, you really liked the recon tire, but what was your opinion on running ground control front and back?

[@moandhannahtravel]

Amazing tire combo!! But a little slow rolling in comparison to the rekon, would be great for a downcountry setup for more tech or steeper riding!

[@JonathanLee7]

The amount of work that went into this must have been incredible. Great job, and thank you!

[@raulmedina6223]

That’s for the awesome comparison, good work 👍 in 2024 no bad bikes at this price range

[@moandhannahtravel]

So true!!!!

[@DarshanParajuli]

Really surprised Ibis Exie wasn't included in this. Great comparisons regardless!

[@moandhannahtravel]

They didn't have a bike available for us!

[@ericbeech2652]

The montage in the beginning is pristine! Perfectly done!

[@ColoradoGooner]

Loved this review as a Spur owner. Not sure how much extra work it would have been but it would have been great to flash the bike name on screen during the riding footage. That way I wouldn’t have to be trying to first identify and then rewind to watch more of the natural riding characteristics. With so many bikes it was hard to keep track and that riding footage is super informative of the characteristics. Thanks again for putting this all together!

[@dajtothe3472]

Great review series! Built up an Epic 8 Evo not long ago. It does want to go fast! Have heard nothing but great things about all these bikes. Not a bad choice in the bunch!

[@tiagoweyne6661]

What a great review, best one I have ever seen!! I love the reason why you disqualified the spur, makes me wants to buy one!!!

[@erikroest]

Where is the Canyon Lux Trail or the Scott Spark? Would love to see those bikes compared to the tested ones...

[@Hunttherider]

Good job. Like the ride shots - no armchair review here!

[@MikeesTexas]

Thanks for all the hard work y'all put into this

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!

[@hardmtnbiker]

Have you considered doing the same comparison with mid travel trail bikes? Btw, your reviews are awesome! Plus the awards categories were really nicely done. You touched on how some of those XC rockets are borderline “fun all day” trail bikes. The Trail Bike review could touch on some that are borderline enduro bikes for steep tech.

[@moandhannahtravel]

We are thinking about what the next one will be!!!

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@moandhannahtravel keep it up! Love your channel!

[@TheRickysee]

Absolutely fantastic series. Great job and thank you!!

[@barbbrazes869]

Yay Mo! What a great bike review!! Awesome! Appreciate the great information!!😊

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you so much!!

[@danielstormy3660]

I got full sus 120mm, but no need of front lockout completly, rear lockout is required yes.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Lockouts are awesome!

[@wizzywizzua]

would love to see in this list SC blur TR & SCOTT Spark

[@scottaw]

Would like you to review the Top Fuel, that’s a big miss. Great job though, excellent reviewing!

[@moandhannahtravel]

We don't know anyone at Trek but we will try!

[@matthewandelin1984]

Can you share your data on the timed segments? Curious how close they all are in terms of uphill vs downhill. Thanks for the great content

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!

[@moandhannahtravel]

and within seconds! We will post it online soon!

[@vhaisler]

I really enjoyed this shootout. If you do a similar comparison of the same class of bikes soon please try and include the Santa Cruz Blur TR. I'd be really curious to see how it stacks up, as I am considering purchasing one for general trail riding, and occasional XC racing. Keep up the great work!

[@gweflj]

Agree with a lot of your points. Especially your dislike for AXS.

[@moandhannahtravel]

It's just a bit too slow for us!

[@samharris82]

I know the logistics is hard enough but the only way to truly test frames/suspension designs is to make every other component identical including stack and reach to grips measurements. I A/B tested a Pivot Mach 4 SL and Epic Evo 7 and it took weeks to get a fair comparison. In the end I had to get every component precisely the same and ride them back to back on the same day.

[@trentvlak]

What did you find out? In my experience, which agrees with yours, I can build up a frame to feel very different depending on suspension brand and wheels/tires. I wouldn't choose a single piece of suspension that was in this test.

[@samharris82]

@@trentvlak they are shockingly similar when equipped the same. However, I couldn’t find a shock setup where the Epic Evo is both plush on rocky descents and firm under aggressive sprints. Can do either well but not with the same shock settings. Meanwhile, the Mach 4 SL absolutely can do both. Surprisingly, the Epic Evo frame was only 40g lighter than Mach 4 SL despite internet searches telling me the difference is supposed to be 428g.

[@stuartwarsop7083]

Amazing reviews! Great job. Next reviews I'd definitely like to see what you think of the YT Izzo and Orbea Oiz.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Would be awesome!!!

[@mellissanash7517]

Thank you for the reviews. Personally, I'd like to see a review of the Ibis DV9, Santa Cruz Blur TR and Sour Crumble in 120mm mode.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!! We will try!

[@Bakano-f9d]

Nice video and great job but I think that you have another bike to try Canyon Lux Trail cfr cheers

[@voyant26]

Great review. Looking forward to trying out the Pivot Mach 4SL!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Such a fun bike!!!

[@wbd3159]

​@@moandhannahtravel thanks, did you test the pivot mach 4sl in the high or low setting?

[@no-hope-in-the-pope]

Right on! Thanks for the video and time spent!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!

[@jeffehrenberg1650]

Thank you ! Super helpful and much appreciated

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!

[@vlmo]

Awesome!!! Just one suggestion: put the weight also in kg. Not everybody is used with lbs.

[@VQ30TLJ]

Very useful summary! I have to say, Mo's super bouncy uphill technique makes me cringe....so much energy wasted.... But both of your downhill techniques are tops!

[@DaaamnGina]

Thanks for the review! Enjoyed the video and seeing the terrain you tested on. How long was the course? What were the times?

[@StarDust-vm1qs]

Thanks, Awesome MTB Team.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

That just rolled of the tongue didn't it "My Wife Hannah" 👌🏾💯💪🏾

[@moandhannahtravel]

hahaha!

[@Seebema]

Happy with the award given to the Evil 🤘

[@ireddie]

You guys are great love what you do this was very informative thank you. I would like to see you go head to head the scalpel versus the scalpel SE and get your opinion.

[@JenkinsB]

Very well done! Thank you!!!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Glad you liked it!

[@BrianSmith-lq3qh]

I would love to see a test of the Superior Team XF 29 Issue R that Bikesonline is selling. That's a lot of bike for the money. I wonder how it compares.

[@SoundMrBrown]

That Ari behind you during the wrap-up... how does the Signal Peak fit into this group? Eyeing it and the Scalpel, both great specs at a great price. Thanks for the awesome reviews!

[@Jacob99174]

Mo earned those downs! 😂

[@jou3708]

Great job! Thank you!

[@Crazzzybob]

This video (and series) is so good! Question -- I'm 6'5 and ride on the tight + rocky trails in Austin, TX. As a fellow XL rider that has ridden those trails, do you think the Cannondale Scalpel would be a handful on those trails or could adapt fairly well? I noticed the Mach 4 SL has a similar top tube length though much shorter wheelbase and thinking that may handle things a tad a better here.

[@kleinbiker1]

While not an S-works, I'm ordering a new Epic next week.

[@evanl889]

Crazy to leave out a trek supercaliber when it’s one of the best bikes from one of the biggest companies. More people likely to have access to trying one of those than anything else.

[@moandhannahtravel]

We would have loved to include them however we have heard nothing back when trying to get a test bike. Hopefully in the future!

[@samd6405]

Ibis Exie, Santa Cruz Blur, Trek SuperCaliber, Specialized WC, Canyon Lux, Allied BC40, Cervelo ZFS are a few missing from the list.

[@skinny8019]

Revel Ranger.

[@samd6405]

@@skinny8019 more of a trail bike, less XC.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Those would be rad!!!

[@samd6405]

@@moandhannahtravel for sure…especially the Ibis Exie / Allied BC-40….USA manufactured still has to count for something.

[@skinny8019]

@@samd6405 I have a trail bike. And a 24.5 lbs revel ranger. It’s not a trail bike. The ranger makes just as much or more sense in a xc shootout than the spur. Mo would love the cbf suspension and the zippy geo combo, I think.

[@burglebro]

would like to see how the yt izzo stacks up!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Definitely more of a trail bike!! So much fun!

[@try_and_chill]

everyone's thoughts on the Canyon Lux and the Allied BC40

[@deezJ155]

Great video!

[@TheAngryHusky]

I like how you did the edit showing back to back clips of all bikes in the same section of trail. I got more out of that than watching the individual review videos.

[@moandhannahtravel]

glad you liked it!!!

[@dimazyuryaev7278]

Would Epic 8 Pro ( not s-works) be capable for long XC marathon rides ? I am aboslutely in love with its frame and overall looking

[@brianrowbotham4010]

I wonder if your feeling of stability on the cannondale is more influenced by the XL size? In a size large (my size for most bikes) the Epic is the longest bike of the bunch by a a bit with the yeti and the cannondale being almost 10 mm shorter in wheelbase (but also longer than the mach 4).

[@BoiliniAdventures]

Well done, what a great idea! Everyone loves comparisons, and they seem as hard to find these days as a good comedy.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!

[@mindofmission]

Thanks for the XC nod. I like that you liked the Pivot, I’m a huge fan of their frame designs. I don’t necessarily like Cannondale for the style of frame, but I own a CAAD12 and a hardtail Trail and love them both. I would like to see both the Scalpel and the ASR compared to the Canyon Lux and the Trek Supercaliber!! Hannah!! What was YOUR experience and opinion in this test? Thanks, Love the content guys!

[@trentvlak]

The top Scalpel frame only comes in Boring Black as well, and it has headset cable routing. Sad.

[@ryanmb21]

Please do a trail bike review!

[@ChupacabraOffroad]

Great video, well presented...

[@MTBS.D.]

sein Haupthaar bremst die Fahrt! Ein unrealistischer Test demnach! 🤭🤭🤭

[@brucehumphries6889]

Which one of these would be your pick for East Coast, example, Pisgah and DuPont?

[@ps3narciso]

bmc fourstroke it’s missing, orbea oiz also, great job though! 👍

[@DEXVD]

Really interested in the Scalpel vs Mach 4 SL in term of picking through rough, rooty terrain and drops. What is most forgiving in technical challenging terrain?

[@usmceric1]

Lots of descending comments...how do they climb?

[@brucehumphries6889]

Killer series!!!

[@moandhannahtravel]

Thank you!!!

[@PavelisLord]

Me own following. Me happy following funner bike. Yay bike. (Grunting enduro noises)

[@moandhannahtravel]

hahaha!

[@yumyumhungry]

Hmm you categorized the transition spur as "an Enduro riders XC bike" I wonder if it would also work well as "a gravel rider's trail bike" I'm just not a fan of long travel bikes and am toying with the idea of a slack short travel bike.

[@billryan8721]

The non Sid Following is your Huckleberry. It's stupid how capable the thing is.

[@ClintGibbs]

Niner RKT9 RDO

[@willienillie6337]

What is the difference between a full suspension XC bike and full suspension trail bike besides the obvious such as handlebars and travels.

[@JasonScottCarter]

Scalpel wins World Cup Races. It wins riders purchases as well.

[@moandhannahtravel]

Love the Scalpel!

[@aaron81931]

What options were added to the bikes?

[@deezJ155]

I was hoping to see the Trek Caliber in the line up.

[@nextlevelfitnessba2215]

I’ve been looking at upgrading my xc and a few of these catch my attention. Have you got any data to show one is quicker on a climb at a constant power than another and likewise on a timed decent ?