Can A Trail Bike Really Do It All? | Blake Races XC + Enduro + DH On One Bike

As Mountain Bikers, we're always on the hunt to find the 'ultimate' bike, but with so many genres out there ranging from XC & Enduro racing to DH and Slopestyle, can one bike really do it all? Blake Samson is at the Sea Otter Classics festival to test this one bike theory out by making only a few small bike adjustments from tyre choice suspension setup & handlebar height to see whether or not one bike can truly do it all!
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[@N5Gabe]

14th/101 place in Enduro, category 1st in DH, 31st/63 in XC!?!? Are you kidding? Can a trail bike really do it all? Why not with some compromise! But it definitely requires a rider who can do it all too! Well done "you beautiful" Blakey! :) Thanks GMBN!

[@kickn5k]

"Short travel" class in the last Victorian Downhill series just finished here in Aus seemed really popular. Has me considering a new Process for next season and run my '04 stab deluxe in Master's(over 40's)

[@LuLeBe]

I would also argue that especially the DH course at least didn't really look super rocky and technical and more like a flow/jump trail in the video. I think that help narrow the gap to proper DH bikes.

[@WilliamLevesqueineX]

@@LuLeBe Yeah I was gonna say that, defo a more mellow course. Which is fair enough since this event is meant for the general public to enjoy too.

[@hyteclowlife]

Blake could ride a balance bike and be competitive in most races

[@joelallan3220]

Dont need to watch it now

[@mauriceperry2165]

Love my 134 Al. Couldn't afford the carbon one though - great video!

[@YogiliciousP]

IDK…I feel Blake coulda done all that on kid’s Huffy or even a 1979 ten speed…it is Beautiful Blake!!

[@jimraelee]

Great job Blake, good to see a vid with you in it.

[@Whitewater11]

You really should have put Blake into a proper XC kit. Great job dude, you are an inspiration.

[@Binguslingus]

I like that idea of using a glass rod to hold up the bike without too big of a disruption also I’m not able to have multiple bikes so I’m glad I got a trail

[@MattiasFriman93]

blake, king of bottoming out his fork xD

[@ODPTV1]

How is that gopro attached to Blake's shirt?

[@raff5604]

Does nobody use a Camelback or Hydration pack anymore????

[@andymicklewright3993]

What a beast, bet he still would have got 1st in downhill on his trusty nukeproof hard tail

[@acarp4766]

no... but a super light e bike like the kenevo sl can

[@herrbertunddieballerburger2038]

I celebrate these videos. Blake is a machine.

[@gmbn]

So true! Thanks for watching! 🤘

[@drmoynihan]

Thank you Blake for sharing your crazy self. You could do this well or better on any bike. It's not the bike - it's the rider, and the rider is Blake Samson!!! :)

[@jonfritter295]

Blake, every time I hear you start of a video with "all you beautiful people", it just puts a smile on my face! This was by far one of my favorite videos. The cinematography was amazing and Blake you continue to blow my mind with what you can do. Love everything you all do at GMBN and keep the good times rollin!

[@o2boutdoors]

One bike quiver is how a lot of us roll, so I love seeing stuff like this!

[@gmbn]

It goes to show how capable one bike is at doing multiple different disciplines! The Kona also looks the part as well! 😜🤘

[@ansmfella]

Kona Process aside, gotta say there's few as all round inspiring to me than Blake!!! 😎 🙌🏆 Winning Attitude, Winning Skillset, Winning personality, Winning presentation, and a fair runner up in good looks. 😉

[@deanohit]

I love these videos, the multi-discipline racing is always a refreshing watch for those of us who only have one 'nice' bike. Plus Blake is always pure class 👍

[@burner509]

As a Kona rider... I absolutely love this video!! Hell of a bike

[@blakekuhlmann2143]

im stoked to get under one, i ordered the X but the beamer link is a super impressive link that you dont expect from an almost meme company like kona, their whole lineup is epic at the moment.

[@gmbn]

Hey Ian! We're so stoked that you enjoyed this one! The Kona Process is definitely, one of the best do it all bikes! 👍

[@burner509]

@@gmbn I will eventually own a Process (dream bike)! Currently on a Honzo... thanks Blake for all the badass videos on the HT's! Ps need more cornering and berm videos !

[@mikek9297]

As a dude who just bought a trail bike ( Giant, not Kona but still ) it makes me pretty happy too. Then I remember the trail bike can do it all... if you're Blake. I think it's something worth keeping in mind not to get too cocky.

[@l4zyturtle479]

Awesome video! But gotta say that DH track was more like a flow trail with some jumps. No rocky, rooty sections. Hats off tho Blake, what an exhausting day!

[@whitebear96]

Blakie boy is a beast, would be interesting to know elevation on the 40km just to compare it to our local races

[@jasonetter9171]

That's Laguna Seca Raceway. 55m elevation.

[@neelsahay5227]

was in this race, its about 1000m climbing total, but with like 300m in the last 10k which really stings.

[@jasonetter9171]

@@neelsahay5227 Oh oops, I read that as what was the elevation of that location. Doh!

[@jasonetter9171]

@@neelsahay5227 That sounds pretty brutal. My normal rides are about as long as that race and about half the climbing as in that race. Sounds like a chest and lug burster!

[@neelsahay5227]

@@jasonetter9171 it wasnt as bad as it sounds, lots of rollers and a good bit of fast fire road the last climb was tough tho, longest of the day right at the end

[@JonasFindeis]

That DH track looked more like a Flowtrail, or were there any hidden stones and roots? 🧐

[@rayglasscock9667]

That’s what I thought I’m always thinking about having a go at D/H but I’m 70 and I don’t want to smash myself up myself or me stead. On rocks and roots! On what I see of that track I wouldn’t hesitate

[@rohanjs.]

I do everything on my 140mm bike 🥰 downhill, jumps, enduro races. Such a jib machine that can take the rough stuff

[@bensleeper]

Great racing with you Blake! We were in the same group for 40k and I finished 34th. Would asked for a selfie if I knew haha.

[@gmbn]

Nice, Ben! 34th is brilliant! 👊

[@jamesweldon8118]

Does that 14th finish include time it took to fix the chain?? IMPRESSIVE

[@ocbyn]

Loved it. But give us more info on the setting changes. Your weight, changes in suspension, tyres and tyre pressures.. all the stats. Very impressive. Please do more at different places. Would be good to see the same content at more technical downhill/enduro.

[@Manix1999]

It’s not the bike Blake, it’s you💪

[@plainuser48596]

Pretty sure this is a case of "one Blake does all, bike is irrelevant"

[@umarrk3082]

You should also test entry-level hardtail mountain bikes like Trek Roscoe and Marlin which beginners like me can afford.

[@Seppster58]

Well done Blake and the GMBN crew. Just shows how a great rider like Blake can cover all classes with just one bike.

[@spoonfullRS]

I have the bog standard 134 on 27.5" and I really like it my only complaint is it's a heavy bike

[@asifitmatters1]

You could give Blake a unicycle and he would still be able to ride at the head of the pack. It’s not really a fair test…

[@teamvergs1324]

Well done Blake!! This was an epic experience ☺️

[@kevinmedina2254]

Im on a Banshee Spitfire V3 135mm frame travel 140mm Fork 27.5 Front and Rear and an extra 29er wheel for a mix wheel setup as my Fork is a 29er. I take it to bike parks, singletrack flow trails, chunky rock garden trails, basically anywhere and i never seem to be over or under biked. Just like blake did depending where i ride i just adjust the cockpit, suspension stiffness, tires etc all cheaper things than a having another bike. And Yes.. it is nice to have more than one bike but also nice when you use one bike for everything.

[@2scoops624]

Dang, first in DH on a trail bike. Color me impressed.

[@rayglasscock9667]

In his category,not overall don’t go getting ideas and it looks like a flow track? Number 420 that’s something else how many more after obviously not a world championship round? Scotland here we come wasting your money on a professional built bike

[@brookegravitt4117]

And *i’m* convinced you could give Blake a pink 24” Barbie bike and he’d still beat half the field in any competition. 80% Blake, 20% multi-purpose bike

[@martintin250]

I like this type of video, more realistic to us normal people that can’t afford a different bike for every discipline. This also proves that Blake has real skills. Love the videos guys, keep em coming!! 👍👍

[@japanunfound]

Ahhh, Yabai. So stoked that you did some Kona process 134 pron. I coud only afford the alloy version, and I sure can't ride it like Blake; but it's a wicked bike and I'm enjoying trying to bash it to bits on wild trails here in Southern Japan. Can't wait to get the 27.5 next year.

[@dcooksey503]

Cool to see Blake riding a Process! Love my process 153 even though it's getting old by MTB standards, would love to get a new 134 but cant afford a 2nd mortgage lol :-).

[@Antjan46]

Well done Blake, that’s awesome!! You can adapt and ‘flow like water my friend…. Zambezi Water! 🤘🏽😉

[@Zimblake]

Haha Zambezi water. Love it Cheers boet

[@georgecoffin2044]

You can't go wrong with a Kona 134 or 153 Nice to see another a Kona GMBN. 👍

[@bicyclelife7088]

I have a Kona Process 134 and have bought other bikes and am going back to the 134. It's an amazing all around bike.

[@samleary2733]

I thought Blake had already proven that a hardtail was all anyone needed? As always, awesome video. Always impressed by how well rounded Blake is

[@petesahad3028]

I'm pretty convinced by one bike for everything as well. I went from one trail, one enduro/freeride, one dh bike down to a spectral mullet. For shuttles and park i leave the coil shock in, for climby and touring stuff i switch to an airshock and play with suspension and tire pressure and bar hight like blake. Less maintenance, less space, less costs👌

[@Syn741]

jesus what a beast. he broke a chain off a new bike LOL

[@andydtkd]

Blakey has come a long way since "On the Buses." Well done Sir, 10/10!

[@thedailytrailrider814]

And keep up the good work

[@DragonKing3354]

the chain was totally not ready for Blake's 1800+ power burst

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

I do everything on my Ibis Ripmo: XC, trail, Enduro, DH. I just need to swap wheelsets and tires. It's all about the rider skill

[@ian1447]

Hey Blake, pleasure watching you and Joey film that day. Looks like Santa Cruz showed you a good time. You're the same in person as you are in your videos. Nothing but positive energy.

[@Zimblake]

It was good to meet you Ian.

[@rosthouse]

Switched from a XC bike to a Trail bike this season (Giant Trance X2). Never question if it can do something, bike handles everything I throw at it 😄 Love the trail bikes

[@tmalex1542]

I race xc on my trail bike and to be honest there is no bad things about it but still great to hit jumps

[@gmanmtb]

My first bike was a Kona 134, Then went to Kona Supreme Operator. And have now settled on the Kona 153. And your number plate is " DOPE bru !" HA HA HAAA!

[@kyboy9730]

I do it all on my hardtail

[@wheechie]

As owner of an aluminium 134 DL, this was great to see. Blake could probably get those same results riding a balance bike but still it was inspiring for this Kona fan

[@skooterbrah]

Blake once again proves what an absolute machine he is.

[@youngstadan4999]

Trail bikes have become enduro bikes, xc have 120 130 mil travel they have become trail bikes, enduros are basically downhill bikes now

[@tormstorm3977]

"My mouth is so Dry" as a Californian, I feel that in my soul. Love watching this guy ride a bit closer to home!

[@gmbn]

Dust in the mouth isn't the best thing! 😂

[@tormstorm3977]

@@gmbn and if I was riding behind Blake, that's all I'd be tasting 😂😂

[@X41N3]

Awesome. I learned a thing today: what I called mountainbiking is more like enduro/dh. Cross-country is what the guy at the shop thinks I do when I say I want a mtb. No wonder I always broke my mtbs with stupid shit..they were cheap inferior bikes and the rims would always fail on me. Guess I need a real job to pay for this stuff cause it looks hella fun though..ripping around on a bike that costs more than my car

[@zacharypump5910]

Old video but really curious how folks feel about Kona Process 134 vs the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp... similar in some ways, but I think the stumpy has more aggressive geometry. The use case is a general purpose trail bike. Anyhow have shoot from the hip advice for me? :)

[@BMH1965]

Very expensive bike (about £6000) if you can find one, but still cheaper than n+1? Very close. I doubt the claimed weight of 13.7kg (medium) - I would put it nearer 14.2kg with the sealant.

[@FalcoBikes]

Blake b*tching and moaning about jet lag, breaking a chain, complaining about the temperature/dehydration, riding a "WRONG" bike, and proceeds to win the DH race and top 15% in Enduro and top 50% in XC. What a stud! And yeah, travel is overrated.

[@alcapone4242]

DH Monster 👻.. loved to see that energy explosion 💥 boom shakalaka

[@Boboo5]

Blake always makes me smile :D

[@joseherrera708]

Hello. Mexican rider here, particularly from a small Mexican town. I am looking for a similar bike that can do it all (trail, XC, and descending) but am limited to the brands I can buy here (Scott, Trek, Giant, Commencal, maybe I could order Canyon online and a few others). Can anyone recommend me a similar bike within these brands? It would be appreciated and I could send a Mexican gift by mail.

[@bernatbatllealoy7742]

It was never about the bike… it has always been about the rider.. don’t let the brands and the marketing fool you!! Happy ridding! Be proud and happy of the bike you already have!

[@concernedcitizen.1096]

Can one bike cover all diciplines? Not necessarily. Can Blake cover all diciplines with one bike? Absolutely!

[@Bangbangboom51]

135-140mm travel bike is not what you call a short travel bike... maybe 100-120mm

[@Rodolfowei12345]

Well I got a trail bike -> giant trance from 2016 stock components, no changes, bought it second hand, and I think is capable of everything, i got also a brand new cross country bike and a top of the line enduro bike....and for sure you can do it all on one bike, ofc there will be some compromises, but in reality as long as you don't want to win races...i would have enough with my cheap second hand trail bike....no need for the xc or the enduro bike...

[@MTNMAX88]

My home town! Monterey! I love riding fort ord and Santa Cruz. 420 brah!!! 😂

[@jimbo4203]

A trail bike is what most people need

[@jonahfastre]

I'd love a 150mm 27.5er, seems like the perfect in between bike to me

[@Chuki033]

Transition Scout!

[@docmccoy9813]

No. I'll ruin the bike industry. We need more subcategories, like "uphill" or "anti-gravity"

[@MartenRun]

Blake xc uphills going "jumungie, jumangie"???

[@MilfHunter1991Bj]

I own Kona Process 134 AL/DL and I was trying to find an excuse to buy XC bike for more of a pedal routes... 😵

[@qubahka77]

"JUMANGI" BWAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA. I died when i saw the actual drummers.

[@FirestormAA]

Blake is freaking good,,,,, seem to be he is 'playing' rather to competing. Love this dude seriously funny too.

[@danilobernini]

4:20 means good times LoL

[@jake9705]

Blake the BEAST! Great job Blake. But how many were in your category for downhill?

[@jamesengledow]

All that sunshine must be getting to people - the Vegan Cyclist raced the Road, Crit, XC, DH & 4X in same weekend!

[@05GDF]

Wow what an absolute beast🤘 I'm stuck with 2015 process 134, love it🤌 currently running 150/140 of travel

[@lunasmokezim1718]

I thought Blake was South African. Who knew you are fellow Zimbabwean?

[@Burbs1976]

I got a 2021 model. And it's sick. The only difference mine doesn't have electronic shifting.

[@elkmeat3tpo871]

I do everything on a $650 trek marlin. Prove me wrong.

[@brettneuberger6466]

Mad respect to Blake! Kona makes some of the best do it all bikes. I ride the HeiHei crdl and even with its short travel am amazed by its versatility. I can see how the 134 really could be a one bike quiver.

[@izabelalidzbarska1657]

I did compete in ixs, urban dh, dual slalom and endruro on my trek fuel( week straight)😂 bearings needed replacing for sure and the suspension didn't like it as much too stuff started creeking my nx direluire don't skift properly to this day since it went in my spokes😂

[@SafwanRahmanofficial]

Am using a trail bike for XC + Enduro + DH. Save money

[@kwennemar]

Wow! Modern trail bikes are all a regular person needs!

[@MrMirfaelltnixein]

Wow, what a beast, especially in downhill! Congratulation Blake to this fabulous Results in competition :) and what an amazing landscape btw.

[@juanjovlc]

I understand you are testing a trail bike on a downhill course, but, was the water bottle necessary for a dowhill race? Which bottle holder are you using? It did its work pretty well. XD

[@jdude9922]

I enjoyed the video but the Process 143 is hands down one of the worst bikes I've ever ridden. It should be noted that this video is an add, Kona has been putting their bike on every platform they can find since they got bought out.

[@rayglasscock9667]

Impressive from the rider ,plus the bike looking good like the helmet, only gripe why all this getting out of shape in the air no advantage only if track is changing direction,in a straight line sideways your catching more air drag (aerodynamics)

[@natehanson4421]

My bike can certainly handle anything that I can handle. It's a trail bike. I'm rather short on the skillset necessary for downhill. Might be able to handle a cross country or Enduro race if I had some time to work on the difficult sections before race time.

[@ertugrul791]

Kona is one of the most overly priced bike company. (I’ve got one myself)

[@alanmtbuk]

Blake is a fantastic all rounder #bemorelikeblake

[@EcclestoN00]

I could only afford one bike so I bought the specialized Enduro, and I don't regret it

[@deelaura7140]

Why nobody is smashing a cake in your face?!! Bravo!! 🤠🤘🤙

[@Skipperjames]

Put it in a proper DH trail and I don’t think that bi,e would cut it

[@Asur-slayer]

Love that pink helmet..Kip sending cheers from 🇮🇳

[@iancuk]

Can a trail bike do it all? Well, If you are Blake Samson or Sam Pilgrim.. Yes!

[@WaysOfTheJedis]

But sea otter downhill is more like a normal Enduro race anywhere else lol Could this trail bike do a world cup downhill race.. most likely not!🤣