DH Bikes Rule! 5 Downhill Bikes Reviewed

[@growlith6969]

I don't know why there arent more DH reviews and comparisons, these are the hypercars of the mountains, the cool factor is off the charts. Just love them!

[@ducatikawasaki1290]

Totally agree! Wondering the same thing.

[@Sai-tb1xt]

because the market is non existent when compared to trail or enduro bikes, therefore we are a vocal minority, but don't move the dollars

[@TheLoamWolf]

We are gonna try next year, they are the best bikes around. but as mentioned, they don't move the financial needle for brands and some, like commencal, let their World Cup performances and athletes sell the bikes versus letting media review them.

[@Sai-tb1xt]

@@TheLoamWolf i know what you mean. FWIW: i rather have you guys tell me what you thought, than watch loic have the 100th win on the prototype bikes that we don't get here is to hoping it works (also it lookes like you had lodas of fun)

[@conman1395]

Because almost nobody can buy a hypercar, so more people would want to see a video. But I can actually buy and actually ride a mountain bike

[@andersonsridebikes]

I heavily debated between the GT Fury and the Raaw Yalla earlier this year and I went with the Yalla. I went with the Yalla because I know that I won’t be riding the bike very often and I plan on keeping it a long time. The straight forward design of the Yalla makes it seem more future proof to me for some reason.

[@sorinvladu7021]

This aged well

[@jeremybub]

I paid $3084 shipped for the GT Fury November 2024, best value for a DH. I’ll add what you pointed out as a concern plus an O-Ring and still be under $3500 🥳

[@thomas-cheng]

How the heck did you get it so cheap? Bargain hunter king.

[@TheLoamWolf]

That is a deal!! Nicely done.

[@jeremybub]

@@thomas-cheng Right now, those deals are out there on NEW DH bikes. You just have to search all the social medias (mine wad on Facebooks local bike shop blowout) and you’ll be able to find discounts on the majority of the brands profiled in the bike For me it is the off-season here so I’ll sit my garage until the bike parks season begins, but based on the cost savings it’s was definitely worth the deal.

[@TheOtherPlayer]

@@thomas-chengtons of LBS have stale inventory that isn’t moving in their market. So they’re happy to sell barely above cost to pay back debt / have room for fresh inventory

[@boogiedownbronx73]

Yes I also found the GT Fury for 3k new and seems GT now ships with renewal white logo instead of purple...also found the pro for 3500 from a GT pro rider

[@zakkane2814]

2:25 Holy shit, that's it, that's the shot ✨💥✨ Big ups to the rider and filmer there. This whole video was exceptionally well done, dh is my love, and it was great to see such well thought out and objective analyses of the bikes on test.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We're stoked on that one too! Thank you for the kind words, we're glad you enjoyed it. Which DH bike would you be choosing?

[@zakkane2814]

​@@TheLoamWolf That's quite the decision! I could split hairs all day, but in reality I think I could achieve a near ideal setup on any of these rigs. There's something about that Ari though...

[@vbspec94]

Any word on when the Polygon will be available. Can't find any specs on their site nor sites with it for sale.

[@finroddd]

same with me. What a mysterious bike!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Was supposed to be end of 2024, which was why we delayed this video as long as we could. It now looks like early 2025! Plenty of time for next years park season.

[@thomas-cheng]

GT Fury for me. Confidence at speed is important. If I need it to be more playful, I can shorten the chainstay and set the shock mount to a more progressive setting, then add more compression for both the front and rear suspension. I guess at the end of the day tuning is more important than anything else.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Tuning is definitely key!

[@ah4598]

The GT has a water bottle mount which is super important to me. Bike parks in Colorado don't have water at the lifts so having a water bottle mount would be a huge convenience. Water bottle mount, the 480 reach, and it being boost and 27/29 compatible so I can use my normal wheels puts it at the top of the list for me.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Right on thanks for sharing that insight and why it matters.

[@KineticsReborn]

Ari needs more love! Happy to see ari here

[@NastyHabitCrossfit]

This is great but where is the Pivot Phoenix DH. I have 1 day of riding on mine and can't wait for next season to dial the bike in.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sadly we’re in the same boat. We just didn’t get enough time on it to include it in this shootout and feel good about it. Have been riding it since a little bit and wow! Very good!

[@thomas-cheng]

Finally, been waiting for this 😅

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@xav_1029]

Thanks for insight! I hadn't even considered looking at Polygon for a DH bike before this

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's definitely worth checking out for the price point.

[@andrewbruenor9998]

I have the GT fury built up amazing. I talked to you at Windrock about it. I totally agree with everything you said except the noise. I think a part of it is the drivetrain I was using (sram) and I was using a lower chain guide.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hey what’s up Andrew. Was good meeting you at Windrock. Very likely those two issues could be contributing to the difference in noise. Glad you dig the bike overall though.

[@brentwhipple7578]

Hey I just got a new fury, do you know which lower chain guide I should buy for it?

[@elih9588]

I know the fury came out as the planted stable race machine in this test, but keep in mind it has more pop than high pivot enduro bikes from Norco or forbidden.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yeah, the Fury is super playful for a DH bike!

[@brentwhipple7578]

Super helpful vid being in the market for a dh. Debating going used for higher spec vs new and lower spec around 3-4k. Curious how the canyon sender would stack up

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it. The Sender is a sweet machine and we like it a lot. As you saw with the Trek though, brake spec is very important and should be considered when planning for budget/upgrades.

[@kaijuoncrack6198]

I have the Polygon N9 , the enduro version of the bike , with the same suspension linkage. Absolute ripper

[@SpencerBaum]

Picked up a custom built 2022 trek session a few months ago and it absolutely shreads! The low tier components spec that the base model uses in this video is really holding it back compared with the other bikes in this test. It really should have had comparable parts on it for this test.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We agree. We’ve had the higher spec model and it rips! Problem then would be however, the value proposition even further for the Trek.

[@SpencerBaum]

@TheLoamWolf I kinda disagree. The 9.9 and the 8 models are both bad value, so I don't think the value proposition would change much. For around 5k, the low spec model is bad value, and for $7500 the high spec model is still bad value

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yeah fair enough Spencer. To add to Drew notes, we did originally ask for the 9. Unfortunately, Trek was still waiting on their inventory to arrive and we really wanted another DH bike for our Whistler visit during CWX, so we opted for the 8.

[@Sai-tb1xt]

damn..right when i am researching a new DH bike for next season! 🙏 i hope there is a part two with the likes of commencal supreme and santa cruz v10 (the price point will be higher though... )

[@TheLoamWolf]

We hope so! Maybe next summer!

[@properties802]

I have the GT fury "elite" the base model . Run it in progressive/ mullet , its a rad park bike and the price point is fantastic. On sale for 3600 at LBS. Ride killington the most ( i live close ) with a few days at highland, thunder mountain.

[@shaunbarrett5284]

Been waiting for this one!

[@Mezonator656]

2024 YT Core 1 for the win! Aluminum with 27.5. Cost 2.5k

[@Mezonator656]

I own one. YT BIKE frame is f'n soild af. Stiff where it needs to be. Bike will give you confidence in steep and going big! Only complaint is pedal efficiency not as good as a maestro/dw link.

[@orrphism]

Would have loved to see the new Marin Quake, Knolly Delirium, Pivot Phoenix, or a Frameworks. Great lineup though!

[@TheLoamWolf]

We were hoping to have the new Phoenix in, but Drew's build took a little bit longer than anticipated. Next year though, we'll have a more robust line-up of bikes to do a proper "shootout"

[@soufang]

Thoughts on Devinci Chainsaw DH?

[@bigred1619]

Are you guys able to reveal the specs on the entry level polygon model. I intend to get the collosus this year and was already really liking the price point on the nice one but now im curious about that entry level one 😂

[@TheLoamWolf]

Rockshox Base suspension, GX DH drivetrain and cheaper wheels, only real differences. Not sure what the price is going to be, but we would likely argue the difference wont be too much, making the factory build the better route.

[@jesusaliaga3981]

Hi guys, you should try the zerode dh bike

[@TheLoamWolf]

That would be sweet!

[@c.h.2217]

i ordered the polygon and hopefully receive it in february. do you have tipps for me to look at it? i ordered the black one and changed up to a full SrSuntour rux fork and damper because of a sponsoring deal for 25. i changed the chain and ordered a bar with more rise (40 instead of 35)... what do u think i have to optimize? Iam 45yo/76kg/175 cm .... thanks for the video ! first time i saw the bike in move

[@TheLoamWolf]

Since we do not have time witht the bike on that suspesion setup it's hard to say. We did find there is a big window of pressure ranges that feel good on that frame though!

[@geoffreypease3585]

Great video guys. I have a YT Tues core 3 2024 and I only ride it at Whistler. I recently Purchased a Fox DHX2 coil and I am looking for a recommendation on whet spring to buy ? I weigh 175 lbs plus gear. Any other set up tips like do you prefer it in High or Low? Last trip I rode it as a mullet but I am thinking about trying it as 29er next time. Thanks

[@TheLoamWolf]

YT has a suspension set-up guide on their website that should be able to help dial in the spring rate, 375ish is likely where you will end up but take it with a grain of salt. A sprindex spring could be an option with its adjustability to help fine tune without having to buy a bunch of springs to test. We usually like to stick with the high settings as our local bike park is littered with lava rocks and smashing BB and cranks is a common problem. We recommend just playing with the settings, thankfully, flip chips are easy to mess with on the trail if something feels off.

[@mtb_3930]

Would the polygon ride well as a mullet or would it be too low even in the high setting?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Oh it would probably ride very well in the high position. The bike rips!

[@mtb_3930]

@TheLoamWolf but wouldn't fitting a 27.5 and putting it in the high position make it the same height as a 29er in low? And you guys didn't like that?

[@TheLoamWolf]

It will be close to the same as riding it in Low. However Dan Wolfe (polygon's resident World Cup DHer and product developer says he loves it in Low) If you ride like Drew, Sean and Cole do, then yes, you may find it a bit low. However we did not ride this bike as a Mullet yet, so we can't say for sure. We also said in the video that we wouldn't even want to based on how fun and nimble it is as a dual 29. We assumed you listened to the video and heard us say both of those things and still asked about the 27.5" rear because perhaps you are a die-hard mullet fan, more of a "bike park" jumpy style rider or other personal preference that would lead you to ask.

[@bigred1619]

​​@@TheLoamWolf are you sure about this? Pretty sure the polygon comes as a mullet. Also pretty sure they actually said they wanted to try it full 29r for the speed. That implies it was setup as a mullet when they rode it. EDIT. Source 18:12

[@bigred1619]

it was setup as a mullet in the video. It also comes stock as a mullet. The low setting is probably meant more so for if you convert it to full 29er Source 18:12

[@Philoniousmonk]

How did you guys run the Ari Supreme Peak, which setting?

[@DavidNelessen]

I‘m interested in the GT Fury. No Racing just Park Laps. Downhill and Jumplines. It is hard to get airborne? Maybe with a air shock it is more poppy!

[@TheLoamWolf]

It does get airborne well, not as good as say the YT or Ari but is not a pain. We felt it had more pop in the long wheelbase setting. Ari shock would for sure help a bit!

[@DerAllerechteSHARKY]

haha schwabeee tires that was funny 😂 anyway, the ari looks like the zink bike and this looks like the canyon torque.

[@chriswallace3650]

With the blowout prices on the GT Fury $2450 for the Carbon Elite and $4500 for the pro, would that make the fury a no brainer purchase? Or would you be cautious because of tech support/ warranty!!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

It’s a killer deal! But… you are correct, should you have a warranty or crash replacement issue, could be tough. But!! Look at it this way - how many frames have you broken? And, if you did happen to brake it, would the list of parts you pull off that broken frame be worth more than the price you’d pay to build a DH bike or get a new one? You’ll have a killer parts list for your next build worst case scenario!

[@Philoniousmonk]

And how did you get the misfits motif on your leatt chest protector? Dope.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Spray paint, that’s how! Haha. 🤘

[@stankersten532]

Great video!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much!

[@alexisonbike3652]

Can you even buy the colossus dh9 I cant find it online ?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Not yet, It'll be available early 2025 (it was delayed from a fall/winter 24 launch)

[@jankaskyevitchjellbet7293]

great content!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you for watching!

[@shaunbarrett5284]

Does Polygon not sell this bike in the states?

[@TheLoamWolf]

It’s not yet released. Early 2025! Stay tuned.

[@finroddd]

interesting - Pinkbike also characterized the YT as more like enduro bike than a DH one. Maybe it is.

[@growlith6969]

I don't know if YT still makes an all 27.5 bike, 2023 might have been the last year, but I would have loved to see what they thought of that. I don't like 29ers when doing park.

[@finroddd]

@@growlith6969 they do - Tues 27 Core 1

[@brentwhipple7578]

Polygon or GT if you're riding mostly a line / dirt merch ?

[@TheLoamWolf]

We think most of the crew would actually pick the Ari Superior for that application! BUT, the lower weight of the GT will likely make it a lighter feeling bike to play with in the air (at least in the carbon version) whereas the Polygon is still a fine jumper and we really liked it, but it required a bit more air in the shock and definitely a setup in the High position to make it feel a bit more lively for jump trails.

[@brentwhipple7578]

@TheLoamWolf appreciate your responses! Pulled the trigger on a fury pro that I saw new for $3300 locally, can't wait to get on it

[@mtb_3930]

Does the polygon jump good?

[@TheLoamWolf]

It is not as easy to get airborn as say the YT but does a good job of balancing. With how supple the rear end is you could up the spring rate and get more pop out of the bike without compromising to much small bump!

[@mtb_3930]

@TheLoamWolf also with the low setting being 'bad' does that mean this would not be great mullet , as with a 27.5 and in high it would be same height as a 29 in low which no one liked?

[@bigred1619]

​​@@mtb_3930 it was setup as a mullet in the video. It also comes stock as a mullet. The low setting is probably meant more so for if you convert it to full 29er Source 18:12

[@jamlee344]

I think the O-chain should have been removed for a more direct comparison of frames.

[@trailpimp6369]

Thanks for this review. I am trying to buy the polygon DH bike but it no longer exists and you cannot purchase it. Where d o find this bike it is a ghost

[@ark530abe]

2025 release

[@trailpimp6369]

@ Thanks

[@TheLoamWolf]

It was supposed to be released already but was pushed back to early 2025. We just couldnt put off publishing this video any longer. It'll be worth the wait.

[@trailpimp6369]

@ Thanks

[@Stockfish1511]

My friend has session 9 x01. Its a really nasty good bike. I wish i had one, but already got high end Slash and Rail. I probably wont get another bike for some time. I love Trek and imo they got best looking bikes in the industry. But their pricing is savagery :(

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

No V10!?

[@TheLoamWolf]

We asked Santa Cruz 10 times for a V10, but….apparently they either didn’t have any or don’t need any help selling em, or both. Haha.

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

@@TheLoamWolf Haha you can borrow mine if you want!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Lucky!! You may not want it back after the way some of these hacks destroy bikes though! 😂

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

@@TheLoamWolf Anything to help the community =) Can't be worse than what I do to it!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hahaha. Fair enough.

[@RandyJacksonMTB]

randy likes fast

[@michaelmann3636]

The Polygon isn’t available 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TheLoamWolf]

Not yet....It was supposed to be and we delayed this as long as we could but it looks like it'll be out early 2025! So, luckily it'll still be in time for next year's bike park season.

[@michaelmann3636]

@ I’ve been looking for it since this past Sea Otter 😂

[@MarionBlech]

23:42 YT Tues

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks! We got it fixed!

[@T-rick]

Aaarrrrrriiiiiii888

[@jom23495]

Why is the bar still up at the lift? Americans are weird. :)

[@TheLoamWolf]

All for the style points.

[@TheOtherPlayer]

Not everyone needs to be nannied to make it through life