Are old Mountain Bikes bad in 2025?

[@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

[@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...

[@adamsolomon9353]

very underrated channel. Love the videos!

[@ThatcherShannon]

I definitely agree

[@alainbergeron1675]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 $.

[@ThatcherShannon]

keep making vids like this, they are my favorites

[@eddieheatley7399]

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

[@mofosos]

27.5 is more fun that 29

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 💪🏻

[@sebtm6504]

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

[@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!

[@JoeHimmel]

That was my dream bike when it came out....was saving to buy one when I broke my pelvis and had to spend the money on medical bills.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@artjomskokorevs561]

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

[@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

[@leereiyuu]

That coffee-Bronson is just such a looker!

[@druiz127]

Do an 02 or 03 Santa Cruz

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@MrMaddog1978]

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

[@luis__jrtx]

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

[@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

[@sjanzeir]

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

[@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"

[@geridbridges4886]

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

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hey Gerid!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@steveedwards7231]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@chrisleech333]

Mate I'm still riding my 1994 bikes which will far outlive any of my modern bikes. New technology is going backwards, less compatibility and twice the cost. No wonder bike companies are going bust

[@erik-g9d]

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

[@carson54444]

Find a bike that doesn’t have boost axles and then we will consider it an old bike! That Santa Cruz is newer than my old enduro from 2014. Go back at least before boost was a standard and upgrade one of those bikes. You will have some challenges finding 26” wheels and tires and stuff like that, a non tapered head tube is actually what I think would define an old bike!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Challenge accepted! Open to bike recommendations that fit your criteria!

[@carson54444]

@ let’s go! Frankenstein bike time ITS ALIVEE (that’s how i felt every time I upgraded my old 2011 s works enduro)

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@Basketballneverend]

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

[@bcliff7119]

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

[@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

[@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 🔥

[@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€

[@jason87d43]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@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!

[@rocketcrusher979]

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

[@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😅

[@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

[@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.

[@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 👌🏻

[@JasonJen-JungKuo-ot4rh]

2018 Ibis Ripmo V1 ... still amazing

[@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 🤟

[@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.

[@odinshardtoobike6264]

Get a Giant Reign around 2018 they are awesome

[@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.

[@LockieTheobald]

The gold dropper looks sick.

[@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 !

[@BrentPark-m2z]

I have a 2016 giant trance 2 and love it

[@hiigara2085]

i currently desperately want a Cube Nutrail Hybrid from 2017, there is one in the UK for £900. My last and first electric bike i saved for ages and it got stolen, im disabled and i don't earn much money. i do desperately miss my bike. even my dog is worse off for it because we cant go far. my point is simply that an 'old' bike, right now, would absolutely change my life. it would be transformational. Old bikes rule.

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

Yeah my 2016 Intense Tracer was dangers at any speed. Long and slack for me!!

[@joshuarichardz6010]

Thank you for proving the comments right. The yt you bought was too new..

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha true! Going to go older next time hopefully

[@joshuarichardz6010]

@@EvansMTBSaga sorry to be a smart a** lol I do have a question.. I have a gx/xx1 eagle group set with xx1 chain and some xx1 chain and shifter upgrade. I see that new bronson has a gold cassette on it. My YT is almost identical to that new Bronson. What can I run for a cassette? I want gold to match everything. Is XX1 my only option?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I've had people comment that the TRP cassette works well with SRAM. It comes in Microspline only, and I'll be honest, the gold is wearing off from the chain already. Garbaruk is another colored cassette option

[@anthonynazzal1958]

It seems hat there is a growing sub trend in biking these days focusing on shorter travel / steeper seat and head tube angles. It seems like a lot of aspects the older bikes are things a lot of trail riders are actually looking for today. Perhaps there’s something to all of this ;)

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I really dislike a steep seat tube angle causing a vertical torso when pedaling. I don't like 165mm cranks either, hurts my knees. I didn't mention the gen 2 has 175mm cranks and climbing it felt great 😃

[@andersbehncke2624]

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

[@mellissanash7517]

If you can find a Cotic full sus from 2015-2018 era that would be real cool. If not a Transition or a mid travel Kona Process from that era from that era.

[@brycebonilla4288]

I own a 2020 sworks epic, spec'd to the moon. I love that bike and me racing makes the high cost for ultra performance parts worth it. I just recently bought an old trek 1100 aluminum road bike at a garage sale for $20. Even in 1999 it was the lowest end road bike trek sold, but after a month of owning it I can say it has been the best bike I have ever ridden. It flies like a fighter jet, the ride is so smooth and so fast. I literally just did my first century on it. I am obviously a little slower than my friend on his Scott, but his bike literally costs $3000+ more. So over $3000 for a couple seconds faster? If I was road racing, absolutely, but all I do is train on that bike. So for us regular mountain bikers do not sleep on old bikes, instead go out and ride some. See for yourself because every bike is different.

[@viedsanchezcolin6003]

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

[@MrLince-hr4of]

older looks better, thats for sure 💗💗💗

[@AlbertAgustino-c4d]

Greetings, love your content about the comparison to older bikes and especially your build. In 16:46 I'm curious if you can try build with Polygon frame, particularly collosus N9 2016 since it has unique shape and barely mentioned anywhere else

[@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

[@safetyjerry]

I like to see you redo do a trek remedy like a 2018. I miss mine a lot

[@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

[@LBlack-u1c]

I had a reverb and didn't have any problems with it

[@davidblackman3127]

It's a good idea to go up a size if you are buying a 10 year old bike

[@michaelhoffmann5884]

Pulled a sneaky on us and put that shock in the right way, sayin nothing😂

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha yup! During this videos filming, I had to fly to Washington State for 3 days for a funeral. So i was super rushed. The bike was shipped to me with the shock like that. Then I did my work, installed it how it was, and realized it was hitting the frame and had smashed the dials 😬

[@DaniloSpeck]

The "old" Bronson looks so much better ❤

[@hope_word1818]

a pink sta cruz is nice

[@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.

[@Team81MTB]

Honestly an older bike with 29" wheels is still plenty capable of kicking butt. It mostly depends on setting it up for you and putting in the miles getting the feel for it. My race bike is a 2016 niner jet9 rdo. I love riding this bike. It's much more capable than I am even after riding it for 2 years. I don't feel any need to buy a new bike for many years to come.

[@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.

[@diogo.dig.graphics]

The pink suits you fine man.

[@Nolanbuilds]

I’d love to see a comparison of the bronson 4 vs Bronson 5. Doesn’t seem to be many objective comparisons

[@Matt-sv6dv]

For the old bike pick a common one that other people could likely find and duplicate. Used Treks are usually overpriced for what they are. I'd say a Trance, Reign, maybe an older alloy Jeffsey. Motobecane if you want to really be cheap and different.