Fixing up my subscriber's bike...with downgrades?

[@Ferrari255GTO]

Alright, i think i know what this man is going for. He wants reliability and nothing else concerns him, he bought the bike to ride it, not to race, not to train, not to flex, but to have fun. And this will do that just fine

[@comtruise9779]

I think you're right, but it still could be used for training just to keep the reliability up and the maintenance cost and frequency down.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

@@comtruise9779 i mean, technically you can train with anything, i don't train but since i daily a DH bike i bet that i can crank a bit harder than others.

[@ricodvorsky3844]

should have used the hose from the code r and just hooked it up to the new caliper and lever.

[@ChrisRidesHisBike]

i was thinking the same thing

[@AC-ww6nf]

Would of been the correct thing to do but you know youtubers and their it's "content" motive.

[@noneofyourbusiness4294]

​@@AC-ww6nfif a friend, or a customer for that matter, says "swap the whole thing", that includes the hose. Does it always make sense? Hell no. But I get it. If I purchase new brakes, or in the most recent case a new display for my ebike, I'll go through the effort of replacing everything that comes with the new one. You're welcome to call that wasted effort, and to some extent I would agree. But it would me to replace expensive stuff and halfass it.

[@AC-ww6nf]

They uses the same brake hoses. Unless the brake hoses are damaged, no need to replace perfectly good brake hose. I understand your point however I'm thinking logical here.

[@Wiroe]

The EX drivetrains is for e-bike use, that’s why it only shifts 1 gear at a time

[@nostaku]

The white b-gap adjustment guide is for 12-speed drivetrains only, that could explain the gears skipping.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Ahh interesting! I will get it tuned up again and not use that hhaa

[@Wiroe]

I was about to comment on this too. There are specific gaps in the Sram manuals for all drivetrains

[@mikeburgh3956]

My Microshift Advent X came with a B-Gap measuring tool. If that's what you're talking about.

[@nostaku]

@@mikeburgh3956 yes, but SRAM's is purely for their 12spd drivetrain, which means it is not compatible with this 8spd one.

[@mikeburgh3956]

@@nostaku ohhh I see👍🏼

[@viniciussouza6316]

I loved the way you separated the sponsor's ad of the other side of you video, glad to see your new video edition, it's much more pleasant to watch now.

[@MasterBlaster69]

Re: the brake hose, you could have re-used the hose from the R. I just replace caliper and lever when replacing R’s with RSC leaving the hose in place.

[@garynancymeyer4900]

What is the inflator you're using with your compressor at 12:51? Do you like it and where did you get it? Thanks.

[@yetti423]

I just purchased this system even though it is on the way out. The gaps on the larger cogs are noticeable when climbing, but it shifts better when coked in mud and lasts longer on my e-bike

[@christhepatriot4621]

Bike fits you really good. I ride a size up too.

[@garbagewitch1]

I do the opposite

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

Im 6'1" so I can typically run a Large or XL, depending on the frame. I'd rather have a larger frame than one too small.

[@levischell6551]

​@@Libertà_sulla_vita I'm 6'3.5, bout 6'4 in shoes and love my large sized bike. I feel like I can control and whip it around a lot easier

[@dustinmorse8497]

I'm a fan of fewer speeds. I think box and microshift are on to something. Nearly the same range as 11 or 12 but with 9 or 10 gears.

[@lucideuphoria7092]

I feel ya on the brake cable length. I picked up a set of clarks 4 piston hydros for $70. The calipers are really nice but the original lever was basically a copy of the BL-MT200 body with a smaller two finger lever. The ad stated 900mm front and 1500 rear cables. Luckily, they weren't going on something with internal routing but when they fitted up both cables were too short by a cm or five. Checked the brakes and the cables were 800mm/1350mm which was an ass. At the end of the day it gave me a reason to throw my spare SLX levers on the clarks m.4 caliper. With ceramic pads and SLX levers these are probably my favorite combo which I didn't expect.

[@KeoOutdoors]

The Status Frames are on sale for $400 right now with a shock

[@Ferrari255GTO]

Damn, that's a really good offer

[@MTB_CRZY]

Where?

[@ignaciosevil2157]

pretty solid iffer for sure. Im looking at 3700$ frames :(

[@TheCaptainsCog]

I want 400 bucks back then...😅😅😅😅

[@RoachDogggJR]

I picked up bomber z1's on sale and with a discount. Wasnt for them sales, i wouldnt have a modern nice fork. Covid overstock sales are sick lol

[@mikeburgh3956]

Im short (5'7) and rock a small Nukeproof scout 275. I love it! I run Microshift Advent X, TRP evo cranks, Revelation 140, Carbon 35/35 bar, Spank 350 wheel set ,Magic Mary 2.6F Big Betty 2.4R. I even invisd it before I built it. Im embarrassed to say how much the build cost lol It's over 2k. Bought everything brand new! But love my ☢️

[@pachithingi6367]

I tock a 27 inch wheel bike its stock im stupid in my it was 4k my dad bought it a long time ago its 8 speed and its a racing bike its soo good i mean 8 speed is very good sh¡t perfect for me

[@michiganstate149]

Chain looks too short and b gap looks too far away. I bet a few more links added and a closer/correct distance would fix the issue.

[@אברהם326]

I had a bigger size bike, and it gives me confidence on the descents. But over time I discovered that I lean too much on the handlebars, and that my back hurts after long rides. So my recommendation, for riding in the bike park, a bigger size is good. But for long rides it is not good.

[@juliangarrett6373]

What’s the cordless ratchet tool at 5:30? I want one

[@mtbSTL]

these frames are on sale for 400-500 bucks right now on all sorts of websites WITH a fox rear shock. crazy deal. 140 and 160mm

[@guillemc8219]

Great video. How does the status 140 ride? Up and of course downhill?

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

Idk i had a 12 speed and went back to a 9 speed. Its plenty of gears for my type of riding. Im running the nx eagle. Works just fine.

[@Hakan19]

8:58 Hello, I am using SRAM level t brakes. I bought the dirt jump p3 from the new pink frame. The cable seems short. I am looking for a 2500m cable. Can you recommend a reliable site? I live in Bulgaria.

[@milspectoothpick4119]

Have 8 speed on my hardtail and rarely notice it. It has a big enough climbing gear for me and I'm not mashing pedals going downhill so with no pedal kick to worry about I can just leave it in a climb gear to be ready for any little punchy climbs in the trail. Don't think I'll switch off from it unless the parts just aren't available to replace anymore.

[@IN_ZANE_]

What's up with the front brake on the left handlebar?

[@theshonen8899]

9:46 Are you spraying brake cleaner? I'd be careful with that if so, brake cleaner causes paint to bubble off. I learned that the hard way with a set of Shimano SLX levers.

[@Jeseryhesery88]

Nice vid Evan, keep up the good work!

[@lukebeltrand3847]

I don't think he downgraded at all. Seems like a reasonable set of choices to have a bike that you can practice with that didn't break the bank. I have the status and it's a tank. I love it and it's nice to not be afraid to put it to work.

[@LactoseTolerant50]

Specalized does use size mediums and smalls but only on certain bikes that are really above the 2k price range

[@Behindbars1000]

Im getting a salsa blackthorn from my local bike shop, im 6”1’ an normally ride a large, but some geometry’s say there “large” but fit like a medium. Im thinking about getting it in xl, they only have a demo in medium at the shop, *NOTE….i always felt more confident on a bigger bike too. Any advise?

[@brentmc79]

I rode and s4 for years until I was buy a new bike recently and decided to try a s4 and s5 side by side. Ultimately I went with the s5 and so far I love it. For reference, I’m 6’1” and about 170lbs.

[@davidblackman3127]

I had a bike with 10 speed Deore and it never dropped a chain or skipped a gear in 3 years. I can't say that about my 12 speed drive train

[@Ferrari255GTO]

8:50 what about the old hose? You can't tell me that the hose is different too right? I get that new is better but it's also better when it just fits imo...

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah the hose is the same. I was surprised to hear the caliper has more claimed volume. But it was a good move overall because they are glossy and match the rest of the upgrades haha

[@Kazi-92]

On my downhiller i use a 7speed... its simply because u dont need 12 speed on a pure downhill bike that goes uphill by a lift :) The last time in the bikepark my shifter wasnt even connected, so its debatable if u need a shifter at all. Sram does make a 7 speed casette and shifter for downhill use, its called the GX DH. Thats what i use.

[@nobody_noob2694]

i run the ex 1 on my hardtail and i love it. Its been 2 years and ive never had a chain drop or to adjust it

[@BoxCarBoy12]

i totally understand the desire to move to 8 speed. 12 speed drivetrains are finicky and wear faster, the only reason I went with one on my bike is for the 50t cog and because I get brand wholesale pricing on bike components from work. Should I switch jobs, I will absolutely "downgrade" to a 10 or 11 speed drivetrain whenever my current one wears out, whichever one has the fewest gears but still retains the 50t.

[@petedog9581]

I bought a Sun expanded 10 speed cassette for my old Stumpjumper. It was more than a new 12 speed Deore or Sram NX Eagle cassette. I did it bc the bike doesn't have boost spacing and it has a sweet XTR drivetrain. Nice bike. Good vid.

[@davidgrothen3943]

Non boost is no issue

[@petedog9581]

@@davidgrothen3943 If you have a 142mm rear end it is.

[@MiguelGonzalez-kt5mg]

@@petedog9581 142 is still boost, maybe you mean 135? i have a 135mm qr bike and compatilibilty now that everyone went boost has been a nightmare

[@petedog9581]

@@MiguelGonzalez-kt5mg 148mm is modern boost spacing and super boost goes up to 157mm.

[@mikeburgh3956]

And 141qr is also boost.

[@MiguelGonzalez-kt5mg]

Honestly almost going with 11 speeds i don't consider going to 8 speeds a donwgrade. range is still similar and cadence really doesn't matter that much on the trails, plus you get the durability of a stronger chain and thicker cassette which can not be negated

[@xavierhulbert5849]

Honestly, if I knew an 8 speed 11-46t existed, I’d probably have bought that too. I used to run a 1x8 before I moved near the mountains and I never had any issues. Plus, they’re so much easier to clean.

[@thelifeofjessejames]

I prefer a longer reach myself but it’s all about what feels good for you (within reason). I’m a Specialized owner and I’m on an S3 even though I’m only 5’8” so I should be on an S2 according to the size chart but that felt too small to me so I went with the S3. No regrets

[@s14tat]

XL might be too large. You are 5'9 right? You are between sizes. I would say large would make sense if you want to try. I am also that height and I ride mediums but I can also ride large. I don't notice too much of a difference in reach but I notice less seat clearance from the longer seat tube. That will never change but you can get your chin over stem easier by getting a 50mm stem which is what I run and just changing up that old bad habit.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah I think its cool venturing out. Like my E-bike is a large and its perfect. I think the sizing up has to be done with intent. Like "I want a super stable enduro bike" - go large. Or "I want a playful trail bike" - go medium 27.5. I never thought a 515 reach would work, even for a minute haha

[@marksandoval5361]

@@EvansMTBSaga I'm 5'9" which puts me right between a size-M and a size-L on most bike brands. I always size up. I prefer the stability of the longer wheelbase. To do this right, I slide the saddle full forward and put on a 35mm stem. To ride a medium, I would need to push the saddle back and put on a longer maybe 60mm stem which just doesn't seem right.

[@elephantmane8791]

I appreciate the ad not being during the build actually watched the entire ad because of it

[@JohnFinelli-wl3di]

Dario’s the best male Tech Editor at PB ! He’s a BEAST!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

What? Context?

[@charlestilson6815]

Evan what’s the best time to come to bent, I live in PHX and planning trip

[@EvansMTBSaga]

The riding is great September - Mid April. Its raining a bunch right now, so its hit and miss with storms Mid April - May. Summer is fine if you can deal with humidity, but the trails get pretty loose

[@2stroke540]

Why didn't you used the original brake hose?

[@raxman80]

Great video as always. I'm 5'10" and I went up to a large a few years ago. I'm not really a technical rider and the large is more stable for me on the down hills.

[@jamesrohner3792]

Always surprised how people like one brand of brakes over another. I tried a set of Code RSCs and hated them they felt like a TRP or Shimano with a ton of air in the system. Switched those out to some Shimano XTs and I'm never looking back. But I get it its all personal preference.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

That's because you tried some with old fluid wich needed replacement, they're still not as instantaneous as shimano or other brands but they always have extra power to deliver, so you're pretty much granted to stop no matter what

[@Ferrari255GTO]

Also it's more about models than brands for me, i haven't tried many brakes from Formula but the Formula RX have an impressive amount of power for a 2 piston brake, i could easily recommend them to anyone

[@jamesrohner3792]

@@Ferrari255GTO I did a full bleed with brand new fluid and SRAMs own bleed kit. I even did the add pressure and close the valve trick and ultimately I just didn't like the feel.

[@Ferrari255GTO]

@@jamesrohner3792 huh, weird. Maybe the seals were old or worn? I'm very happy with my set, right now they're quite neglected but they've performed great the whole time. And when i say neglected i mean worn pads, only the front brake has been bled recently after a year from last time i bled both (and i bought them used) and glazed rotors. I'm considering passing the rear rotor and pads to the front but my front adapter is 200mm and the rear is 203 for some reason, so i'd have to use another older rotor in the back and go find some spacers on my screw box

[@henry06x]

I'm 5'10" and cant go over a 475 reach. makes my back start hurting and hands go numb leaned too forward when just peddling away like a long slow climb or flat just peddly stuff. any shorter than about 450 and I feel cramped and knees start hitting the bars on sharp turns. Maybe the steeper STA would make a longer bike feel better but I'm pretty happy staying between 450-475. Plus most my trails are a bit older and a 475+ reach bike starts getting hard making sharp switchbacks while climbing.

[@elijah9643]

Would you be interested in doing a sad to rad on my budget hardtail?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Are you local to Bentonville

[@elijah9643]

Eh somewhat, I might possibly be located in Finland 😅

[@nosreuter]

When you think about it you actually shift ~1,5 gears per click torn the 8-speed. In comparison to 12-speed gearing..

[@Faeskis_1]

Any reason you didn't re-use the hold hose that was already cut to length?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Good question. Cuz Eric said I can keep the Code R for myself, plus I had a spare hose. Seemed like less mess

[@fantomita_rider477]

When i first purchased my bike it came with an nx eagle drivetrain it ran fine for a while but than the clutch got worn and i had crazy chainslap whitch drove me crazy and i tought if i purchased a gx eagle my problems would go away. They did but after 2 months the clutch worn out again and i got left with 2 options either buy an 11 speed groupset with the 2.1 clutch whitch could be tightened if modified or get a dh 7 speed gx. After all i wenjt with the dh one since tightening my clutch could affect the way my suspension worked and now i think if you get a smaller chainring a 25 t cassete is managable on climbs, or atleast id take take trade for a quite ride. Or just get shiman obut does kinda suck

[@andrew8200m]

I have an S4 status 160 with a few upgrades here and there, floating discs in 203, mounts for the 203, rhythm 36 160 swapped to a factory 38 170 and tubeless. That’s it. I don’t know why you would want to go 8 speed though. I’m 5ft10, so sit between s3 and s4. I’ve gone s4 just to bring myself forward a little due to the agility in the rear, very happy with that choice. I wouldn’t swap the CodeR out for the RSC though, better pads and a more reliable disc to avoid soak and fade and your golden. I’m perhaps just not as picky. No way in hell I’d go with Rockshox over Fox though. I’ve always found RS to be unreliable garbage that blows out seals but then again I’m a little heavier at 95kg (210ish).

[@andrew8200m]

@@Groundhogdayagain depends what you are riding. If your around 90kg or so and ride aggressively I wouldn’t entertain a fox 34, even a 36 would be a push. That would see me looking at the Status. My issue is I have SLX on my Nukeproof and NX on the status. The NX just feels more durable. I don’t know why they went with those brakes either, the codes on the last were just better..

[@ChrisBakerElToro]

Awesome video! Given your experience with many bikes it would be interesting to hear your overall thoughts on the Status, it being a mullet with pretty slack head angle. I’ve always been interested in the Status. So I’m 5’8 and ride a Stumpjumper S4. I like the upsize for the DH stability and how “roomy” it feels. Maybe you should try a few in a size Large. My HT Fuse is a size medium though to keep things playful on easy trails

[@Ignitionmtb]

I've recently(last year) changed my preferred reach numbers on larges(im 6ft), used to always run 480ish, now on my merida im 490+ on their large and its fantastic, running mullet i can still easily get it around around tight stuff, Also i used to run a s4 stumpy evo thinking it was my correct size, specilized changed the website to say i should be on s5 now, so i thought hey why not just to comparision sake to my merida and wow, its so much better than the s4 ever was. More brands need to get on the Short seat tube setup for their XL's so We can get onto the next size better. Im also running a 240mm dropper on a 'long' merida... its soo nice

[@mtb_bombers]

u guys gotta stop hating on this guy hes so chill and happy and just wants to enjoy mtb

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Who's hating?

[@danielmaksymyuk5232]

Hey, im trying to get into mountain biking, and i my dad bought a 2014 Demo 8 Carbon in 2017 and never used it for its purpose, he gave it to me, im very new to these things, so im asking you guys, is it a good beginner mountain bike?

[@frankthetankricard]

The only reason you can consider the Sram Code R a budget brake is because it's constantly available for a fraction of MSRP. Every low spec downhill bike on earth comes with it and 90% of people replace it immediately. You can get them taken off brand new bikes for peanuts. I hear the RS models with swing link are supposed to be way better so the RSC is a huge upgrade on paper. Personally I'd have no problem using Code R's on a commuter or low travel bike if someone gave them to me for free. On a downhill bike not a chance and neither if I had to buy them with money.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah man, I can get them as new take offs all day for $150. Amazing value. I run them on my E-Bike and we don't really have sections where you have to brake for extended periods. Just little stabs of the brakes here and there

[@Boost_Bro123]

Ya I use a 9 speed E bike drive train on my fuel ex and it’s definitely much better that a 12 speed

[@ericdeangelis7496]

12 speeds are for XC trail riding, spandex wearing cadence snobs. TF you need all those gears for anyways? I'll take reliability over small incremental gear changes anyday.

[@sim_dude]

i like a reach of around 460 to 475 i'm 5ft10. current if a nukeproof mega290 in L and it's great. I might pop a 35m stem instead of the 40 i'm running currently.

[@_Zane__]

Was the rear brake used? I thought the sram hoses are like 180cm

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yup it was used

[@Emtbtoday]

Are they bollocks wheels anygood?

[@jimmysmith85]

hey evan, another great video, why didnt you just use the original routed brake hose?

[@SwordFighterPKN]

We are not road bikers so all the tiny changes between gears is not needed. 8-9 speeds just work as long as you have the range.

[@mtbgarage2064]

u can swap out 9 or 10 speed chain instead of 8 speed chain on any Shimano or sram link glide 8 speed cassette it's definitely work and less chain skipping

[@SummitMTB]

We have thirteen speed already, there are chinese companies selling them on amazon and aliexpress

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

BMX screwed my position on the bike back in the early 90's but dirtbikes fixed it in the late 90's. You still see a lot of older dudes like me hanging from the bars 💀

[@glen3509]

Are those One Up bars 6061 or 7075 aluminum?

[@Sam97979]

I'm shorter than you, and I go back and forth between Small and Medium frames. One time I tried a Large while renting on vacation because it was all they had, and it blew me away! I felt like I was able to actually lean and have good posture while moving around, no matter what. I'm still on my Medium bike for now, but I think my next purchase will be a Large frame. Like I said, I'm shorter than you, so if it's working for me, you should definitely do it!

[@FreeseMTB]

Campagnolo already have the 13 speed in EKAR (gravel groupset)

[@rvltadam]

this man is into something

[@johndunbar2393]

What bleed kit did you use?

[@hardmtnbiker]

If you are really serious about having compliance with your bars. Just use 31.8. One Up claims their 35 bars are compliant but they don’t ever compare to 31.8.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I love compliant bars. Any recommendations for good 31.8 bars?

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@EvansMTBSaga I really love my ENVE M6 and my SQ Labs 30X. They both feel great and the SQ Labs has a lot more back sweep than traditional bars.

[@teddyCole]

I’ve just started mountain biking what bike do you reckon I get

[@EvansMTBSaga]

All depends on how much you have to spend

[@teddyCole]

@@EvansMTBSaga not much but I’m gonna am my mum and dad if I can do chores to get some money I have 80 quid right now

[@EvansMTBSaga]

@@teddyCole mountain bikes are pretty expensive, so you're going to have to get crafty to find a good used one or something cheap from a department store

[@teddyCole]

@@EvansMTBSaga thank you

[@teddyCole]

@@EvansMTBSaga I found a full sus boardman 2016 for 300

[@64Spokes]

SRAM does make an EX1 8 speed cassette for that groupset, it’s just $400 🥴

[@mipko]

I would guess S5 is one size too big for you.. I am 6ft on a dot and I fit s3 and s4. It is interesting to see that you fit s5

[@roddas26]

Looks like you cut the chain a wee bit short. And you actually didn't look to :stretched" out on that bike. And I know from riding it its a big rig and I'm 6"2'.

[@ivostarmans1199]

Here in the Netherlands Fox is more expensive then RS. A Lyrik ultimate for 750. A 36 performance elite 1250. Also a Sid ultimate 650 and a 34sc 1100.

[@danmccabe2004]

I thought the callipers are exactly the same and it’s the levers which are different

[@TheCaptainsCog]

I have that bike but size S3. Great bike but i didnt get the complete so my parts are even weaker.😂 I tried to upsize to S4 when i got my Kenevo SL but it was too big with 170mm travel front and rear.

[@camtabor4344]

I finally got an XL frame after a year of riding a Large frame and I feel so much more “in the bike” than “on the bike” if that makes sense, that’s the best way I can describe it. …. But also, I’m 6’4” so I think I was just riding too small a bike 😂.

[@sullythepankake9663]

This is why I like Box, they decided to "downgrade" all of their line-up to nine speed and less. Simpler, and easy to maintain. I have have spent countless hours adjusting 11 and 12 speed drivetrains on my bikes and its a pain to keep running perfect.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I used Box's 11 speed. It was really low quality. I haven't seen their 9 speed stuff yet though. You used to see Box on a lot of bikes, even being sold on complete bikes. I haven't seen them in years now though

[@joshcronin-ux7lb]

Hi Evan, I love your vids Ive just got back from the hospital after hitting my shin on the pedals only need 3 stitches but keep up the good work

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Ouch!! I hope it doesnt hurt too bad!

[@Wamboshield007]

Damn that is a pain but it will be better once you can go back to riding

[@Ferrari255GTO]

YOU ARE WEA- uh, i mean, have a good recovery dude XD More seriously tho, it must've been a gnarly one to require stitches, i have gotten some pretty bad ones but never required any kind of medical intervention. I once burned and teared most of my shin skin with the fabric of my jeans, it hurt like hell for a good while but it didn't leave any scars

[@NonLegitNation2]

welcome to mtbing, you have passed the required initiation of getting bit by your studded platform pedals, lol. This has happened to 100% of mtbers and if it hasn't happened then they aren't real mtbers yet.

[@blakekennard7700]

Hope you can get back to it soon. lol literally after every ride I find new holes either on my shins or calves. I get so into what I’m doing I don’t realize until I’m back at my truck and my leg feels wet.😂

[@meltedcubetv9379]

Love what you do. Thanks.

[@DHolland-s8t]

Isn’t it bad to grab the stantions I just always taught myself not to touch it with my bare hand does anyone know

[@EvansMTBSaga]

It is completely okay. Maybe on a cheap bike it's bad cuz you'll get grease on your hand haha

[@DHolland-s8t]

@@EvansMTBSaga thanks for informing me I just didn’t exactly know cause I know your not supposed to touch your rotor but keep up the good work love you content

[@smithandshortdogs]

Just put a deposit on my first XL bike... always rode large

[@pierceskidmore9806]

You’re going to crave the large. Every time I’ve tried to over bike with an xl (6’1 200lbs) the bike felt horribly awkward. Top tube too high, reach so far my elbows hurt, and just a long overall feel that’s hard to control. If you’ve been on large, I really recommend sticking to it.

[@smithandshortdogs]

@@pierceskidmore9806 Maybe... I have two other large MTBs already so if I need my fix I can always use one of them. I am about 3 inches taller than you so I am not really even on the edge between L and XL... I just was always an XC guy and cared more about whippet handling and acceleration than stability. The extra length might help with what I am doing on the bikes now.

[@pierceskidmore9806]

@@smithandshortdogsoh man yeah if you’re 6’4 you’ll definitely be fine on an XL haha

[@bradtyson]

Wonder what the difference would be if you spent 1k on upgrading the 36 over buying a stock lyrik

[@jamesweldon8118]

About the sizing, I always thought it was odd that you rode a medium but just chalked it up to preference

[@julianw5692]

Not sized up but definitely will want my next bike to have a 465 reach. I'm 5"10 but have short arms so recommended bike sizes for my leg length are always too big. 😂

[@twowheelsforlife]

How tall are you? I am 5'6" and ride with reach of 455.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

5'9". Yeah I thought 460 was the best reach for me. Gotta rethink that haha

[@twowheelsforlife]

Be awesome if my son and i could catch a ride with you some time in bentonville! ​@EvansMTBSaga

[@hellopsp180]

IMHO i ride 8 spd because its the cheapest to repair :D nothing more nothing less. I use it for everyday run about. Honestly, if he wanted to get 8spd from the start, I would have just bought an 8spd bike. But i understand, he likes that frame and the design

[@PeterCPRail8748]

The new trend for the average rider that wants reliability in there drivetrain, are 10 and 9 speed drive trains. I have been using a 10 speed Sunrace 11 to 46t casette with a Shimano XT derailuer for a few year's and it has been bomb proof. Crisp gear changes with little to no adjustments ever. Have no issues keeping up with riders using 11 and 12 speed. The Shimano 9 speed Cues on entry bikes is amazing. Tried it on my friends Rasco 6 and for a budget drive train it shifts better then Sram GX. Lets be honest here, no one ever uses all 11 or 12 cogs its always 4 to 6 max favourite spots, wether be low gear or high climbing gear. So why with all the gearing. 8,9, and 10 will be growing in popularity in the next few years. The average rider is realizing money can be better spent then upkeeping expensive parts on bikes.

[@glen3509]

7050 aluminum 👍👍. Your buddy should have gone with Thomson Titanium riser bars😁🤘🤘 "YEAH❗️"

[@Gianpy122]

Maybe you could fix mine with some upgrades, the problem is that I'm Italian

[@johndavis3938]

You need to tell us more about that Bucklos wheel!

[@ilive4games780]

Sram makes an 8 speed ex1 cassette but its crazy expensive. Btw it uses a 10 speed chain on a 8 speed cassette

[@mdfaizal86]

hey evan... off topic, i notice your tv is directly beneath your AC. its might not be the best location for your tv. moisture or when your AC leaks, it will damage the tv. just my 2cents. apart from that, i enjoy your videos. keep it up.

[@mikeburgh3956]

That is a ductless mini pump. No moisturizer or leaks.. The system has it's own built-in moisture hose to drain any water. I have a Mitsubishi system.

[@Nighthfjdiidjfyf]

You should get the canyon strive crf with the shapeshifter for Xc and then switch to enduro mode

[@WALSRU]

S5 looks insanely long. I'm 6'1" and decided on an S3 status. Couldn't be happier with my decision as even the short reach bike wants to wheelie tech climbs.

[@Emtbtoday]

Should gone for new fox grip x2 damper 38s even just replaced the 36 damper with the new x2 or Marzocci super z

[@jcam4071]

Your jumping looks much better now, more poppy and controlled, moving the bike in the air more nicely. Maybe a larger bike fits you better.

[@micabrown-ct7kf]

what bike park is that

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Bentonville, AR. Trail system called Slaughter Pen

[@micabrown-ct7kf]

@@EvansMTBSaga good to know