Are old Mountain Bikes worth it in 2024?

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[@EvansMTBSaga]

Use code "FIRST200" for an extra 5 bonus tickets! (FIRST100 has been used up faster than I expected!!) Thanks for everyone who's signed up to the Slash giveaway! You guys are legends.

[@liammcfarlane3729]

Any bike is better than no bike

[@elias2338]

I'm still riding only 26" Freeride MTB, 2013 Vitus slopeduro build, 2012 Canyon Torque DH/Freerider and a 2009 Specialized P2 Steelframe. I love being oldschool 🤘🏻

[@RunRideHikeThrive]

Shoot I'll still having a blast on my 2010 Remedy 7 150mm front and back travel, Renthal Bars, KS Lev 150mm post, change to a 1x12 🔥 😍

[@michaelcollins5563]

Yup. Still riding my 2014 Knolly Podium, 26 in back, but it is now wearing a 27.5 up front. Sure, it is a little short by todays standards, but it still rips hard.

[@baileydelelys2890]

@@michaelcollins5563I’m riding a 2012 podium. Super weird but super cool bikes

[@anaboveaveragedog]

I’m still rocking a 2008 specialized hardrock hard tail and I love it

[@TheSHARCRASH]

27.5 is not dying at all! I'm admin of a +9k members group focused on enduro/all mountain from all over the world. So many still ride 27.5 or mullet because they feel more nimble, better acceleration and pedal friendly (less weight inertia). It's just that in your local area many just ride what's trendy.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I really like mullets. Sometimes when I really stretch out a jump, I'll land and be hanging off the back of the bike and the 29er will buzz my leg and then tires feel like a circular saw haha. 27.5 rear doesn't have that issue

[@45graham45]

Still ride 27.5". No interest in the wagon wheels. I have no problem keeping up with others on 29ers and I have better acceleration and manoeuvreability.

[@madtownangler]

All my bikes still have 26" wheels. I'm short and have no desire to ride giant wheels

[@Montytobin]

27.5 is the best wheels size for sure, you can do everything on it! i do dirt jumps and bike parks on my 27.5

[@Nihlink]

Lot of the new enduros are standard in mullet now. Yt decoy comes mullet

[@titter3648]

Still ride my 2007 Kona Coilair. It works just fine. I have upgraded it to a 1X drivetrain, dropper post, larger brake rotors, a better seat, better spiked flat pedals, and put a motor on it. 26" wheels with tubes and narrow bars does not bother me at all. I had my fork serviced one time years ago and both front and rear shock still works just fine. I also had to replace the crank bearings after running trough some water, but that is the only problem i have had on it. Of course tires and grips wear out and needs to be replaced like on any bike, that is consumables. The DOT brake fluid however is a mess. dissolving the paint where it is spilled.

[@bk83082]

1× drivetrains, tubeless tires, disc brakes, and dropper posts are the most important technologies in MTB, and you can apply them to almost any bike. Slack geometry caters to a specific riding style, while tapered headtubes and boost hub spacing will impress your friends with percentages of torsional rigidity. Don't get me wrong: new bikes are incredibly capable and good to ride. It does kind of feel like the industry dabbles in a bit of planned obsolescence though. If you spend $6k on a bike, you should ride it for 20 years.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yeah for sure. I saw someone comment on a video with the new Fox electronic shock. They said "ah I least I know my frame won't change anymore because you ran out of ideas and are putting batteries on shocks now". I think its funny that we're seeing road bikers with 1x drivetrains and some with droppers!

[@bk83082]

@@EvansMTBSaga rear hub spacing is the worst trick they play on us. 6mm made countless bikes non-standardized overnight. Ironically, 100/135mm QR hubs are relatively future-proof. I'm installing a new 11s Deore drivetrain on my 2010 steel hardtail right now.

[@TivonSanders]

​@@bk83082 The bike industry definitely dabbles in planned obsolescence, as do many industries; it's all about capitalism. The 100/135 mm QR Hub is proof of that, and I say that because in 2020 -2022 I could easily find a good QR wheelset on Amazon or Worldwide Cyclery. Now finding one is really rare, and all of the good wheelsets are unfortunately (for me) boost spacing. I had to settle with a WTB sti23 wheel because of it; I was looking for an i25, but they all now are being built with boost/thru axle hubs. Pretty upsetting.

[@Ty-sm9cv]

FYI if you have a tapered head tube you can fit an angled headset to your bike, turning a 67 degree bike into a 65. It does make a difference, even modern "trail" bikes have a slacker HTA. There are ways to modernize the bike, even down to the geo, leaving your "old" bike feeling pretty similar to something you can go out and buy in 2024. For instance: I have a 2020 Giant trance 27.5 (140 rear, 150 front stock) with a 160mm Zeb, a longer 55mm shock that extends the rear travel to 147mm, and a -1.5* angled headset. The longer fork and angled headset give me a 64.8* HTA, and a slightly longer wheelbase. Using geometry modeling tools, this bike ends up having near identical geo some the modern trance X, but with a slightly shorter wheelbase and reach. The bike in this setup is imho, an improvement in every way over stock.

[@jamesrohner3792]

I'd argue that the tapered head tube is a must. Your fork selection is pretty much non existent if you have a straight steerer tube.

[@jasonthomas66]

I first met Evan on a trail ride out East in 2022. We really hit it off and got to comfortable with each other pretty quickly. We went for a walk, talked about mountain bikes, held hands and watched the sunset. Evan is an amazing guy and I will never forget that day.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Should've signed me instead of Cooper!

[@hananas2]

Old? Dude I ride a 2006 stumpjumper FSR, with a 1x11, new brakes and modern cockpit it's absolutely fine for another decade 😆 did a MTB event last summer and I was able to keep up just fine! The guy I rode with was pretty impressed. P.S. 26" wheels are still super fun to ride. Tried 29 a few times now and it's not for me even though I'm 183cm. (6ft) Super slack head tube angles (66° and below) aren't for me either, too floppy. I'm by no means saying it feels as plush or as stiff as a modern bike, or even recommending people buy bikes from 2006, but I'm just saying you can go older than 2018 and still be absolutely fine.

[@TheArimatheus]

I ride a 2008 Epic. I live in Dallas, TX, but take it to Bentonville quite often. My dad owns a house up there.

[@AndyMedders]

Thanks for the history lesson! Sweet bike and killer super stable camera angles! I was riding a 2012 carbon Stumpy 29er until I accidentally veered off Oscars and slid into a tree cracking the bottom of the frame. I duct taped it and even rode Drop the Hammer several times before getting a new bike.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh man that is unfortunate! I wonder if you tried to recreate your old Stumpy if it wouldn't feel the same. I'm going to go look up that bike now, thanks Andy!!

[@AndrewHelm1]

2018 isn’t old

[@kyleslater5245]

In geometry change it is though… that’s 6 year old now…

[@joecanuck3751]

Agreed. Most of my bikes are of that vintage.

[@owenneedham4651]

More than half a decade

[@gaspertolar7950]

in mtb it is

[@camtabor4344]

It’s not new

[@BryanLinfesty]

I just picked up a 2019 Ripmo V1 frame for 500 bucks. I usually ride a large but an XL from 5 yrs ago is a perfect fit. I love it so much! It rides as good as new bike I have ridden. Flip chips, frame storage, a little slacker head tube…that’s all that’s changed. There’s great bikes out there for sure. Thanks for posting this video.

[@IGGY1969]

I've got two Nukeproof's. A Scout & A Reactor. Both 2020 & both 27.5. I've just upgraded both sets of rims to DTSwiss. I like 27.5, and so do a lot of people. I love both bikes & don't have any plans to change anytime soon.

[@nathancole8103]

I just built a 2020 scout 27.5 for my dad this summer. Sick bike!

[@baulmitfahrrad4463]

i‘m running an 2014 Radon Swoop 210 right now. 26“ freeride/dh bike, almost everything is upgraded and i love it

[@SteveKimbo]

27.5 for life here bro, don't put it down! We're not all in it for tenths of a second and I prefer the more nimble feel they give me. My new large full 27.5 bike has a 500mm reach, 445mm chainstays, a 63° head angle, a 1280mm wheelbase and is 160/150mm travel. She flies down anything. Super stable but retains the agility of the smaller wheels. I think the industry is largely responsible for convincing folk they 'need' 29ers because 'they're faster'. Depends who's riding...😂 Another great video though, I love an Evan day 👊

[@blackou7]

I have a 2016 Trek Slash 8 27.5 with a lot of upgraded parts, bike's great! The main thing lacking to modern geometry is again the seat tube angle.

[@saltyman37]

Just push the seat forward

[@SprSonik13]

@@blackou7 when riding bikes aggressively you are likely out of the saddle. As stated in the video, seat tube angle means nothing at that point

[@deanemberley2333]

@@SprSonik13makes a big difference in the climb so definitely an worthwhile improvement

[@БориславМанов]

I have a 2016 orbea rallon and i absolutely love it.

[@mtlbiketech7960]

Just rebuilt an old 2013 Giant ReignX, with a Marzocchi 66RCV, installed a Cane Creek DB IL air with same stroke but 5mm shorter eye to eye. Just saw Tom Isted's Giant Reign for Rampage and was like damn my build is similar and still viable, his is a mini mullet 26/27.5, only thing I'm missing is a 27.5 front wheel which supposedly fits on the 66 and I'll have a Freeride machine !!!

[@DaveH1977]

Isted’s rampage bike has 26” wheels front and rear. 👍

[@davidwoodley3288]

2015 Giant Reign Advanced 0 here. Was pretty high end ehen released and way out of my budget, but about 2019 mine came up at a price I vould manage so I jumped on it. A few little changes, but the thing that's really brought it along for me was swapping to a 29" front wheel & fork - absolutely transformed the bike and I absolutely love it.

[@gregnowak2492]

I ride a 2010 Niner RIP9, completely upgraded. It’s still a great bike!

[@jonathanhowson6420]

That Pink Santa Cruz Bronson has a 200*57mm rear shock which is pretty standard for the time and readily available because so many bikes used it. I still ride that exact bike as one of mine and its still killing it on the trails.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh dang, if must've been a different one. Those Bronson's are cool! I hope to try one new or old one day

[@mespoon3711]

i got the 2018 one, its great and upgraded throughout, no problem at all

[@jonathanhowson6420]

@@mespoon3711 Santa Cruz frames are so good. Strong, easy to work on and work really well. Also they haven’t really followed any silly fads like superboost or pressfit bbs etc

[@bierb4r0n]

In the beginning of the last year i bought a 2018 Cannondale Jekyll Jet Blue Frame with shock for 710€ . Becouse i was just frustreted about my Husqvarna MC5 and its issues. I started to build my bike around that frame and the parts from the Husqvarna. And now i am super proud of myEnduro Mashine. :D

[@jimbo6993]

I have a 2018 Rocky Mountain Pipeline with 27.5+ tires (35 mm rims). Those 2.8” tires at 16-18 psi are still pretty fun in the chunky stuff. My new bike has 29ers.

[@HillbillyHermitRC]

Cool to see an older frame "review". I ride a 2016 Foes Alpine+ currently. Bought the frame as new/old stock back in 2020 directly from Foes. The frame design allows the use of different wheel size setups. I run 29s with 2.8" wide Vittoria MexCals. I enjoy XC riding. So this frame has served me well. Love American handmade craftsmanship.

[@Krtek_on_Podium]

I have a little older downhill/freeride bike: Knolly Podium from 2011 but it has a 2020 rear shock and 2016 fork. When i bought it it had 2005 Marzocchi 888 vf fork and fox dhx 3.0 shock but it vas too short for the frame. Its a 26er and i love its geometry. So, in my oppinion older bikes can be even better than newer one. Am i the only one who thinks that older like 2008-2012 frames are bombproof? They are just unbreakable. 🤟oldschool never dies!!!🤟

[@davidpesek1703]

I just got new old bike for me, before i had Trek remedy 2020 (frame is same as the new models) but it was not enough travel for me I had 170/150 and for what I ride it wasnt enough. I was bottoming out the rear all the time so I sold it and bought 2019 Propain Spindrift and its the best bike I ever owned. The geometry is same as 2017 model but the new one has an internal cable routing. I love it its aluminium 180/180 travel but climbs really good and its light (something below 15kgs). I have demo riden a lot of new carbon high end bikes but none of them are as fun as my old Spindrift it can handle everything you throw at it. (also looks really cool)

[@josephawatson]

I bought my first full suspension at the end of 2019 and still riding it. I haven't gotten anything newer its just not in my budget. I have a Fezzari Abajo Peak 29er. Man we were just in Bentonville the ride up to the hub is no joke. we have such flat stuff at home I was no where in condition to keep up.

[@chrisjones7281]

I have 2018 Giant Reign. Boost spacing. 64° head angle. 480 reach. 27.5. Love it

[@beardedtrucker]

Even bro. I just bought a 2017 GT force carbon pro. And it 27.5. 160 fork and 150 rear shock. It was GT enduro bike back then. I’m just getting ready to start the build on it. So I’m with you on the older enduro bikes.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Man I bet that's going to be a sick build!

[@corneneethling2277]

I daily, mixed tar and gravel road, a 04 Kona Coiler 26, with 2.25 Crossmark II rears and 2.5 Minion fronts, on tubes and a 1x8 drivetrain. And I love it

[@fiatfixie4344]

Replacing the large frame on my 2018 full sus trail bike with the extra large version was the game changer for me. Moved the seat forward a little, shortened the stem and was still left with an extra centimeter of reach👌.

[@SprSonik13]

I don’t even have to watch this video to say hell yes! My “old” 2018 Yeti SB 5.5 will hold its own against any modern mountain bike in its class. XT 11 speed with 34t on RF Era cranks and a 9-46 cassette, 180mm XT brakes (4p front, 2p rear), stock shock, upgraded 38x170 Fox fork w/DSD Runt, and a bulletproof set of Enve M70s with Onyx hubs, along with a bunch of other stuff to make it perfect for me. it climbs well, but can tackle enduro courses with ease, and I’m confident sending it 25+ feet through the air on big jumps. Of course, there are trade offs due to some of the newer geometry, but for how I ride there’s a reason I haven’t replaced it.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

That sounds like the perfect build and I've been searching for your exact yeti for a few years now. People don't want to sell them haha

[@SprSonik13]

@@EvansMTBSaga I might be sending you a message in a few weeks ;) my focus has shifted from bikes to the weight room and when I do ride, I generally grab my equally dialed in 2018 Santa Cruz Chameleon (my favorite bike I’ve ever owned since starting on BMX bikes in the 70s) single speed, 34x16 mullet, rocking a 160 mm Ohlins coil. I am shopping now for a full power EMTB with similar ride characteristics to my Yeti, that will allow me to hit zone 2 recovery rides and not interfere with my gym results. If I can find the right one, I will be selling my Yeti. (I never thought I’d say those words!!!)

[@SprSonik13]

@@EvansMTBSaga now that I finished it, thanks for another great video! Your channel definitely helps keep my Mtb fire stoked in spite of my changing priorities.

[@lupo2007]

It's nice seeing older bikes holding their own. I've been riding a 2017 Scott Genius LT 710 Plus and it works great! i have to sort out the suspension as it's been a while since it was last serviced but apart from that i'ts been riding great.

[@VanIsleKiwi]

I have a 2019 specialized enduro. It’s still the best bike I’ve owned. I looked at getting a new bike this year and rode a few demo bikes. None fit me quite as well and there is no way I could justify the price tag to ‘upgrade’ to newer. For a fraction of the cost I replaced a couple of worn out parts and have a bike I love to ride.

[@Daniel_KS]

I have an old 2015 Enduro Comp 29, with a bit more modern rear shock (rock shox with pig pack,, 2016 or 2018 idk) and a lyric 170mm up front. As a L it feels a bit short (444 to 445mm reach) If it was 452mm I'd feel at space but when riding down some trails back to back with some very moderns 2020s bikes.. My bike feels as push if not more. As long as you maintain the suspension tires etc, one can't complain. Having 11speed 11-51shimano and internal dropper post, honestly, idk if i'd change the bike to another that isn't a good ebike

[@bugbabba8317]

I ride a 2019 canyon strive, the geometry is epic it has a 66° head angle and 1190mm wheelbase, pretty funny for an enduro bike +it has shapeshifter you should definitely give it a try!🔥

[@biggussconnus]

Things I noticed. 1. Great music -reminds me of 80s MacGyver vibe 2. Evan dressed to match his bike 3. Funky camera angles Liked this one. Maybe a drone to follow you would produce even more amazing videos

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks for the observations! It was a fun video and I tried changing things up a little. There's a local drone guy that does FPV trail filming and I contacted him asking for a price and he said $750 for a 4 hour session 😂😂

[@lifesteu8188]

I have a 2016 cube stereo race hpc and it haves all the features you listed and i bought used for 1100$ in great condition. And it stands up to my dads 2022 midrange enduro bike!

[@bubbysbikes]

Grrreat bike. What a build. 27.5 is the best wheel size IMO. Loved the video and the music. The side camera angles were really cool.

[@effarig4bla423]

i have a 2016 yt tues and i love it it makes so much fun an does the job well

[@StefanDrake]

Maybe in the US 27.5 inch wheels are dying out but in Europe are still common same with Schradder Valves, got color accent caps for my schradder valves something Presta has difficulties with "the right size"

[@tilman-g2k]

Im riding a Cube hanzz from 2012 an it’s awesome as an jibb bike

[@iancockerline2305]

Checking in from my 2010 RM Altitude A70. People always comment on it. They love seeing the old steed keeping up, jumping and still generally shredding trails. Has a dropper now and Box 1X9 drivetrain, and shorter stem but otherwise stock. (New tires I suppose too)

[@ohcrapwhatsnext]

Nice build. I was just out there on the Razorback Greenway on the road bike. Mile 37 there is a tunnel that i did a ice hockey check on. The wall won. Suffered a hematoma on left side and then crashed on the right side. That's what happens when there are insufficient signage and the tunnel takes a dog right. Plus my first time on the path and maybe 17 mph was a bit fast for 42 miles, lol I really love that part of the state. So much i am trying to move there in the next year.

[@jayveesanpedro4974]

have a full carbon 2013 devinci wilson, just put on a reach extender and some offset bushings for longer and slacker, and also got a 27.5 on front. Trying to chase modern geometry without getting a new bike lol

[@godspeed821]

I have 2019 canyon neuron al 7.0 sl, a trail bike and modified it to be enduro-ish bike with 160mm fork, burly tyres and other enduro/dh components. It rides like a dream. I'd say almost everything on it is as modern as on new bikes, except the head tube angle.

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

HELL YEAH! I got a 2015 trek session 88 and I made it a 12 speed with dropper. (Downduro) it’s my favorite bike I own. 30mm internal width rims, DT SWISS, 27.5” saint brakes 203mm brakes, 210mm travel, Rockshox Super Deluxe plus rear lockout shock…I’ve done 20+ mile rides, climbs fairly well and descent is Awesome. This is nothing new. ONE BURLY BUILD

[@yamahschector]

My 2014 trek slash is only missing boost spacing and a standard rear shock size other than that it’s a blast.

[@andrey_rider]

My main and only bike is a 29” 2017 Trek Slash 9.8 size Large. I love the bike, but the frame is visibly small for me, if compared to newer ones. And the seat tube angle, my god… Beside that, rides great downhill :)

[@Some.Canadian]

Still rock a 2011 Transition Blindside, bulletproof but goddamn is it heavy. Refuse anything but 26ers, they are just so much more fun, anything bigger feels like riding with clown shoes.

[@DaysDH]

I still have 2003 Specialized Big Hit frame (I was riding on this frame in 2018-2020)

[@TheCaptainsCog]

In may 2020 I bought a 2011 Giant Trance X....that is pretty old!

[@jabronster]

Should try the Haibike DH best bike/ebike I have ever ridden

[@romulus113]

I'm six feet tall and ride a large 2017 Specialized Enduro Pro Carbon 650b. The only upgrade is an Ohlins TTX coil. I have buddies with newer bikes but I'm very happy on my ride and can't see a reason to upgrade. If you can find one, it's a sweet ride even with the stock air shock. I forgot I upgraded the brakes to Code RSCs and rebuilt them with metal pistons.

[@hallstewart]

It’s 2024 and I still ride my 2013 Tracer 275. Ok it’s had upgrades: pike, shock revalve, 2 degree slackset. Still good!

[@petergibson7287]

I have several bikes, and one of my faves is a 2012 Pivot Firebird and it has a 26" rear and 27.5" front and i still ride it lots.

[@1st2nd24]

The 2020 commencal clash has a special place in my heart, it rides absolutely amazing and is super fast rolling even with the specialized hill billy tires i had on it

[@jasonwinback]

That new follow cam angle is sick

[@jenibond]

I am older rider (50+) and hate 29's there huge !!! hope flip chips keep 26 and 27,5 going ! As 26 inch die hard (yeti SB 66 large) , I was watching rampage (Go Robin) and her bike is mini mullet (26/27.5) was think that could be fun setup may try even pennyfarthing ish set up with 29 front (as can lend wheel) it's easy to tweak the font fork with token for 27.5 as its only like 15mm diff in height and 10mm less travel you never notice lucky for girl i quite tall at 5'7' but if your 5'2' a 29 is like school bus Do you buy a kids bike ???

[@jackmast6983]

Evan, I love how you make all of the videos that I wish someone would make. I have also noticed the decrease in price of 27.5 parts recently, which is why my bike also has a brand new domain.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

As everyone said "it's not that old" but I'd counter argue that it's now a 6 yrs old bike, with how things are going in this business it's sad to say but it's kinda old 😅

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah it's like 2018 is fine, but 2016 is too old (in terms of innovation)

[@hananas2]

Nah you can go way older than this, on older bikes you'd just need to give them some updated parts.

[@brianagee4620]

@@EvansMTBSagaI feel like 2018 is the cutoff really. Once a bike is 2017 and older the differences to modern bikes tend to be pretty drastic, whether geo, parts, or other tech.

[@jpm408]

​@@brianagee4620 unless its a hardtail!

[@jamesrohner3792]

I just built up a Revel Rail 27. Got the frame new for 1800 and all the parts for it (mainly the fork Fox Factory 38 for 400 bucks) were so cheap the total build was $3300. I love my 27.5 bikes... Perhaps some day I'll move to a 29er but not yet.

[@Markozzy]

i have a Whyte t-129 29er 2017 still holds its own full sus yt make some really great frames

[@peterharsanyi6727]

I still have my 2009 specialized pitch, 26er wheels, 3x9 drive train, bike still rips pretty good

[@TwistedEngineering]

I have a mostly stock 2016 transition patrol carbon 1 and its one of the most solid bikes ive had so far, at 160 155 travel on a 27.5 base its just amazing

[@wafflemaster7615]

My santa cruz nomad 2020 Is so good at jumps

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Man I want to try Santa Cruz, new and old!

[@sbdude9]

Was walking the dog a couple weeks ago and here comes my neighbor riding that exact Gary Fisher bike. He's used to race it back in the day he says.

[@craigellis680]

Evan. I like your experimentation with parts and well done for bringing a frame back to life, I'm sure someone will buy it and ride it for years going forward. Just a little tip regarding brakes. Your shigura idea is great. I've been upgrading Shimano brakes using the clarks m4 calipers for a while.. I was browsing Ali express the other week and got a set of meroca m4 brakes for $30 which is insane. The merocas are the clarks presumably with the factory that makes them's own branding. Really solid brakes when set up with a Shimano or tektro lever

[@tonyhruzek4250]

Which model Merocas are you using?

[@durace99]

My 2016 orbea rallon is a keeper for life.

[@hhauflaire]

I’d say my 2018 Devinci Troy could still hold its own. The head tube isn’t as slack as they are now but upgrading my 150 shock to 160 and using offset shock bushings have reduced it to 65.5 and I haven’t felt like I’m missing anything when I ride newer bikes.

[@mbfcamanslife]

I'm still riding a 2014 Capra and it's still fine

[@The_Blessed_Cowboy]

I just bought a 2011 RM Flatline WC for $700. I replaced the spring in the front fork, new grips, new saddle, and fine tuned it. Perfect for my needs. My local park is Revelstoke, BC and it's a very steep mountain. This bike did everything that the 2023 Speacialized Demo did that my wife rented. What the hell did I need a $3000 used bike for?

[@brianpeterson6872]

I ride a 2020 Trek Slash 8... It still is a good all around bike. The only drawback is a not so common shock spec.. But, the upgraded 2021 shock is a direct bolt on. Or some non trunnion shocks can be put on with some Remedy hardware.. The bike pedals well, descends well, and not a bad ride for a long day in the saddle.

[@shrek2126]

i have a 2018 canyon spectral cf8.0 and i love it cause it doesn't feel or look old at all compared to newer bikes. what i would also want to try is an old 26" devinci wilson, i think in looks super nice

[@deadskimountaineer]

Besides the trouble with finding tires I absolutely love my 2012 Santa Cruz Nomad.

[@veryniceindeed]

My updated S works Enduro SL from 2008 rides like magic.

[@jasonhemmerlin6139]

2018 is still too new. I just rebuilt a 2011 Giant Reign 0. Thru on the same fork you put on your build. The Reign is able to fit a 27.5 wheel in the rear and has just enough clearance for a 2.2 in wide tire. Im currently doing 1x10, but will upgrade to 1x11 eventually. Has the stock dropper post still. I’ll have to upgrade to a wireless dropper if/when it fails since it’s externally routed cable. This bake has been a ton of fun so far. Plan on getting a 26 in wheel made in the future so I can make it a mullet when I want. QR is not an issue. Most hub options can be adapted. And a QR holds with more force than a thru axle. On an aluminum bike there really isn’t much benefit. On a carbon frame a thru axle might be beneficial, but I have no interest in destroying a carbon frame on the trails.

[@mrcookiemonster7805]

I have a few bikes. My oldest is a 2005 (I think) Giant VT TWO. Talk about old geometry. But, that bike is hella fun to ride. And it looks almost brand new which gets tons of looks and compliments.

[@altic_yt2029]

this is one of best looking bikes that you built. I really like the colors and the price of it, its stilll kinda expensive for me but 1300$ for that is awesome deal, here in Serbia that bike coult cost more for sure, alot of people have older bikes here so they kinda set the price too expensive, one more thing to say is that this video is awesome! i really like the camera angles and everything! and also i think it would be good video to try some older of even newer dowhill bikes, i dont think you ever did record video abt dh.

[@Boyblunder5]

Im currently riding a 2019 stumpjumper and its been an amazing bike. Funny enough ive ridden it at both the durango mesa bike park and winman. Having a bike that isn't super slack has some advantages on the tight and twisty trails up here in Wisconsin.

[@gustavbrusrfonn6001]

Really loved the specs, this is what I would love seeing in a new high vs low bike series🤘

[@Benshredz]

I have a 2016 Scott voltage fr720 size small. It’s a downhill bike with 8 in of suspension and it’s awesome. I got about a month ago and have been riding like at least 5 times a week in my backyard and went and hit up the local double black jump trail and it ripped. I have backyard trails and love riding it on them. If you want to test out an old dh bike this one is pretty sick.

[@skippylegrandgourou2069]

They are amazing but they crack, i am still riding my 2015 Scott Gambler 710 and i put 29inch wheel on it, fit perfectly on long base

[@sciguyisanerd]

2018 isn’t that old, to get the ultimate old bike experience I recommend trying a dh or freeride bike from the late 90s, they are so much fun

[@byp4ss514]

Here in Germany you see those Mk2 Capras around a lot. As you mentioned in the vid, a Mk2 Capra is more or less a size down from a Mk3 Capra. The thing with these frames though is that the chainstays and seatstays tend to give out, they were redesigned around 2018 for that reason. I'm sure the fact that these frames are popular for bikepark abuse doesn't help the case. My mate has snapped 3 chainstays and YT do still have crash replacement parts for them. In today's market I'd maybe look at a Spesh Status instead, personally a mate gave me a really good deal on a carbon Mk3 Capra.

[@TivonSanders]

I'd buy that in a hot second! Looks like a great bike and those new camera angles are sick!

[@Wes-o9t]

In 2010 got a brand new Santa Cruz Heckler for $1500 lol. 3x drivetrain and 26" wheels. Few years later checked out new bikes and saw the 2x drivetrains and 27.5" wheels. That didn't last long then in 2019 went to get a new bike now things are 1x drivetrains and 29" wheels, changed so fast! I got the 2019 alloy Stumpjumper and those wheels felt so weird at first, then realized how much better the geometry was. Looking back at my Heckler I think it looks so funny now, the short wheelbase and the straight up and down HTA.

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

2018 yt Jeffsy 29er light, fast, strong, keeps up with down county bikes and enduro bikes. I sized up and cut the frame 🖼️ down 25mm it made seat tube a bit steeper

[@erghjunk]

your comment about external dropper posts is pretty off - there are 8 of them (4 different brands) on jenson usa right now for example. I think seat post diameter is more likely to be a limiting factor than not being drilled for internal routing.

[@grubbyssmokeshack]

I still have my 2017 Ibis Mojo 3, it's 27.5, full XT 11 speed with Ibis carbon rims and i9 hubs. That bike is amazing, I'm not positive these new seat tube angles are an improvement. I like the geo better than my Ripmo, I just wish it was 29er and had more travel. It's still a ripper though.

[@gagesetterstrom1580]

I have ridden this exact bike since 2018 and its never felt old but i have also never ridden a newer bike.

[@mrvwbug4423]

217x63 shock size is still available, it's just sold in a non-metric size, but all your commonly available shocks are available new in that size.

[@ryansteiger6960]

Thank you for the video Evan. Sweet build, it came out nice 😛

[@barramaciomhair]

I still ride a Merida Mission Speed\Carrera LRS2 from 2003. Just recently managed to source a new rear suspension for it. Installed it and the bike rides as good as new.

[@kyleslater5245]

It’s really funny hearing you talk about advancements that were slow to kick off. 2003 to big ring and granny gear came off the front chain ring. The centre 36t ring and the shimano 11-38 9 spd on the back was all the gear range I had. Wide tires were useful then as well as super heavy tires… think 3kg per tire… or 60lb hard tail… Droppers would have been huge though. That’s the change I would have liked most back then.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Woah 3kg tires and 60lbs Hardtail!!! That's insane hahaha. I'd be down to try one

[@djSpinege]

I was expecting 2002 not 2018. guess I should upgrade one day LOL

[@CJinsoo]

have 2 bikes: 2017 boost frame 29er. 2016 non-boost frame (142mm0 27.5” wheels. The boost frame 29er is totally worth it. When I ride the 27.5” it’s more like “meh” it’s okay and good to have as a 2nd bike, but that’s about it.

[@QuinlanBarry]

We have a 2007 Trek 6700 it has been on bike park lift multiple times and is still running

[@Scottslookingabout]

I think the high seat tube insertion prevents moving deep forward to back and back to front motion very difficult, for big slow speed drops, in conparions to other newer model bikes, think they would have updated that, for that model.

[@banana_hat7]

I'm still riding a 2018 27.5 capra cf pro daily in Whistler. Just bumped it up to 180/180 from 170/170 and added a 1 degree angleset.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah! Fellow 2018 Capra enjoyer. I was looking for a carbon one but people hold onto the CF version real tight

[@reggie5989]

My friend recently bought a yt Capra also, and he's been loving it. Though he got a 2020 model year with carbon frame.

[@rocco.mbb.zoccoli]

Killer cam angles on the ride !!!! And all-mo!? Cool to see a 360° cam on an MTB