I built this POS to expose the MTB Industry |conclusion|

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[@jnxmck]

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said you think the average rider can get the same performance out of any geo/year/suspension bike. I've long been of the opinion that the road side of the cycle industry is a marketers dream, convincing people they need the latest and greatest when their current kit is perfectly fine. However case in point for the MTB world, a friend of mine the other day told me I need to spend at least £2500 to get a decent second hand bike. Instead I spent £300 on a 10 year old Marin XM6, 27.5 budget wheels, deore groupset and own brand finishing kit and I am loving it. It gets me so excited to go and ride and is making me fall in love with cycling all over again!

[@EMTB17]

I completely agree. Most people buy this blini suspension and sure they might like playing with it and maybe they can get it to feel a certain way, but it doesn’t make them a better rider or faster on the trail. It’s just money wasted.

[@zubayrbhyat8077]

Agree. I got better with skills and training, not with a better bike.

[@tomatostakefabrik9429]

I built a budget hardtail out of a 800 dollar bike ( I bought for 150) I learned to ride on it the last few years. Another thing I am old, I don't leave the ground as much anymore. I have to work on Monday...lol. I may scrape together some cash and get a decent bike someday. Maybe when the kids are put of college

[@coltonowens2742]

Dude, I spent 1.5k USD shipped and taxed for a brand new Marin Rift Zone ,1 and even after adding pedals, a dropper post, and a better front tire, I'm still well under 2k. I live and ride in the "Rocky Mountains here in the USA, and they absolutely live up to their name. Absolutely gnarly terrain at times, yet I don't feel under biked at all. The bike industry is straight predatory, and a lot of people fall for it big time.

[@coastalhillbilly3419]

A lot of roadies are well heeled and obsessed with human performance.

[@22Jeffers]

I love the truth of this. It makes me facepalm hard when the numpties on Pinkbike tell the viewers that they can “really feel” the 0.5 degree head tube difference making the bike “more twitchy”.

[@godspeed821]

I used to believe crap like that until i tried different bikes with different specs (low-mid-high) builds and only felt difference between low and mid and it wasn't even noticable until i really started trying to differentiate them. Most mtb youtubers are like that these days, trying to convince you such bs. I get it, they might be pros and have a lot of experience in the field but they ignore the fact that most of the viewers are average riders that don't care about "the best" and "the fastest".

[@ghostAFsky]

I don't really care about going the fastest, but I do care about reliability and serviceability.

[@hanestshirtsarecool]

I don't care.

[@ghostAFsky]

@@hanestshirtsarecool ok

[@masterzaff1]

I'm still riding my gt zaz. 2003 aluminium hard tail triple triangle. On all the trails, still on rok shok suspension and shimano xt..i give it into the local bike shop to service every couple of years, those guys still proud they sold this to me all then years ago and still this bike won't break

[@rkn25]

I absolutely love this content and I think it's a much-needed viewpoint. I'm tired of seeing/hearing/watching people say that you won't be able to do x, y, or z because you don't have a tapered head tube or boost spacing or whatever. It's simply false. And while I agree that advances in geometry, components, etc may make a difference, the difference isn't nearly as pronounced as people often think. And even if it is - let's say 30 seconds on a given segment - is $2k or more worth it to you? Of course, some of this depends on the type of riding you do. If you're strictly hitting jump lines and taking the lift back up, yeah, you might need more bike. But most of the riders I see on the local trails are way over-biked, and frankly, don't have anything to show for sizable investment they have made. To be clear, I'm not saying that there is no difference. Buy the bike you want. If it makes you feel more confident on the trail, that's awesome. But let's stop acting like older or less expensive bikes are somehow incapable.

[@MattPula]

This is the mentality that led me to rebuilding a 2013 Yeti SB95 that I got for $500 to become my primary trail bike. Even after replacing the majority of the components with new stuff I'm into it for less than $1500, and there's basically no terrain where I live that would make this bike feel like a limiting factor.

[@michaelsturgeon5210]

Went out today with the boys ( bank holiday Monday in the UK) all of us said hardtail mission for shits and giggles on the group chat. We hit everything we normally would on our much more expensive full suspension bikes. Had a blast doing it, so much fun you don't need the super high end bike to have fun . The bike snob thing is definitely real tho .

[@Spindatt]

Love a good hardtail day out!

[@hanestshirtsarecool]

🇺🇸 USA 🇺🇸

[@omahamtb6580]

As someone who started on an old XL 26er hardtail with a 71° HTA, sub 450mm reach and didn't progress much over 3 years because the bike was twitchy, I can say with confidence that bike geometry matters to me. My 2nd bike was an XL 2022 Polygon T7 (65.5° HTA, 500mm reach) and it was a game changer for me. Over the next 2 years, my progression skyrocketed. I started hitting decent sized jumps and worked my way up to Drop the Hammer in Bentonville. 2 weeks ago, I took delivery of a L Canyon Strive:On (63.5° HTA, 500mm reach) and now I'm hitting scary (to me) jumps with confidence! Yes, I have gone back to ride my old 26er and yes, I was more confident on it than when it was my only bike BUT it was still terrifying and I'm still scared to hit the bigger jumps and drops with it. But it is fun. 🤣 So yes, you can build up a POS frame but no, it won't be as comfortable and probably not AS fun as a modern geometry bike... for me at least. You nailed the vain part. My new Canyon Underdog looks so sexy in that stealth black and I crave riding it every moment I'm not riding it. 🤘

[@findanadventure]

well put! I have thrashed my way down chunky steep rock gardens on my 100mm travel F&R 2012 Specialized Camber, and yes I had tons of fun. Though it was still terrifying and compared to my new 21' Giant Reign, I maybe had 20% of the control that I do with the new, modernized geo of the new bike. Room for wider tires and slacker HTA's make a world of a difference when it comes to the confidence a bike gives you. Will a POS bike work to have fun? Yes. I do still believe that it really depends on what you plan to do with the bike and what level you want to push yourself to.

[@omahamtb6580]

@@findanadventure yup. What you're riding and how hard you want to push yourself are definitely key factors in what bike you need. But sketchy rides can be fun too. 🤘🤣

[@Spindatt]

I think I’m probably too average of a rider or possibly don’t push myself enough.. I ride all the same trails on all my bikes without a second thought

[@georgeforeman89]

The best bike is the one that you will ride and puts a smile on your face. I’m wondering how much you rode in those 3 years vs how much you have ridden on your newer bike? Getting out and ridding consistently is the best way to progress regardless of skill and bike level.

[@omahamtb6580]

@@georgeforeman89 I've ridden consistently all 5 years. Generally 2 to 3 days a week unless life circumstances or weather gets in the way.. But now that I have the eMTB, I'm riding three times as far on each ride! Honestly, it makes me feel like a kid again!

[@daslupus4303]

Yeah, paying $20k for an ebike is pure wank factor. I still slay trails and crush egos with my stable of 26inch beasts, all of which are just well set up and the newest one is from 2015.

[@PeterCPRail8748]

The MTB bike industry reached its peak in 2015 2016 for tech in my opinion. 29ers and dropper post was the last of the meaningful majority acclimated technology. Everything since is marketing hype and profit margin bullshait. I still ride my 2015 Giant Trance 2 that I bought for 2500 Canadian Taxes included with a free gaint dropper installed and thrown in. In London Ontario in 2016. Only upgrades done. Pedals and gribs, changed the 2x10 to 1 x 10. Upgraded slx derailuer to an xt when I smashed the factory. 11 to 46 spread sunrace cassette, one up dropper V2, and Neuron Nukeproof wheelset as I tacoed my factory rim on me overshooting a table top resulting in a broken clavicle. The latest upgrade Shwalbe Magic Mary up front and Hans Dampf on back. Bike still keeps up with guys in newer 5 to 10 000 Canadian bikes no issue. I have been riding for 33 years, rented, and tested so many bikes on demo days. I can tell you that I fully agree with your statement that an average non pro or amateur competition rider, won't feel a lick of meaningful difference or performance gain fron entry to top of the line, from older geo to new super wide boosted and slack frame geo bikes. Heck, once pro riders have been releasing vids of them doing double black Enduro and DH trails on gravel bikes and road bikes. That's all you need to know that it's the rider and line choices and correct speed, not the bike.

[@Doty6String]

Hell I think the 29 wheel is a downgrade. Dropper is critical though. Great invention.

[@derKischda]

As a mountainbiker and tennis player I can say there are definetely parallels between the 2 sports and their most important gear (bike/racquet). After 10 years it was time for me to get a new racquet so I tried different ones from the same brand and there was a clear difference with which I feelt the most comfortable with. A bike will probably behave the same way. You'll get to same point of riding skill with different bikes but the time is will be very different in which you'll achieve that. The more comfortable you are with a bike the faster and further you'll progress in your riding skills. However there is a point where you have to spend so much more money for a bike that feels a little bit better that it makes basically no sense for the average rider unless money isn't a problem for you.

[@Spindatt]

As an average rider, I definitely plateau pretty quickly on all these bikes 😂, it doesn’t seem to matter how good or bad any of them are

[@Doty6String]

I play tennis too racquet weight and balance are all that matter. And flex. But the tech talk is BS! It’s just a carbon fiber hoop lolz

[@EriebyCycle]

I would have guessed the added weight of the e-bike had more to do with the faster time than the motor did… I ain’t know.

[@Spindatt]

This is true, hadn’t considered that

[@davebrown9725]

There are times when riding the 30 kilos of ebike are worth it, uphill and downhill.

[@mitmon_8538]

Can't wait for the "Worst Bike Build" series.

[@ashurany]

🤣 That would be killer!

[@Spindatt]

It’s going to be such a hack of a build for a while 😂

[@usernamefromhell]

That Felt with a nice paintjob, new (and matching) saddle, grips, and pedals, could actually look sweet.

[@Spindatt]

It’d still look dorky

[@abstraddic0442]

Great points here ! There's also a large amount of 35 year old guys on the trails that really want people think that their a pro or aspiring to become a pro based on having a $10,000.00 bike. They'll actually run you kid and you wide right off the trail, especially if they're riding a budget bike. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ref498]

For the most part I agree with you, but, man, I went from a 2015 Kona Process 134 to a 2022 Transition Patrol and the difference is night and day for me. Maybe not speed wise, but for the trails I ride, the more modern bike was way more fun, gave me confidence to hit things I had been looking at for years, and the POP (I think because I went from a single pivot to a horst link) made even the mellow trails feel more fun.

[@sim_dude]

i did sorta the same, 2016 kona 134 frame to a 2023 nukeproof alloy mega290. ride similarly, but the mega just let me try bigger stuff and stay in check at higher speeds. was originally looking at a 29" kona 154 but none in my price range and got the mega for a sweet deal. but to my kona's defence, i upgraded the fork and brakes to a mid/high level which made it bikepark capable !

[@dasauto7346]

POS BIKE video, hell yeah!

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

I agree with you. It’s funny how the internet or the pinkbike comment section believes the exact opposite.

[@MW-ud8zp]

when did you get the truck? I didnt notice it being mentioned in videos

[@stephenshepherd5068]

I also missed that. This is a race car channel after all, so I would expect a review.

[@thelifeofjessejames]

I think the bike industry is starting to run out of innovation. There’s a huge difference between a 2014 and a 2024 bike but there isn’t a huge difference between a 2016 and 2024 bike because that’s when innovation really started to plateau. Hopefully the mindset of needing the newest and best won’t be so prevalent going forward as new bikes are less and less “better” than their predecessors

[@frantzconstantinescu7601]

The Specialized Status 140/160 frame was on sale for a long time, At first for $700 and then $400. Now they have the Stumpjumper EVO frame for $999.

[@virginiascurti5036]

They have a Stumpjumper EVO frame in one color on sale which is good but only being done because they have it over stocked and the Status is a bit a meh bike.

[@Spindatt]

I like that it’s meh: perfect for me

[@guitarlessonsnow3431]

Felt reminds me of my ‘07 Kona Coiler, which I still ride a fair bit. Who cares if it looks dated? Mostly new parts, dropper etc. and it actually rides really well.

[@stanley909]

when he said "piece of sh*t" I... FELT that. heh. no? alright then.

[@Spindatt]

lol I see what you did there

[@unkokusaiwa]

If you are not riding the absolute steepest and deepest trails, trails with extreme consequence, little room for error where the goal is to ride as slow as possible until you are forced to get off the brakes, you can absolutely ride any old thing. Not everyone is willing to ride, or has access to trails that are better skiied than ridden, but when you find yourself drawn to these, there's a lot of justification in geometry, bike fit, reliability of performance and suspension set up.

[@andreaTRY2FLY]

Yep, I love my hardtail, but some of the trails I ride make me want to throw it away. A pump flowy trail, yes, absolutely don't need a full sus.

[@Spindatt]

sounds out of my skill level

[@danbob1650]

The bike don't make the rider...

[@petrosspetrosgali]

News flash!!! An affordable bike would be under 300 dollars for most people.

[@mtbbailey22]

I am in full agreement with this! Annoyed is a strong word, but definitely frustrated by the mtb rank that talk as if buying anything under 4k is complete trash. I would love to see a company settle in right under Polygon's price point and begin introducing more people to this awesome sport! One question I do have with either box store bike or an older bike is reliability... The low end bike got you down well/quickly this time, but is there set number of how many rides you have with bikes like that?

[@cfnaround1585]

They don’t do it because they are afraid people will actually buy it

[@crankshoptv8141]

Riding a hardtail really does show you what all your full sus mistakes are on a trail. So true.

[@Spindatt]

For real tho, I was getting ROCKED. I’d never ride that trail that way if I had stayed on the Norton all day haha

[@scottshipp2980]

I live in the PNW and there are mountain bikers here at all levels and hence there are bikes and components at all price points. I personally started out in the sport on an old Marin hardtail I bought off craigslist for a couple hundred. Then after a year and a half, I upgraded to a large manufacturer's more recent hardtail with modern geometry. I stopped going OTB after that. A year later, I upgraded again to another hardtail and the level of terrain I could ride, and my skill level, ramped up dramatically. After four years, I did spend some serious money and bought a last years' model full-sus at closeout prices. Now there are features on my trails that make sense when before I didn't even think of them as features. So there is a huge difference between the lowest and highest level of bikes in my experience. Still, I had fun on all of these bikes. And if you ride in a flat area like Iowa or if you live in the Rockies, you're going to have a really different view of what is necessary and a lot of bikes and components are not going to make sense. If you see some of the terrain here in the PNW, with people doing 2,000-5,000 feet of total elevation in a single ride, and also how fast the higher-level riders can ride it in, and how the different frames and components contribute to that, it makes sense. But it's like anything. There are diminishing returns past a certain price point. IMO if you can find a second-hand bike around $2,500-3,5000 you are probably to the point where after that the returns diminish pretty significantly. But another thing I have to mention: the bike industry marketing departments sure have an agenda. No argument there. But at least as much of it is consumer-driven demand for certain things. Some riders want carbon fiber parts even if it doesn't make sense to others. On the other end of the spectrum, my experience of a RockShox budget level fork is that spending double gets you a significant upgrade in ride quality and capability. I see the companies competing to meet price points and achieving different trade-offs and optimizations.

[@jimwing.2178]

The trails you chose to ride are a more determining factor than the bikes are. I know that these super-buffed dirt roads with artificial features made with precision contours are the current fad, but I'd like to see a similar bike comparison on a fun, old-school single track.

[@ericgelders]

Really like yr honesty here, also talking about the vain part: everyone wants their bike to look good (which is slightly different for any rider)...

[@JonathanWhoever]

In 2017 I bought a new Marin Hawkhill. I sold my 2000ish DBRX2 that I bought new. I regret doing that. One broke rear triangle, two broke main triangles now out of warranty. Frame can be replaced, for $1900.

[@mattyfrommacc1554]

Yep! as an older MTBer coming back to the sport after 30 years I can conclude, the shit we did on suspension-less fully rigid MTBs was wild and we had massive FUN! I took a 1991 MTB (with the classic GS with the 7/8 spd "future proofed" deore thumbies) out on the trails, I Had a great and the bike is perfect still, no wheel wobble and the canterlever brakes stopped me fine!!

[@paulmryglod4802]

So i come from a mx background and as an average joe enthusiast, i realized a proper setup of any modern mx bike was 99% of perfection. There is a video of some guys doing laps on a 93(?) 125 vs a 2020 125 and it was half a second difference on a one minute lap time. Just enjoy the experience. The bike isnt as important as you may think.

[@theredspoon1763]

Biggest noticeable difference on 2 bikes of the same geometry, travel, etc. should be the wheelset…

[@Spindatt]

I’d agree with that

[@PatrickKend]

The sad thing is you call the Felt a p.o.s. when I would love to have the Felt. You can call it a p.o.s. because you have access to better bikes. Not saying you’re wrong but what I’m saying is if you can have better everything else is a p.o.s.

[@azzy9532]

Curious how you'd feel about the results of this test tackling harder terrain that demands more out of the bike. That trail looks well built to cater to all skill levels and bikes. But to your last point some of the best advice I've received is to buy the bike that makes you excited to ride, the one that makes you wake up and look forward to getting back on it, the one that makes you want to tinker with and maintain it, the one that you feel most comfortable on, that is the bike you should get. Mountain biking is an inherently expensive, dangerous, exhausting, and time consuming sport so having something that motivates you to get out really adds to the fun factor. And unless you're racing the fun factor is all that matters.

[@Timthecommenter]

I just bought a 2017 27.5 diamondback hardtail for $150 to get back into the sport. Spent a couple hundred bucks on new tires, 4 pot brakes, and a 1x11 drivetrain, and it's an absolutely solid build for about $350. Definitely will serve me for a year or two while I plan an upgrade.

[@Spindatt]

Nice!

[@timothyadams3431]

i'm okay with full suspension bikes being mostly above $1500 new because it makes used bikes somewhat more valuable and in demand (in theory), and less disposable (maybe?)

[@davebrown9725]

My first dual suspension bike was a $1800, 2002 Giant AC Air that i picked up for $1200 at end of season. My next bikes were way more expensive when new, but I got them used, so way below $1000 each, plus some "sweat equity" like replacing the 8 pivot bearings on the 2004-06 Santa Cruz VP Free. The Cove STD was even more of a steal, it came with Chris King hubs & headset. Not all used bikes are worth it, the 2006 Kona Stab Deluxe frame cracked after a few years of ownership.

[@Doty6String]

In the bmx days of my life I built a bike out of all the parts I didn’t like, and somehow all the crap cobbled together was a great bike lol. Sun was greater than the parts

[@midwestmatthew9752]

I've always said never spend more on equipment than your skill level can utilize (maybe a little more to support future growth if you know for a fact you're that interested.) In my case, I ride a 1997 GT Talera that I bought new as a teenager. Upgraded to v-brakes and replaced the front sprockets and cranks when the originals broke; other than that it's still stock. I don't do crazy jumps, but I do ride technical stuff pretty hard and fast. The bike has lasted fine, and supports more than a 40-something family man probably ought to be doing on a bike anyway. I've ridden some 29ers with modern geometry but noticed little difference. I'm sure there is some, but my skills aren't at that level and I'm OK with that.

[@linemanap]

Just picked up a 7k Ebike last year's model for 53% off. Paying full price at the bike shop is just like buying a new car at full sticker price.

[@neogen45]

As a cheapskate and someone that doesn't replace parts until they die I'm somehow still riding a 10+ year old full suspension department store bike with a lot of stock components still intact. While I don't do bike parks with it(because that would be crazy), I do frequent ATV trails and have a blast on them.

[@craigtupper103]

Fantastic! I'm here for the 2 second run difference on the Specialized Status to prove a point.

[@Spindatt]

lol it’ll do such a similar time to the felt and the Norton, I’ll just like the way it looks so much better

[@studiodeepdive6165]

Been enjoying my $1000 Polygon Siskiu D6 SE and it's got all the trimmings a new rider could want 🤙🏾

[@jokermtb]

The best you have is the best you know, is how most riders get on with their existing ride. I’ve been mtb’ing since the 80’s, and without a doubt, the new modern geometry renders all previous bikes (your Felt too) obsolete in so many fundamental ways, and is perhaps the biggest improvement in bikes since I began doing this. Sure, your timed runs were about the same, but the ‘feel’ is completely different, and that’s where it’s at

[@user-tx1yl9xw3l]

Just bought a second hand full suspention Calibre BOSSNUT V2 for £325! So glad a didn't spend more as having the time of my life on it! As you say, don't need to spend big bucks to have a good time ;)

[@jayanderson6016]

I ride a Cannondale Trigger Black inc. from 2016. It was a $10K bike back then, but i stole it secondhand and have maintained it while upgrading brakes, dropper, and wheelset. Bike tech just hasn't evolved enough since it peaked and in some cases it has gone downhill....in a bad way!

[@garrettbryan2717]

I got an XC full sus bike for 1500 in 2006. I rode it for 15 years. I was better than most riders still. I loved it the bike and gave it to my kids. If you can ride you can ride. An extra 2-3k doesn’t matter for most people.

[@sim_dude]

biggest difference for me for somewhat similar HT angle / chainstay length : 1. brakes, if you can't stop, doesn't matter if you have the best suspension or not 2. cockpit setup (bars/stem somewhat sorted out) 3. wheel size and tire choice -> rolling resistance / speed The rest is more dependent of the terrain you ride i would say. That being said "better" bikes are better at keeping you less fatigued, a 2-3min run is quite different from an half hour descent, or even a 10 min bike park run at full speed (frozen finger type of speed by the end of the run) lol

[@Spindatt]

That’s a good point really, our runs here are so short I’m pretty happy to plow through everything no matter what bike I’m on

[@brianb6969]

55yo Here in MO. Brand New Subscriber! Question.. Can you do a Review on the Ozark Trail "RIDGE" 29" Large Frame from Walmart? I work there, and I'm trying to afford a Starter Mountain/Trail Bike. I literally Built 12 Bikes Today, because Walmart's Bike Guy sucks, and I'm always having to Tune them up. And Im broke! lol Just Wondering if the Ozark Trail Ridge is a Good Starting point. Berm Peak has done some Reviews... Can you do one?

[@sultanabran1]

i wouldn't get any bike with a yoke shock mount. you'll be ruining that shock in no time. a specialized specialty.

[@Pillokun]

Wasnt he a mechanical engineer? if so why not just buy an used boxer or similar and then just do his own triple crown with a slacker angle. A frame is just a frame and many aspects of the geometry can be fixed.

[@Spindatt]

Yeah but the felt would still be a stupid looking bike that wouldn’t excite me. It rides fine

[@Tanner731]

I sorta agree but as someone who went from a old geometry hardtail to a 2019 stumpjumper that funnily enough cost me $1500 its a lot more confidence inspiring than my old bike. If you are on a budget shop for a used hard tail or a full suspension from the last 5 years

[@Nolan320]

I have a 2015 Santa Cruz 5010 C v1, it’s a 10 year old carbon fiber full suspension. My friend rented a 2024 Santa Cruz 5010 c v5, I rode the rental bike and it felt way different from mine, way better at climbing and soaked up jumps a lot better, that being said I still rode faster

[@virginiascurti5036]

Also they are not even offering alloy frames anymore as a solo component, you can only get carbon most of the time.

[@BowzKnows]

Ebikes and Wentworth go together like peas and carrots.

[@Spindatt]

truth

[@coastalhillbilly3419]

Thank gawd for direct to consumer brands like Canyon, YT, ect

[@sycpup]

Any bike that gets you off the sofa, is an awesome bike.

[@user-vb6pg7op8z]

can you tell me where you bought the tailgate pad for your maverick?

[@lucasparenteau6085]

You missed giant, they offer the trance and stance, tubeless, full suspension, hydraulic brakes, 12 speed drivetrain, all for under $1500

[@wb3213]

As a casual rider I'd ride the hell out of that Felt and be proud of it too.

[@Reeheeheehe]

I think that the max that an everyman rider should pay for a full suspension is about $4000. For a trail hardtail, I might pay $2500 to $3000.

[@MissingLinkMTB]

Interesting. I'll also be out on the trails tomorrow in my lightly upgraded 2000 GT XCR. Still fun to ride and I just subscribed to your channel

[@davetbassbos]

The way I look at this, and it applies to musical instruments too, is that the higher profit margin stuff kind of supports the reasonable stuff. For example a Les Paul Studio in black at $2,000 is functionally the same (calm down screw counters) as the Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue at $10,000. But not sure the company would survive if it only sold the cheaper models?

[@Spindatt]

This is likely true

[@tularjaggs334]

I hope the "MTB industry" isn't being singled out here, literally every sport has this same bullshit.

[@SlowPythonV1]

All sports hobbies or interests are like this. It's not the game it's the players man, people can't be bothered to believe cheap things are equally functional to name brand flashy stuff. Personally I just wish everyone would buy what they want and let the others do the same. People just wanna gatekeep and tell you there's only one way to enjoy things...

[@usernamefromhell]

SELL ME THAT FELT FRAME PLEASE!!!

[@Spindatt]

Shipping would likely be $1000

[@usernamefromhell]

@@Spindatt Whaaattt?!? Shipping to Florida? ...damn

[@Spindatt]

@@usernamefromhell oh yeah it’d be ridiculous expensive.

[@joelankeny6277]

It’s always better to upgrade the ride (lose weight, skills lesson) then to upgrade the bike. It amazes me that people will spend $200+ on carbon handle bars but ask them to spend $100 on a skills lesson forget about it. My bike is a 150/140 with Fox 36 Performance fork and DPS shock. Does it have very basic tuning adjustments - yep. Does the average rider like me need anymore then that - nope. Even if I got several sessions worth of skills coaching I would only be probably pushing 50-75% of what my current rig can actually handle. By chance did House Industries help design your logo? They’re big into cycling and it just looks like something that they had their hands on.

[@travr6]

I must be a complete newb because that pos bike looks fine to me. Paint the frame and clean it up a bit but i would definitely ride that.

[@Spindatt]

I hate the look, but it’s all subjective

[@krokatoamonster7365]

I find the CL special, upgrade some parts a bit, and ride the POS out of it. Nothing wrong with a POS as long you just get out there and ride. I also ride my POS in a major urban area and it POSitively rocks.

[@the_nondrive_side]

the better you are on things the less the thing matters. I was just full ripping a made from junk OPUS Classico with a Tourney RD and a Raleigh fork.. 14-28 rear off a 38t front IYKWIM.... V Brakes on 38mm 700c... Ripping.. just a constant assortment of trash bikes and I love them today I'm riding a 1989 Hard Rock and putting some 2.4 tires on later

[@antn8387]

I recently built up a POS beater full suspension bike too. It's actually a great bike.

[@Spindatt]

The status getting all these parts will be the modern POS haha

[@ASAP2525]

Crazy opion , but get whatever bike that makes you feel the most comfortable and most confident and most fun. For me its a 5000 dollar stumpy EVO for you it might be a 1500 dollar used jeffsy my last bike btw. People like Sam pilgrim can ride a kitchen sink with wheels strapped to it down dirt merchant, but you don't see people running to Walmart to get some bikes, why? Because of convince, and it feels like garbage and sketchy and makes you not want to ride the trials you might like to ride be it flow or gnar.

[@stephenkohler3472]

First it was being able to afford carbon everything, then it was climbing with a heavy enduro bike, then shredding on a hardtail. I can totally see crushing it on a budget bike becoming the new flex

[@Spindatt]

That’s the dream!

[@travr6]

Now i just need a free frame and box of free parts.

[@Spindatt]

Keep all your parts around

[@christianpeters6579]

I just got an ad on instagram for fox gold suspension parts. I think shiny = better and faster.

[@Grrg]

Can't wait to see the hard tail be as fast as the status

[@Spindatt]

lol it’s true

[@lucideuphoria7092]

I have a 2013 GT Forrce LE 26" which has just been built up with modern budget components (marzo z2 150mm, full deore 11spd kit and clarks 4 piston brakes) and im finding everyone is suoer interested in the bike. Nothing like unboxing a brand new frame thats been in a box for 11 years. Noone cares if i ride my 6k modern pivot but the GT turns heads. Still rides pretty good with its 65° head angle and relativeky long wheelbase for its time.

[@Spindatt]

If the Felt was a better looking bike, I’d happily keep it together, but I hate the look of

[@DatPenguin97]

Everytime I see the Poseidon I'm weirded out at how close to my Canyon Stioc 2 (also white) it looks. I kind of have a Frankengravel POS built myself but I painted the frame myself and sort of like the look, today I was actually asked by someone if I put that thing together myself (was a chill e-biker I was trying to dust when he was coming up from behind, had a small conversation instead haha) so you probably notice it, however it just rides nicely ( also has an Suntour NCX suspension fork that I revised), even when ridden like a light XC :) I think there's something about a bike you put together yourself you can't get with a "ready" bike ( my Stoic is clearly the better bike but even that has upgraded parts), especially if you just have your mechanic skill/learning, a very tight budget and are not yet that experienced. That being said that Frankengravel of mine will soon get an upgrade to a GRX groupset to replace the 2001 Deore derailleur, cheap mechanical mtb disc brakes and old ahh Tiagra STIs xD Though it might be slightly different in my case because I actually modified the frame a bit, taking the mounts for a rear luggage rack, for rim brakes etc. off and smoothing the seat stays out as well as researching colour(s) I'd use and doing a full 3 stage paintjob (Ford Mischievous Purple, special mustang pearl effect colour, little yellow contrast details such as parody make and model name stickers coming on it soon as well). Once you put that much effort and time into a frame you're kind of hesitant to upgrade the frame at all...

[@johnsanchez2589]

I have a Status 160 and absolutely love it. Frame up build with reasonably priced parts, though the NX rear mech has gotta go.

[@Spindatt]

Yeah that NX derailleur is just the worst

[@jamesallenmainieri]

Felt back in the bmx days wasn't the worst really, they made ok bmx in the late 90 early 00s

[@anthonycordero5733]

That felt lookd like a walmart special or sears used to have a iron horse full suspension from sears miss that p.o.s it was a nice bike but the cranks sucked

[@Aus10c]

Brother, don’t take offense. But with the clean shaved face and head i can’t help but think of Voldemort 🤣

[@letour32rr]

Are you hinting Poseidon may start offering an affordable full suspension frame?

[@Spindatt]

I am not

[@letour32rr]

@@Spindatt awww dang

[@ekims_echoes]

I would argue that unless you're racing the time doesn't even really matter. The most important metric is if you had fun and it seems like you did on all of them.

[@Spindatt]

FINALLY, someone who actually listened to what I said in this video haha

[@mistermoore5784]

5:20 Felt = Frankenstein's Monster Created the same way!

[@waiata216]

I just think since the 1980's the bike industry like everything else got overtaken by generations who are now addicted to accessory upgrades . You dont just buy a bike now days. Hell no. For months a hundred bikes must be examined before the momentous purchase takes place. That is just the start because these bikes need hundreds of upgrades which cost thousands just so the bike might go 3% faster and allow your ride to be 2% smoother with 1% more pop. Like if you buy a $500 pair of Michael Jordon basketball shoes you are gonna play NBA. Its that simple. And people believe it 😄

[@Driverwanted45]

Just wanted to let you know , you regularly have more views that epic meal time...keep up the great content buddy

[@Spindatt]

Thank you Mike!

[@Emolokz]

You got one during that $420 sale didn't you? I did too. It was just too cheap to pass up.

[@Spindatt]

I was too early for that wild price!

[@Airfruit]

I actually think it is the opposite. ;) The more "average" you are, the more the geo/year/suspension matters. Less skill + more bike = more hero! Most dual suspension bikes these days can make most riders "heroes". Maybe it is just my definition of average is different from most people's. lol

[@natas12rm]

I bought a gt aggressor pro for $350.

[@mikehemens9359]

new bikes prices are slashed right now tho.

[@tristatetrifecta]

no ty.. no mopeds... ill take the felt and be happy..

[@Spindatt]

Each bike was plenty of fun to ride

[@rascal1234]

Not a crappy bike. Felt is a great performance name. More for road and cross though.

[@Spindatt]

It’s pretty crappy from its age and lifetime of abuse from me owning it its entire life. Rides well enough; just ugly

[@Goldenhammer8]

This advert was sponsored by Trek, Giant, and Specialized.

[@Spindatt]

advert?

[@fudganuld]

You need to look around more...!! There's plenty of £1000 full suss frames out there...!!

[@BicyclesandBurnouts]

I exclusively ride cobbled up junk so this video makes me happy

[@dragonflygenetics420]

Thanks for what you do I'm having to build a jumper dirt jump out of spare parts from a full suspension $6000 name brand bike that they won't sell me another shock I can get the shock out of Germany but Germany can't mail it back this way....

[@glennpettersson9002]

Sooo, it's the ride but not "THE" ride?

[@Spindatt]

Just in a lot more words haha