I tried testing carbon vs aluminum, but I found out something else..

[@Ferrari255GTO]

6:42 yes, it is about the rider, but by not caring about data you throw away the work from the engineers who made the bikes you love. The diference between frames is INSANE even with small changes and that's ignoring suspension geometry completely, knowing what works for you will not only make you faster, it will let you take more risks, have more fun, and improove overall as a rider. Thoose numbers are there for you to know what you want/like from bikes by comparing the feel you have with different frames and it's what makes the difference between them. You don't NEED them, but using and understanding them will give you an insane advantage when picking your next bike. If you don't believe me, just ask the guy from Berm peak about his custom frame...

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Great comment and very well said!

[@rushstoner]

I also think it is so hard to really show the meta’s potential with the tiny rear shock, I had a meta myself, and had a shock similar to that on it. (The fox dps) with no piggyback. I then put a float x2 on and the difference was unbelievable, you really need a beefier shock to unveil the true potential of that bike

[@rushstoner]

@@EvansMTBSagait would be interesting to make a video showcasing how the bike is with the current shock and with a new or used beefier enduro shock

[@robertdemare6140]

seth is his name

[@jeremyclutterbuck4665]

This test needs to be done with a Trek Fuel ex8 XT build vs a Trek fuel ex9.8 XT build so that the only difference is the carbon vs aluminum. All this proves is you like your Meta not that you like aluminum

[@ChrisRidesHisBike]

Two different bikes with vastly different geometry and components…. This isn’t a very good carbon vs aluminum comparison. The wheelbase difference alone between those 2 bikes is enough to make a huge difference. Obviously you don’t have an unlimited budget, but trying two frames with the only difference being material would be a much better comparison.

[@baulmitfahrrad]

for example a yt capra alloy compared to the yt capra carbon, but with same parts

[@FluffyDuck199]

I know it's a pricey option, but he could have gone a canyon cf 125 frame and just switched all the same parts to it to find out. Only variable then would be the frame material

[@mattlittlehales4913]

100% ageee. See these types of comparisons online and it's virtually pointless when there is so many different parts on each bike. Like you say, the wheelbase alone will make it feel way different

[@pinbike]

Facts

[@TheSpagecko]

I probably would have liked to see 2 specialized Stump Jumpers Evo, The Carbon Vs Alloy. Or at least something he has not ridden before. But yeah he doesn't have the budget for that. Maybe some day he'll get Berm Peak levels of notoriety and do the same video again. Gotta keep the KZbin algorithm happy...

[@GF-cb8rr]

I think a better comparison of aluminum versus carbon would have been like for like frame with components. Perhaps a comparison between your aluminum Spectral 125 versus a carbon Spectral 125 and leave all the other differentiating variables out.

[@dylanperschon8479]

Exactly

[@noahlarkins3246]

That’s what I was thinking the entire video

[@noahlarkins3246]

Even the arktos in 135 mm travel

[@dylanperschon8479]

@@noahlarkins3246 same here the whole time I was like so what does any of this have to do with carbon or aluminum?

[@justsayin3600]

I think this guy isn't brite enough to figure it out on his own so he needs all the help he can get.

[@ladecadencepuntonet]

Of course we want a fully Aliexpress build and review!!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

What type of MTB from ali? XC, trail, Enduro?

[@thes1ug]

​@@EvansMTBSaga Maybe instead of building one of those sketchy 300$ Carbon all-Aliexpress bikes focus on components that could actually hold up to hard enduro riding? Like chainrings, brakes or those new Elitewheels Gnar 29?

[@mikaschulz2990]

​@@EvansMTBSagadowncountry hardtail.

[@korbinmcdowell3069]

@@EvansMTBSaga enduro or trail!

[@MrSupermugen]

@@EvansMTBSaga enduro....

[@MartijnvandenBergNL]

Hey Evan! I started following you back when I was researching buying a Polygon Siskiu D7 in 2021, and did end up buying it after watching your videos. When you started your high-low series I also started upgrading the Siskiu D7 with different parts like getting a 130mm Rockshox Pike front suspension, Magura mt7 brakes and new braking discs, Nukeproof Horizon v2 wheels and changing the tyres to Maxxis DHF & Maxxis Dissector. Around this time I was also starting to frequently visit bike parks & more Enduro oriented trails instead of the usual XC oriented tracks in my neighbourhood. I kept on trying to change my downcountry/xc bike to a heavy duty trailbike. But in the end I had to admit to myself that this bike was simply not originally designed for this type of riding, no matter how many parts I would change. Maybe there is a small parallel to this video with trying to get your Alchemy trailbike to be a fully duty Enduro bike. Last december I finally made the decision to sell my Polygon, in favor for a Commencal heavy duty trailbike (by pure luck around the same time you started considering your Commencal I think!). I ended up going for the Commencal Meta TR 29 Race edition (160/140) and couldn't be happier. I decided to splurge a little this time by going for the full build with pretty high end parts so I wouldn't have to keep upgrading it like I had with the Polygon. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[@bobcog0001]

Honestly carbon is really only useful when building an XC bike. The lower weight actually helps, where as in enduro the lower weight really does little to nothing and keeps you worrying about scratching the frame the entire ride.

[@dylanperschon8479]

You proved absolutely nothing about carbon vs aluminum frames but Instead decided you don’t like fox factory suspension and the geometry of the meta was better for enduro bikes. No hate at all but you missed the mark on this one, I would recommend trying this again with two identical bikes only difference being the frame material, which then also would only come down to your opinion on which is better.

[@deanmtb883]

With regards to suspension setup, you should try hiring or even buying a shockwiz...... It takes the guesswork out of setting your suspension up and covers air pressure, volume spacer, high/low speed rebound and high/low speed compression. I ended up buying one and the difference it makes when you've set the bike up with it is massive

[@charlessbierman]

I would actually love to see a full ali express build!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I'm just worried about doing it because it won't have much resale value

[@charlessbierman]

@@EvansMTBSaga yeah, that is true

[@jayjavier7674]

The views on the page should be able to pay for it. Are you not sponsored by Ali express. Ask them to help

[@charlessbierman]

@@jayjavier7674 It’s more of the resale value

[@petererbse6253]

I totally agree with you that this many adjustments on the suspension can get worse pretty easily for the average joe. More dials means it takes much much longer to dial in your suspension, so if you're not riding every other day it's worth getting some good wheels for example instead of top end suspension. One other thing about carbon vs aluminum I recently found out are the handlebars. I bought a carbon handlebar for my hardtail and had immense wrist pain after 1½ to 2 hours of riding. Changed to an aluminum bar and rode the same trail the weekend later and the pain was gone. It really depends how the carbon is crafted and for which use it's indended.

[@xavierhulbert5849]

This probably isn’t within the budget, but I think an aluminum vs. titanium would be pretty sweet. Showing us the difference between vibration damping, sound, feel, etc. would be pretty cool.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Titanium FS frames are very rare, and in hardtail land Titanium is the creme de la creme, gives the ride quality and feel of steel while being lighter than aluminum.

[@samc821]

Its honestly so easy to get a horrible feeling setup on fox factory suspension, it took me the better part of 6 months tweaking then completely rethinking my settings to get it right on my X2 on my ripmo, then threw a zeb select + on the front and apart from getting the sag and tokens right its felt awesome from the start.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one. Rockshox so much easier to set up

[@MrUnl0rd]

Agree! Perhaps lots of others do too, hence the lack of new bikes shipping with RockShox.. Maybe because it's better for Sram to sell the goods retail than OEM, as so many do the swap.

[@moisesplata461]

Absolutely agree, once I tried full fox suspension on my bike, and man, I really missed my rockshox package: Lyrik 170mm and my vivid air rc2 167mm, super easy to setup. In the other hand, I think that carbon is ok for XC, All Mountain, enduro and DH racing, but for FR is just dreadfull, nothing like a good and stiff alloy frame for serious stuffs; thats my personal opinion

[@wellscarter17]

I’d love to see an aliexpress build series. Seems like reviews of the cheap carbon frames are super mixed online- I’ve been looking at the tideace enduro frames and they seem pretty legit. Also very curious about the cheap shimano group sets

[@charleshazen5779]

Don’t buy Chinese carbon. Simple as that

[@MrSupermugen]

the local XC guys use the ali express (sparks) theyve not had any issues, one of them has a whole stable of aliexpress frames, the big travel stuff holds up fine.

[@jevgeniardassov]

I have Shimano SLX 12x with four pot brakes. Whole group was below 650 euros, brake rotors included. And it works like a clock, two years, no problems. Well, one minor misstep, rear caliper one piston cracked and leaked, got replaced under warranty.

[@kjdunn9141]

​@MrSupermugen 😊😊😊😊p😮😮😮800000😮😮⁰000⁰0😊

[@AMAGRON]

Dang, can't say anything to those people with alloy at my races anymore 🤣

[@dylanperschon8479]

This video proves nothing about carbon or aluminum

[@dtj9923]

Fun comparison. I'm actually in the process of building an aluminum Salsa Balckthorn right now. My honest feelings about carbon, it's great for road bikes, it's great if you have a sponsor who is happy to replace your frame every time it experiences a lateral impact (rock, tree, or some random hard thing), I just don't like it for bikes that take a beating. It's really not what carbon does best. F1 cars, fighter jets, those are all great applications for carbon. But I'm happy trade a little extra frame weight for a material that bends and dents before it explodes. The only bike frame part I've actually broken in the past 20 years was the carbon seat stay on my otherwise aluminum Salsa Bucksaw XO-1. It didn't like getting launched off an eight foot flight of stairs I'd hit literally hundreds of times before on an aluminum 100mm rear travel XC bike. Literally broke into five pieces! I do ride Renthal carbon Fat Bar Lites, and Raceface carbon cranks. Love em. I have very mixed feelings on carbon wheels. One good nick in the fibers and they're compromised. Aluminum wouldn't care.

[@minimower]

This isn't really a comparison of frame material. It's more of a comparison between two different bikes. Frame material won't make you faster or slower. Certainly is interesting to learn about challenges when changing out / upgrading suspension components though.

[@uberfu]

Not really since Evan made an attempt to convert a Trail Bike to an Enduro and seemingly failed. He wasn;t changing out and upgrading components to maintain the originalk bike type - this wqas a pseudo-conversion effort. Huge Difference !!

[@everyhandletaken]

Not at all surprised with the result, you were super comfortable with the Commencal, so it makes sense that you would also be more confident on it & manage it better. Awesome bike. I love my Fox gear & I think correctly set up on the other bike would end up with a very similar result, but you are right about complication & considering the price difference in suspension components, it does say a lot about value & the importance of more not always means better.

[@edlorenz1552]

Also agree. My aluminum Orange five Evo weighs in at s competitive 24.5 pounds with 29er wheels and dropper. It's such a fun bike and it rides incredible. Carbon is light, but you feel everything on a carbon bike.

[@UrbanFishing-MTB]

Sounds scary. I use alot thr ht aluminum most of the time than the carbon bike of my gf. I hvnt really use it in the mountain yet. But if thats true what u said. That sounds scary 😅

[@hotrodstu77]

I would say it comes down to whatever bike youre more comfortable on. Clearly youve been riding the meta longer and are used to it. And you seemed comfortable with how it performed. The carbon bike was new and was giving you issues so of course it would be smaller. A better test would be identical bikes from a manufacturer but one in alu one in carbon and see how it goes.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I was thinking about that. Tough times probably led to more tense riding leading to exacerbated suspension issues

[@nebnollock5198]

You could try offset bushing in the shock to tweak the geometry, lowered the bb and slackened the head angle on my mythique and it transformed the bike. You might not want that head angle much slacker though so might not help too much. Angled headset cups would be interesting too.

[@mrvwbug4423]

The Alchemy is already 63.5 HTA in enduro mode, but it's got a short reach, short wheelbase and low stack for its travel. If anything, steepening the HTA to like 64.0 and increasing the reach a little might help him get centered up better on the bike, I have to wonder if this bike would be faster in trail mode based on geo alone.

[@brycebonilla4288]

I’m actually a huge fan of aliexpress bike parts. I bought some clipless shoes, integrated carbon bars, and what’s basically an xx1 cassette and they have all performed flawlessly. Just as long as your not stupid about who you buy from you will not be disappointed

[@A42sre]

Would love to see a full aliexpress mtb build😂😂, great idea!

[@AndreasHafenscher]

me too!

[@owenadair8893]

You should try aluminum vs carbon stumpys! They have the same geometry regardless of material, and I think you can buy them with the same spec. It would be interesting to see a better comparison between the two materials.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I have been very interested in Stumpy's especially since the frame only option is a pretty good price

[@owenadair8893]

@@EvansMTBSaga Yeah, it seems like most of the 2023 versions are on sale to make way for the 2024, you can pick up some great deals around this time! I work at a bike shop that deals mainly in Specialized, I'm really interested how they stack up with other bike you have tested.

[@oliverreis5625]

the frame rear travel convertion was awesome

[@АбзалКожабеков]

Hi Evan! I can relate your feeling, try different offset fork, more offset for more relax neutral feeling, also you can try wider tires (yes it help me a alot on may Ibis HD5)

[@k.bercero2921]

Ryan is the best wheel builder in town!!

[@ryankincaid9350]

Please don’t stop talking about the boring stuff it’s very informative

[@aGDonut]

Fit is usually more important than suspension tuning. When you switched the Arktos to “enduro”, you changed your whole body position and weight balance. Most people can account for the shorter reach without thinking much but, the extra Stack is a huge difference. Should have lowered your stem on the steerer tube first before using a longer stem. As for Fork, maybe a bit less air would have helped get your body position correct, then dial in compression to support where the air spring lacks. I don’t know the kinematics of that bike but, considering you were mostly complaining about the front end at first, I’d probably suggest a less progressive air spring set up and simultaneously a touch less sag. With minor and i mean minor changes to the suspension and some work on fit, i bet you’d have had a better time. Good luck and go fast, don’t die.

[@twinshock175]

I observed mostly from this that would just try and wing it with the suspension settings. Maybe a bit of time to understand to the adjustments would have gone a lot better for you. Tuning is a frustrating thing indeed. I would suggest to find the mid point as the starter, and go a quarter one way or back to do feel a happy spot. Also the the weight of the shock oil and pressure has its own effects. Its a bigger picture than most would attempt.

[@Hobojoemama]

I recently went from a carbon Intense Primer 29 to an aluminum Commencal AM 29 (29er version of SX). Very different bikes, yes, but I ride the Commencal way better solely because I’m not afraid to ride hard and beat it up. I’m afraid of cracking my carbon Intense in the rocky Utah desert.

[@MrSupermugen]

i pay $37NZd a month so i can do whatever i want with my bike.. insurance is the best thing for a mtb.

[@techjunkie68smusicandtech56]

what about steel frames, they still have a place, right?

[@joshe2420]

You can use sagly to help you out with suspension setttings! At least with complicated suspension it will guide you into the right direction

[@nycalien]

I'm a big fan of Aluminum frames. Recently I had a crack on by top tube and it was just a $50 welding fix at my neighborhood welding shop. If it was a Carbon frame, then the issue is will be an expensive time consuming one.

[@paulmaul]

Carbon frames can easily be repaired on your own even. They have epoxy repair kits for them.

[@sneakyray9160]

I’m wondering if I can do the same with my 2021 Giant Trance Advanced Pro 29-1?🤔 It has 115mm of rear travel and 130 mm fork. Can I increase the rear suspension travel to maybe 130 mm or more? The fork, I can just swapped it to a 36 with 150 mm.

[@Wiroe]

Would be cool to see a comparison between a piggyback shock and the one you have on the SX now, just to see how big the difference actually is. On the same bike ofc

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I have an idea to make that happen and done in a really cool way. THanks man!

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

I'm also building an Aliexpress bike. I'm using the Himalo boost frame. I'm slowly building it up. So far have the mtx 33 wheels with koozer 490 pro and sapim spokes, Cruz crank arm (155mm) and a race chainring, Maxxis assegai and DHR II and DNM coil shock. I'm planning on buying the Himalo 36 dual air fork and Ztto core IV brakes once I get the dough. I think the problem with the 1st bike is you need a coil shock and the fox 38 is probably too big for you on that bike, I mean the fox 38 doesnt match for that frame. Try a fox 36? Or even go full DVO front and rear.

[@halnogaies1256]

NICE video..... I liked the fact that you found your old bike better than the new carbon.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Kind of agree with many of the comments, with those 2 bikes it’s not really aluminum vs carbon comparison. You can get the Fox Factory with the Grip 3 damper, much easier to set up compared to the Grip 2.

[@donnovicki9771]

The stability of the Commencal is due in part to it's wheelbase. The 31 mm advantage of the Commencal cannot be understated. Shorter WB is always going to be more twitchy than the longer WB and no amt of shock adjustment is going to make up for it. This beats nursing for sure doesn't it?

[@mtbwithct8426]

ShockWiz the fox suspension, you may very well need volume spacers to cut down on the chatter of the suspension and you may need some different combo of high/low rebound/compression. The shock wiz in my opinion will help you AND teach you a lot about the suspension you are riding.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I do want to bring technology onboard for my shocks, but something a bit more advanced than Shockwiz 😍

[@bradenbeere2225]

I was pretty disappointed with ShockWiz. The feedback it gives you is pretty rudimentary, and most people can get their suspension feeling better than the ShockWiz can

[@EvansMTBSaga]

That's what I've read too. I want to see the graphs of the data collected and I guess the Wiz just gives recommendations

[@Aruhito_0]

Looks like the stem length difference , and maybe bar width change the nervousness of the front. I've been testing different stem lengths the last week, even 2 cm made a huge difference.

[@TheMinidave69]

What camera are you using and overlay for the speed gps etc.

[@6242-j1z]

can a seat post clamp mount and/or seat stay adapters holding a 10-30kg package at the rear rack damage the frame on on-off pavement bumps rides in city/ off roads?

[@imattultra1623]

I completely agree with the 'too many settings to adjust' feel. I just want air pressure and rebound adjustment, that's enough for me!

[@marlonhok]

same

[@EvansMTBSaga]

That's how my "XC shock" is on the Commencal. I have it dialed in with the few adjustments and funny it has no issues with the 3 min runs at my shuttle park

[@imattultra1623]

@Evans MTB Saga Yeah 3 minutes would be unlikely to cause any significant fade. I have the Super Deluxe Select with just rebound adjustment. Basically your shock with the piggybank. Is so smooth!

[@HOLYCAKNOLLY]

So can you get a very large shock( 210x70 or something) and not use an adapter and just mount the shock straight to the alchemy linkage?

[@joebikes]

Dude it’s wild I can immediately see that your Commencal suspension is dialed 😎 it looks buttery smooth over the chunk in comparison to the Alchemy’s suspension. I prefer Rockshox suspension settings. I’m not sure what makes them easier to dial in, but they’re just easier to dial in 😂 for me atleast.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Joe! I like the mid stroke feel on Rockshox

[@stanley909]

Which one is best? Whichever I can afford LOL

[@alexflosho]

"I put a longer stem on" Lol

[@ItsMeHammie]

I have a Ibis Ripmo AF with DVO coil suspension and Diamond Fork, and an Ibis Ripmo V2 (carbon) with Fox Factory X2 and 36. Both perform excellently. I actually think the AF might be a little more fun, but the carbon definitely feels a lot more lively and I like pedaling it longer distance a bit more. 6.5lb difference between the two builds. I think I'll be using the AF for downhill/enduro races and the carbon for my trail days.

[@mrvwbug4423]

The carbon is probably going to be the better bike for endurobro stuff, the AF flexes a bit at the head tube and the DVO Diamond isn't a terribly stiff fork. I have the Onyx SC on my Ripmo AF and I can still feel the flex in fast rock gardens, especially when compared to a carbon bike with a Fox 38, the carbon bike feels like a scalpel in comparison in its ability to hold a line.

[@thim8009]

I went to r.s. coil ultimate and absolutely love it. Best shock I've ever rode on and a lot easier to set up.

[@shaunschneeberger6301]

Same here have one on my specialized enduro expert with carbon frame carbon rims and carbon handle bar and it rides like a dream bike setup important

[@Kiteholic]

A friend of mine had the same problem with fox 36 or 38 grip 2 kashima. He did not like it, and he told me he had to send it back and was a manufacture problem

[@Dream-season]

Sweet idea for a video! Interesting how much changes depending on set up

[@danytheunicorn95]

great content, great approach and numbers and even testing. I wish the commentary was less cringe tho but hey, can´t complain otherwise

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Lighten up dude

[@KuriShogun]

Yep

[@cordbierman2665]

Boom I like the KISS principal too, keep it simple stupid, Less settings on the shock, the better the chances of having a better tuned shock! Boom! Sorry I just wanted to say Boom again

[@EvansMTBSaga]

BOOM! hahaha

[@deadfinggerz]

Fox Grip2 HSR is a bit tricky to tune. I run mine just 3 clicks from closed. Anymore than that the fork feels too bouncy and pings all over the place. LSR can be set to taste and trail conditions.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I like a slow rebound too. After filming this video I've taken the bike out a few more times and it's running pretty good now, but definitely has it's strengths (jumping turning) and weaknesses (high speed plowing)

[@pmx360]

What program did you use for that telemetry??

[@tom_kinno]

i have the zeb ultimate 3.0 on my canyon torque al6 27.5

[@robertmills6241]

You need the same bike in aluminum and carbon for this concept to be relevant. All you did was show that different suspension and frame designs make the for a different feel, not materials.

[@BenTrenBro]

I ride my bike with slowest rebound it can go. I don't know why or how but that is just how I like it. I ride with that setting everything from the road to 3-6 meters drop

[@kslater8565]

I think you are kinda like me. I like marzzochi suspension because it has like no settings. I almost never miss the setting my fox 36 had compared to the Z1 I have on my current bike. I have a float x in the back but it's not the factory one with too many settings its the basic one. The marzzi rear shock came out after I bought my bike or I likely would have tried to get that instead.

[@RADkate]

that with the less adjustablity is treu the Charger raced day is the best xc damper out at the moment.

[@gregmclendon6385]

Steel is real and plastic is for toys 😂

[@oliverseufert8585]

1:30 Yes enduro bikes are fun and all but the vast majority of mountain bikers don't need one, you really only need one if you plan to race or your local trails are steep and gnarly. Lots of riders over bike themselves when the terrain and there skill level will be overshadowed by a long travel enduro bike. Most riders will be better off with a trail bike.

[@AndreasRavnestad]

Can definitely recommend those photochromic glasses from Rockbros!

[@matttiggerward6147]

Yeah I’d be interested to see a Ali express MTB , I’ve seen it done with road bikes but not MTB yet. (I will recommend the ZTTO ULT cassette from there, very good and light and like 1/3 the price of top end sram)

[@matttiggerward6147]

Also the L-Twoo A12 shifter/Derailleur are pretty good too

[@noorkeststroemen4030]

In my opinion you are not comparing aluminum vs carbon, but rather two different bike geometries and rear axel paths. Plus, the carbon one is pumped up and not in the original trail form that it was intended. It would have been relevant to compare the same bike (brand, model, year) in aluminum and carbon form.

[@linusnilsson2734]

Hey! I am starting to ride and wondering if there is a huge difference between mtb full face and a motocross helmet? I have ridden motocross just 2 years ago so I have a good helmet and googles etc. But don’t know if it is just better to buy a real mtb helmet?

[@shaunschneeberger6301]

Huge difference especially weight and ventilation I was actually concerned going from half sell to full face got a fox proframe never look back. But to answer your question huge difference between motor cross helmet and mtb fullface

[@edlorenz1552]

Love your content. Its some of the best!!

[@mattmorrison9379]

Both of them look great.

[@joshbuehler4994]

Personally I just bought my first carbon bike a few years ago and it’s a diomondback 4c and it’s way better and dampening in the frame and it had the same shock setup as my aluminum older bike

[@MTBCoop]

I just got a rock stuck in-between my front and rear triangle on the Arktos 😢 Make sure you cover up that small gap to prevent damage! I'm hoping it's just a paint chip rather than a crack 🤞🏻

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh yikes! If I was keeping it I'd definitely get a rear fender

[@mkim64]

63.5 HTA should be reserved for DH bikes - way too slack for just local trails. Combine that with the wrong fork offset and you'll just feel floppy.

[@johannesmtb9446]

Does somebody have any tips for Suspension setup i am very bad at that and I have a Problem with slipping anway with my left Hand on my new bike( specialized Demo)

[@pinbike]

There's one that is not fixable by any means. You can weld or braze aluminum or steel, or even titanium. But you are sol if you crack, snap, chip, or anything potentially weakening to carbon. You may be able to get a specialist or the manufacturer to fix, (may) but it's not likely to be structurally sound anymore. If you have a full sus and can remove you're triangle you can just buy whatever half you need (if possible). If you're using a hardtail, sorry..

[@TheWrigle]

While I don't think this experiment proves anything about frame material, I do think it helps to demonstrate that just cause I bike is more expensive doesn't mean it will work better for you. Frame geo and suspension setup will make a vastly greater difference than frame material.

[@mattj6676]

These minute differences in settings don't make a difference to the average rider, but they make a huge difference to an expert rider running at the edge of out of control. For the average person watching this video or out on their own bike the difference between one bike and the other really doesn't matter much. The average rider cares way too much about getting gear that they can't possibly use to its full potential. I know they're a sponsor, but good tip on the Aliexpress. I don't want to damage or lose a $200 pair of glasses when riding!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Great comment Matt! I appreciate it and agree 100%. I'm trying to find my speed with Enduro so I need everything to work well so I can ride that ragged edge 😁

[@simonm1447]

I use commercial protection glasses for riding. They are cheap in comparison, but still durable and today you get quite fancy ones

[@silaslai5913]

Tire pl.y didn't said f&r shock how many lb

[@GRAAmusic]

Have you ever testet a bird frame. Just Got one used and is about to build it.

[@spokestylemtb]

It has always been so funny to me how you use time trials to compare bikes. here is a little advice for bike reviews. instead of just riding the bikes and timing yourself, describe how the bike feels and who it is for. your videos would be way better if you do that instead of making such huge emphasis on the times.

[@mthhhjchambefs6629]

Front end nervousness or twitchiness can be reduced by rolling ur bars back a little ! ❤🎉

[@allenjanes5976]

You know, you seem to have plenty of resources at your disposal . You might try coil sus front and back for that much travel. I converted my stumpy EVO to coil and it changed everything for the better. Never going back to air. I went with a rc2t in the rear and an ACS conversion kit for the front

[@chriscameron7174]

How are you liking the front coil fork? I put the Push 11.6 on the rear of my Evo and it's been so awesome! Still have the Fox Factory 36 air on the front, which I've tuned pretty well, but considering sending them to Push to convert to coil. Have you noticed that big of a difference on the fork?

[@allenjanes5976]

@@chriscameron7174 yeah big difference for me. I use the bike mainly for silver mountain bike park in Idaho but it's still very nice on milder trails while I'm out just having fun . That bike will never be air again because it's super supple everywhere.🤘

[@danielvelasquez7708]

Aluminum it can take beatings out in the trail, the main difference is the feel, & settings I would keep it simple.

[@Casey_Jones__]

I think you should do a full Ali express bike build

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Looking some of their offerings up right now! I might have a Livestream chat decide what AliExpress stuff goes on the build though

[@TheRicardoSanchez]

It’s no longer a conversation about and comparison of carbon vs aluminum. It’s entirely about components and geo. Geo more than anything. Started riding 4 years ago. My time on bike has been equal parts Found My Religion and product testing. It didn’t take me long to conclude that geometry is a firm, hard(giggity) #1. There’s another excellent MTB youtuber, Donald Rides Bikes(or something like that) - he rides a Trek Roscoe I think. Hard tail. But it has a 65 deg HA. Donald absolutely smashes some legit serious trails on that bike. Steep and janky. He knows how to handle a bike, which obv is really what it all comes down to - but that geo enables all his more demanding rides. It isn’t components and it’s an aluminum frame. Net-net: my next ride will be couple lbs heavier AL frame with mid-high grade components and aggressive geo: 64-65 HA + 76-78 STA. For me those are the sweet spot specs that enable me to pedal everything and descend just about anything within my skill.

[@mtbw1ll82]

You should put the float x2 on the Meta if you turn the arktos back to trail

[@richmiller8034]

Leatherwood is it's own animal. I just built up a bike with riding Leatherwood being prime consideration. Kills there. Canfield Balance (aluminum frame), 180 Zeb, Progressive coil, e*13 carbon wheelset, 165mm canrks, Revgrips, etc

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Progressive coil would work so well there because the rock rolls to harsh landings. Shorter cranks too. Thanks for the ideas and I hope I see you out there! I love that place

[@lefthorse1]

Aluminium its better because its not overpriced , its a metal , it has a ductility and its reparable by weld ... not because that 11 seconds

[@Rhinowalk_Global]

A video presentation of the bicycle fork Bag is available here:kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpSlqIJud7qqe6c

[@jeehoonjones1389]

just raced enduro on my hardtail, and wanting an enduro bike. looking at a YT Capra MX Core 2

[@mrvwbug4423]

It comes down to the bike with carbon vs alloy. It looks like converting the Alchemy to "enduro" results in a bike with weird geometry. I would try this same run again on the Alchemy, but back in trail bike mode, I wonder if it will track more stable in trail mode. I've done my own comparison of my own alloy bike vs a carbon demo bike on a high speed tech trail and reached the opposite conclusion, but in this case the carbon bike was a RM Altitude so the S-tier of enduro bikes. I was 3 minutes faster on the Altitude vs my Ripmo AF, the Altitude felt like a scalpel through rock gardens at speed where the Ripmo gets a little vague in high speed tech.

[@Ginganinja247.]

One this I found out when tuning the bike is hit the same trail multiple times to compare

[@michalmalanowicz7595]

Modern carbon can also be flexible where needed and can dampen vibrations well. However, for normal use, aluminum is simply much more practical. Carbon, on the other hand, will prove useful in sports and road bikes, where every gram is worth its weight in gold.

[@MrVenomist]

speed safe carbon rims from aliexpress are good?

[@FoCoFlowShow]

Speed vision makes awesome wheeels - got both of my carbon wheels for both bikes from them - did a review video on my channel for each

[@universe-juice]

Fear of commitment at best will mess up your run, at worst will get you hurt.

[@GF-cb8rr]

Evan, I always cross reference the bike manufacturer and suspension manufacturer recommendations for my base settings then adjust from there. I can get a bike pretty dialed in a fairly short amount of time. Some manufacturers are better than others in regards to set up recommendations.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Interesting, maybe I'll check Alchemy's site to see if they recommend suspension settings or have like a calculator

[@GF-cb8rr]

​@@EvansMTBSaga look at Fox's manual for your suspension as well. You'll find recommended suggestions for rebound and if you look deep enough usually compression as well

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Alu might be better in _THIS_ frame and setup, but when comparing materials, you have to eliminate all the variables to really get down to the actual differences.

[@adoonjackson2605]

you dont need to be a rocket scientist to ride a bike but to ride at an advanced level you do need to have an idea of whats going on, try starting suspension setup with compression fully open on both ends. get your pressure/ramp and rebound feeling dialed then add compression as needed (then wait for the x2 to explode lol). also idk how tall you are but the nervous front end could be just because the thing is pretty short.

[@25rsti15]

What are you using to display your stats?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Using the fit file on Garmin virb

[@25rsti15]

@@EvansMTBSaga thank you.