Battle of the short travel 29er trail bikes // Ibis Ripley vs Transition Spur

[@mtbyumyum]

Please join me Sunday, October 4th here on KZbin at 8:30 PM MST for a LIVE STREAM where we can answer any of the questions listed below the video and just hang out!!

[@bitumen83]

Great video as always. Is that Syncros mudguard on that fox 34? And if it is, does it comes with screws or you must buy them additionally? Thanks in advance.

[@noahshamrell4618]

@@bitumen83 they come with the mudguard when you buy it

[@troycarpenter3675]

Climb better than the top fuel?

[@Jaymuse13]

Try and review evil following V3 and add to the comparison of new short travel 29ers! Great reviews!

[@ArmorOfZeus]

That bike is absolutely dialed.

[@C26A5]

@@ArmorOfZeus I'm selling my Evil Following V3 for the spur.

[@C26A5]

Own the Evil Following V3 now. Selling for the Spur. The Following imo has too steep of a head tube angle. Doesnt feel that planted.

[@ArmorOfZeus]

@@C26A5 yeah man the spur is a great bike too. I'm just not into the super slack geo. I don't have a problem with the v3 in terms of feel but I know the flip chip is always there if I wanted to slacken it a bit but would only find that necessary on the super steep stuff.

[@schinagldaniel7752]

@@C26A5 Did you demo the Spur? I am hesitating between the Following and the Spur? Which one is better for jumps? They say the following is super snappy and easy to jump with. Mojo 4 is also on the list , maybe it's even more fun to jump. What's your opinion?

[@Jacob99174]

@Mtb yumyum You did this video by request for the people, way to go 👊

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes, you guys made it happen!!! Chris at Salt Cycles did some leg work and reached out to one of his customers who recently purchased one and they let me demo it for a few days... thank you!

[@scottaw]

Would love to see you demo and evaluate a Specialized Epic Evo, and how it compares to the Spur and Ripley.

[@sethmichael8188]

I bet they ain't as good. Specialized makes good cx and road/gravel bikes. But when it comes to this or more aggressive trail. Idk man.

[@rlsedition]

@@sethmichael8188 I do, as I own one. The Evo flat out works.

[@mara2382]

recently got the 2019 giant trance 2 29er with "just" 130 front and 115 rear... does gnarly stuff really well (definitely better than my beginner's ass) and was really smooth in moderate trails in the bikepark 👍🏼🤙🏼

[@jennifersandoval7525]

I would like to see you test the Specialized Epic Evo and compare it to the Spur and the Ripley. I put these three bike at the top of the list for best short-travel 29ers. Thanks for all the great videos and reviews.

[@bikeste]

Yes!

[@mtbyumyum]

I have a demo lined up on the Spesh Epic Evo... hopefully soon!!!

[@bikeste]

@@mtbyumyum Excellent! Most interested to know what you think of it on your lower trails (thinking of something for an all day/marathon bike, 23 lbs). We all know it's not the right tool for Jacob's Ladder. Thanks again!

[@tonybasoni8443]

MS,.....What about the yeti sb 115?

[@jennifersandoval7525]

@@tonybasoni8443 The sb115 has old school XC geometry and is the same frame as the sb100 (which is an XC bike) but with longer travel. I'm not a fan of XC geo. Hopefully, Yeti will do an update on the sb100/sb115 and improve the geo. If the SB115 had the geo of the Spur/Ripley/Epic Evo it would likely go to the top of the list.

[@goforbroke2]

Ummm exactly what I needed to hear, I’m a bigger dude at 250 lbs and was seriously looking at the Ripley or Ripley AF. Will definitely check out the Spur now. Awesome review.

[@mtbyumyum]

You might also take a good look at the Pivot Trail 429 🤙

[@goforbroke2]

@@mtbyumyum Ive rented a decent amount of FS bikes Switchblade, SB120,130,140, Intense Primer, and etc… a lot of them felt like wet noodles under my weight. Which is probably why I’ve been jamming on my custom steel single speed for a while now, but it’s nice to have gears and cushion sometimes.

[@TheJonchatfield]

Great video! I'd love to see a similar one comparing the Spur vs Revel Ranger.

[@mtbyumyum]

Should have the Ranger next week

[@leejohnh22]

@@mtbyumyum any update on the Ranger review? thanks!

[@havenoutdoors584]

@@mtbyumyum Also wondering about the Ranger. :)

[@powsnob04]

Waiting to hear your thoughts on the Ranger and how it compares to these two...

[@GallantLee]

thanks for the review. I actually prefer the external rear brake cable. It's something I think all bike brands should do.

[@elledakid33]

Hey there. I have been riding a Spur for the last year and Its fairly easy to compare these bikes with stock components!! But i have to say the Rockshox SID suspension that come stock with the Spur is pretty average to say the least. For almost the same price you can upgrade to a far better suspension. So I upgraded to a Fox 34 130mm up front with a Fox DPS in the rear and the bike is simply amazing. If you want the most out of your Spur upgrade your Shocks ASAP. You will not be disappointed!!

[@TomCollins-c4h]

I have the same issue with the SID select and SIDluxe select plus. I wonder if its worth the price to put FOX suspension on it.

[@taunir713]

Show the Sentinel! I know you want to 😄

[@aarookec3752]

Let's see that sb130 lunch ride video you've been talking about on Instagram

[@geoffkoop]

Do it, do it!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep!! It's coming.... got the footage... just need to edit and upload!

[@johnnnewmex]

I have a short travel bike at 130mm and also owned a tallboy v4. But I'll just say that most people that can enjoy a 120mm for all their riding probably live in less rocky areas. Our trails are very rocky and mid travel bikes can take the edge off that a 120mm bike doesn't always. But yeah finally short travel geo has caught up with mid and long travel geo!

[@Manuel-en9pr]

Awesome review. It’s going to be a tough decision to make in spring to add a shorter travel 29er to my Ripmo. I hope they will have the demo truck going again by then. I do like the extra travel the Ripley offers. The Ranger and the Specialized Evo are gonna be a great contender in that category too.

[@mtbyumyum]

Evo looks most promising. Spur frame is about a pound lighter than the Ripley

[@mikepurnell5645]

Still waiting for the Evil Following review

[@Justin-jn3ql]

Great video. Looking at the spur as well as the giant trance x 29. Hope you do a video on that one as well. Thank you.

[@mtbyumyum]

I would love to get more rides on the Giant brand bikes... not very available to me at this time...

[@barbbrazes869]

Thanks for another awesome video! I’m close to making a decision on buying a new bike!! Ibis Ripley is on the top of my list!!

[@mc540flip]

I purchased a ‘19 Stumpjumper and really dig it. Your review was a bit of an influence on that decision. But man, I really think I’d dig that Ripley!

[@billw_mtb3220]

Excellent review. The spur looks really interesting for a 2 bike quiver. The brake line on the outside is nice when you change brakes don’t have to re-bleed the brake. Definitely looks better with internal routing tho.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, but how often are people changing brakes. I'd rather have the clean internal cable look...

[@billw_mtb3220]

MTB yumyum haha for me 2 out of 3 bikes. I do most of my own wrenching. But have never been interested in investing in bleed kits.

[@phillipconnolly5020]

Yeah I pick mine up tomorrow. Had no idea there was external routing for the brakes... Oh well it's all about the ride and cardio anyways!

[@johnguillaume5919]

Terrific video - The Transition is now on my list along with the sB115 which feels like it needs to be in this “head to head to head” -

[@mtbyumyum]

The Spur and the sb115 are very different.... almost like different categories. sb115 video coming soon!!

[@robygoncalves4348]

Santa Cruz Tall Boy and Evil Following please. Was suprised you got ride of the Revel

[@jackryon3443]

Another great review, thanks for your hard work! I've been watching a lot of your Ripley content as I'm planning to either build or buy a complete bike soon-ish. I'm about the same height and weight as you, too, so I find a ton of value in your vids. I was curious if you had an opinion on which of these 2 (spur vs ripley) might be better for endurance races? I'm a broken ultrarunner, and am just beginning to dip my toes into 6/12/24 hour mtb races, and that will be the intended use for the next full-squish bike I buy. I did a 6 hr on my 2021 Trek Fuel EX 9.8 a few weeks ago, and while it was pretty comfy for a long day, I know there's probably a bit more efficiency I can eek out of a slightly "smaller" bike. Anyhow, I really dig your channel, and thank you for all the great info. Cheers!

[@mtbyumyum]

I would go with the current Pivot Mach 4 SL over the Ripley for the weight savings. Cannondale Scalpel SE is also light weight and efficient while not being too harsh…

[@joonchung9728]

Great choices for realistic situations! I love my Ibis DV9

[@iberofernandez7888]

OMG - I predict that the new Transition Spur Inventory will last just one day at their Warehouse ja ja

[@johnschick716]

I was expecting more “Mach chicken” references 😔

[@mkrj2576]

Hey! Let's revisit this comparison. Pretty interesting that the Spur hasn't really changed since it's been out. Not sure about the Ripley. Thanks for the great review. It says a lot that the Spur takes the edge with hard DH performance with a 120mm xc fork. Gives you the impression the Spur, likely due to its geo, can be built up lighter yet still handle relatively rougher terrain.

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

Love your videos mate ,watch them all. Thanks champ 🙏

[@mtbyumyum]

Awesome, thank you!!

[@mrrims]

Two sweet looking rides!

[@exalbino]

Great review Jason! Thanks!

[@yourintrepidtravelers1586]

Great review, thank you.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for watching!

[@mtnbike42]

Thanks for the great videos they’re very informative. Agree about demo’ing bikes yourself but you give us a place to start. Rode the SB115 last week gonna be on the Ripley this weekend. Hey maybe I should start my own channel haha

[@mtbyumyum]

do it!! The more content the better!

[@RonTamondong]

Hey Jason, great video! I think my next bike is going to be the Transition to replace my Felt Decree 1. I'm the guy you meet at Salt Cycle parking lot in August who rented the Ibis Ridley and didn't really like it. Too bad all the Transition Spur have be sold out in area til spring 2021 and demoing it is next to impossible.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, bummer about Transition... too bad as they're likely missing out on a lot of business. Nice to meet you!!

[@luciccrew617]

pivot trail 429 is treating me tremendously. it surprises me every ride!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I really liked that bike for general trail riding...

[@rcvalley8706]

Glad I found your videos, I’ve been researching the short travel 29ers a lot so your videos and awesome reviews have been great! I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on the 2021 intense sniper T compared to these two bikes. Keep up the good work!

[@RobertsonDCCD]

I will try to join the livestream-can’t get enough of you slamming those coconut waters! My question will be on the mind of others, I would guess. How would the Spur ride with a 130 fork? I ride the Ripley and have toyed with upping my Fox 34 to a 140 as you did. Pretty sure a 120 is not for me unless I have a 2 bike quiver. Thanks, Jason!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha thanks dude! Lets discuss Sunday evening !!

[@vonrunner]

Two great bikes. The new Transition line is soo good, but I agree with the rear brake line complaint you have. The lines of those new frames are so clean and running an external brake line like that just looks bad.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I've got no need to swap a rear brake that much... I'd rather the clean look of internal

[@zxtenn]

New Altitude has a Fox 38 now but thats also added weight if not needed--Been thinking of something like the Spur, Clint Gibbs also has 1

[@mtbyumyum]

The Altitude I have has a 36 on it... I think it's just the "Rally" model that has the 38

[@zxtenn]

@@mtbyumyum You're right, i just checked, the Rally 90 is also 9 grand, nothing wrong with a 36 for 99% of the riders out there. Actually i just called about a 2021 Element carbon 90 this afternoon but not available for at least another month, just a thought anyway

[@jamest2660]

I'm hoping you're able to ride a Revel Ranger as well some time soon to compare to these two. I'd like to get a short travel trail bike next year and those three are the top of my list.

[@mtbyumyum]

I should have a Ranger for demo next week!!

[@thomaskuhn6541]

@@mtbyumyum Looking forward to your thoughts on the Ranger. Next years bike, first new bike in 5 years, will be a Ranger, Spur or Ripley.

[@jamest2660]

@@mtbyumyum Awesome! I'll be anxiously awaiting the video review.

[@chrispobanz1161]

I've been on a ripley for over a year now. I have a spur frame that is supposed to arrive by the end of this month. One thing that I dislike about the ripley is there is alot of chainslap and noise. Did you find the spur to be quieter? I have a light tune shock on my ripley, did the spur feel more progressive in the rear end? I plan on trying a pike and a sid on the spur to see which one suits my trails better. Ill be running a 35 stem and 760 bar as well. thanks for the work you do.

[@NDemanuele1]

I'm curious to ask, as I've stated before I ride a V1 Ripmo. The other day a rider was kind enough to offer me to ride his Spur in the parking lot at my local trailhead. I was blown away by how it pedaled. I've heard, and is stated here too, that the stability is good on the Spur. I'm wondering how good? How far off would it be compared to the Ripmo? If I was to sell my Ripmo and buy the Spur, how much stability would I be sacrificing, if any? I would appreciate it if Mr. Yumyum can answer this! Thanks. FYI, previously I rode a V1 Ripley for years and have demo'd all the Ripleys except the new AF. Thanks!!

[@pdadv77]

Looking forward to trying a Spur but I can attest to the new Revel Rangers performance from the new SID suspension has been very surprising! Not sure what this bike can't do amazingly well for most trails. Other bikes I have had this year are an Ibis Ripley and Revel Rascal. Sold the Ripley for the Rascal and now likely selling the Rascal for a Rail which is likely the 2nd bike for what the Ranger can't handle. (I too did the 140mm Fox 34 on the Ripley)

[@jago116]

Should try out the Kona Process 134!

[@rlsedition]

Try the Specialized Epic Evo.

[@TheNationalTrails]

Stumpjumper EVO in the high setting with the short travel shock link from the Stumpjumper ST. ... 120mm out back w/ 150mm Lyric Ultimate 51mm offset up front... God bless!!!

[@TheNationalTrails]

@JF Yes. Setup 150mm fork with 3 air tokens vs a standard one or two. The rear travel is 120mm. The stock 2019 RockShox DeBonair RT3 rear shock has a LL320 tune. Riding this shock with one token in vs stock 3. It feels very active without rebound engaged and really planted with rebound. It's kind of cool to be able to dynamically change the character of the suspension from trail to extremely efficient XXC. ... The 150mm fork does nothing but keep the bottom bracket at proper height; rarely use 130mm travel myself. 170mm crank arms or even 165mm crank arms are the ticket. Its typically $55 for the short travel shock link. The 190x42.5 offers 120mm, but there are also additional 190x40mm and 190x45mm options available for slighlty less/more travel. The long, long wheelbase lets you spread out the power / weight... Frankly, you've got body-english for days;-) Its superbike territory with 120mm of travel. If you ride 120mm bikes to fly, this will give you your wings on a good day. Anyway, wrapping up a final thought. The 190x42.5mm rear shocks are the same price when new as the standard 210x50mm shock, but the 190mm are actually more expensive on the used market. The tune of the stock 190x42.5 shock is probably a big deal in terms of my positive feedback. You might very well find a 210x50 that could be tuned to have a very firm pedal mode and you'd never need the short shock link and shock combo. Plus, it's also the same weight. ( I've also tried a 2019 Fox Re:Aktive 210x52.5 with the Penske pedal mode valve. Its nice, but you wont exoerience the mach-chicken power delivery of the 190x42.5 when climbing. The ramp up of the shorter travel shock really gives you something to push against. The Re:Aktiv has a tendancy to open up too easily. ) But, I bring that up regarding the value of a good tune and also to help establish a cost-to-performance benefit analysis. For me, the EVO is surprisingly tuned in the short travel setup. Thought I'd get a kick out of it on a couple hour test ride. Didn't really think I'd be diggin it. Meanwhile, there's no denying the ability to seriosly motor up hills with the long wheelbase and slack headtube angle with the 51mm offset fork. It's truly surprising! Its absolutely "punchy" with the 120 setup. Lots to think about. No idea why the 64-degree HTA and 76-degree seattube angle with 443mm chainstays would be "punchy" and "suprisingly fast," other than to say the frame weight is essentially the same as the standard Stumpjumper. That it's built / overbuilt and creates an incredibly responsive ride character with stout carbon wheels. ( I actually dont like riding with carbon wheels for compliance issues. ) But, this EVO simply rides on top of everything: a true sign of a superbike. Sort of a powerful, yet peaceful, bike to ultimately roam around on the mountsides and seek out new trails confidently: a rare breed.

[@MarioXcore1]

niceeeeee the face off is here!

[@jameswitherspoon7640]

Great video! Would you find yourself limited by only owning the Spur living in your neck of the woods? I guess that a general question. We’re planning a move out there. And I have my eyes on the Spur.

[@TheGreaterU]

My main bike is a TR Patrol. Love it! Have a Ripley frame on order collecting parts to make a nice massive climber all day ride bike out of it. Can't go wrong with those two bike brands.

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice quiver!!

[@TheGreaterU]

@@mtbyumyum let me know if you ever wanna ride up in PC. I'm a six day a week rider.

[@Jesse_James_]

I'd love to hear your opinion on the evil following v3 versus these two bikes!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, me too!! If someone has a new Following in the SLC area, please come ride w me so I can review your bike!!

[@Dogboy73]

Me want Spur!! Looks fantastic ;-)

[@gillesdefago9208]

Have you tested the Niner Jet?

[@DnBQemist]

Couldn't wait for the Spur so I bought the Following V3

[@asd5738]

How's it looking? Considering it as my future bike. As my second bike to my specialized Enduro.

[@DnBQemist]

madrid187 time will tell...ordered it yesterday and should be ready mid next week. It’s one of the few bikes available so get it sooner than later. Many shops are already panicking about the shortage going into next summer

[@asd5738]

@@DnBQemist where did you find yours, I havent been able to find any size small anywhere. Sucks being short

[@DnBQemist]

madrid187 my LBS called Evil and they had XL in stock

[@carlhulston7157]

Great looking bike, and considerably lighter than my Ripley build (28 lbs with XT 12 speed, Hope E4s, i9 Hydra Enduro S). I also like the external rear brake setup, but I'll be sticking with my Ripley for a good while yet....

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, the Spur was a welcome surprise!

[@johnathanciampa1421]

Jason another awesome video! What tires do you like for your ripley that are the best traction for the weight?

[@chrismichael3916]

I agree, for $6k it should have internal routing. What is being used to carry the tube and multi tool kit on the spur? I don’t see a strap, looks slick!

[@drworm7432]

Thanks MTB yumyum!! For bikepacking chunky, gnarly terrain. Think Colorado Trail. Which to go with?!?! I'm torn.

[@mtbyumyum]

100% I would go with the Ripley. Easy. Good luck!

[@fischermtb]

Thanks for this! Is the Spur playful? Easy to bunnyhop and play around with? Heard that its a bit "dead"???

[@aongch]

Hey Jason, great comparison! Two of my choices at the moment. Got to decide fast, hah! Question, these have such diff suspension designs. Since you’re familiar w the DW on the Ripley for over a year, what on the Spur keeps climbing just as good being a single pivot? Shock valving, linkage design, ? They’re very similar on weight. Thanks for any feedback.

[@gwenramage8419]

Flex-stay pivots tend to give bikes an athletic feel. The flex/compliance is an engineering choice to help the bike with traction, rather than an unwanted side effect you might find on a frame too light for your weight. It works for you, not against you. I tested a medium Spur in Albuquerque (rocky southwest), and it blew my PRs on techy climbs. I like to think of bike manufacturers specializing in different areas, rather than one design being outright superior than others. Ibis chose to specialize in the newer DW-Link, while Transition spent time perfecting their interpretation of the Horst design. Take a look at the new flex-stay Stumpjumper- it's been getting great reviews for lively handling and climbing. Flex-stay technology, combined with a light frame, allow those 'Horst' bikes to compete at a similar level of performance to newer linkage designs without needing lockout.

[@johnglynn7795]

Enjoyed your video. Have you had an opportunity to ride a 2021 Niner Rip9? Look forward to your thoughts.

[@joshinaction2340]

Great review! Have you compared the Evil Following V3 to these two as well?

[@amadeosturla1863]

Man, you do good comparisons. Looking at a new bike for the wife and these two are at the top of the list. Your comments confirmed what we/she kind of figured thus far. Any comments on rear suspension performance between the two? Ibis which is DW and the transition which is now essentially a linkage driven single pivot? I agree that the external rear brake housing looks pretty pedestrian but it makes it way easier to bleed. I had to hang my sb130 vertically from the ceiling and bleed my XT brakes to solve my wandering bite point problem.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, if your wife is lighter weight like I am, see will really appreciate the "light" traction tune that comes on the Ibis Ripley, or Mojo 4 if she wants the smaller wheels. It really make the suspension more available to us lighter weight riders. Good luck and please, if you end up purchasing, use the links in the description below my video to purchase at Competitive Cyclist... it makes a huge difference for me. Thanks for the support!

[@scblurlt1962]

can I ask you what make is the tool/tube holder under the top tube on the spur , I have a frame and custom build in process and this is the missing part

[@pyromaniac1207]

Thanks for this comprehensive and thourough review. What tool strap is that on the Spur?

[@grubbjt]

Excellent video, as always. One thing I keyed on from your comparison was that the Ripley was a little better in slower, tighter trails. I am on the east coast (mountains of Western North Carolina), and our trails look nothing like yours. Much less speed (with me on the bike, anyway), lots of roots, rocks, and switchbacks. Did I read into your comments correctly that you would pick a Ripley over the Spur for those trails? No park or huge hits....

[@bwvl]

Spur has a longer wheelbase and longer reach. It'll naturally be a little tougher on those tight switchbacks.

[@mtbyumyum]

Right now, I'm having a hard time besting the Ripley... in any bike. It just does everything really well and besides high speed, it's my go to bike!!

[@grubbjt]

@@mtbyumyum Thank you for the reply. Your 1 year review really expresses that. On a side note, did you ever come back around to the mojo 4 with narrower rims/tires?

[@TheJeof1000]

Hi! Love your channel and reviews you share. I'm about to pull the the trigger on Ibis ripley V4 with 4-6 months turn around, by the time i will getvthe bike it will be aug-sept. Is there a chance that we are getting a redesign ripley/V5, if that so, i will just wait for next year. Thanks... hoping for your respond...

[@frankschock9981]

I think the SID with 35mm stantions at 120mm travel gives the Spur the better tracking vs the Fox 34 at 140mm travel. Especially the previous generation Fox 34 being more flexy than the 2022+ redesigned Fox 34. A Pike on the Ripley at 130mm or 140mm travel is the perfect match.

[@JJMilk]

Still Ripley to me!! Cool video. 🤩

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, me too I think!

[@JJMilk]

MTB yumyum like you say, it’s a wonderful time to be a mountain biker. Truly spoiled for choice there, 😎

[@aquashare3817]

Hey brotha Love your channel.. I ride a large Ripley I’m 5ft 10... feels perfect... should I go medium on my new Transition Spur?

[@jamespaul6798]

You dirty dog... I’m at work gonna be a long 49 minutes!!!! I’ve been waiting for this! Thanks in advance!

[@mtbyumyum]

Enjoy!!

[@Garred34]

Great review, which is of course very typical of you :) I've ordered the new Spur, but I've also tested out the new Ripley, and honestly keep flip-flopping on which one I should get. It's a really hard decision 🤔😬.

[@mtbyumyum]

yeah, tough choice... for straight line stability go Spur for a more sporty zippy feeling, go Ripley...

[@harelhov]

Cool review, thank you! What is kind of strap for inner tube + levers + CO2 on the Spur do you use?

[@riderridernightnight]

Are you planning to test the YT Izzo

[@gregoryvierra6114]

I wanted to recommend the same. I’ve been on it (Pro Race) for about 2 months now and have zero complaints. I’d like to see what YumYum thinks.

[@stevecabrera6718]

I love the external rear cable

[@liazard]

Hi, great comparison, thank you. I would love to see a kona process 134 27.5 vs 29...

[@michaeltorres2377]

Hi Jason, I'm curious, are you still planning to post a review on the Ibis MOJO you had?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes, got all the footage... just need to edit and upload!

[@walterkasper467]

Great video. Are you going to review the ibis mojo 4 Thanks Walt

[@mtbyumyum]

Eventually

[@drworm7432]

Ok mister Yumyum. Which of these for mostly-singletrack bikepacking? Think Colorado trail, Arizona trail. Rocky steep ups and downs all day for many days…: Spur: lighter, more bottle mounts for bags. Ripley: joy to climb (all day), easier to ride (when tired, on tight rocky trails), more comfortable? Help!!

[@toddw.2339]

I just got a Ripley and my buddy just bought the Spur. We have a friendly feud as to which one is better. We have started quoting you as it helps our feud. Will you say that the Spur smells funny or something so I can get a little edge? Thanks for the videos, helped me choose the Ripley in the first place. Incredible bike!

[@mtbyumyum]

haha that's awesome. Yeah, I actually think the spur looks better... but I think I'd still pick the Ripley today ;)

[@johndoh8162]

YumYum said it.....Ripley is soft! For soft riders!

[@toddw.2339]

He also said the spur is good for hard riders. Maybe we should switch bikes

[@johndoh8162]

@@toddw.2339 Please go to minute 5:40 for a summation of your bike......... MEHHHHHH!

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha this is awesome!!

[@ahamilton1305]

Would be good to hear your thoughts on those zipp wheels too on the transition- how do it change the feel?

[@oliverburke3743]

If you were looking for one bike to both do some local xc races on but also be your trail bike would you go Ripley or Spur. Was thinking Spur....

[@Cg-fh5re]

Top Video. Now is the time for reviewing the new Giant Trance X 29 Vs norco Optic;)

[@sampep]

For sure!! 2 great new bikes!

[@RU2AIM]

Hey JD, What would you expect if the 2021 Trail 429 would've been included in this comparison ride-review?

[@scottaw]

Would like to see how the new Epic Eco compares...

[@jayswavely6371]

I like external.

[@monoTNT]

No reviews for the norco optic in the near future? That has been the short travel bike i’ve been eyeing and I like ur opinions but they are mostly on dentist level bikes 😂

[@immortalduffman]

Hi Yum Yum, I love the reviews. I just moved to Sandy City Utah and I took a look at Salt Cycles per your recommendation. They are great! I am considering getting a new bike soon and your reviews are very informative. I currently have a 2018 YT Jeffsy and I want more bike. Bikes I am considering include the Transition Sentinel, Yeti SB 150, Revel Rascal, and maybe the new Forbidden enduro bike that is not out yet. If you had to pick one of these as your only bike, which one would it be and why?

[@mtbyumyum]

I've not yet ridden the Sentinel but for Utah trails, I would go with the Switchblade, Ripmo or Rascal and depending on your speed and riding style, the Ripley is worth looking at. Good luck!!

[@davidgolightly232]

You really need to try the cube stereo 120 hpc or hpa versions I personally have a 2016 model and it's great also 29er

[@geopietro]

The Transition Spur looks great but it has some limitations which may or may not be important to some riders: 1) maximum tire width of 2.4; 2) no room for rear shock with a reservoir; 3) cannot use front shock greater than 120 travel. Transition specs look great.

[@mtbyumyum]

Not sure why you couldn't spec the bike with a longer fork?

[@geopietro]

@@mtbyumyum Here is a quote from their website FAQ: "The Spur was designed to run a 120mm travel fork and can be run with a 110mm fork as well. We do not recommend running a fork with more than a 120mm of travel."

[@almachao557]

@@geopietro my buddy just put a 130 pike on his spur and said it was a game changer

[@geopietro]

@@almachao557 Good to know, thank you. Wonder why Transition would "not recommend" using a larger fork?

[@geopietro]

@JF That and human ingenuity!

[@juandepedro8143]

Jason, Transition Spur vs Pivot Switchblade? Similar Geo but different travel. What are your thoughts between these two?

[@geoffspitzer5673]

Nice video - I’ve been comparing Ripley, Spur, SB115 and the Trek Top Fuel. I’m a (north) east coast guy and looking for my next quiver killer bike. Rips and Spurs are all “back-ordered” until spring. SB115’s are available but not totally impressing me. Curious if you’ve ridden the Trek TF? Based on your riding style, I would guess maybe too XC?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I'd be interested to ride the new crop of Scalpels, Epics and Top fuels... bet they feel super fast!

[@gregorypatzelt6964]

What about the Santa Cruz Tallboy? Only having 1 bike, hard to pass up the Revel Rascal. Also I definitely recommend that you test both the Guerilla Gravity Trail Pistol or the Spot Mayhem 29'er.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, just depends on the terrain you ride... I could likely get by with the Tallboy or Rascal as my only bike.... but I'd rather have two! Or 5 haha

[@davidcloward9518]

Jason, I am so glad a friend of mine turned me onto your channel. I know your Dad as he used to just live around the corner in Draper. I am pretty inexperienced and am wanting to ride with my son, who is on a NICA team. You talked about the Ripley being more "forgiving." What do you mean? Salt Cycles thought you meant it has more suspension travel, but I am wondering if you meant the Transition requires better skills than the Ripley; in other words is the Ripley going to make me feel like a better rider and being more forgiving on my mistakes?

[@mtbyumyum]

Hi! Yeah, I think the Ripley is easier to ride and more like you said, more forgiving... won't shine a light on your mistakes as much as the spur. Also, for our trails here in CC, they are tight and twisty. The Ripley just handles better in this terrain... the spur feels long and less willing to switch directions. To get through the same amount of twisting trail, you'll spend less effort on the Ripley resulting in a snappier more playful and fun bike. That's my experience anyway! Good luck and thanks for the support of shopping at Salt!!

[@smattgoss]

You should set the spur up exactly how you need to feel comfortable stem bars etc before comparing them

[@willemreitsma5239]

Hi, Any opinion on saddle set-up with these steeper saddle tube angles - the plump job test from your knee to pedal still apply? I just bought Ripley v4 (I have gen.2 and LS as well) but need to get peddling position dialed?

[@dustinbjohnson]

Be curious your opinion on these 2 bikes vs the new Evil following v3! That new evil is unreal!

[@dustinbjohnson]

@JF thank you! Hoping to make them better the more I do them!

[@jreh3811]

Which bike is better at absorbing? I have a horrible shoulder and need something that soaks up the bumps. I plan on buying one of these two this year.

[@jreh3811]

Pulled the trigger on a Ripley XT Factory build with i9 wheelset. :)

[@TomCollins-c4h]

@@jreh3811 How does it handle the bumps? I bought a Spur with the SID suspension and its on the stiff side.

[@musicIVI]

How does the Optic compare?

[@evr-mr3cp]

Where did you get the tube holder seen on the Transition?

[@noahshamrell4618]

Which climbs better sb100 or ripely?

[@dallashamilton3773]

Would love to know how the Ripleys compares with the same 120 sid fork

[@mtbyumyum]

The Ripley comes stock at 130mm fork... I've heard of people lower it to 120mm but I dont have any experience with that.

[@VonSC2]

120mm trail bikes are probably the perfect sweet spot for the ride styles and trails ridden by 90%+ of mtb riders in the continental US. CHANGE MY MIND.

[@mtbyumyum]

Agree!!

[@keirfarnum6811]

If you want to actually ride, yes. I’m not down with driving to ride unless it’s a trail far from where you live.