2025 Trail Bikes Ranked with SCIENCE at the Pinkbike Field Test

[@TeddyParker]

Bro science aside, Dario made that climb look like a fire road. Talk about consistency. Absolute monster, didn't seem to lose only breath even after the last bike, and only dabbed in an off camber section with loose dirt. Not on the rocks/roots. Well held, Dar!

[@nathantoney.1501]

So pro

[@jonathanfrenettemarcoux7992]

I like the new format for these reviews with these four lads!! Nicely done PB!

[@MAEBikr]

I would do a different rating. I would push each bike up the climb - rating their "pushability"

[@prawnis]

no bro

[@janataman9196]

"Pushability"? You make my day.. 🤣

[@TheArrowFist]

I agree, we’ve all had to push a bike up a hill.

[@bullit4x]

I REALLY like this kind of testing. You guys, the bikes and “real world” sciency stuff for normal guys/girls with just enough knob tweaking knowledge to make us dangerous. Good stuff guys. Stay with this kind of testing. The old stuff was way too sterile/boring.

[@benbenplus]

Well, congratulations to you and to me, guys 😄 This review format is the best I've seen so far. Direct comparison in different categories is the real field test. Also good: the random bike choise for each test. And the instant ranking. Maybe I would suggest to do 2 or 3 runs per test in order to confirm your personal impressions. Anyway, well done!

[@chrisrenda9353]

Suggestion, the bike that goes first each round should also go again last just to take away any disadvantage. No doubt you as a rider get better and more adept with each turn.

[@pacman92211]

yeah pretty unfair for the ripmo to go first in multiple of these challenges

[@andrewsadler5588]

I had the exact same thought

[@capcarloslgo4941]

100% AGREE, 1st bike should go twice

[@MonsterdonMTB]

Maybe more fair would be to do the first run (or 2) on a control bike. Perhaps using their personal bike that they're very familiar with and comfortable riding in these situations. But in fairness, there's not much to suggest if they are or aren't already familiar with the locations/challenges

[@ewheeldrive]

Love the new format! Great reasonable testing in lots of applications. Dudes doing cool stuff on bikes having fun.

[@cjhike2456]

This field test is great! First bit of content I have enjoyed since Levy left. Keep it up!

[@zac9080]

Love what you guys are doing on these videos. Thanks very much for the insight and the humor! Really loving this!

[@tanner_kirk]

Felt like I was hanging out with you guys with this raw style video. Loved it!

[@JS-sy8mo]

Dario "...threetwonego!" Next round, Henry, "Dario can you give us your nicest normal speed countdown..." Hahaha

[@TheFuel89]

It's amazing how you guys can put your experience and feel into words. Definitely result of long years of riding. Top notch real world testing.

[@luca_dierks]

new field test is like a whole multi episode show. i'm here for it.

[@boblefevre7686]

Best field test. Loving the way they are going about this.

[@edMartin-j4e]

Pretty cool for that. Looks like you guys are having fun. The perceived speed in the actual speed was interesting. I think another thing to put in there since perception is which bike was funnest? My goal out on trails is not to the fastest but to have the largest smile.

[@ricardosalcedo2824]

It's a great way to watch a bike test. Clearly, they all work!

[@mr_sweez]

Damn, Henry called me out at the end there 🙃

[@Melo_EL]

Excellent video! Lots of fun, very scientific! Enjoyed watching Dario touching his "special post"😂

[@badfishgood]

This video format is awesome. Please do it again.

[@tahoeebikes]

Best testing format thus far for sure. 10/10!

[@konradchristen]

I enjoy this style of testing and appreciate how much time it takes to perform. I think it bikes aren’t ridden on the same terrain on the same day, it’s difficult to judge how similar/different they are. Great work boys/girls. Oh yeah I’m totally not on the clock right now

[@c3h4organic97]

Very well done. You guys rock.ALL OF YOU!!

[@RexJohnson-z5k]

Thumbs up on this format. Well done!

[@Nullking_]

From owning 2 Rocky’s now, I have found for my liking I tend to go down volume spacers in the rear and go up a little more air pressure and it balances the bike out more for me. It reduces the harsh bottom out, and gives a little more mid stroke support without being too soft.

[@the_pr0cess]

Pretty surprised with how poorly the Ripmo performed given the rave reviews elsewhere. Definitely nice to have different perspectives

[@rokkazoen]

Right! I’ve been eyeing the Ripmo but this review really has me second guessing.

[@bubbastard]

Seems like it’s not as good as the old one. Or they didn’t have the rear shock set up correctly.

[@brandonburks4172]

It went first on two different tests which isn’t fair imo. Of course you will feel the sketchiest the first time you hit a section.

[@BasicBodThor]

This is a great way to do tests. Hope the next field test has this format

[@MasterChronometer]

Most riders aren’t on the clock, comfort and confidence are key in a trail bike.

[@tonyO-e9f]

Great test really valuable. Can’t get past the amazing Spartan or Sparta comment. I think the most quotable for me from the whole test.

[@casestudymtb]

So Henry mentioned that all the bikes were set @30% sag with adjustments in the middle... wouldn't it make more sense to test with the manufacturer recommend settings for your air pressure instead? Probably gives them a better chance of performing as intended, or at least gets the performance closer to a consumers first ride. Might be my only thought as far as potential changes goes.

[@ervin7178]

Most manufacturers recommend a sag number.

[@casestudymtb]

@@ervin7178 They typically recommend a sag range, not necessarily a single percentage, but either the suspension brand or the bike manufacturer will always provide recommendations for rebound and compression settings based on the air pressure needed to get to your target sag.

[@MicahStovallyt]

Best pinkbike video yet

[@joshuabeaven2548]

Not scientific but most relatable. Love this style of content!

[@alexh.4068]

I like this set of tests this year. Improvement.

[@jlh530i1]

fun video, entertaining, light, but still shares a lot about each bike

[@Kev2Bee]

Were these bike tuned for best suspension performance or just "in the middle" of all settings? Like the format.

[@ziickktheog609]

You never told us the Db spike of Henrys "scream of fear" !? 😄 Big ups guys, really enjoyed watching this kind of review. ❤🙌 #lovefromstockholm

[@knott4me561]

The top gear of the bike world....loved it .

[@69Tonyro]

Respect to Dario. The man can climb. ✊🏻

[@JJMilk]

Keep it up. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 loved the tests. 😎

[@philsmeanderings7991]

Last test was interesting , as the bikes that didn't feel fast (5,6,7) were in fact the fastest which implies a better handling of those conditions , to me anyway. Some good camera angles to better appreciate the terrain being traversed.

[@skiMTB]

If thats the case, "OH, SHIT!" definitely counts on the decible meter!😂😂😂

[@alexh.4068]

good job measuring how loud henry yells as he goes down the chute lol

[@nathantoney.1501]

Zany. Love it. FUN!!!!!!

[@cosminandrei6456]

haha! you guys took a really chill and relaxed approach to this comparison. don't know why but I keep wondering how these would stack up against a good trail bike 5 years ago ? take the pole stamina 140 for instance ...

[@alexfink969]

Wish would would have done the yeti sb140 In this test

[@TheBald0ne]

Setting the sag and adjustments to middle on all bikes just tells us which bike has its optimal setting in the middle. That isn't real world, I would have much rather seen you set the bikes up how you would normally ride them and then run the tests.

[@justind5262]

To be fair, these guys are right around what the bike industry considers average. They should be shipped with the proper tune o to ride decently in the middle settings.

[@fat82much]

Really enjoyed this test format. Acknowledges the subjective side of mountain biking. Keep it up!

[@ref498]

I have an alloy Patrol and it makes the same pinging sound at 32:18. anyone know how to quiet that down?

[@keirinmaster]

Hey guys, I'm not terribly experienced at mountain biking. But I've been eyeing up a Neuron. I was curious as to your thought process as to why you'd pick a Spectral over a Neuron either for testing or for just actually purchasing. I live in NE Ohio. Not terribly rocky. More hilly and "rooty." I used to have a 1998 Specialized Ground Control Extreme FSR but broke my back in three places endo'ing that back when I was 40. I'm 51 now.

[@flyingnorseman]

should have given him the reverse mohawk

[@GHinWI]

It’s the wine-tasting of mountain biking!

[@plainuser48596]

Hope there will be section about "Trail Trials". Just so we know if these bikes are any good at some one wheel or precision fun

[@richhb14]

Awesome, I like it a lot.

[@lachcurtis5503]

Henry what hydro pack you running?

[@HansCabanero]

How do all of these bikes compare to the Trek Fuel EX?

[@LeeLeysonn]

nice series ! :)

[@Yimchifung]

i love this test😜

[@phrides]

Feels very much like you need to do a second round of comparisons for the lighter trail bikes, or create a new category between "downcountry" and trail and really piss people off.

[@mkrj2576]

Great video. Thanks. Dig the climbing test. Any bike is fun on the dh, but not on the climbs.

[@francisdee9955]

really cool video!

[@tom2038]

Stumpy looks like the best all around bike this generation or year

[@caseyhill7419]

Did they all have the same drive trains?

[@prawnis]

is this mt seymour or the north shore?

[@leetlau]

Whistler

[@veljkoradovic9884]

Levy would be proud

[@petewill87]

I bet the Mayhem 140 is pretty similar to the Revel Rascal or the Yeti 140. I would buy the mayhem if it weren't for the price, not spending more than 4K for a mountain bike. Luckily Revel has a 40% sale right now and I snagged a Rascal.

[@prawnis]

surpised that the ripmo is so low

[@jokermtb]

Truly awful Aussie slither haircut on Dario. Can’t say enough about my Rapha gear….love it

[@joshaceto377]

Link for the grey Rapha jersey

[@leonpeckson]

Dario - if you’ve ever heard of vocal fry. It’s really interesting because you speak almost completely with vocal fry. Not a judgement or anything. Just an observation. Does it hurt the throat?

[@fraserjudd9483]

Speaking of etymology, do people still say "Yellow Peril" ?! (5:05)

[@oogens1337]

Yeah, weird comment

[@cir4-mtbr]

Please use full names because Its hard to remember without full names and add them up at the end to get winners and losers. It's a shootout at the end of the day.we want numbers posted as well.

[@bikesense3867]

I think you guys should bring in one or two “average Joes” to help test and rate these bikes. Perspective on what an average rider would care about, notice and like/dislike. I volunteer by the way.

[@appletvbridge3254]

Any reason there are no Trek bikes?

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

Love it

[@brokenlegz]

4:00 can’t remember the name 5:20 but remembers all this stuff lol

[@sunday_funday7765]

Too bad there is no Trek. Pinkbike always picks their main sponsor as the winner.

[@joshtp1234]

I think it's really dumb that you didn't include last year's winner as well

[@ronlind1757]

So... Yeti SB140 for the win

[@fran_kie]

So the Instinct delivered the third-fastest time even with a dropped chain, so it can't be that bad 🤷‍♂

[@hannesnohl8627]

I miss Levy so much.

[@Nickubus99]

Man I aint seen no one dab in time! haha

[@fuyvr]

nice video❤

[@ComradeMozorov]

2025 trail bikes? Back to back?

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

These tests are fine but it’s just one riders opinion. But fair enough.

[@konradchristen]

Big oof for Rocky Mountain all the way around

[@ChristianEilers]

I think I have seen a lot worse tests. Some trends have me all… paid review much? But it‘s defo fun to watch.

[@rmhfpv9225]

if he's yelling oh my god while riding won't that affect the sound test?

[@trentvlak]

Ripmo felt slowest and was slowest lol

[@grantwilliams2912]

👏🙂👍

[@RIDINDIRTYMA]

To make it more realistic you should have normal folk like me come do the test. We aren't all pros. I mean what does the guy in his late 40s who only rides 4 days week think. I'd even do it pro bono

[@alexh.4068]

why sound? come on. just do it by feel. also why all at 30% sag.. different shocks.. different suspension designs..

[@ridemx323]

Ripmo, more like ripless

[@cliffordrichardc]

ibis is best

[@nathantoney.1501]

THS👆= just what we needed. Great job boys

[@edmundhodgson2572]

Mmmm, the test was good but the haircut, stick to your day job Henry....

[@mototarka]

Testing bikes with same forks, same shocks and saying one was smoother than the other, come on... it's like bragging the cheapest one at blind wine tasting...

[@FoilPowell]

Vaccine science or real science? Asking for half the population 🤔

[@joehoeper3941]

Kinda looks like Henry is wearing a bikini top....just sayin'....

[@ed._mtb]

im early pls like mtb network massive fan amazing video!!!!

[@thicjim7812]

I think this has to be the most useless test you’ve all done yet. Yeah if you ride a trail 8 times in a row their is a good chance you’re going to get faster

[@janataman9196]

That´s true, but the description of the subjective feeling of the performance of the bikes is in my opinion a good way to express the individual characteristic of the bikes. The real times were not so interesting. I like this type of testing, anyway..