Santa Cruz Hightower vs Yeti SB130 - Trail Bike Showdown

[@wc4201]

Just found your channel, great content! I was just comparing these two bikes trying to figure out which one I wanted to get. I demo’ed both bikes and they performed very well... both gave me a ton of confidence on the trail but to me personally the Yeti was easily the better bike mainly because it was noticeably faster with a better pedaling platform than the Santa Cruz... but the Yeti was also more expensive. So I made up my mind that the Santa Cruz was the bike to get due to price, my experience with the brand and the fact that overall it was a solid bike. ...then a few days before I was set to purchase the Santa Cruz I got an email from my local bike shop that they were having a 20% off sale on all 2019 Yeti’s and the rest is history. I purchased the SB 130 the same day. I live in Texas and have ridden all over the state plus places in Arkansas, Colorado and Utah. I did all that on a 100mm Santa Cruz Blur so I’m sure the added slack geometry and travel of either bike would be more than enough for anything I was comfortable with... plus most of Texas; where I’d be riding most, is flat to hilly so I need something that provides a good pedaling platform so the SB130 was my 1st choice. Great review!

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked the review. You can't go wrong with either bike. They're both really good and fit different riding styles. Sounds like you made the right call if you value pedaling efficiency over downhill capability.

[@willcotter9465]

Great review, you really wrung the necks of both of them. I got a good sense of what they were like from your footage. Cheers

[@bikersedge]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnnnewmex]

As a former sb130 owner, I'd take the Hightower. Like you said a little less efficient but better traction and dh performance.

[@SLAMTRON]

11:16 - They were no doubt amazed by someone riding a bicycle on rocks they probably had a challenge *hiking* over - lol

[@johnnnewmex]

As a former HT LT owner and current owner of a sb130 and sb150, I think you characterized these bikes really well. The sb130 feels very trail bike-ish descending and I'm sure that 140mm of vpp feels much better. I wouldn't want the 130 to be my only bike but the HT or sb150 I would be ok with as my one bike.

[@bottejan3712]

I was thinking to move from HT LT to either SB130 or SB150. Now considering Hightower 2.0. Do you miss anything in HTLT moving to yeti bikes? How you can compare it to SB130 and SB150?

[@johnnnewmex]

@@bottejan3712 I like SC`s vpp suspension for descending and it climbs well but overall the Yeti I prefer due to the switch infinity`s climbing abilities. They are both excellent all around bikes. The 150 is much more aggressive than a htlt.

[@stankacey1995]

Perhaps a showdown 'tween Pivot & Ibis, Pivot & Yeti or Pivot & Santa Cruz may make for a worthwhile showing.

[@Sonikot]

Great review, i was stuck between those two bikes for a while. The deciding factor for me was the warranty, Santa Cruz warranty was far superior to Yeti's.

[@bikersedge]

They are both excellent bikes. And as of MY 2019 they both come with lifetime warranties.

[@Sonikot]

@@bikersedge You're correct. I've just read a few horror stories of Yeti's frame faults not being warrantied.

[@bikersedge]

@@Sonikot I've been at Yeti dealers for a few years now. Haven't had any issues. I'd confidently purchase either one.

[@Mike_Jones68]

Max Buyck what horror stories? Both U guys say this “horror story” with no examples... my bud just warranties a 4.5 and received sb130, worked out for him. Please I’d like to know cuz I’m in market

[@Sonikot]

@@Mike_Jones68 head over to Mtbr.com forum on yeti's and then head over to santa Cruz forum afterwards. They are both great companies but SC warranty is far superior IMO.

[@DylanEiler]

Great, well-rounded review. Thank you.

[@whattheheckwelch]

Do you have any uploads testing or comparing various MTB components on the same frame? Your videos have been beyond helpful in my decision on a new bike, THANK YOU! More information about various components and how they perform on the same platforms would be immensely helpful in deciding which "build" is best for me. Thanks a whole bunch Conner!

[@bikersedge]

I tend to not focus too much on components. I feel that at the end of the day they make a very small impact on ride quality.

[@carlsbadmountainbiker2782]

Nice video. I have the Yeti SB130 Lunch Ride with the 160 fork. Love it. Corners great like you said and with the 160 fork it is fearless DH. I would say it is a fairly active suspension when climbing, but you don’t feel it. That’s the beauty of Switch Infiniti.

[@bikersedge]

The SB130 LR seems like an interesting bike. I'd love to throw a leg over one.

[@ronklepzig84]

Another great video Conor. Keep up the good work. I like the summary.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks Ron! Glad you liked it.

[@sangwon975]

Great review...the two bikes I'm looking to get if I don't get an emtb... Great job!!!

[@SoGoMTB]

Super track/trail. love to go and experience the view too. SUBSCRIBED!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks for the support. Glad you like the video!

[@Stickybutton]

Sorry, I have watched this video a few times. However, I cannot conclude on which is the more playful bike with a little bit of a pop or agility to it based on your views. So what do you think? Thank you.

[@bikersedge]

I think the 130 corners better and probably has a little more pop. The Hightower is more plush and happier to keep the wheels on the ground.

[@SLAMTRON]

So now what would be cool is to pit a great DW Link bike with similar travel *like the Pivot Switchblade* against these two, and with the SC HT in High setting for all around *trail* riding, since these aren't 150mm or more.

[@bikersedge]

Not a bad idea.

[@povteer]

great video man. watched a lot of videos about these bikes but still learned a lot.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you liked it and happy you found it worthwhile.

[@stankacey1995]

@@bikersedge Agreed

[@Jeroensurf]

Great video and watched them a couple of times! Question: I,m exactly the same length as you are and in the market for a HT (Carbon S build), but not able to test them here. In the review you wrote the XL feels rather big for your length. If you buy one would you downsize or still go for the XL? The other option would be an Orbea Occam that might be suit my local riding even better, but i,m a bit afraid that the Occam holds back too much when doing bikeparks in the holidays (asny thoughts about that).

[@bikersedge]

I would for sure buy XL. It feels big but in a good way. The sweet spot is bigger and more forgiving. As far as bike park duty goes, the HT will be far more suited for that style of riding. The Occam is a trail bike through and through. It feels quick and lively, but starts to get outgunned when the trail gets rough. It will skip around in the rocky, bumpy stuff where the HT is more planted and stable.

[@Jeroensurf]

@@bikersedge Thanx for the help and quick reply. Really appriciated

[@Dy1pickel]

I liked the review. Thank you for your thoughts. I wonder how much the yet score would have changed though if it fit you correctly as you were riding XL rather than preferred large.

[@bikersedge]

I've since purchased an SB130 for myself. I ended up buying XL. I spent a bit more time on a L and fo0und it to be a little too small. I think my assessment in this video is accurate and remains unchanged.

[@nicklittle2413]

Preferred the HT but bought a 130?

[@TrailBreaker]

Nice review. That piece of exposed trail with the drop on the right looked scary!

[@bikersedge]

It's a bit of a head game for sure. Just don't look down and you'll be just fine.

[@weathdone]

sick vid bro... some of those cliffs def looked lil scary to me lol

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! They aren’t as bad as they look in the video. Pretty small.

[@weathdone]

@@bikersedge got yah.. def still cool trail and great riding on ur part...

[@eatnpooter1634]

SC Hightower all day ! ... yeeeyeeee ! 🥜💯🇺🇸

[@steveh485]

The hightower certainly looked less jarring and smoother.

[@bikersedge]

I’d say it rides that way too.

[@shamrock4840]

Hey man great vids - which did you like best the TB4 or HT? Thx

[@bikersedge]

For my riding style I'd probably go with the HT. As much as I liked the Tallboy, I tend to prefer rocky and technical trails where a little extra travel can be nice. The Tallboy was a lot of fun to jump and flick around the trail.

[@EdBraunbeck]

Great comparison. Stop the dinging noise for the screen callouts.

[@bikersedge]

I did it just to make sure you weren't sleeping.

[@olivierhacking]

I really wonder how these compare to the 2020 Orbea Occam. Thanks for this video, hope you get your hands on the Occam once!

[@bikersedge]

We got our hands on one kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2K6fX2Fpdlqaq8

[@tanpen15]

I love your videos. May I ask where this was filmed?

[@bikersedge]

Little Cottonwood Canyon!

[@dcouture79]

Great video man! Where are you riding? That landscape is amazing!

[@bikersedge]

This is in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT.

[@janders3205]

You seemed to be less winded on the Hightower? And seemed to be cooking on the Hightower...could be the rain...the day....but it was noticeable to me.would be cool to time the route btw the 2 bikes. How does your mega tower climb/feel compared?

[@bikersedge]

I went back and looked at Strava times. I was curious, because it's pretty apparent the SB130 is the better climber of the two. They are very close but I did the road section of the climb 20 seconds faster on the SB130 than the Hightower. The Megatower climbs a lot like the Hightower except it a coupe of pounds heavier. It's not terrible, but it's not great.

[@ellendrew1942]

What size sprockets make up the rear wheel gearset?

[@rogerb3927]

Appreciating your reviews and head to head... conclusions i think i heard.. opinions welcome: 1. Differences between these two are very subtle? 2. In your recent video of the Revel Rascal, you sounded WAY more impressed with its down hill performance than you sound about the DH performance of either of these bikes... so at this point... do you see more than subtle difference between the SB130, the Rascal and the High Tower? or are the differences across pretty subtle? would an average guy be able to actually notice the subtleties?

[@bikersedge]

Hey Roger. Thanks for the kind words. I'll do my best to give you some good answers. 1. The differences between the Hightower and 130 are pretty subtle, but I think the same could be said about most bikes. I mean, in the end they all have two wheels, pedals and brakes. It's those subtle differences that can really make or break a bike, though. That said, I had the opportunity to ride both the 130 and Hightower back to back over the weekend. In terms of capability and what the two bikes can do, the differences are very minimal. In terms of how each bike feels, I could feel the differences right off the bat. With the 130 feeling quicker and more progressive and the Hightower feeling more plush and linear. 2. I was very impressed with the Rascal's DH capability. I think for a bike with 130mm rear and 140mm front travel and fairly conservative geometry, it descends very confidently. I'm equally as impressed with the Hightower and 130 but maybe less surprised that they descend so well. Just by looking at the build and geo, it's obvious that they descend well. Where with the Rascal it was a bit more surprising it went downhill as well as it did. I'd consider myself the average Joe when it comes to biking, and the differences between the three bikes are pretty apparent to me. I would bet most folks could feel the differences between them. That said, all three bikes are very good and most folks would be happy on any of them. I'll give you a quick one sentence review of each one if that helps you decide between them. Rascal - Very well balanced and surprisingly good on the DH. 130 - Fast, firm and supportive, riding well above what most bikes with 130mm travel can do. Hightower - Plush, planted and confident, although not the fastest feeling bike. Hope that helps.

[@rogerb3927]

@@bikersedge Thanks much... if you consider yourself an average Joe, i guess i'm hanging with the wrong bikers. :) point taken, though, and appreciated. Rascal - thanks for noting the surprise. makes sense. Rascal is appealing because 1. small company.. like small to succeed, 2. pricing. 3. bike comes in a travel bag. 4. price seems very competitive... Yeti is local in Golden, CO... very appealing.. I ride a 2017 Aluminum Canondale Bad Habit 2.. so any of these would likely be a significant upgrade. planning a trip to Fruita and a couple of local demo rides... will be interesting to see . thanks for making time to reply.

[@SolomonIsAwesome]

Very informative video mate. Thanks! How do you think the SB130 LR would compare to the Hightower?

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the kind words. The 130 and the 130LR aren’t really that different. I honestly think if you were blindfolded you couldn’t tell them apart. I’ve ridden both versions quite a bit and they feel like the same bike.

[@SolomonIsAwesome]

@@bikersedge that’s for the response! A year forward now, which of these bikes are you riding? Any changes in preferences?

[@bikersedge]

I don’t own either one. They’re both shop demos. I am happy enough to rode either one. The Hightower still feels more plush and comfortable while the 130 is fast and responsive.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Great review. Just sold a 2020 Occam and looking for next aggressive trail bike. How would you compare the sb130 to the OCCAM as well as rascal? Also looking at Alchemy Arktos 29 ST.

[@bikersedge]

The 130 is the burliest descender out of all of them. I have the Lunch Ride, and honestly don't have to ride it any differently (slower, more carefully, easier trails...) than my enduro bike. It feels super stout. The Occam is the most lively and more true trail bike out of those three. It climbs the best I think. It gets outgunned faster on the descents than the other two bikes. The Rascal sits between the two on the descents but probably a smidge below the Yeti on the climbs. Climbing: Occam>SB130>Rascal Descending: SB130>Rascal>Occam I have zero experience with Alchemy so I can't really compare to that one.

[@rogerb3927]

would love to see you do a review of the Trek Fuel EX 9.7, 9.8 or 9.9 some day

[@chrism2983]

Roger Bohnhoff Bike Magazine has done some reviews on Trek

[@rogerb3927]

chris m seen them. :). Was curious if you had thoughts on it vs. the rascal and the sb130. Bike magazine hasn’t done the rascal. :).

[@rickcalhoun248]

Hightower vs tallboy how much difference

[@bikersedge]

Quite a bit. Tallboy feels like a trail bike while Hightower feels enduro lite. Stay tuned for our video.

[@ericking9263]

You really should have tested the HT in the high mode also. Missed opportunity for an apples to apples comparison. You speculated about it but that means nothing. If there was a noticeable difference, does that not make the HT more versatile? It might be a touch quicker in the twisty bits but you don’t really know. Almost all reviewers seem to do this for what ever reason. You seem to be pretty good at verbalizing the subtleties of bike feel and performance. Test and compare the whole bike and you’ll be head and shoulders above the rest.

[@bikersedge]

Thanks for the feedback. It's always good to see what we could do to make better content. We will get it next time. I really would have liked to have ridden the HT in the higher position for this review. Unfortunately the logistics and my lack of endless fitness kind of crushed those ideas. That said, the bikes felt different enough in ride quality that I can confidently say the SB130 is a bit more versatile. The 0.3 degree difference in head tube angle (low to high) wouldn't be a big enough factor to overcome that difference. I think it comes down to suspension design. The Switch Infinity on the Yeti allows the bike to climb more efficiently and descend with a more mild mannered, well rounded feel. The VPP is more active and paired with an additional 10mm of rear travel, makes the HT sit into its travel and hug the ground more. It doesn't feel quite as lively or poppy as the 130.

[@ericking9263]

Biker's Edge I’m sure all that is very true but I want you to confirm that for me. Otherwise, I’m just reading a sales brochure. I’m no Santa Cruz fan boy, although I use to be (1st gen 5010), but I want to know how much effect these flip chips have. A lot of bikes utilize them now in one form or another. I currently ride an Evil that has that adjustment. In general terms, I’m looking for your take on that aspect of a bikes personality.

[@jeffpaquette3561]

But if u are going to do apples to apples you need to do the yeti LR. With just a bit more suspension also..... I'm also wondering how the suspension is were set up before the ride? Set sag and roll? Or was it properly adjusted with the set up calculator for rebound and compression?

[@JD-dw3jp]

How similar is the HT to your Megatower? Just wondering if the HT really pedals significantly better than the MT.

[@bikersedge]

They pedal about the same really. The MT ends up weighing a bit more than the HT though. The HT probably is slightly more efficient with just a little less travel to sag into. Other than that, there isn't a huge difference.

[@leonardocastro1757]

Who won?

[@bikersedge]

I ended up buying an SB130. Some folks will be happier on the Hightower though.

[@leonardocastro1757]

@@bikersedge YEAH me too I ended being the sb130 instead of the Santa Cruz

[@holsten5355]

How turned your ski thumb out on the long term? I already collected two of them (right thumb and 4 months later left thumb). Do you still wear this cast and can you recommend one? Cheers

[@bikersedge]

I still have a little pain from it 8 months later. I don't wear the brace, but I probably should.

[@holsten5355]

@@bikersedge Thanks mate! It took nearly two years for me to ride painless again, but still think that a cast would be helpful to stabilize, thats why asked for it. Wish you a speedy recovery

[@fuzzfadel6141]

Mine still feeling a bit of pain n stiffness after 6 months. I use Kinesiology tape when riding

[@symmetricon1982]

The Hightower has the grip 2 dampener, does it also have the float X2 rear? 5hats a big performance upgrade over the SB130 shock specs if so.

[@dav31078]

The higher end hightower builds are all rockshox now.

[@symmetricon1982]

@@dav31078 ahhhhhh, is the SC rochshox a better spec shock than the fox performance? I have an SB150 and don't car much for the Fit4 on the front for anything but trail riding.

[@bikersedge]

@@symmetricon1982 The bikes I rode came with similar offering from each suspension brand. The HT was equipped with a Super Deluxe and Lyrik while the 130 had a DPX2 and 36 with Grip 2. I think each brand has their strengths and weaknesses.

[@symmetricon1982]

@@bikersedge I demoed a POLE 140 with rockshox setup and whole it felt much firmer than my SB150 it was vastly more planted but not nearly as playful. You think it's the bikes or the difference in shocks. Honestly I wish my SB150 was more planted like the POLE.

[@bikersedge]

I'm going to bet that the difference between the two bikes. Pole uses some pretty extreme geo if i'm not mistaken. that could be why it felt planted but not playful. I haven't fond a bike yet thats planted AND playful. They kind of seem mutually exclusive.

[@donnpassMTB]

would you have this Yeti sb130 or Ibis Ripley v4 as your second bike if you have sb150?

[@bikersedge]

Ripley for sure. Too much overlap with the 130.

[@thoroslin520]

still crazy to me how they get away with pairing XO1 with a performance fit grip fork... my yt jeffsy has the same fork in 160 mm with NX build... i think it's so cheap of them. They could easily spring for a performance elite with GRIP2 . Maybe I'm being nitpicky but when the bikes start getting up there in price as these boutique brands do i feel like they should pack as much value in as they can but they don't... anyways. Nice revew man

[@bikersedge]

I’m with you. I’d like to see performance elite. Although, if I’m being honest, apart from less range of adjustment, on the trail they both feel really good. I’ve never had my ride ruined by a performance level fork.

[@thoroslin520]

@@bikersedge I feel you, it's just when you start to get into the bike world and become a little bit of a bike geek things like that bother you lol. I get bothered when is see GX on $5,000 bikes or performance forks on $7,000 bikes. I actually prefer my Fit Grip performance cuz it has fewer settings for me to break but I think for the resale value it's nice to have a top-end fork. Overall I'm in college so i bought a YT jeffsy carbon with DPX2, fox performance 36, and NX for $3,000. I can never seem to afford to spend the money that Santa Cruz or yeti or any of them charge when I get half off with direct to consumer. Their clientele is more based on people like my father who prefer IBIS and don't mind spending 10K on a loaded IBIS... I could never. Anyway, that concludes my rant. Great video!

[@bikersedge]

I totally understand. Thanks for the feedback on the review. Stoked you liked it!

[@naitsabes0010]

Id rather have the performance fit grip... Where im from (Lima-Peru) the humidity peels off the kashima coating and its a pain in the as. Im actually bothered by the fact they dont offer the Performance Elite with this 6k builds

[@utahjohn5480]

Bummer you skipped the best part of that loop (Mandelbrot!).......

[@bikersedge]

For the sake of time I just did the outer loop. Plus I kind of prefer bombing down the hill with all the water bars. It's a fun challenge to see how long you can stay off the brakes.

[@waldchiller4695]

Curious about sizing. I am 6"2 ride an Evil Calling in XL which is 474 Reach with 40 mm stem and like the size. SC suggests XL for my size which is 493 Reach which just seems so long to me. You think i would like 493 Reach? Barely any chance to testride here in Germany...

[@bikersedge]

I'm 6'2" as well and found the XL to be a great fit. A steeper seat tube like the one on the Hightower will bring you closer to the handlebars effectively making the seated position less stretched out. I'd be willing to bet the Hightower's cockpit doesn't feel much longer than your Calling's because of the steeper seat tube. Then when you're standing up going downhill (the cockpit length doesn't really come into play anymore) the longer reach will give you added stability.

[@christophepoirier6663]

@@bikersedge Hi awesome review ! i am 6' coming from a large bronson 3 i feel very high when pedaling and quite over the bar so i wonder what size would be the best fit for me with Hightower. I would like to go XL but i am a bit worried about wheelbase for cornering and switchback. Not so simple to make a testride in France. What do you think ? Thanks man

[@bikersedge]

@@christophepoirier6663 I'm 6'2" and feel great on an XL Santa Cruz. The longer wheelbase does become a bit of an issue at times with sharp corners and switchbacks. With a bit of technique you can muscle your way around them though.

[@christophepoirier6663]

@@bikersedge OK thanks for your reply. Do you think XL would be too big for me ? what size would you go for if you were 6' ?

[@bikersedge]

@@christophepoirier6663 At 6' I'd probably stick to a large. It's a tough call though and comes down to body proportions and riding style. The 29er will help you feel like you're inside the bike more rather than up on top of it.

[@markjenkins1217]

Great internet video content! It looks extremely expert! Keep up the good work!

[@bike_somm]

Nice job on the video! I’m really curious about the way the HT compares more so to the Mega! Any major differences in climbing/descending you could add to help the buyer whos trying to choose between the two Santa Cruz’s?

[@bikersedge]

To tell you the truth, If I was blindfolded I'd probably have a tough time telling them apart. The Mega is a little heavier (especially mine with the coil shock) though. As far as climbing efficiency goes they're pretty much the same excluding the weight penalty on the Mega. If you watched the video - the awkward flat rocky spot at the top of the descent was easier on the Hightower than it is on my Mega. For slow speed stuff the shorter wheelbase and steeper head tube make the Hightower more maneuverable. Once both bikes are up to speed they feel pretty similar in their handling. I have a thumb injury and I'm not able to really get after it on drops and jumps so I can't compare the two there. Although the Mega handles big hits really well. One place I can tell the difference is in high speed sections of trail. The "I'm going too fast" feeling doesn't seem to exists on the Mega where I found it on the Hightower. That probably comes down to wheelbase and a little extra travel to minimize the bumps. Hopefully that helps you make a decision. Do you have the opportunity to demo?

[@bike_somm]

Biker's Edge I Think I’ve watched about every vid you’ve put up so far because i like your style and editing so being a “similar” youtuber myself I highly respect what your doing & vibe with most of your thoughts & feels. I’ve also reviewed the Mega 2 times now on my channel, but my local bike shop (The Hub Napa) hasen’t recieved them just yet.. normally they are pretty good about letting me get on their demo bikes. I really liked the Mega a lot & thought it climber better then some 140mm trail bikes i’ve previously ridden.. so I was pretty shocked by that bike being as big and capable as it is & wondered how big the difference felt compared to the new HT. I’ll have to try one for myself, but similar to how the SB130 felt compared to the SB150, “to me” it was not very far off at all relative to weight and climbing performance, and i liked the SB150 more for my riding style and for the extra “Im going too fast” confidence that it gives on the downs! haha I have asked many friends & coming from my current 2018 ReignSX My Top 3 bikes to decide from in the next month or two look like it’s coming down to the Megatower, Ripmo, and possibly the new Reign29... Tough Call But the HT was a huge ? mark for me and i won’t write it off just yet, but I think I’m seeing it more clearly now. Still need to try the Reign29 also! Anyhow thanks for such in-depth insight and thank you for taking the time and thoughts to get back to me honestly! Really appriciate you bud! Until Next Time! Keep up the great channel!

[@Mr_RichardH]

Hard to compare traction when it's wet one day, dry the next.

[@bikersedge]

Fair point. Luckily, I've been able to ride the bikes multiple times in both dry and wet conditions. The same assessment still stands true.

[@dav31078]

Plus the wide trail DHR on the HT vs the 2.3 Aggressor on the sb130.

[@kylecline3272]

Sb130 or giant trance x?

[@bikersedge]

Tough call. I think the SB130 rides bigger than the Trance X. If I wanted a quick, light climber I’d go Trance. If I wanted a burly descender I’d go SB130.

[@kylecline3272]

@@bikersedge thank you!

[@eaacbcs]

I used to own a XC bike but I switched to a Hightower.I just got it yesterday. The reason is because I want to do more trails that are let's just say, balanced between ups and downs. However as I was climbing I could not finish some climbs sections so I do know what to feel, I never owned a more than a 4k USD before. Anyway I really hope it is just a matter of time to get used to it, because I love this bike

[@mdmattmann]

How does the Ripmo compare to these two?

[@bikersedge]

Good question. It's been a minute since I've ridden a Ripmo so it's not fresh on my mind. I think both of these bikes will ride harder terrain than the Ripmo but won't climb as well.

[@jg8273]

@@bikersedge makes no sense, the Ripmo is a bigger bike

[@bikersedge]

@@jg8273 suspension design and geometry > travel length. Also when I made this comment I was still referring to the V1. Hadn’t ridden the V2 yet.

[@jg8273]

@@bikersedge Agree but the Ripmo V1 had decent geo…I just had the complete opposite results when I, demoed all 3.

[@bikersedge]

@@jg8273 with the combo of suspension design and geo you can push the other two bikes harder before you hit their limits. I think most of it comes down to head tube angle and suspension progression.

[@currentlyhd7649]

Anyone have thoughts on Ripmo AF SLX build ($3,999) vs Hightower aluminum S build ($4,199) ?

[@jcbarglez]

Nice job.

[@shawnspringer1582]

Yeti sb130 bs occam how is that

[@bikersedge]

Even though the Yeti has less travel it’s for more capable on the DH. They are fairly close climbing but the Occam has the edge there. It’s lighter and more efficient.

[@mrjagriff]

Mud clearance looks bad on the Hightower and some of us do actually have to ride in muddy conditions or we we”d never get out

[@bikersedge]

Interesting. I'll have to take a look at the clearance.

[@coreymclernon]

Great review! The dinging sounds wasn’t necessary though. Freaks my dog out 🤫. I had the the original lt and miss it. Riding the Blur trail and thinking maybe I should have gotten the SB 100. That’s another story.

[@CptMooney]

Whats wrong with the term "All Mountain" ? :p

[@mokpra]

How do you get to ride all sorts of expensive bikes? I would take either of these if they are for free

[@bikersedge]

We are a bike shop with a huge demo fleet of really nice bikes. Pretty lucky.

[@Dilberto88]

Agree, the HT slightly beats the Yeti. Santa Cruz has the benefit of a huge R&D budget and State-of-the-Art materials and testing. In fact, I'd even say the Pivot 429 Trail is even better than boutique Yeti....

[@JasonChambersPhoto]

Any thoughts on how the Stumpjumper 29 would compare?

[@bikersedge]

Haven't ridden that one. Couldn't really say.

[@Chwizzy]

No gloves?

[@bikersedge]

I can't wear a glove with the cast/brace for my left thumb. I don't want to look like Michael Jackson with only one glove so I'm going bare at the moment.

[@mysportsclinic7045]

Were you riding an XL on HT ?

[@bikersedge]

Yes. XL on both bikes.

[@mysportsclinic7045]

Cheers

[@philippe-oliviertremblay666]

Good review but that bell is awful

[@bikersedge]

I’ll put more of it in the next video for you.

[@stankacey1995]

Me thinks ye might've missed the mark by a half o'degree - lol If ye'd have played in the *HIGH* -tower setting ye'd have had the Yeti in trail strengths but with 10mm more of it!

[@bikersedge]

Yeah. Looking back I should have put the bike in High mode. The geo changes are minimal and the 0.3 degree difference in head tube angle (low to high) wouldn't be super noticeable. I think the difference comes down to suspension design. The Switch Infinity on the Yeti allows the bike to climb more efficiently and descend with a more mild mannered, well rounded feel. The VPP is more active and paired with an additional 10mm of rear travel, makes the HT sit into its travel and hug the ground more. It doesn't feel quite as lively or poppy as the 130. High mode would also make the VPP more linear and less progressive than low. That would make it even less poppy and supportive.

[@BMfins]

Lol that’s some rocks. I live in Utah so I feel ya on them rocks.

[@bikersedge]

That's a pretty awkward flat bit of rocks. It's tough to keep the wheels rolling there.

[@BMfins]

Biker's Edge Next year I will buy a new Orbea Occam from your Kaysville store.

[@bikersedge]

@@BMfins We'd love to have you come by. That Occam is a solid bike - so fast.

[@73montreal]

That DING sound is very annoying otherwise great review.

[@bikersedge]

Just making sure you stay awake.

[@chagchagmoko9014]

High tower is one ugly looking bike.

[@bikersedge]

You've hurt its feelings.

[@carlfrancis1247]

4min in....so far it's raining and the reviewer says he is rushing to finish this up. The reviewer says he isn't riding the size bike that fits him, and finally he says he is injured and can't hold onto the bars as well as he like. Should be a pretty accurate review! Next.

[@bikersedge]

Damn. I knew I should have grown a few inches taller so the XL would be the perfect fit. My bad.

[@tommysiefkes1846]

with those views, where does this guy get the money to afford a 7,000 and a 6,000 dollar bikes.

[@bikersedge]

I steal them all..... We are a bike shop with a huge demo fleet. I'm able to use our demos for the most part. I wish I owned all these bikes.

[@DirkJaenike]

Nice flow trail... great clip. I will follow u. I appreciate it if u do the same from biker to biker... Lets rock

[@radagascar1]

Oh yeah! Battle of the overpriced brands, let's go!

[@bikersedge]

Battle of the super bikes?

[@9GSR]

I take yeti over santa Cruz any day!!! Do you want a sweet bike, enduro and climbs as good as the sb130? THE 'SB150'.

[@ur2slob724]

Santa Cruz over yeti anyday

[@9GSR]

@@ur2slob724 we call it the mee too, everyone has that shit, you see a santa cruz in every corner 🤣

[@ur2slob724]

9GSR must be that bloody good then Bahahahha yetis are a pile of junk that’s why you don’t see them 😂😂😂😂😂

[@9GSR]

@@ur2slob724 no, because that bs i so affordable which everyone can have that shit, is like a honda civic , for example your gixxer, that's another bs "me too" motorcycle hahahaha

[@eatnpooter1634]

SC all day 🥜💯🇺🇸🤙🏻

[@klawdad9359]

While climbing where did you leave the fork and shock settings? If you locked out the High Tower do you think it might of climbed better?

[@bikersedge]

I leave my fork compression open always. On some fire roads I'll put the shock in the trail or lockout mode. Most of the time I'm on single track I'll leave it open though. For this review I left both bikes in open all the time. The Hightower will be more efficient locked out but at the risk of losing traction. The negative travel is what helps keep the rear wheel on the ground instead of bouncing around and slipping out.