Testing How Capable This Value Mountain Bike Is...

[@PaulThePunter]

Winner of the Competitive Cyclist voucher will be picked this week! Keep your eyes on my instagram.....and grab some gloves 👉 bit.ly/PunterStore

[@jaystewart3820]

Paul what tyres are you running on your trance in this video?

[@remymetailler]

The tip of the sprint and adding water to bed in the pads is a bit of a short cut, and a good way to never get the full performance of the brakes. The best is too slowly creep on the brakes and let go until it bites more and more. On the long run it is worth it.

[@BGraves]

That, and not coming to a full stop like he did

[@patrikhoracek2680]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKrPaH6NlquSpaM

[@Arkainebe]

But what if you live in an area with no hills? #sadlife

[@tomasstraka5244]

@@BGraves not skidding in the first place :D

[@outlawburgerontheloose]

@@Arkainebe get up to speed, apply brake, never come to a stop. Keep doing it. You don't need a mountain, just a slope to gain speed

[@timotheyszczepanski6644]

imo, fast tech tests a bike's capabilities much more than slabs. slabs just test the brakes and your modulation.

[@JoeJoe-C137]

Agreed, questionable over "value bike" as well. To me an entry level hardtail is a value bike

[@RegularJonMTB]

I’d be shocked if a bike of that price wasn’t able to handle any of those trails/tracks. A bit OTT to be honest.

[@BFBMTb]

That's what I was thinking as well. But then again, it's a "value" bike. Lol

[@sufyanm4661]

@@BFBMTb my bike cost me under $1000 and i got hope brakes and wheels, decent older fox suspension, and recently a dropper post. Only thing i need is a 12 speed drivetrain, but the 10 speed forced my fitness to increase

[@BFBMTb]

@@sufyanm4661 exactly my thoughts. 1k will get you an awesome specd bike that will handle quite a bit. I actually built an ebike out of a HUFFY CARNAGE for around $1400. The only thing left that's huffy is the actual frame. I didn't use name brand parts but rather value parts that will handle the type of riding I do (based on specs). The components have held up fine And I currently have around 1600 miles on it (450 as mid drive, 1200 as hub drive).

[@mushieslushie]

Seriously. He thinks everyone that rides these trails has a 10K+ bike? Ridiculous. My bike costs even less than that one and I wouldn't even think twice about riding those trails.

[@BFBMTb]

@@mushieslushie many times it's not necessarily the bike but the rider's individual skill level. You can have the most expensive bike out there but if your skill level sucks than your better off saving your money and just get a cheap used hardtail.

[@zguitar71]

I love that you work with new riders or advancing riders. I’m in a different category though. I have been riding black trails in my area for a while. Recently though I was on a group ride, had a crash and broke my hip, to be exact it was the top of the femur. The break left the ball in the pelvic socket separate from the femur. With the hardware installed in my bone the ability for a full recovery is very good. I’m almost three weeks past the initial crash and have probably two months before I’m fully mobile and ready to ride trails again. The issue I have is a mental readiness to tackle the trails. I feel like I’m reset to a beginner level. Mentally I have a hard time picturing myself on the trails. Before I could prepare for a day of riding by picturing the turns and obstacles and lines I would take. I have the handling skills to get back to where I need to be, I just need the confidence to tackle the trails. I would love to see some videos where you take a person in my situation and help them get back on track. I think the style to use to teach is great and would work well for someone in my situation to get back on their mental game. Thanks!

[@jordanwilson887]

Me thinking I’m looking at some baller bikes around $3k. My boy here: value is under 3k

[@EJames22]

That's the strangest bed-in procedure I have ever seen, not gonna lie. Cheers !

[@lagwall]

I love videos like this showing budget bikes in a good light!

[@BIKINGWITHBOBO]

“This is where things could go wrong”... and no cut-to my crash in Squamish?!? 💩

[@adamrussell9117]

hahahaha. dead.

[@BDC_Loot_Goblin]

Love how you give advice without a hint of arrogance. It’s a hard skill to master and you do it well! Enjoy your vids 🙏

[@amateurtouring]

No arrogance as he’s turning his nose up at a $3000 bike

[@madhatter9631]

I have a trance advanced 27.5(not a fan of 29), has SLX,4pod brakes,upgraded suspension to x2 and 160 mil up front.....I love it. Keep the vids coming!

[@yomommastupid]

for tall riders like myself i would never ride 27.5, 29er all the way i also ride SLX and going to upgrade my rockshox pike to 160 by changing the debonair

[@huskerfan3352]

I believe it is not about the bike it's about the rider it's not capable you are (within a certain threshold)

[@hazza788]

Brakes that stop you and parts that aren't going to collapse/snap and it will send!

[@hazza788]

Could be kinda fun to do Rupert on a $700 budget hardtail

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Thanks for this Paul. I’m in the value bike market because I’ll not only be buying myself a new bike but one for my son fairly soon. I’ve got a Giant hard tail and it’s been an amazing value with a Deore drive train. That value bike will be on my short list when the time comes. If only it was red….

[@GwydionLlyrEvans]

thanks paul another great and entertaining video.

[@stubikeco]

Another great vid, Paul.

[@badbattleaxe5832]

The frame is very capable just upgrade components as you go. I got the hunt trail wide V2 wheels, I put a Shimano XT group set and a fox factory 38 upfront. In time I will be upgrading the rear suspension to a fox float x2. The thing is a trail monster! Best bike I’ve ever owned

[@Icamas]

Loving the earhquake effect

[@northmxzrider]

Just had my 2011 trance x3 from new stolen from me a few weeks ago. Was a great bike that I kept well maintained. Looks like I’ll be saving up for a new one

[@mtbewan5632]

Just saw a giant truck with a downhill bike and 3 enduro bikes on the road today. Looked each bike up and they all seemed to be good value.

[@Justin-jn3ql]

Great video! Thank you. How about turning that value bike into a mullet bike? Love the bike.

[@BFBMTb]

It should be good for it's price tag. When I think of value, I think more along the lines of what kevcentral does.

[@KingRc72]

Yea I was gonna say 3k is a value bike?

[@Clavitz1]

@@KingRc72 value I'm thinking under $500. 3k to me is..."that better have an engine on it" Idk what the hell happened but prices for bikes have become massive scams.

[@KingRc72]

@@Clavitz1 for me 500 or less is budget.. nothin wrong with them they will get the job done then there is 1500-700ish is value. Over 1500 and I’m thinking “ I can get a decent used car and never pedal again…. “ Or “ that used Harley I seen the other day was 1500..”

[@nofacemtb9481]

We mountain bikers are "jaded" thinking 3 grand is a "budget bike." I definitely am jaded.

[@justgo4033]

I’ve always bought “value “ bikes and i have just a much fun as my friends with more expensive bikes . Most of the time when i switch parts is not even because i’ve worn them out , its just because i want to try something different. Keep in mind im not a pro and dont care about how fast i go , mtb is my hobby and my escape from my daily grind .

[@Rodolfowei12345]

To be fair 3k bike is not anymore value, it is already a Highend bike, lets say is not a race bike, but the difference with top of the line models is weight, brake precision, and kind of a better suspension, which means they ride better but these are not more capable, you can ride almost as hard with this bike as with a top of the line bike in any terrain.

[@shoeonhead]

Yes and no, while they can probably do everything that a 7 grand bike can do, you definitely pay for it in some ways. One that you mentioned is brakes, a really good set of brakes with proper modulation and power is a must for truly high end trail riding or downhill. The SLX brakes that came on my Fuel EX 9.7 were not up to par, they have a tiny modulation zone and a heavy pull, making them quite dangerous for some terrain. I wouldn’t say suspension compares from 3000 to 7000 though. Take the Fuel EX 7 at 3200. It comes with a rockshox 35 gold rl. Great fork for the money. But any experience rider will absolutely notice the difference between the damping and compression capabilities of this fork and say a for 36 performance elite or a rockshox pike select/ultimate. The damping especially is hugely more compliant and tuneable. If your suspension isn’t tuned to a tee, good luck no going OTB in some scenarios. Plus you admitted it yourself, you can ride them almost as hard. So they’re almost as capable to an average rider, but it’s not equal. People like say that something like a mongoose XR pro or a Raleigh Kodiak can be upgraded/made to be as good as a 2-3000 dollar experience. Mmmm no.

[@aryaanahmed9438]

How is it a value mountain bike if its almost 3000 dollars

[@Techhelplucas]

Theres a difference between “budget” and “value”.

[@aryaanahmed9438]

@@Techhelplucas i know, im saying that the parts on that bike are not value for money because you can find them cheaper

[@JustJake77]

When the average and decent spec bike these day are starting at 6G's...

[@cardudeperson7208]

I know, I managed to build a 2018 full carbon enduro bike for 1800$

[@BasicBodThor]

$3000 USD (for those in Canada, more like 4k+)

[@andrewmancini2178]

This have been my daily rider in October with over 300 miles on it. I love the bike,, dropper ended up getting upgraded due to a warranty but besides that I love it. Bike isn’t perfect but it is fully capable for the price!

[@billrose2339]

I agree. I have the Trance X 29-2 and it is a downhill monster. A little heavy for uphills but it’s getting me in great shape. :-)

[@damienbyrne7450]

Pleasure to meet you on the trail. Damien

[@mattjonesmattj6479]

Love the vids, not sure sintered are an upgrade, just different, resin grab better from cold, and are make less noise, though they don't last as long, sintered for big descent which we don't have in the UK.

[@clmfilms8103]

I wanted to get this one but no bike shops near me had one in stock. Ended up with a norco fluid fs 1 which is a great bike, but im wishing I had a bit more travel when hitting jumps and drops

[@joshdasgupta1185]

New Video !!!! Yayy !!!

[@MockChicken]

Been looking at the Trance and Trance Jr for my son. Now I just need to actually find them in stock somewhere in the lower mainland. Better chance of finding gold in my backyard.

[@mileslandis3322]

so sick! i want to get an endeoro bike if i had the money

[@derekjarman1638]

So slow on the In n Out slab! Nice👍👍

[@harryrichards4654]

Paul 2021-‘’that is soo long’’

[@anyssen]

I have an oler Giant Trance and its great, I can go down stairs, drops and I'm not a pro by any means but I have a lot of fun...

[@sgfahhdhsdhd]

$3K is a "budget" bike, according to this guy! Perhaps that's why I can't mount it on my cheap, $400k Lamborghini...

[@mattis6437]

It's a value-bike, not a budget-bike?

[@mattis6437]

@Dirty Dave nah, just stating a fact.

[@mattis6437]

@Dirty Dave it's formulated as a statement and not a question.

[@rahul20061982]

When he said value bikes. I was like okkkk ama gonna get one. Then he said 3k. I was like let's just watch ppl on KZbin lol

[@TobiasPilatus]

Cool "value" bike. Are the organic Shimano pads really that bad? Have you ever tried the organic Trickstuff Power pads? That's power.

[@Lucky_boy_MTB]

how much do I need to pump up the rear suspension on this bike I have 60 kg

[@POVwithCOOK]

Crazy that a value bike is 3 grand ahah ! I’m picking up an old giant trance 2 for $400 ! Always been riding cheap hard tails so I’m excited

[@ricomacpherson6845]

Great video,punter...

[@iwontreplybacklol7481]

Lol @ the breaking in the brakes "technique" . --Hoooooooonnnnnlkkkkkkkk--😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 what a moroon.

[@letsgo_inc]

Meanwhile, we have folks sending it deep on hardtails. Given a certain amount of quality, any real mountain bike will do almost anything most folks could dream of. It is just a question of how fast and for how long.

[@lolaharwood4702]

i got an amazing marin east peak 05 model on ebay a couple of yrs ago for only £180 in pretty much perfect condition and its done me amazing, been doing techy reds and blacks along with jumps so i reckon that covers everything id want from a bike you just have to know what to look for, not how much to spend imo

[@David-rb3tk]

@@lolaharwood4702 Exactly!

[@fishrideandski4910]

I love these video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MckWells]

Does anyone know how tall Paul is? I remember him saying this was a medium sized bike. I just ordered this bike in a large (had to order to get it into the shop, I can return if it doesn't fit), and I'm worried that at 5'11" (about 181 cm) the reach will be far too long for me (M is 456 and L is 486). I'm used to a hard tail with about 447mm reach. But modern geometry seems to change everything and I don't know what sizes work anymore.

[@outlawburgerontheloose]

Looks like a session

[@squirreladventures2483]

A beautiful destiny of sunshine

[@TheCrashingDad]

That "loading" gif.... 😂

[@PaulThePunter]

Isaac knows

[@brianodos2]

Can you try how it feels if you put 27,5 wheels on this bike?

[@Gabriel-oj7tz]

Wanted to buy this bike myself but couldn’t do it with the SRAM SX… Went with the 27.5 version and kind of regret it seeing this.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

After sales service ???

[@corrieshepard9620]

Your the f#$kin best MTB KZbinr...

[@MrAnimal1971]

You get value from Giant because they build bikes for Trek among others. Our bike shop is a big Giant dealer and they have many truly legit builds. Value means getting the most for your money not cheaping out on quality. I've got a Trance 29 2 from 2020 and It is the right geometry for me.

[@coreywhite4073]

$500 will get you a capable bike, it's about the skill not the price tag

[@SolePompano]

Well I mean maybe if you practiced on a better bike and moved down with all the control and skill the other bike gave you. Cause at a certain level $500 sadly will no longer cut it. Maybe jumps cause I see people with bmx bikes hitting some gnarly jumps but any significant tech or larger drops and it’d start getting risky to ride a $500 bike and be more about survival rather than having fun and going fast

[@SolePompano]

I think 12-1500 would be enough to pick up a solid lightly used bike that would progress with you for years over a multitude of terrains and would’ve been the better budget for a “budget bike” sadly this sport just isn’t cheap and even maintaining these bikes ends up costing a lot of time and money

[@winry9762]

The bike can handle it. The Rider Won't!!

[@Hjorten93]

Pretty cool thing for the series with non mountainbikers would be getting a hockey player to come ride, since you’re in canada, wouldnt be hard to find one lol

[@PaulThePunter]

I’m looking!

[@misaelhallett9213]

Paul The Punter.

[@nathangaffran]

It would be cool to see pro athletes from others sports that have nothing to do which mountain biking riding for the first time.

[@mattjonesmattj6479]

Lol yep they could get footballers and listen to them whine all the way down 🤣

[@David-rb3tk]

@@mattjonesmattj6479 I recall a hokey TV show doing that about 25 years ago. You should have seen some of the football and basketball players trying to swim, surf or ski. Total clown show! That said, I couldn't run as fast as any of them.

[@rlopez9044]

**emergency question here!! What is the right angle for the levers?? ** I need help with that. Thanks

[@PaulThePunter]

30 for Shimano

[@ethanbenton6676]

4:35 Paul confirmed gamer?!?!

[@dookie3453]

Not exactly true about pad material. Organic pads have much more bite, however they don’t handle heat as well on long downhills

[@ApexHerbivore]

This. Metallic pads better for downhill/enduro. Organic better for XC/trail. I personally ride an enduro bike but half the stuff I ride is trail with some gnarly DH thrown in. I go for semi.

[@dookie3453]

@@ApexHerbivore Yeah, I didn’t really notice the fade that much anyway but the main reason I use metallic is because organic wear down really quickly. Much rather just forget about the pads then check them every couple rides

[@craigallen111]

I’d be more interested if it bends rims or kicks hard being flogged down a nasty track with square edge bumps/drop offs, the tracks are all too rolly to test out much other than geometry as you say.

[@gulfcitynd]

3 grand sorry but I can't be bothered to spend 3k when my polygon premier 5 is plenty and if I want a full suspension mountain bike I'll get a sisku d7

[@545future6]

9:37 early shredders

[@braedenmurray3598]

My 2011 pivot firebird is bike I can push harder than my giant trance 3. It’s kinda funny.

[@pawelwityk1963]

@1:24 Whoever told you that's how you bed in brake pads lied to you son 🤣🤣 complete opposite of what you really want to do

[@david029014]

what does your bike weigh?

[@alexdyke7176]

What is the difference between resin sintered and organic pads

[@PaulThePunter]

Resin pads are “softer”, but ask an expert for more actual details haha. I’ve used both over the years and metallics provide me way more stopping power.

[@snat6299]

@@PaulThePunter do 2021 slx Shimano come with metallic or organic pads? I have the 4 pot on my ripmo af and can’t tell. Thank you for the information.

[@shemshem9998]

"entry level bikes"/"cheap" are the same bike as the pro bikes, you get all the same things, geo, enduro fork, 12 gear drivetrain, 4 pot brakes, dropper post. that is why i always hate it when people give the excuse of "i cant do it because i have a "cheap" bike," is it not as fine tuned? yes, is it probably slightly slower? yes. but it can do everything that a 10k bike can. i love that people are going out and showing that these bikes are still great and can do whatever a 10k bike can.

[@kyus1974]

Side quest: Help Damian ride down the trail.

[@gile4782]

schweet!

[@kenshomi2]

Hey that’s my bike - good to see it sending it - I’m 5’10” and ride Med. How tall are you?

[@PaulThePunter]

Yup same!

[@joshdasgupta1185]

I'm from India and I've been watching you religiously for years now ! Great stuff !

[@gilbertogonzalez9494]

Does Damian have an i phone?

[@jacknuttall13]

Why don’t you buy a £150 bike and ride it on trails That would show true skill in a rider

[@David-rb3tk]

Your dreamin' !

[@pympin87]

the one thing that can hold you back on a cheaper bike ... is budget brakes with organic pads

[@Taihaki]

what's the knee pad your using?

[@sabrinaalexandra5096]

Looks like it might be the 7idp sam hill knee pads

[@Taihaki]

@@sabrinaalexandra5096 Thanks!

[@blink182.]

Value and budget are different things folks.

[@stormtrooper2463]

Cool

[@KYMXRacer]

It’s 90% rider and 10% bike. No need to sell a kidney for $6k bike when you can do the same stuff on a $2500 bike. If you have the money, go for it. Personally, I get a sick satisfaction passing guys with high end bikes on my “budget bike”.

[@Shift4g]

Imagine doing the same on a dept store bike lol

[@lynxster1]

That medium bike is a way better size for you Paul.

[@OCNcheffy]

Why would you want to pour water on your brakes for bedding them in? Don't you want the excessive heat to transfer the material to the rotors?

[@PaulThePunter]

I’m no scientist, this is just the method I’ve been taught and it works the best :)

[@pooparcel]

sell some of the drawer full of shimano parts and buy a gimbal lol

[@user-pz2lb1lq5m]

I don’t understand this sport, how is a bike that costs over $2000 a budget or value bike? I would love to own a $2000 bike.

[@Dirtsurfing]

Don’t get caught up in this bike is better and those parts are better game….. the reality is that 99% of us will be incapable of riding any stock bike from a reputable brand to its full potential…..save your money…. Flash parts are for fast guys and pros looking for seconds over the next guy.

[@austenitferrit8248]

nice video but very shaky camera :/

[@raresmarcu7510]

What bike do u recommend for 600€?

[@BMOutdoorz]

Check out the Vituw Nucleus

[@Hjorten93]

What This guy said. 👆 Pretty much the Only reasonable option at that price point

[@danielklepoch7470]

it depends on what type of trail. my bike is a raleigh talus 2 around the same price point, but i reccomend devinci riff and what ever drivetrain you want

[@nickgustafson9064]

@@danielklepoch7470 I have a Raleigh talus 2 also. I ride with Santa Cruz , Devinci, s-works bikes and I can keep up but I sure as hell want a new bike.

[@danielklepoch7470]

@@nickgustafson9064 i replied with my bike because its cheap and the original comment asked for a bike around 850 cad (i did the math) but i dont do a lot of research for the very expensive bike since i already know what my next bike is (kona process 153 2016 with a gx eagle 11 speed rear derailleur upgrade with a lot of other upgraded parts)

[@Jagokingkong]

next *clap* slab *clap* #Felix

[@patrikhoracek2680]

Well, your bike is only lighter and the suspension is slighly better.

[@grampasundies]

You can almost get a motorcycle new for $3000. Should this be rated a value bike?

[@benireland3406]

How is that value? :O

[@tristanhanson1865]

A good rider can use any bike.. the amount of shitty riders I see with 10k bikes is insane... I fly by dudes on Enduro bike when I'm on my hard tail with 100mm of stiff suspension

[@coreywhite4073]

Yes! Same

[@mx2strokes250]

Yeah, its crazy. I mean, I overtook a ferrari the other day in my van, what a waste.

[@amxlopez8082]

@@mx2strokes250 now that's def, supercars are art and for you to in joy not always about speed yk.

[@destroythebehemoth8827]

The word "value" should be used carefully, as this may be a value bike for rich people but not people without alot of disposable income

[@etwasekliges4841]

I want to buy myself a canyon spectral 5

[@davidtonheim19]

You should do it it's sick

[@davidtonheim19]

I got the 2020 AL 6 and love it

[@maxkaufel4715]

@@davidtonheim19 youre going to love it until the bearings and pivot hardware start falling apart bc the tolerances on the frame are shit

[@davidtonheim19]

@@maxkaufel4715Mine has held up great from riding bikeparks, long enduro rides, xc and much more consistently for over a year. If you maintain it regularly, it will handle pretty much everything. Cheers

[@etwasekliges4841]

I think my Scott scale will break down on jumps more easily

[@SparkyNorth]

No more scott sponsor ?

[@Clavitz1]

This is NOT a value bike. I thought this would be no more than $1k

[@aguasjosh7269]

Slabs are not that hard to ride lol

[@troyrogers1236]

the outro was sooo slow and awkward- in a good way tho that was good

[@rajm1976]

How the hell is this 'budget'? Just spent £2500 on a Canyon Neuron lol

[@Eric-kn4yn]

It's fit advanced mtbers

[@badcompany1313]

God damn everyone in these comments complaining about it not being a “value” bike clearly haven’t been in the Mtb game for long. Spending much less than that and you’re gonna be getting shut components most of the time. This is the level where you’re getting reliable/quality parts without spending $8k. Don’t spend less than like $2200 if you want a full suspension bike that will last. Hard tails are a different story