This is the best value Mountain Bike.

[@edwardjski]

Just wanted to compliment you on your delivery. You seem comfortable, natural and less scripted. The result is that the video is watchable and enjoyable. I realize that my opinion is unsolicited (so forgive me for that) but man it stands out among videos with run-on narration that never gives the viewer a chance to process the info. Nice work!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Edward! The in garage shots were scripted and read off a teleprompter. The trail stuff was ad lib but thought about beforehand. I had to work years and years to get to this point. I helped Seth record some videos and man he's so good with talking to the camera

[@gregorygailen7041]

Yes! Good no-nonsense video. And he didn't introduce us to his ugly pets.

[@edwardjski]

@ToxicGamer86454No, I'm not surprised. Did you interpret what I wrote as "surprise"? Not everyone who gets paid to do something does it well. as nd I know plenty of people who get paid and don't do a good job at all.

[@edwardjski]

@ToxicGamer86454 do you mean "complimenting"?

[@lando4823]

cheap parts vs best value high end parts would be really nice.

[@djean53]

?

[@loganjacobson2335]

He’s already done that

[@mangoshake]

Or popular value parts vs. high end parts e.g.: SR Suntour Auron EQ vs. Fox 34 Factory/Rockshox Pike Ultimate Shimano Deore M6100 vs. SRAM XX Transmission DT Swiss XM481/RaceFace Turbine vs. Enve/I9/WAO carbon wheels PNW Range aluminum bar vs. Enve M7 carbon bar I think it was Evan who already did the Hayes Dominion vs. Trickstuff test already so idk about brakes tbh. There's still a massive price gap between the rival parts but the average rider knows they don't particularly "need" the top of the line because really good parts already exist at a much lower expense.

[@ironeinar]

​@@loganjacobson2335nah evan just did high end parts, they were not good value. I think he means a comparison between mt-400 and mt5/7 for example, where the mt5/7 from Magura are the "high end" parts and the mt400 is seen as the cheap part yk

[@sanjeever82]

ALL OF THIS!!!

[@Digital_Gangster]

For the low bike use non mainstream parts. Aion/Auron/Axon fork, Formula Brakes, Advent X, American Classic tires.

[@riggedupgaming]

I totally agree, i have a bike with a microshift acolyte drivetrain and I am super happy with it. Even when the deraulier hangar is slightly bent it still shifts through every gear and holds the chain on really well.

[@ShouldaWaved]

Is this good or bad? Been biking my whole life biking today, a commuter but not familiar with those labels

[@riggedupgaming]

@@ShouldaWaved hes just talking about budget parts from lesser-known brands, I personally have a mircoshift advent deraulier (the thing that shifts gears) and I think its great

[@umamichefd]

The axon came on my giant. It's a pretty good fork

[@trevorrowe5126]

@@ShouldaWaved They're all good, but they're smaller brands (or less well known lines from the big brands) so you avoid paying a premium for the name.

[@molybdnum]

Love to see you still championing these polygons and demonstrating how they're astonishing value as upgrade platforms. Swapping to the T-series over the D-series bikes is also probably a better fit for your riding environment and experience now. Hi-Low Season 2 is exactly what everybody wants, no matter what twist you put on it!

[@Matenorgan]

Best value vs. high end would be good. I also like the more in depth testing like braking distance, suspension reaction and feel, weight change, bike balance point change etc. Best of three average times, even if shorter runs would be ideal. Do some streams of building the bikes too, that was fun last time

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Before I would've said no way to 3 runs, but now that I'm more fit I can say, heck yeah sounds like a good idea. I got the Livestream itch when I did the B1ker bar podcast so I'll have to see how to fit that in. Thanks Nate!

[@Tony-Scotton]

@EvansMTBSaga - might be tricky, but maybe rather than cheap new, what about 2nd Hand mid tier for the same money as the cheap would have been ?? So new might be M4100 with 4 pistons but used might be able to get M7020 or SRAM Code R’s for the same money used ?? Sourcing used might be tricky, so you could offer an option/ opinion if you already have like for like parts in the spares drawer 😜

[@evancampbell2111]

You should definitely give the axs another go with the xx transmission groupset

[@charlielobegeieger5816]

Polygon always comes in clutch. Great vid dude.

[@mtbboy1993]

Until they crack. But the is one has a redesigned seat tube brace, so maybe this one won't crack i front of the weld. Seen older versions cracked, even a Facebook group for it.

[@UltimateCustomNight232]

@@mtbboy1993 Polygon cracks because the owner dosent treat/use them nicely

[@A42sre]

You already know i will love that series! I think that mid level vs expensive is perfect but the timed laps are better with a little less screen time

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I don't understand..timed laps with less screen time?

[@A42sre]

@@EvansMTBSaga oh sorry, I meant that I’m not that intrested in the lap time comparisons in the ends of the videos

[@UnformedLump]

Just discovered ur channel cuz I found this bike & wanted to do research. Well, 100% satisfied thanks to u🤘😎 all my questions answered & u even showed this thing is fully sendable!!! Would love a chance to ride with u someday cuz it's a dream to make it to Bentonville!!! Saw ur ride with Seth too, #jealous🤩 Love the Hi-Lo series too. Definitely gained a fan bud✌️😁

[@blakekennard7700]

Hard to imagine that RL fork soaking big hits up, but the T series frames makes this bike a stellar entry point to get people into the sport. Well done sir!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Blake!!

[@MTB_CRZY]

I have those same Okaleys with prism trail lenses and let me tell you, they make a massive difference in my ability to read the terrain ahead. It not only allows me to block out some of the brightest light on the sunny days, but in low light they almost seem to highlight or brighten shadow areas. They are super sweet and highly recommend them as well!

[@brianwitter3271]

A plus 1 for Oakley Prism Trail. My trail rides go from full open sun to full cover shade and I don't feel the need to switch until after dark or no shade road rides. For that I have clears and Polarized Jade Iridium. I'm using Jawbreaker frames. For us old folks that need readers to see the cycling computer or trail side repairs clearly, look up stick on lenses. A drop of water adheres them to the lens and they can be removed without damaging the expensive Oakley lenses. I cut them in half so they don't enter my vision until I look down.

[@64Spokes]

Just throwing this out there, microshift advent x groupset offers insane value per dollar. Great performance 11-48t reasonable weight and all for less then a boat anchor weight sram nx group

[@jeffnapior5586]

I've owned this bike for over a year. I saw the prices go down after the pandemic surge, and jumped at the chance to own a great bike at a low price. Been riding for 20 years, but it is my first full suspension. It's held up to riding twice a week all year, and still going strong.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah! Good to hear about a long term test

[@PaulCoull]

I have the same lens (Prizm Low Light) in my Oakleys. Absolute game changer and like riding in HD.

[@cornish_boy6235]

Best deal I’ve gotten was on my wife’s bike. I bought her a new Jamis Dakar for £580. Deore drivetrain, monarch rear shock, Judy forks and raceface bars/stem. Now have revelation forks and a 150mm dropper as well as plenty of purple bits. During Covid it would have been around £1200/£1500 second hand the way it sits now.

[@jeremybrown3429]

That Deore rd will actually reach a 46t. You could also swap the 32t chainring for a 30t. That would give you a much lower climbing gear without breaking the bank.

[@rifu2301]

hear hear, I installed 10/11s deore rd and 10s 11-46t sprocket on my t7 that I build from scratch. 32t chainring up front and still feels like I have low enough gear for climbs that I ride often. Last jump from second biggest to biggest sprocket may not feel like a smooth transition due to a large gap in the sprocket sizes, but hey, its like coming back to megarange.

[@traviswoyen2243]

Hi-Low Season 2 - I liked the first round. The only change I'd make is keep it new parts vs. new parts as much as possible, especially for the Lo side of things. Given the state of the bike industry, and the direction that's likely going in the near future, I think there are enough good deals online without needing to hit the used market. Another idea, given your starting platform, you could have a stock baseline to determine how much difference any of the upgrades made. One other thought is determining the final test before deciding on the upgrades and build up to optimize the bike toward the final test. Since you're starting with an all-around trail bike, maybe pick a 3 different timed tests - something downhill/chunky, something flowy-jumpy, and something maybe closer to an XC loop that rewards more rider input. Any way you do it, I'm looking forward to it!

[@christianfuller5653]

Took my new T6 to Deer Valley here in Utah, and it totally shreds!! My first full suspension and I love it!

[@Yeetasaurus1234]

saw you on the trails a few days ago filming this! made my day. sweet bike for the money too

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah grant!

[@wellscarter17]

I really liked the format of low bike having a total cost you need to stay under. Also a fan of seeing you get scrappy and buy used parts to rebuild or hunt for deals

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I love getting scrappy! Used suspension is the way to go imo

[@michaelridesmtb]

High Low was my favorite thing you've ever done on this channel hands down. I would absolutely love to see another series like that. Definitely bring back Chad. I care about the timed segments. I think that the finale should be at that same park from the Aluminum vs Carbon video...OR...Go back to Sedona??

[@dennisthurber719]

I bought one myself about 2 months ago and love it.

[@philJonsonmcfarlkagnehugorober]

Oh yeah Season 2 would be sick and keep making videos I love to watch them!

[@Spark_MTB_BMX_Coaching]

Great video and looking forward to another hi low series. Would be cool to see the timing done at a mostly downhill trail. Something that will expose the parts durability and how comfortable you feel riding it on a gnarlier trail. As far as destination… western North Carolina has tons of trails and bike parks. 👊🏼

[@mtbsc016]

he needs to come to rock creek or kanuga.

[@Matty-B-on-an-MTB]

Great video! I bought the little brother last year, the D7 and absolutely love it. Had a couple of teething problems but all sorted quickly. Made a couple of upgrades, including a four pot front caliper, pedals and Magic Mary's instead of Nobby Nicks. It inspires😊 confidence, laps up XC and copes well at bike parks and DH's. It's a better bike than I am a rider at the moment. I shopped around and simply couldn't' justify another 1000 for a better known brand with all the same spec bolt ons.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@downtoridemtb]

Excited for season 2. Maybe the low bike can only get used parts? Would show how much you can stretch your dollar.

[@katiea3117]

I just bought the T7 a couple months ago and was hoping you would review it so this is perfect!

[@hannes6114]

I would like the high-low series to be focused on a more realistic camparison of more mid range products and more high end products that aren't toooo expensive. So not the bougie stuff but main stream high end so Fox Factory. I try to make out the best products for cheaper prices. Fun and performance is also much more important than time.

[@aw71290]

I got the T8 in December, bought it in Nov when it was in sale for 1799. I love it, but ran into some issues out of the box. First issue was the dropper cable snapped on the first lever press, and I had to replace the cable. Second issue was shifting, the derailleur hanger got bent in packaging/shipping. I had to pay a bike shop to fix it. Third issue was the stock KMC chain, 15 rides in it had up to 1/8 inch stretch on some of the links. I replaced it with a high quality chain. BikesOnline took care of me with the dropper cable issue and basically gave me a Loam lever. Now my T8 has several upgrades, almost done with the build.

[@samuildraganov8561]

Going tubeless is a really big upgrade,but you can just put sealant in the inner tubes.This will reduce the flat tires on any bike and will make it more stable on the ground.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Tubeless sealant won't work in tubes. You'd have to get slime

[@SamuelClemens-o6q]

Would like to see hi/lo with some novice riders giving their reactions. Given that a novice wouldn’t know the difference in specs, it would really highlight the value of high end parts - or not.

[@jasonhepton8024]

Great review Evan I like your candid commentary and POVs with fixed video of the same sections. Awesome🤙🏼

[@tttass]

Blind testing would be awesome where applicable. For example, cover the shock in a sleeve and have someone ride it to guess which feels better.

[@JDfromNV]

Chad is a must! I think you had a good formula last high-low series, spending limit for the low bike vs unlimited for the high. I liked the timed portion as it shows a progression and value to the components along with weight and how it feels to ride on just like season 1. Maybe mirrored parts just high vs low end of the range such as a base pike vs ultimate, lower end drivetrain vs high etc. Maybe even used vs new so one bike gets used and one gets new and you can compare the value of frugal used part shopping plus maintenance and/or repair vs buying brand new at retail prices and just riding.

[@lachlansharp6454]

Hey Evan, I loved the High Low series. The best part was watching you upgrade the bikes. Can't wait to see your channel grow.

[@swuade]

I’ve purchased several polygon bikes for my family. Best value in bikes hands down! There great beginner bikes!

[@moldyketchuphead]

I'd like to see the high/low to focus on the best value parts in each category, not just the most expensive versus the least expensive. Which parts based on your research seemed to be the best lower cost parts or higher cost parts for the money. The cheapest isn't always the worst and the most expensive isn't always the best.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Ripping that new T6 boyyyy, let’s goooo!

[@JR-ke4lj]

I’d say, don’t put unnecessary stuff on the high bike and also bring well known parts to the cheap one. Like Rockshox 35 gold vs fox 34 factory or sth like that. And sram nx vs shimano xt for example. Don’t need wireless stuff in my opinion, but u could also do a gx transmission vs gx axs. Would just be nice if the high value bike would fit into a price point that most people feel familiar with, so not 10 grand. Thanks for your vids, looking forward to the season!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Ah I wish I could do transmission on it, but no UDH. Those 35 golds are cheap right now!

[@JR-ke4lj]

@EvansMTBSaga ah okay. But yeah would love to See u testing the rockshox 35. Maybe alsonsomethibg like cheap and expensive stem and grips and if they are any different...

[@44Paulbowman]

You are currently my fav bike related youtuber.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Paul! Means a lot!

[@stevencole7331]

I put a 11/46 cassette . I also dropped down to a 28 tooth chain ring and that would get you basically at a 11/52 with with not upgrading to a 11 or 12 speed .

[@emilioformenti5870]

Can you do hi low season 2 with high end but reasonably priced upgrades vs cheap but good stuff like gx mechanical vs gx t type

[@jackmast6983]

Evan, I absolutely loved hi-low season one, I think it was the best content you've put out to date. My favorite part about it was the absurd upgrades but also that you compared them to good upgrades that were designed for the bike. I hated how pinkbike used chinese products or put xc components on an enduro bike to save cost. I loved how you compared similar parts but in different price ranges. I think you should do it the same way this time. In terms of finale, I think the build up to the destination was cool and should be done again. Whistler?!?!

[@GokkunGuru]

Chad’s choices were awesome. The most high end stuff is what I like seeing. Forget budget stuff.

[@bikesonline]

Thanks for making this video! 🤘 We are voting a big YES for High Low S2! 🎉🎉🎉

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Can't wait! Thanks for your help

[@hokage12001]

im a big fan of oakley trail lenses, highly recommend especially out here in the pnw

[@digitalwells]

Hi Evan, I have been wanting to buy a Siskiu for a long time. I'd love to see how you lighten the bike, get the most out of the drivetrain, make it climb better, allow it to run downhill quicker & in control all on High / Low. I agree with other comments that budget / cheap upgrades would be more appealing on the low side of the series. I am moving up here next month so I look forward to running into you on the trails one day.

[@scjgreen]

Quick hint - That Muc Off Sealant Pouch is designed to go in through the valve with the core removed so you don't make a mess

[@RedDaemon69420]

I love how Evan always looks like he's having so much fun! The 42 tooth cassette is a turnoff for an otherwise awesome spec bike. It may not sound like a big deal, but to me energy levels are a huge part of enjoying MTB.

[@SergejGrabun]

This is an insane value for money. I wish this would be sold in Europe. As and idea for future videos I'd like you to touch on the topic of: expensive parts lasts longer, e.g BBs, frame bearings (full suspension), dropper posts. I always argue, that there is no much point buying Santa Cruz for 5000 euro with NX or barely GX drivetrain, entry brakes and Rhythm 36 Fox when u can buy a very well speced Canyon for half of money with most components higher quality. it does not mean Santa Cruz will need less maintenance, far from it, the opposite, maintenance will be more expensive if not done

[@t_to_the_homschen7270]

I liked the two Evans in the High Low Season😊. That made it worth to watch.

[@robjd8424]

Hi Evan, been binging on your videos for a few weeks now. Just got back into cycling recently and built up a old 2006 marin rock springs frame with mostly 2nd hand parts to more modern standards like a 1x setup and dropper. Love to see another video like the s-works you did they were really great to watch.

[@chrisburns460]

Final destination test in Pisgah national forest would sick!

[@Dirtdaredevil]

Definitely do a final destination trip, and with hi lo s2 please keep the buying broken and fixing it up parts as its quite intuitive and interesting watch and we the viewers can use this new knowledge in our own garages too! keep up the good content btw.

[@jf8534]

High/low is a great idea. Gives people a view as to see if it's really worth upgrading to the extremes. Again as I mentioned in another vid, be very interesting to see if you upgrade the suspension and have it custom tuned vs take off. Keep up the great work

[@sumsaudi]

id love to see a deeper dive into the carbon rims/hubs aspect of the series. also like maybe inverted forks against normal telescoping forks. get like an intend samurai vs a rockshox sid/pike, that would be super dope

[@Markbfoster]

I agree with other comments. Best cheap upgrades vs value higher end parts. Also agree that you should do the finale on your home trails. You’ll have the knowledge and be able to go faster. I thought Chad brought in a good comedy element too. Either way looking forward to more videos. I’ve got a T7 that I’ve been upgrading and got a trip to Bentonville planned for September.

[@bluetubesubaru]

Looks like they jacked the price. What's currently showing is 1499 as a sale price in April 2024. Regular price 1699

[@magruderable]

Nice video, always giving me useful info as a long time mountain biker. Killing it Evan!

[@MitchB.]

I'm all for a lower cost upgrade vs higher cost with a big variance. Nice to see what budget friendly upgrades are worth along side the higher end upgrades and why. Definitely do a destination finale - hit up Asheville, NC or maybe head to Quebec and ride some sick trails.

[@OrlandoGordon-e8r]

That suspension looks to me very smooth in comparing to others🏆

[@josuemedina58]

Last season was perfect! Some great ideas in the comments tho… By the way I’ve been watching your videos since the Axum and you started giving me Seth vibes. Which is a good thing! All you’re videos seem like they go too fast, I enjoy them a bunch! You’ll pass that 150k mark in no time 💪🏽

[@xprotestorx]

Looking forward to high/low season 2! It’s fun to watch using the parts most of us can’t afford (trick stuff brakes!). I’d be interested in discussion of diminishing returns and what types of upgrades would be worthwhile, maybe neither high nor low but somewhere in the middle.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha no Trickstuff brakes this time but I'm leaning towards some wild suspension to kick it off

[@irishpotato7399]

Just got my t7 yesterday so this is a great video

[@proverbalizer]

too bad they raised the price $200 already

[@IHatePikeys]

yeah companies have been doing this once bikes get youtube famous…sucks

[@Alba0825]

It's normal the prices go up in the summer. Wait for the winter to get it

[@proverbalizer]

@@Alba0825 yeah, just saw the ski boots I bought on sale for $400 are now on super summer sale for $199 (but only in a couple random wrong sizes I could never wear anyway) But anyway just bought a lightly used Siskiu T8 for 1400...not a bad deal .

[@TheZerosd]

Radon slide tail 8.0 alu/carbon is on sale 1.4-2k€

[@ProWhiteAntiJew]

It's 2000-2200 in Canadian dollars. Unfortunately used bikes with this amount of travel that are less than ten years old are pretty hard to find for less. Most canadians are asking 2000-3000 for a used 5-9 yr old bike of this spec level still. Anything older/ cheaper is 26" downhill spec which is cool but not versatile, or high end 26" with less suspension travel. Even a used low spec norco fluid is 2k right now. 3k for a new one on sale. Sadly there are no 29" full suspension bikes available new or used in canada between 1 and 2k that I can find. Maybe you have a recommendation, or I just have to wait for the used market to come to their senses.

[@Bikes_N_Adventure]

Dude! Your riding skills are on point, you made the chunk look like flow! Your steez on the jumps is top tier, the BMX background is shining! Thanks for all the hard work you put in, been an early subscriber, really stoked to see you get the recognition you deserve!

[@chopin1962]

You have become so much more natural with your personality on camera, I have loved to wath yout channel grow! Keep it coming

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks for the kind words!!

[@liamleech4748]

polygon has had the best bang for buck bikes lately. If i didn't rebuild some slightly older bikes, I would 100% buy this bike new

[@thickymcghee7681]

Thanks for the video, the bike's price went up +$300

[@ibqnusollehin6422]

Currently, my project Polygon T7 running on: - Sram AXS XO1 wireless groupset (Copper color) - Raceface carbon Handlebar & Cranks - Shimano XTR (4 pots) brakes front & rear - Fox 36 performance 160mm - PNW dropper post - Chris King Carbon wheelset. It’s a clashing combination of all major brands. Could I suggest; that the Hi-bike; run on Ohlins suspension?😅 Looking forward to your verdict. Cheers man.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Wow that is an awesome build! one day I'll try XTR 4 pot

[@JohnCuePublik]

The bike is already equipped with the best value parts so I'd suggest Value high end vs absolute high end (though this bike doesn't seem to be UDH). You should come out to Port Gamble, WA for the final testing (because I gotta brag on the local trails)

[@Burnzki]

Best value MTB right now is the used market. Picked up a 2021 comencal for my buddy with the highest end components you can get for 1500$…. Actually no reason to get brand new unless you can get one on a huge discount.

[@ShouldaWaved]

Smart advice, buying new only if it's a super sale

[@mobypixel]

Great video! I just picked this bike up using your link. I'm looking forward to seeing the upgrades in High Low 2.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks a ton for that! I hope you enjoy it! I have some crazy stuff to install on the High bike (the grey T6 will be the high bike)

[@mattnshell04]

Got my D5 set up 160 front 130 rear. Good downhill and uphill not to bad.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Nice dude!

[@geoffdecker]

Hi/Mid/Low. If for example you do some $400 carbon bars for the high, do the Oneup or PNW carbons for the mid. And add some +1 upgrades to the really high end bike, such as the Aenomaly SwitchGrade

[@SpencerBaum]

If you do a destination trip for the finale, come up and ride Washington! Especially the trails around Seattle like Tiger mountain, it'll blow your mind

[@griffmtb]

Just bought this same bike in the 27.5 size for my son who is 15. I also own an upgraded Purple T8 that always gets heads turning on the trail lol. My only negative about the T6 is the weight, stock with tubes and Vee Tires was 37.5lbs for a 27.5 medium bike. 🥴 I ended up putting some Exo casing Maxxis High Roller II tires and going tubeless - shaved 2lbs.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Aw man I totally forgot to put the weight of the bike in the video haha. Mine was 36.5 with the stock tires and tubeless. But I'm really debating on putting lighter tires like you did for both bikes, not only lighter, but just overall easier and more fun to ride IMO

[@EliMTB]

Maybe you can do comparison between different brands like fox vs rock shox or shimano vs sram...

[@618outdoors]

I just loved the high-low season in general

[@ignaciomontoya91]

This is awesome! I got this bike as soon as it was in pre order as my first full sus bike and I got say its awesome! really looking forward for this season!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Good choice!

[@17even]

Honestly, Polygon is very underrated. these bikes can go toe to toe with most brands, especially the T8 and Colossus N9

[@sans_2031]

High/low S2 with useful upgrades such as gx mechanical to gx t-type, etc. You did the first season wonderfully!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

That would be a dream scenario but there's no UDH so I can't with this frame. I'm thinking gx cable vs X01 axs though

[@sans_2031]

​@@EvansMTBSaga doesn't sound bad either but maybe you can consider that as well in the future if you get another frame!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

What I enjoyed about the series was the genuine kind of upgrade a Chad would do vs a newcomer, what sucked the most with pinkbike challenge was that Henry took the cheapest Amazon crap possible... Kinda defeated the budget bike from the start. I like your good faith... Pedal washers will prevent the pedal shaft from eating at your cranks, on aluminium cranks it's meh you could forget them but on carbon it's a must.

[@midwestern_rc]

There is an entire FB group about the cracked frames. And they do replace them. But it can take 3-6 months.

[@rickflubadubdub4298]

I like seeing the upgrades! I would love to see you do brake upgrades and suspension upgrades on this bike, I think it would really make this bike rip. Also, some lighter wheels.

[@snat6299]

Coming to Pisgah for chunky flow with timed runs and big climbs. Do a deore vs GX, Shimano deore parts vs gx parts. Then low end rock shock suspension vs mid grade like Marzocchi or DVO. People want to know how to upgrade on a budget.

[@LiveStoked]

I like the idea of budget friendly upgrades, vs more reasonable higher end upgrades. I think as a series it offers a lot more in the way of actually being useful to your viewers as opposed to just entertaining. I just can't imagine anyone who starts off in the budget world buying individual components (like a 2 thousand dollar fork) that cost more than their entire starting bike. However someone who gets a budget bike to see if they like the sport and then starts upgrading might just swing that extra 2-300 if it really is a big boost in performance. So while that 2000 dollar fork would never be an option to begin with over the $600 fork, that $900 fork could actually be a contender.

[@UnlikelyReply]

Great value considering my fuel ex came with that suspension and it was £2399. I did however change the suspension and the difference is night and day. Fox float front and rear made it feel 10 times plusher. That rockshox recon is perfectly useable and robust but thats about it.

[@mellissanash7517]

Deore's official max is 42t but unofficially one can fit a 11-45/46t cassette with no issue as long as the b screw is adjusted correctly. Could do high low in the high gets high end parts new and low get parts lower end parts new or mid-level parts used at prices close to lower end parts. Destination finale would be cool if you have the budget. Maybe Colorado or at Seth's Air B'nB cabin.

[@Digital_Gangster]

This is Deore M5120 which is official max of 46t. Which makes the use of only 42t baffling tbh

[@STLMTB]

I would say finale there in Bentonville, that way you already have your trail knowledge down so it might be a better comparison. You could go somewhere new and your times will get better naturally due to re-riding new trails. just my .02

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah I'm leaning towards staying here. That Sedona finale was not easy to film and scary to ride

[@genisis53]

Great content Evan! I heard you on the B1ker bar podcast recently, that was a good episode. I did hear you say that the builds don’t always go smoothly, and I think it would add some commonality with us normals if you at least mentioned any issues with the builds in the video.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I usually try to, but I will be extra sure to include that in High Low 2. My video before this one I had a heck of time installing a coil and showed some questionable methods of pulling it off haha

[@OptimusCrime_69]

that's a good price for a bike with a proper airfork (or even an air fork at all, some bikes cost 900.- and are equipped with coilforks), drivetrain and it even has a dropper post.

[@MudmanDH]

Nice bike, maybe changing front chainring to 30 could help on climbs ✌🏻🤙🏻🤟🏻

[@peterfranzjr.1190]

I bought a T7 last year after watching videos from you and Cure Cycling, great video again. I just bought a Bomber z1 as my first "big" upgrade and that would be my High Bike upgrade 😅

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Wow sweet upgrade! I saw theres some great deals on those Z1's right now

[@vuto9029]

So excited for hi-lo 2. Been with you since hi-lo 1. I think you should do hi end weight weenie vs best value hi-end parts.

[@bayfish_9156]

do a high/low sires with a budget hardtail

[@racinghub6663]

I just bought a cannondale habit 4 2023 in candy red for I a little more and it’s brilliant

[@gregs7562]

We got my son a T7 & its amazing for the cash. £800 special deal at Go Outdoors in the UK. For a limited period they were cheaper than the T5&6

[@zabble2]

If you can get your hands on a t9 (or t8) it would be interesting to see you compare the stock t6 with the stock t9 and then go about upgrading the t6 and compare it to the t9 after each upgrade.

[@georgim2741]

I think that the m6000 derailleur can clear 50t cassette without any additional hanger extensions. I know about 2 setups using the m8000 with 11-50 cassette with no extensions. I tested the m780 and it could clear 46t. So this can be an idea for hi-low bike series. Get a stock bike with 42t and make it work with 50-51t cassette with as little money as possible. Then you can try to squeeze the maximum from the other parts like the brakes. Or may try the difference between OEM maxxis tyres vs retail ones. Or try to change the oil weight to make the stock suspension the way you would like it.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Pretty good idea! I'll brainstorm that

[@peterw1469]

Yeah the old high low series was great! 👍 loved chad and seeing the low bike win on some timed segments. I look foreward to watching season 2!