Trail Bike of the Year 2022 | Part 2: Direct-Sales Bikes | Mountain Bike Rider

[@SwimmingBird846]

You guys should consider adding a part 3 in the future to these bike of the year videos comparing the winning shop bike vs the winning direct bike. Would be a fun comparison.

[@trailpimp6369]

I knew Vitus was going to win this test. I would like to know how the Sommet does against some top enduro bikes. When ordering from CRC, We pay no duty or import or even tax here in Nevada in the USA. We just pay a small shipping fee and sometimes it is free shipping too. Delivery is in three days. Everyone makes such a big deal about the Privateer which is a great bike but Vitus is next level. I agree with Alan the suspension has no bob and you never use the climb switch even on the rowdy Sommet. Thanks guys great job.

[@dylan-5287]

I've got the Mythique and never use either lockout either. Rode a hardtail for a couple years and I thought the FS would be slower, but even fully open its way faster. They really make great bikes.

[@trailpimp6369]

@@dylan-5287 The Mythique is sick enjoy

[@anthonywalters7434]

CRC is so great for getting bikes in the US. Got my 2021 GT Force 29 Expert for $3500 when it’s listed at $3800 at my local shop (which is awful) and on GT’s own site. The Vitus Sommet looked incredible when I was comparing bikes on the site.

[@trailpimp6369]

@@anthonywalters7434 sick dude

[@jimig399]

I have to say I agree with you as far as Vitus and Chain Reaction Cycles being on point. My first experience with them I bought an Escarpe 29er in 2018. At first I was dissatisfied and I wrote a scathing review on their website. The moderator didn't accept my review (they have a third party company who does this for them and it's very above board and very fair) and I made me spend some time on the bike and make some adjustments. I had just expected to jump on and ride without dialing everything in. I'm glad they didn't accept my hasty, shitty review because it would have been an awful mistake because the bike is so bad ass that I've since purchased a Sommet and a Mythique from them. Believe it or not the low end Mythique is my favorite geometry and my everyday rider. I have spent 5k upgrading literally every part on it with my personal preferences (Crank Brothers Iodine 3 wheels, Durolux 36 fork, etc ) and it's a super, super fast and rowdy machine. They deserve the win. My only complaint is the low bottom bracket but I switched to 165 cranks and it's all good. Well done Vitus and Chain Reaction Cycles!🙏

[@jonundercover]

I’m loving my new Propain Hugen, absolute ripper over everything!

[@joerobley8469]

The Vitus Escarpe is $4300 and Canyon is priced the same at $4300. You compared them to the Core 2 Jeffsy which is $3000 instead of the Core 3 at $4200. The Core 3 Jeffsy gives you a full carbon frame with Fox Performance Elite front and rear suspension and a GX drivetrain. Seems dumb to compare the Core 2 Jeffsy to these two bikes and then complain about the value when it’s over $1000 cheaper than the Canyon and Vitus.

[@lukelackermayer]

I agree, the carbon frame could make a difference in value and ride quality

[@TheTomppaa]

Isn’t the Canyon Cf 7 -model which is approx. 3500 € over here and Jeffsy Core 2 is approx. 3000 €. Vitus on the other hand is over 5000 € for us living in the northern europe. Over here all the prices include taxes 24 %. As you said, It doesn’t make sense to compare these models.

[@pheonixfps9248]

May possibly due to stock supply, but you're on point. It's getting tiring seeing bikes compared that aren't in relative price points and or component spec. It really detracts from the whole idea, and want to watch any further videos due to the utter bullshit promoted.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

@@lukelackermayer Carbon frames are overrated for those who look at the bikes more than ride 'em. for added 1k $$$ you can frankly get the best suspension and/or wheels out there.

[@tomassedlak2114]

@@TheTomppaa totaly agree, the Canyon Spectral in the comparison should have been CF8

[@peterknight7880]

A couple of years ago these would be considered all mountain or enduro bikes. Definitely interesting the direction bikes are going in.

[@sisters90]

They still are All Mountain bikes, but I saw they call it Trail bikes to simplify things a bit, to reduce the number of terms. Canyon has the Neuron, which is a truly Trail bike, and also the Strive - the Enduro bike, so they clear put them in their right category.

[@justinwbohner]

I bought an enduro bike and just ended up riding it everywhere, then upgrading it to make it better. These fancy new bikes are pretty sweet machines.

[@Coerced]

I'm starting to lose my frame of reference with so many long travel bikes with massive wheelbases and slack HTA being called playful, nimble and agile. And some short (travel) and small wheeled bikes being called stable and composed. Can we have some objective competitive comparisons between different style bikes? For example: which bike you can bunnyhop highest on, crush a rockgarden fastest on, make it through a tight slalom section fastest on, manages to get furthest on a slight uphill rhythm section without a chain installed, which is the highest drop/huck you're willing to take per bike etc? All things you can actually measure. Take bikes out of different categories or, if you wanna go radical, make this a standard part of every bike review. I'm lost.

[@IIISentorIII]

I think testing the YT Jeffsy Core 2 was kinda a mistake, compared to the other bikes the YT Jeffsy Core 3 ( Carbon) is in the same price category.

[@johnmorrison8351]

I have a 22 model Jeffsy Core 4 and it’s a great bike! I’ve previously always had Santa Cruz and Yetis, but since prices have gotten stupid I wanted a little better value. No regrets

[@juudem352]

How does your Jeffsy climb? Does it feel good while pedaling or is it not as good as other all mountain bikes?

[@johnmorrison8351]

@@juudem352 it’s okay at climbing. I had a vpp Santa Cruz before this which climbed better, but this descends better. I find myself using the climb switch a little more with the YT. The best method for this bike is sitting in the saddle and keeping your pedal strokes smooth. I actually fitted an Absolute Black oval chainring which helped even more

[@joeworks3809]

Well done Vitus 👏🏻👏🏻

[@davidcrofts1683]

Thanks lads, I've been riding a hardtail for 3 years and have wanted to go full-suspension, but was overwhelmed by the choices. This review video made me grab a YT Jeffsy Core 2 29 L at a bargain price. Can't wait to ride it!

[@MBRmagazine]

Great to hear! Enjoy!

[@sisters90]

Good to be back, great reviews. The only improvement could be to test 5 bikes from each category, to be a round top 10 trail bikes of the year. With around 5 minutes for every bike, and another 5 minutes intro/conclusions, you could fit a nice 30 minutes shows.

[@s4-mtb678]

Still riding my VItus Escarpe VRX from 2019. Buy good specs and good geo and you're set for a while.

[@steveharper4017]

Great reveiw guys. Got my CRX in Jan 21, what a bike. It is fantastic. I was torn between this and the stumpy evo base model at £4k. In the end it came down to availability. I walked into CRC Belfast and it was sitting there on display. I walked out with my new do it all rig. Only issue I had was the lower headset had to be replaced after 6 months. Amazing spec and ride. Couldn't agree more with the 2 winners. 🤙👌

[@MBRmagazine]

Glad to hear it, Steve! Good choice!

[@i2ambler2002]

These 'best of' videos are always funny. The most expensive bike invariably wins.

[@MBRmagazine]

Most expensive by less than 3%!

[@nickclarkuk]

Thank you for mentioning the import duty for U.K. for EU bikes like YT and Canyon due to country of origin. 14% tax is a lot ! Canyon include tax in price whereas YT do not . You end up paying the same.

[@basstrom88]

I have the 2021 Canyon Spectral CF8 with the DPX2 and it has been awesome. It's allowed me to develop my technical riding skills a LOT, and i'm going to sell my 130mm trail bike because it climbs so well. I almost bought the 2021 CF7, but i'm glad I got the CF8. Given that the presenter mentioned that the 2022 CF7's main faults are its suspension, I think it's worth it to save up for the CF8 instead of upgrading suspension later. Then you have a solid frame, suspension (Fox Performance Elite) and drivetrain (Shimano XT).

[@RNAMTB]

Similar situation. Purchased a 2022 Spectral 29 CF 9 and ended up selling my 130mm/115mm Giant Trance Adv Pro 1. The Spectral just does everything so well.

[@SuperGee75]

Gotta love that Vitus is now 'most expensive' woohoo!!! 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@ThePeteGray]

Good luck getting a Vitus. Can only be bought through CRC/Wiggle with zero stock of any size (even in the arguably more desirable Sommet enduro version). Interesting review nonetheless.

[@trailpimp6369]

Actually if you get on the email list for CRC and get the in stock alert it can be easy to get one if you are on top of it and ready to buy. It is actually easier to buy from CRC then a bike shop. The Giga,Mega as well as the Sommet and the Escarpe come in stock often. You have to be in the email in stock list and you can get one.

[@ThePeteGray]

@@trailpimp6369 - fair point. I guess the fact they’re all sold out speaks volumes 👍🏻

[@trailpimp6369]

@@ThePeteGray For sure my man they are great bikes. Enjoy

[@nl3712]

@@trailpimp6369 thanks for this

[@trailpimp6369]

@@nl3712 Heck yeah mate

[@BikeTripBro]

Im not sure what's the criteria but you missed Polygon. For the price, nothing beats it. It has good review all across. Quality wise, they made bikes for famous brand so yeah.. Polygon should be there.

[@DaneFerolin]

I have the Nucleus & mythique, Vitus is awesome for the $

[@pedromiguel1389]

Always with great content, thanks. I'll be getting a new bike in the next 6 months, I'm very inclined for the canyon.

[@emilycooper2467]

Thank you for the video! I was told that Chinese ebike factory is really great, such as Haidong. Hope this helps.

[@gpearce11]

From a pure spec=price ratio, especially if you have your heart set on Fox Factory suspension, Vitis is simply unbeatable these days. My only concern is warranty claims through CRC/Wiggle, as I've heard some pretty bad reports about their warranty customer service. Conversely, I've heard great things about the Canyon Spectral 29 in general, but I most definitely wouldn't buy this CF7 spec; the only reason it looks like decent value is because the Stumpjumper Evo Comp exists, with almost identical spec for 35% more. Personally, if you're price conscious, I'd instead get the Spectral AL 5 (alloy frame) which has identical suspension spec and functionally identical Deore groupset (instead of SLX), with the only thing really missing being DT 1900 wheels, all for a good chunk less money (i.e. cheap enough that a Rhythm fork actually looks pretty good). Alternatively, if you've got the money and/or really want carbon, I'd spend the extra on the CF8 and upgrade to Performance Elite suspension, XT groupset, and DT 1700 wheels.

[@ThunderWindz]

always buy CF 9's I mean 2000£ more? comeon what are you, a casier? YOLO, get the best, its your hobby and its healthy and you can sell it fore more used so in theory the loss is only a bit bigger.

[@TheNationalTrails]

Top-tier. 10-of-10 for the review. Well done!!!

[@pendulum1997]

No Bird? They’re doing some pretty incredible value bikes

[@liammilne96]

Would be interested to see what they think of the entry level escarpe cr. looks like good value for money given the spec. That’s the one I would probably buy.

[@mfolquet]

nice video presentation! Kept me watching throught! Well done...

[@camwells9726]

Reading between the lines, a better spec same frame spectral , would be an excellent bike .

[@maffin2917]

Great review, thank you guys. Unfortunately the Vitus hasnt this outstanding value outside of the UK. In Germany its 5000€ for the vitus and the Canyon for compastion is at 3500€. If I were UK based Id go for the Vitus tho.

[@MBRmagazine]

The joys of Brexit!

[@Quadlaners]

It's now £3999 in UK

[@lonh8554]

The Vitus is almost the same as my 2017 Giant Reign. Great design, works very good.

[@hannes6114]

Fork Upgrade and a coil shock might be very good for the spectral. Also maybe Upgrade for the hub.

[@stumpy25lbs]

Really great video. All the analysis you need. Just hope Vitus have enough Escarpe's in stock as they're gonna sell out quick!

[@vlbz]

Great reviews. The Privateer is amazing, the spec is spot on. Thank you brexit for messing it up for me :(

[@gingerb36]

Great review as always, more more more please

[@tmae-9284]

Did you measure the Jeffsy also in High Setting regarding rear travel? There are magazines which did saying only in high the 150mm can be reached, I also doubt it‘s related to the 5mm chain stay difference of the Bike in Xl/XXL

[@jaguilar2012ja]

I am one in between size med-lrg. Yt size large made me go for it. IT is perfect . I attack the trails with it . I ride it harder and crash it harder. Rinse and repeat. It takes it and begs for more . Just it should be.

[@maymax0076]

Great video even though the Vitus costs 5K € while the spectral only costs 3,5k €, not sure why there is such a huge price difference

[@MBRmagazine]

That'll be the joy of Brexit pushing up the UK price for the Canyon and the EU price for the Vitus.

[@TheDoctor46vr]

I'm surprised Alan didn't talk about the head tube angle of the YT Jeffsy being conservative.

[@downhill5247]

I am getting nervous by watching those front mudguards.

[@dr07828]

I can concur with you on the canyon about riding it hard. I have the cf7 as well. Same bike. When I am on easy trails I feel some times that the suspension is stiff. But then I hit a crazy rock garden on the down hill and I feel like I almost float through it. It's real easy to get going fast on crazy terrain on it. Some if the stuff I have flown down u look back and I can't believe I bombed it from the way it looks. I love the bike. As for the damping on the front. I almost never touch it.

[@MTB_CRZY]

When did trail bikes become the old enduro bikes? Too heavy, too slack for the majority of the riding I do. They do look great though!

[@flippy66]

And you can't buy the Vitus at all. 🤷‍♀️

[@joeshawcroft7121]

Canyon Spectral CF 7 is $4,300 now.

[@fortza11]

Wonder why you don´t test the "Rose" Ground Control - super nice and well-speced MTB. I will highly recommend bikes from ROSE at any time.

[@magruderable]

I have a Canyon Spectral cf 8.0 2018. They did a decent job with the recall on the rear triangle, but really left everyone hanging on the install. I absolutely love it and have 4,000 miles on it. I have tried for a year know to get the necessary bearings to rebuild the rear triangle. I was told they don't have them available anymore and they use them on the current production. I sent emails for months and they said over and over they would get back to me. They never did. For that reason I could never buy another Canyon. There's a reason they're inexpensive.

[@Max-dj5qj]

You can buy bearings everywhere, it's standard sizes. Check your frame specs at the website. But yeah, Canyon service sucks...

[@MrChadLedford]

I don’t understand separating shop bought and direct at this point. The prices aren’t that far off anymore.

[@DeadMTrigger]

The YT Jeffsy is more of a Mini Enduro than a trail bike. The YT Izzo is there true Trail bike.

[@psychonaut038]

izzo is more downcountry

[@directgrover]

No love for Orbea Occam?!

[@MBRmagazine]

We've been trying to get Orbea's to test for ages, but UK test bikes are basically non-existent. We'll keep trying!

[@directgrover]

@@MBRmagazine I get my M10 In a couple of months 😳

[@matthewdefer8215]

I will take the commencal meta tr29 !!

[@MTBs]

I own a Vitus! 😀 Unfortunately the brand is not that interesting anymore for the rest of Europe because of Brexit. I really hope the situation will change!

[@GeorgeMilkasIgore]

You're so damn right.. When we saw the Vitus with my friend our minds were blown... We live in central Europe.. Availability for Vitus and the price point made me go back one step and buy an Aluminium spectral of the earlier years!

[@SourPatchPuss]

I was thinking of buying one of these or the Sommet just to use the components for another bike 😂

[@jonathangregson2934]

Doesn’t the 2022 privateer come with rockshox pike?

[@Osli1388]

missing Orbea occam M10 for sure

[@kaistorhagen]

Bike of the year 2022 when the year hasn’t even started yet. Bike riding is dealing out way to many concussions these days

[@MBRmagazine]

Yeah it’s kinda crazy but that’s the way it is. Most of the bikes are 2022 models hence the title.

[@colhutchins]

Thanks for the breakdown on these bikes. Still a bit confused on the sizing for the yt jeffsy. How tall are you and would you go the L or XL ? Thanks again.

[@GhettoSuguru]

Can vitus hold the price tag ? LOL NOPE they increased it too much looks like we have to skip vitus this year

[@rabrumf]

Why are non-European brands not included? Are Fezzari and Guerrilla Gravity, among others, not available in Europe?

[@MBRmagazine]

Fezzari is not available in the UK. GG ships to the UK but tbh we didn’t even consider contacting them. The bikes look really interesting though, so definitely one we’d like to try out.

[@flippy66]

GG wouldn't fit this test because the base models of Smash and Pistol are well over £4000.

[@sydneynguyen8728]

I was planing on buying a Virus Bike, but they are super overpriced in Europe! That’s why I went for the Canyon Spectral Aluminium model.

[@Striveon247]

How do you like the spectral

[@Striveon247]

It comes out till 2022 summertime in the United States

[@sydneynguyen8728]

I haven't got it yet but I'll report back when I got it, it could be in December or so, but I promise I will reach out to you

[@Thommy-turbo]

Great video. To bad no uk brand bikes like orange and stanton an such.

[@MBRmagazine]

Thanks! The entry-level Stage 6 comes in at £4,700, so well above our price point. As for Stanton, well TBH it's a very small brand compared to the likes of Canyon/YT etc, so we wanted to prioritise the most popular models to make the test useful for the biggest audience.

[@garradmiller5025]

So the ranking of these 4 bikes was admittedly not based on performance but simply spec for the money? How does that make 1 the "best" trail bike?

[@jankaskyevitchjellbet7293]

Chainstay and bottom tube protection peeled off after one month.

[@lancemalone4844]

Of which bike?

[@itr0863]

Thank you for clarifying which bike

[@boardcaden]

Fezzari cascade peak, or delano peak takes my vote 👍

[@JoeJoe-C137]

Shame vitus doesn't come in alloy

[@5lapsmcc]

Vitus looks great, does it top the shop bike?

[@MBRmagazine]

Yes in terms of value for money, but the Spesh offers a few things the Vitus doesn’t, like SWAT, the geo adjust and a wider range of frame sizes.

[@5lapsmcc]

@@MBRmagazine between the two of them, might just cone down to which one is available in two weeks.

[@danmccabe2004]

Is the vitus any good on the more rocky steep descents? As I want and all round trail bike but my local trails are very rocky

[@johnr5001]

Trail bikes are definitely not limited to 140-150 rear. There's alot of great trail bikes that 120-140. 150 is enduro territory... Incredibly asinine of mbr.

[@MBRmagazine]

Yes, there are loads of great trail bikes that don't fit that definition, but we had to set some parameters or it would have been impossible to narrow down the field.

[@gerardmccabe5798]

Ok seen this and the shop bought bike winner now put them against each other now that would that be interesting

[@jasonbull179]

Hi Guys, great content. When will the ebike reviews come out

[@MBRmagazine]

Thanks! Depends on availability for the e-bikes, but we'll aim for spring time if possible.

[@justinwbohner]

do you emotorcyclists have to contaminate every mountain bike article with your stench?

[@deets29mtb53]

funny how YT fell off after being hands down the best bike for value in 2017 18 19 it wasn't even a contest they really dropped the ball with spec

[@reedmelicher8658]

I wish more bike companies would use Rockshox suspension from the factory.

[@markstock6049]

I am struggling to understand sizing on these bikes as per charts i straddle in between for sizes. What is your take on it and how do you select?

[@MBRmagazine]

How tall are you?

[@cryptoalpha1213]

Does anyone know where the test is done? Is it a bike park?

[@GhettoSuguru]

No one even compares or really reviews the vitus Sommet

[@DavidFoundCo]

That’s the toughest MTB category to succeed imo. Mostly brands with a name like trek, specialized, Rocky Mountain etc. They’re way ahead

[@GhettoSuguru]

@@DavidFoundCo Well yeah thats true but the value that comes with the vitus sommet cr

[@MBRmagazine]

We've reviewed the Sommet on our website: www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/full-suspension-bikes/vitus-sommet-29-crs-review

[@trailpimp6369]

The Sommet is too good that is why

[@hannes6114]

How are the bearings on these bikes?

[@tonyparkin3379]

Privateer now £3700 not £3100

[@borisserrano8361]

Is that the Vitus 2021 or 2022?

[@brandoncollins3334]

Is this the 2021 escarpe or 2022?

[@MBRmagazine]

It's the '21 model.

[@lindsaypatton8374]

Frame size?

[@toddjohnson779]

The Beta crew can’t be wrong. Lol

[@Jacksoncolaner]

Great content the jeffsy is lookin sexc

[@tomas7403]

No mullets?

[@MBRmagazine]

No, not this time. They're still a relative rarity at the moment, although by next year that will probably have changed.

[@DD-wu9gx]

What is Allen’s height and what size bike did he test in each brand?

[@MBRmagazine]

Al is 5ft 11in and most of the bikes were size large. Spesh was an S4.

[@DD-wu9gx]

Thanks. I’m 5’11” as well and canyon sizing on their website has me on a medium. Hope its accurate.

[@ryanwingfield3005]

@@DD-wu9gx Canyon are generally a size off from everyone else. At 5'9 im a medium Canyon, but large with other brands.

[@MegaHorseteeth]

@@DD-wu9gx Hey did you end up getting a medium spectral? I'm same height and thinking the M.

[@simonhorner-long3157]

I don’t know what’s going on in the MBR minds. These are not trail bikes in my view. All mountain at best and some more downhill.

[@MBRmagazine]

Trail bikes mean different things to different people. We've said it a hundred times. All these bikes are categorised 'trail' by the brands that makes them and they fall between enduro bikes and XC bikes in terms of travel. In our opinion that makes them trail bikes.

[@simonhorner-long3157]

@@MBRmagazine regardless of manufacturer description many people would agree that travel over 140mm is not trail.

[@andrewallan9205]

I appreciate the content but don't see why direct-buy vs store-buy have to be in separate vids, they're all just bikes. Just compare bike against bike and come out with a winner, once you've bought a bike who cares its provenance? i.e. "My bike's the best direct-buy bike out there" or "MBR says my bike is the best store-bought bike available". Makes no sense.

[@Perception_]

Trail bike of the year that had not even started yet. What the hell is this shit...You're 1 full year ahead of yourselves.

[@jinavl]

Im not a fan of carbon..watched too many peeps crack frames..i like aluminum better

[@justinwbohner]

Wow, the YT put dual compound on the front? haaaaahahahahaha. Much humor.

[@irvsstella]

Why can't man bun guy talk like he's not asking a question all the time? Does he think sounding like he's from Norfolk improves his mtb KNOWLEDGE!!!

[@Daffy0208]

He's had similar comments all his life .... I say similar ... Norfolk?! 🤣

[@user-ns8vr9hz3d]

Commencal and intense?

[@andrewcrawley285]

This guy's rising inflection makes this impossible to listen to

[@keithchristner4522]

This video lost me when they didn't even include Giant or Polygon in this test. 🤷

[@MBRmagazine]

Giant didn't have a bike to send us, simple as that. Giant is not even a direct-sales brand.

[@chezm356]

And your answer for polygon not being there?

[@MBRmagazine]

We didn’t ask them. TBH they’re a very small brand in the UK market at this price point and we wanted to cover the key brands as much as possible.

[@MrTrav36]

All 29ers !! very sad ............

[@graham2167]

This is just an advert for vitus.

[@pink43560]

Oh no. A man bun. Not sure I can listen to a man bunker’s opinions.

[@Accu53Mation]

Carbon fiber is such a gimmick. Especially for heavy & brutal riders(carbon refuses to hold my 250 pound weight. Hint-hint for Cube & Nukeproof). Companies seem infatuated with only making rigs with more suspension travel. Insanity. 130mm rear/150mm front, is optimal for anything from XC to downhill. Wheels are being made lighter by reducing material. Which makes wheels very weak and often pancaking(I've done so with several WTB i30, rims just hitting potholes). Components are made from the very same metal as expensive components, just with a different amount of gears & a enormous pricetag. Lastly: Why Have a 2022 "BIKE OF THE YEAR"?? The pandemic changed everything. 2021 rigs ya could purchase in late 2020, are identical to 2022, except for color. Just look at Vitus. All rigs are the same except for frame color. And 2023, will be pretty-much the same. I'll stick with my 2020 single-pivot Walmart bike. Complete with Suntour shock & Raidon fork. 120 mm front & rear. Shimano 10-speed Zee groupset, Alex 29 rims & 2.35 tires, and actually supports my hefty frame very well. All for a happy $560.00. In two years of riding every-damn-day, all I've had to replace is the tires, pedals, & worn-out cassette. Spending thousands on-a-bike, is just being a...Snowflake.