Vital's $2,000 Full-Suspension Budget Mountain Bike Comparison Test

Can a new rider buying a first-time mountain bike really meet their performance aspirations at an entry-level, beginner price tag? Vital MTBers, welcome to our $2,000 full suspension mountain bike comparison test.
#mtb #mountainbike #biking
At Vital, we have the privilege of spending time aboard some really nice, and expensive, mountain bikes. We’ve ridden the UNNO Ever downhill bike which costs almost $11,000, and we’ve tested wheelsets that cost as much or more than the bikes featured here. We felt it was time to take a step back and see how capable a $2,000 mountain bike really is.
We found six full-suspension 29ers in the 120mm to 140mm rear travel range. They’re considered trail bikes if you’re unaware of how mountain bikes are classified these days. A trail bike is made to do a little bit of everything, and hopefully do it pretty well. It has more travel than a cross-country bike and less travel than what’s called an enduro bike.
Every bike we tested was a size medium and coincidentally, not by our choice, they all featured SRAM 12-speed 1x Eagle drivetrains. That means there is a single chainring up front at the cranks and no front derailleur, keeping the bike simple, efficient and quiet. There were component similarities between some of the bikes, like three of them running a RockShox Recon fork, but each bike was definitely its own machine, each with unique riding characteristics. Enjoy our findings as we put these inexpensive mountain bikes to the test.
Timeline for the bike reviews in our video
3:34 - $2,000 GT Sensor Sport Bike Review
- Great pedaling and rear suspension performance
- One of the most modern geometries in our test with 450mm reach, 66-degree head angle and 42mm offset fork
- Lack of dropper seat post and poor brake performance
- Heaviest bike in test, over 34 pounds
- Purchased through GT authorized bike shops
GT Website - www.gtbicycles.com/usa_en/sen...
5:46 - $2,000 Fezzari Abajo Peak Bike Review ($2,200 as tested)
- Very good component spec for the price including SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain (the only bike with NX compared to all other bikes with SX Eagle)
- Highly tunable suspension
- Excellent big and medium hit performance
- Well-performing SRAM Level brakes
- Slight pedal bob on climbs
- Direct-to-consumer shopping experience
- Dropper seat post not included on $2,000 build
- Dropper seat post installed on bike before delivery for additional $200 (as tested)
Fezzari Website - bit.ly/2NOFwdG
8:51 - $1,800 Giant Stance 29 1 Bike Review
- Most playful, fun bike in our test
- Lightest bike in test at 31 pounds, 2 ounces
- Least expensive bike in test along with Norco
- Can get overwhelmed in rougher terrain
- Less-than-ideal brake performance
- Purchased through Giant-authorized bike shops
Giant Website - www.giant-bicycles.com/us/sta...
11:38 - $1,999 Vitus Mythique 29 VRX Bike Review
- Best gravity-oriented performance in our test
- Marzocchi Z2 fork, Shimano MT501 brakes and Schwalbe tires are great spec at this price point
- Solid climbing ability with best engaging rear hub in test
- Surprisingly light for the build at 32 pounds 1 ounce
- Seat post insertion depth was shorter than we'd like
- Dealer support may be limited due to online sales only through Chain Reaction or Wiggle.
14:42 - $1,799 Norco Fluid FS 3 Bike Review
- Least expensive in test along with Giant
- High-volume, grippy 2.6-inch wide Goodyear tires provide great traction and smooth out the trail
- Balanced geometry and riding position
- SR Suntour fork performance was sub-par
- Tektro HD-M275 brakes were very poor performers
- Purchased through Norco authorized dealers
Norco website - www.norco.com/bikes/2020/moun...
18:19 - $1,949 Marin Rift Zone 2 Bike Review
- The most modern geometry of our bike test with 455mm reach and 65.5-degree head angle
- Extremely fun and capable on descents and in corners.
- Well-performing RockShox Deluxe Select Debonair rear shock
- Grippy, aggressive Vee Snap Flow tires keep the bike composed descending rough terrain but slow the bike down on climbs and through flatter portions of trail.
- Buy directly through Jenson USA but also have Marin dealer support through authorized shops
Jenson USA website - bit.ly/2NR5dKB
Support Mountain Biking in Idaho through SWIMBA - www.swimba.org
More Vital MTB Mountain Bike Tests
Downhill Bike Test Sessions Video - • WHICH BIKE IS FASTEST?...
Enduro Bike Test Sessions Video - • WHICH BIKE IS FASTEST?...
Vital MTB's Bike Test KZbin Playlist - • Video
The perfect mountain biker gift - Vital Gear Club Subscription Box
gearclub.vitalmtb.com/

[@Jon-nz3dm]

THANK YOU. I'm tired of channels reviewing $9,000 bikes. Nobody can afford those. These industry guys seem to think it's normal. Why not review $5,000 version of the same bike? You know? Something that is more realistic at least. 5k bikes are still plenty expensive to have great hardware all around. And at this price point of 2k, most people will consider bikes like these. I think manufacturers need to stop using tektro brakes. Even in low end builds, simply using a shimano brakeset is much much better. Even if they're both cheap, shimano just stops better and feels better. Every tektro brake i've tried on 800-1300 dollar hardtails feels like mushy garbage.

[@bradcomis1066]

Of course Shimano brakes are better, but they are much more expensive (at the OEM level). There are bikes sold for less than these or more than these- costs need to be controlled at all levels. Better equipment costs more money.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

@@bradcomis1066 I can understand tektro brakes on $600-$800 hardtails. I cannot understand using them on anything $999 and up. Sorry, but I don't believe OEM cost is an excuse to use Tektro M275's on a $2000 bike. They are borderline unsafe on anything that isn't flat XC trails. Look at the Calibre Bossnut...people get the bike for 1100 pounds but retail is 1500 pounds(uk only bike, that's around 2k USD), it comes with the same suspension as most bikes in this video, same SX eagle, and it comes with Sram Level T Brakes. These bike manufacturers can afford to use cheap Shimano brakes instead of extra cheap because they suck Tektro's.

[@denismacfarlane255]

Its sad that Trek on their 2020 powerfly ebike has the same shitty tektro brakes

[@russelltaylor1500]

The TRP slates on my £1250 hard tail have been exellent, good power and modulation.

[@user-du6op6qx5s]

@@russelltaylor1500 totally agree. My first bike came with tektro auriga , and the stopping power was more than excellent. I even change the shimano deore for them. They were that good.

[@JB50713]

This was an excellent video. Hard to find reviews of bikes that are in most peoples price range. Kudos 👏🏼👏🏼

[@vitalmtb]

thanks @J B

[@philippsteiner7753]

so true! came to say the same!

[@jacobb791]

2k thats normal tf

[@Greenfrom3]

@Javier Estrella what bike did you get?

[@LithicKing]

@@Greenfrom3 Check out the Diamondback Atroz 2/3 if your lookin for a good full squish on a budget. I ride a 2019 Stumpjumper myself, but bought the atroz 2 for my little brother. Unbelievable bang for your buck. The ride feels great, and it shreds. Would recommend sizing up if your between sizes, as the reach is on the conservative side.

[@Allison_Burgers69]

You got me like: "I want this" *Next bike Me: "nah i want this"

[@sarahwillett1130]

8:52 was my personal favorite part of the whole video

[@thomasli2261]

Wow, even better then Pinkbike’s field test! Next up you should do cheap enduro bikes (around 2500$) or hardcore hardtails (around 1000$). But I still think that around this price range used is the way to go, for example I got a bargain 2016 Propain Tyee CF (boost spacing!) for 1400$ with high end parts (1x11 Sram XO1, Monarch Plus...) and just the right geometry (HA 65,5 STA 75,5)

[@conman1395]

Hardcore hardtails are more expensive than $1000....

[@thomasli2261]

Mr. Popo Well then 1500$ should be enough right?

[@artoutlawphoto]

i would definitely want to see a cheap enduro test.2500 sounds good. At 3000 you are getting pretty awesome bikes .

[@guslebolideur8736]

@@thomasli2261 yes of course 1500$ is fine for a nice playful hardtail. If you want a full-sus with nice specks (160mm front and 150mm rear) and an aggressive style check the Nukeproof mega ( the grey versions) I've got mine for 2300$ with a discount.. But for hardtail checks commencal meta ht and the Nukeproof scout they're niceee

[@davidfruits2766]

@@conman1395 Vitus Sentier checks that box.

[@matthewchaston1218]

Fantastic production, hats off to the entire team at Vital MTB. Well done!

[@HasanibnSabah]

Wish I had seen this a few months ago...excellent video and format! Reviews for us real folks for whom $2000 for a bike is a significant purchase...y'all have a new subscriber.

[@epicwarrior1018]

This is so much more informative than the bikemag reviews. Thanks.

[@jakeb6703]

this is quickly becoming my favorite bike channel, thanks for keeping grounded, 2K is right about where I feel comfortable spending (in 2 years)

[@pulDag]

Review without backround music? Bold but awesome..

[@1ndomitus]

Yeah, I don't mind music if it's appropriate in both taste & *VOLUME!*

[@pulDag]

@@1ndomitus In my experience if you have good speakers or headphones (monitors alike) audio mix is not an issue.. but who has it? This one is straightforward for every body..

[@PowerSports]

Much prefer not to have music at all.

[@TheDuds33]

Much needed test! Thank you for focusing on the lower budget bikes! More of these types of reviews please!

[@mlb6d9]

WOW - nearly a year later do I see this video, and quite possibly one of the best if not THE best Comparison Video ever made! No BS - nothing but useful footage & information by real riders. Thanks!!

[@Dirtguerilla]

A short recap would be nice at the end. Great video, keep it up ;)

[@vitalmtb]

*** OUR NEW $2,500 MTB TEST IS LIVE! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJezlHVqf8alb9k *** What did you think about our test and which bikes should we test next? In the video description are timeline links, bike pros/cons lists and links to manufacturer websites to help you out.

[@bitumen83]

Thank you VITAL MTB so much for this test! Finally test of normal bikes that average joe can buy. 🙂👍

[@alexanderteo293]

Budget (Up to $3000) Enduro Bikes! Maybe Transition Patrol NX (Coil), Nukeproof Mega, etc or 27.5 enduro bikes.

[@vitalmtb]

@@alexanderteo293 oh man! there are SO many capable bikes from $2500 to $3000. i like it.

[@czechnolike]

Exactly what I want to see

[@noahcarder5068]

i also think you guys should do a freeride or "super enduro" bike comparision test. you could have commencal clash, rocky mountain slayer, yeti sb165 and more. i havent found any videos comparing these bikes and i would love it

[@marvinywong]

Loved this comparison review. Quick, to the point, comprehensive. Thanks!

[@machohogan]

Great video. UK guy here trying to push a friend from getting a second hand £500 bike from 10-20 years ago to a £1500-£2000 modern bike. This video is a great help.

[@moncier77]

I think this is the best blue collar review on the net. About time! I have the Orbea Occam that was at the 2500 mark, love that bike

[@johnschick716]

This is the most comprehensive budget bike review I’ve seen. 👍

[@danielm593]

Excellent review! Thank you for indexing each bike review with the time stamp in the description! 🤙

[@Malio75]

A terrific and comprehensive shootout on bikes people can actually afford in 2019. Magazines continually review cost-no-object rides that most could only dream of riding without going into a massive consumer-debt peril. Keep these coming!

[@Squidsonbikeswithhats3958]

Amazing! Past this level of bikes but I still love hearing about them. Vital does not get enough free for their work, major props🤘🤘

[@pavmentsurfer13]

This was the best budget bike review ive ever seen. Most places doing tests like these spend the whole time complaining that the $1800 bike doesnt perform as well as an $8000 bike and therefore, sucks. Then proceed to reccomend "saving up" for the $8000 version. You tested these bikes fairly against each other and gave legitimate highs and very realistic and fair lows. My brother is currently shopping for a bike in this class and price range. Your test just answered the question of which bikes he should be looking at. Great job all round. Side note: Whats up with those shimano 201 brakes. They came on my wifes new bike last year and I had the same experience youve had. They just suck. I wouldnt even let her ride with them and took them off immediately. I get that there has to be a budget brake in the lineup and that cost cutting will result in less breaking performance, but these brakes are borderline not even safe for bikes with 120-130mm of travel designed for descending steep terrain. I wouldnt even put them on my daughters 24 inch hardtail (shes 8).

[@dano727]

Awesome, I love comparison tests like this !

[@a1510n]

This is video I been waiting for! Thanks for the test and recommendations

[@davido85]

This is one of the best MTB-videos i have seen yet to date! - Whats good, Whats bad, and what to upgrade! Keep it comming! Make more tests please :D

[@julianrime8544]

FINALLY... Someone reviews mtb’s in this price range

[@jordanpoole3]

Great video I go to the eagle bike park all the time so it’s cool that you guys made a video riding on it.

[@grahammcdermott6015]

Thx, so detailed and helpful! Especially hearing per-feature comparisons within bikes in a price range. Your review helped me settle on getting an Abajo Peak (superior component spec, no obvious weak points). It can be hard to find reviews so I was very grateful to have a roundup this comprehensive. You guys did an amazing job.

[@vitalmtb]

Great to hear!

[@jptothetree]

LOVE my Commencal Meta. Got it for $2,000 earlier this year and it is stellar for the price.

[@epicwarrior1018]

Model and year?

[@mattorie6703]

epic warrior the 2020 tr is insane

[@mikescott3355]

One of the best bike review vids I've seen. Honest evaluations of the Pros and Cons of each bike. A refreshing change from the rah-rah all -positive nonsense we get from so many industry rags. Subscribed. PS: I used to live in Idaho Falls

[@bigpuch2104]

Probably one of the best reviews so far I have seen for the regular guy!!!! Thank you!... Not everyone can spend 3 grand and up on a bike so this was right on point for me!!! Very helpful!!!! 👍👌💪

[@paulmc5412]

Very good and understandable review on these bikes. I’ve been strongly considering the Vitus VRX and this review keeps me convinced that I wouldn’t go wrong with that bike.

[@isaactheguitarist4918]

The amount of work put into this video is just insane

[@armandojuan64]

I am very , very happy with my humble Giant Trance 3 27.5 2020 …. it is not about owning the most expensive bike but enjoying the one that you own .

[@PowerSports]

This! Agree 100%!

[@armandojuan64]

@@PowerSports I love Giants . Always have .

[@gbaca57]

armando cardenas I’ve got the 2019 trance 3 and that there is already too much bike for me. I’m somewhat of a beginner and this bike has shown me that it can handle terrain I’m not comfortable with yet and then some

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

@@armandojuan64 giant's warranty is very good from Australia

[@daveandmerlin]

Great Video and really informative for riders looking for a good first good bike

[@BrickImperial]

I’ve been up all night reaserching and this video just helps me so much. Thank you for making such a good video!!!!!

[@epicwarrior1018]

The lack of backing music lends the entire vid a zen like, calm quality. Very refreshing!

[@aidenstephenson7617]

OMG!!! I live in Boise ID and watching this high quality footage of my local trails was craaaaaazy. DEFINITELY a bit of Go-pro effect going on.

[@user-mc2gm6fz9i]

Go pro effect?

[@clmfilms8103]

@@user-mc2gm6fz9i trails look less steep and easier on a gopro than they are in real life

[@asa05middlebro0ks3]

thanks so much i watched this video after i bought my marin rift zone 2 great insight

[@simonfarr8670]

awesome to see these models reviewed! ultimately though, it takes a beast to keep up with group rides on these steeds.

[@uaaadingding]

Thank you for the review! I'd be interested in a entry level Enduro bike comparison including recommendations how you would spend an extra 200 - 300$ for upgrades. Thanx in advance! Keep up the good work!

[@cedricclamaran]

The most intelligent thing to do specially at this time of the year is search for bikes from last season. They often have very nice discounts. Great review and video, nice to see some bikes that I dont have to sell my house to buy.

[@High_Octane]

i tried exactly this and toughed it out all summer lol. I was not able to find my size or model by the end... So i ordered my 2020 Rocky mountain thunderbolt!

[@shawnthesheep6832]

Yeah, maybe pre-Cvd but with all these new bikers it’s hard to find availability for last season bikes 😩😔

[@mr.d7429]

Good review! I would like to hear about the Commencal trail 29 line! Ty!

[@breakandrun70]

Great review, I bought a Norco Fluid FS-3 about a month ago. I really enjoy the bike. I wish you would do this review earlier in the year. You're absolutely right on with the brakes. Thanks

[@NerfHerdsman]

Great video for normal people! As others have said, would love to see a $2500 budget enduro list.

[@richarde1355]

Love your review, and I super, super, super appreciate your summary in the notes section highlighting the good and bad things about each bike and the time in the review for each bike. You guys are awesome - keep it up. P.S. My brother and folks live in Boise - I hope to someday live there, too!

[@myveryownchannel]

Not looking for a bike but this is a quality review, great job guys, subscribed

[@sethnicholls7861]

Great test! I know what couple of bikes you all helped me narrow my search for now. I'd love to see, (hopefully alot of us), the same type of test done on some trail worthy, slack, and capable hardtail 29ers next. Keep up the amazing tests and please consider the trail hardtail 29er option done in the same great way this test was executed!!!! Cheers.

[@White.Elemant]

Ended up buying the Giant based on this review and the fact that it was easiest to get my hands on. Was definitely a superb buy, the Stance is absolulety what you said it would be, ups and downs. Many have commented that this is the most interesting price point, and I could not agree more. These are the first full suspension bikes for many (like me), and in-depth reviews/comparisons such as this are just too hard to come by. Thanks guys, you helped a ton (well, actually you helped me spend two, since I will be gettin some front brake upgrade as you suggested).

[@wicho99w99]

I tough they were going to test the Scott spark 970? Similar price

[@GeoAnaGR]

I loved the video! What a real budget comparison!

[@bloophmd]

great video helps a bunch thanks

[@skullsroad3642]

See if you guys can wrangle up a batch of 27.5 bikes next.

[@gtidrive]

Great stuff. Could I ask how tall were the testers? I'm interested in a Rift Zone and I am 176cm. The charts say I'd be a Medium but my current bikes (Giant and Trek) I've gone for a large as the Mediums felt to short. Would be interested to hear how tall you are and what you thought of the Medium rift zone fit. Thanks.

[@natebit7167]

You’re on the upper edge of medium size, so you might be ok sizing up... however bike sizing can be unique between brands, so I’d recommend (if possible) seeing if you can try a Rift Zone out at a local bike shop. That’s the best way to find an answer to this question. Keep in mind wheel size is going to affect how the bike feels too.

[@DarkMonarch0]

Thanks, this really helped keep up with the videos.

[@jctrails]

Very thorough review. It’s nice to see at the $2k mark that shredding is not really hampered.

[@kaseyburlingham2861]

X Fusion suspension is making a comeback

[@mrvwbug4423]

The Giant Stance has probably the best $200 upgrade out there, the Giant Trance. The Trance 29er has gotten absolutely rave reviews.

[@littlebrowndude3460]

Thank you!! , this video helped alot. You got yourself a sub

[@dirtbike9003]

Awesome seeing this review, nice job vital.

[@froznfire9531]

where are canyon bikes? they most of the time wins all tests and they also have 2k modells...

[@foxykc]

There are shops periodically here and there. There's one where I am in Carlsbad California but I haven't popped over there yet although I mean to

[@hudhacks8563]

I like how everyone is like oh a cheap 2,000 dollar bike I have a 200 bike lol

[@Vidmantas969]

yeah these featured bikes in video is more suitable for casual city driving. Good entry level bikes start at 6k dollar mark.

[@Motagraphy]

Vidmantas Šulskis stfu 😂😂😂

[@tristinwilcox9518]

@@Vidmantas969 omg lol

[@krabby1555]

Vidmantas Šulskis You we’re either high or joking when you wrote this

[@silentstormstudios]

@@Vidmantas969 Law of diminishing returns. The more money you spend, the more minute the differences become to the point where you're just wasting money. Unless you're professionally racing and every ounce counts and every minute detail has to be perfect, there's not point. The only purpose to that is to either feed your ego or because spending that much on a bike satisfies some obsession. I guess some people do that just because they can and it makes them feel justified in some way.

[@coreywatkins593]

Great video guys, I'm that much closer to narrowing down my choice of bike. 👍👍

[@MThomas92]

finding this video in 2022 and can tell you a few of these bikes have increased pretty significantly

[@williamphillips9565]

I was surprised when you we’re testing at the bike park I usually go to is this company based in eagle or Boise?

[@bensun432]

I laughed when the bikes fell, this is a valuable video

[@Mr.P.Griffith]

1/2 Thank you for this video. As a budget hardtail (upgraded) owner that's looking into full sus for next season I honestly can't say how much I appreciate this review. I live in Ontario and ride "flat" gnarly rooty ungroomed trails and then try to keep up with my wife on her gravel bike the other half of the time. So weight and pedal efficiency are top priority for me. The Stance stood out in this review to me. If anyone reading this comment has any suggestions to an aspiring full sus owner, I'm all ears.

[@xxxbadmanxx]

One of the best videos for budget bikes! Finnaly

[@pat727321]

Giant Trance 3

[@phoenixlounge7656]

no

[@golddiggerdave]

I've always bought top end bikes, recently bought a Scott genius 960 as a 2nd bike, for what's considered entry level components it's amazing just how good the bike is. The bomber z2 fork is more than good enough. My other rise has top of the line fox factory 36 and Kashima throughout with DI2. The 1x12 eagle SX changes gears 99% as good as DI2. There's a lot of kidology and marketing going on. The only thing I would change on the 960 is a decent set of wheels as I like the feel of a quicker engaging rear hub.

[@marc-antoinegagnon9460]

I really liked the video, thanks for your thoughts, it was helpful

[@TheD1tritus]

This video is a bless. For nowadays "budget" full-sus bikes gives you so much performance for their price, but saddly, usually, nobody reviews them. In my opinion it's most common bikes on a trails, and most demanded by riders. And as we see, they are pretty different in spec list and riding characteristycs. Really want to see these kind of videos every year, to know how improved modern bikes in most common category. Also it's be nice to see every year review on actual trail hardtails for 1000-1500$.

[@mrkthmn]

Man, I appreciate the work you put in here but if $2k is "entry level" then I'll never own an mtb.

[@excru3506]

mrkthmn It’s entry level for a full suspension

[@garki1369]

Go used.

[@opiumden34]

Mountain biking really is a hobby for more upper middle class people, and it isn't something that's talked about. A few things in the sport are inexpensive, but most things are strangely high in price.

[@garki1369]

I have a 2015 Specialized Enduro with a Pike fork and pretty solid components. Was about 3200 MSRP. Im having trouble getting 1100 for it because it has 26 inch wheels. There are some deals to be had if you keep an eye out.

[@alpz6295]

I bought a hardtail for $250 and it served me well. There are plenty of trails you can take it at

[@benirish1959]

How come the giant almost didn’t get included because of the head angle?

[@nalrasko402]

It's steep

[@theGiver3]

@@nalrasko402 meaning what? That it's too close to the downhill category?

[@nalrasko402]

@@theGiver3 lmao no, closer to xc, dh bikes are slacker

[@theGiver3]

@@nalrasko402 gotcha

[@gray7890]

Theres the new trance 3 now for $2100 that embarrasses all of these bikes spec wise honestly

[@jheianweslie3106]

I got Norco fluid fs 3 just yesterday can’t wait to test how it’s done lol 😂 excitement lol

[@donaldthomas9456]

Purchased the Fezzari, and glad I did, Bike came less than 2 weeks after ordering it. Great value. great bike!!

[@willbennett7107]

That vitus is a good deal the z2 fork is meant to be real good

[@tomashuizar3473]

Diamondback Release??!!

[@LarryRichelli]

@Jackson Archambault Plus a 66.5 head tube angle.....no go!

[@justme7364]

@@LarryRichelli why 66.5 head angle is no go? I don't get it..

[@mikewelpott8743]

fantastic review. I especially like the part where you indicate the next upgrade(s) that you would perform on each bike. So much better than telling folks to go buy $8k (or more) bikes. It is nice to know that it actually IS possible to ride a $2K bike aggressively. Most folks watching this video do not have the skills that you guys have, so these bikes should perform very well for them.

[@ShitStefanShoots]

Thank you so much for this test. It's bull's eye on the price-point that matters to me. Other than you, I feel that the effort uphill is important - and you convinced me to go for the Vitus ;o)

[@s14tat]

That Vitus is fire. I just don't know if I'll feel embarrassed riding that thing. But the whole colorway looks like th nukeproof reactor RS. I know that rear suspension is different but from a glance with the red bomber z2 fork.

[@epicwarrior1018]

Why would you feel embarrassed?

[@s14tat]

@@epicwarrior1018 there is no buzz around the brand and no forums or communities for me to get any info on. Their main bikes such as the escarpe and the Sommet have been around a bit but no body talks about them nor can i find any real owners info on them. I know nukeproof is also owner by crc and I ride a nukeproof but you have Sam hill winning ews on them and you have guys on gmbn riding the scout and the megas. I still really want this bike since it comes with a good fork and shock. I will swap out the drivetrain and brakes to a lesser bike. My original plan was to buy a santa cruz 5010 and build it from the frame up or a nukeproof reactor frame but this bike comes along with actual useful parts and the whole bike cost what the frame cost on those brands . But the brand just isn't as cool to me.

[@BEEK335]

@@s14tat Colin Ross rides for Vitus and the brand is pretty heavily praised on the mtb subreddit. Just ride what you think looks cool/fits your needs dude! I just ordered the VRX in 27.5 and I actually think it looks sick. Think it'll get a lot of attention for sure.

[@s14tat]

@@BEEK335 for sure. I probably will end up with the mythique vrx in a 29er sometime next year. The nukeproof scout will be my fun bike and the mythique will be the fast bike.

[@s14tat]

@Tacoma M. Lol. Yeah it's admittedly a very snobby thing to do.

[@jonathanspoelstra7063]

8:55 lol

[@nmartin5551]

Thanks for reviewing these bikes that are more feasible. I just bought more than entry level because it was available during these strange covid times.

[@dubv6902]

Great review/comparison

[@Happy_Biker]

👍

[@farisguerouate655]

“Budget” Also why only 29ers

[@julianrime8544]

Faris Guerouate well they are for full sus mountain bikes worth buying

[@gspa072]

This video is perfect. I'm actually looking in the market for a MTB in the $2,000 range. Good comparison. Now I have more knowledge in completing my research and coming toa conclusion. Thank you guys.

[@TeoZx10r]

Excellent reviews

[@Biscuitabuse]

I wouldn't call 2 grand a budget mountain bike, but then again I use a hardtail for downhill because I'm broke af.

[@Toddtakesphotos]

May want to get a better paying job.

[@zygis337]

30€ brake sets on 2k bikes that is absolutely absurd.

[@illiadoroshenko7629]

Actually wonder how much all the parts cost.

[@JeffFadness]

This is so good, thank you!

[@brandonburks4172]

This was the best mtb review video I’ve ever seen. I’ve been into the sport for nearly a decade and watch most of the Bible tests as well. Love the nature of the review process, the dialogue, and of course that these are bikes real humans can afford.

[@Garbagejuicewaterfall]

Budget? Man I’m poor!👨🏻‍🦰

[@williamwalker3898]

That’s mountain biking for ya

[@TheKaiTetley]

Vincent Foss $2000 is cheap? 🙀WTF?

[@mazdarx-8rotary.97]

TheKaiTetley it’s not cheap at all I shred a £500 hardtail.

[@mazdarx-8rotary.97]

William Walker no it’s not lol

[@Erafune]

I know right. These bikes are TOP OF THE LINE for what 95% of us will ever need to get. Better parts than this is useless luxury for everyone but pro downhillers and big air jumpers. If you have a cheap bike and it's not fun you're not riding places that suit that bike.

[@anyssen]

In escence, MTB has become very expensive, I'm very happy with my Giant Trance. I think that the bike doesn´t make the rider...

[@grn9209]

Thinking of getting a Trance👊🏼👍🏼🚵🏽

[@tydondero16]

I have a 15 trance. Its fucking sick.

[@hoineenietjij3331]

Yea it’s crazy. It’s nowadays normal to have 15 k on different bikes

[@yeetusdeletus9]

Still riding my 2013 trance x3 and ill be riding it until parts are non existent or if the frame snaps

[@rosskline]

This was a great review!

[@danielbob4310]

Great content. I subscribed, liked and saved the video

[@jacobbruner1]

2 grand budget hmm

[@kylerwallace7978]

There's no way he just said $2,000 dollars as a budget mtb

[@glennnichols4220]

Why not? What shitty ass bike do you ride?

[@durrantmiller8810]

It is. Any full sus cheaper and it will break very quickly with any serious riding. It's better to buy once than buy many garbage bikes

[@glennnichols4220]

@@durrantmiller8810 and probably thinks that $125,000+ Vette in his avatar is a budget car too. 🤦‍♂️

[@durrantmiller8810]

@@glennnichols4220 its a pagani so it's actually a few million

[@glennnichols4220]

@@durrantmiller8810 well then he doesnt own that let alone a Vette. Because he wouldn't be complaining about a 2k mountain bike if he was in the sport

[@jacobradak6936]

Super informative, great video. I appreciate that you took the time to define some of the lingo throughout, given that these bikes are targeted towards people who might not know all that stuff yet (myself included). Same goes for describing geometry not only with numbers but also with qualitative words (eg super long reach). That puts it seriously ahead of other reviews I've watched. My only ask would be for some kind of re-cap at the end, IMO this big of a review begs for a chart. All the info was in the video, but rather than have to re-watch all 20 minutes it's nice to just say "this bike was best downhill, this bike is best out of the box, this is the one we would buy, this bike would win if it had better brakes, I can't recommend this bike," etc.

[@k.a.w1774]

Great test I love the premise next could you please review affordable Enduro bikes