Who Should Ride A Trail MTB?

[@PaulThePunter]

Leave your entries below and a winner will be chosen on 5th December 10am GMT! Don't forget to use code PUNTER15 for 15% off your first purchase ➡️bit.ly/2VItcyb

[@MazdaMiata-gt8kw]

these are the best videos ever dude.

[@kentuckykyle4223]

Thank you!

[@BikingwithJP]

Your competitive cyclist link for insta goes to yours Paul 🤔

[@dubblearr7622]

They got good deals.

[@EpicMTB]

I would use $500 to buy a desert bike as mine is anything but...

[@DrIsiah]

I'd buy a truing stand so I can learn the dark arts of wheel building and more tools for my bike cave lol

[@MichaelAcurantes]

It really is considered a DARK ART. LOL not all know about it.

[@jamiesmyth6674]

I just purchased a new trail bike. My old Jamis Dakar 3.0 was 16 years old. I have found that with the new geometry I can do anything I want. I just used it on a double black diamond tech trail at a bike park with no issues. Thanks

[@VicharB]

That drop at 7:40, can do on XC hardtail (~13kg) with 100mm fork, but with a dropper engaged. :)

[@mackayorr5175]

I would spend the money on new bars, the one up edc tool ,and winter riding gear.

[@VeryMadMango]

I'd get a truing stand, a shorter stem and tools for servicing fox forks 😀

[@apo617]

Rear coil shock, either an MRP or Cane creek.

[@magnuswickland6415]

I'd put the money towards a winter clothing riding set! And use it to pay my Bikepark fees so I could go more often and progress faster.

[@williamkent1717]

I would get some 510 shoes and some new grips as well as fox speedframe lid and a crankbrothers click pump. i would also get some fox jerseys, trousers and shorts.

[@Nick-bi7ll]

With $500 on competitive cyclists I would buy a crank brothers multitool, new grips, a new seat and new dropper post lever. Great video by the way really enjoyed it!

[@bill7124]

As a mid 50's man that raced mountain bikes before suspension and then on short 70mm travel hardtails I feel a lot of people are over biked these days. I can ride just about anything on my 120 travel bike. Are there times I wished I had a bit more sure, but I also don't want to have to pedal that extra weight up hill. Riding slacker bikes on demo days showed me they don't corner well on uphill switchbacks either. The trail bike is the perfect choice if you can only have 1.

[@julianheuthorst2918]

I'll definitely go for a one up dropper post and possibly some drivetrain upgrades. The last one because I still have a 3x7 hahah

[@michaeltrollope8048]

I've just bought a trails bike. Since DH has evolved into its own specialised category, it makes enduro the far right and XC is the far left. Trail bike seem to hit straight done the middle with the goldilocks of not too heavy and not too fragile.

[@josh_lmas]

I would need some winter riding gear and probably new shifting as well. Maby some tires. Would be great to get it

[@wheeliemachine626]

I would spend the 500 $ on a decent gear like a mips helmet, knee and elbow pads and some bike parts like cockpit. But you don’t need necessarily to upgrade your gear or bike to have fun or learn new skills, it’s all about the will !

[@ShredFredBikes]

easy.. if you have Dh background go for enduro.. if you have xc background go for trail (considering one bike only world)

[@tomjens2046]

7:28 - I do not get why people would say you need enduro for this and that you need 150mm + suspension for this. Seems like hardtail XC with slacker angle and 100mm suspension would easily ride that.

[@mikeh9949]

Agreed that most new trail bikes with 115-140mm travel are very capable now of handling bigger trails and more technical sections that it really cones down to the type of rider and area. Although the otherside is N+1, bikes are fun 🤪

[@TheOneCrazyAsainGuy]

I would get oneup handlebars and a bike flight bag.

[@FatBlokeDoingStuff]

I could do with some new tyres and a cockpit upgrade, bars and grips. That shock pump looks great too!.

[@jakobseybold9865]

I would buy a new Wheel and some Oneup Carbon bars. I‘m interested in trying these. Good luck to everyone!

[@jasonkatz8]

I'd get a carbon riser bar and stem!

[@georgepaki1955]

I just got into bikes but the problem is I dont have a bike and only my friends have them and what I can do with that money is buy a hardtail and enjoy as much as I can because I only borrow a mtb from my friends and you know i watch them have fun with their bikes I hope I will enjoy too if I get chosen. Thank you!

[@georgepaki1955]

Hope you choose me paul you're my idol and Im actually from the philippines

[@georgepaki1955]

I also watch you to learn from you on techniques hope you choose me paul!

[@magnate2372]

I agree that the terrain dictates the bike type and that a trail bike will be more than enough for most people. I’d spend the 500 on a new bike.

[@grantgridley6095]

I would get some bars, maybe pedals, and shoes

[@conradgray7545]

Trail bike is your do it all bike I have a Trek Fuel 2018 130mm travel and send anything that an enduro bike hits like enduro racing. Just be happy with the bike u got and send it🤙🤙🤘

[@jordanrabara8848]

I would upgrade my brakes to some shimano xtr. very pricey but want the extra confidence in slowing me down.

[@FlatLander121]

Really loving your new series! As a family that's getting into mountain biking, we really appreciate it! In terms of Competitive Cyclist, I'd spend the $500 on my children, helping them get better safety gear to protect them so they can have more confidence, more fun, and more memories.

[@Davian45]

Oneup carbon bars and oneup aluminum pedals!

[@downundermtb4744]

Good video wish I knew this when I started most tracks in my area are XC type trails..I got StumpJumper in 2011 everyone started buying 27.5 and 29ers..So I bought an Epic 29er...Hated the fact it felt so wrong..So next I bought an Merrida 160 😂 Had a blast on gravity trails and bike parks..It was over kill and killed me on climbs ...So in saying this I’ve gone from one extreme to another..Now I have a 130 travel bike a Trek fullstache. It’s heavier then most trail bikes it does bomb....My partner has a trail with 27.5..Shame it wasn’t a 29er..Go the trail bikes..You can always fit in larger tires or skinny ones ..I agree it’s all about where you ride .

[@coleevans3327]

Hey Paul, I would buy new pedals, grips, replace my cracked helmet, and some new rubber from competitive cycles!

[@jamcage17]

I would get a new full face helmet for when using my trail bike on the downhill tracks

[@jerome8426]

Honestly a new fork for my bike would be very nice

[@alexdesjardinsmtb5409]

I would probably bye a fullface helmet since i’m riding biger and biger features.

[@benwallace5695]

I'd put the money towards a new set of brakes

[@davidp.ritchie6526]

great work paul, id look at Shimano Xt groupset or a one-up finishing kit

[@mtblunatic8829]

I’m new to mountain biking and I wish that I could spend a little more for myself and I have a trail hardtail that I want to progress on. My parents just don’t really understand the concept of mtb gear so I would love to spend that 500 on buying some gear and clothing for mtbing. It would help so much if you can help me Paul.

[@HakunaMattatata]

The timing of this video couldn't be better! Im looking for a new bike atm

[@bekanav]

Why do they say slack and long modern bike geometry "aggressive"? In reality it is supposed to be slower and mellower than old school XC geometry. Very old men's bikes used to have long front forks with low angles and very short stems - no one said they were aggressive LOL

[@jeffwertz8108]

Loved the video. Love the series/content. Love the trails. Thanks Paul and well done.

[@harleycross4170]

Lol. After your enduro video, I made my mind that that’s what I needed., as like you, I’m GVR area in B.C. Then in this video, you say for Squamish you reach for your trail bike??? Doesn’t get much more mountain than Squamish.

[@tomliddell8487]

I would spend the money to save for a new marzochi z1 fork

[@sebastianbrenter1355]

I'd probably upgrade my and my dads bike

[@hockeyak]

needing some shoes and winter clothing to ride my bike more often

[@beckclarke7128]

Hey Paul, I’d buy some ‘one up’ gear. Carbon handlebars , components stem and grips for my trail bike!

[@TheRodrigoRomano]

Protection gear!

[@MitchellRoy24]

If I won the 500$ I would spend it on Oneup carbon bars, tires, and some riding pants!😁

[@connorbond7650]

I raced my genius in a downhill race and it was fine😀

[@marcgallant5270]

"Trail Bikes" replaced the "All Mountain" category, especially since "Enduro" became a thing.

[@DJDJ-qd8uo]

Hey paul! I'm looking to really get the protective gear I need as currently I'm using a non brand sketchy helmet and no knee pads. I also want to buy my friend a new set of tires!

[@chimps4gimps]

11:10 Do you mean if your bike has 27.5 wheels then you need more suspension than if you’re riding a 29er?

[@jimdurham13]

Trail Bikes are good for most trails.

[@youngstadan4999]

You can ride anything on anything, you could do enduro on a ht a xc bike. Just buy what you want

[@tjbarke6086]

Damn, competitive cyclist is really on an ad blitz...

[@mrrenders2500]

If the highest mountain near you is 200m tall. Buy a trail bike. -me

[@debokkenrijder7521]

Mine is closer to 200 cm. Honestly!

[@th_js]

I disagree

[@JimEckhardt]

Doesn't sound like much of a mountain... We do ~400m just riding up the spruit (green belt), in the middle of the suburbs. If we head out to the mountains... That's some REAL elevation!

[@YBMTB]

@@JimEckhardt thats his point...

[@claysmith6019]

@@th_js I really want to buy a 165 140 mountain bike what bike do you have? And do you have a lot of elevation near your house? I have hills but not mountains (the Ozarks). Would this be too much bike?

[@HeretiCflow]

Amazing cinematography and editing Paul!

[@OwenCrowley34]

Great vid Paul. I love watching you. Whenever I see your video I click on it like it’s an add for a free bike.

[@PaulThePunter]

Haha 😂

[@adam7x1x54]

Paul: yeah my trail bike has 150 mm travel Me *crying in hardtail*

[@slicershanks1919]

Just put a 130 fork on my budget hardtail, honestly, the lack of rear suspension is not really what's holding the bike back.

[@theskyisblue8979]

When?

[@slicershanks1919]

@@theskyisblue8979 several weeks ago. I’ve already gone and superseded most of my PR’s on my local trails already, the front fork alone feels like it’s just deleting anything in front of me. The rear still rattles something but honestly the rear wheel just follows what the front one does anyways so I’m able to fly down trails I couldn’t previously.

[@theskyisblue8979]

@@slicershanks1919 No when did I ask 😂

[@wastedtalentinc8007]

There are plenty of hard tail trail bikes. They aren’t all FS

[@BengLang84]

Great content again Paul 😊 For some reason lately I have been considering on changing my stumpjumper to an Ibis ripmo af because most of the people are going into the enduro discipline kind of a bike. But then because of this vid of yours it somehow make me reconsider things. By the way the cinematography of this video is superb! 😀👍 Thanks again Paul and ride safe always! 😀

[@PaulThePunter]

Nice one!

[@davidmoshel]

the new stupjumper seems good with 140 130

[@snat6299]

I would try both you may be surprised on how well the Ripmo pedals up the hill with dw links. So its really a trail bike with the enduro attitude

[@mrvwbug4423]

Check out the new Stumpjumper Evo, it is like a hybrid of a trail bike and an enduro bike. Ripmo is similar. The Ripmo climbs extremely well and is rock solid stable on descents. The new Stumpy Evo is still a good climber, but is very poppy and playful too, so it has the geometry and almost as much travel as an enduro bike, but rides like a trail bike.

[@Tinchohs]

@@davidmoshel This is what I have. I ride with friends that have 170 in front, and I feel my bike has everything. They may have a bit more leeway, but this bike handles it very well. I have not tried the Stumpy EVO, which would be my choice if the terrain I ride was gnarlier.

[@benjilek8923]

Paul: talking about 140mm of travel Me: crys in 75mm on my trek 820

[@jltrack]

Stop crying and demo a new bike. They are amazing. Look around the web you can get a great deal on newer bikes my friend.

[@benjilek8923]

I have I just got back from a bike shop and am currently saving up for a new bike

[@jltrack]

Ben Jilek Right on! I was in the same boat

[@imattultra1623]

I feel you bro. Used to have a Trek DS 8.5 with 63mm of travel. I put some 2.2 enduro tyres and it was a death machine 😂 Got myself a second hand GT Sensor and loving life 🤟🏻 Good luck bro

[@M1lan2124]

i reccomend you look at cube they have great price and its german quality

[@vivek_v]

To whom it may concern, What I would buy with the 500 dollars: 1: Not using a torque wrench is not fun, and my mom doesn't want to get one because of the cost. Having a torque wrench would be super nice, although I have become quite good at determining torque values by feel. 2: I would also buy shin pads because my pedals have ripped huge chunks of skin out when my feet slip off of them. 3: I would get a new saddle because my current saddle is bent to the point when I sometimes slide off 4: I want to go Shimano for my bike, but my parents would never let me spend that money on a bike drivetrain. The sram sx that I have is definitely showing its age, although it has worked well for 2000 miles in the past 6 months. I would buy an SLX drivetrain, and then I would FINALLY be able to have my shifter and brakes set up correctly because my bike has Shimano brakes, so I would be able to mount them to an SLX shifter. 5: I would buy some proper clothes because I sweat like a pig in Texas weather lol 6: I would buy proper tires because falling down in corners with lightly treaded tires is not fun... 7: Having a shorter stem would be helpful as an 80mm stem isn't the most confidence inspiring 8: A heart rate monitor would be greatly appreciated so that I can train properly for upcoming races But honestly, you should consider give the 500 dollars to somebody who probably deserves it more :)

[@Lucas-hk6gn]

If you didn’t get this $500 you deserved it.

[@vivek_v]

@@Lucas-hk6gn Well it has been a while... but I have since got all the items on the list (and have enjoyed all of them)

[@jestin3550]

I hope you do a "who should get a hardtail"

[@mysterious_czrs]

Somebody who has knees of steel

[@mtbboy1993]

anyone with a good back, neck, so not me. at least for offroad use, but if that's not an issue a hardtail is nice, but more fatiguing, but got more gentle riding a hardtail is nice, many get a hardtail as a shopping, commuting bike, that they can take for a mtb ride too. that's the only use I could get from one. the rear shock makes a huge difference for me. even easy xc trails are too much for my back.

[@gw4yn]

Poor people

[@mysterious_czrs]

@@gw4yn Laughs in s-works epic hardtail pro

[@mtblunatic8829]

Laughs with a specialized fuse expert

[@jedidiahwest4619]

Only 45 seconds into the vid and I had to stop a say wow. It looks like you’re riding in a painting. 💯👏

[@samvilla6290]

Paul: everyone is overbiked Me: riding downhill on a 115 travel bike

[@OurMTBJourney]

Sam Villa my current bike has 60mm of travel. That’s nearly full rigid at that point. ;-)

[@roaldtrainor468]

How about no wheels beat that

[@andreyv116]

@Mike H are you riding a gravel bike that has room for XC tires and routing for a dropper?

[@HeretiCflow]

I recently upgraded from a bread and butter trailbike to a super long, aggressive and progressive Enduro 29er and I don't regret it for a second. With geometry evolving, these bikes are still super versatile and capable of all day epics, while simultaneously being super capable. The "category" is arbitrary, geometry and suspension is what's relevant. That and skill - obviously. 😉

[@ericthebikeman8559]

What bike did you buy?

[@owengism]

I have a 150mm 29er but i wanna experience a big bike so im building a 170mm 27.5..i dont have problems climbing up or hiking up hills.. the fun starts on the descent

[@David-rb3tk]

" The "category" is arbitrary, geometry and suspension is what's relevant. " Couldn't agree more.

[@HeretiCflow]

@@ericthebikeman8559 2021 Commencal Meta AM 29.

[@psychonaut038]

@@HeretiCflow thats a trailbike 😆

[@bike_somm]

Beautifully done with this video~ love the genuine honesty here & professional opinions backing up the simple facts! Random thought.. I could almost see this same argument for a Golf club.. one club to rule them all.. I’m a Golf Professional that teaches regularly when I’m not mtb YouTubing.. but a little bird told me you were starting a Golf channel..? If this is true I wanted to share my dream with ya.. perhaps one day being able to do the worlds longest golf hole.. call it “Enduro Golf” ⛳️⛰🚲🏌🏻‍♂️💨 one club.. one mtb.. one Looooooong Golf Hole 🕳 Okay random daydreams aside, love these finer detailed product equipment evaluations! Big thumbs up 👍🏼

[@LukeDoesStuffYT]

Buy one their defo worth it

[@af252]

They’re *

[@frankiemazzei8882]

140mm front 130mm rear, super short chainstays and slack head angle = fucking perfect

[@LukeDoesStuffYT]

@@frankiemazzei8882 💯%

[@georgeharoutunian2145]

I was on the fence between an Ibis Ripley and Rimpo early last year. I was stoked on the Ripley but got swayed into buying the Ripmo because I didn't want to be underbiked. Turned out that I really did not like that bike. Was not nearly as playful as the Ripley and climbed much slower. I ended up selling it a month after I got it and bought a Ripley. Best choice ever. The bike can handle anything my skill level is up to tackling. The Ripmo is definitely faster on the chunky fast stuff, but I am 100% willing to sacrifice a bit of speed for an overall more enjoyable riding experience.

[@finlaymceachan6460]

Hi paul! I'm from Scotland so I would spend the money on winter clothing like fox defend trousers as I still wear shorts. I would also get cushcore because I ride a hardtail and I think I would benefit from the rim protection. Cheers!

[@biasbilt]

My wife is just getting into riding so I’d put the money towards waterproof clothes and pads for her! Thanks for the great content

[@hobmarg]

Budget some money for professional coaching/camps if she is interested and you can swing it, especially all female camps... game changers!

[@Chelly5171]

SImP

[@Litiskontestacija]

Owning a Ransom, I guess you only ride your Genius to the butcher's.

[@Justin32510]

I'm recently getting in Gravel Riding, so I would probably get a GRX setup.

[@medwards7802]

Hi paul, If I won the 500 dollars I would spend it on troy lee designs sprint pants and maybe a fox proframe

[@mackedwards303]

I would spend the money on A giro tyrant helmet as well as a pair of 510s

[@CaliradoKid]

Baby Baby! $500 would definitely get me a nice set of handlebars! Thanks for the opportunity to win. Great video as always by the way!

[@bensong2808]

I'd be buying anew set of dh brakes because mine are cross country brakes on a heavy hitting downhill bike

[@jasonw7053]

I ride my 120mm hardtail everywhere, I think it's kinda boring to have a crazy 170mm enduro bike on most trails around the world. Unless you live in BC on the west coast or in the alps or something you'll be just fine with a shorter travel bike. But on the other hand people should be able to buy what they want to as long as you enjoy your bike it's all good.

[@mtbmagnus9241]

I would put the $500 towards some mountain bike shoes, and some tools and kits to work on and fix my own bike. That would help a lot because I am always taking my bike to the shop and then I cannot ride for a week. Thanks for this amazing opportunity and it would really help to have tools to fix my bike when broken! Thanks

[@fpeter01]

Cycling looks like sexuality. At first we had the road bike. 100 year later mtb has been emerged. Now you can find a whole spectrum of bike types. Dirt, street, slopestyle, XC, XCM, AM, trail, fat, enduro, downhill, recumbent, tandem, art, 4x, road, fitness, gravel, CX, trekking, cross, randenneur, time trial and who knows what kind if hibrids do exist.

[@debokkenrijder7521]

What a debat ;-) In my area, Europe Netherlands, even a trail bike is considered 'over spec-ed'. Everyone rides XC type bikes wearing Lycra. My 130 mm. Canyon Neuron with Nobby Nic tyres is the definition of a tank...

[@S.Minkii]

If I was the most lucky person in your big audience, first of all, I would be amazed to be the winner, and I'd need a few hours to scream around the neighborhood before I could calm down. Then, I'd definitely spend my money on the new Oneup dropper post and get rid of my pesky, unreliable reverb, get some new MTB specific shoes so i stick to the pedals like glue, a new 11 speed XT derailleur because mine is still running strong but is beat up and could use a refresh, a new chain and cassette would be awesome too! And if i have some money left over I'd probably get some warmer gloves so my fingies don't get cold riding in the winter! Maybe I'd get some michelin enduro tires and new pads for my shimano brakes instead of something since my old tires are way past the replacement point :)

[@jaimalhotra3270]

I’m 12 and have been mowing lawns for about a year now and altogether I’ve made about $600 and wanted to spend that on a key capable exxy bike but something capable is about two grand and I need I also need money to spend on gear like a helmet and gloves but also I would want some tools

[@karlovracaric9219]

I would love to get oneup edc tool and edc pump and POC jersey, POC knee protectors, POC gloves and POC shorts. Hope I win

[@Henriklax26]

I would get a new helmet because mine is old and worn out, a new bag because it is 10+ years old and uncomfortable, a new saddle because I have a cheap plastic one and finally a set of ergon grips.

[@kyanreuter3962]

If I won the $500, I would get the Leatt DBX 4.0 riding pants and the Bell Super DH full face helmet

[@tomermessinger46]

If I'll win the 500 dollars I'll buy some better weels co's my weels are have some big cracks and they are also bent so that's pretty suck

[@lauriemay755]

I ride a marin rift zone 2 (not carbon ) it has 130 mill of travel and on the English trails it rides mint especially on jumps

[@oklahotb3217]

Great content in the video Paul. Needs to be broadcasted far and wide. I think too many people get caught up in what's hot, not what's best for their particular situation. The point about terrain dictating the bike was spot on. I have bikes from 100 mm travel to 140mm travel and head tube angles from 66 to 69 degrees. Where I do 95% of my riding, bikes with the steeper head tube angle are actually better than the slacker one. A lot of the local trails have extremely tight turns that weave in and out of the trees and involve lots of peddling.and not a whole lot in terms of downhill and steep stuff. So XC leaning geo beats out the slacker enduro geo on those. Can I manage it on the slacker, more travel bike? Yes but it isn't nearly as enjoyable and is a lot more work. Now when I go to the steep and technical stuff, the slacker and longer travel bike really shines and it's the one I take. If I could only keep one of my bikes, I'd keep my 130mm, 67.5 degree HTA bike. It will do well enough on both ends of the trail spectrum for where I do all my riding and is perfect for everything in between. If I lived where you do, I'd keep the 140mm 66 degree bike.

[@mac16a]

Sure, less travel = higher perceived speed. That's why I go with downcountry :D

[@Sappy-jg1cw]

I would grab a new dropper post (most likely a one up) a new rear rim because my current on is smashed and a front tire (wild enduro or assecai )

[@guilhermecapricho3609]

I would definitely use the money on clothes and mtb shoes, my mom is sick of cleaning my jeans full of mud and watching me ruin shoes

[@abstraddic0442]

Come on back Paul, We're all still waiting for you !!!!!!

[@legitdesert]

I have myself a 100 mm cannondale and tbh there is very little I can’t do on the average trail. If you pick the best line then you will usually be a-okay. Skill certainly plays a part. Just move up if you keep bottoming out.

[@TheCrashingDad]

having tackled the horsethief drop-in on my "enduro" bikes AND my 115mm trail bike.... I will fully admit that I'm totally overbiked most of the time XD lol

[@BikingwithJP]

I have met people that bought Enduro instead of Trail and said the same thing, too much bike, even the extra travel in the forks makes it more difficult for them rather than helping.

[@KamWellsMTB]

I would put my $500 toward a trek top fuel ex 5! I love the darn thing! That's why I watched this video because it is a trail bike!

[@KamWellsMTB]

Great video by the way!

[@claylarson3670]

Hi Paul, I am a fourteen year-old Floridian shredder looking to make the ride more enjoyable, safe and stylish. I would buy a helmet since I recently lost mine and am riding with a safe but uncomfortable Walmart helmet, a hydro bag since mine is a little bulky, some race face chesters so my legs don’t get ripped up from aluminum, and knee/shin pads so my legs definitely won’t get get ripped up, I would also buy some comfy socks just in case Florida gets under 60 degrees this winter😂. I would also get some lock on grips a mud guard, some oil slick bar ends And finally I would get some nice deity bars. Thank you and great vid!

[@claylarson3670]

Forgot to mention I loved the explanation in the video and you have a new sub! 🤟

[@brown_power1891]

I want to upgrade my dads bike cause it pretty beat up and I want to put the money to that.

[@redlancer7263]

If I got the money for Competitive Cyclist, I would buy a new chainring, some new pads, a hydro-pack, and a new helmet for my GF! I'm loving the videos and I'm really enjoying getting into mountain biking. Thank you for answering the technical questions some of us who are new might be afraid to ask. Keep up the awesome work!!!!

[@runde20]

I would buy a better bike. Mine is to small for me😁😄