Video and script by Jeff, adapted for web by Cole Gregg
As we all know, “enduro” was the hottest buzzword in mountain biking for about a decade. From 2013 to 2023, most brands had a frantic push to figure out the genre. This was Jeff, also. He LOVED racing enduros and spent about four years racing on the pointy end of the pro class up and down the West Coast, along with a handful of EWS events over the years.
Now it is important to mention a little context here… Enduro bikes were originally a way to race the bikes we all wanted to ride as our daily drivers, but at the time, they weren’t practical in any sort of traditional race, either downhill or cross country. But as things do, enduro has become so specialized that many of the best race bikes no longer make for great daily drivers for the average rider. Or do they? There is some room for interpretation there, and my perspective of living in the Pacific Northwest and riding many hallmark zones weekly is that a good enduro bike needs to handle more than just the gnarliest of trails, it needs to be an overall killer mountain bike for a variety of terrain and conditions.
All of the bikes we touch on below are a size medium and an S2 for the Ibis. Jeff is 5’8” or 174cm tall, weighing 170lbs (pre-post-ride cheeseburger), and rides aggressively, with a knack for popping and playing on side hits or anything that can get him airborne.
With that in mind, we will break down 7 radical roost rompers in terms of what their intended purpose is, what the numbers are, the overall value proposition, the subjective of how those numbers feel, and of course, the verdict. Let’s get spicy, and include the cold vs the spicy, the pros and cons, the hot or not.
The Orbea Rallon
The previous generation 2023 Rallon I rode was quickly replaced by a newer 2024 model, featuring more modern enduro-focused geometry. With that said, Jeff is currently riding the 2024 Orbea Occam, and wow, the similarities between that and the 2023 Orbea Rallon are notable. The intended purpose of the 2023 Rallon seemed to be enduro racing, though the bike is certainly mellow enough that it can double duty as a fun trail bike.
The updated 2024 Rallon comes out swinging with geometry numbers more closely resembling other enduro bikes. They did the whole longer, slacker treatment but are still pretty standard compared to some other bikes we will get to later.
| Reach: 460mm | Head Angle: 64.5º |
| Chainstay: 440mm | Stack: 628mm |
| Wheelbase: 1230mm | Travel: 170 mm & 167mm Rear |
What does the Rallon feel like on the trail? In short, it feels a bit like a longer-legged Ibis Ripmo. The bike rides light, jumps nicely, and is just fine to do some pedaling on. Jeff did feel that the suspension isn’t quite as premium as the multi-link bikes, and the frame isn’t quite as torsionally stiff as some others, but it’s a solid rig, especially for an all-around Enduro bike.
In terms of a traditional enduro bike, this thing is right in the money. Jeff did ride this at the Whistler Bike Park for a day, back to back with a Yeti Sb160. The Rallon is smaller, easier to handle on flatter trails, and a little easier to get airborne.
However it is NOT as forgiving as some of the burlier bikes here, but it was not at all nervous when the trails got gnarly. Overall, Jeff liked the bike! It is a great middle-ground for riders that live in a zone that predominantly has more mellow terrain, yet still allows you to shred laps at the park all day.
If you fancy yourself a super fun MTB this may just be your next bike. Right now Jenson USA has two different build kits for you to choose from, check them out HERE.
Videos Featuring The Rallon
2023 Orbea Rallon Ride Review // Fast and Floaty
I broke my foot trying to ride with Phil Kmetz (Skills with Phil)
Whistler bike park: Yeti SB160 vs Orbea Rallon
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Transition Spire
The Transition Spire is unapologetically large and in charge, the Spire is the bike you reach for when you want to throw all caution to the wind and send it. Postage be damned! The Spire isn’t really built for enduro racing, it’s more built like a DH race bike that can still be pedaled- sorta. It has 165mm of rear travel but utilizes a near DH bike headtube angle and wheelbase.
These numbers are a bit unique when it comes to this round-up of bikes. With a 1257mm wheelbase being the longest in the group. 446mm chainstay is also the longest and a 63º head angle is you guessed it, the slackest! 460 mm reach, and a low 619 stack. What‘s unique about all these numbers is that the reach is generally considered to be pretty standard for a medium-sized frame landing at 460mm.
| Reach: 460mm | Head Angle: 63º |
| Chainstay: 446mm | Stack: 619mm |
| Wheelbase: 1257mm | Travel: 170 mm & 165mm Rear |
These tend to hold their value well, and if you go through a dealer, you can likely negotiate better pricing. The Carbon GX version I rode retails for $6700, which is a bit steep considering the bike has been unchanged for a few years.
What does it feel like? It’s a monster of a bike… Jeff had the most fun on the Spire when it was pointed down some gnarly terrain, especially with do-or-die sends. If he felt like risking his ability to chew to have a good time, THIS was the bike. The stability is good, the classic size medium reach number keeps it jumping well. It’s quite predictable in the air. At the same time, Jeff got bored on the Spire when riding low-key trails, rated single black, blue, or green.
The Spire would be best accompanied by a second bike, something smaller and more peppy. And after trying some different configurations, he began to prefer a taller handlebar than what is currently trendy. The low 619mm stack height was a bit miniature given everything about this bike is big. While the bike pedals fine, it’s so long that it takes a lot of focus and energy to get it through tight singletrack climbs.
Videos Featuring The Transition Spire
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Yeti SB160
Jeff has been LOVING the SB160. Yeti has been a top brand in the enduro race world since day 1. Heck, Yeti has always made a disproportionately “large” investment in racing compared to their “medium” company size. He loves how they set a tone back in the 1980s and have stuck to that ever since, with slight tweaks as needed to keep up with the changing times. Yeti’s following is amazingly strong, and they’ve earned that.
The SB160 is, as Yeti appropriately claims on their website, “pure race machinery.”
While the 1246mm wheelbase is long, it’s not the longest. With a 439mm chainstay and a 64º head angle the bike is big, but not crazy big. It does however have the longest reach in the group at 465mm and lands with a a 620mm stack height. Nothing here is too unorthodox, it’s big, but not trying to live by any “biggest” gimmicks. We appreciate that Yeti lets their racers do their marketing, rather than trying to hype up some trendy numbers.
| Reach: 465mm | Head Angle: 64º |
| Chainstay: 439mm | Stack: 620mm |
| Wheelbase: 1246mm | Travel: 170 mm & 160mm Rear |
Yeti is asking an unrealistic price for the frame-only option, but the complete bikes aren’t crazy high for the included value. Jeff was riding an SLX-equipped version that utilizes Factory level Fox suspension, this configuration had an MSRP of just under $7000. Considering the used market premium that Yetis generally claims, we felt it was a fair price for a bike that had zero parts issues during the time on test.
Remember, Yeti doesn’t cut corners by speccing junk components you’ll need to replace. Keep an eye out over at Jenson USA, you might just snag a 20% discount which brings the price into a competitive zone. But remember, value isn’t just what you pay for a bike when you order it. Value is also an opportunity cost, and if you’re on a road trip with a Yeti, and have some sort of problem, there is a very real dealer network for support, as well as multiple online retailers that stock Yeti parts.
It’s worth mentioning that Jeff recommended his co-parent to purchase an SB130, and she’s still enjoying that bike to this day.
What does it feel like? Jeff started riding the Sb160 while it was pretty muddy and slow, and it was a challenging bike for him to enjoy at first, but luckily, that would all change. Jeff tested three rear shocks on the bike, and for his riding ability and speeds, the stock X2 rear shock had a bit too much damping. He was able to get a poppier feel by adding volume reducers, but when swapping to an aftermarket Fox DHX, wow, the bike really opened up!
Jeff is only 170lbs, so if you’re heavier than that, or faster, or maybe have a more “wheels on the ground” riding style, then this will be much less of an issue for you. Once he got the bars nice and tall and spent more time on the bike in more favorable conditions, the bike came alive! The Sb160 hit the sweet spot between an all-around trail and all mountain rig without forgetting its roots of being a true race bike. It’s big, but still efficient, and was just as much fun at Whistler bike park as it was on local blue trails.
Videos Featuring The Yeti SB160
This air vs coil comparison surprised me!
Whistler bike park: Yeti SB160 vs Orbea Rallon
Riding Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park… 2019 vs 2023!
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Niner WFO
A surprise addition to this list, the Niner WFO didn’t get the limelight it deserved. This bike is far better than expected, and we wish we had more time on it. Jeff had to send this bike off after less than three weeks of ride time. Niner lists the bike as an enduro bike, though with his experience, wouldn’t say it’s the raciest. It’s a great all-around steed, that you could race at your local enduro’s.
When it comes to numbers the WFO is on the petite size range for a medium. A short 1227mm wheelbase, a 438mm chainstay, a 64º head angle, a 450mm reach, and a great stack of 631mm. Crazy that this is considered short in 2024!
| Reach: 450mm | Head Angle: 64º |
| Chainstay: 438mm | Stack: 631mm |
| Wheelbase: 1227mm | Travel: 180 mm & 170mm Rear |
Currently, these are 40% discounted, and it’s really hard to go wrong at that price. The frames seem durable, and they’ve been out long enough that we are pleased that there have not been any major issues reported. Niner’s future as a company has left Jeff a little concerned, as the corporate overlord of the company just forced them to leave CO and head up to Ohio. While Niner lists a good dealer network, we question how dedicated many of those dealers are, as Niner’s sales strategy hasn’t been the best. Hopefully, Niner will endure the next 24 months. So consider that if you like to keep bikes for multiple seasons.
What does it feel like? With a 180mm fork, and a 170mm travel frame, yet shorter wheelbase, the Niner is a blast! This combines the capability of a long travel frame with the maneuverability of a shorter bike. The result is that the bike is easy to play on, easy to jump, and just a lot of fun on descents. The shorter wheelbase won’t be as stable or fast as an SB160, but the bike is easier to play on.
Jeff dealt with a LOT of pedal strikes on the WFO. With less time than we generally like to spend on a bike, there was not much time spent trying to sort through what could be the true cause of this. We can report that other high-level riders ran into similar problems. Maybe the BB was lower than what Niner claims??
Raising the BB height via the built-in adjustment helped some, but the suspension performance, which was initially excellent, suffered with the geo adjustment. As a result, we would recommend this for flowy, faster trails, rather than backcountry, chunder-filled pedal fests. It would have been nice to try 165mm cranks and spend more time on 2.6 tires, but alas, that wasn’t a possibility.
Videos Featuring The Niner WFO
My Niner WFO Ride Review : 180mm of fun
My first experience with this brand, and they sent their longest travel bike…
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Pivot Firebird
Pivot is centered in Phoenix, AZ, and designs its bikes often while riding the local South Mountain routes. At the same time, Pivot sponsors some of the world’s fastest enduro racers and certainly does listen to their feedback. The Firebird is a unique bike, that claims to be the fastest rig you can swing a leg over. The reality is that it’s still very well-rounded when it comes to the everyday rider.
A 1239mm wheelbase is the result of a 64º head angle, a short 434mm chainstay, a generous 468mm reach, and an ample 627mm stack.
| Reach: 468mm | Head Angle: 64º |
| Chainstay: 434mm | Stack: 627mm |
| Wheelbase: 1239mm | Travel: 170 mm & 165mm Rear |
Pivots hold their value quite well. They are high-quality, high-end bikes, have a great dealer network, and are an actively growing company. We would absolutely recommend Pivot bikes from an experience standpoint. There are some discounts online of the 2023 models, which makes them a really good value. Normally, pivot does charge a premium but with some searching, you can snag a heck of a value.
How does it feel? The short back end of the firebird was the first thing Jeff noticed. He liked it on the slower speed, tighter trails he most often rides. The longer front end creates an overall stable bike through faster sections of trail. The geometry wasn’t too extreme, the cockpit was comfortable on long rides, and pedaling the Firebird was pleasant thanks to the ant-squat values of the DW Link suspension platform.
It’s a race bike that would do well on the rougher local tracks and doesn’t rely on pro-level courses to come alive. If you want a bike that is as stable as possible and excels with a wheels-on-the-ground style of riding, look at the SB160 or Spire. If you want a bike that is fun, responsive, and jumps nicely, then consider the Firebird. The short back end will require more skill when the terrain gets rowdy but don’t fret the bike can handle it!
Videos Featuring The Pivot Firebird
Long term review of the 2022 Pivot Firebird
Pivot Firebird: unboxing and initial thoughts!
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Rocky Mountain Altitude
The Altitude was one of Jeff’s absolute favorite bikes of all time. It did take a few weeks to dial the bike in, but he appreciated how variable this platform is. Jesse Melamed won the EWS overall on this bike so you know it is capable. For what it’s worth, Jeff is an inch and a half taller than Jesse, and about 20 lbs heavier. For his needs, the medium was an amazing all-around mountain bike. For Jesse, the bike would have been proportionately longer, and therefore, a bit more racey feeling.
Keep in mind, that the Altitude has three different geometry settings. There are also three settings for the suspension. We preferred the neutral geometry with the most progressive suspension option. The short 1217mm wheelbase results from a 64.8º head angle, 437mm chainstays, a reach of 453mm, and a stack of 622mm.
| Reach: 453mm | Head Angle: 64.8º |
| Chainstay: 437mm | Stack: 622mm |
| Wheelbase: 1217mm | Travel: 170 mm & 160mm Rear |
With the three geometry settings, three suspension settings, and two chainstay options, this bike can be tuned to excel in many different ways. Jeff was traveling a bit, riding backcountry, pedal-accessed trails, and configuring the altitude for each zone. He LOVED how it felt somewhat similar to the Ripmo, but with a bit more on tap in terms of suspension, and a slightly easier-to-jump feeling. Even with how playful the bike was Jeff would run the altitude for enduro racing, though many local events would be great with the shorter travel Instinct version of the bike.
Part of why he liked this bike so much was the shorter, more nimble wheelbase. On the trail, it would often feel bigger than the Ripmo, but it still turned on a dime. Rocky hit the nail on the head with this bike.
Rocky Mountain bikes have a slightly higher retail value in the USA than some of their competitors, but I think the price is still competitive. The amount of spares and extras that come with the bike is rad, from spare chainstay and down tube protection, to a full chainguide and bashguide. Not to mention the versatility with the widely adjustable geometry, it’s a lot of bike. Unfortunately, the US dealer network is not as strong as some of the other options here. Today, you can find Altitudes significantly discounted, so do not hesitate to make this your next bike.
Videos Featuring The Rocky Mountain Altitude
Rocky Mountain Altitude: a review I didn’t want to publish!
FAD or RAD- do adjustable geometry and suspension matter?
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Ibis HD6
The Ibis HD6, a purpose-built enduro race bike! The HD6 is the newest bike in this roundup. It’s also the only mullet. There are options to mulletize many of the other bikes here, but Jeff prefers the feel of matching wheels, especially matching 29” wheels. Also, the HD6 is the second bike here to feature a 180mm fork for full-speed smashing.
Jeff rode an S2 for this test period. A 1228mm wheelbase comes from 435mm chainstays, a 64º head angle, a reach of 454mm, and a 625mm stack.
| Reach: 454mm | Head Angle: 64º |
| Chainstay: 435mm | Stack: 625mm |
| Wheelbase: 1228mm | Travel: 180 mm & 165mm Rear |
Jeff felt like the HD6 was often more bike than what was needed for most of the normal day-to-day rides. He also prefers to ride-matching 29” wheels, so some complaining happened on the climbs. The bike is certainly bigger than a Ripmo, though the real story is that the weight bias which is much more rearward.
On paper, the HD6 should hit all the nails. In reality, we think the 180mm fork was a bit of a buzzkill. The bike likes to jump, but that big fork needs a solid ramp to get going. Somehow the WFO was easier to jump on the mellow trails than the HD6. The Pivot Firebird feels like a 29” version of this, and even though it has a longer reach, wasn’t much harder to get jibby with.
Videos Featuring The Ibis HD6
Ibis HD6 review- I didn’t change ANYTHING!
Ibis HD6 and REAL WORLD riders: worth it?
Ibis HD6 sampled via Sunshine Coast ADV ROAD TRIP!
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Conclusion
Looking back at all the time spent on these bikes, Jeff had fun on every single one. We can see a use case where each bike would be 100% the right choice. Similarly, there are places where each bike would not be the first pick. Jeff can’t pick out one favorite, or anything like that, as some of these have been released for quite a few years, and honestly, his tastes have likely changed somewhat.
Where we live and ride the most, the Rocky Altitude was a real treat. For riding the gnarlier trails, the Yeti SB160 was a little faster, and a little more of a modern racer, all while sacrificing very little on the easier stuff. The HD6 and Spire are both great if you live at the bottom of a huge mountain, with no low-angle trails. Get the HD6 if you want more maneuverability, and get the Spire if you want supreme confidence. The Firebird can ride your local trails and race quite well, and you won’t get bored with the fun back end. The Rallon is certainly a do-it-all bike. Heck, even the WFO is very valid, with a fun overall package that still pedals well.
Spend a while hunting for deals, pick your favorite color, and consider how you want your bike to feel, and it’s pretty easy to make a good choice!