Our Favorite 2022 Downcountry Bikes: Round Table Discussion | 2021 Fall Field Test 

Now that you know our favorites, what are yours? Let us know! 👇

Love the dynamic of Henry and Mike together with Kaz being a voice of reason. Great format.

Mike's face at 6:36 after he said "double downcountry"... That was totally an "oh no did I just do it again" look. Priceless!

I have owned the Blur TR for 3 months now, it is an absolutely fantastic everyday bike, light, fast and playful, with great pedaling efficiency. I am coming off of a Yeti SB100 for 2.5 years.

*I'm very happy with my **Latest.Bike** . I have put a lot of miles on it, paved trails, gravel, sand, and it rides great. Thank you for a quality product.*

I would love to have seen the new Scott spark in this test.

I think Levy has a great point. I personally ride a hardtail (Nukeproof Scout) which I love to push to limit and ride gnarlier and gnarlier stuff to find that edge because that is what is exciting. I do think most people are over biked. I followed a guy up a local trail that I did easily on my hardtail but he was on a YT Capra. To me that feels considerably less fun to ride a trail that is far beneath the capability of the bike.

I would love a comparison between the Spur, Element, Revel Ranger, and the Top Fuel.

I wish they could have tested the 2022 Spark 900 to compare.

As someone who has an enduro bike (overforked Transition Sentinel) I was looking for something more xc oriented that can be ridden all day with big climbs but would still afford reasonable technical prowess. I had been waiting many months for a Spur and by serendipity, came across a new Blur TR that came into my LBS just over a month ago. The Blur TR has honestly been the bike I never knew I needed. I love the more conventional geometry and light weigh. Additionally, it is an insanely capable technical climber that offers tons of traction. Finally, the Santa Cruz bushings/bearings for life deal is a big money saver in the long term. If I didn’t have an enduro bike in my fleet and could only choose one bike however, the Rocky Mountain or Trek would be incredibly appealing options.

I have the 2021 Giant Trance x 2 and I'll be the first to say it's not crazy great at the climbs, but boy does it smash down a hill with accuracy. I see yall did a review for the topend of the Trance but never did one for their middle line up( Aka Trance 2 or x 2). I think ya'll would appreciate that bike more than live valve.

interested in how they stack up to the epic evo!

XT 2 piston rear, 4 piston front does my 190lbs fine on aggressive descending. Rear is just for scrubbing, but need that extra power up front. I run that on both of my bikes and haven't had brake concerns (power or fade) on Cannel Plunge or Snow Summit

Henry!!! Haven’t seen you since GMBN on our screens. Good to get your expertise again

I love the banter and humor from these guys. It’s great to see. Thanks for a cool field test.

I have the Element C50. It is exactly what I was looking for. I loved my altitude, but our trails in Ontario locally are not that hilly. They have features, but it's not BC or Quebec. My enduro bike was slow and had too much travel. This Element is amazing! so light and feels kinda the same as my enduro with none of the downfalls. Now I haven't taken it to Quebec yet, so we'll see how it goes. I agree 4 piston brakes would be a good first upgrade. So impressed.

I haven't been watching or following pinkbike for years, but came across this review while looking at some of the longer travel XC bikes. The pinkbike I remember denounced 29ers and was "downhill or nothing", I'd just like to say that I really enjoyed these reviewer's comments on how even though they live in a beautiful part of BC, some, if not most, places where mountain bikes get ridden actually are served so well by these shorter travel bikes. From Wisconsin, I need something that's blinding fast and efficient for marathons on rolling terrain with punchy climbs, but I'd love to have a bike I can take to Copper Harbor, Moab, Bentonville, etc , and I can only justify ONE fancy new high tech bike. I'm fortunate to be around at a time when A) these bikes exist at all and B) that I am in a place in my life where I can go about spending thousands on said bike. Great video, watched the individual reviews of these bikes. I've got the bike I chose on order.

I am an Epic Evo owner, would have been interested in that comparison. Also what about the Spark, Spur or Exie?

Next year get a giant trance without the live valve. I have 2020 trance 29er that I’m convinced competes w/ the best of them and rips everything I’ve thrown at it in Oregon. I would love to see how one without the live valve does in a review.

Love these discussions where they can hash out/summarize the conclusions. You get a good feeling of what bikes really rise to the top.

Great vid, guys. Always love Henry's input! That's a great fleet of bikes, but I'll stick with my Ibis Ripley AF 💪

Henry is such an amazing addition to Levy and Kaz. Not to mention how badass Alicia is. Pinkbike for life.

Is it just me, or is Rocky Mtn one of the most innovative, forward thinking, overlooked, underrated bike brands out there?

Still think the canyon cf6 is great, for that price there simply isn't anything close to it. It's a modem xc bike, and I'm fine with that.

I love how they showed a trail bike, the Trek Fuel ex at 5:55. Which is quite literally the top fuel with more capability. It's the perfect bike however it's a trail bike.

Rocky for me 🤙 i have a c70 full xt build including 4 piston brakes standard. put a 203 rotor on the front, full slack on the ride 4. Fixed the skinny wheel issues with a set of 30 5 i9 enduro wheels with some dhr 2.4s (i live in a world of pea gravel) . absolute weapon of a bike, but definitely set up for more fun than race.

I ended up buying the Rocky Mountain Element C70, no regrets, I was really close to the Trek(Local bike shop instead of online) but for the components it was too expensive. Also, I really wanted the SID ultimate which they weren't willing to install on the mid end carbon bike(ultimate only on the highest spec 11k bike which is stupid), and didn't want to possibly deal with bushing play, given the scarcity of parts, I just didn't want any issues so I went with a bike with FOX suspension. Hopefully I get the bike this monday, looking forward to it, and these reviews from PINKBIKE really helped with my decisions.

These are the type of smiles you see right before blows.

Please make a compilation of Henry's one liners. That chicken one was probably my favourite so far.

Wish you would have compared the rocky and trek to the transition spur and epic evo.

Element then just immediately throw some 4-piston brakes on. Worth the expense and try to sell the 2-piston before you even use them to net closer to even.

Was able to order the new Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT. ETA next month. Quite happy with the test results and curious to test the bike myself.

I swear this year I have heard downcountry too many times 😂 waiting for uphill bikes to be a thing

Seems to be a discussion between what is a more trail-orientated XC bike vs a more XC-orientated trail bike. Maybe that's geometry or hardware. For me downcountry is an XC bike that is tailored for a more forgiving ride that's not necessarily raced. So a more trail style cockpit & 120+ forks and longer-travel rear shock 100/120.

Some poor product manager at Canyon is having a bad week.

Guys, these reviews/discussions are amazing. Maybe some things are black and white, but often you can't put a "yes" or "no" on a gear topic, it's all about how you ride and what you want. Great job 👍

Sounds like the Spec Epic Evo is the winner! Anyone with a Spur from last year? How do you feel?

As the owner of a new Specialized Epic Evo how would it rate compared to these?

I have a 2022 Santa Cruz Blur TR (S version) and I'm loving it. I'm a former xc racer and like to still go fast cross country. Everything is a trade off between speed and downhill performance. One thing I definitely want to change is to carbon bars. The aluminum bars transfer way too much vibration. I've slammed the bars for climbing performance but I'm not sure I'm happy with the trade off. The tires roll fast but I'd like to try some Racing Ralphs or the Vittoria Syerra tires. I have been thinking of changing to a dual piston brake but after overbleeding the stock SRAM brakes I'm finding them okay to live with. I wish it had something like the Scott Spark's dual lockout positions. I like the dual adjustment/lock out on the Blur TR but it doesn't have a lockout lever and the models that do only have full lockout mode or full suspension. I want the middle option like the stock Blur TR S. The problem with that is it's a pain to keep reaching down. The SRAM GX sure whines and grinds when it's shifting - unlike the Shimano XTR brakes on my last bike. The shifting doesn't give me confidence but I guess it's not a nock to the bike but a personal preference for group sets. So far I love the fact that the Blur TR comes with 2.4" tires. The tires it comes with aren't anything to write home about as far as grip is concerned but he volume is sure welcome and changes how these bikes ride. I am most happy with the rear suspension performance and the downhill capability of this bike. I'm very curious to see how it stacks up against the Trek Top Fuel.

Y'all forgot the the speacialized Epic Evo and the Transition Spur!!!! 😁🤷

The rocky has the same geo as the stumpjumper 2021 and almost the same weight. The stumpy has more travel. In my opinion the better choice. What do you think?

Can't wait for the Monstercountrydowndurocross Field Test next year!

So ... Element Vs. Spur and Blur Vs. Epic Evo?

Would love to know how the Evil Following slots into that mix! That's probably the OG downcountry bike.

I think comparing an alloy Element to the Ripley AF would be an interesting comparison. Which would be the better do-it-all bike?

Great vid. Really enjoying this format with the moderator between the two opinions. Who's the moderator for the aggressive trail bikes?

Keep going with these great videos! Best mtb content on RU-vid in my opinion!

Not sure they fall into the same category, but it seems to me that there was room to put the transition spur on the list. Anyway a very impressive and comprehensive review, thank you

Thank you for these nice field test ! The rocky seem really impressive, I would like to find one to replace my Stumpy. Do you know how many new categories you have invented during this field test ? :-D

Everyone knows about pandemic pricing but who would have thought it would also bring the tightest bike reviews ever!! Maybe its because there are no demo days or maybe its because you guys have too much thinking time on your hands. Either way i love the little nitty gritty debates…. Rocky w a flat bar … or the Blur w a modest riser bar? Oh the choices. And yes, not everyone rides in BC (yes im jealous). Thanks for using that mindset in your review. Maybe we need another sub-sub category… Race XC Down country East Down country West Light Trail (Midwest Trail) East Coast Trail West Coast Trail Etc… Yeh if we had 6 ways to describe xc to trail, then it would make these debates sooooo much easier. :)

Henry needs to be acting in Hollywood or at least doing voiceovers or being a voice actor. His voice is so soothing.

I really want to see a tallboy vs new top fuel compared. Tallboy being the bike I've been able to try that fits most needs.

It would be interesting to see the comparison including a yeti 115, a transition spur and a Santa Cruz tallboy just to give more importance to the “down” side of down country

For 6 month I been waiting for someone to talk about the Trek Remedy 8 2022, why is this not the bike to talk about??? I'm the happy owner of a Roscoe 8 2020 and I think that this Remedy 8 2022 is the upgrade I want

Y'all sit pretty funny considering it's a round table 😁 Thank you for great content.

No Specialized Epic EVO?

Why not the 2022 Scott Spark ??

I’d love to see top 3 from this vs top 3 from last year (ranger, spur, epic evo)

Outstanding! Really enjoyed this series.

I think that for a down country bike 4 piston xt upfront with 2 piston xt out back.

The Rocky ROCKS!! 🤩

Would have been great to see how the new Scott Spark 900 compares. You’ve ridden it, right?

Great discussion, so many great bikes! Keep it up PB.

Would also love a short comparison to the 2021er DC/trail bikes like Spur, Epic Evo, ibis ripley af, stumpy (not evo). I came from a 2017 canyon strive enduro and bought a Spur GX. It's a L with 13kg ready now and I miss nothing. That 120mm bike is fucking fast downhills and makes a lot more fun to pedal,easy to lockout while driving without any cables. Even way more traction through that flexible rear end. No bottom out on front and rear dampers with the right spacer settings, it's just fantastic and it's sooo quite, just awesome . Exo tires are a bit thin on rocky terrain and g2 brakes are just to weak for the possibilities of these bike(s). Well too many good bikes out there, prices are way too high everywhere...

I'd like to see a comparison between the Tallboy and the Blur TR as a do-it all Downcountry bike. I feel like the Tallboy (with same tires) would keep up with the Blur TR for XC racing, but be more capable on the descents

I really want to try the Element. I don't like the narrow wheelset Levy mentioned. I'm sure I could fit on some wider wheels.

the element has evolved into the 2019 Thunderbolt, almost same geo except with 29ers and 120/130 instead of 130/130. I have a 2019 Thunderbolt A50 and it's impressive. fancy for sure.

Element all the way. Great review guys I love watching yalll.

Henry Thanks for being transparent and explaining your assessment with clarity. Refreshing compared to a less honest version say a Beta test of Pinkbike where every bike somehow is excellent just spends your money etc

...anyway, how's that Trance?

Great job, thanks for making!

I have a new top fuel it’s sick. Still XC fast but trail worthy?

Huck to flat....oh boy, Jason's ankles are going to take a beating! LOL

Last year field test series was a lot better. More structured and pleasant for hearing, more objective and informative. This one is like bargaining on a turkish market.

Bar rise/stem length issues on factory bikes are a moot point imo. They are factors that should all be adjusted to fit to the individual rider. Do some of these bikes have low/no rise bars because they have high stack heights? 🤷‍♂️

In my opinion u have xc race super light fast race bike down country witch is a short travel trail bike and then trail bike witch is more than 130mm if travel then enduro and then downhill

i like the vibe of this way more than dare i say, a BETA review. Light hearted, funny, not too serious. Strong work gentlemen! Keep it coming!

Like to try the Element with a 35 carbon front wheel and 2.6 small knob tire plus a 4 pot front brake.

I’d love to see their take on the Intense Sniper T, although they seem to have a thing against Intense

Am considering a fully XC or downcountry. I do race XC a bit, but do want an all day, better downhill bike. Do want 2 bottle cages, so the options are limited

Great chemistry with you guys

Surprised they did not include the specialized Epic Evo in this grouping. Perhaps Bontrager Rapha would not allow it? Would have been a pretty good stable mate in this bunch.

Can't wait for DDX, DX, and DXX. :) (double down country, downcountry, and... downupcountry)

I wish the ripley and epic evo made it this year!

Tough when so many other good bikes but can’t review them all. Would be very helpful to compare to last years bikes. Is specialized Epic Evo still a top contender?

Anyone thoughts on 2022 Scott Spark? Have Ibis DV9 that I keep trying to make more XC but would appreciate a rear shock.

These 3 gents are the best combo ever

Would love to have seen the Transition Spur be a part of this discussion. The fact that it's more 'big box' brand bikes only makes me somewhat skeptical of the test overall. It would have been in "The Bible of Bike Tests" if such a thing still existed...

Please can you tell me whats the Trek model? I'm not found of the knock block...I really like the Slash...but I am going for a hard trail...maybe the Roscoe, although the merida big trail 600 was my first choice.

Yo, what bike does y’all have?

Where is the Epic Evo???

I don't need a #downcountry bike by at all, but bloody hell this was the most entertaining bike review(s) I've ever seen!

Breaking news: inventor of downcountry admits it’s better to have two purposeful bikes than one that’s bad at both down and xcountry.

You also tested the NS Bikes Synonym TR1 last year, which is an even slacker downcountry bike as the Rocky. How would you compare those two?

Ibis Exie?

I would love to have that rocky, as an outgoing XC racer i want something more “relaxed” that a 100mm race bike

Not sure why you're comparing the Santa Cruz Blur to these bikes? The Tallboy is the obvious comparison.

Wait, you were saying bike that does it all, what about epic Evo or TR Spur????

huh hendry on pinbike.. walked ovr from gmbn or just on holiday ?

I would have liked to put Mondraker F-Podium DC