Thanks for making this video. I have that exact same Meta Power SX Race and I've been wodering how it compares to the Bullit. The bullit is a beautiful bike but the Meta is such good value. Glad to hear that you think the Meta Power SX is a great bike even if it's not quite as good as the Bullit.
Had to check out the video for the new Shimano motor. Thank you for sharing the feedback. With these bikes you can avoid the chairlift at mtb parks or the shuttle at Downieville.
What's really interesting about Downieville is most people just do two trails from the shuttle, Butcher and Pauley. This WILL get old after a few years. With an EMTB, I've discovered 10 different trails there now, some better, and all add to the variety of the place. Most of them can be pedaled but often not worth it. So EMTB will strike gold there.
Smart moves on the Santa Cruz Bullit are: - Mullet and a small rear tire with a 2.4 Maxxis DHR rear tire. This is smart as too many mullet bikes use a 2.8 rear tire. What Santa Cruz achieves is a great balance of tire grip and tension as the rear is able to assist but not outshine the front Assegai 2.5 tire. Very long dropper, full-sized water bottle are great assets. This bike climbs like a little XC bike but it descends and changes direction like a big cat.
Nice job overall! One small critique- I dont think we need to get hung up and spend time in the reviews of bikes by talking about tires spec’ed. like seats everyone will probably change them for their own terrain and style.. now tire reviews are different. If you want to do it right run the same tires for each bike setup as close to the same as possible if you can. I know that’s not always doable, but then they bike is the subject, not the tires it came with (which can make a big difference) we want to know about the bike.
Just got a S-Kit in a XL and had my 1st ride yesterday. SUPER FUN and the Power to Climb... OH THE POWER to CLIMB!!! For a 60 year old Moto Racer this is the Perfect Bike for training and Playing. SO Glad that I waited a few years to get an E-MTB as now it seems like they have it down!!!
Thanks for making this video, it helped me a lot. I just wish you have compared the Bullit with Meta Power "Signature", instead of "Race". Signature has Fox 38 and X2 (shocks) which makes the bike feel bottomless and jumps really well.
I already have a YT Decoy from a factory sale at beginning of 2020. Purchased a Meta SX Power Signature yesterday. Combined price not much more than the Bullit.
I have a commencal meta powa 2019 with the e8000 motor.. it sounds pretty comparable to the ep8. I rarely use boost even on the super steeps because it becomes a wheelie monster due to its torque. I imagine ep8 to be similar.
The suppleness of the suspension linkage really helps to hear. VPP vs non-big brand 4-bar/FSR. Very surprising you felt the Comencal's suspension was actually more supple!!?? VPP is known for being plush. And at $4000 more the SC is now sounding like its not THAT much better, subjective of course but still, the ride quality is what mtb is all about in my eyes. I notice that with ebikes, the suspension linkage is hardly mentioned, they're all pushing and hyping the motor. I'm old skool, so suspension is more important to me than motor/battery.
Loved the feedback on the EP8 motor. I've been going back and fourth on getting a Bosch motor bike because most of the reviews I see really are not praising the EP8, in fact MBR ebike of the year direct sales gave it to the YT Decoy with a E8000 motor the reviewer said it was just as good as the EP8. I have a Commencal Meta Power Trail on order but now am second guessing that because of the 150/140 travel, was thinking of changing the suspension eventually.
We're doing some extensive testing now on the EP8 vs the E8000 and all the other motors. The initial results are not good. the EP8 is not as powerful or as batttery efficient as the E8000. That Bosch Gen 4 motor is a monster btw. www.mtbr.com/threads/range-and-power-testing-of-different-motors-ep8-e8000-brose-bosch.1179455/
@@MtbrVideos Just watched Loam Wolfs emtb shootout video, they had one E8000 bike (the Haro) and they all laughed when they said they couldn't tell the difference between it and all the EP8 bikes they had.
For the price the Commencal is a nobrainer compared to the SC. Just not worth to pay so much more for a carbon frame but if money doesn’t matter why not
What size bikes were you riding? I'm 170cm and went with the medium on the Commencal, but looking at the measurements on the bike I think it will be a "large" medium (which is ok for me).
At 10:38 you talk about the lower spec Bullet and seem to imply that it has the E8000 motor. That is incorrect, the lowest spec Santa Cruz Bullet has the E7000 motor which has less power than the E8000 needles to say it’s less powerful than the EP8.
Commencal should begin to do more hardcore ebikes, other than geo numbers, they are a bit “all user” oriented, it’s an enduro brand that is disappointing many of us that buy it coming from the normal bikes. I talk suspension leverage, long chainstays, high BB ...
@@MtbrVideos leverage is a joke. Still alloy, fairly looong bikes. This is ok for a Cube or some like this, Commencal is dna enduro brand. The Bullit is a way more rider ebike.
Commencal is the only brand in the ebike world to produce dh friendly geometry.. most brands don't dare go slacker than 65 degree HA ... most brands are way too long, reach and chainstays. If you're riding proper gnarly steep and tight lines you need real slack geometry with short chainstays and not stupid long like the industry is pushing.. who's bothered about how good it climbs ffs..I just want to get back to the top easy. I'm 5ft 8 and still gone for the small size Commencal 440 reach is perfect for real steep technical riding.
No. But we think if folks ride in very rocky, high speed terrain, a 2.6 rear will help. Otherwise, on twisty terrain, it will upset the pivoting balance of the bike.
SX better all day with a base model that comes with EP8 motor, 180mm Zeb, long wheelbase, 63 HA etc and cost around $5500. The first batch release of Bullit base model came with a Shimano E7000 at close to $8000 USD. what a f'in joke Santa Cruz.
