Great insight! This new Sentinel looks looks like a winner (just like the first version). Now the hard part, Sentinel V2 or Ripmo V2 for my next bike...
I would love to know your entire short list of "I can only have one more bike". It's hard to choose anymore with so many different bikes and the way the manufactures keep pushing the extremes.
Great question @Jared Smith - One thing I could go on (and on) about is how the industry steers this harder than the consumer. What I mean by that is most people do not need nearly the bike they buy into. Its sort of the chevy pickup truck with 35s arguement. 99% of Chevy users don't need 35s all but maybe once or twice in the lifetime of the truck. They spend a ton more money on gas, on tires, on wear and tear for this *idea* that they *can* drive over some prius or something. Its weird. By the same token, most people who buy 170/170 bikes rarely put them in a situation where that's the best tool for the job. Hell, even the Sentinel, for a lot of people, is way too much bike and a Smuggler or similar would be a lot better. Ranting and raving aside, your "one bike" is going to largely be dictated by where you ride, your style, if you race (and what kind of racing you do) and frankly, how strong you are. For me, this list is going to be bikes that are a little heavier, a little longer travel and a little "more" than I think the average. I'd be aiming for something 130-150mm out back, 160-170mm up front. Geometry that is similar to the Sentinel with longer CSs if I'm being picky, no proprietary parts, and a no frills design ethos. Brands I like (good CS) that have proven to fit this criteria with a very versatile, durable bike Norco Sight Santa Cruz Megatower Commencal Trail and Meta NukeProofs Mega Other brands have something that appears to fit the bill, but I've had issues with for one reason or another (Trek's Slash is too easy to break with poor CS, Specialized's Stumpjumper Evo is killer but just not as surefooted out back as the other examples above - and the Enduro too much bike as a one-to-do-it-all.) This list is hardly comprehensive. But as I mentioned in my video, there is a reason I'd put the smuggler atop the list (right now) and a lot of that has to do with the brand itself. They are such good people and actually care about keeping you on dirt. While most companies also employee most people who fit this mold, there is a lot more red tape between the customer and the "customer experience". Long story long. I don't know that I could do better than the Sentinel as a "I don't know where I'm going but I know I'm going to have fun" bike.
Hey ordered the Sentinel V2 GX in large so cant wait to get it. I’ll be running xt drivetrain and I’m thinking of getting 2021 Lyrik air shaft and megneg. I think I’ll keep the fork at 160 though. Also maybe I’ll need to put shims in the 210mm dropper post because it’s just a lot of drop.
Is there a reason not to buy a 2019/2020 Sentinel frame if its really "cheap"? A shop here in Germany sells the "old" 2019/2020 model frame in aluminium for just 1500$ with the float dpx2 shock...
Very nice video and again, I am really considering the transition Sentinel as my next bike. i know it has 10 more mm of travel in the rear. I’m on a pretty tight budget and I’m not really sure if I need 10 more millimeters for a lot more money. I am a very well rounded rider and relatively new to riding. my new bike if I get one will not see any HUGE jumps, drops, etc. just some good technical trails, steep climbs, steep descents, and everything in between. Do you think this bike is for me? Is it going to be a huge difference between the few.
I've got the alloy 2018 and love it. I've NEVER felt like it needed more travel in the rear, and it the geometry has saved my ass more times than I can remember. If you can find a deal on one, jump on it. I'm planning on upgrading the suspension on mine and riding it for another 3 years.
Please I need your honest opinion if I hd to pick a bike to keep for that's last me for a while without leaving me wanting for more which transition would you say I buy from 2017 to 2020. If you had to pick a transition bike of all time that you can progress In your ridding preferably carbon which bike would you buy. Reason I'm asking is that it wasn't easy saving up money and it would be along time before I save for another bike. Please help a brother out. I don't jump crazy I ride more technical stipe rocky stuff
Hey Jeff, I dig the review man. I had the previous sentinel in a size XL. At 6'3 I agree with your comment about how the large would have felt more balanced because of the chainstay to reach ratio. I have since moved on to a YT Jeffsy in an XL since they make size dependent chainstays. I enjoy the bike but since the steerer tube came precut I cannot get the bars as high as I would like (already have renthal 40 on the front). I have thought about overforking the bike (150 up to 160) the get more steerer tube and a slacker HTA. What are your thoughts on overforking? Also, what bikes do you think are the most balanced for a tall guy rider like myself? Thanks!
@@peanutbutter2182 feels about the same on corners as the stumpjumper evo s3 that I sold. I'll take proper fit for occasional tiny corners which hasn't been an issue after riding the TR for a little while.
HI! I am thinking about V2 version but I am stuck with size, ??I have no demo option.What would You recomend for 6'2 guy (187 cm) ? I am in the middle. I ride qiute traditional geometry Trek XL now.
I got lazy, never did. Honestly, its a hell of a bike, but I also think there are better bikes out there all things considered. I had huge warranty issues, too. I'd stick with a brand with a better warranty and one that is more in touch with those riding the bikes they sell (Trek seems out to lunch here...)
