Who Should Ride A Trail MTB? 

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

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

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

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 🤪

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.

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

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 !

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

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

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

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.

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 .

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!

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

I would get oneup handlebars and a bike flight bag.

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.

I'd get a carbon riser bar and stem!

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

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

Honestly a new fork for my bike would be very nice

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

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

I'd probably upgrade my and my dads bike

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

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

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

Amazing cinematography and editing Paul!

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.

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

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! 😀

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

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 :)

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

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

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. 😉

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

Buy one their defo worth it

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.

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 👍🏼

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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.

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...

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 )

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.

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

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

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

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.

Either some carbon parts or a marzocchi bomber z2 fork

I would spend the 500 dollars on gear as I spent all my money on my new bike. And am freezing outside🥶 and need some mtb shoes

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!

A Park Tool bike tool kit and a POC helmet!!

Id use the money towards my next bike. Currently running a Trek Marlin and saving for a YT Jeffsey

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.

I would get a better drivetrain and brakes

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!

Hooray for trail bikes. Too bad you can’t bring yours down to FL this winter.

I would buy some 5 ten freeriders

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!!!!

I'd spend the $500 at competitive cyclist on a solid full-face helmet and some body armor to match my enduro bike... haha Great video, I love those Squamish rock rolls!

I would probably buy some new tires, grips, and fork decals.

Been dreaming about some new carbon wheels for my Santa Cruz 5010 - the $500 would make a good down payment!

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!

I'd use the money to buy a new full face helmet that's alot more breathable

I think I would definitely get some Shimano SLX brakes, Shimano PD-ME700 pedals, and a pair of Pearl IZUMi Canyon Cycling shoes.

With the $500 I would like to get some new pads for me and my dad as I have grown out of mine and his are falling apart. I would also like to get a new helmet because I have had my current $15 helment for 6 years and it has experienced many crashes. Thank you for the opportunity.😁😁

paul my trail bike is a hardtail,and i think its enough for me to train my self

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

I still think my 160-160 specialized Enduro is perfect for me.

Here is my list(I have just recently gotten into mountain biking and love it I am using a very cheap used $200 bike) 1. Pedals, right now stock pedals are what I am using(pretty self explainitory)I would get composite ones most likely Chester's. $50 2. Tires. The traction right now is very bad. I slide around all the time it is also my brakes a little bit but a lot is my tires. $150 ish 3. A new helmet, right now the helmet I am using is a helmet from my grandfather. It is good but a tad bit loose. It also doesn't have a visor which I would like for extra protection. $70-$150 4. Googles, it is winter now. It gets muddy and when you ride for long periods of time your eyes sting and get really dry I dont have googles yet but it would be great to get some. $30-$50 5. Grips, right now I am using stock grips. They slide around and leave this weird stuff on my hands. $20-$30 6. Some winter appearal. I dont really have anything to keep me warm while I ride right now and it would be really good to get some. $50 ish 7. Stem, right now I have a 70 mm stem. I would personally like a shorter one. Most likely 35 mm to 45 mm. $50 ish 8. I would contribute the last little bit to protection. Knee pads and stuff like that. I'm not sure how much it would cost. That is all I would buy, I love mountain biking and whoever you chose deserves it. Good luck to everyone.

Great video! I ride a 2021 kona blast hard tail...with....100mm travel 😆 Chk out vids..Langley BC

There seems to be an elimination of a bike category. Just a few years back, the next bike in capability after the trail bike, was the “all mountain”. The enduro category absorbed the all mountain, bike category.

Need a fox 36 fork

Well Paul great Video! I would spent the money in a new Bike i got 600€ here so the money would be perfect. I want to buy a XC because my last one is from 2010 and already completely broken.

I would buy a new helmet for myself because the one I have now isn’t the for the stuff I do and some protective gear like knee and elbow pads. The $500 would be amazing for that stuff!

i would get some ride concepts a new helmet and some tools

I’d grab some pads A new set of breaks And break pads

I would buy a new helmet and a bike repair stand, so that I can better learn how to work on my own bike.

i am seriously stuck between a nukeproof reactor, and a mega. I currently have a vitus sommet and feel like thats a bit too much travel (170/160). But i feel like the (140/130) of the reactor just wont be enough for trips to wales (i currently ride at small push-up bikeparks and places such as the surrey hills). What bike do you guys recon i should get? (out of the reactor and the mega)

Hi Paul my name is Luan just the other day I broke my back wheel and I can’t ride witch sucks heaps not being able to ride my bike 😥 so if I got the 500 dollars I would spend it on a new back wheel

Hey man, do you have a video about building a trail MTB? I currently have an XC setup MTB. Wanted to learn if there are specific geometry I should consider when getting a new frame, I'll probably pick a hard tail.