Do you want to start cycling but find yourself torn between several options? Maybe you’re searching for recommendations for cheap bikes because every other bike you see has exorbitant costs and jargon that’s beyond the ordinary layperson’s comprehension.
Here’s a short, easy-to-understand guide/review to help you pick your next long-term mountain bike, cyclists and cyclists-to-be.
Now, what is a jump bike?
It is often said that jump bikes have evolved as a halfway between mountain bikes and BMX bikes. As the name suggests, jump bikes are typically used for dirt jumping and park jumping, as well as street & urban stunt riding. Some say that they are a subset of mountain bikes.
Mountain bikes are much more difficult to pedal, and they are also a little slower on paved roads.
They’re usually built for rough, rocky terrain.
On the plus side, they offer a much more relaxed ride than their road equivalent, an upright riding stance (thanks to the much heavier suspension system), and can drive comfortably on several surfaces.
Bicycles, generally speaking, are divided into two different categories, in addition to jump or mountain bikes.
- Hybrid/Cross Cycles and
- Road Bikes
According to sites on the internet within my reach, a road bike is a bike designed for competitive cycling and meant for use on paved roads rather than rocky terrain or race tracks, according to sites on the internet within my reach, such as the venerable Oxford English Dictionary. This ensures that to be licenced for road use, they must follow some legal criteria/requirements. (This is equivalent to the difference made on the road between legitimate and illegal vehicles.) They’re built to be easily ridden on public roads. You’ll even recognise a road bike when you see one. They have much smaller wheels and tyres that you would call “skinny” as they are also characterised by their sleek and slender appearance, with lowered, angled handlebars. Many a time, they have a relatively small seat and lots of cogs, or gears, on the back wheel.
Hybrid bikes (also known as cross bikes) are similar to road bikes in terms of speed and ease of use while also being similar in comfort and versatility. This means that these bikes have an upright riding posture, flat handlebars, and, more often than not, a wider seat. Hybrids cope with a lot of faith over comparatively rougher conditions and on less-than-ideal surfaces due to a marginally thicker chassis and tyres larger and more durable than those on a road bike. As a consequence, for a seasoned cyclist, it appears to deliver the best of all worlds.
The latter two, on the other hand, are the subject of a separate narrative. We’ve come to discuss mountain bikes.
What to Look for in a Jump Bike
The heart of a good bike is its frame. With dozens of brands to choose from, each with lots of models in different styles, knowing where to start can be a quandary. The good news: All that competition makes for a lot of great bikes.
Moreover theres four broad categories in which mountain bikes come; namely, cross-country (XC) bikes which are designed for cycling and travelling high, trail bikes which are designed for general use and all-around mountain biking, all-mountain or enduro bikes which are designed for more challenging trails, and downhill (DH) bikes which are designed for flat-out descending.
Don’t get hung up on labels; everybody has their own interpretations. What’s important to remember is that all bikes fall somewhere in this spectrum, and finding the right style requires matching a number of factors, including frame geometry, suspension design and volume, and weight.
As for wheels, bike nerds love to argue over wheel sizes, but the fact is that no matter what size you buy, it will fit well and you will have a wonderful time. Don’t get worked up over it. Don’t get too caught up in the wheel size discussion.
Mountain bikes nowadays are designed on one of two wheel sizes: 27.5 inch (still known as 650B) or 29 inch. These have largely replaced the 26-inch wheel, which was the industry standard for years and is still available, especially on budget bikes. We recommend avoiding 26 not because we hate it, but because the market has largely moved on, making parts and tyres for the size tough to come by.
The distinction between 27.5 and 29 is quite subtle. Because of its larger diameter, the 29er needs more energy to accelerate, but it maintains momentum faster and bounces over obstacles more easily. The larger size usually means a larger rubber contact patch, which means more traction. 27.5ers, on the other hand, are a little more nimble since there is less rotating mass to shift about.
New riders, in our opinion, benefit more from the extra trust, comfort, and traction provided by 29ers. Still, in the end, any size will do, and the best excuse to pick one over the other is fit. If you have the choice, try both and choose the one that fits best to you.
As for Plus-Size Wheels (27.5+ and 29+) which are offered in two sizes, it’s actually kid of a hot topic in the wheel world, which applies to using larger tyres to achieve some of the same rollover, stability, and momentum advantages that 29 provides over 27.5.
Three-inch-wide tyres installed on 27.5-inch diameter rims give you the same effective size as a 29er with 2.3-inch tyres, but you get more ground touch for greater traction and the potential to run lower tyre pressures with a 27.5+ system. With the Fuse, Skilled nailed this build.
Even bigger is the 29+, like the Trek Stache, the Surly Krampus, and the Niner ROS9+, with three-inch tires on 29-inch rims for even more bulldozing and traction. The disadvantage of the plus-size trend is that the additional tyre weight will result in a heavy ride, particularly in budget models with heavy wheels. We believe that expanded tyre size benefits new users, and we like the convenience of additional clearance, but it’s also important to remember that we’re only at the beginning of this movement, and prototypes will undoubtedly improve and grow over the next few years.
A wheel upgrade is the single best addition you can make to any bike, regardless of wheel size. This is particularly true on budget bikes, where heavy hoops are specked to save money. Since rotating weight is some of the most obvious heft on a bike, lightening up the wheelset will make a significant difference in how it moves and looks.
While carbon wheels are the pinnacle of durability, a decent set of aluminium rims, such as the Stan’s Arch EX, save just as much weight and cost a quarter of the original cost. Lastly, take the time to set up tubeless wheels on whatever wheels you’re using.
This allows for lower temperatures, which makes for a much smoother ride.
Only a few brands manufacture their own suspension structures, and each brand’s designs and specifications differ. Though everybody will tell you why their version is the best—and there are subtle differences—the fact is that most prototypes from reputable brands (the ones you will see at your local shop) work pretty good. So, if you’re a novice, we suggest concentrating on the category of bike that’s perfect for you rather than the suspension.
You can also choose from a variety of frame materials. The least expensive frames are usually made of aluminium or alloy. Iron, titanium, and carbon fibre are thinner and more damping, which helps to minimise vibration, but they are more costly. Many of the latter materials have the potential to be outstanding. They’re worth considering if you can afford it, particularly for the weight savings.
However, aluminium engineering and forming has come a long way, and if cost is a factor, alloy is the way to go.
These dirt bikes however aren’t made with inferior materials. The frame, tyres and engine certainly adds up to the cost. However, it’s the marketing of these bikes including rider sponsorships, dealership branding and constant Research and Development that adds up massively. This means that they certainly don’t come cheap; at least not with a significant compromise in quality they don’t.
How much should I pay for a jump bike?
Dirt jumpers are expensive because they’re highly specialized bicycles occupying a small cycling niche. This combination results in fewer manufacturers (less competition) and low production volume. To cover their expenses and compensate for the low demand, producers charge more than one might expect.
This makes many people worry about the high cost of commuting these days, and they have a case, with quality bikes running at £10,000 or more. But keep in mind that, while those top-of-the-line bikes are amazing feats of engineering and technology, they aren’t needed to enjoy the sport. In reality, the R&D that goes into those halo bikes helps the average customer because it filters down to the daily machines. So, while a top-of-the-line bike 30 years ago would have cost £500—which is now where entry-level bikes compete (hardly). The parts, brakes, tyres, and overall kit you get today greatly outperforms its 1991 equivalent.
We suggest hardtails for no less than a thousand quid and full suspension for anywhere between £1500 to £2000 at the very least. You can get a bike for a lot less money if you avoid the name labels and are able to accept lower-quality components. However, you’ll almost definitely end up paying more in the long run because those bikes will break down faster, need new parts sooner, or just be so uncomfortable to ride that you’ll upgrade instead.
In the other end of the spectrum, the question should be asked: Too much is too much? Clearly, the solution is dictated by your financial condition as well as how much you cycle and value cycling. If you spend a lot of time riding your cycle, the refinement and luxury you get for about 7000 pounds can not sound so expensive. Even so, if you don’t need the very finest, you will find incredible bicycles for between £3000 and £4000 that are either slightly heavier or outperformed by the stratospheric top end.
Our Best Jump Bike Options
So, you’ve decided to try riding a jump bike? That would be good news if you said yes. Otherwise, keep an eye out for other shopping guides for hybrid bikes and road bikes. If you don’t want to change your mind, continue reading.
GT Aggressor Expert 29 Hardtail Bike 2021
MSRP: £480.00
The Aggressor Expert is perfect for whatever difficulty you throw at it, whether you’re riding smooth single-track, taking steep arduous descents, or taking long days in the saddle for all-mountain adventures. GT’s Triple Triangle aluminium chassis, SR Sun tour suspension, a micro-SHIFT 3×8-Speed drivetrain, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are all included. This bike has a flexible performance output that allows it to be used anywhere on the mountain.
Overall, the handling is excellent, the derailleurs are almost quiet, and the crankset is remarkable. The bike is very smooth, which contributes to a fantastic cycling experience. The build, geometry, and components are all imposing, and despite being low-end, they work flawlessly. The saddle, too, is very comfortable. For those looking for a low-cost starter bike, this is an excellent option.
Technical Specifications:
- Frame: GT 6061 T6 Aluminium Frame, Triple Triangle w/ Floating Seat Stays, Forged Drop-outs w/ Disc Brake Mounts, Zero-Stack 1 1/8″ Head Tube, 29″ Wheels.
- Fork: SR Sun tour XCM-DS, 80mm, Hydraulic Lockout and Preload, Coil
- Headset: Semi-integrated, Sealed Cartridge
- Stem: GT All Terra, 6061 Alloy, 31.8mm, 8-degree Rise
- Handlebar: GT All Terra Alloy Riser, 25mm Rise, 8-deg Sweep, 6-deg Rise, 720mm Width
- Grips: GT Statement
- Shifters: micro-SHIFT 3 x 8s Thumb-tap shifters, light shifting design, with optical gear indicator
- Brakes: Tektro M275 Hydro Disc, 160/160mm Rotor
- Crankset: ProWheel 42-34-24T, 175mm
- Bottom Bracket: Cartridge, Square Taper
- Chain: KMC Z8.3, 8-speed
- Cassette: micro-SHIFT 12-32T, 12-13-15-18-21-24-28-32, 8-Speed
- Front Derailleur: micro-SHIFT 7/8-Speed, Chainstay Angle 66-69, dual pull
- Rear Derailleur: micro-SHIFT 8/9-Speed, long cage, max. sprocket: 36T, total capacity 45T
- Tyres: WTB Ranger Comp, 29×2.25″, DNA Compound
- Rims: WTB SX19, 32H
- Front Hub: Alloy Disc, QRx100m
- Rear Hub: Sealed Alloy Disc, QRx135mm
- Saddle: GT MTB
- Seat post: GT All Terra Two Bolt Alloy
- Colour: Silver, Blue
- Frame Size: L, S, XL, M
- Wheel Size: 29″
- Gender: Unisex
- Speed: 24 Speed
- Material: Aluminium
- Fork Travel: 80mm
Verdict:
Pros: well-balanced, looks good, quality parts, Excellent value. Comfortable bike
Cons: Tyres can be a bit wide for most
Vitus Nucleus 27 VRW Women’s Mountain Bike 2021
MSRP: £599.99
The Vitus Nucleus 27 VRW is explicitly designed for women and offers more value, comfort, and style than any other women’s bike at this price. The Nucleus has won MBR magazine’s £500 Hardtail of the Year award four times, and it’s primed for everything from cross-country road running to all-day epics at your nearest cycle park.
The low, long, and slack geometry is paired with 120mm of Sun tour Air suspension to handle any rugged terrain you’ll encounter on the roads, while the Tektro M275 brakes have enough stopping power. Thanks to the new Box Four drivetrain, the Nucleus has a threaded bottom bracket for improved reliability and a broad range group set for 2021.
You’ll be able to hang on the trails all day thanks to a clutch-activated rear mech and a narrow, comprehensive 1x chainring upfront.
Vitus has used their tried-and-true WTB tyres and rims to have superior durability and grip.
The Nucleus 27 VRW has stepped up to drive your riding to the next stage, with a mix of Vitus and Nuke proof parts.
This is a fantastic entry-level bike at a great price. The geometry is amazing. (do take the time to double-check the dimensions to ensure we had the correct scale.) However, the seat post is extremely long, as some have said, but the Brand X Ascend dropper post takes care of the problem. It might concern some that the Box 4 8 Speed would not have enough range, but it seems adequate. The only explanation for the loss of a star is because the tyres aren’t Tubeless-ready (the rims are, which is incredible), and the seat post isn’t long enough; otherwise, it’s an excellent value for the money.
Technical Specifications:
- Frame: Nucleus Aluminium 6061-t6 BSA Threaded Bb, Is Disc Brake Mounts, 135mm x 9mm QR
- Fork: SR Sun tour xcr32 Air Lor Ds 27.5″ Tapered Alloy Steerer, 120mm Travel, Post Mount Disc Brake Mounts, 100mm x 9mm QR
- Headset: FSA No:57b 1-1/8″ Upper 1.5″ Bottom
- Handlebar: Nuke proof Neutron V2 Riser 6061 Alloy, 25mm Rise, 9° Back Sweep, 760mm Wide 31.8mm
- Stem: Vitus 50mm Alloy, 50mm Reach, 3° Rise
- Grip (Tape): Vitus Lock On
- Front Rim: WTB St I30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h. TCS Tubeless Tape Fitted
- Rear Rim: WTB St I30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h. TCS Tubeless Tape Fitted
- Front Hub: Vitus KT K68f 32h, 6 Bolt, 100mm x 9mm QR
- Rear Hub: Vitus KT K68r 32h, 6 Bolt, 135mm x 9mm QR
- Front Tyre: WTB Vigilante Comp High Grip Compound, 27.5″ x 2.3″
- Rear Tyre: WTB Trail Boss Comp 27.5″ x 2.25″
- Spokes: Vitus
- Chain: Box Four 8 Speed 112 Link
- Crank set: Samox 170mm, Narrow Wide Chainring, 32t
- Bottom Bracket: BSA
- Front Brake Set: Tektro Hd-m275
- Rear Brake Set: Tektro Hd-m275
- Rotors: Tektro Tr180-tr160 180mm Front, 160mm Rear, 6 Bolt.
- Rear Derailleur: Box Four 8 Speed Wide with Clutch
- Rear Shifter: Box Four 8 Speed Multi Shifter
- Freewheel: Sun race 11-42t 8 Speed
- Saddle: Nuke proof Neutron
- Seat Post: Vitus 6061 Alloy, 31.6mm x 400mm, 0mm Offset
- Seat Screw: Vitus Bolt 34.9mm
- Weight: TBC
- Colour: Pearl Grey
- Frame Size: M, S, XS
- Wheel Size: 27.5″ (650b)
- Gender: Female
- Speed: 8 Speed
- Material: Aluminium
- Fork Travel: 120mm
Verdict:
Pros: big beefy tyres, price, geometry, front air fork with lockout, tubeless-ready rims
Cons: long seat post on a small frame. Tyres are not tubeless-ready, length of seat post
Vitus Nucleus 27 VR Mountain Bike – Blue 2021
MSRP: £599.99
The Vitus Nucleus has won the MBR magazine’s £500 Hardtail of the Year award four times. This bike has 27.5″ wheels and is built with high-quality parts on a sturdy frame, offering you more faith and durability than you’d expect from a bike at this price. It also comes with SR Sun tour suspension and a Box Four 8-Speed drivetrain, making it suitable for XC road biking and all-day trips at the bike park. Don’t let the low price confuse you; the Nucleus isn’t your typical entry-level mountain bike. It’s the backbone of the Vitus mountain bike line-up, with extreme geometry that’ll hook you in. Don’t try to say that we didn’t warn you.
For the year 2021, both versions will have 1x groupsets. The low, long, and slack geometry is paired with 120mm of Sun tour Air suspension to tackle some rugged terrain on the trails, while the Tektro M275 brakes have sufficient stopping power. Thanks to the new Box Four drivetrain, the Nucleus has a threaded bottom bracket for improved reliability and a broad range group set for 2021. You’ll be able to hang on the trails all day thanks to a clutch-activated rear mech and a narrow, wide 1x chainring upfront.
Vitus’ tried and tested combination of WTB tyres and rims offers superior performance and grip. Finished off with a variety of Vitus and Nuke proof components, the Nucleus 29 VR has stepped up to take your riding to the next level.
Compared to a 26″ cube, the difference in the ride is tremendous. This beats plenty of bikes, even the trek roscoe 8. The bigger wheels paired with the enormous volume tyres mean you roll over obstacles with ease. Brakes are responsive, and the single ring up front makes for easy changes. Frame protection is a must, but the blue paint looks black Just a heads up, the Pedals supplied aren’t the best. Dropper post needed, and I’m sorted. Buy the bike, you won’t be disappointed. Ride safe all.
The bike is of outstanding value for money, and you would have no complaints. Beginners would love it. It rides well, stops quickly, and has excellent tyres. This is an excellent hardtail with perfect pedals. It comes with plastic pedals to get you moving, as do most bikes. The chainset is solid; even with 8, there is only one gear between 2 and 3, which I felt might use one more, but that’s a minor fault. The forks are fine, but there aren’t many entry-level forks with lockout and preload adjustment. Rockshox would be more robust, but it would be an improvement, and the braking could be better, but that would be a potential upgrade.
You can still start with better brake pads. This is the ultimate entry-level hardtail bike, and it’s easy to update as the skills improve.
You can ride this bike down some steep descents and haven’t had any issues. It’s a good-looking bike with good parts. If you know how to ride a bike, you can easily modify it to meet your needs.
Technical Specifications:
- Frame: Nucleus Aluminium 6061-t6 BSA Threaded Bb, IS Disc Brake Mounts, 135mm x 9mm QR
- Fork: SR Sun tour XCR32 Air Lor Ds 27.5″ Tapered Alloy Steerer, 120mm Travel, Post Mount Disc Brake Mounts, 100mm x 9mm QR
- Headset: FSA No:57b 1-1/8″ Upper 1.5″ Bottom
- Handlebar: Nuke proof Neutron V2 Riser 6061 Alloy, 25mm Rise, 9° Back Sweep, 760mm Wide S/m, 780mm Wide L/xl 31.8mm
- Stem: Vitus 50mm Alloy, 50mm Reach, 3° Rise
- Grip (Tape): Vitus Lock On
- Front Rim: WTB ST I30 TCS 2.0, 27.5″, 32h TCS Tubeless Tape Fitted
- Rear Rim: WTB ST I30 TCS 2.0, 27.5″, 32h TCS Tubeless Tape Fitted
- Front Hub: Vitus KT K68f 32h, 6 Bolt, 100mm x 9mm QR
- Rear Hub: Vitus KT K68r, 32h, 6 Bolt, 135mm x 9mm QR
- Front Tyre: Wtb Vigilante Comp High Grip Compound, 27.5″ x 2.3.”
- Rear Tyre: Wtb Trail Boss Comp 27.5″ x 2.25″
- Spokes: Vitus
- Chain: Box Four 8 Speed 112 Link
- Crankset: Samox 170mm, Narrow Wide Chainring, 32t
- Bottom Bracket: BSA
- Front Brake Set: Tektro Hd-m275
- Rear Brake Set: Tektro Hd-m275
- Rotors: Tektro Tr180-tr160 180mm Front, 160mm Rear, 6 Bolt
- Rear Derailleur: Box Four 8 Speed Wide W/ Clutch
- Rear Shifter: Box Four 8 Speed Multi Shifter
- Freewheel: Sun race 11-42t 8 Speed
- Saddle: Nuke proof Neutron
- Seat Post: Vitus 6061 Alloy, 31.6mm x 400mm, 0mm Offset
- Seat Screw: Vitus Bolt 34.9mm
- Weight: TBC
- Colour: Midnight Blue
- Frame Size: L, XL, S, M
- Wheel Size: 27.5″ (650b)
- Gender: Unisex
- Speed: 8 Speed
- Material: Aluminium
- Fork Travel: 120mm
Verdict:
Pros: an absolutely solid bike, forks, chainset/gears, tyres
Cons: midnight blue is black, may need to cut the seat post
Vitus Sentier 27 VRS Mountain Bike 2021
MSRP: £1549.99
Ideal for XC, Trail and All-Mountain riding, the Vitus Sentier 29 VRS is a hardcore trail bike, giving the perfect balance between speed, agility, and control anywhere on the mountainside. It features a solid and lightweight aluminium frame that’s engineered with modern geometry and Boost thru-axles. Plus, it’s equipped with a Fox 34 Float suspension, a Shimano Deore 1×12-Speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and WTB ST i30 Tubeless Ready wheels wrapped in Schwalbe tyres.
Hardtail MTB for XC, Trail and All-Mountain Riding
The 2021 Vitus Sentier is ready for the aggressive hardtail trail riding we all love. All the parts have been selected to meet the demands of rougher XC, Trail and AM riding. Giving you the feel of total control and confidence, this bike can attack anything in your way. While fully capable of climbing the mountain ahead, it comes alive when pointed down a trail. With a nimble and playful character, the flow will always be on hand while bossing your way down the track.
The Sentier 27 VRS has a fantastic specification that will get you primed for some serious trail riding. When the trails get rugged, the Fox 34 Float forks keep you stable, while a Shimano SLX Deore 12 speed drivetrain and Shimano MT510 brakes keep you under balance.
With WTB ST wheels and a Schwalbe Magic Mary / Hans Dampf, tubeless-ready tyre combination finished with Nuke proof and a Brand-X Ascend dropper post, you’ll never doubt the ability to drive the Sentier 27 VRS to the limits!
This bike climbs well, descends quickly, and ploughs through rock gardens. This bike works admirably in all fields. Anything on this bike is in perfect working order. The bike is exceptionally well-designed. Is there some way to make things better? For this amount, no way. The grips and pedals are the only things you might want to be modified on this bike. In terms of price and parts, this bike is unrivalled.
Technical Specifications:
- Frame: Sentier Aluminium 6061-t6 Double Butted, IS Disc Brake Mounts, BSA Threaded BB, Boost Hub Spacing – 148mm X 12mm Thru Axle
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Rhythm Series 27.5″ Grip Damper, 34mm Stanchions, 140mm Travel, Tapered Alloy Steerer, Boost Hub Spacing – 110mm X 15mm Qr Axle
- Headset: Acros Azx-212-co Azx-212-co, Sealed Bearings, Zs44/28.6 – Zs56/40
- Handlebar: Nuke proof Neutron V2 Riser 6061 Alloy, 25mm Rise, 9° Back Sweep, 760mm Wide S/m, 780mm Wide L/xl
- Stem: Nuke proof Neutron Alloy 6061, 45mm Reach, 0° Rise
- Grip (Tape): Vitus Lock On
- F/rim: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h TCS Tubeless Tape Fitted
- R/rim: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h TCS Tubeless Tape Fitted
- F/hub: Vitus Kt Dhf112 Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt, 110mm X 15mm Thru Axle
- R/hub: Vitus Kt H5er-sh Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt, 148mm X 12mm Thru Axle
- F/tire: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin, Tl Easy, E-25, Addix Soft, 27.5″ X 2.60″
- R/tire: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Snakeskin, Tl Easy, Addix Speed grip, E-25, 27.5” X 2.60”
- Chain: Shimano Deore M6100 12 Speed 114 links
- Crankset: Shimano Deore M5111 12 Speed 32t, 170mm
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano Bb52 68/73mm
- F/brake Set: Shimano Mt520 F180, Resin Pad (W/o Fin)
- R/brake Set: Shimano Mt510 R180, Resin Pad (W/o Fin)
- Rotors: Shimano Rt56 180mm/180mm 6 Bolt
- R/derailleur: Shimano Slx M7100 12 Speed Shadow Plus, Long Cage, 12 Speed
- R/shifter: Shimano Deore M6100 Rapid-fire Plus, 12 Speed
- Freewheel: Shimano Deore M6100 12 Speed 11t-51t, 12 Speed
- Saddle: Nuke proof Neutron
- Seat Post: Brand-x Ascend Dropper Remote Lever, 31.6mm, S 100mm Drop/m 125mm Drop/l,xl 150mm Drop
- Seat Screw: Vitus Bolt 34.9mm
- Weight: TBC
- Colour: Burnt Red
- Frame Size: M, S, XL, L
- Wheel Size: 27.5″ (650b)
- Gender: Unisex
- Speed: 12 Speed
- Material: Aluminium
- Fork Travel: 140mm
Verdict:
Pros: specs are well, burnt red colour is impressive & comes with touch up paint, tires are super grippy
Cons: doesn’t have inner cable routing, better XT shifter would not have cost much, crank set heavier than similarly priced SLX, and some lighter options.