About the 2010 Gary Fisher Rumblefish 29er

Built to compete with the other long-er travel full-suspension 29ers on the market, the new Rumblefish sports the typical suspension technology from the Trek/Fisher camp including ABP, G2 Geometry and the proprietary Fox RP23 shock with the descent-loving Dual Rate Control Valve (DRCV).

Rumblefish II Specs:

• Rear Travel: 110mm via Fox RP23 with DRCV
• Front Travel: 120mm via Fox F120 FIT RLC with 15QR and tapered steerer
• Wheels: Bontrager Rhythm Elite 29
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT/XTR mix
• Brakes: Avid Elixir R
• Full Spec: Visit FisherBikes.com
• MSRP: $3989

2010 Gary Fisher Rumblefish II 29er Quick Review

As the second bike of the day, I had fresh legs, cool temps and mostly uncrowded trails. So, off I went. I’m a big fan of the 29er platform. I can’t say that I subscribe to the philosophy that the 26er will be completely phased out, but lets just say I wouldn’t cry too hard if that ends up being the case.

The Rumblefish is appropriately named in oh so many ways. For one, it’s not the most pleasing on the eyes (just my opinion) and it’s really built to excel on the downhill. I’ll start there. The trails in Bootleg Canyon are rocky, and technical. When I say rocky, I mean a fall will be met with serious carnage. Heading downhill, the Rumblefish felt ultra-stable and smooth. The wheelbase felt a bit long-ish, so handling wasn’t racecar-esque. However, there are few obstacles the Rumblefish can’t rumble through.

The combination of the Fox DRCV with the APB suspension produces downhill fun–no doubt, but what about the uphill?

Glad you asked… well, the uphill is a bit less efficient than I’d like. Not that you’ll be laboring your way up the trail, but you’ll definitely not be the first to the top–lockouts will be your friend. But, that may have been a combination of both the geometry and the meaty tires–hard to tell for sure with only 45 minutes on the bike.

Full-suspension 29er designs have to be precisely executed in order to maintain a lower center-of-gravity. While not being super top-heavy, this bike does feel a bit tall. This “tallness” may raise its head on slow, technical ascents or descents were the propensity of tipping may come into play.

I did have fun on the Rumblefish, but it isn’t quite in the same league as the Santa Cruz Tallboy or the Niner RIP 9.

Good Rumblefish

• Very capable and very fun on the downhill
• Will power through the rough stuff
• Proprietary Fox DRCV provides extra cush
• Love the Fox fork (15QR is a necessity in a 29er IMO)
• Solid and laterally stiff all-around
• Excellent parts spec

Bad Rumblefish

• A little sluggish on the up
• Aluminum frame can feel harsh (I’m a carbon junkie, what can I say?)

Bottom Line: 2010 Gary Fisher Rumblefish II 29er

With so many options in the 29er market these days, Gary Fisher is banking on a few downhill aficionados to jump on the Rumblefish and give it a go in the rough.

More Info: Visit FisherBikes.com

About the 2010 Trek Top Fuel 9.8

This is #2 in command in the Top Fuel lineup with an even 100mm travel front and rear all mated to a full-carbon frameset. This bike is built for speed, cap’n… no question about that. The Trek Top Fuel 9.8 trim level is essentially a full Shimano XT drivetrain that’s then rounded out with a smattering of Bontrager and Raceface components to round things out.

Let me also mention the Top Fuel 9.9 with its full SRAM XX drivetrain, which is oh so sweet. I was able to slip out later in the day on a 9.9 with a custom build including full XX components and a bit wider, more trail-worthy tires. The 9.8 is nice, but the 9.9 is… well… lets just say it would be well worth every penny!

Back to the 9.8 with a few more specs:

• OCLV Red Carbon frame w/ABP Race, Full Floater, magnesium EVO Link, oversized pivot bearings, replaceable derailleur hanger, 100mm travel
• Fox 32 F-Series Remote RL, 100mm travel
• Fox Float RP23 shock
• Bontrager Race Lite Disc wheel system
• Shimano XT drivetrain
• Bontrager and Raceface cockpit
• MSRP: $4719.99

Trek Top Fuel 9.8 Review

When I arrived at the Trek tent first thing in the morning, I pretty much had my pick of the litter–all except the new Remedy 9.8 and 9.9’s (Michael Browne, Trek’s Product Manager informed me they were off limits to North American pubs… uggh… I can talk like a Brit! Didn’t work). So, I opted for a bike that I wouldn’t typically ride, but looked compelling on Bootleg’s then-empty trails.

I first saw the Trek Top Fuel in person at SRAM’s HQ in early-September and thought it looked very sexy. So much so that it stuck out in my mind as a “must ride”. So, when it came time for my order up, the Top Fuel 9.8 it was.

After getting dialed in, I was anxious to get spinning before the morning air turned into a veritable hair dryer. Slipping up past the tent city, I could really enjoy myself on the technical, rocky terrain of Bootleg.

While the Top Fuel climbs like a billy goat, the narrow Bontrager XR1 Expert 2.0 tires were a little lacking when encountering loose sand (think a beach) as they sunk in and ground me to an occasional near-stop. However, when the hardpacked and rocky/technical trails were the obstacle, holy smokes can this bike ascend! A quick tap of Fox’s nifty F32 remote lockout combined with a quick flip of the ProPedal lever on the Fox RP23 rear shock and the Top Fuel turned into an unmatched trail-climbing machine. I could climb on this bike all day and still have energy to climb some more, then wake up and do it all over again… it’s very responsive, fast and agile.

After being thoroughly impressed with the climbing ability, it was time to slip downhill and see just what this bike could do when faced with the rock-strewn trails of Bootleg Canyon. Let me just say this… it’s not my first choice on these types of trails, but with some stouter tires, this bike can still hang well when the trails get technical and steep. On smooth, twisty singletrack (stuff this bike was made for), the Top Fuel carves and flows as good as the best bikes on the market, but consistently technical terrain will definitely give you a wild ride unless you are an expert line-picker.

The best way to describe the Top Fuel is to call it a rocket. This bike is fast as all get-out, but you will pay the price if you descend extremely rough terrain with any regularity. Where you’ll come away smiling is in the efficient and smooth suspension that can propel you to the top of any climb on your list.

Trek has been making carbon-fiber mountain bike frames as long as I can remember and the much-lauded ABP suspension design with EVO Link and Full Floater system is the real deal. I felt nothing but smooth suspension travel under load and while braking.

Good Top Fuel 9.8

• Fast as a rocket
• Beautiful OCLV carbon fiber frame
• So light you’ll cheat the trails (only 23 lbs.)
• Solid parts spec from top-to-bottom
• Fox’s F32 fork with remote lockout is awesome

Bad Top Fuel 9.8

• Not quite capable enough for rough trail duty
• Limited seat height adjustment

Bottom Line: Trek Top Fuel 9.8

This bike will no doubt propel you to the top of the mountain or podium with ease. Don’t blame the bike if you don’t crush your personal best climb times since this 23-lb rocket is as efficient and fast as they come. I’d say this is a capable cross-country racer, but one that still takes a fair amount of abuse once the treads are swapped for something more substantial.

More Info: Visit TrekBikes.com

About the 2010 Scott Scale 29er

I posted about the new Scott Scale 29er a few months back, but didn’t have much information on it at that time… just a photo with some sketchy details. Well, when I got the details from ScottUSA’s Adrian Montgomery, it all became clear. As Scott’s first foray into the 29er market, they decided that they wanted to attack the entry-level market with a killer-looking and performing bike at an amazing pricepoint. Well, I was in disbelief when he said the MSRP would come in at $1649. To get it to that price, the parts spec is pretty pedestrian, but the frame, fork and wheels are solid.

Here are a few specs on the test rig (they vary slightly from production):

• Hydroformed tubeset
• Slightly curved seat tube for improved tire clearance and shorter chainstays/wheelbase
• Trail-friendly geometry
• DT Swiss 485D wheelset
• Rockshox Reba SL fork w/remote lockout (100mm)
• Avid Elixir S brakes
• Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25 tires
• Weight: 26.21 lbs
• MSRP: $1649

Scott Scale 29er Review

Scanning over the Scott lineup at the demo, the Scale 29er was tops on my list–even before I knew it was a budget-friendly spec. Just in time, the 29er appeared and Adrian gave me the lowdown. As Scott’s first 29er, this one is poised to take advantage of the current 29er wave by offering a knockout pricepoint with a solid bike. Going over the frame details, it has all the makings of a great bike with hydroformed tubes and trail-friendly geometry. Even the paintjob is stunning–not your typical $1500 rig as far as looks go.

Slipping out on the trails, I was quickly reminded why the 26er hardtail should die a slow death… 29ers just make everything smoother and faster. This bike was an effortless climber and just felt comfortable. It felt like a great bike with the ability to rail corners and maintain speed in a way only 29ers can.

I was able to power up some good terrain and climb anything I wanted. And when the trail turned downhill and the turns made their way down the desert singletrack, the Scale 29er felt poised and comfortable. This bike is a well-executed entry into the market… hopefully the future holds a carbon 29er from Scott because that would truly make this bike that much better.

Good Scale 29er

• Comfortable trailbike
• Well-mannered and smooth
• Great looking overall package
• Amazing pricepoint means easy entry into 29er land
• Well-executed aluminum frame with solid geometry
• Fast and fun

Bad Scale 29er

• Entry-level parts
• With Scott’s carbon expertise, I’d expect a carbon frame option

Bottom Line: Scott Scale 29er

This bike has a ton of potential and at a killer pricepoint to boot. If you’re thinking hardtail, skip right past the 26ers and look on over at the new Scale 29er–you’ll be hard-pressed to find this much quality, value and fun on the market today.

More Info: Visit ScottUSA.com

After my trip to SRAM HQ a few weeks back, I was determined to get onboard the SRAM XX group during the Interbike Outdoor Demo to see just what all the hype was about. So, I dropped into the SRAM booth and met up with Eric Schutt from SRAM who promptly asked, “You want to try XX?” Of course I did… are you nuts?

My bike would be a custom-built Trek Top Fuel decked out to the hilt in the full XX component group. Uh yeah… I was feeling completely spoiled as I was the first one to take out a brand new tricked-out bike for a little desert testing in Bootleg Canyon.

Every part of the SRAM XX group has been engineered from the ground-up to be lightweight, ergonomic, accurate and supremely adjustable. Just walking through the barrel adjustments on the Avid XX brakes was amazing in an of itself, but that was just the start.

Here’s the guts of the full XX group on the Trek Top Fuel:

• Truvativ XX carbon fiber crankset
• Avid XX disc brakes
• SRAM XX trigger shifters
• SRAM XX front derailleur
• SRAM XX rear derailleur
• SRAM XX cassette – 11/36
• Rockshox SID XX World Cup with XLOC

After a quick walk-thru on the function and adjustability of everything, we set out on the trails for a quick loop. The shifting accuracy was unlike anything I’ve used to date. Upshifts and downshifts were instant and accurate–even under load. The front shifting is lightning-fast due to the dedicated 2-stage derailleur and chainrings that only need to shift up or down–not both.

The 2×10 drivetrain does wonders for the chainline and eliminates unnecessary gear overhead. With a traditional 3×9 drivetrain, there are a ton of overlapping gear ratios that go unused and the big/big or small/small combo always results in chain rubbing.

Aside from the instant shifting, the entire package was so comfortable with more adjustability than any other group on the market. I’ve ridden X0, X9 and Shimano XT and XTR this Summer and the XX group blows them all away in every respect.

It was only a quick 30-minute loop, but no matter how hard I pushed or how awkwardly I tried to shift, everything performed flawlessly and felt super-smooth.

The Bottom Line: SRAM XX Component Group

Hopefully I’ll get more saddle-time on the XX group by next Summer and I can bring you more insights on performance, durability and ergonomics. For now, trust me… the XX group will have you wondering why we even have triple chainrings at all. If this is a sign of things to come, I sure hope traditional 3×9 drivetrains quickly go the way of the Dodo.

Buy Now: Search for SRAM XX Components

Billed as a long-legged XC bike that’s built burly enough to handle all-day adventure, yet still capable on the race course, the full-carbon frameset is superlight (4.7 lbs.) and downright sexy. Yeti knows how to build dialed-in single-pivot mountain bikes and the new ASR 5 C is no exception.

Yeti ASR 5 C Specs

The test bike was built-up with a solid parts spec including:

• 130mm rear wheel travel via Fox Float RP23
• 120mm Fox F-Series RLC 15qr fork (120-140mm fork recommended)
• Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain
• DT Swiss XR400 wheelset
• Thompson cockpit
• Convertible rear dropout from 9mm to 12 x 142mm
• Weight: 4.7 lbs (carbon) or 5.5 lbs (aluminum/carbon)

Yeti ASR 5 Carbon Quick Review

The ascent out of the mayhem of the demo booths was met with a responsive and fast climber. This bike shows its XC lineage in its efficiency and quick handling. One onto the twisty, rocky singletrack of Bootleg Canyon, the bike continued to shine. Right at home with narrow desert ribbons winding through unforgiving rocks and “no fall zones”, the ASR 5 C took me up West Leg Trail without so much as a flinch. The rear wheel stayed firmly planted in the desert sand and rocks and propelled me with ease. Quick, steep ascents were no match for this bike.

When the trails turned downhill and the real fun began, this bike felt absolutely solid under pressure. I enjoyed railing it down the swoopy singletrack and dropping small ledges along the way. While the suspension is very compliant and can take some abuse, I still felt like I needed to be careful which line I chose to take. It’s not the kind of bike that can take the burliest line without so much as breaking a sweat–you’ve still got to finesse it down the rough stuff.

Overall, I felt completely balanced on the ASR 5 C and look forward to bringing it in for a long-term review in the Spring.

Good ASR 5 C

• Love the feel of the carbon fiber frame
• Extremely lightweight
• Travel sweet-spot… not too much, not too little
• Very balanced feel both up and down
• Tracks through winding singletrack with ease
• Loves to be pushed hard
• Efficient climber and cross-country trail slayer

Bad ASR 5 C

• Gotta pick your lines through the rough stuff (not really a bad thing though)

The Bottom Line: Yeti ASR 5 C

This bike loves to be pedaled hard and fast both uphill and down. I really dig the balanced feel of this bike and its ability to ascend up virtually anything yet still give you enough confidence to tackle rough terrain.

Buy Now: Search for Yeti Bikes

With all that R&D and careful manufacturing, the resulting treads look solid and are sure to be even more versatile than ever. On top of all the changes, WTB was also able to cut prices across the board for 2010. Innovation and lower prices… cha-ching!

WTB Weirwolf – Changes for 2010

The changes to the 2010 WTB Weirwolf tire line are easy to spot. The tiered side knobs, dual-compounds and narrower gap between the crown and side knobs are just the beginning. Here are a few more details:

• Available widths: 2.1 or 2.3
• Tubeless Options: UST or WTB’s Tubeless Compatible System (TCS)
• 60 tpi casing to resist cuts and scrapes
• Reduced gap between crown and side knobs
• Weight: Approx 800g (2.3)
• MSRP: $60
• Availability: I’m told this Fall

Buy Now: Search for WTB Tires

This year (as with all years), I had a long list of bikes I wanted to ride and people I needed to connect with. As it turned out, I was able to chat with many brands and ride seven bikes. I’ll be posting quick reviews of these bikes in the coming weeks, so hang tight for more info.

Bike 1: Trek Top Fuel 9.8

The rocket on wheels… this bike is fast and furious, but was topped out by some of the burly terrain in Bootleg Canyon. Read my Trek Top Fuel 9.8 review…

Bike 2: Gary Fisher Rumblefish 29er

Not the first to the top, but big hoops make for excellent traction and fun times going down. Read my Gary Fisher Rumblefish review…

Bike 3: Trek Top Fuel 9.9 Custom (SRAM XX Test Bike)

Whoa… riding the new SRAM XX drivetrain and components is a whole new ballgame. Best shifting ever! Oh yeah, the test steed was oh-so-fast! Read my SRAM XX review…

Bike 4: Intense Spider 2

A predictable trailbike with Intense’s typical quality and American craftsmanship.

Bike 5: Scott Scale 29er

A budget-friendly 29er hardtail. Great entry into the 29er market for Scott USA. Read my Scott Scale 29er review…

Bike 6: Yeti ASR 5c

Fast and fun… this bike climbs like a goat and has just enough travel to tackle gnarly terrain. Read my Yeti ASR 5c review…

Bike 7: Santa Cruz Tallboy

One of the best 29er full suspension bikes on the market. Look out folks, this one is a winner. Read my Santa Cruz Tallboy review >>

The bike arrived just as I was about to slip out on the Blur LT Carbon, which ended up being perfect timing. A quick pedal change and shock adjustments and I was out on the trails of Bootleg Canyon.

Santa Cruz Tallboy Spec

This test bike was built up with an excellent trail-worthy parts spec (essentially the SPX kit):

• Fox F29 RLC 15QR 120mm Fork
• Fox RP23 Rear Shock
• Avid Elixir CR brakes
• Shimano XT drivetrain
• Easton Monkey Lite XC carbon riser bars
• Crank Brothers Joplin seatpost
• Mavic TN719disc Rims, Chub front hub, DT rear hub
• Kenda Small Block Eight tires

By this time, my legs were spent (this was bike #7 of the day) and I was juiced up on more PowerBar liquid, goo and protein  bites than any human should ever consume in an 8-hour period. But, my legs were easily able to pedal the Tallboy–it felt effortless. This bike is a surprisingly-sprightly climber with oodles of efficiency and trail feel.

I was able to ascend up some technical terrain on West Leg Trail without so much as a flinch from this bike. It simply powered through any obstacle I encountered and asked for more. The rear wheel hooked up extremely well in the loose/rocky terrain of Bootleg Canyon. Front-end wander was pretty much non-existent as the balance of this bike is completely dialed for trail riding. Only on the fire road climbs did I notice the rear end bobbing a bit more than I’d like. However, with a quick flip of the Propedal lever on the Fox RP23 had me pedaling uphill with the best of them.

At speed on the downhills, the Tallboy continued to shine. This bike feels like a great trailbike–it just happens to have 29-inch wheels. It inspired confidence and was a ton of fun on drops, rock gardens and even on the small bridges, ramps and the lone teeter totter.

Apparently I was having a bit too much fun because after I dropped the skinny to flat, my rear tire suffered a pinch-flat. Luckily I was right at the mountain bike patrol tent with a new tube in hand–thank you very much!

I was able to rally down the rest of the trail with a huge smile on my face as I railed corners and plowed through rocky terrain. This bike, my friends… is for real.

Good Tallboy

• It just feels fast
• Comfortable geometry
• Smart looks
• Smooth climber with excellent hook-up
• Excellent descender with the ability to snake through both tight/technical and open/flowy trails
• Good weight (guessing 28 lbs.)

Bad Tallboy

• Without Propedal engaged on the Fox RP23, rear suspension bobs a bit much on extended climbs
• Tires were undermatched (Kenda Small Block Eight)
• Not yet available to the public

Bottom Line: Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er

This bike was the most fun of the 7 bikes ridden at this year’s Interbike Outdoor Demo. I’m hoping to get onboard one in the Spring for a full-on flog-fest, but trust me… this bike is a keeper.

Buy Now: Search for Santa Cruz Bikes

Here’s the word from Brian Lopes after racing in “The Enduro MTB Trophy of Nations” race in Vars, France this past weekend:

The Enduro race was a lot harder than I expected. The toll it took on everything: wheels, tires, brakes, suspension, the body, and of course the frame were beyond what I imagined. The new “HD” Ibis never missed a beat. For only getting the frame one week ago & with only one ride on it before packing it up for this race, it couldn’t have gone through any more of a test than the abusive one I gave it here in France. With 10 demanding races, 3 of which ended with flat tires, the French won all but one race (which I won!). It was hard to beat them on a course they knew better than all the rest, basically they were on their home track at times, where knowing the course saved them time.

It’s hard to believe that this bike isn’t much heavier than the standard mojo, as it was eating up courses that were worthy of full-on DH rigs. The added travel, stiffness, clearance for larger tires and a 8″ rotor allow you to take on the toughest terrain you can throw at it, but it’s still efficient and light enough to pedal up any hill. Another weapon is added to the ibis line up…

Both the HD and my current Mojo look stunning dressed in the new CrankBrothers Iodine wheels eh?

2010 Ibis Mojo “HD” Prototype Specs

• Price and availability TBD (I hope to hop on one at Interbike)
• 160mm of rear wheel travel.
• DW Link Suspension
• 26″ Wheels
• Target weight for the frame and shock: 6.2-6.5 lbs. (we’re not there yet but are fine-tuning the layup)
• 67 degree head angle with a 160mm fork (Brian was running a 170mm fork this weekend, you can also run a 180mm)
• Chain stay length: 17.125″
• Top tube lengths are the same as regular Mojos
• 12 x 135mm RockShox Maxle rear axle
• Post mount magnesium left dropout, carbon right dropout
• Head Tube: Tapered steerer (1-1/8 to 1.5) or standard 1-1/8
• Tire Clearance: Up to 2.5 (depending on knobbies)
• Dual row angular contact bearings in the front of the lower link that have less play than standard sealed bearings. Preload adjustment is not necessary. Large 28mm x 15mm x 7mm radial bearings in the rear for stiffness and long wear.
• The leverage ratio, like the Mojo and Mojo SL is designed for air shocks. The Mojo HD comes with a 8.5″ x 2.5″ Fox RP23. A DHX air will work on all but the small size. A coil shock is not offered because the linkage rates weren’t designed for it. We lowered the top tube to get slightly better standover than the regular mojo while having a higher BB because of the longer travel (we managed to retain the DHX air compatibility in 3 of the 4 sizes).
• The Bottom Bracket height is 13.8″-14″ depending on tires.
• Chain guide development is well on its way, we’ll announce compatible brands soon. The frame will not have ISCG mounts so it will not be Truvativ Hammerschmidt compatible (what are they thinking!?!?!).
• The HD runs full cable housing. Rear brake and rear derailleur run on the down tube, with hidden swingarm housing for the rear derailleur.
• Front derailleur (if you use one) and adjustable seatpost housing (if you use one) run along the top tube.

More Info: IbisCycles.com

To get what you want, it oftentimes takes a bit of camping out to get onboard a popular new design. Having featured the new Salsa full suspension platform on the El Kaboing earlier this summer, I wanted to get my hands on the 29er version of it, the new 2009 Salsa Big Mama. After a long wait in the shade of the Salsa Cycles tent, the Medium Big Mama finally arrived.

About the Salsa Big Mama 29er

A new bike in the Salsa lineup for 2009, the Big Mama continues in a long line of 29er heritage from Salsa Cycles. With a slew of big-wheeled options, the Big Mama is just that… the Big Mama of the Salsa 29er lineup. Sporting a custom-drawn Scandium frameset and 100mm of travel, the Big Mama sits right at the sweet spot for XC 29ers.

One of the cool features of the design is the unified single-pivot rear triangle that takes advantage of the flexible characteristics of Scandium. So, instead of placing a pivot on the seatstay, the Scandium flex stays allow for about 8mm of flex to help take the edge off small stuff and provide for a more progressive suspension feel and pedaling platform.

The entire rear triangle was built with lateral stiffness in mind and to top it off, the post-style rear brake mount just adds to the package by eliminating the need for adapters. And, so you can take advantage of the best in 29er tires, there’s ample mud clearance for up to 2.4-inch tires.

More details of the Salsa Big Mama 29er

• Fox RP2 rear shock delivers 100mm travel
• Designed for 100mm fork (501mm axle-to-crown)
• 7 lb. frame weight (18″ with RP2)
• Available in Orange Funk color
• MSRP: $1500

Salsa Big Mama 29er Quick Review

After a long wait to get on the Big Mama, I finally got a hold of the Medium I’d been waiting for. The rider returning it to the tent mentioned that the stem felt a little long. Immediately, a red flag popped up and I nearly bailed on the ride for fear I’d not be able to dial in the cockpit just right.  As it turned out, I remained calm and sped off and up the trail with a determination to tweak things to make it feel right.

It didn’t take more than a few hundred yards to realize that indeed the stem was a little long for a Medium frame. Perhaps that was an intentional spec to keep the front-end down or maybe it was just spec’d wrong. I’d likely suggest a shorter stem (80mm-ish) and a small riser bar to provide enough comfort without turning it into a wheelie machine. In the end, this is always one of the challenges of riding a bike at Interbike… many times the cockpit needs a little more tweaking than can be done, so you just live with it.

OK, onto the trail manners of the Big Mama. The first thing I noticed about the Big Mama was the outstanding climbing traction. The combination of the single-pivot design with Scandium flex stays, the Fox RP2 shock and the venerable Kenda Nevegal 2.2 tires was money. I was climbing up the narrow, rocky and loose trails with ease. I felt confident and stable on the climbs–in spite of feeling a bit stretched out.

This all changed a bit when pointed downhill when the ill-effects of the long-ish stem was most apparent. Some technical sections ended up being walked because I just didn’t have the confidence to push it hard without feeling like I was going over the bars. Potentially a 120mm fork (Fox F29 100mm as spec’d) and a shorter stem could alleviate much of this–not sure what Salsa would say about a 120mm fork though as it may void warranty. Another negative on the downhills was the stiff suspension feel in its initial travel. It does well at absorbing bigger hits, but it didn’t feel very supple over small to medium-sized stuff, thus making for a little rougher downhill than on other bikes. I did appreciate the Fox F29 fork, which was super smooth and tracked straight and true.

This bike feels very XC-ish and would suit a more traditional 29er rider who’s looking for a little bit of squish to take the edge off on long rides, but may be a little tanky compared to others in this category.

Good Big Mama

• Excellent climbing traction
• Outstanding price point ($1500 frame-only)
• Scandium flex stays simplify things
• Lateral stiffness of the rear triangle is solid

Bad Big Mama

• Suspension feels a little too stiff (very XC)
• I couldn’t push it as hard as I’d like due to the uncomfortable cockpit

The Bottom Line on the Salsa Big Mama

This was one of the bikes I really wanted to ride at the demo and I’m glad I did. It’s obvious that Salsa has spent a lot of time developing this new suspension platform. Unfortunately, the cockpit wasn’t conducive to pushing the limits, so I can’t say definitively how well it will perform overall. I can say this… it climbs like a banshee and feels very efficient overall. It’s not going to descend with the prowess of a Niner RIP 9, or be as smooth as the Kona Hei Hei 2-9, but I’m thinking it will suit most XC 29er riders just fine. However, I didn’t get to ride this under the most ideal circumstances, so the jury is still out. Hopefully I can get one for long-term testing in the Spring.

Speedgoat has a complete X.9 Big Mama for $2750–a steal!

More Info: Visit SalsaCycles.com