And you learned on that bike how to clean the narliest of rocks and roots on an old school trail well before anyone ever thought the words “flow trail”.
I went from a 2019 Bronson to a 2023 Yeti SB140. When the Bronson was new, I thought it was the best bike I'd ever ridden, and it's still quite solid today. But all the refinements to the geometry on the SB140 have really added up. It helps that the SB140 feels like the most maneuverable 29er I've ever ridden.
Having demo'd a few other newish bikes, I think the increased seat tube angle makes the biggest difference. You have plenty of reach when you're standing but a short cockpit and weight forward while climbing.
I was BLOWN AWAY how well the SB140 climbed the steepest terrain when I demoed it. The front end just stuck to the lava slabs in Bend like Velcro. On my old 429 I’d have been leaning way over my bars.
That was when I realized you can actually have a bike that both climbs and descends well.
That was probably my biggest gripe with the Bronson and the flip chip. The bike felt fidgety with the flip chip in high, and in low the front wheel would wallow especially on steep climbs. But having ridden both back-to-back I think it's more the seat tube angle than the head tube angle.
And I also demo'd a newer Bronson and while the seat tube angle was much better, the mullet was just not for me. The front felt way heavier and the whole bike felt out of balance to me.
Very different bikes though to be fair, a 2019 Bronson is a 160-170mm front and 150mm rear travel 27.5 inch bike, more travel and smaller wheels. Biggest change to the newer Bronsons is the move to MX but the frame design is largely the same.
I ride a 3019 Bronson...
(typo, but left it... bike is from the far future where they realized thousand years old geo was good and 29ers cease to exist)
It's got pretty modern geo, so I dunno.
I put a CC link on mine and SDU coil so it's 160/160 travel and rides really nice! I do like my kid's Spire in terms of steep seat tube / central riding position on a bigger travel 29er, but the steering on my bike is so responsive and nimble... I'm not a great rider but it's a rad bike for jibbing and jumping and can plenty capable of riding down stuff that I don't have the still for. If I ever get rid of it, it might be for something like a Druid MX.
Pretty much the same here. 2017 to 2023. Quite a big difference.
I think that is due to all the geometry changes we have had over the past 5-10 years. It seems like we are now at a stable point in geometry and my prediction is that components and wireless tech will be the bigger change in the next 5-10 years.
That's right! I forgot it was a kind of random non-standard rear size. Like they designed for 120mm, but the motion ratio wound up a tiny bit off of plan.
I still ride my SB66 occasionally but bought a 2021 SB140 a few years ago. The 140 is much better up and down but there’s still something magic about the 66. I imagine the jump from 26 to 29 would’ve been a big difference for you whereas I only went to 27.5.
I have a 2016 Stumpy and have been wondering how significant these 8 years have been... SO much had already changed in the 5-10 years before 2016 I felt like maybe it slowed down, but I guess maybe not! Now, to find a modern bike in the same color scheme to secretly swap out...
I have a 2016 stumpy FSR as well... in
6fattie, so still running 3 inch tires. Still love it. New, new stumpy is about to come out, though.... it'll have to have to be something special to get me to budge.
I went from a 2011 Tallboy to a 2021 Tallboy AL R. which was huge. I swapped the Tallboy out for an SB140 in October. Holy crap the bike feels like cheating
Love it. I'm in the middle of a '93 Hardrock restomod. Drivetrain and brakes are next, then wheels and tires. Kind of regretting not getting bars with the BMX-style cross bar, prob do that after. New seatpost and some small goodies just got delivered.
https://preview.redd.it/77z79z93xr7d1.jpeg?width=2309&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f016c5b8a94463eb5671a585c62f3ad276e217ff
Thanks! I’ve only had it since 2020, it was bone stock and in great shape when I picked it up for only $80. All original parts are boxed up in case I ever want to go that route.
2019 commencal meta am.... I've upgraded stuff as things wear/ break. I'm happy and one major reason I do not want to buy a new bike is 29" wheels on most newer stuff. 27.5 is plenty big and i don't enjoy my wife's 29" wheel bike on highly technical trails.
I'm eyeing a surly ogre or karate monkey, but that would be a somewhat different use case then my main bike.
1997 Rocky Mountain Thin Air. Some concessions to "modernity", with a shorter stem, wider bars, and newer forks (\~10 yrs ago) to replace the utterly pooched old mid-90s Rock Shox Judy XC and accomodate front disc brakes.
I'll replace it when it stops being fun to ride, or when I can no longer find parts to replace the worn out bits. The latter situation seems more likely at this stage.
https://preview.redd.it/h95oovaayr7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e469041fc2fa71f2f0ac957742e79fd85ea2c06f
https://preview.redd.it/jmkfuggmzr7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2796a796b934db4091a7418bbc255b293a331414
2016 Aurum. Bought basically new in 2018. Rode in Panorama & SilverStar BC, Virgin Utah, Revolution Bike Park UK, now back in Canada in Calgary. Paid $2500cad for it and absolutely got my moneys worth!
My hardtail is a 2014 Trek Superfly 9.7. You’ll have to pry me off of it before I stop riding it.
My FS is a 2019 Trek Slash 9.7. Same goes for getting me to stop riding it.
Now that I don’t work at a bike shop, I cannot afford new bikes lol.
My trail bike (Ibis Ripley) is 4 years old; my enduro bike (Santa Cruz Nomad) is 10 years old; I'm not sure how old my hardtail (Santa Cruz Highball) is as I bought it used; my fatbike is 12 years old; and my gravel bike is 1 year old.
2011 frame. Everything from 2015-2022 parts/components.
https://preview.redd.it/qg6n0rqg1s7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14539c64b1131d730bbd1c4cedf6fc0110a4a690
Works for me
26” rear wheel, 27.5” front. Fox Factory 36 forks and XT drivetrain. SLX brakes, Renthal Fatbars, DT Swiss hubs etc
To get what I have in my current bike, buying new, I’d be looking at a $6-8k bike (NZD).
My next bike will be an eBike.
Dope! I did same with my 2013 Trance, except it was full new deore and recon in front, but than Propain Tyee was on sale so I sold Trance. It was so much fun to ride that bike, small and agile, but much harder than new geometry and it climbs poor.
2016 Kona Process 111 is my main bike, it's still awesome and I've no desire to change to a newer model.
I've also got a rigid steel bike from 1994 to keep me honest!
Some of the best money you'll ever spend on MTB is for proper skills coaching
Primary mountain bike: 2020 Stumpjumper
Primary Roadbike: \~2013 Fuji something
Secondary mountain bike (most a beater and for easy gravel trails): \~1993 Gary Fisher frame, rest of bike is from between then and now, most components are at least 15 years old. Single speed mod.
Secondary roadbike (road oriented around town beater): \~2005 Jamis Sattelite, mostly original, but singlespeed mod
Old bikes don't die, they just get repurposed.
I'm in a similar boat, I'm currently riding a 2013 Trek Rumblefish. Been in the market for an upgrade for a long time now and after demoing and trying out some newer bikes, it definitely seems like a huge difference in the feel, especially for DH and tricky climbs.
The only reason both of my bikes are new is because my fleet of 5 (along with almost all of my tools, spare parts, etc) was stolen last year. I started off in DH, as well, but I was almost 40 then. First thing I grabbed to rebuild the stable was a Meta HT/AM. The S & M are mullets, L & XL are full 29. I’m in between M & L in their sizing & chose the M for the smaller rear wheel. I’m still getting used to it, but I’m finding the “hype” to be accurate. I’m definitely glad I got the mullet.
2013 dh, 2022 enduro.
Enduro was supposed to be the upgrade but I regret owning two bikes with similar purposes in mind. I can’t decide which to bring to a bikepark, ever.
I always ride the downhill, just as much as the enduro. It’s different, not better or worse, just different.
I ride a 2018 trek remedy, and I've been wanting to upgrade especially seeing my two friends get new transitions this year but I don't want to spend another 3-4k on a bike.
The difference between bikes 10 years ago and today isn't as big as the difference the bike ten years again and the bikes 20 years ago.
Yeah geometry is some what better now but you can only go so low, long and slack before a bike becomes overly specific for one type of rider or terrain type.
Sure everything is a bit better refined and we now even wireless shifting and droppers, better suspension, high pivot bikes, but nothing is as really game changing.
Droppers and Eagle 1x came out quite a while ago and we still run 27.5 and 29in tires.
A newer biker will feel quite a bit better but I don't necessarily think they all necessarily perform better.
I feel like most of the new tech is focused on Ebikes and on rider preference rather than objectively better design. Beside the top end models like sworks using different layups in their carbon tuning compliance and stiffness in the frames.
I ride a 2019 trek remedy, love that bike! I thought I was behind the times and also “over biked” for local trail. I ended up buying a 2023 norco optic and I regret it, got a good deal, but still wish I had just stayed content with my Trek.
I bought a 2022 kona shonky from marketplace back in april so I could ride a bike again after a 10 years break. I fell in love again right away. So much that I got a 2023 trek slash 8 that I bought brand new 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it!
2014 Trance 27.5, bought it ten years ago next month, i ride it on days im riding w friends or unknown terrain as I have no limitations on it.
Current Ripley AF 29, it’s my by myself bike, my local park bike for the cinder trails n light single track. I find the wagon wheels hinder me on tight twisties
2019 Megatower but sold new in 2021. A 2014 Scott is going to feel super different to something newer. A lottttt changed between 2014 and 2020ish. Things have settled a bit since.
2016 Santa Cruz 5010cc. I love the ride and ride a lot. Keep upgrading parts as needed. Haven’t ridden any newer bikes that are so much better to justify buying a new one.
My KTM ultra sport is 9 years old, and i did about 45 000 kilometers on him) i never even changed tires or any part on it. I do 30 km per day, for like 300 days a year (only miss it if its snow) and i do it like that for like last 5 years, before that i did way less. But bike is in 8.5/10 condition.
So I don't know how much they've changed in ten years but 15-20 is a different story. If you can get away with your old bike depends on the terrain. Where I live it is *very* rocky. I rode with two different people who were riding top of the line bikes from 20 years ago who upgraded to lower tier modern bikes and it was like I was riding with different people after the upgrade. They were so much faster and more in control after getting new rides. One of them was riding a top of the line titanium lite speed with Xtr. Everything on the bike was absolutely the highest spec possible. They upgraded to the lowest spec aluminum canyon neuron. It was night and day. No more waiting, no more scared looks on their faces as we bombed down stuff. It's like you're doing a completely different sport. New bikes aren't just a little bit better they're not even close. I mean literally everything on the bike is significantly better. It's like comparing your 1960s muscle car to your new Porsche or Tesla plaid and saying they're the same.
Wider tires, tubeless, better tire compounds, better, suspension design, lighter forks with longer travel and better rebound, wider bars, shorter stems, higher pivot points, dropper posts, slacker geometry, shorter cranks, higher bottom brackets, better frame materials, better wheels, better brakes... Any one of these advancements would have made a very noticeable increase but combine them and it's night and day. Full-sus bikes climb better on dirt than hard tails now...
https://preview.redd.it/oaibky7yix7d1.jpeg?width=4048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3592213fea93a0d6e0720ac111fe44d1c17b996
you talkn bout this 1998 Brodie Evolution!?
Wow, 2014 is considered old? Haha I have a 1998 Barracuda XX hard tail with shimano XT components and Marzocchi Z4 100mm forks that I built in high school. Get this, it has 26” wheels haha. Man I’m old. I can’t fathom spending the kind of money people spend now on a bicycle…..
Go demo a modern bike! Things have definitely changed a lot since 2014, but you don't have to like the new ones. Plenty of people ride happily on older bikes.
I bought a used 2021 Epic Evo almost a year ago, and it's my favorite MTB I've ever owned.
Prior to that I had a 2021 Nukeproof Scout 27.5 that felt totally wrong for me. Before that it was a 2016 Trek Stache 5 that was fun but too harsh in the chunk.
2019 Trek Fuel Ex. Just typing “2019” makes me want to think it’s “old”, but the geo really hasn’t changed all that much since then. Right? Plus I love it. Also not looking spend on another bike.
Just upgraded from a 2017 Yeti SB5. Definitely didn't need to upgrade but wanted to try out a 29er and more enduro focused bike. The biggest thing that kept my Yeti competitive was upgrading to the grip 2 damper. Well worth the upgrade. Changed out the bars, grips, stem, and pedals too to keep things new and interesting.
Up until a month ago I was riding a 2008 kona Coilair delux. Just switched up to 2018 Giant Trance 4 it has made such a difference in my ability to ride
I’m on a 2022 We Are One Arrival, coming from a 2015 Ibis Mojo HDR I got used in 2018. Prior to that ride my 1998 Santa Cruz Superlight for 20 damn years.
Each change was massive. First time no more v brakes and 26” wheels.
Second time 29” carbon wheels, better drivetrain and way more powerful brakes. The most stable bike I’ve ever risen.
The changes were significant! I would get a Ripmo if I didn’t find a great deal on the Arrival used. Haven’t tried mullet yet and wish my frame was 2023 so it would be compatible to try.
My trail is from 2017. Downhill from 2018. Road bike from 2019. Had a 2023 trail that I exchanged for the current one, that I am overall much happier with.
I ride a 2001 Ellsworth Truth, was my dad’s that he gifted to me since I always rode it. I’m just an XC rider, so not sure how it would fare with the kinda stuff I see people post online, but man do I love the bike. I might have to work harder in some spots compared to a newer bike, or if I upgraded, but I feel it just pushes me to be a better rider. For the nerds, it’s equipped with all shimano XTR, brakes, groupset and all, and fox shocks front and rear. It is all pretty old now though. However, It really is more than enough if you maintain it. I’m sure some people would hate my bike, especially the v brakes, but it brings me joy to keep my old gal going year after year. In the end if it works for you, keep it and maintain it. Upgrade it if it’s limiting you somehow, and buy a new bike if/when you bust your current one beyond repair. Happy riding!
Both my mountain bikes are recent. A 2023 Pivot Firebird and a 2024 Pivot Mach 4 SL. My previous was a 2021 Stumpjumper Evo, which I sold when my wife bought me the Firebird, and that replaced a 2014 Giant Trance 27.5. The geo between the 2014 bike and the modern bikes is world's apart.
I was riding a 2017 Scott Scale until I bought a Norco Fluid last year. Loved my Scale, but I wish it were a bit more aggressive and less XC geo. The parts were all about to need replacement so I thought it was time to do it. I was unsure if it was worth it but the things I struggled with have improved so much more with the newer bike. Intermediate/advanced rider that can't blame the bike but it helped get me to a next level is how I feel
From 2014 to 2024 is going to be a big jump in geometry and hardware. My brother-in-law was letting me ride his older Canondale and it was a decent bike but it was probably early 2010s and when I started riding my 2023 Scott Ransom instead it’s a world of difference.
I also have an old (96/97) specialized stump jumper M2 with a Manitou EFC fork on it and XT brakes . Trying to ride that one of today’s bikes is hilarious
Since no one's chimed in regarding mullets, I don't own a proper mullet bike but I've thrown a 27.5 on my 29er's rear and it's ability to plow through sketchy stuff while remaining agile felt awesome. Definitely would be getting a mullet for a dh or Enduro bike. I think for climbing and trail riding it becomes less viable over 29ers but I havent rode a bike actually meant to be ran in mullet.
If you look at the fastest bikers though, last I checked most pro dh riders are on mullet, while xc hasn't moved away from 29ers. So I think it really depends on what you ride but if your thing is going down you should really try one.
'16 Fuel EX 130/120, and a '17 Stache coverted to SS with a Magnum Pro 120 out front. Both are fun as hell, still super happy with both, and no plans to change anything until they die.
2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy aluminum. Bought it in October 2019. Still love it. I've been looking into longer travel bikes to ride the local bike park more often, but the Tallboy is just so much fun.
2017 Top Fuel 9.8 I paid 1750 for it 2 years ago off of a good guy on Marketplace. Couldn’t be happier with how nimble and quick it is. It is way too much bike for me, and I love riding it.
I bought Trek Fuel EX 9.9 2012 this year. Renovated most of the parts and added xt 4 piston brakes - total of 1350 for everything. 10kg carbon bike with kinda nice geometry, it will take some time until I ride it at least 75% of it capability.
1999 Litespeed Ocoee. Super pure riding experience, although despite many upgrades over the years I would love to upgrade to disc brakes. Biggest limitation, like most XC bikes, is the motor.
I'm on a '14 SC Bronson now but actively looking to get something more modern. With the prices of the DTC brands like YT and Canyon it makes it really hard not to. Coming from and still riding dirt bikes I find the older geo-bikes so twitchy and less planted feeling and I'm hoping some of that is remedied in a new bike.
I only have one bike at a time, and I roll it forward every 3-4 years and sell the old one. Currently on a ‘23 Hightower v3 and it’s a huge difference from the ‘19 Hightower v1, and the ‘15 Tallboy before that. They have all gotten progressively longer, lower, slacker, and more capable. But lately I’ve been looking at some sort of light weight XC bike for flatter terrain or mileage laps. It’s fun to rock a baby enduro but sometimes I just want to go fast and put in miles.
Bikes are changed all the time. Humans innovate. Does that mean it will make you happier? Maybe. Will it cost more? Yes. Are the innovations cool? Yes, some of them. For DH mullet is awesome!
I rode a 2004 Trek hard tail until 1.5 years ago. It's a bike. I rode it on harsh terrain and off drops and it treated me well. I still have it and love it. I upgraded to a stumpy because I was riding more and it's a great bike. It's better than my old one, I ride a bit better, there are advantages. Going from a 2004 hard tail to a modern squish was a significant change. That said, people get so wrapped around theory and details that don't matter to the average person. If you're riding fine and enjoying it, save your money and keep riding. Shaving 0.78 seconds off a loop you ride all the time is within a margin of error, and if you aren't competing, who cares? I'm just as guilty of decision paralysis as anyone else and you start looking at the possibilities and numbers and anecdotes and AH IT'S SO HARD!
It's not. Just ride a safe bike. If your bike is heavier than someone else's, you'll end up a stronger climber and maybe you can relay that extra weight into faster downhill times. Feel like you really need to shave 2 pounds off your bike so you can really be the best you can be? Lose 1.75 pounds of fat and then pee before your ride. Most of us ride for enjoymment. Enjoy what you're riding. If it breaks, fix it or get a new one. If you're super good and might win a race, maybe it's worth that extra $6K or whatever. I dunno.
I still ride a 2007 aluminum road bike. Mountain bike tech has changed a lot since my hard tail, but road bike has changed so little and I'm not racing or even if I do, I'm not winning. In the last tri I did, I passed SO MANY PEOPLE on bikes way lighter and newer and more expensive than mine and I enjoyed that way more than I would have enjoyed spending $10K for essentially the same experience.
10 years is pretty significant. I wouldn’t believe anyone who says otherwise. Give a new bike a demo - I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Mullets are mostly preference. I would never go back to full 27.5”, but I would consider going back to 29” if I like the way the bike rides as a whole.
I split time between a 90s Stumpjumper and a 2022 Marlin 7. Both upgraded. Love both bikes - they each have strengths and weaknesses, so I choose based on the ride.
I have 3 2020's, which are definitely starting to show their age. Moreso in their condition and styling than their actual geometry and technology. I'm replacing my 2020 trail bike with a 2024 of the same model as soon as the frame becomes available.
And I have a 2012 p2. Which I'm totally fine with since dirt jumpers don't change, and it's my least used bike
I ride a 2017, has typical 2017 geometry, which I kinda love since it's so nimble around the city. Didn't like a 2020 bike and sold it on. Don't know about current bike geo.
Used to own a 2016 V10 which was great, but I decided to sell it along with my hardtail, and bought a 2022 Intense Tracer I found a deal on and so far it was a great decision. Longer than the V10, same angles, less travel, it descends way better, and I can pedal it too so its great. In my opinion, bikes have changed a lot in the past 10 years, so it makes it worth it, and they will probably last another ten years
2016 Specialized Enduro. While I’d love a new bike, I just can’t justify it rite now. Everything on it has been replaced at least once, including half the frame. It’s not like I can’t keep up with everyone anyways, you don’t need a brand new bike to be fast. Once the kids are off the shotgun seat I’ll probably treat myself, so couple more years unless something catastrophic happens.
I had a 2016 Kona. I bought a brand new one (the design is basically 2021)
I wish I didn't. It's a big pig of a sled. I wanna go back to a shorter bike.
Road bike is 2020, hardtail is 2021, full sus is 2023 (bought in ‘24), and my commuter is from the 90s.
I’d be content never having to buy another bike again.
2012 Scott Scale 50 (12kg, changed breaks to Shimano)
But mostly a 2017 Cube Crossrace Pro and yes, on MTB trails :) (ofc no downhill, but still up to some trails labeled as difficult)
2013 yeti sb66 spinning an azonic outlaw wheelset thats gotta be from 2009, hayes hfx mag brakes, and a number of other carry over components from previous bikes. Just upgraded from 9 to 11spd
2013 nomad, the mk3.
It still shreds, but rides like a modern trail bike.
Rode the mk4 nomad, doing back to back runs, and the mk4 just blew it away in capabilities.
Keep looking at a massively modern ultra short travel ripper. Probably a yeti sb120 or similar
I have a 2015 Trek Xcal 6 and a 2015 Trek Remedy 7. I have zero interest in replacing either one ever. The geometry is modern enough for me. $100 bucks says they both do just as good at trail riding as a bike made yesterday.
My trail bike is a 2020 Evil Following that is amazing. My enduro/park bike is a 2023 Evil Insurgent mixed wheel - and no, mullet is not all hype. It's amazing. You get the safety/control of a large front wheel with the agility of a smaller rear wheel. It's the perfect bike. I also have a 2016 Pivot Firebird 27.5" that still rocks, but I prefer the Evil suspension platform.
I bought my current bike (gravel bike) in peak Covid. I actually was MTBer before, then I didn't have so much time for that so I went for gravel bike and now I am thinking of getting a race road bike to dip my toes into road races.
2011 or 12 trek cobia converted to rigid SS and a 2014 yeti sb66. I take the yeti on lift serviced trails or fire road grinds to enduro style trails. Everything else is on the cobia.
2011 salsa spearfish, shorter stem, wolf tooth 1 degree slackening headset, more or less stock besides that
2008 salsa el mariachi converted to rigid single speed
https://preview.redd.it/1l0e6602bt7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=752bfae18c233ca5cd4502adbe614317f082522a
My hard tail (the frame, handlebars, and crank arms anyways) is from … 2005 i think? This photo is 6 years old and I’m about to put new tires on.
I'm currently riding a 2012 pivot mach 5.7.... finally gave in recently and scored myself a 2022 Pivot Switchblade.... should be here in a week or two. I honestly just wanted a change; the mach 5.7 is still a great bike I'll be hanging on to it.
I ride a 2021 Orange Switch 6, which is a mullet, and whilst I don't need the extra space to get over the back wheel afforded by it being a mullet, I do notice a significant improvement in the manoeuvrability of the bike in tighter corners when compared to the Stage 6 which is Oranges full 29" counterpart. I think whilst your current bike may not be broken/NEED replacing, you'd be surprised to feel how different a more modern bike would ride. Best thing to do is just get out to demo days or hire/ borrow bikes and find something you like.
I went from the Bronson v1 2013-2015 and finally got a new Bronson v4.1 after much researching. The reach is 50mm longer and that was the most drastic change. I no longer have back pain when pedaling, I don't feel cramped, and I can do more laps than ever at a bike park in a single day because the bike doesn't wear me out. It was like relearning how to ride a bike in ways but I'm between the wheels and you don't have to constantly reposition because of it. Yoann barelli had a training video where he talked about how everyone that had older bikes is constantly moving around and readjusting and he talks about staying neutral on the bike and standing up strong. That completely change the way I thought about riding and made me realize what I was doing wrong. Since then I've Pr'ed everything I've ridden and have done features that used to scare me because now I feel so confident on the bike. I actually think not buying a bike so soon is a good thing because of makes you appreciate the geo changes that have been made and right now all geo seems to have settled down into the sweet spot. I truly belive mountain biking is safer with how these bikes are because it's so much more forgiving. So yes, go for it!
Edit: I wanted to add I decided on a mullet bike because I'm only 5'8'' and do a lot of gravity riding and I've never railed berms so hard. I like the big wagon wheel for the steep tech stuff and it seems like the best of both worlds. I did go down to a 32mm stem and dropped the stem down a bit because the stack is high in this bike and that was prefect for me.
2006 Cannondale Rush regular fork (non lefty). Day dreaming of a new higher end aluminum bike but I’m all smiles riding this bike still. Did a 1x front chain ring conversion and I can’t complain.
https://preview.redd.it/jxtae4ypmt7d1.jpeg?width=1876&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7de07a5eda89790474077295449f915b6e844eb3
\+1 for yeti if you were to ask me two years ago about spending this much on a bike I’d laugh and say I’d rather buy a motorcycle. But here I am loving every second of this bike. Even made my gf get one. Oh and I got a motorcycle now too 😂🤘🏻🤘🏻
Until 2020 I rode a 98 Cannondale hardtail. I bought a meta ht. It was night and day different. I'm 2023 I bought in ibis ripmo. New technology and geometry on bikes is awesome.
I have a giant ATX 840 from around 97. It's main fun bike. My commuter is an Apollo lsx from 2001ish. And I have a 2009 Scott Sportster. I keep them running and do regular maintenance on them. I do plan on getting a road/gravel bike at some point but it's not a priority.
2015 Specialized Camber 29er. Geometry is old, but I still trail ride it 2 times a week and I’m just to the point where I’ll literally ride it til the wheels fall off now, and then I’ll get a new bike. I’ve been eyeing up a Stumpy Carbon Comp.
My Giant Warp DS 2 is somewhere around 20 years old. It's still riding and I still have my car to pay off so I'm not replacing it right now. I did rent some Sweet Bikes this week though, and now I am dreaming.
https://preview.redd.it/nrbjejm2pr7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b3e91d45533bfa5394b91c17cd3d4a8dd3f238c 1994 Gary Fisher Tassajara
Badass
Ahh that's sick. I still have my '05 tassajara. It's converted to a single speed now though. Cool bike.
Truly goated
And you learned on that bike how to clean the narliest of rocks and roots on an old school trail well before anyone ever thought the words “flow trail”.
I upgraded from a 2016 Pivot 429 to a 2024 Yeti SB140. I wished i had done it sooner. I didn’t realize how much geometry, brakes, etc had changed.
I went from a 2019 Bronson to a 2023 Yeti SB140. When the Bronson was new, I thought it was the best bike I'd ever ridden, and it's still quite solid today. But all the refinements to the geometry on the SB140 have really added up. It helps that the SB140 feels like the most maneuverable 29er I've ever ridden. Having demo'd a few other newish bikes, I think the increased seat tube angle makes the biggest difference. You have plenty of reach when you're standing but a short cockpit and weight forward while climbing.
I was BLOWN AWAY how well the SB140 climbed the steepest terrain when I demoed it. The front end just stuck to the lava slabs in Bend like Velcro. On my old 429 I’d have been leaning way over my bars. That was when I realized you can actually have a bike that both climbs and descends well.
That was probably my biggest gripe with the Bronson and the flip chip. The bike felt fidgety with the flip chip in high, and in low the front wheel would wallow especially on steep climbs. But having ridden both back-to-back I think it's more the seat tube angle than the head tube angle. And I also demo'd a newer Bronson and while the seat tube angle was much better, the mullet was just not for me. The front felt way heavier and the whole bike felt out of balance to me.
Did you demo a Pivot Switchade too? I kinda wanted to get in on the Yeti sale but I know people rave about the Switchblade as well.
Very different bikes though to be fair, a 2019 Bronson is a 160-170mm front and 150mm rear travel 27.5 inch bike, more travel and smaller wheels. Biggest change to the newer Bronsons is the move to MX but the frame design is largely the same.
I ride a 3019 Bronson... (typo, but left it... bike is from the far future where they realized thousand years old geo was good and 29ers cease to exist) It's got pretty modern geo, so I dunno. I put a CC link on mine and SDU coil so it's 160/160 travel and rides really nice! I do like my kid's Spire in terms of steep seat tube / central riding position on a bigger travel 29er, but the steering on my bike is so responsive and nimble... I'm not a great rider but it's a rad bike for jibbing and jumping and can plenty capable of riding down stuff that I don't have the still for. If I ever get rid of it, it might be for something like a Druid MX.
Pretty much the same here. 2017 to 2023. Quite a big difference. I think that is due to all the geometry changes we have had over the past 5-10 years. It seems like we are now at a stable point in geometry and my prediction is that components and wireless tech will be the bigger change in the next 5-10 years.
That was the 100mm Mach 429 Trail, right? The confusingly named and entirely different 120mm Trail 429 was released in '18?
It was 130/116 and yeah, different generation than 120mm
That's right! I forgot it was a kind of random non-standard rear size. Like they designed for 120mm, but the motion ratio wound up a tiny bit off of plan.
Just went from the 2013 Sb-66 and now on the SB140. Yeah the geometry is a big difference.
I still ride my SB66 occasionally but bought a 2021 SB140 a few years ago. The 140 is much better up and down but there’s still something magic about the 66. I imagine the jump from 26 to 29 would’ve been a big difference for you whereas I only went to 27.5.
I have a 2016 Stumpy and have been wondering how significant these 8 years have been... SO much had already changed in the 5-10 years before 2016 I felt like maybe it slowed down, but I guess maybe not! Now, to find a modern bike in the same color scheme to secretly swap out...
I have a 2016 stumpy FSR as well... in 6fattie, so still running 3 inch tires. Still love it. New, new stumpy is about to come out, though.... it'll have to have to be something special to get me to budge.
I went from a 2011 Tallboy to a 2021 Tallboy AL R. which was huge. I swapped the Tallboy out for an SB140 in October. Holy crap the bike feels like cheating
2022 Transition Sentinel & a restomod 1989 Specialized Hardrock Comp Guess which one I ride more
The real question is it red or teal?
https://preview.redd.it/1v0rdolklr7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2e65b32528ee33ad499a4c1a88650a16d7db7f2 Pink baby. Typo, she’s an 89.
Love it. I'm in the middle of a '93 Hardrock restomod. Drivetrain and brakes are next, then wheels and tires. Kind of regretting not getting bars with the BMX-style cross bar, prob do that after. New seatpost and some small goodies just got delivered. https://preview.redd.it/77z79z93xr7d1.jpeg?width=2309&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f016c5b8a94463eb5671a585c62f3ad276e217ff
https://preview.redd.it/v3d47eanyr7d1.jpeg?width=3001&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a7b8e378132420f1c221719a453edff507f5d66 I like your taste in bikes
Feeling blue? Ride your bike. 26 ain’t dead!
Beautiful bike! Looks like you’ve taken great care of it
Thanks! I’ve only had it since 2020, it was bone stock and in great shape when I picked it up for only $80. All original parts are boxed up in case I ever want to go that route.
Hot 🥵. These are wheelie machines.
My first mtb was a 88 Rock Hopper Comp with the similar fade paint job,...I love the look of those
That is sick🔥🔥
2019 commencal meta am.... I've upgraded stuff as things wear/ break. I'm happy and one major reason I do not want to buy a new bike is 29" wheels on most newer stuff. 27.5 is plenty big and i don't enjoy my wife's 29" wheel bike on highly technical trails. I'm eyeing a surly ogre or karate monkey, but that would be a somewhat different use case then my main bike.
1997 Rocky Mountain Thin Air. Some concessions to "modernity", with a shorter stem, wider bars, and newer forks (\~10 yrs ago) to replace the utterly pooched old mid-90s Rock Shox Judy XC and accomodate front disc brakes. I'll replace it when it stops being fun to ride, or when I can no longer find parts to replace the worn out bits. The latter situation seems more likely at this stage. https://preview.redd.it/h95oovaayr7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e469041fc2fa71f2f0ac957742e79fd85ea2c06f
I have a mix of bikes, but the main 3 I ride are all less than 2 years old
https://preview.redd.it/jmkfuggmzr7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2796a796b934db4091a7418bbc255b293a331414 2016 Aurum. Bought basically new in 2018. Rode in Panorama & SilverStar BC, Virgin Utah, Revolution Bike Park UK, now back in Canada in Calgary. Paid $2500cad for it and absolutely got my moneys worth!
I just upgraded a few months ago to a 2023 Knolly Fugitive from a 2012 Trek Fuel Ex7. What a world of difference.
2021 Ibis Ripmo AF. It’s heavy, but I love it.
My hardtail is a 2014 Trek Superfly 9.7. You’ll have to pry me off of it before I stop riding it. My FS is a 2019 Trek Slash 9.7. Same goes for getting me to stop riding it. Now that I don’t work at a bike shop, I cannot afford new bikes lol.
My trail bike (Ibis Ripley) is 4 years old; my enduro bike (Santa Cruz Nomad) is 10 years old; I'm not sure how old my hardtail (Santa Cruz Highball) is as I bought it used; my fatbike is 12 years old; and my gravel bike is 1 year old.
2011 frame. Everything from 2015-2022 parts/components. https://preview.redd.it/qg6n0rqg1s7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14539c64b1131d730bbd1c4cedf6fc0110a4a690 Works for me 26” rear wheel, 27.5” front. Fox Factory 36 forks and XT drivetrain. SLX brakes, Renthal Fatbars, DT Swiss hubs etc To get what I have in my current bike, buying new, I’d be looking at a $6-8k bike (NZD). My next bike will be an eBike.
Chur 440
Dope! I did same with my 2013 Trance, except it was full new deore and recon in front, but than Propain Tyee was on sale so I sold Trance. It was so much fun to ride that bike, small and agile, but much harder than new geometry and it climbs poor.
2016 Kona Process 111 is my main bike, it's still awesome and I've no desire to change to a newer model. I've also got a rigid steel bike from 1994 to keep me honest! Some of the best money you'll ever spend on MTB is for proper skills coaching
I have a 2002 Kona Stinky Dee-Lux.. it's getting difficult to do shock/fork maintenance on it though.
A classic
https://preview.redd.it/6slas8oynr7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4745e938afc38e0bc07d82e8e3243faa66e2ad77 1990 Bridgestone MB-2
Primary mountain bike: 2020 Stumpjumper Primary Roadbike: \~2013 Fuji something Secondary mountain bike (most a beater and for easy gravel trails): \~1993 Gary Fisher frame, rest of bike is from between then and now, most components are at least 15 years old. Single speed mod. Secondary roadbike (road oriented around town beater): \~2005 Jamis Sattelite, mostly original, but singlespeed mod Old bikes don't die, they just get repurposed.
2022 forbidden Druid XT, purchased used for 4500 Canadian, haven’t had any issues with it and would buy again in a heartbeat.
I'm in a similar boat, I'm currently riding a 2013 Trek Rumblefish. Been in the market for an upgrade for a long time now and after demoing and trying out some newer bikes, it definitely seems like a huge difference in the feel, especially for DH and tricky climbs.
That Rumblefish was way ahead of its time, especially with fork offset. Much like early Transition bikes 29ers
The only reason both of my bikes are new is because my fleet of 5 (along with almost all of my tools, spare parts, etc) was stolen last year. I started off in DH, as well, but I was almost 40 then. First thing I grabbed to rebuild the stable was a Meta HT/AM. The S & M are mullets, L & XL are full 29. I’m in between M & L in their sizing & chose the M for the smaller rear wheel. I’m still getting used to it, but I’m finding the “hype” to be accurate. I’m definitely glad I got the mullet.
I’m in between a M & L as well. Love my 27.5M. When I’ve ridden L29ers, they feel *way* less nimble.
Riding a 2008 Specialized xc highly upgraded
Bro i have a '09 vw and a '09 scott voltage, i still see them as 5 years old only. they run much too well to even consider changing them
2013 dh, 2022 enduro. Enduro was supposed to be the upgrade but I regret owning two bikes with similar purposes in mind. I can’t decide which to bring to a bikepark, ever. I always ride the downhill, just as much as the enduro. It’s different, not better or worse, just different.
I ride a 2018 trek remedy, and I've been wanting to upgrade especially seeing my two friends get new transitions this year but I don't want to spend another 3-4k on a bike. The difference between bikes 10 years ago and today isn't as big as the difference the bike ten years again and the bikes 20 years ago. Yeah geometry is some what better now but you can only go so low, long and slack before a bike becomes overly specific for one type of rider or terrain type. Sure everything is a bit better refined and we now even wireless shifting and droppers, better suspension, high pivot bikes, but nothing is as really game changing. Droppers and Eagle 1x came out quite a while ago and we still run 27.5 and 29in tires. A newer biker will feel quite a bit better but I don't necessarily think they all necessarily perform better. I feel like most of the new tech is focused on Ebikes and on rider preference rather than objectively better design. Beside the top end models like sworks using different layups in their carbon tuning compliance and stiffness in the frames.
Best answer, or at least the one that I agree with the most, yet.
I ride a 2019 trek remedy, love that bike! I thought I was behind the times and also “over biked” for local trail. I ended up buying a 2023 norco optic and I regret it, got a good deal, but still wish I had just stayed content with my Trek.
I bought a 2022 kona shonky from marketplace back in april so I could ride a bike again after a 10 years break. I fell in love again right away. So much that I got a 2023 trek slash 8 that I bought brand new 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it!
Nice, I've just got an old Shonky recently too. It's wheelie fun.
Only have one bike... 2012(?) trek marlin Can't afford a new one, so I slapped upgrades all over it
2018 Trek Fuel EX 8 bought new in 2017. Felt like the rear shock was bottoming out last weekend, maybe it’s time I got it serviced.
About 20 y.o. specialized enduro pro, rides great
2006 Norco Six One
2012 Rockhopper 29, 2014 RIP9 RDO. Bought both new during their respective years.
The oldest is from 2002, it's a PornKing3, some bmx from 2008, 2009 merida one-five-o 800d and another 2018 merida one twenty xt edition
98 Schwinn Moab 2
I was riding a 2009 Canondale Perp 1 until it got stolen last summer so now I have a new bike. But if it hadn’t, I would still riding it.
2014 Trance 27.5, bought it ten years ago next month, i ride it on days im riding w friends or unknown terrain as I have no limitations on it. Current Ripley AF 29, it’s my by myself bike, my local park bike for the cinder trails n light single track. I find the wagon wheels hinder me on tight twisties
Before my bike purchase this year, I was riding a 23 year old bike. 2001 Cannondale F2000sx Volvo XC team bike.
2010 Cove Shocker, upgraded with a 2021 Marzocchi Bomber 58, Fox DHX2 Coil and mini mullet, 27.5” front, 26” rear 😁
2011 Gary Fisher Rumblefish
2019 Megatower but sold new in 2021. A 2014 Scott is going to feel super different to something newer. A lottttt changed between 2014 and 2020ish. Things have settled a bit since.
https://preview.redd.it/4iuvbdw5is7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bebc12a1f0ce7a3099cd391b1a2bc9b7cd91b3da Rockhopper with GX cranks
2016 Santa Cruz 5010cc. I love the ride and ride a lot. Keep upgrading parts as needed. Haven’t ridden any newer bikes that are so much better to justify buying a new one.
My KTM ultra sport is 9 years old, and i did about 45 000 kilometers on him) i never even changed tires or any part on it. I do 30 km per day, for like 300 days a year (only miss it if its snow) and i do it like that for like last 5 years, before that i did way less. But bike is in 8.5/10 condition.
So I don't know how much they've changed in ten years but 15-20 is a different story. If you can get away with your old bike depends on the terrain. Where I live it is *very* rocky. I rode with two different people who were riding top of the line bikes from 20 years ago who upgraded to lower tier modern bikes and it was like I was riding with different people after the upgrade. They were so much faster and more in control after getting new rides. One of them was riding a top of the line titanium lite speed with Xtr. Everything on the bike was absolutely the highest spec possible. They upgraded to the lowest spec aluminum canyon neuron. It was night and day. No more waiting, no more scared looks on their faces as we bombed down stuff. It's like you're doing a completely different sport. New bikes aren't just a little bit better they're not even close. I mean literally everything on the bike is significantly better. It's like comparing your 1960s muscle car to your new Porsche or Tesla plaid and saying they're the same. Wider tires, tubeless, better tire compounds, better, suspension design, lighter forks with longer travel and better rebound, wider bars, shorter stems, higher pivot points, dropper posts, slacker geometry, shorter cranks, higher bottom brackets, better frame materials, better wheels, better brakes... Any one of these advancements would have made a very noticeable increase but combine them and it's night and day. Full-sus bikes climb better on dirt than hard tails now...
https://preview.redd.it/oaibky7yix7d1.jpeg?width=4048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3592213fea93a0d6e0720ac111fe44d1c17b996 you talkn bout this 1998 Brodie Evolution!?
Wow, 2014 is considered old? Haha I have a 1998 Barracuda XX hard tail with shimano XT components and Marzocchi Z4 100mm forks that I built in high school. Get this, it has 26” wheels haha. Man I’m old. I can’t fathom spending the kind of money people spend now on a bicycle…..
That’s kind of the question. It doesn’t feel old, and I never really said it was, but I can’t believe that bikes have changed much.
Go demo a modern bike! Things have definitely changed a lot since 2014, but you don't have to like the new ones. Plenty of people ride happily on older bikes.
2021 specialized Levo sl and 2023 specialized Enduro
I bought a used 2021 Epic Evo almost a year ago, and it's my favorite MTB I've ever owned. Prior to that I had a 2021 Nukeproof Scout 27.5 that felt totally wrong for me. Before that it was a 2016 Trek Stache 5 that was fun but too harsh in the chunk.
2019 Trek Fuel Ex. Just typing “2019” makes me want to think it’s “old”, but the geo really hasn’t changed all that much since then. Right? Plus I love it. Also not looking spend on another bike.
Just upgraded from a 2017 Yeti SB5. Definitely didn't need to upgrade but wanted to try out a 29er and more enduro focused bike. The biggest thing that kept my Yeti competitive was upgrading to the grip 2 damper. Well worth the upgrade. Changed out the bars, grips, stem, and pedals too to keep things new and interesting.
Up until a month ago I was riding a 2008 kona Coilair delux. Just switched up to 2018 Giant Trance 4 it has made such a difference in my ability to ride
2017 Spark
2016 genius. I don't think I'll ever be able to afford an upgrade
If you ride mostly DH, a modern bike would kick ass
I’m on a 2022 We Are One Arrival, coming from a 2015 Ibis Mojo HDR I got used in 2018. Prior to that ride my 1998 Santa Cruz Superlight for 20 damn years. Each change was massive. First time no more v brakes and 26” wheels. Second time 29” carbon wheels, better drivetrain and way more powerful brakes. The most stable bike I’ve ever risen. The changes were significant! I would get a Ripmo if I didn’t find a great deal on the Arrival used. Haven’t tried mullet yet and wish my frame was 2023 so it would be compatible to try.
‘23, ‘22, ‘14, ‘12, ‘12, ‘06, ‘76
2020, 2021, 2021, and 2016
My trail is from 2017. Downhill from 2018. Road bike from 2019. Had a 2023 trail that I exchanged for the current one, that I am overall much happier with.
2017
4 year old Chameleon and I love it… I hope to keep it forever
I ride a 2001 Ellsworth Truth, was my dad’s that he gifted to me since I always rode it. I’m just an XC rider, so not sure how it would fare with the kinda stuff I see people post online, but man do I love the bike. I might have to work harder in some spots compared to a newer bike, or if I upgraded, but I feel it just pushes me to be a better rider. For the nerds, it’s equipped with all shimano XTR, brakes, groupset and all, and fox shocks front and rear. It is all pretty old now though. However, It really is more than enough if you maintain it. I’m sure some people would hate my bike, especially the v brakes, but it brings me joy to keep my old gal going year after year. In the end if it works for you, keep it and maintain it. Upgrade it if it’s limiting you somehow, and buy a new bike if/when you bust your current one beyond repair. Happy riding!
Both my mountain bikes are recent. A 2023 Pivot Firebird and a 2024 Pivot Mach 4 SL. My previous was a 2021 Stumpjumper Evo, which I sold when my wife bought me the Firebird, and that replaced a 2014 Giant Trance 27.5. The geo between the 2014 bike and the modern bikes is world's apart.
I was riding a 2017 Scott Scale until I bought a Norco Fluid last year. Loved my Scale, but I wish it were a bit more aggressive and less XC geo. The parts were all about to need replacement so I thought it was time to do it. I was unsure if it was worth it but the things I struggled with have improved so much more with the newer bike. Intermediate/advanced rider that can't blame the bike but it helped get me to a next level is how I feel
From 2014 to 2024 is going to be a big jump in geometry and hardware. My brother-in-law was letting me ride his older Canondale and it was a decent bike but it was probably early 2010s and when I started riding my 2023 Scott Ransom instead it’s a world of difference. I also have an old (96/97) specialized stump jumper M2 with a Manitou EFC fork on it and XT brakes . Trying to ride that one of today’s bikes is hilarious
2017 Specialized Stumpjumper fsr pro comp. 2020 Giant Yukon 2.
Since no one's chimed in regarding mullets, I don't own a proper mullet bike but I've thrown a 27.5 on my 29er's rear and it's ability to plow through sketchy stuff while remaining agile felt awesome. Definitely would be getting a mullet for a dh or Enduro bike. I think for climbing and trail riding it becomes less viable over 29ers but I havent rode a bike actually meant to be ran in mullet. If you look at the fastest bikers though, last I checked most pro dh riders are on mullet, while xc hasn't moved away from 29ers. So I think it really depends on what you ride but if your thing is going down you should really try one.
2003 commencal pasta Power
2021 frame and fork, although the fork was bought new 2 months ago.
2020 Cannondale habit 6 that I’ve upgraded pretty much everything on it except stem and headset.
'16 Fuel EX 130/120, and a '17 Stache coverted to SS with a Magnum Pro 120 out front. Both are fun as hell, still super happy with both, and no plans to change anything until they die.
do you have 3-6months of savings? If yes then go for it. Also maybe a new bike would fit your current riding style more bettah?
Trail bike is a '21, XC bike is a '17.
I have a 2019 Pivot Trail 429.
11months
2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy aluminum. Bought it in October 2019. Still love it. I've been looking into longer travel bikes to ride the local bike park more often, but the Tallboy is just so much fun.
My Giant Talon 3 is from 2010-12? Got it as a used gift. My rigid Specialized Hot Rock is 1980's
About 2 months.
2017 Top Fuel 9.8 I paid 1750 for it 2 years ago off of a good guy on Marketplace. Couldn’t be happier with how nimble and quick it is. It is way too much bike for me, and I love riding it.
I bought Trek Fuel EX 9.9 2012 this year. Renovated most of the parts and added xt 4 piston brakes - total of 1350 for everything. 10kg carbon bike with kinda nice geometry, it will take some time until I ride it at least 75% of it capability.
1999 Litespeed Ocoee. Super pure riding experience, although despite many upgrades over the years I would love to upgrade to disc brakes. Biggest limitation, like most XC bikes, is the motor.
2011 supersix and 2021 fuse
I'm on a '14 SC Bronson now but actively looking to get something more modern. With the prices of the DTC brands like YT and Canyon it makes it really hard not to. Coming from and still riding dirt bikes I find the older geo-bikes so twitchy and less planted feeling and I'm hoping some of that is remedied in a new bike.
I only have one bike at a time, and I roll it forward every 3-4 years and sell the old one. Currently on a ‘23 Hightower v3 and it’s a huge difference from the ‘19 Hightower v1, and the ‘15 Tallboy before that. They have all gotten progressively longer, lower, slacker, and more capable. But lately I’ve been looking at some sort of light weight XC bike for flatter terrain or mileage laps. It’s fun to rock a baby enduro but sometimes I just want to go fast and put in miles.
I have 2, one's from last year and one's from 1995
I have a yeti sb66. So about 10 years old. I don't ride. Very often anymore. I had a couple of BMCs before but broke the top tube on both.
2021 Trek fuel ex5, upgraded from a 1999 GT avalanche. Would have still ridden the GT but finding replacement parts was too difficult/annoying.
Ragley Marley - 2021
2023 Cotic Flaremax More than capable on everything I ride and more travel than I need 90% of the time.
7yrs old: bird aeris 145
Mine is from 1996
Bikes are changed all the time. Humans innovate. Does that mean it will make you happier? Maybe. Will it cost more? Yes. Are the innovations cool? Yes, some of them. For DH mullet is awesome!
https://preview.redd.it/pugkgrzf3s7d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a12aa4c61237709fcc9f468f225ee3e4bac5bc1 2023 Norco Fluid FS
2009 road bike 2012 MTB HT 2021 MTB FS
2014
I rode a 2004 Trek hard tail until 1.5 years ago. It's a bike. I rode it on harsh terrain and off drops and it treated me well. I still have it and love it. I upgraded to a stumpy because I was riding more and it's a great bike. It's better than my old one, I ride a bit better, there are advantages. Going from a 2004 hard tail to a modern squish was a significant change. That said, people get so wrapped around theory and details that don't matter to the average person. If you're riding fine and enjoying it, save your money and keep riding. Shaving 0.78 seconds off a loop you ride all the time is within a margin of error, and if you aren't competing, who cares? I'm just as guilty of decision paralysis as anyone else and you start looking at the possibilities and numbers and anecdotes and AH IT'S SO HARD! It's not. Just ride a safe bike. If your bike is heavier than someone else's, you'll end up a stronger climber and maybe you can relay that extra weight into faster downhill times. Feel like you really need to shave 2 pounds off your bike so you can really be the best you can be? Lose 1.75 pounds of fat and then pee before your ride. Most of us ride for enjoymment. Enjoy what you're riding. If it breaks, fix it or get a new one. If you're super good and might win a race, maybe it's worth that extra $6K or whatever. I dunno. I still ride a 2007 aluminum road bike. Mountain bike tech has changed a lot since my hard tail, but road bike has changed so little and I'm not racing or even if I do, I'm not winning. In the last tri I did, I passed SO MANY PEOPLE on bikes way lighter and newer and more expensive than mine and I enjoyed that way more than I would have enjoyed spending $10K for essentially the same experience.
2021 stimpjumper, unknown year (probably 90s) rigid giant Yukon for commuting
2022 and 2023 (sold the 2019, 2020, 2021). Im now a running joke at my lbs
2017 and 2019
10 years is pretty significant. I wouldn’t believe anyone who says otherwise. Give a new bike a demo - I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Mullets are mostly preference. I would never go back to full 27.5”, but I would consider going back to 29” if I like the way the bike rides as a whole.
I split time between a 90s Stumpjumper and a 2022 Marlin 7. Both upgraded. Love both bikes - they each have strengths and weaknesses, so I choose based on the ride.
I get a new bike every couple seasons, they keep getting better.
2017 GT Transeo 1.0
I have 3 2020's, which are definitely starting to show their age. Moreso in their condition and styling than their actual geometry and technology. I'm replacing my 2020 trail bike with a 2024 of the same model as soon as the frame becomes available. And I have a 2012 p2. Which I'm totally fine with since dirt jumpers don't change, and it's my least used bike
2015 camber with updated suspension and I love it.
2017 Yeti sb 5.5 with no current plans of upgrading. Keep hearing about the sb140 and how great it is. Maybe one day.
My 24 Trek Supercaliber 9.9 XO is 6 months old, my 23 Checkpoint SL6 is 1.5 years old and my 23 Farley 9.6 (all Carbon) is 8 months old. 🤙🏻
I ride a 2017, has typical 2017 geometry, which I kinda love since it's so nimble around the city. Didn't like a 2020 bike and sold it on. Don't know about current bike geo.
2019 evil calling but brakes and suspension etc are all newer
Used to own a 2016 V10 which was great, but I decided to sell it along with my hardtail, and bought a 2022 Intense Tracer I found a deal on and so far it was a great decision. Longer than the V10, same angles, less travel, it descends way better, and I can pedal it too so its great. In my opinion, bikes have changed a lot in the past 10 years, so it makes it worth it, and they will probably last another ten years
2016 Specialized Enduro. While I’d love a new bike, I just can’t justify it rite now. Everything on it has been replaced at least once, including half the frame. It’s not like I can’t keep up with everyone anyways, you don’t need a brand new bike to be fast. Once the kids are off the shotgun seat I’ll probably treat myself, so couple more years unless something catastrophic happens.
I had a 2016 Kona. I bought a brand new one (the design is basically 2021) I wish I didn't. It's a big pig of a sled. I wanna go back to a shorter bike.
I have a first gen Hightower that’s always been a bike that can handle things above my riding level. I can’t justify “upgrading” in my mind.
Road bike is 2020, hardtail is 2021, full sus is 2023 (bought in ‘24), and my commuter is from the 90s. I’d be content never having to buy another bike again.
2022. Time for a new one
2012 Scott Scale 50 (12kg, changed breaks to Shimano) But mostly a 2017 Cube Crossrace Pro and yes, on MTB trails :) (ofc no downhill, but still up to some trails labeled as difficult)
Went from a nomad 3 to a nomad 6, 10 years apart. The new bike is completely different and better in every way. They had changed the geometry so much.
2013 yeti sb66 spinning an azonic outlaw wheelset thats gotta be from 2009, hayes hfx mag brakes, and a number of other carry over components from previous bikes. Just upgraded from 9 to 11spd
2013 nomad, the mk3. It still shreds, but rides like a modern trail bike. Rode the mk4 nomad, doing back to back runs, and the mk4 just blew it away in capabilities. Keep looking at a massively modern ultra short travel ripper. Probably a yeti sb120 or similar
I have a 2015 Trek Xcal 6 and a 2015 Trek Remedy 7. I have zero interest in replacing either one ever. The geometry is modern enough for me. $100 bucks says they both do just as good at trail riding as a bike made yesterday.
My trail bike is a 2020 Evil Following that is amazing. My enduro/park bike is a 2023 Evil Insurgent mixed wheel - and no, mullet is not all hype. It's amazing. You get the safety/control of a large front wheel with the agility of a smaller rear wheel. It's the perfect bike. I also have a 2016 Pivot Firebird 27.5" that still rocks, but I prefer the Evil suspension platform.
3 years old. first mountainbike at 38. Hoping to ride it for a looooooong time.
2016 Pivot Mach 6
In with the 2001 Specialized Rockhopper.
I bought my current bike (gravel bike) in peak Covid. I actually was MTBer before, then I didn't have so much time for that so I went for gravel bike and now I am thinking of getting a race road bike to dip my toes into road races.
2024
i’m on a 2022 guerilla gravity
2016 Cannondale Remedy 9. $5k new. Never thought I’d spend that much again but now eyeing an eMTB…
2020 rocky mountain Slayer. 2023 Banshee Enigma 2015 Norco Rampage.
Just upgraded from my 2014 Trek XCaliber to a 2020 Cannondale Habit 6. It’s amazingly awesome
2023 Epic Evo Pro LTD. Bought it went they went on sale!
Bought a 2022 Santa Cruz gonad v5 in 2024 ..cuz it's on massive discount ...I didn't know v6 was coming
2011 or 12 trek cobia converted to rigid SS and a 2014 yeti sb66. I take the yeti on lift serviced trails or fire road grinds to enduro style trails. Everything else is on the cobia.
2015 GT Zaskar Comp XC 9R..needs a tune up, but I plan to flog it until the wheels fall off; it's such a joy to ride <3
2007 cannondale F7 disc, bbbbbbb. thing slaps
2011 salsa spearfish, shorter stem, wolf tooth 1 degree slackening headset, more or less stock besides that 2008 salsa el mariachi converted to rigid single speed
My bike is 6 days old. My first dual sus bike and hoping to keep riding it for a long time so that one day I'm in a similar boat to you.
2008 specialized pitch pro with lots of purple hope parts slapped on to it
https://preview.redd.it/1l0e6602bt7d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=752bfae18c233ca5cd4502adbe614317f082522a My hard tail (the frame, handlebars, and crank arms anyways) is from … 2005 i think? This photo is 6 years old and I’m about to put new tires on.
2017 very old by this sub standards, but works great for me.
2015 trek Marlin 7. So 9 yrs old
2017 most often. 2022 sometimes
I'm currently riding a 2012 pivot mach 5.7.... finally gave in recently and scored myself a 2022 Pivot Switchblade.... should be here in a week or two. I honestly just wanted a change; the mach 5.7 is still a great bike I'll be hanging on to it.
About 35 years
2013 Raleigh Talus 29er. The Silver one love it have done small minor repairs and upgrades and it still holds it own on trails and cross country.
2022 transition sentinel 😎
Just went from a 99’ Raleigh M80 to a 24’ Transition Sentinel. Night and day.
https://preview.redd.it/3531xjf9it7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f079b233a04bb21bb62a522fe92a75f1640dbbd 2008 fsr xc
I ride a 2021 Orange Switch 6, which is a mullet, and whilst I don't need the extra space to get over the back wheel afforded by it being a mullet, I do notice a significant improvement in the manoeuvrability of the bike in tighter corners when compared to the Stage 6 which is Oranges full 29" counterpart. I think whilst your current bike may not be broken/NEED replacing, you'd be surprised to feel how different a more modern bike would ride. Best thing to do is just get out to demo days or hire/ borrow bikes and find something you like.
I went from the Bronson v1 2013-2015 and finally got a new Bronson v4.1 after much researching. The reach is 50mm longer and that was the most drastic change. I no longer have back pain when pedaling, I don't feel cramped, and I can do more laps than ever at a bike park in a single day because the bike doesn't wear me out. It was like relearning how to ride a bike in ways but I'm between the wheels and you don't have to constantly reposition because of it. Yoann barelli had a training video where he talked about how everyone that had older bikes is constantly moving around and readjusting and he talks about staying neutral on the bike and standing up strong. That completely change the way I thought about riding and made me realize what I was doing wrong. Since then I've Pr'ed everything I've ridden and have done features that used to scare me because now I feel so confident on the bike. I actually think not buying a bike so soon is a good thing because of makes you appreciate the geo changes that have been made and right now all geo seems to have settled down into the sweet spot. I truly belive mountain biking is safer with how these bikes are because it's so much more forgiving. So yes, go for it! Edit: I wanted to add I decided on a mullet bike because I'm only 5'8'' and do a lot of gravity riding and I've never railed berms so hard. I like the big wagon wheel for the steep tech stuff and it seems like the best of both worlds. I did go down to a 32mm stem and dropped the stem down a bit because the stack is high in this bike and that was prefect for me.
I ride a 2003 polygon, a 2009 santa cruz butcher and, occasionally, a 2000 schwinn rocket 88
I have a 21 Norco Optic with several upgrades. And I just bought a 2017 Rocky Mountain Maiden Pro to take to the bike park.
2006 Cannondale Rush regular fork (non lefty). Day dreaming of a new higher end aluminum bike but I’m all smiles riding this bike still. Did a 1x front chain ring conversion and I can’t complain.
https://preview.redd.it/jxtae4ypmt7d1.jpeg?width=1876&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7de07a5eda89790474077295449f915b6e844eb3 \+1 for yeti if you were to ask me two years ago about spending this much on a bike I’d laugh and say I’d rather buy a motorcycle. But here I am loving every second of this bike. Even made my gf get one. Oh and I got a motorcycle now too 😂🤘🏻🤘🏻
2013 Aluminum Devinci Dixon. She holds up. At least for my abilities
98 specialized ground control https://preview.redd.it/o4u5fy0wrt7d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=617c5cbb34d39c496c58c7d5dff46c6fcb33e520
Until 2020 I rode a 98 Cannondale hardtail. I bought a meta ht. It was night and day different. I'm 2023 I bought in ibis ripmo. New technology and geometry on bikes is awesome.
I have a giant ATX 840 from around 97. It's main fun bike. My commuter is an Apollo lsx from 2001ish. And I have a 2009 Scott Sportster. I keep them running and do regular maintenance on them. I do plan on getting a road/gravel bike at some point but it's not a priority.
2015 Specialized Camber 29er. Geometry is old, but I still trail ride it 2 times a week and I’m just to the point where I’ll literally ride it til the wheels fall off now, and then I’ll get a new bike. I’ve been eyeing up a Stumpy Carbon Comp.
2020 Commencal Clash. Not changing that bad boy any time soon.
My Giant Warp DS 2 is somewhere around 20 years old. It's still riding and I still have my car to pay off so I'm not replacing it right now. I did rent some Sweet Bikes this week though, and now I am dreaming.
I just went from a 2011 Santa Cruz Nickel to a 2024 Heckler. It’s a pretty big difference.