Performance-wise, I think the Fox 38 is still king of the hill. Compared to the 2023 Zeb, it offers a little more off-the-top sensitivity, mid-travel support, and more room to manoeuvre for those who like fast rebound or a less progressive end-stroke
The Altitude Powerplay is a lot of bike and there’s a lot to like about it. The motor is seamless and quiet and the powertrain’s position gives it an aggressive feel on descents. The geometry is confidence-inspiring on the descents and still agile enough when singletrack is narrow.
I think the Rocky is probably one of the more versatile bikes on our test, and there's not much it can’t do. If you’re the kind of person who wants to downsize their trail or enduro bike, there are probably few bikes more suitable.
More than just another bike that “blurs the lines between categories,” the Rocky Mountain Instinct will let you decide what category it’s in. Not just because of its 18 different personalities, but because the chassis that those personalities all share is ready to go in whatever direction you ask it to.
"This is what winners look like! The Rocky Mountain Altitude Rally Edition is the best enduro bike of 2021. No bike in our test was as versatile yet capable. What makes the Altitude so good and how does the bike outperform the competition?"
"The 2021 Altitude features modern geometry, but sticks to safe middle-ground numbers instead of going ultra-progressive. Rocky Mountain specs their Ride-9 geometry chip at the lower shock mount'
"The Ride Concepts Transition is a beefy, yet well-rounded shoe that offers everything gravity-oriented riders need, and it is our Top Pick for Clipless Gravity Riders."
"While the 38 is a clear winner in this test, I don’t think the Zeb is a bad fork, but rather the 38 is pretty special."
"These days there's no shortage of options when it comes to carbon wheels, but Race Face have hit the mark with the Next R wheelset. They're extremely well thought out, and would be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stiff, strong, and reliable set of wheels."