Yeah, you're not wrong in some cases...If the updates here were to areas that made the last bike a deal breaker, then you're stoked. If you liked the last gen, score a sweet deal and still ride a bad ass bike!!

The global financial system is literally falling apart as we speak, so no matter what market you are in it can be scary to do much of a change if any. Personally I bought a Switchblade brand new in 2022 and it was the same bike in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Seeing minor changes for the upcoming bike actually is a good thing in my mind, because who can really afford to swop bikes in this price range all too often anyhow. The bike industry as any other industry will have to adapt to global finance, and you can still sell parts even if it is in wrapping as well as do bike services. As consumers we have to adapt our way of thinking to all of this, and a little helper of that is simply to think that new doesn't automatically mean better. Industries that have too rapid development can simply mean higher volume of shit products, so even though my own bike really released in 2020 it is still a great bike.

@@a8f235ya this switchblade release is really a very small refresh.

You're welcome and glad you enjoyed it. Most likely you'd remove that .1" reducer as well and would be happy with how it rode!

That'll be $9000 plus tip

It does appear that sold bikes will come with 170mm cranks whereas our media bikes had 175mm. That will help a bit.

Bike will come with 170 they just gave the bikes to the guys that don’t buy anything and just review the longer cranks they had in stock.

We’ve ridden those before and do like the area a lot! Always open for a trip back to AZ!

Thanks for watching. I would stay with a large for me 5'11. I'd say more important is to look at your preferred reach dimension and go with what's closest to that!

Cool, but you can't really compare a bike company with a dealer network with a direct to consumer brand. Where do you go for test rides? How easy is it to get after sales service or a warranty issue sorted?

@@VredesbyrdNoir Canyon, YT and Propain as examples all have US distro centers and have demo days set up fairly often during riding season. Warranty issues are easy to sort with an email or call. They often will reimburse for a LBS to perform repairs if they are necessary. But I do all my own wrenching, so I never need a LBS. Granted it is often a little easier and sometimes quicker to get issues resolved with bike companies that do have a dealer network.

@superawesomefuntimego ah well, no such luck in Australia. It's pretty much mail order only for us.

@@VredesbyrdNoir I see what you're saying, but at the same time idk if it is worth an extra $3300 just to have dealer support/test rides. Maybe $1000

@whatsongisthis5691 I don't think the price difference is that much here. Between my Switchblade Pro X01 and my friend's Commencal Meta TR 29 Signature, it was about 25%. For that extra I got a much lighter carbon frame, arguably better suspension, much better dropper post and saddle, carbon bars and crankset with most of the other components being equivalent.

Well, that’s a tough question! Yes it is better in terms of rear suspension, albeit marginally but it is definitely noticeable! That said, we loved the last gen and still do. If you don’t need to have longer reach, and are fine with an angle set, brunch ride or a last gen on sale is still a very great bike and would definitely be something we would consider given our budget as well.

I'd rather get the previous version at a 40% discount than this one at full retail.

My 2022 version started off at 66 degrees HTA and could only accommodate a -1 degree cup, bringing it down to 65. It works great for me. Looks like this 2024 version starts off at around 65 degrees. Not sure about the 2023. Also not sure if 2023 and 2024 can accomodate -2. I would have loved to try a -2 on my 2022

Another tough question... We really like the last gen, still do! However, it sounds like the two major areas you wished were improved are the two major focuses of this generation... If you said, I love my current bike and wouldn't change a thing about it, then, no, don't upgrade. BUT, it seems that you're looking for exactly what they deliver on this version. ORRRR, just take a really sweet bike trip and ride your current Switchblade somewhere new? haha. Either way, you're winning!

You are guaranteed to be at least 2% faster anytime you upgrade bikes

Have you tried an angle adjust headset on yours? That could be a cheap way to give you a bit more stability.

@@bjornfongern4850No but I am strongly considering it.

We replied to a similar comment with some more thoughts on this topic. Check it out.

@@TheLoamWolf @TheLoamWolf thank you! I enjoy your vids! I want to like this bike but there are several issues for me. It does not use collet style bearing, it is not life time bearings replacement, it is super boost, no storage, the price is premium, no frame set only option, steep head tube, press fit, ... It's just a lot of qualifications for a very expensive bike.

Fair enough! Everyone has their opinions and things that matter to them. For us, this bike absolutely rips and some of the features that may be so important (internal storage for example, or the PressFit BB) are not issues to us. Combined with the ride quality, we find it to be a pretty sick machine. Perfect? No, but we haven't ridden a bike that is! haha.

@@rz893in other words, you like Santa Cruz over Pivot

@@topspot4834 I'm not sure if I like SC (b/c of VPP) the features I listed that pivot is missing (and that SC has) are things almost everyone is looking for and what most bikes are trending towards. I don't think they are that specific. I want to get into pivot but as mentioned they don't do framesets.

Well, certain aspects are different, namely reach, size specific stays and HTA and STA. Those can be very personal, if someone doesn't like a 480mm reach and LOVES the reach of the previous gen, then no it's not better. If they felt the last bike was cramped or too steep, then yes, it got better for them. As far as suspension performance goes, I'd say yes, it's better at delivering traction, conforming to terrain and smoothing out descents. HOWEVER, some folks who are very focused on climbing efficiency may notice some downsides for them...So, ultimately, better is subjective to the end user, but for me, this bike is better in more ways, than it is not.

upgrade when your bike will be worn-out, these bikes are not changing much now

It really is.

My point as well

Switchblade

@@grosmerou Me too!

or 2 entire non-dentist bikes with the same spec

Thanks very much for the kind words and watching. If we may be so bold to poke the bear - if we raved about the new bike then we’d get people saying we’re “pushing new bikes that are barely updated just to help sales”. Yet here, we say that we loved the old bike, it’s still a good bike and presents a great buying opportunity for those who don’t feel like they need a longer reach or HTA change fr last gen, and now we’re helping clear out old inventory as an agenda… We’re not trying to be confrontational or rude, just genuinely asking for feedback on how we can tell people information without appearing to be pushing an agenda or angle? We’re always trying to get better at presenting unbiased and truthful opinions. Drew

@@TheLoamWolf I appreciate the boldness. Keep doing you. I don’t mean to be critical. I’m a pivot fan boy but I guess my comment is meant more broadly at pivot and the state of the industry. If geo and engineering is optimized for each segment, let’s start bringing prices down a bit. Keep up the good work. I don’t mean to spread negativity. Nothing but love. Happy riding.

Thanks Mathew, we appreciate thoughtful and constructive dialogue. Always looking to improve! Thanks for being here. Drew

As much as I love the Neptune blue. Snagged a brunch off Jenson for 4k can’t beat that

It’s always done mullet and 27.5

Didn't know. I thought it was with a 27.5+ rear? - and the Shadowcat did the more normal regular 28/27.5 combo...@@mathewmccabe2658

Switchblade has always been 27.5 compatible.

It is a very nice looking bike for sure! It’s one of those bikes that just does what it’s supposed to do and does it well!! Without any need to be outlandish. And we like that.

But then everyone realizes they are charging 4k for a frame made in the same carbon sweatshops as every other bike lol

I have a 2021 Mach 6 and if I had to pick any bike I could have, I'd still take that bike. Love it (sometimes I just stare) ... BUT I can't say I notice a single difference between boost and superboost. Compatibility isn't much of an inconvenience anymore, but it's enough of a hassle where I'd prefer they get rid of it. Same deal with pressfit, even though their tolerances are tighter than most brands and there's zero creaking, I'd prefer threaded for maintenance and repairability. You're spot on about 165 cranks too. Should come standard, especially on small and extra small offerings.

Agreed, superboost is the VHS!

@@Dougsmithe hahaha 😆. Pretty sure the majority of the bike industry disagrees.

Who needs 175mm cranks? i do, with a 36.5 inch pant inseam! 165 is like trying to pedal a clown bike for taller riders.

@@bryanlatimer7653 that’s great, but you are an outlier. Bike companies try and spec their bikes for a majority of riders, and the majority of riders would benefit from a 165mm crankset on most modern trail bikes.