There are a lot of people out there who think I only like slack bikes. Not true; it's just rare to find an exciting bike with a traditional head angle, but they're out there. This bike is one of them. The bar has been raised. This is the new high-water mark for hardtail trail bikes in my opinion. This one took a LOT of time to film and edit. I realize it's a long video, but if I were in the market I would watch every second of every review I could find about this bike. Yes, I repeat myself a few times in this review, but I see a lot of value in capturing the raw emotions as I'm riding, rather than scripting a perfect narrated review. If I had the budget for this bike, it would get ridden more than any other bike I own. For the record, I have zero affiliation with Spot. I don't make money when you buy one, and I don't benefit from giving them a favorable review. How would you order yours?

I just have to come back and say this review was on the mark! I swapped my Dv9 for this frame and I'm blown away by how fun and capable this bike is. It corners like nobody's business and is so fast and stiff while pedalling - yet, nice and supple for taking out some of the chatter. I'm running it with a 130mm Pike (52 rake), traditional SS (32x18), with 29x2.6 F (Rekon) & R (Ikon) on Ibis S35 wheels. The tires fit fine no matter the dropout position. I actually have the dropouts back a bit to get proper tension and the bike is still just incredibly nimble, yet stable. The only issue I've had is that I had to run a 160mm rotor on the back because the shape of the 4piston SLX brakes makes it so the caliper will contact the frame if not in the forward most dropout position. Amazing bike!

I rode this bike today at Spot in Golden, and started laughing at your initial articulations of the ride characteristics because they were so similar to what I experienced. Well done, and highly accurate.

Thanks for this review Steve. The Spot Rocker looks like a really great bike, and they can ship me one in a matter of weeks. I ordered one last night.

Speaking of trail chatter, your ability to communicate effectively while also riding the trail is impressive.

First ride on my new Rocker today. I'm seriously impressed. Climbs like a dream and I couldn't believe how hard I was able to push it on the descents, once I got the feel for what it's capable of. If your full sus bike is so plush that it's making your trails boring, get a Rocker, re-learn how to pick a line, and hang on.

What a review 🤘🤘🤘. Steve in the last couple reviews you have really showed us that Aluminum, Steel and Carbon frames really depend on how they are designed and not just frame material for the ultimate ride!!! Great job distinguishing the differences between the belt or chain drive!!! Fantastic review as always, 👏 great job!!!

Thanks for making a long enough video to effectively cover all the variations you tested. Really good stuff.

I met Wayne the other day at a local trailhead on my steel rocker! He was the nicest guy and was so stoked to see another Spot owner! Dude rips for 71!

Who gave a thumbs down. One of Steves’s best bike reviews ever. He convinced me to buy one. This will be my 4th bike buy based on his reviews; Timberjack as a 27.5+ singlespeed, Ti RSD Middlechild as a 29 singlespeed, Honzo ESD For pure geared awesomeness.

so this is the basically the crocodile Dundee knife of hardtails ... sweet!

Love this! Nice work Steve. "lose the kashima... who cares" yes!

i've been looking forward to this review since i first saw you picked it up.

What a great review. It was so long I couldn't watch it all on my lunch break! I love that the bike is so great without being so progressive and modern. Although, I could never run SS cause I'm the size of an NBA power forward so I need 12 gears. Sounds like a bike you need to buy. If I loved a bike that much there's no way I could send it back. And please keep these amazing reviews coming. I actually loved this long one. It showed so many trails of different variety. I'm soooo jealous. I just told my wife we need to vacation down there once my kid is a few years older so I can take him riding.

“Belts are lighter than chains” XC Mountain Bikers: I’ll Take YoUr EnTiRe sToCk

Thank you for the excellent review!...confirms I made the right decision getting the Rocker SS 29er. For the flowy single track I ride here in NorCal, blues and greens, it’s the perfect dream bike. Worth every penny for the smiles it gives me every time I ride. Only change I had to make was swapping for wider 2.35 tires.

Awesome review. I suspected this is the one to rule them all. Thank you for your hard work.

Steve, thanks to you I own a Spot mayhem and now just got my new Spot Rocker (geared) a few weeks ago. I absolutely love the new Rocker! It took me a ride or two to get used to it because it is so light. It’s so fun to ride. Hoping to meet up with you at one of your rides in the future. Keep up the great work! I would think it would benefit Spot greatly to gift you a Rocker as it would be a great advertisement for them for a ROI.

Steve, thanks for an amazing review on an amazing bike!! Your passion shows. Keep up the great work.

Glad I found your fantastic channel! I’m in the market , if bike companies will ever stock bikes again.

Great review. I wonder if a beefier 2.4" 29 tire would be the sweet spot to make it an all-rounder?

Your guess about the cogs sizes needing to be larger for belt drive is spot on. The belt design limits how small the rear cog can get at 19t. But then the available belt length, front cog sizes ,and the chain stay lengths make the possible cog/belt combos limited per bike.

5’ 6” checking in - you’ve got me rethinking which size to eventually get when I’m good enough to justify it!

I looked at the geo numbers, regarding why it manuals well, I think the high-ish BB height and decently high stack number

Great review, more in depth and complete than any other source available. It looks like a fun ride and a bike that you would come home from work, fill up a water bottle and just go. Thank you Steve.

Bought a frame. Chain drop due to flex is a problem. Probably why the belt drive is standard. Not the first SS frame I’ve owned to do this. My Ritchey P29 did the same. Supple for sure. Handles tech wonderfully, a true departure from the XC geo I’ve been on for years. It’s far from the fastest accelerating. I’ve owned S work level bikes so my bar is set high. I just came off a Soma B side. The Soma will eat this bikes’(Spot) lunch on Midwest flow. The Spot will climb and tech right past the Soma. I’m not bummed, I bought the Spot for the ride quality and confidence on tech. The geo is definitely amazing! Haven’t put 27.5 on it yet, maybe they will not have the leverage to flex the stays enough to drop a chain. Yes, a tensioner will fix it but… meh. Just telling my experience.

This will go nicely with my 2019 Spot Mayhem130 you talked me into back in the winter of 2018. My wife is going to hate you Steve.. thanks for confirming what I'd would expect from Spot..

The video just looks like you were flying!

I find this interesting vs. the Yeti ARC you rode. The HT angle is the same and the ST angle is ½ a degree slacker on the Spot. The spot has a shorter stack and longer reach. Just trying to rationalize the difference.

I fell in love with this bike from your review, ordered one, have yet to ride it.

Awesome review, thanks! I am very interested in this bike geared with 29 x 2.35 tires for Southern Wisconsin trails. Looks like I have a big decision to make this spring/summer (ARC, Nimble 9, etc.).

Steve your vid on DB's page for the Ryve 115 is what got me going w/ spot brand. btw, the Ryve is the best DC/XC bike i've been on so far.. so thanks for that. this bike looks sick too!

Can’t wait for mine to come in. Ordered it last week.

I just got my bike (while visiting Ocala Florida) and really love it on the flowy trails at Santos. Super fast! I must admit, that I find getting the front end up for manuals and wheelies is much harder than with my Rocky Thunderbolt- better get out and work on it a bit more as you have no troubles with that in this review. Thanks very much,

I took a demo SS Rocker on a trail I ride a lot here in the Denver area and answered a phone call while on the climb and still PRd nearly every segment I rode while chatting with my friend. I really want one of these. I'd set it up SS, with an 2.3 Aggressor in back and a 2.4 DHRii in the front, big brakes and rotors, because, Colorado, and I'd probably put a chain on it to get the ratio I like. So, mine would be chonky compared to your setup but It would still be a couple of pounds lighter than my current setup.

Very good content. You deserve more subscribers.

I wanted one of these before seeing the review, now I really want one. If I could just have one more bike...

I thinking about ordering one. Already reached out to them by email. They should at least give you a free frame. Honestly! You seem super passionate and honest. I don’t think it would corrupt what you’re doing. I would have never considered this if it wasn’t that I started following you. Still might hit you on Patreon for advice on size.

Exciting bike! I haven't actually coveted a bike since 2008 when I picked up my custom welded 'Peyto'. This Spot has me thinking... maybe it's time to update my wheel size, head tube diameter and geometry to see how much better the humble hardtail has become. Thanks for getting me stoked!

Had a Spot Longboard (belt drive SS) back in 2008 and loved it! When I signed up for Leadville, I decided it might be wise to get on a geared bike so I chose to sell it. Sure do miss it, and am tempted....but am thinking I would probably have more fun on the geared set up. Thanks so much for the video!

I never realized how many shops options I had in colorado. I can go check out the spot, a yeti, a commencal and a hand full of other bikes. I found a trek roscoe 9 in my size in stock. A Santa Cruz chameleon in my size. Now need to find a banshee a ragley and an rsd.

I believe you have convinced me on what bike to get to put my Carbon 30’s 27.5+ with Chris kings wheelset that’s been hanging in my garage for two years on. Singlespeed of course.

Dang, good review.

Spot should just give you the bike.

I love my Rocker. Have a 120 SID Ultimate that I run 29x2.35 for XC races, then I swap on a 130 Pike Ultimate and some Berd wheels with 27.5x2.8 for fun all day SS adventures. I have a Ryve and Mayhem on the wall and I still grab the Rocker more days lol.

That was awesome, now I want one!

Spot luck out with you-another great review *****

Gidday Steve, Thanks for your honest and informative reviews. Love your style. I'm particularly interested in Carbon XC bikes. I have recently purchased a Canyon Exceed CF SLX 8.0. I don't suppose you could get hold of one of those for a review. Anyway, keep up the great work.

Almost identical geo to a Yeti Arc. Sweet bike

Such a great review! I really appreciate the time you took to cover the different variations. I know you found the Dv9 to be pretty fast and responsive as well. Frame weights are pretty close. How does is stack up to the Spot?

Wow, that looks like fun. It makes me think that a light build would make a gravel bike pointless too.

Excellent review. I want one now. Thanks for making the hole in my wallet deeper.

Would you take it for bikepacking?

How would you compare this bike to the Niner Sir 9? The Niner is a little steeper, but it seemed you had a great time on that one as well.

What sort of multi-tool was that at 7:45 ??? Enjoy your videos! Honest reviews and really good advice.

Which build would you recommend ? Thank you

Great review. This bike is pretty interesting. Any future plans to review the Guerilla Gravity Pedalhead?

I am seriously considering picking one of these up but after re watching this video I have concerns or questions really. You said it is almost too lite, would a steel or aluminum frame be better for more trail options? Would either of the other frame materials have negative effects on the playful manner of the bike? What is the best frame material?

Looks so good!

Thanks for the review Steve. I am curious if you kept the Fox 34 stepcast or went with a beefier Fox or Rockshox or? I am starting to search for used Pike 130s as a replacement. but I am still undecided. I am between 210 and 220lbs on a Medium Rocker

Would like to see 2021 giant fathom. It looks like a nice budget hard tail.

love to see traditional bikes!

I’m turning my Rocky Mountain Suzi Q RSL into a hardtail with 29er plus wheels. I expect it to ride similar to the Spot given it would have similar geo with a Step Cast 34 on it.

Great review! Your review sounds very much how I currently feel about my 2016 Canfield EPO. I feel like it is the perfect balance between a CX rig and a rowdy trail bike. Fast and snappy, but planted and stable. I currently ride it with Minion 2.5 upfront and an Aggressor 2.3 on back, makes for a bit heavier ride, but in the lose kitty litter terrain of the pikes peak region, it feels perfect. Wondering if you ever had a chance to ride an EPO and what are your thoughts in comparison. I have been thinking of getting the Spot, but I just love my EPO so much is a hard decision. Keep up the great work!

Hey, i found it interesting that you talked about a bike being too light. What are the consequences of a bike being too light? My fuse comes in at 25.4 lbs and I wonder if that is too light.

Great insight here as always! It seems to me there is a trend of people over-tiring their bikes (ie. running enduro/downhill treads on a trail bike) that are only useful on a tiny portion of the features they actually ride frequently, and the rest of the time are just eating away your speed/flow. I think something light like a Dissector/Rekon F/R combo is sufficient in most trail bike scenarios. What do you guys think?

Beautiful bike with drive lovely. You can fit rohloff on this right? I love belt drive using commuter belt drive its perfect l.

Nice bike. I like the geo on this one. Do they sell as frame only?

Would love to see a review on the Specialized Epic Hardtail.

You say the cranks are too long, but the looking at the geometry the BB is higher than many (most) other bike. Interesting...

2.3 is my favorite 29er tire size front and back . For me it's in that perfect zone of not to heavy but still able to absorb the terrain I ride on . I wonder if this bike would be competitive in an xc race ? You have proven it was up to an endurance challenge

Had to watch this video after the reading some of the comments in the Stanton Sherpa ti vs steel video. This looks awesome but really don't like the price of the frame so if I'm swapping from my Kona Big Honzo DL, perhaps the Sherpa in Reynolds steel is it?

What size did you ride? I'm between a Med and large at 5'9.5"

Do you like it better than the Ionic Johnny Rotten?

Would love to see a review on a Scott scale 940 carbon fiber frame.

Steve, what trails did you ride? Going to be in Sedona this month and these look great.

I was between the Rocker and Esker Japhy when they were both getting ready to hit the market a few months ago. I ended up with the Japhy and absolutely love it, but you're making me wonder if I made the right choice lol

My dream bike!

Have you done a geo check in your shop to see how the true geo is compared to what Spot put on the geo charts? Have you installed a Slack R headset?

I’m still a bit confused how a belt drive works? When it comes to shifting I thought there is none so how do you go downhill without spinning out and how do you got up super steep tech without being able to go into a lower gear. I might be an idiot here but I’m just a little confused how belt drive works 😂 sorry. Also awesome if mate! I love the way you structure your reviews so keep up the amazing work :-)

Great review. I am thinking of the rocker 29 for bikepacking but I can't find any reviews that tend to that. Do you feel it would be a worthy machine for that?

Cool! How does it compare to the Canfield Nimble9?

Thanks for the length of this detailed video & all your effort Steve. Wow, what a bike! I wish I had that kind of dosh to afford it & then customize it exactly to my liking. Do you have a Paypal so I can buy you & Tess a coffee to say a small thanks for all your great videos I've watched by youse in the year or so?

Any chance of getting a review of the Niner Air 9 RDO?

YES. This would be a perfect complement to my 5010 for MN. Is it too fragile to bike pack, say the CO trail?

man that 27.5+ looks so much fun! would do great here in socal. were your running any inserts in the 27.5+? what kind of tire pressure were you running?

...even better/more fun than Banshee Paradox in xc mode?

Thanks Steve for this great and very detailed review - I was waiting for this to drop. From the few weeks and about 500 km that I have put on mine, I can say that you are spot on. That thing climbs like no other (geared) and you come in much too fast on a lot of DHs, like you said. It is so much fun to ride and full days on this bike are very comfortable. My Nomad is collecting dust in the garage right now 😂😂. In terms of brakes, I also agree that they are on the weak side (I have the TLMs and don't know if that means different calipers). I had Spot put on a 180 mm on the rear but I think it is the SRAM brake itself - XTs would certainly much better in terms of braking power. My size L has 170 mm cranks on and that just perfect. I am running 29er carbon rims (Lightbicycle AM930) at 30 mm wide and have Conti Cross and Race Kings on, which is not grippy enough for the dust here in NorCal. Will definitely try something beefier on the front as you suggest. Thanks again for helping me choose this fun bike!!!

Where is this Trail?

Love to get help i come from XC bikes bought Spot rocker not a fan of GEO seat tube angle to steep for me so selling bike. Any suggestions on a frame that would be more like a epic evo in TI hard I cant get a straight answer from the companies that I have talked to and hard to purchase without pre ride. Thank you.. Just a 52 year old washed up XC guy

Hi, can anyone suggest me a xc/trail 130mm steel frame thats light and supple?

Great review - sorry if I missed it, where do you ride?

How about making it slacker like that Yeti Arc. See if you still like the bike after that.

Excellent review! I've been waiting for this one. Do you think the rear could clear a 2.4/2.4WT on an i30 rim?

Love the review, do you think using a cane creek Angleset and bringing it to a 65.5 degree head tube would make it more capable on the downhill. I ride a lot of chunky downhill and just curious if that would take away from the intended bike feel.

I have watched this review at least 7 times and really want to get this bike, but I already have a Spot Honey Badger that I ride almost every day that is so much fun. I feel much the same as you describe on that bike. Have you ridden the earlier Spot single speeds? The longboard, steel rocker or honey badger? I may have missed it but you don't mention this. I think Spot bikes have felt like this for a while. This one just happens to be carbon. Or am I wrong? I'd like to be convinced. I've never had too many bikes!

Spot says it can be slackened out to 66 degrees with a Works Components angleset at 130mm travel. Earlier you posted that you wouldn't slacken it out. Still, wondering if that would edge it just enough towards "all mountain" for many of us.

Another one for the list

Could you run it 29 up front 27.5 out back. Dumb question? Great reviews

You have really sold on this with wider 29er tires. Is their carbon that much better tuned than say the DV9? How is on road for those of us that ride to the trails?