How relevant is the mtb bike category?

Mike Aswell · Jan 29, 2024

Sounds like new bike day to me. Never, ever buy below Cat 4. Chalk it up to a lesson learned.

plummet · Jan 29, 2024

noapathy said:
Found this in the user manual for my Norco. The whole thing looks like it was made by someone trained at a print newspaper, but if the bike is good I don't care about a bunch of pretty pictures for something I'll only look at when the thing needs work.
View attachment 2079247

I had no idea, but my Sight is in Category (condition) 4...guess I need to ride harder. There are no height specifications listed...but I can't do "North Shore" or "hardcore mountain" among other "extreme" things, so yeah. 🤪
View attachment 2079248

My Pole is Cat 5 dh rated ooooh yeah. Thats good because im sending it like i stole it!

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pole-voima-emtb-passes-efbe-tri-test.html

mircea.godiac · Jan 29, 2024

Thanks for all the replies!
I'll just stick to longer mtb rides and tech without big drops or jumps for now then, that's most of the trails in my area. When I get to bigger jumps I might get an enduro or something. I wanted to figure out what the bike category meant and you guys helped me out a lot, thanks again!
Happy trails!

mircea.godiac · Jan 29, 2024

plummet said:
My Pole is Cat 5 dh rated ooooh yeah. Thats good because im sending it like i stole it!

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pole-voima-emtb-passes-efbe-tri-test.html

Nice bike man! Enjoy it!

tommyc · Jan 29, 2024

My stumpjumper has a rating like this. It isn't anywhere on the bike but buried in one of the manuals. Its rated as a 4 out of 5: For riding on rough trails with medium obstacles.

SouthSoundRider · Jan 29, 2024

plummet said:
My Pole is Cat 5 dh rated ooooh yeah. Thats good because im sending it like i stole it!

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pole-voima-emtb-passes-efbe-tri-test.html

I bet you my Pole is longer than yours...and way more steep!

Pushes up hills · Jan 30, 2024

I'd been meaning to ask about this rating system.

I kinda dig the Neuron. I don't do jumps or back flip 90' gaps, but I do ride some trails that are chunky. And the wildcard is that in a big guy at ~250lbs.

Does that mean the Neuron is of lighter construction than, say, a Spectral 125, which I think is a cat 4? Maybe the Spectral is the right choice due to my size, but I kinda like the ideal behind the Neuron. I'm a trail rider, and a bike built for that seems like it's getting rare.

Laupe · Jan 30, 2024

If your not super heavy, i wouldnt worry about it at all. I've done plenty of black trails riding on mye 120mm XC bike, without any problems. Yes, it's not very good for the components, but it will survive.

Scott_123 · Jan 31, 2024

That rating and sticker they put on the bike was developed by the Risk Management Department. Pretty normal in the Corporate world today.

A. Rider · Jan 31, 2024

If you’re going to send it you’re going to need a bike that’s at least in whatever category the bike in this video is in.

eri · Jan 31, 2024

Sparticus · Jan 31, 2024

eri said:

Loved that guy.
=sParty

NC_Foothills_Rider · Feb 1, 2024

A. Rider said:
If you’re going to send it you’re going to need a bike that’s at least in whatever category the bike in this video is in.

Underbikers UNITE!

Sparticus · Feb 1, 2024

Dyslexics UNTIE!

MattiThundrrr · Feb 4, 2024

This was categorized as a kids bike by Schwinn. Not sure if that's a category 3 or something else

Sparticus · Feb 4, 2024

MattiThundrrr said:
This was categorized as a kids bike by Schwinn. Not sure if that's a category 3 or something else
View attachment 2080031

Loser's got no dropper.

Bet his red helmet isn't category 3, either.
=sParty

How relevant is the mtb bike category?

Mike Aswell

plummet

mircea.godiac

mircea.godiac

tommyc

SouthSoundRider

Pushes up hills

Laupe

Scott_123

A. Rider

eri

Sparticus

NC_Foothills_Rider

Sparticus

MattiThundrrr

Sparticus

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