It does seem to be subject to debris, but I’m sure they had riders on prototype models for a while.
I’m debating between the Spark frameset or the Epic 9 frameset. I also have concerns about a first year of a radical design of the Spark
What are everyone’s thoughts about the new Oiz? I have been on an Epic Evo gen 7 since 2022. I am very interested in the M10 AXS model they have listed on the web for $7,700. Seems like a great value for what you get. The reviews of the bike have been great as well. I picked up a new 140mm lightweight trail bike and am now looking for an all out pure XC race bike. Thoughts?
Loved my Oiz - sweet bike. Not sure where you’re located, but I did break a part once and end up waiting 4-6 weeks to get it here (US) from Spain. Glad it was that off-season and not an issue, but it’s a potential risk depending on where you are.
The Orbea website is saying early '27 for arrival of the Oiz in the USA.
Scott made that smart cover for the non-AXS shocks, but I don’t understand why they didn’t make a larger cover for the AXS shocks and instead left it partially exposed to the elements. Sure, you need to remove the battery to charge it, but isn’t the whole cover pretty easy to take off? It seems like an odd choice.
Must have sold out, they still had a medium a few weeks back, and had had them on clearance for a while.
Yeah I am finding out these are tough to get. My local shop carries Orbea and they said they will not likely have one until very late in the year which I assume means next year.
Any thoughts on the Yeti ASR? Looks basically the same as Canyon Lux WC, Epic 9, Anthem, BC40, Oiz… 1552gm, Flex stay, ~120mm travel, 66.5 HTA. Frame is $4k with shock.
Great bike, rides better to me than my Epic Evo 7geb did.
I also got a used SB120, and I ride it more. To the point that I’m selling the ASR
I would 100% buy one if I was in the position to buy a new xc rig. I have a slew of friends who work/did work at Yeti and the ASR lives up to the hype. Super fun and rides so well.
Great. I’ll include the ASR with the others I’m considering. There seems little to distinguish among them besides availability, build kits, and colors.
Ordered a 2026 Scott Spark RC GX Team to replace my 2020 Spark 940. Was hoping to try an Epic this time around, but the price on the Spark was too good.
Didn’t realize this build kit comes with an integrated bar/stem until after I ordered. Expect that I will want a longer stem once I have the bike. 
If I have to order a new $400 bar/stem, anyone know if there’s a way to make 3rd party stems/bars work with the Scott’s headset interface? It sounds like that’s basically a no, but wanted to see if anyone else had experience.
Anyone here bought the Ripley SL? I’d like to get back on the DW link, but not for racing, just fast riding.
I got in a good demo ride on a Yeti ASR. Very nice bike and it rode as expected. Stock builds are not as light as I’d like so if I go with one, I might get a frame and build it up.
I am still toying with that and also the new Mach 4. Like you I don’t do much if any racing - other than a few marathon type events.
Had convinced myself I was getting that as a replacement for my Exie when I had my frame issue. Ibis came through and made a brand new frame for me in my same color scheme.
If you aren’t racing I think the Ripley SL is a great option.
The Ripley SL can hold two bottles, that’s a plus
Looks like the new blur being released Tomorrow, 120/120, storage box, unfortunately it still seems that hideous thing Santa Cruz had, not a more minimalist thing. They claim it’s lighter, likely slacker, but don’t have geo numbers.
Uh exciting. Have been waiting to see what SC would come up with.