Great bike all in all, downhill it is a dream very planted drop offs and jumps with ease. I had a canyon nerve9 before this bike. The canyon was more agile on twisty stuff but I put that down to 26"wheels. The great downhill handling impacts on uphill climbs as the bike wants to lift the front on the steep stuff but it is manageable. Downsides is the wheels and hubs are pretty scrap spokes going rusty and they are heavy also roller ball cone bearings . The bike is on the heavy side compared to my other companions bikes and I think the wheels have a lot to do with this. I struggle to keep.up with my mates even on slight gradients but that could be to do with my spindly legs also. The brakes are really good in terms of stopping but are budget and unservicable both rear and front packed up at the same time loosing pressure so have replaced with XT which are ace. I hope I haven't painted a bad picture coz the bike is solid well made big welds and sturdy frame and rides great. Shame it let down on wheels and brakes but hey if you want a well priced mid range you have to sacrifice quality on some components .

Great bike all in all, downhill it is a dream very planted drop offs and jumps with ease. I had a canyon nerve9 before this bike. The canyon was more agile on twisty stuff but I put that down to 26"wheels. The great downhill handling impacts on uphill climbs as the bike wants to lift the front on the steep stuff but it is manageable. Downsides is the wheels and hubs are pretty scrap spokes going rusty and they are heavy also roller ball cone bearings . The bike is on the heavy side compared to my other companions bikes and I think the wheels have a lot to do with this. I struggle to keep.up with my mates even on slight gradients but that could be to do with my spindly legs also. The brakes are really good in terms of stopping but are budget and unservicable both rear and front packed up at the same time loosing pressure so have replaced with XT which are ace. I hope I haven't painted a bad picture coz the bike is solid well made big welds and sturdy frame and rides great. Shame it let down on wheels and brakes but hey if you want a well priced mid range you have to sacrifice quality on some components .