Outerbike gives riders a chance to check out next year' bikes in a premier mountain bike destination--Moab, Utah. Photo by Matt Woodley
Scoring credentials to Interbike's Outdoor Demo used to be the über bike geek's golden ticket to riding all of next year's bikes before anyone else. But because Interbike is a trade-only event, the practice is frowned upon, and ultimately an expensive and less-than-ideal scenario, given the traditionally blistering hot temperatures, and loose, unforgiving terrain of its Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park demo venue.
Sensing an opportunity, the smart folks at outfitter Western Spirit Cycling created the consumer-centric Outerbike event in their home town of Moab, Utah, figuring the allure of a real mountain biking destination would be a more fitting scenario for bringing brands and riders together. If their growing attendance numbers, ever-expanding list of exhibitors, and the addition of more such events in 2015 are any indication, they were right.
Longtime Mtbr forum contributors Kent Robertson and Matt Woodley made the pilgrimage to Moab a couple weeks back and graciously lent us their photos here. They've also done some of their own reviews which you get to through the Mtbr Forums here. We'll be covering a number of these whips in our own upcoming reviews, so consider this a visual preview. - The Editors
2015 Giant Reign Advanced 27.5 1
File under: Mean Green Enduro Machine
The green and yellow livery of the Giant Reign 27.5 1 reminds us of the old tagline "Nothing runs like a Deer," but you'd never mistake this 160mm-travel carbon beauty for a lawn tractor. Photo by Matt Wooley
Giant's Maestro suspension just keeps getting better and the 27.5-inch-tuned version of it is dialed. Photo by Matt Woodley
Despite its non-competitive vibe, there's a frantic LeMans start each morning to get to the most coveted demo bikes first. Photo by Matt Woodley.
Spec highlights include a 130-160mm RockShox Pike RC Dual Position Air fork, RockShox Monarch Plus Debonair RC3 shock and a Rockshox Reverb Stealth seatpost. Photo by Matt Woodley
The Reign also features a Shimano XT/SLX 2x10 drivetrain, an MRP 2x chainguide and a Giant performance wheelset wrapped in Schwalbe tires. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: $4,750
More info: giant-bicycles.com
Next Bike: Yeti SB6 Carbon X01 »
2015 Yeti SB6 Carbon X01
File under: Long-Legged Linkage of Infinite Magic
Yeti's revised Switch Infinity suspension linkage keeps things in order on the burly new 27.5-inch SB6 Carbon. Photo by Matt Woodley
The SB6C's Switch Infinity suspension is said to combine efficient pedaling with a metered, bottomless feel as you get deeper in the stroke. Photos by Matt Woodley
Eye-popping enduro colors seemed to rule the day at Outerbike, though almost all of these brightly-colored steeds are also available in more muted tones. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
The SB6C comes with a Thompson Covert dropper post and a FOX FLOAT 360 160mm fork. Photos by Matt Woodley
The parts mix on the SB6C X01 includes a FOX Float 36 160 Factory fork, FOX Float X CTD with Trail Adjust shock, SRAM X01 1 x 11 drivetrain, DT Swiss wheels (EX 471 rims/350 hubs) and Shimano XT brakes. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: $7,399
More info: yeticycles.com
The open-to-the-public Outerbike has arguably a better line-up of demo bikes than the trade-only Interbike--and Moab rocks. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
Next Bike: Salsa Bucksaw 1 »
2015 Salsa Bucksaw 1
File under: Unapologetic Double Fatty
The Bucksaw 1 relies on a Dave Weigel-designed Split Pivot suspension managed by a RockShox Monarch RT3 shock. Photo by Matt Woodley
Though the Beehive state has a teetotaling reputation, it looks like icy gin-based libations were in order for Outerbike. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
Up front the massive RockShox Bluto suspends the front wheel while a SRAM X01 1 x 11 drivetrain handles shifting while their excellent new SRAM Guide RS brakes provide the stopping power. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: $4,999
More info: salsacycles.com
Western Spirit's Mark Sevenoff (right) is one of those happy-go-lucky-smile-while-he-rips-your legs off kind of riders that we hate. Actually, he's the coolest dude ever. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
Next Bike: Guerilla Gravity Megatrail »
2015 Guerilla Gravity Megatrail
File under: Rugged, Roll-Your-Own Underdog
No monkeying around--the Guerilla Gravity Megatrail is a Colorado-built-to-order 26 or 27.5er designed to go apesh*t on the rough stuff. Photo by Matt Woodley
The Megatrail sports a linkage-actuated single pivot suspension with 160mm of travel. Font end travel is handled by MRP's highly-anticipated Stage 160mm fork. Photo by Matt Woodley
If you haven't been to Moab lately, you haven't been to Moab. The place is oozing with sweet new trails--go there...and soon! Photo by Matt Woodley
It's awesome to see small American builders like Guerilla Gravity in the game. Photo by Matt Woodley
All of GG's bukes are made to order and you can choose 26- or 27.5-inch wheels and build a bike up from there. This is a 26-inch enduro build. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: Starting at $3,500
More info: ridegg.com
Before starting Kitsbow, founder Zander Nosler invented one of the world's most amazing coffee machines. Though this is nether him nor that machine, coffee remains a critical part of the brand's DNA and Outerbikers were happy they brought some to share. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
Next Bike: Transition Scout 1 »
2015 Transition Scout 1
File under: Big Ambitions Meet Short Travel
Slopestyle looks and 125mm of rear travel come together on Transition's no-nonsense 2015 Scout 1. Photo by Matt Woodley
Transition's 2015 line marks the debut of their Horst-link derivative dubbed Giddy Up suspension. Shockages by RockShox--a 140mm Pike up front and a Monarch RCT3 out back. Photo by Matt Woodley
That whale of a formation marks the start of Moab's newest rock star--Captain Ahab's Trail. Photo by Matt Woodley
The Scout 1 comes with SRAM X1 1 x 11 shifting, Race Face Turbine cranks, Shimano XT stoppers and a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: $4,899
More info: transitionbikes.com
Kip is the son of Western Spirit chieftans Ashley and Mark...expect him to be kicking your ass in 3, 2, 1... Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
Next Bike: Intense Tracer 275C »
2015 Intense Tracer 275C
File under: Carbon Wonder Bike
In its Factory build with ENVE carbon wheel upgrade, the Intense Tracer T275C is a no-holds-barred dream machine. Photo by Matt Woodley
Though the weather threatened at times, it was nothing but unicorns and rainbows for Outerbike attendees. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
The 275C Factory comes with Shimano XTR brakes, a RockShoxPike RCT3 160-mm-travel fork and a RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post. Photo by Matt Woodley
The Intense uses a Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension set-up with a RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 shock. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: $9,999
More info: intensecycles.com
Though most of Outerbike takes place on the intermediate Moab Brand Trails, Western Spirit also shuttled attendees to HyMassa and Captain Ahab's for longer test rides. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
Next Bike: Turner King Khan »
2015 Turner King Khan
File under: Dave Weagle Gets Phat
Turner's dw-link suspended King Khan was a tennis ball yellow head-turner (no pun intended) at Outerbike. Photo by Matt Woodley
The King Khan is RockShox Bluto-equipped and a SRAM XX1 / X01/ X1 1x11 drivetrain. Photo by Matt Woodley
Our tester came with Magura's fine MT-8 hydraulic disc brakes, though the standard fat kit includes Shimano XTs. Photo by Matt Wooley
MSRP: $5,999
More info: turnerbikes.com
Perhaps the biggest common denominator at Outerbike was rider smiles. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit
Next Bike: Yeti SB5 Carbon X01 »
2015 Yeti SB5 Carbon X01
File under: 'One Bike' Championship Contender
When compared to the aforementioned SB6C, the long, slack and lean, 127mm-travel Yeti SB5 Carbon seems like splitting hairs, but we suspect it will appeal to riders looking for a one bike quiver. Photo by Matt Woodley
Like its big brother, the SB5C is built on Yeti's trick, FOX Kashima-coated Switch Infinity suspension linkage. Photo by Matt Woodley
Outerbike makes the dream of riding the über bike of your choice on a trail like this a reality. Photo by Colin Meagher/FOX 36 Launch
The X01 build of the SB5C features primo mix of performance parts including an Easton Haven Carbon handlebar, Shimano XT brakes, and a SRAM XO1 drivetrain. Photo by Matt Woodley
Travel: 140mm f/127mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
MSRP: $6,599
More info: yeticycles.com
Next Bikes: Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon and Bronson Carbon »
2015 Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon and Bronson Carbon
Our last couple pages feature some not-quite-new bikes from Santa Cruz and Pivot. The two manufacturers in question march to the beat of their own drummers when it comes to model years, releasing bikes when they're ready, not when the calendar says so. Given the massive interest in both brands we thought they were worthy of a look.
2015 Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon
File under: All-Mountain Eye Candy
Santa Cruz's Technicolor Nomad Carbon was one of the most in-demand bikes at Outerbike. Photo by Matt Woodley
Most manufacturers demo bikes with parts kits they sell--a FOX 36/Shimano XTR combo isn't one available from Santa Cruz. No matter, the bike is awesome. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: Starting at $5,899
More info: santacruzbicycles.com
There's enough variety on the Moab Brand Trails and surrounding areas to get a good feel for a bike. Photo by Matt Woodley
2015 Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon
File under: Quiver-Killing Trail Whip
The Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon C in dark green/light green is not, in fact, filled with delicious watermelon, but its ride is still pretty sweet. Photo by Matt Woodley
The Outerbike demo Bronson C was another outlier outfitted in a parts mix Santa Cruz doesn't offer, but still a shred-worthy build. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: Starting at $3,199
More info: santacruzbicycles.com
Next Bikes: Pivot Mach 6 Carbon and Mach 4 Carbon »
2015 Pivot Mach 6 Carbon and Mach 4 Carbon
Our last couple pages feature some not-quite-new bikes from Santa Cruz and Pivot. The two manufacturers in question march to the beat of their own drummers when it comes to model years, releasing bikes when they're ready, not when the calendar says so. Given the massive interest in both brands we thought they were worthy of a look.
2015 Pivot Mach 6 XT
File under: Bangin' Big Bike
The 155mm-travel Pivot Mach 6 Carbon won awards for versatility in our Enduro Compare-O last spring, and it's qualities endure despite tough competition around the six-inch travel mark. Photo by Matt Woodley
The Mach 6 Carbon stands as a good example of dw-link suspension in long-travel form. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: Starting at $5,999
More info: pivotcycles.com
2015 Pivot Mach 4 Carbon XTR/XT 1x Pro
File under: Feathery Flyer
Even with 'only' 115mm of rear travel, the Mach 4 Carbon looks to be a capable trail bike. Photo by Matt Woodley
The Mach 4 sports an XC race-worthy pedigree that's equally at home trail riding. Photo by Matt Woodley
MSRP: Starting at $5,429
More info: pivotcycles.com
Though there were many more bikes and related products at Outerbike, these were the crucial dozen our dedicated forum members had a chance to try. Special thanks to both Kent Robertson and Matt Woodley for sharing their photos and insight with us. You can get to their more in-depth assessments through the Mtbr Forums here.
Special thanks also to Western Spirit Cycling and Outerbike for photos and info. Outerbike will have two sessions in 2015--one in the spring and one in the fall...check their website for dates and details.