Outerbike gives riders a chance to check out next year' bikes in a premier mountain bike destination--Moab, Utah. Photo by Matt Woodley

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

Giant Reign 27.5 1 Yellow-Green

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 Maestro Suspension

Giant's Maestro suspension just keeps getting better and the 27.5-inch-tuned version of it is dialed. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Race to the bikes

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.​

Reign spec highlights

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​

Giant drivetrain

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​
Travel: 130-160mm f/160mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
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 SB6C

Yeti's revised Switch Infinity suspension linkage keeps things in order on the burly new 27.5-inch SB6 Carbon. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Switch Infinity Powered

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 color

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​

SB6C Component highlights

The SB6C comes with a Thompson Covert dropper post and a FOX FLOAT 360 160mm fork. Photos by Matt Woodley​

Yeti XO1 Build

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
Travel: 160mm f/152mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
MSRP: $7,399
More info: yeticycles.com

Mmmm candy

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

2015 Salsa Bucksaw 1 Dual Suspension

Even with nary a snowflake in sight, Salsa's dual-sus fatty was a big hit. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Salsa Bucksaw 1 Single Pivot

The Bucksaw 1 relies on a Dave Weigel-designed Split Pivot suspension managed by a RockShox Monarch RT3 shock. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Gin drinks at Outerbike

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​

2015 Salsa Bucksaw 1 details

Salsa's done a nice job with the Bucksaw's understated paint and graphics. Photos by Matt Woodley​

2015 Bucksaw 1 components

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​
Travel: 100mm f/100mm r Wheel Size: 26-inches
MSRP: $4,999
More info: salsacycles.com

Western Spirt Sevvy

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
GG Megatrail

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​

GG Megatrail Linkage

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​

Moab Brand Trails

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​

Props to Guerilla Gravity

It's awesome to see small American builders like Guerilla Gravity in the game. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Built to spec

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​
Travel: 160mm f/160mm r Wheel Size: 26- or 27.5-inches
MSRP: Starting at $3,500
More info: ridegg.com

Kitsbow coffee

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
2015 Transition Scout

Slopestyle looks and 125mm of rear travel come together on Transition's no-nonsense 2015 Scout 1. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Giddy Up Suspension

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​

Captain Ahab's in Moab

That whale of a formation marks the start of Moab's newest rock star--Captain Ahab's Trail. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Alu Transition

The Scout is an all-aluminum affair with 27.5-inch wheels. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Transition Scout 1 componentry

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​
Travel: 140mm f/125mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
MSRP: $4,899
More info: transitionbikes.com

Kipness

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
Uber 2015 Intense T275C

In its Factory build with ENVE carbon wheel upgrade, the Intense Tracer T275C is a no-holds-barred dream machine. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Intense T275C drivetrain

The T275C comes with SRAM's top-of-the-line XX1 1x11 drivetrain. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Good weather in Moab

Though the weather threatened at times, it was nothing but unicorns and rainbows for Outerbike attendees. Photo courtesy of Western Spirit​

Spec details

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​

VPP yeah you know me

The Intense uses a Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension set-up with a RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 shock. Photo by Matt Woodley​
Travel: 160mm f/160mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
MSRP: $9,999
More info: intensecycles.com

Wester Spirit Vans

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
Big King Khan

Turner's dw-link suspended King Khan was a tennis ball yellow head-turner (no pun intended) at Outerbike. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Turner King Khan Tires

The Khan's massive rear end can handle tires up to four inches wide. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Turner Traction

With a huge contact patch the Turner King Khan climbs like a tractor. Photo by Matt Woodley​

King Khan Build

The King Khan is RockShox Bluto-equipped and a SRAM XX1 / X01/ X1 1x11 drivetrain. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Magura MT-8

Our tester came with Magura's fine MT-8 hydraulic disc brakes, though the standard fat kit includes Shimano XTs. Photo by Matt Wooley​
Travel: 120mm f/125mm r Wheel Size: 26-inches
MSRP: $5,999
More info: turnerbikes.com

Outerbike smiles

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
Yeti SB5C

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​

To infinity and beyond

Like its big brother, the SB5C is built on Yeti's trick, FOX Kashima-coated Switch Infinity suspension linkage. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Dream Rides

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​

SB5 C Componentry

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​

SB5 C Suspension

A FOX Float 34 fork and Float CTD shock suspend the well-balanced SB5C. 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
Nomad Carbon Blue Magenta

Santa Cruz's Technicolor Nomad Carbon was one of the most in-demand bikes at Outerbike. Photo by Matt Woodley​

Santa Cruz Nomad mix

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​
Travel: 160mm f/165mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
MSRP: Starting at $5,899
More info: santacruzbicycles.com

Moab Brand Trails

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
Watermelon Bronson Carbon

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​

Bronson Carbon C

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​
Travel: 150mm f/150mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
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
2015 Mach 6 Carbon

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​

dw-link on Pivot Mach 6

The Mach 6 Carbon stands as a good example of dw-link suspension in long-travel form. Photo by Matt Woodley​
Travel: 160mm f/155mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
MSRP: Starting at $5,999
More info: pivotcycles.com

Mach 6 on the bumps

The Mach 6 is well-equipped to take on the rough-and-tumble terrain of Moab. Photo by Matt Woodley​

2015 Pivot Mach 4 Carbon XTR/XT 1x Pro

File under: Feathery Flyer
2015 Mach 4 Carbon

Even with 'only' 115mm of rear travel, the Mach 4 Carbon looks to be a capable trail bike. Photo by Matt Woodley​

2015 Mach 4 Carbon

The Mach 4 sports an XC race-worthy pedigree that's equally at home trail riding. Photo by Matt Woodley​
Travel: 120mm f/115mm r Wheel Size: 27.5-inches
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.