Multiple back-to-back tests of the Canyon Sender, Norco Aurum HSP, Pivot Phoenix, Specialized Demo 8, and UNNO Ever revealed their strengths and weaknesses, and then we raced them against the clock!
The beloved downhill mountain bike. Though few of us own them, many of us lust after them, study their performance on the World Cup circuit and rejoice when their slack, high-performance technology trickles down to our trail bikes. After years of Vital MTB Test Sessions that involved bikes for the masses, it was time to put modern day 27.5-inch-wheeled DH weapons up against the clock and each other.
From the relatively affordable $5,999 Canyon Sender to the uber-exclusive $10,650 UNNO Ever, and from the ultra-modern high-pivot Norco Aurum HSP to the tried-and-true Specialized Demo or race-proven DW-Linked Pivot Phoenix, today's downhill bikes vary as much as today's trail bikes in style, design, and performance.
We corralled a sampling of five head-turning World Cup-caliber DH machines to be abused and scrutinized at Angel Fire Bike Park in New Mexico.
Prior to the test, each bike was equipped with gold standard Maxxis Minion downhill tires front and rear to keep the playing field even. Using LITPro's high-definition GPS software, our riders compared hard data along with years of riding experience and feel to compile their final results. Welcome to Vital MTB Test Sessions for 27.5 downhill bikes.
This was a big project, and we encourage you to dig deeper into the reviews and race results below. Each review features a video with a concise summary of our thoughts specific to that ride, more clips of the bike in action, plainly stated strengths and weaknesses, a detailed suspension analysis, and a summary of who we think each bike is best for. DIG IN!
Using the bike industry's leading linkage analysis software, André Santos was able to determine a close approximation of each bike's kinematics for the purpose of this comparison. Though they don't always tell the full story, these charts provide great insight into several key factors that impact how the bikes ride.
André's Observations:
For race-ready bikes like these, there's nothing more telling than the clock. Following four days of riding and filming our testers were able to get intimately familiar with the trail and dial in each bike's suspension settings. Then, using the same state-of-the-art LITPro device and analysis software used by Supercross racers and World Cup downhill teams alike, we were able to accurately time the bikes during a mock race.
Prior to the race, we determined segments that showcased bike performance in specific types of situations. Here's the breakdown:
Segment 1 - Steeps / Turns
Segment 2 - Wide Open / Rough
Segment 3 - Sprint
Brian's fastest times were posted on the UNNO Ever through the segments filled with steep portions, turns, and sprints. The Norco Aurum HSP took the honors through the wide open and rough segment.
Brandon's results showed a different story, with the Specialized Demo 8 taking top honors through the steeps and turns. The Canyon Sender showed lots of promise through the wide open and rough. Finally, the Pivot Phoenix ruled the sprint segment to the finish.
By averaging the results, we're able to get a more clear overall picture. In this instance, the UNNO Ever was the fastest bike across both riders. The Canyon Sender and Pivot Phoenix consistently placed 2nd and 3rd overall, respectively.
Segment 1 - Steeps / Turns
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Segment 2 - Wide Open / Rough
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Segment 3 - Sprint
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With a wide variety of trail features and pitches under our tires, the areas where each bike excelled or struggled really came to light. Considering both the timed results and how things felt on the trail, we rated each of the bikes on various performance metrics relevant to the downhill category. We encourage you to dive into the individual bike reviews for much more detail.
- Canyon Sender -
- Norco Aurum -
- Pivot Phoenix -
- UNNO Ever -
Which type of bike should we test next? Are there any models that really interest you? What test location would be best? Leave your suggestions in the comments. We look forward to your feedback.
Test Sessions was made possible with the help of Angel Fire Bike Park, Maxxis, and LITPro. Tester gear provided by Troy Lee Designs, Fasthouse, and Five Ten.
Photos by Sean Horton // Video by Jake VanHeel
Gustavotomasi
1/22/2020 1:23 PM
bizutch
1/31/2019 2:30 PM
Daniel_Layton
1/10/2019 12:32 PM
Wish list for next time,
- 2 bikes only, head to head. Mano e mano.
- many more runs per bike for more validity.
mericanradness
1/11/2019 10:05 PM
bturman
1/13/2019 1:01 PM
bturman
1/13/2019 1:01 PM
wangamachang
1/9/2019 8:00 PM
Vital! Another rad review! Love the thoroughness to these. Pumped that you chose to throw on the same tires this time around. I have a good feeling of how much work it takes to do these, but it would be rad to see these more often!
I know it's probably unlikely to have an intermediate / novice rider have similar consistency in results, but would love to know what their times / thoughts on each bike. Also, wouldn't mind to see the next review be some aggressive, 110-130 (trail?) travel 29ers.
Mike Buell
1/9/2019 11:01 AM
MadPharma
1/9/2019 5:03 AM
Loved It! Good to see at last Dh bikes being review!
When a more in depth review of the new YT tues, and sc v10?
bturman
1/9/2019 7:00 PM
AdamZiegler52
1/8/2019 11:12 PM
mericanradness
1/8/2019 8:06 PM
the_owl
1/8/2019 4:40 PM
Roots_rider
1/8/2019 7:06 PM
Looking for this?
https://m.vitalmtb.com/features/Why-That-Bike-Transition-Patrol,2600
mericanradness
1/8/2019 8:06 PM
troyleedesigns
1/8/2019 4:03 PM
Adam_Schaeffer
1/8/2019 3:43 PM
bturman
1/8/2019 9:44 PM
Great question, Adam.
I raced the bikes in this order:
- Canyon Sender
- Norco Aurum
- Pivot Phoenix
- Specialized Demo 8
- UNNO Ever
Brian raced the bikes in the reverse order. This was done to give each bike the best chance at a fresh run.
tcmtnbikr
1/8/2019 2:39 PM
MPH24
1/9/2019 8:18 AM
I hear you but I am not sure a fully agree. If you're a WC rider, you get what 8 runs to prove who is the fastest for the season? The sample size in the context of racing DH kind of makes sense.
The video makes it seem like both rider had ample time and setup time on all the bikes so that they felt comfortable and then you need to lay down a race run. I think what's interesting is that certain bikes tended to work well for both riders in certain terrain but overall the fastest bike was the one that suited the riders style or maybe help compensate for the riders style weaknesses. I would agree with you if they just hopped on the bike and did a run but it appeared that both riders had ample time to get comfortable with the bikes.
tcmtnbikr
1/9/2019 8:47 AM
airsoftesneeto
1/8/2019 2:21 PM
Pedro Fernandes
1/8/2019 12:54 PM
bturman
1/8/2019 9:45 PM
CollapsedWheel
1/8/2019 11:31 AM
luckyguy19
1/8/2019 11:24 AM
MikeyOrange
1/8/2019 11:22 AM
TimBud
1/8/2019 11:40 AM
kev.1n
1/8/2019 10:51 AM
colby
1/8/2019 10:51 AM
colby
1/8/2019 10:52 AM
ML
1/8/2019 10:47 AM