2023 Pinkbike Awards: Mountain Bike of the Year Nominees

Dec 21, 2023
by Mike Kazimer  
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All of us here at Pinkbike enjoy getting our XC kicks in too, but 2023's crop of favorites are decidedly skewed towards the gravity-oriented side of things, and even the shorter travel options ended up on the list in large part due to their descending prowess. Modern enduro bikes climb better than ever, which makes it easier to justify pedaling around that slacked-out sled on mellower terrain.

This year's selections are also an indication of the bikes that were new for 2023 - there were more new enduro bikes released than shorter travel trail or XC machines, although I'd expect that to change next season, especially with the Olympics on the horizon. For now, take a look at these six worthy nominees for the 2023 Mountain Bike of the Year.







Why it's nominated

Ibis may have developed the HD6 with input from their now-defunct Enduro World Cup race team, but you don't need to be a hardcore racer to have a good time aboard this carbon machine. It's impressively light and maneuverable for a bike with 165mm of travel and a 180mm fork, and its handling made it a favorite in and out of the Whistler Bike Park during the recent Enduro Field Test.

The stubby head tube could make it a little harder for taller riders to get the front end high enough, and fans of long chainstay won't find them here, but the HD6's climbing and descending abilities shine bright enough to make those relatively minor gripes. During the Field Test, it earned itself the 'palate cleanser' nickname, since it was the bike that testers gravitated towards when they wanted a predictable, easygoing ride.

The HD6 does a great job of balancing traction and efficiency on both the climbs and descents, making it an excellent option for riders looking for a very versatile longer travel bike. To top it all off, the switch to a straight top tube helps make the HD6 one of the best-looking bikes in Ibis' lineup.

From the First Ride:

bigquotesWhen it comes time to descend, the HD6 is a very manageable, maneuverable bike. Oftentimes I'll find myself writing something like, 'It needs the right terrain to come alive' when reviewing bikes in this category, but that doesn't apply as much to the HD6. Yes, it has a lot of travel, but it's not a big, sprawling beast. It's more of an enduro bike for the masses, one that's not overly demanding to ride, and doesn't require high speeds or an extra helping of aggression to deliver a good time. Mike Kazimer







Why it's nominated

Reeb earned a Pinkbike award nomination last year for the 120mm SST, and this year they made it onto the shortlist with the 155mm Steezl. The Steezl pairs a steel front end with an aluminum swingarm, all of it welded up in Lyons, Colorado. It may look fairly basic from a distance, but there's an impressive amount of machining and 3D-printing that goes into each frame. Take the bottom bracket area, for example – its creation involves a laser that melts and fuses metallic powders.

On the trail, the Steezl continued to impress, a comfortable climber that's well suited to big days in the saddle spent hunting rowdy descents. It felt best with a 170mm fork and burlier tires, a setup that tipped it more into the enduro realm, but it can just as easily be set up with a 160mm fork and trail tires for more of an all-round setup. The bottom bracket is a touch high, which means the Steezl doesn't have as much of an in-bike feeling as other options, but for riders who prefer to take charge rather than be a passenger, the Steezl is a great option.


From the First Ride:

bigquotesIn a world of increasingly chunky bike profiles, the Steezl really stands out. But it's not just the tubing and color that set this bike apart, it also offers a ride quality that matches the craftsmanship. I was happy to pedal the bike all day, ride features I'd never seen before, and even spend two weeks in the bike park all aboard the 155mm Reeb. If it were mine, I'd probably run a burlier 170mm fork and consider a different wheelset, but otherwise it's a delightfully easy bike to get along with, and could easily be the only one you own for people with the right terrain. Dario DiGiulio







Why it's nominated

We Are One launched their first enduro bike back in 2021, and in the time since they've steadily been adding more options, all based around the same Canadian-made carbon frame. Depending on the shock and linkage kit, the Arrival can be set up with 130, 152, or 170mm of travel. It's the 170mm version that impressed us this year, thanks to its small bump sensitivity, great climbing performance, and overall nimble feel.

This isn't a bike that smashes the trail into oblivion; instead, it's more of a live wire, a long travel machine that feels remarkably agile, making it an excellent option for enduro racers or anyone whose preferred speeds are fast and faster, no matter the trail style.

The frame quality shouldn't be overlooked either – the Arrival looks stunning in person, and it's clear that the crew at We Are One spent some serious time sorting out the little details.


From the review:


bigquotesIt's impossible to create a bike that perfectly suits all aspects of riding, but if you're looking for a long-travel bike that has nearly all corners covered, the Arrival 170 is one of my top picks. Matt Beer







Why it's nominated

Forbidden deserves credit for being one of the early arrivals to the modern high pivot party, and they're still one of the only companies using this design for a shorter travel trail bike.

Version 2.0 of the Forbidden Druid now uses an inverted Horst Link layout for its 130mm of rear travel, a change that was done to improve the suppleness of the suspension, and to reduce pedal kickback deeper in the travel. As an added bonus, the new idler pulley location means that there's no longer a need for a lower chainguide in order to achieve enough chainwrap.

For many riders, the sight of an idler pulley usually brings to mind long travel, gravity-oriented machines. And while that's often the case, the Druid is a testament to how well the design can work on the climbs - the rear wheel is able to maintain traction on sections of trail where other bikes would spin out or get hung up.

As for descending, that's the cherry on top – the Druid carries speed impressively well, and easily eats up chunky sections of trail, a shining example of just how capable a modern trail bike can be.

From the First Ride:

bigquotesThe Druid is a solid choice for a singletrack lover because you can simply stay seated and don’t lose as much speed when pedalling across webs of roots. The seated position is upright and comfy, plus there’s a serious amount of climbing traction. Matt Beer










Why it's nominated

The Slash was completely revamped for 2023, emerging with 170mm of travel courtesy of a high pivot suspension layout. There's also a wide range of geometry adjustments, similar to what we previously saw on the Fuel EX. The head angle can be altered by plus or minus one degree, it's compatible with either a 27.5” or 29” rear wheel, and there's also a chip that can be flipped to alter the amount of shock progression. On top of all that, there are five frame sizes to choose from, all with relatively short seat tube lengths in order to allow riders to size up or down if they'd like.

Even with all that travel and the high pivot suspension design, the Slash sits firmly in the 'fast' category – it would make a formidable enduro race bike, thanks to how unflappable it feels at higher speeds. It's no one-trick pony, though, and somehow it never felt like a handful, even when picking through slow speed, awkward maneuvers.

Yes, we initially experienced a handful of chain derailments, which isn't something that should happen on a high-end bike like this. Thankfully the solution ended up being a spacer swap on the lower pulley wheel, a quick fix that eliminated our one real complaint, and put the Slash back on our list of favorites.


From the review:

bigquotesThere's a broad assumption that the bump-eating gains of a high pivot bike are won at the cost of the overall maneuverability and pep in slower terrain. There are a few exceptions to this claim, and chief among them is the new Slash. This bike can happily mow through chunky sections of trail, but is equally capable feeling when things get tight and slow, thanks in large part to the carefully-considered geometry and very predictable suspension feel. Dario DiGiulio








Why it's nominated

It only takes one three-letter word to summarize why the Scor 2030 made it onto this list: FUN. With its stubby back end and relatively slack head angle, the 2030 is incredibly entertaining, especially on technical, rolling terrain. Pumping, manualing, and jumping are the 2030's strong suits, but it also squeezes every last drop of performance out of its 120mm of travel. That trait allows it to perform better than most bikes in this travel bracket when faced with chunky sections of trail.

The frame itself ticks all the boxes when it comes to the features we'd expect to see on a modern trail bike - there's in frame storage, angle-adjusting headset cups, well-sealed bearings, and effective chainslap protection that helps keep the 2030 satisfyingly silent. The 2030 is one of those bikes that makes you want to keep on riding, sneaking in as many miles as possible before it's time to return to reality.


From the review:

bigquotesThe Scor 2030 is one of the most entertaining 120mm trail bikes that I've ridden in recent memory. It's my kind of trail bike, one that doesn't put up a fuss while climbing, and punches way above its weight when descending. Mike Kazimer




Which of these bikes would you most like to own?



Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,721 articles

184 Comments
  • 329 8
 As I'm sitting here currently machining a batch of 170 Top Links for the Arrival, I'm over the moon to see we're nominated for BOTY. I'm super proud of the crew for what we've accomplished the last few years. it's not easy making bikes and all of the arguments and high fives prove this. Fingers crossed for the team, but either way I'm honored to have been a part of the journey and just stoked we've been nominated.
  • 19 5
 Deserves to win for sure.
  • 17 3
 Get back to work Stäb!!! Merry Christmas to Dustin and the team!
  • 22 6
 The We Are One should win, but I have a feeling they will award it to the slash. The slash seems to have a whole host of issues that the Pinkbike team was somehow able to look past in the field test. Losing a chain multiple times on a run would have me pretty frustrated, however, that bike still ended up in a lot of tester's top 3.
  • 4 3
 Good job everybody Tyler.
  • 18 4
 @ripbro: another way to look at it is a bike that drops the chain and is still found by testers (not just at pinkbike btw) to be a top favorite might just mean that’s it that good of a ride. Also, the drop chain issue seems to have been fixed. Early batches of bikes were shipped with the wrong idler spacer. Easy fix and at no cost to consumer.
  • 5 2
 I can't afford one, but I'm on team fanboi, for sure.
  • 8 2
 Loved my 150, love my 170 even more. Have been running your wheels for years on all my bikes with zero issues and amazing customer support. Keep up the great work and hope you earn the well deserved win.
  • 2 3
 Get after it boys
  • 2 2
 We Love You and our bikes @Tmackstäb.

Alt 0228
  • 2 1
 @rickybobby84: Loved my 150 with the RS rear, really love my 150 with a Storia V3
  • 8 0
 Disregard one downvote I accidently hit the wrong button and can't take it back apparently Frown

Congrats on the nomination and building an amazing bike.
  • 5 0
 @powderhoundbrr: You get an upvote
  • 6 1
 It wasn't even a contest. The Arrival is the only bike that would cure my carboniphobia.
  • 4 1
 Love my Arrival! The Arrival ticks a lot of boxes for sure! Stocked to see it as a contender for BOTY. Great work We Are One!
  • 2 1
 It deserves the win for sure. I love my 170. The bike rips. I love all the new bikes with the raw carbon.
  • 3 3
 @redemption08: See its raw carbon that bums me out honestly....
I love that Steezl, nad that Druid.
The previous fade ceramacoat finish looked great
The limited edition ones they did at Crankworks looked awesome too

Maybe a raw carbon fade to Steezl acid green/orange/purple
Or a 70's bronco Yellow/Orange/Brown
Or gulf livery,
I'd be down for those options
  • 11 0
 As a serial bike swapper I’ve gotta say this is the bike that got me to stop swapping. Only drawback is the sh!tty 47 year old motor that came with mine.
  • 2 2
 @ripbro: I disagree on the grounds it’s not actually new bike
  • 2 0
 Congrats. An awesome looking bike. I wish I could try one!
  • 1 0
 @onawalk: disagree but point for use of the word 'livery' ;-)
  • 1 0
 @kingch24: another way to look at it is Trek has more money for R & D, so their bikes should better than what a small company can create or maybe it’s because they have more money for advertising …
  • 82 0
 Jeez, now that's a legit list of nominees. I'd take any one of these bikes and be a happy camper.
  • 11 1
 Even the Ibis frame design is much less swoopy/ugly these days. I must not have been paying attention.
  • 2 1
 nah, the Scor is a definition of poaching
  • 75 3
 Man that Trek is ugly.
  • 64 1
 That's why the chain tries so hard to get away from it.
  • 10 11
 @stravaismyracecourse: underrated comment. I can't believe they nominated this bike considering your chance of a dropped chain is about 50%
  • 13 0
 @salespunk, we didn't have any dropped chains once the lower pulley spacing was fixed.
  • 1 0
 It's horrible. But I do respect them for making putting function so far above form with their new bikes.
  • 2 0
 Wish it would look like a session
  • 66 3
 "Reeb Steezl"

Why it's nominated:

Just look at it.
  • 22 1
 It also fucking rips. Best bike I've owned to date.
  • 2 16
flag Twr (Dec 21, 2023 at 10:59) (Below Threshold)
 @weekendupdate:
Too bad the customer support is non existing. Tried to e-mail them through theor website and normal e-mail ang can't get an answer.
So they will never see any of my money if they can't answer an e-mail.
  • 37 0
 @Twr: That's shocking to hear. Hit me up directly! steve@reebcycles.com
  • 6 1
 @Twr: Not my experience at all ‍♂️
  • 5 0
 @Twr: yea, not my experience either. Did you email them on a weekend or something? They've always been super responsive to me
  • 3 1
 @stevethespacecowboy: Excited to stop by Lyons next year to take one for a rip. Stumpy Evo is getting long in the tooth
  • 4 0
 @Teej83: We'd be stoked to show you the local goods!
  • 3 0
 @Twr: they answered my emails, and got a lot of my money... Smile
  • 2 3
 @Twr: wow, 2 emails!
  • 2 0
 Got my vote and I'd love to try one, as a Starling owner I know how well steel can work.
  • 1 0
 @weekendupdate:
Completely agree
Best bike ever!
  • 1 0
 @JarrodB:
My buying experience was great. Very responsive and yes, they got a lot of my money too. But so worth it
  • 1 0
 I have an SST and a STEEZL. STEEZL climbs 98% as good as SST and goes to 11 on downhills
  • 2 0
 Aw ye REEB bikes are the best!
  • 58 1
 Why wasn't 11 spd link guide nominated here again?

(i know it's not a bike, In b4 the captain obvious people)
  • 4 1
 Nice, that made me laugh
  • 3 0
 Why isn't through headset cable routing in here?
  • 29 5
 WR1 Arrival for BOTY!!
  • 6 3
 this is an easy choice...for me.
  • 16 0
 Demoed a Druid v2 back in September and was massively impressed. Feels like it just hovers over small to medium bumps while still remaining supportive for rider inputs, the rear is the most active under hard braking I've ever experienced too.
  • 1 0
 Yeah, I messed around on one around a shop and was super impressed with the little I rode it. Couldn't discern any additional drag and the rear was very supportive but did seem to get out of the way of any 'terrain' I could find. Definitely high up on my list of bikes to try and acquire for next year.
  • 2 0
 Where can you demo forbiddens in the US?
  • 1 0
 @Processtuna: Hitchhiker Bike shop in Stowe VT has a demo in S3, maybe more sizes now.
  • 1 0
 @Processtuna: C3 Bike shop in Golden, CO has a couple. I believe Fanatik has a demo as well. I'd just look on their website for their dealers and start calling them up.
  • 2 0
 @stravaismyracecourse: C3 is where I rolled around on the V2. Cool shop too.
  • 1 0
 @Processtuna: we have a S3 mullet to demo
  • 16 3
 I think the Reeb is the most interesting. But the Ibis and the We Are One would be the bikes I’d be most interested in buying.
  • 5 3
 Why most interesting?
Not judging, im very taken with Reeb, and the SST is on my shortlist. I like their style

Outside of the Ibis, they are all interesting to me, and im having a hard time deciding which id choose if given the choice.
-That Trek must have been a great riding bike to get in here.
-The WR1 is an absolute stunner of a bike, and incredibly adjustable. You could easily have that bike for 10 years and it still be "current"
-The Steezl, love the story, and company ethos. Bike looks like a good time, and youd get plenty of attention at the trailhead with that hanging out of your taco
-Scor, its almost the bike that im looking for, I just want to be able to adjust chainstay, and run it as a mullet if I want (preserving geo to some degree)
-Druid, god damn it looks good, and all reviews indicate it is a potential quiver killer of a bike, playful, but still smashable
_Ibis, I cant think of a more damning comment to call a bike a "palate cleanser" its the Corolla of the lot, and it does nothing to provide the "fizzle" (IYKYK)
  • 2 0
 @onawalk: I'm super curious what you mean by "fizzle" (IDK)
  • 2 1
 @Daray: Imma gatekeep that one......IYKYK
  • 18 4
 What?! These bikes are garbage! Not one adjustable chainstay in the bunch





I'll see myself out.
  • 16 3
 Druid V2 hands down. If you are as fast as EWS guys I could see the HD6 or WAO competing.
  • 10 0
 Don’t forget that the druid was ridden at the highest level of enduro racing, beating many bigger bikes.
  • 11 0
 @Austink: Not just ridden Bro! Rhys won Leogang on one, and finished fourth overall. And Emmy Won the overall with nearly double the points of second place on one!
  • 3 0
 The only bike on the list with genuine proportional sizing.
  • 3 0
 I had a V1 Druid and would love to try V2. My V1 was excellent with some minor quirks that were addressed on V2. I have since bought a Dreadnought for park riding but Kai’s the short travel pedaling of the Druid… might have to get another!
  • 1 0
 I own a V1 and love it. That being said I'm super tempted to get a V2 frameset (in almighty spruce). I'd happily take wtih WAO or Forbidden (if someone else is paying). I'm super happy two small Canadian companies are leading the poll.
  • 2 0
 @bikerdre: You won’t regret the v2, the updates a quite noticeable
  • 12 1
 Druid v2 is legit a magic carpet. Should get BOTY because it is actually the best bike to come out this year.
  • 7 0
 Love the Ibis, & won another bike from them.
The Reeb is so cool; a mix of old & new school.
The We Are One, the Forbidden, the Scor are all so intriguing - each is different in its own way and each is pushing bike design forward.
And the Tr....... well, it's awesome to have 5 great rides in the running this year.
  • 9 1
 If you think the Slash shouldn't be on here, then I bet you haven't ridden one. I would grab it over a Session on a bike park day. The bike is godly for gravity-oriented racing.
  • 3 0
 There is so much to like about the new slash, I’ve been on it since the day it was released and I’ve been pretty defensive of people shit canning it with no actual experience. BUT! the 7mm spacer thing has 100% not solved chain drop problems, at least not on gx transmission bikes . I’m in the middle of trying a bunch of stuff to get an answer because as far as I’m concerned, that’s the only downside to it.
  • 4 0
 @Spicy-McHaggis: have you made sure the lower idler is 32mm from the chainstay? A lot seem to come way to far out. There's also the longer tooth idler coming next year.
  • 1 0
 @NellyG123: yep , done all the official set up, plus many others. Now trying a 32t chain ring and x0 chain. Fingers crossed.
  • 8 2
 I was never much of an Ibis fan but a buddy recently got a new HD6 and that thing is a beautiful bike in person. Feels really sweet too....at least for the a parking lot bounce test. Doesn't really feel like a long travel bike.
  • 9 1
 just convinced myself not to spend the coin on an HD6 because it's like the one bike not on sale right now. don't go and give it BOTY and make me feel like a fool
  • 11 2
 It’s the one bike not on sale as Ibis didn’t over order and get stuck with too much product. Should reward the brand for not making dumb forecasting choices
  • 11 1
 F that. Save hundreds on overstocked on sale bikes and use the savings on cheap overstocked shimano replacement drivetrain and parts. Use your consumer advantage while it lasts.
  • 3 0
 I mean the HD6 is definitely more capable downhill than the Ripmo... but I feel like the Ripmo can still do just about everything while still being found at a good sale price too.
  • 9 0
 Cannot wait to get on my Druid V2 next week!
  • 1 0
 Strong rumor says Santa is bringing a Druid frameset to my house this year too. I’m excited to build this thing up! Are you going 29 or MX?
  • 1 0
 @Daray: MX and I'm glad I did! Don't think I could handle more in the rear end ;P
  • 7 1
 I wanted to say the Arrival but I cant justify a 170mm bike so went with the Scor because short travel bikes are great. I could see a 130 Arrival with a 150 fork being banger though.
  • 8 3
 I vote for the We Are One, a quality made bike that rides so well plus you can swap a link and shock for a different set up is a plus to me. The Ibis is a welcome bike to any stable as well but I would pick the Reeb as my close second, its a simple and clean build. The Forbidden is no doubt quality, but I just don't see a major advantage with adding a high pivot on a short travel bike, just one more part of the bike that can develop issues. I don't see anything about the Trek Slash that makes it so much better than anything else here, regardless of the chain issue it had (Which has nothing to do with Trek)
  • 6 0
 “The Forbidden is no doubt quality, but I just don't see a major advantage with adding a high pivot on a short travel bike”

That’s what everyone says until they ride one
  • 5 0
 I have sold dozens of the V2 Druids, and gotten to ride a few along the way since June or so. amazing little bike that punches well into the enduro range and just slays.....set some solid PR's on stuff I would normally take the 160 bike. I am sure there is some "new bike energy" in there, but damn. so snappy and forgiving. which is a rare combo!


f*cking rad we are getting these gems......yall......just f*cking wait for the V2 Dread! got one for test a bit ago and I wish all the gnar here was snow free. its going to be 911 and 911 GT4RS. Forbidden is killing it, and looking at this Dreadnaught has me contemplating a Supernaught build for park season! LFG!
  • 1 0
 How do the V2's climb?
  • 1 0
 @coloradohaze: of which the dread or druid?

druid I have real trail experience on. The thing I value in a bike on climbing might not be what you value, but for me its damn good. I won't say great like say, a Mondraker Foxy(which I also sell), but it's pretty shocking for a high pivot bike. it shines on steep slow tech climbs and is at it's worst, which isn't bad really, on long sustained fire road climbs.

the dread I have only pedaled up a bit of steep pavement so far, but it bobs a f*ck ton less than the V1 and really has you(me. at 6'2" on a S3) in a very nice position to spin up long slogs. Which is I suspect about what this bike is designed for. descending like a demon, and just being as efficient as it can be on a transfer.
  • 11 2
 REEB for sure!
  • 8 0
 Reeb Horse Steezday
  • 8 2
 The HD6 is the best looking bike Ibis has. They should design the rest of their models off the HD6's design.
  • 5 3
 looks just like a 2019 firebird
  • 1 2
 @basalt: ...because it is Ibis just basically coppies it
  • 1 0
 @basalt: Haha. I don't think so, but good joke. The 2019 Pontiac Firebird is like a meme car. I'd never ever buy a Pontiac Firebird, but I like it for the humor of it. It reminds me of the Billie Madison movie scene.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZjviMmXIY8
  • 2 0
 @tacklingdummy: not the car silly
  • 1 0
 @basalt: Pivot Firebird? Lmao.
  • 7 0
 Get our pitchforks ready folks, they're about to name Slash BOTY Frown
  • 7 0
 That REEB STEEZL is
  • 6 0
 FIRE!!!
  • 11 7
 The WAO is drool worthy. Change my mind. Why haven't ya'll gotten a wreckoning in for field test. It would have made this list. (well, I myself own a wreckoning so...)
  • 3 0
 Sorry dude, I just hit the red when I meant green.
Oops.
Anyway, having just built up a Wrecker for a client and riding it for a week, (strictly for QC purposes Smile ), it is the best 160+mm bike I've ever ridden.
  • 11 0
 You must be new here.... PB has addressed the lack of Evil bikes in their test fleet many times. It basically just comes down to Evil not sending them bikes to test. They've requested them many times but they just don't see the value of sending bikes in for testing, I guess.
  • 1 0
 @srjacobs: Long time reader, never heard this before. Thanks for the update.
  • 8 2
 We are one for the win, by far the best innovation here.
  • 4 5
 Not when you can barely accommodate at 150mm dropper on a medium. Lost a sale due to the shallow insertion these frames have. Maybe the next version......
  • 3 0
 @tuskenraider: I’m running a 200mm OneUp dropper (210 shimmed to 200mm) on the “medium” with no problem. I originally bought a 180mm OneUp for this frame due to the insertion depth but found I could net more drop by shimming an older 210.
  • 1 0
 @scottylappin: Late response. Interesting. I emailed WAO for the BB to top of seat length, which is not listed in the specs. I did the math and found, yes, I could get a OneUp 180mm dropper and would need to shim it down to 170mm based on my current bikes measurements. 170mm is not enough for me for what this bike would be used for. Also, I have/had a OneUp dropper, and I'm not impressed with, and did not want to be stuck with that as my only option, even if I could squeeze it to 175mm.
  • 7 5
 Half of peoples who gives notes never tried theses bikes. Forbidden is a very specific bike, but very very good. Ibis is a very good one too. But the Slash don't deserve to be here.

And what about the new madonna ? the Genius ?
  • 11 1
 The Madonna's not technically available until 2024, so it didn't make the list this time.
  • 2 5
 I can propose you (I mean pinkbike) to make a full votation, where we can choose (1) the bike we actually ride, (2) the bikes we would like to buy without money limit and (3) the best bikes we have test from the last 2/3 years.

What do you think ?
  • 1 0
 @rismo68: I actually really like this idea, I would like the WAO but it’s way out of my budget so I’ll probably never get one unless I can get a grey deal on a used one. To be honest, the Trek would be the one I would probably get just because of the lower price point with the aluminum models. Other than the chain drops that the early models had, you can’t deny the fact it’s a fast and capable bike.
  • 8 1
 The Reeb is sexy simple!
  • 2 0
 As a Reeb SST owner I have to support my bikes big brother and am psyched to see them on this short list of dope bikes. If I didn't own a Reeb.. Hi SKOR, I see you over there. Can I get closer to you. Sit on you. Finger your levers. Mmmm.. cue Barry White
  • 2 0
 I loved the suspension kinematics on the large and xl wa1 arrival 170’s I borrowed for a day, but it isn’t without it’s issues.
The large is a medium, the xl is an xl. I’d own one if there was a 480-490mm reach, 630-640 stack version.
Seat tube is a bit too long, and a bit too slack.
Stack height is low.
Superboost.


The slash I’d be surprised at. It’s heavy, noisy, and seems to be outperformed by the deviate claymore in every comparison I’ve seen between the two.
  • 2 0
 I owned a Forbidden Druid V1 and now on the V2 and I absolutely love it. It's my daily driver, and it handles everything Squamish and the S2S can throw at it, such a capable bike. It also loves racing the clock, the thing wants to go fast!
  • 2 0
 the bike i am most interested in actually owning i think is the scor 2030. however, everyone i have talked to riding the we are one has been just plain ecstatic about it. well deserved on their part.
  • 4 0
 "Decidedly skewed towards the gravity-oriented side of things." Isn't that pinkbike in a nutshell?
  • 5 1
 Yeah, heaven forbid anyone not live in the PNW.
  • 4 3
 @matyk Isn't that like 80% or more of the people that ride mountain bikes? Well, it's definitely most of the people I've known over 20 plus years of riding. Personally, I haven't met very many people who truly enjoy the pedaling part. It's an unfortunate necessary evil at times for a lot of us. We don't like it, but we'll do it when we have to, to get to the fun stuff. Weird that Pinkbike would have their content be geared towards the majority of their readers. Cool
  • 3 0
 @tmwjr777: Yes, I'm well aware that the majority of mountain bikers don't actually like riding bikes. This site proves that. Hahaha!
  • 1 0
 Damn - there's a lot of good stuff out there. Even better - while these are all pretty pricey (because they're "boutique", or brand new product that's barely available yet, or both), there's a ton of really good stuff that may not quite be as ripping as these, but is readily available at pretty good prices. The overstock situation is hard on the industry - but for riders looking for a new bike, it's an embarrassment of riches right now.
  • 2 1
 All very cool bikes deserving of being on this list, some more than other I suppose. None of them are bad or even average, they're all bikes I would love to ride I'm sure. For me though, a bike that does all the things the other bikes do on trail, but also has highly adjustable geometry, shock linkage, in frame storage, and ample sizing options just makes sense. So I pick the Slash for me. I have the last gen Slash and it's hard to believe they could improve on it. Second place would tie between the Druid and WAO 170, no doubt both of these bikes are phenomenal, but my desire for adjustments and easy storage are great after having it on some bikes I've owned and not on others.
  • 1 0
 I am THOROUGHLY BIASED towards the Reeb Steelz, because of Reeb's ability to grant CUSTOM bikes\frames... So any bike from them could come with regular BBs OR, more importantly, a preferred Gearbox Drivetrain with additional frame mods too personal for me to put on here before I actually have them built for myself - So Reeb Steelz FTW... =P
  • 3 0
 I would take the Reedb over the other bikes myself. Love the look of that bike.
  • 3 1
 This is fake, rigged, paid for....zero chance of legitimateness, any other terms you can think of, if that garbage Trek Slash wins
  • 4 0
 My bike.
  • 3 0
 Had an arrival, great bike. Just ordered an HD6.
  • 1 0
 @ibiscycles make me a poorman's alu version of that HD6 and you've got yourself a sale! I love my Rimpo, just wanted a little 'mo'..
  • 1 0
 HD6 AF doesnt exactly roll off the tongue but I bet it would sell lot hotcakes
  • 5 1
 Frameworks
  • 1 1
 SRAM has done a bang up job thid year of marketing their transmission drivetrains, 5 of the 6 nominated bikes have it. The Score has what appears to be GX. Pinkbike should have another category: Market scheme of the year.
  • 1 0
 ibis for the weight deb ratio but definetlt the forbidden druid v2 forthe top spec and updated design. simple I have make the move for it
  • 2 0
 Once the winning BOTY is selected it needs a vid of it taking a good pounding in the woods.
  • 3 0
 Steezl 100% Made in USA!
  • 1 1
 With the exception of the 3D printed part from what I understand. Those puppies are supposed to start getting done here from what I understand but its all ColoRADo after that
  • 1 0
 @MrSMF: 3D printed parts are from a company in Texas
  • 1 0
 @JayMac1: .. that's badass. I'm very proud. I have a part made where I come from! I own an SST.
Do you know where in Texas?
  • 1 0
 Why are the saddles pointed down below the grips in most of the pics? Some long-legged tester was on 'em and then you guys just lowered the seatposts for the pics?
  • 5 4
 I think the reel SST is more interesting than the Steezl and wish it were here in its place
  • 2 0
 Agreed
  • 7 3
 "Reeb earned a Pinkbike award nomination last year for the 120mm SST, and this year they made it onto the shortlist with the 155mm Steezl."
Maybe read the article, my guy.
  • 2 0
 building my SST over the winter. slowly collecting parts. will replace my V4 Sqweeb.
  • 3 2
 Killer list. Rad to see some smaller brands in there. I'm curious if We Are One is going to buy GG's carbon machinery.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy thought the exact same, thing as well as wondering if they licensed out front triangles from GG (R.I.P).
  • 3 1
 I think trek missed the mark on this janky slash update.
  • 2 0
 you should demo one if you can.... made me get rid of my Enduro
  • 3 1
 This is silly because #my_bike# isn't on the list.
  • 1 0
 The bike I'd most like to ride is the Nicoli with Lal's supredrive. That is what I call innovation.
  • 2 0
 The Scor is just perfect for the "danish mountains"
  • 2 2
 Why is there only enduro bikes? That Intense M1 is f*cking badass as well as some xc bikes that came out this year!! It feels like a very closed minded evaluation.
  • 2 0
 Love the Steezl, but I think I love my BREWser more... Smile
  • 5 3
 Wao fan but , arrival can’t win with superboost.
  • 4 1
 We are 1 for the win
  • 4 2
 Forbidden Druid for sure!
  • 2 0
 No gearbox, not interested.
  • 3 1
 We are one looks like a beauty!
  • 1 0
 Maybe a gearbox bike will make an appearance some day … Pinkbike is behind the curve, got a year to sort it outside
  • 6 5
 What about :
Airdrop
Raaw
Privateer?
??
  • 2 0
 Agree.
  • 3 0
 Bird
Deviate

Except for one, they're all from North America, so I think this is the main criteria for "bike of the year"
  • 3 3
 I wish we are one to make next arrival with internal frame storage. I’m spoiled by my stumpy
  • 2 0
 Yo Levy!
  • 1 1
 It has to be the HD6. It had such massive impact to their EWS team that it simply had to cease existing. Wink
  • 1 0
 The new Druid is a ridiculously good trail bike at a good price.
  • 3 1
 Druid all day.
  • 1 0
 Bike of the Year 2023 - the bike I own already
  • 1 1
 Bummer they didn't nominate the Chromag Lowdown
  • 2 3
 Where's the tick for none of the above
  • 4 6
 None of these picks get me excited
  • 2 4
 I love the Steezl, except for the price.
  • 13 0
 We this is awkward.... I'm not going to lie, bikes are expensive these days. We're stoked and flattered to be on this list because all these bikes are amazing, but here's what I found on my google search.
Steezl $3795
Forbidden $3799
Ibis $3899
Trek Slash $3899
Scor $4199
We Are One $4300
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