2023 Pinkbike Awards: Value Bike of the Year Winner

Dec 27, 2023
by Seb Stott  
photo

In recent years the pace of change in the bike industry has slowed. The flashiest bikes from a few years ago wouldn't look too out of place today. But when it comes to the entry-level end of the market, the latest geometry and technology have only recently filtered down from on high, which means what you can get for your money at a (relatively) modest budget is better than ever. While bikes have tended to get more expensive over the years, the performance you can get for a given price point has only improved.

This year's Value Bike of the Year nominees are proof of this. The Marin Rift Zone and Merida One-Twenty are both superbly well-rounded trail bikes for around the 3,000 $/€ mark. The Devinci Chainsaw is a high-performing and versatile enduro/park/enduro bike, made in Canada for as little as $3,899 USD.



VALUE BIKE OF THE YEAR

2024 YT Jeffsy Core 2

All the bike you need.



photo

YT's new Jeffsey is our top pick. For $3,299 / £2,999 / €2,999, it offers everything you need to enjoy most of what mountain biking offers. With Fox Performance suspension, a SRAM GX mechanical drivetrain, Code R brakes and DT Swiss wheels wrapped in 3C Maxxis tires, the spec list hits the sweet spot of diminishing returns, where anything fancier would offer little extra benefit.

And while YT has always impressed with the parts offered for a given price, the new 2024 Jeffsey is a more rounded and polished platform than its predecessor. With 145 / 150 mm travel, 29" wheels and a steeper seat tube, it's a more comfortable climber. But thanks to a more relaxed head angle it's not afraid to get rowdy on the descents. Our tester, Dario DiGiulio, described it as "predictable, fun, and simply easy to ride. YT seems to have nailed the tricky balance of a bike that is easy to cruise on while still holding its own when pushed hard or thrown into more serious terrain. It will suit lots of people."

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Pinkbike Awards YT Industries Yt Jeffsy


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94 Comments
  • 204 2
 This pick makes a lot of sense and I for one, am outraged.
  • 8 0
 Came here to make this exact joke. The trolls are (un)surprisingly absent for this one.
  • 11 0
 @notthatfast: just got back. I would like this, but I prefer HT angle something and cable routing places. And I need three water bottles on my bike irregardless of regard.
  • 54 0
 My friend Jeff owns this bike & he rips. Pretty sure it’s him, but I think having a bike with your name on it helps.
  • 10 1
 I need Paulsy.
  • 21 0
 @PtDiddy: Pauly Shore edition..........
  • 14 3
 @PtDiddy: Cerebral?
  • 1 0
 @ratedgg13: Cerebro, dawg.
  • 1 0
 @jokermtb: With the Purple Sticky Punch Daggas
  • 1 0
 @jokermtb: call it the weasel!
  • 46 4
 Trek marketing team punching the air and sending angry emails to pinkbike right now.
  • 43 3
 The word "value" hasn't been a part of Treks lexicon for years.
  • 3 0
 Don't worry, the Slash wasn't nominated in this category
  • 11 5
 @mkul7r4: Trek Fuel EX 8 is 4K right now and most shops offer a additional 10% discount. You also don’t pay shipping. Both bikes rip. You are correct though on the higher end models.
  • 8 2
 @mkul7r4:
Their entry level models are pretty damn good value in my book. Someone will always complain about price though.
  • 2 0
 @bedell99: the bikeradar review said that bike was 38 or 39lbs with in stock bontrager tires in size L. Maybe I’m just a weight weenie but that seems a bit much for a 140/150 bike.
  • 1 0
 @xciscool: the review said it weighed 15.9kg, about 35 lbs, without pedals. A set of pedals is about one pound or less. It's weight you barely notice though, it pedals very well and is super stable and planted on the descents.
  • 1 0
 @Lebmartin: yeah I swear I had read 16.9kg somewhere but 15.9 isn’t bad, probably not much heavier than the alloy Jeffsey
  • 17 1
 Would love to see a back to back with this and a Specialized Status
  • 9 17
flag Korbi777 FL (Dec 27, 2023 at 8:23) (Below Threshold)
 Can tell you right away, the status is garbage in comparison. Not a bad bike though
  • 26 3
 @Korbi777: The Status can also be bought for over $1,000 less. And no, it's not garbage in comparison. It might not be nearly as good, but that hyperbole is a disservice to those that might be considering the Status and cannot afford something like this.
  • 14 0
 @Korbi777: Quite enjoy rippin’ my Status thank you very much. It’s a great bike.
  • 1 0
 Love the Status 140. Especially as a 29/29 with a 160mm fork. It takes it from being a "session" bike to being a really fun and capable trail bike.
  • 6 3
 @Korbi777: Status is definitely not garbage. It has the same shock as this bike, the Fox 36 Rhythm fork (one tier below but perfectly decent), the same brakes, the frame is directly comparable (although slightly more travel and MX), finishing kit is very comparable (the Specialized tyres are great and the wheels are fine, as good as M1900). The YT has full GX instead of full NX, but is $1000 more currently. Status is available through a bike shop with great warranty and support. Nothing garbage about the bike apart from the drivetrain (which isn't even THAT bad). Whilst the status is £1999 there is no better entry level bike.
  • 13 0
 The statue descends like a DH bike. Unfortunately it climbs like one also.
  • 2 0
 The Status is a very different bike. You can compare them for value (parts spec for price and such), but in terms of what they're meant to do and how they're designed to be ridden, I'd think there wouldn't be a whole lot of cross shopping between them.
  • 4 5
 @Dustfarter: buys a $2000 bike, adds a $1000 fork, says it rides perfect now …
  • 3 2
 @MillerReid: I have a 160, while the geo is not best for climbing it is still pretty ok. I think the slugishness comes mostly from the tires and very high pressures can help with that somewhat. When I do XC rides or know I will have to climb a lot before descending I put at least 50psi in the tires and let off the pressure before descents. I usually carry a digital pressure gauge for that. I know this might not be for everyone (checking the pressure also pisses off my riding buddies sometimes) but this is still a viable option if you have a lot of climbing to do.
  • 5 2
 @sanchofula: Big words from the guy who owns a $4000 bike from a now defunct company, with a $2000 fork from a now defunct company.

Cool GG with a Trust fork nonetheless. @dustfarter spent less half as much and got a warranty + customer support. Which of you two was smarter?
  • 2 1
 @ryanandrewrogers: the guy who can repair his own stuff
  • 2 1
 @Serpentras: Yeah, cause we all have the time to be homegrown carbon repair specialists lol

I'm not gonna be that guy who Trust(s) his own repaired carbon linkage fork to have it snap out from underneath me, healthcare is too expensive on this side of the pond to be self-liable for that shit.
  • 5 0
 @nickfranko: This is the PB forum and hyperbole is king. Your logical and insightful commentary has earned you a two-month suspension from the comments.
  • 1 0
 Status vs jeffsy vs ripmo AF vs process
  • 1 0
 @trevor-bag: I have a Ripmo AF and a Status 140. I also used to have the original Process 153. The Ripmo is much better than the Status, even though it’s still a great bike, especially for the money.
  • 2 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: a friend has the trust and found quite recently some replacement parts. If you don't crash the fork it will be good for a while. Bearings and shock rebuild is not really complicated. Especially if you have good tools.

Dunno how much carbon repair would cost for you guys but for us it isn't so much. If you don't trust your self .
  • 1 0
 @Serpentras: I don't own any carbon fiber but I had a friend recently ship his Intense frame to Europe and back for carbon repair because it was going to be both cheaper and faster than here in the US.

I think carbon repair is expensive here because of the liability insurance needed. A person gets hurt, then receives a $200k medical bill, then hires some sneaky lawyers, who find a way to sue the repair shop, which makes the insurance company charge all the repair shops more. The American Way! lol
  • 2 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: In North Vancouver, BC, there's a rather awesome composite shop (Roberts Composites) that has developed quite a reputation for solid and very cost effective repairs to carbon bike frames. Rob (the guy who runs this shop) has over three decades of experience building custom windsurf, kitesurf, and now wingfoil boards, along with sit skis for Paralympic athletes, high end carbon hockey sticks for NHL pros, and all kinds of really neat custom composite parts for all kinds of high stress/high consequence applications (custom racing motorcycle parts, custom high end racing sailboat parts, etc.). Knowing he's right there on the other side of the border from me was part of what made me feel OK about getting my first carbon frame (Transition Sentinel) after having broken three consecutive Kona alloy frames (and Kona no longer being willing to warranty those).

As much as I appreciate that aluminum is incredibly recyclable (something like 70% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use, or so the aluminum industry claims), those three Kona frames became useless from a broken seat tube - something that Rob fixes all the damn time.
  • 9 1
 Seems like a rad bike but I can’t get past the name Jeffsy. Such an odd choice but if it rips it rips
  • 15 1
 Slap some Tacky Chans on the wheels, upgrade to Spank handlebars, and you’re good to go.
  • 6 0
 millions of white dads named Jeff in shambles rn
  • 2 0
 @sfarnum: Reasonable recommendations rightfully recited.
  • 9 0
 Well, it could’ve been Geoffsy…
  • 5 0
 Could have been "Chad".
  • 5 0
 I suffer from O.D.D.(Oppositional Defiance Disorder) and I love to find just cause to go against the status quo. The trouble is, on this pick, I've got to agree with PB. It's a really nice, practical level of no-bling value spec components, on a sweet Horst Link frame, in a good looking flash-free color way. I ride a Specialized Enduro Expert, and for less than half of what I paid, this bike is awesome. Kudos PB, nice choice. Now, if the Atherton Enduro 170 isn't Bike of the Year, we've got a problem. ; )
  • 7 1
 Good pick YT definitely hits a home run on a lot of their bikes here in socal they rule the trails
  • 16 12
 I only disagree with one point. Code R brakes don't "hit the sweet spot of diminishing returns." Nobody I know has been happy with them. I guess at this price I should appreciate it is a trail bike and they're not Guides.
  • 17 2
 My code r were fine. No issues other then I hate dot fluid. They have solid power for Most people
  • 7 2
 I've got Code R on my Izzo. Work pretty darn well to be honest. Got the bike second hand 6 months ago, not done anything to them, and they're still working exactly as they were then, now point still in the same place, still now than powerful enough for a trail bike, and as I have Code RS on the enduro bike, which frankly aren't any better, I know the R would be totally fine for enduro, Alps, etc
  • 4 0
 I loved my Code R and swapped them for Hope just for the look.
  • 3 1
 Code R is a perfectly good brake that in no way would hold you back on this bike. I'd be more inclined to agree if we were talking about the Guide series
  • 4 0
 I actually enjoyed the Code R brakes for a couple years on my Capra. That said, when I got a set of RS levers and hs2 rotors, there was a noticeable increase in braking power. I don't know if it was the rotors or the levers though since I did it at the same time.

And in your defense, you don't know me (and likely the other people replying), so your statement still stands. LOL
  • 4 0
 If you have issues with code Rs it just means you're on the brakes too much. I've had multiple sets, never had issues with them, and I'm a big dude at 6'3 200+.
  • 3 0
 They're great as an OE brake option. Cheap and powerful for everyone but don't feel quite as nice as the RS or RSC levers.
  • 1 0
 I see where you all are coming from. It's not a bad or inadequate brake here, I just don't agree with Seb that it's the point of diminishing returns. Maybe it is actually on an oe SRAM build?! For myself, I would rather spend more to get a better brake.
  • 1 1
 @bendrew: No issues with lack of power or fade. My complaints are with the long lever throw and the vague bite point that makes for a lot of unwanted skidding.
  • 1 0
 @bendrew: 100% true. everyone I know that complains about brake fade (regardless of brake brand) is on the brakes nonstop. I’ll literally run into the back of them on short uphill sections of single track.
  • 7 1
 No SRAM Transmission? Unrideable!
  • 1 1
 Great article on the Value Bike of the Year! It's important for riders, especially those new to the sport, to know that quality doesn't always have to break the bank. This award highlights that affordability and performance can go hand in hand. For anyone considering their next purchase, it's worth looking at these value-oriented models as they often offer the best balance between cost and functionality for both casual and serious riders.
  • 4 0
 Like, that’s just your opinion man.
  • 2 0
 Ok I guess I will be the one to complain. This bike costs $4599 cad. Sometimes they are on sale sure, but I don't see the value. Pretty normal price for such a bike.
  • 1 0
 Agreed, almost bought the previous version a few weeks ago $2499+$120 shipping+ $69water bottle (no other option)+13%tax, $3,039 CAN. New version $4600 is value? Went with new 2022 in Dec 2023…tires are round.
  • 1 0
 I could not agree more. 2999 € in France, about 2.5 times the minimum monthly salary... Value for money OK but not "value bike".
  • 8 8
 Value Bike of the year is one of the many 2022 bikes on massive clearance pricing. Often the same bike as the 2023 model. Now if only the same overproduction had happened to KTM...
  • 13 2
 The Jeffsy was re-designed for 2023, so this one falls outside the situation you described.
  • 4 5
 @opetruzel: As noted, "often" not "always"
  • 2 2
 This article is about 2023 bikes and not 2022.
  • 2 6
flag woofer2609 (Dec 27, 2023 at 11:58) (Below Threshold)
 @generictrailrider: *whoosh*
  • 2 0
 I’ll nominate my Nukeproof Reactor Factory from CRC, complete with questionable warranty for £2600. Not bad for fox factory, XT, hayes dominions, bikeyoke dropper, DT XM1700.
  • 2 1
 I picked up the previous model Jeffsy core 3 (carbon, performance elite) on clearance for $3300 cad at my door. One up 180mm dropper and a 1.5 degree works components headset make it as good or better than this current model.

This is a new bike but head angle being a degree slacker seems to be about the only difference to the old jeffsy (and snack storage in carbon frames).
  • 1 0
 I am considering a lesser travel bike, this for me is too close to my "enduro" bike. YT has such great value, especially when on sale. I might look into an Izzo though.
  • 1 0
 Does PinkBike cast a vote in the Canadian Press M/F athlete of the year award? It should. Time to represent mountain biking in the Canadian press.
  • 1 0
 It is a rad bike, but not fond of the color. However, they do have it in black. I just wish the mtb manufacturers would get passed these pastel colors.
  • 1 0
 " most of what mountain biking can offer"..it's a bike you ride up and down mountains..what else is there.
  • 2 1
 Best value - right now, if you live in US, EU, UK has to be the Kona BOGOF deal on it's Process line, yes?
  • 1 0
 Does the 2024 Jeffsy still have a pressfit BB like the earlier versions? Anyone have thoughts about this?
  • 1 0
 threaded for the alloy jeffsys (Core 1 and Core 2)
  • 2 1
 It would be nice if they listed all previous winners and year.
  • 1 0
 How does this bike compare to a Stumpjumper EVO?
  • 1 1
 "predictable, fun, and simply easy to ride"

What a bunch of f****** p******!

Gary Fisher spits on you.
  • 1 1
 But it’s not free! Where’s the value?
  • 1 1
 JFSI Just fucking send it
  • 1 1
 HOT TAKE but any bike is good with a Zeb Ultimate on the front Mike Levy
  • 1 0
 original
  • 2 3
 Ok, so bike of the year is the trek slash then.
  • 2 3
 If the seat doesn’t go real low it’s no bike to me, let alone perfect
  • 2 0
 It goes pretty low.
  • 1 2
 Warranty bike of the year Trek ...a true POS !
  • 3 5
 DTC can S my D.
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