Descending It's on the descents where things get interesting aboard the Tarvo. On some bikes, I'm able to set up the suspension, hop on, and feel comfortable right away, with barely any need to touch a dial for the rest of the test period. That wasn't exactly the case with the Tarvo.
Ever see those videos of the guys that get fancy new Lamborghinis and then immediately wrap them around a telephone pole because they went all gas, no brakes? I had that feeling a few times aboard the Tarvo – there were moments when it felt like it was trying to escape from underneath me. In certain situations, typically at medium speeds when there were multiple impacts in a row, it felt like it wanted to leap forward, and I had to make a conscious effort to rein it in and stay centered over the bike. By the end of the test period I felt more at home, but it's worth mentioning that this isn't the absolute easiest bike to get accustomed to, or at least it wasn't for me.
The high level of progression may play a part here – the Tarvo doesn't give up its travel as easily as something like the Canyon Torque that I recently tested, and wants to sit up higher in its travel rather than settling into it. There's good small bump sensitivity, and I was able to use all of the travel when warranted, but the ramp up before the end of the stroke does give the bike a more energetic rather than planted feel. I ended up running the rebound on the SuperDeluxe a little slower than usual, which helped to create a calmer ride. That sense of being propelled down the trail
is great on smoother, more rolling terrain, and in sections where bigger bikes can feel bogged down the Tarvo felt like it was surging ahead, eager to get around the next corner.
The Tarvo's geometry felt well suited to its enduro-ish intention. We're starting to see some brands dip their toes into the world of sub-63° head angles, but I have a feeling that we're getting close to the limits, at least when it comes to bikes that retains some level of versatility. The Tarvo's head angle, reach, and chainstay length all felt familar to me, since I've ridden several bikes with similar numbers, and worked well on the variety of terrain that the bike saw.
At higher speeds the Tarvo really came alive – the feeling that it was trying to escape faded, replaced by a smooth sense of precision. That high level of progression means there's little need to worry about harsh bottom-outs, and it'll get airborne with minimal effort. I'd worried that the light weight would would make it feel nervous or flexy, but those traits never appeared, and there was plenty of stability when pushing into corners or going flat out down an open section of trail. Again, it's not the kind of bike that encourages you to chuck it into a nasty pile of rubble without any forward planning, but it's also not a delicate flower - it can definitely take on the rough stuff without faltering.
Tarvo as tested $10210 after subtracting 19% VAT and adding 11% duty
Tarvo DHX2 frame $4585 after
Nomad CC DHX2 frame $4149 +tx = $4480
Not saying that value doesn't matter; just that "value" means something different to everyone.
The other one doesn’t really have any of those things going for it but is very expensive because it says Santa Cruz on the badge.
BTW: I ordered a Tarvo last November. It should arrive next week. It’s pretty much the same spec as in the article—except it’s gonna be a mullet and a gx drivetrain. But I also went for the Trickstuff Maxima as Shimano was not available. Can’t wait anymore
In all seriousness tho, the first $10k (mountain) bike I ever saw was an S works Enduro from like 2014, so given inflation, supply chain issues, the general rise in bike prices, this thing is pretty cheap. That S works from 8 years ago didn't have electronic shifting, didn't have carbon hoops, nor Trickstuff Brakes.
My big issue with the new "Triathlon" riding position is that it puts way too much weight on your hands and uses way less hamstring in the pedal stroke. Not so enjoyable in flat and intermediate terrain. Of course half my comment is directly related to envy associated with the difference in body types between pinkbike testers and I. I did lots of hard work at the dining table - like most readers - to have this issue
As with anything, there are limits, as I mentioned in the review. Still, I bet most riders wouldn’t mind if the Tarvo had a slightly steeper seat angle.
Able to fit the world's longest dropper post without issue.
that seat mast height is set by the maximum insertion depth. which is dictated by layout of the sus. shortening the mast height will accomplish f*ckall. SMH
The Speci Enduro has a 420 seattube in S3 but only ~20cm of insertion depth.
Or, especially in small sizes, the Trek Slash or many Giant/Livs where you often have to run a 125mm post.
Owned one, no issues.
Not gonna lie-I want one.
Erik
They gave it to me!
Im not hating, I think it is insane and impressive that LAST as managed to keep it sub 30 with dd rear tire, but just voicing my personal opinion. feel free to tell me why I'm wrong.
I'd heard of people using oils instead of grease, so I tried a few drops of Fox Gold fork oil. Freehub's been fine ever since, & is appropriately noisy, too!
8 month waiting and counting. promised was 2 month ago
absolutely the last time for me
While intenses CHAD system get coverd in mud or whatever on the outside, its the best idea so far.
Also: yay anther bike in the market to split Customers again - Soon there will be so many brands each will only sell a 100 bikes a year.
So in essence, I can tune a shock for off the top and mid stroke feel, while letting the bike handle the rest of the travel. With more progressive rear suspension designs, one might not need to stuff the larger volume spacer in to their air shock for shits and giggles anymore. And obviously, it works best for coil.
@mikekazimer Well, yea. I was just be facetious. There's a sweet spot for progression, but only a few MTBs have reached it.
I’d coil it for sure.
Anyway nice to see the review!
So, yeah, No. not going there.. x01 from now on
people like @conoat have had them for a long time and put them through a lot and they still perform fine
I prefer hollowgrams tho
User error retard
user error or not, Sram said “you should be using X01, because then I could help you out”
I will take weight panelty for normal pivot instead of thinking when the material will so tired that it will let go.