I think both you guys are right. For many folks the additional complexity and maintenance of the ShapeShifter won't be worth it. But for many folks, ShapeShifter is a really nice feature. The bike is fun to descend and ride in the Pedal Mode, much more so than a 160 mm bike with the Climb Switch turned on (even if it's actuated by a lever on the bar). The bike is more nimble, and the additional pedal clearance is awesome. On many flatter, or jankier trails the Strive is really fun to ride in the Pedal Mode, and I think that's a major distinction from a simple 160 mm bike with a Climb Switch. The ShapeShifter also enables the Shred Mode to be more aggressive with a lower bottom bracket without the downsides when trying to pedal it.
Sept. 13, 2022, 9:35 a.m. - Tim Coleman
I think both you guys are right. For many folks the additional complexity and maintenance of the ShapeShifter won't be worth it. But for many folks, ShapeShifter is a really nice feature. The bike is fun to descend and ride in the Pedal Mode, much more so than a 160 mm bike with the Climb Switch turned on (even if it's actuated by a lever on the bar). The bike is more nimble, and the additional pedal clearance is awesome. On many flatter, or jankier trails the Strive is really fun to ride in the Pedal Mode, and I think that's a major distinction from a simple 160 mm bike with a Climb Switch. The ShapeShifter also enables the Shred Mode to be more aggressive with a lower bottom bracket without the downsides when trying to pedal it.