I have a 2022 ESD. I was a bit bummed at first that they changed the color from that awesome red from 2021, but it was love at first sight when I first took it out of the box. Still, I agree with you the red was a bit more boutique-looking.
Regarding the stiffness of the ESD, I wouldn't argue it feels like a magic carpet ride or any nonsense like that, but I'd argue it's still a rather comfortable ride. I was expecting to get beaten up much more more than I am from riding this bike. That being said, I don't have your experience with many other frames to be able to compare. My previous hardtail was a 2011 Voodoo Bizango. That was not a very comfortable ride at all, but it had geo from another era, a fork from 15 years ago and 26" wheels, so comparing the two would be a bit pointless.
May 26, 2023, 5:19 a.m. - FlipSide
I have a 2022 ESD. I was a bit bummed at first that they changed the color from that awesome red from 2021, but it was love at first sight when I first took it out of the box. Still, I agree with you the red was a bit more boutique-looking. Regarding the stiffness of the ESD, I wouldn't argue it feels like a magic carpet ride or any nonsense like that, but I'd argue it's still a rather comfortable ride. I was expecting to get beaten up much more more than I am from riding this bike. That being said, I don't have your experience with many other frames to be able to compare. My previous hardtail was a 2011 Voodoo Bizango. That was not a very comfortable ride at all, but it had geo from another era, a fork from 15 years ago and 26" wheels, so comparing the two would be a bit pointless.