Very happy with the service and support. My bike came a bit damaged due to shipping, Matt sent a replacement right away.

Great build at a very competitive price. Very nice fork and shock options.

Some issues with wrong parts but Matt was willing to address (brake rotors and dropper).

Assembly was more involved than anticipated, but this also means less likelihood of damaging while shipping.

My only minor recommendations for improving the buying experience include:

- Make a quick and dirty YouTube video for assembly (no one wants to bring an online purchase to a LBS, it’s awkward)
- Do a detailed parts check against the build order before it goes out—I was fine with some of the swaps made (different shock and brake models), but others might not be fine despite being more expensive components
- Use zip ties or larger brake cable guides for the rear brake; the clips can’t hold the larger TRP hoses properly and the crank grazes the arm

I have been riding short travel trail bikes (120 to 130 mm front travel) since 2014. Was looking for a more capable bike, but not sold on the industry trend of longer, slacker bikes for the types of trails I mostly ride in Eastern Ontario. I was attracted to the Alpen for it's relatively short wheelbase, increased front travel over my older bikes and the Fox Factory suspension. Can't beat the component spec of the M2 build for the price. I was not disappointed. The bike is very capable and suits my riding. Handles technical climbing and descending very well and is maneuverable for the tighter, twisty stuff. As one other reviewer pointed out, it isn't an XC rocket, but does what I was looking for. The bike feels solid and planted and the suspension is smooth and feels very progressive. I do find the Title handlebars very stiff. For someone spending most of the time pointed downhill, this will make the steering feel very precise, but I'm finding my arms a little more tired after rides on flatter trails or rides with extended climbing than I am used to. I think for next season, I will try swapping the handlers for something with more vertical compliance.

I bought this bike after looking at reviews and geometry. Honestly, I was mostly worried about the STA and how this would impact climbing. For flowy and technical trail riding the geo just feels comfortable, like I'm in the bike vs on top (6' tall with 32" seam). I Slammed the seat forward and rode Hydrocut on Saturday. The bike came alive riding the shock in the open position, absorbing chatter, easily handling repeated 12" stepdowns on Adam's and a few 3-4' drops very easily. Just a little bob during out of saddle steep uphills, which seemed to help keep my traction on the loose soil. The spec is killer for the money (fox 36 factory, big TRP EVO brakes, XT drivetrain), really impressed with both technical up and downhills. I would recommend the bike for true aggressive trail riding. It's not a xc racer.

I’ve had my Alpen for almost 2 seasons and can attest to climbing at a new level and descending with confidence and achieving KOMs across the board. Componentry mattered to me and has meant that reliability of every part of the bike has been excellent. Frame geometry may not be as progressive as other bikes but fits my trail riding perfectly. As for value, it was by far the best option I came across.