Growler 20 Microshift

On smoother singletrack, faster-rolling tires and lighter builds show up clearly, and that's what this score reflects. In day-to-day use, it trades speed for comfort, durability, or practicality. Most of the story comes from a heavier build, typical trail-width tires, and a capable drivetrain that supports steady speed.

How it climbs: 9.8/10. Within Mountain bikes, it ranks near the top. On climbs, the lowest gear feels very easy. The easiest gear works out to about 14.8 gear inches. For the low gear, it’s right at the easy end — easier than about ~97% of similar bikes. We use “gear inches” as a shortcut for climbing gearing. Lower numbers mean you can spin more easily when it gets steep. Weight is around 15.2 kg, which you notice more on longer or slower climbs. Good for keeping cadence steady on climbs without overcooking it. Different builds can shift the feel a bit, and some manufacturer specs aren’t always publicly listed, so consider this a helpful direction.

Suspension handling is rated 6/10. It matches “Confident trail control”. It’s the kind of setup that stays more composed through repeated small-to-medium hits. It’s a common compromise: calmer front wheel, efficient rear end. Expect more grip and stability compared with basic bump-control setups. When exact travel numbers aren’t available, we base this on the suspension layout and what’s typical for similar builds. It should keep the bike more controlled on mixed surfaces, especially through repeated small-to-medium impacts.

Balanced fit - a neutral road posture that suits most riders. This is mainly because bars are around 22 mm lower than the saddle, which is a very small drop, and the forward stretch measures around 632 mm (very long). Expect a lean angle around 24 degrees. Estimated spacers: ~15 mm.

Net result: Adjustable. A modular front-end gives more freedom to change stem length or bar width, Less routing complexity makes swaps and adjustments more practical, Seatpost info looks fairly neutral, so most fit change comes from cockpit choices, and The dropper adds a real-world adjustability benefit while riding. This mainly reflects how easy it is to adjust or swap key fit parts over time.

Ride comfort is 6.6/10 — on a real ride it feels nicely smooth. That’s why it’s labeled Race-Stiff. The posture is neutral (posture 6/10), which gives a steady, predictable feel without pushing you too far forward.

From a value angle, this comes out as a standout deal. Value is scored 1–10: higher is better value, lower means you’re paying more than similar bikes. Uses MSRP as a baseline; real-world prices can be lower (discounts can change the value). Based on the parts list, it’s roughly 33% cheaper than what similar builds typically cost. In its peer group, it tends to be better-priced than many, beating about 82% of listings. To anchor it: price €1.499 versus an estimated €2.250 for a similar build. Overall, it looks like a great-value pick in its category.

This setup suits typical singletrack and varied natural terrain. It has about 130 mm of suspension travel (how much it absorbs bumps), which works well for everyday trails. Overall, the setup matches this surface range well.