“Let me start out by stating that the geometry on the Alpine Brawler and the new Launch model are basically identical. I love the way the Alpine Brawler handles. After 4 plus years of testing before it was released, the geometry is spot on and the large moto style seat allows for new riders to easily pinch the seat and use their legs to lean the bike when initiating turns and stops. The larger seat also allows anyone riding the Brawler model to sit comfortably and cruise down the mountain with a style that relates directly to downhill mountainbiking. Coming from a freestyle background, I was somewhat craving a bike that looked and felt a bit more like my dirt jumper and slopestyle bikes. He delivered with the Launch. The Launch weighs in at 3-4 lbs lighter than the Brawler depending upon how it’s built up. It rides almost exactly the same as the Brawler when the same fork and shock are used on the frames. The difference in feel comes when you do things like 360’s and tailwhips where having a lighter swing weight allows for easier handling. I felt immediately comfortable on the Launch and continued to make progress while up at Whistler over the summer. Here are some of the standout features of the Launch. It’s lighter weight makes it easier to jump and do tricks. The adjustability of the seat allows you to slam it for jump sessions or ride it higher for cruising or backcountry powder days when you need to be able to use the inside of your knees to push and grip the bike. I have not yet ridden the Launch with an 8in travel downhill fork but I’m guessing it will handle just like the Brawler. I like that fact that you can put a remote reservoir shock on Launch where you cannot do so on the Brawler. You don’t really need a reservoir shock because it’s cold and you don’t get shock fade in the winter riding these bikes but I do like having the latest and greatest valving technology at my fingertips.” – Brandon Schmit
