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At the moment my only MTB is a Bird 145 and following an change of linkage to the LT spec I think it's a bit much for some of my local riding. That, and I don't want to slog it through winter, so I'm on the hunt for a hardtail.
I don't want anything too XC but at the same time, nothing stupidly burly. The Sonder Signal Ti is high up on the list but no demo put me off a little, though the numbers look great and Sonder are putting out some good stuff at the moment.
The Cotic Solarix Max is also very tempting but the cost compared to the Sonder is huge. Could it be worth it? Especially as a second bike?
Any other suggestions or comments are very welcome. Please save my mind from itself as it over-analyses geometry charts and specs!
I'm sorely tempted by the Sick bikes Wulf 4130 at the moment. Not too spendy and looks pretty nice
https://sickbicycle.co/collections/frontpage/products/wulf-4130-frame
Cheap and cheerful Whyte 5/629? The geometry changed from year to year, so it can be interesting to identify which one our looking at second hand, but far from a bad bike.
Stooge? The Mk3 can take tapered steerers. You'd need to build it up yourself though - not too hard a job really
Giant XTC Advanced? Maybe too far toward XC but can go 27.5+ or singlespeed. Halve the length of the stem and fit a dropper (27.2) and it's a nice trail bike
Buy a 4 or 5 year old 29 er XC frame which was originally designed for a 100 mm fork. Investment close to nothing...
Slap a 130 mm boost fork on and use 2.4 inch rubber or so on front.
There are these fantastic 29 er 130 Float Rhythm forks around from this bike-components winter sale - some bought too many and put them in ebay. Fantastic fork for such an project.
And if you like to add a new drivetrain...Deore 2x10 ...
29er low cost fun.
I'm happy to spend a reasonable amount but the 3.5k required for a GX Eagle Cotic with a decent fork seems a bit much. The Sonder comes in at 2.6k and I can just about justify that.
Production Privee custom build would be another option. A Kona Hanzo or Trek Stache could interest me if it weren't for the ridiculous price.
Why limit yourself to 29? 275+ is almost same diameter but lots more grip without extra weight.
Cheap and cheerful Whyte 5/629?
Case in point, their 900-series are so much better than their 29 series bikes.
27.5 is a tempter but I think 29 is the only thing my heart/head is set on so far. Not sure why!
I've got a Titus Fireline Ti, with a 140mm Pike - great fun
There was a Chromag Rootdown frame in the classifieds that looked nice. Not mine. Ti Stooge looks really nice.
27.5 is a tempter but I think 29 is the only thing my heart/head is set on so far
Don't want to throw you into a deep state of indecision (which is easily done with all things bikes!), but I've come from 29ers and prefer 275+ 🙂
Yeah, that Chromag Rootdown in the classifieds looked a right bargain if you're after a fun, tough, and well built frame. I ruddy love Chromag stuff - the frame i had was beautifully built.
Looks like it was owned by a complete riding legend as well....
DrP
I’m happy to spend a reasonable amount but the 3.5k required for a GX Eagle Cotic with a decent fork seems a bit much. The Sonder comes in at 2.6k and I can just about justify that.
Er… SolarisMAX with Eagle GX starts at £2210… what spec are you looking at;…? Adding in Pikes/Helms, Hope brakes and other goodies can get you up to about £3k.
Looks like it was owned by a complete riding legend as well….
Was it it owned by that other Dr, Dr Q?
cupotea how tall are you out of interest?
For balance, maybe 'build' a couple of bikes on a spreadsheet or back of envelope and calculator?
I recently had to calculate the new-replacement-RRP value of my Mk1 Solaris for Insurance purposes and I was surprised it came to £3300. I was expecting about a grand less!. While it's a purposeful spec it's hardly gucci - Yari, WTB alu+Hope wheels, Lev DX, Trail sports, SRAM 11sp GX/X1 mix, Turbine crank, Atlas stem and SixC bar. Obviously sales and discounts exist!
I'd guess that Sonder are getting a big OE discount from SRAM for the build kit. SRAM are pretty famous for that sort of thing I gather. Cotic's build prices aren't too bad I don't think so long as the kit is stuff you want but they don't really represent much of a saving over DIY. Of course given that it's all assembled for you maybe it shouldn't necessarily represent a saving.
That said, the Sonder Ti looks like some awesome deals ...
I will quote myself from other thread and suggest a Pipedream Moxie, a Pipedream Moxie or a Pipedream Moxie
I ride an Aeris 145 lt and know what you mean - although I still on balance prefer it to my hardtail on most stuff. That said I like the variation you get having a hardtail and it’s making my cornering skills better.
Mines just a cheap old ish Kona hardtail 26er, but one of the guys I ride with (who has just bought an AM9) has a 29er hardtail that looks great fun and looks really nice.
Its a Black Nukeproof Scout - Billy ul withh mostly spare bits and a bargain Fox 34 from ze Germans. If I were to go 29er hardtail I think I’d look at something like that and put it together on a budget.
Santa Cruz chameleon? I’ve got 29er rims in mine at the moment on the 27+ dropouts and the shorter wheelbase is hilarious (although rear tyre clearance isn’t great). I built mine up pretty cheaply with one of those cheap Fox 34’s and a 10speed gx group off an older bike. Most ridden bike this year for me
The Signal Ti is a great value (even for us in the States). I'm likely ordering one to replace my Chameleon.
I love my onza payoff - and the fact it's a bit "different"
Batman11, I'm 6'2".
The Sonder is a real tempted and the geometry looks bob on but I'm smack between sizes and loathed to buy without a demo. I should be patient until I can try one