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I bought a Highball from Evans but decided that I wanted to change too much so took it back under their amazing 90 day return policy. Now got a frame on order and all sorts of components from lots of different suppliers.
Have fingers crossed that everything turns up and that I can crack on with the build. (already sending forks back as wrong ones sent)
Loved the bike when I rode it but felt that I needed to spc and build it myself.
If anyone else is looking at a Highball I'd say that it feels short & chuckable. Dead easy to manual and not at all unwieldy. BB is very low but & it turns brilliantly.
Will keep posted with the build
Cheers
Simon
[bitter voice of experience]
You might want to double check the the
eta on that frame before you get too excited...
[/bitter voice of experience]
You might want to double check the the
eta on that frame before you get too excited...
Should be dispatched today but won't believe anything until I have it in my sweaty palms!
Alloy or carbon? Noticed the alloy ones seem pretty scarce at the moment.
Alloy. Wish I could afford the £1700 for a carbon one!
How much are the alloy? Most websites, inc. evans only seem to offer the frame only in carbon
£499. - seems like an amazing bargain for a SC!
I'm thinking of doing the same. Really interested in the highball, but why would you buy such a bike from Evans, they don't stock just buy in.
Would like to know what your spec is. Also what you mean short on top tube, have check geo and xl looks quite good.
Good luck with build let us know your spec and build cost. Thanks.
Bikebob - Bought from Evans as full bike was same spec choices as anywhere, got 10 % discount code and 4% cashback!
However - bike weighed 26lbs with Rxc build and Rebas. Hope to get a sub 25lbs build as follows:
Reba RLT 15mm
Crests on Pro 2 Evos
XT 2x10
XT brakes
Crossmarks
Easton Monkeylite XC
Thomson Stem
Some kind of 27.2 carbon post (very stiff frame)
Allowing for having seat and stem full build should come in at 2K on the nose.
I tested a stock medium and it felt short (90mm stem). Standover was just acceptable but I have short legs. Will be trying 20mm layback post. Definately not a bum in the air setup
Good to hear they're starting to come into the country, quite intruiged by the Superlight 29 here.
Hi Simon. Thanks for feedback, especially weight, much asking but no one gives full bike weight. Like you I feel 26 is slightly heavy and I want xl.. Really glad you let us know.
Would like to know how you got 10% + 4. Def worth buying. LBS offering 6 for cash. Let us know how the build goes I'm thinking of pretty much same spec and would like to know weight when done and where best for bits.
A highball for 2k at sub 25lb in xl,2x10 xt, bit of hope and ok fork. dreams may be reality.
Keep us updated and enjoy it when done.
Mine was going to be a lightweight, racey, rigid singlespeed set-up with niner carbon forks but because of the delay I've built up a Niner One 9 instead. When the Highball does get here I think I'm going to go with 120mm forks and a much more trail build to replace my full susser, it'll still be ss though.
Would like to know how you got 10% + 4
10 % code off Evan's web site + 4% cashback through employer's scheme. I'm sure some of the other cashback sites would work. In the end the store did the 4% rather than having the faf of buying online. Couldn't fault Evans.
Only rode it for an hour on local trails but Reba felt lovely - certainly creamier than the floats on my previous 26er.
Will update on the build (if my bits turn up!)
120mm forks and a much more trail build
I agree that 120s would give a decent trail bike & raise the BB a little.
I had a couple of things changed on the xt build by my lbs, so 2x10, shifters to XO grippies, Thomson layback and the build came in just under 25lbs with bottle cages but no pedals.
I have since gone tubeless with the supplied WTB rims and added pedals.
It all works fine and rides well enough for me.
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Simon thanks for feedback. Will keep watching for update on yr build.
Shortcut. , thanks for info. Xt build is my preferred with up grade to 2x10. What size is your frame? Thompson layback for me too but I'll stick with shifters.
What do you think to ride? Low bb is only concern I have. Also heard can be a little slow to get going.
Ivan. Ss yr much fitter than me. I want 2x10 and have concern about missing my granny.
I am on a large and hadn't felt it being slow to get going. BB height not an issue and handling is better than my Lynskey 29er, all just a little more stable and responsive (no idea how that works)!
Absolutely loving it at the moment.
As for the 2x10 I am on 38 & 26 - the gearing is low enough to climb walls with a 11x36 on the back.
Do any shops have these in stock now, or is everywhere ordering in as required?
Have to say, I'd be tempted 🙂
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Feels light. Weight is 4.2lbs with cups, seat clamp and chainstay protector. So published 3.9lbs seems accurate. Carbon frame must feel like a feather!
Stif do my head in! Had one on order and was told delivery would be in May then July and last time we spoke it was going to be September so I cancelled and now their sending them out? What gives? Maybe it just me but their communication was sorely lacking.
Anyway, my Solaris arrives on Friday and Cy answered all his emails, told me the truth and got my business.
It's a shame as the Highball looks sweet.
Ben - my surname is Houldsworth too!!!! Spooky
We might be related!
I looked at a Solaris too - that was my backup if the Santa Cruz failed
Weird world
Are you from the Leeds/Bradford area Simon? That seems to be the Houldsworth hotbed
You should definitely test ride a Whyte 829.
Excellent spec compared to competition and not heavy, and actually works on the twisty bits and is super fast on the flat and uphill. Best 29er Ive ridden, and of course british.
Definitely worth a gander as its a bit of a looker also.
I tried, and did not like the Whyte, too combersome in Large, too small in Medium.
Good spec though for the money.
Good to see comment on whyte. 29cs is my second option. Spec looks good on paper not seen in real life. I know the 2013 are out in a month. SC is still preferred but can go carbon with whyte.
Don't have a third option, open to suggestions as to what's worth a punt. Solaris gets a few mentions.
Are you from the Leeds/Bradford area Simon?
No, Chorley / Wigan, Lancashire. Family must have made it across the border at some point!
William Henry Houldsworth was an industrialist and mill owner from Ardwick, Manchester back in the 1800's.
He built Reddish village near Stockport which is a bit like Saltaire but not as good 'cos that's in Yorkshire 😉
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Almost finished, waiting for big wheels to arrive - looks a bit odd with 26ers on it. Had to shorten brake hoses but apart from that was an easy build. Hope 183mm front disk fitted easily with a couple of washers on the 180 mount. Can't wait to ride her 🙂
Simon