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Right, currently near the end of selling all my bikes on the 'they're not worth that' wave, and want to find something to have next. It will be replacing a much loved Transition Patrol with a 170 fork, used for small mountain adventures, uplifts, and arsing about in the woods. General talent compensator that I'll enjoy riding most places.
Requirements are (and these are not really flexible...)
- 29er
- 150-160mm rear
- <65 HA
- 470-480 reach
- Shortish ST (I'm about 180cm)
- Decent level suspension is paramount. Would really like to try a Lyrik Ultimate/Super Deluxe Ultimate. I've spent last 4 years trying to make a Fox 36 right for my ~65kg weight. And failed.
- Happy with SLX and above, don't want anything below GX. Although not a fan of Shimano brakes.
- Budget is from 3.5 to, err, more if a dealer will do CycleScheme and it actually saves me as much as I think.
- Absolutely no issue with Alloy frame, not bothered about carbon, but most manufacturers seem to save the nice forks and shock for hte carbon models (props to Bird here for not doing that.)
Sentinel GX build ticks all the boxes, but I'm finding it really hard to stomach the cost (although Cyclescheme appears to reduce this a LOT) Have ridden an alloy V1 and loved it.
Ripmo AF looks promising, but doesn't have the 'want' from me.
Norco Sight would be great except for the huge gap between the M (455 reach on M, 485 on L, which I think is too much for me) However, I really like them, and it might make me ride like Bryn Atkinson. But also, Evans.
Discounted:
Specialized and SC because of their appalling value for money.
Trek Slash - Geometry
GT Heart says no. Can't fight heart
Bird AM9 - Mate is about to buy one, doesn't give me the wants unfortunately (real shame as everything else is perfect)
Privateer 161 - Too Race. Silly short TT that's too extreme for long days in the saddle.
Jeffsy - Too short, too steep.
Capra - too short, already had one.
So, am I missing anything? I know discounting stuff based on what my heart says may seem silly, but I don't throw around this sort of money very often, so it's got to be something I really want!
Keep the patrol and fit a manitou mezzer
You stated you opinion about it, but I'm saying it anyway: Bird AM9 all the way.
Over the last couple of years I've tried the AM9, the Sentinel V1, the Stumpjumper Evo, the Ripmo V1 and the Meta AM 29. The Meta was the only one descending like the AM9, the Ripmo climbs as good (maybe even very so slightly better) than it, none combines both, not even by far
Keep the patrol and fit a manitou mezzer
Too late, ridden a Sentinel. Sold on the rowdy 29er hype.
You stated you opinion about it, but I’m saying it anyway: Bird AM9 all the way
Oh I fully agree, it ticks all the boxes, but I'm an idiot.
I’ve put a tread up today pretty much looking for the same thing but with maybe a little less travel.
Commencal meta am 29 ?
I'd go with not being an idiot and just get the AM9, but if that's not an option, Banshee Titan?
I have a Guerrilla Gravity Smash that'll tick most of your boxes, though budget might be an issue.
Pedals in Edinburgh sell them.
Its an ace bike. I've got mine set up for chunky riding, with MRP coil suspension front and rear. But you could spec air suspension and get a pretty lightweight (for what it is) build.
Not heard of them before but that Smash is lovely.
As a Bird owner - in true STW fashion - I say AM9 too.
Nukeproof Reactor 290?
A few British options - Deviate Highlander? Cotic Rocketmax? Pipedream Full Moxie? Starling Murmur? Plus Bird AM9 as already mentioned.
RAAW Madonna ticks the boxes but theres a waiting list....
In true STW fashion, I'm duty bound to suggest a RocketMAX.
I have a large 2019 Jeffsy with a Fox 38 on it and find it neither too sort or steep.
It’s got a really short seat tube too (210mm dropper is perfect).
I am 179cm tall.
Thoroughly recommend it.
I have a large 2019 Jeffsy with a Fox 38 on it and find it neither too sort or steep.
It’s got a really short seat tube too (210mm dropper is perfect).
I am 179cm tall.
Thoroughly recommend it.
Yep, it may only be 66 degree HA (lots have put a 160mm fork on it), but the L 29 has a 470mm reach, and you could probably upsize to an XL, with it's 460mm seat tube, 490mm reach.
Hell of a do-it-all bike.
Or, a forbidden druid. Only 130mm rear but it'll feel like much more due to the high pivot. SLX build for £4400. XT build is £5200.
If it helps, I've ordered a Sentinel. I have a deposit on a privateer but like you OP i am thinking its to race focussed. 90% of my riding is lift assisted or winch and plummet, but the other 10% are long days in the saddle, which I'm starting to the the privateer doesnt suit. I too cant order a Bird, just something about them. I'm an idiot!
Otherwise I have seriously considered the GG smash, scott ransom and an Enduro
Propain Tyee ticks most boxes. Play around the bike configurator and I'm quite sure you can get RS Ultimate suspension within budget.
Having just been through this thought process, I've decided on staying at the trail/AM end of the spectrum and ordered a pivot switchblade. I wanted to make sure I could still pedal it places in all day big rides, rather than just be a winch up smash down machine.
Triton Cycles have Alloy Sentinel frames for sale at £1350 in most sizes and in either grey or red. Could you pick one of those up and build it yourself for a decent budget? Pick up an slx or gx Eagle groupset for under £300, fork for say £800, wheels £400, tyres £100, brakes £200 and then just pick and choose finishing bits within budget. Reckon you could get a pretty decent spec for £3.5k.
Just buy the Sentinel as it sounds like you wont be happy with anything else
If cost is an issue then keep an eye out on Windwave's (Transition's UK distro) ebay account as they occasionally list ex demo Transitions etc...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/wind_wave/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
To me an AM bike is fairly different to an Enduro bike these days.
There isn’t a huge amount to differentiate between AM and trail now, other than a bit more travel. But what I consider proper enduro bikes (I.e the sort of stuff you are racing) seem to be pushing further away & really need the terrain to make them work. Species for racing they are getting close to something as niche as a DH bike and pretty similar in terms of weight too. I can’t really think of anything worse than just having a big 170mm thing to pedal around every week.
For me something around the 140mm rear and running maybe a 160 fork is the sweet spot, which opens you up to a lot more choice for the sort of geometry you want.
I was really impressed with the Hightower & the Sight (but Evans). I’d love to recommend the SB130LR I have, which from a riding perspective is possibly one of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden. But, the warranty honeymoon period is well and truely over now. One frame down & issues with the second one mean a third one with a fight - I’m out once it’s sorted.
Nukeproof Mega 290 appears to tick the boxes.
I demoed a sentinel before my rocketmax, bought the rocketmax as I found it just more fun to ride.
So by tradition, I can only recommend a rocketmax right?!
However that new sentinel is pretty damn good looking!
You've got to buy a bike you really want, if you're spending that much cash.
I was also gonna suggest the RocketMAX, or even the Orange Stage 6 - if you click with how they ride. I see the Murmur also got a mention, that would be on my list as well.
You seem to have thought it through pretty well, but you don't mention your preferred chainstay length - as I think this could be the deciding factor really.
With a reach toward 480mm, I'd be looking for something on the longer end of the spectrum. As you can tell from the bikes I have suggested.
Yep, another vote for the RocketMAX. £4200 for SLX build with Lyrik upgrade.
I was impressed with the time I spent on the Deviate Highlander. One week in the UK and one week in Spain. 65 HA, 76 STA, 430mm ST on the Large with a 480mm Reach. 160F and 140R. I'd say the equivalent bike is the SC Megatower. Although perhaps a bit more user friendly from an all day perspective rather than a full on Enduro bike. All of which is very similar to the Sentinel.
It's a really great bike and feels very familiar and intuitive as soon as you throw a leg over it. It's good for all day riding. It climbs well as the high pivot provides a real stable, stiff pedalling platform. It is a big bike though so its not rapid uphill. More composed and a steady climber. Point it down and its great. It's blistering quick through chunk. Frighteningly so :S
To say I spent a couple of short, local rides in the UK before 6 full days in Ainsa I felt right at home on the bike and confident with whatever I found myself riding.
The Deviate guys are great to talk to and I'm sure they would configure a RS version of the bike (they spec Fox and Cane Creek as standard).
For disclosure I don't own the bike and didn't end up purchasing one due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. I've certainly not ruled one out though.
I used to be quite interested on the Sentinel, until I tried one. People often assume that it's relatively shorter rear travel provide it some sort of versatility, but I'd say it fails to do so. Going down it goes through travel way too easily, feeling undergunned, going up it seems to have too low of anti squat and feels mushy, inneficient and slow.
zezaskar - is that the v1 or v2 sentinel that you tried? I’ve heard that the blowing through the travel has been fixed on the new one
What you should do is buy an AM9 V3, which will come with all 2021 kit, and the bits you really want as you get to spec it yourself but still pay OE pricing, and then if you should decide you don't like it then you can sell the frame for what you 'paid' for it (Its not full price on a complete bike) and swap those bits onto something else. 🙂
But then I would say that wouldn't I.
For me something around the 140mm rear and running maybe a 160 fork is the sweet spot, which opens you up to a lot more choice for the sort of geometry you want.
I totally agree with this 👆👆👆
I'm riding an Evil Offering, 160 front 140 rear. Pretty much perfect for everything except XC.
You may be able to find a good deal on a GX build if you look around.
I was going to recommend a Highlander. @kingofbiscuits covered it well. I rode a M in Spain for half a day and a L in the FoD. The rear end of that bike is amazing, hover bike like. I have a V1 RipMo and it would definitely be faster downhill than that even with my average skills. Just so composed.
I found it to be less of a good climber than the RipMo by quite a long way.
But what Ben says makes the most sense!
@jk1980 that was on the V1, I was under the impression the OP was referring to that one, maybe wrongly
Whoa, raft of replies, thanks people 🙂 For clarification, it's a Sentinel V1 that I rode, but I'm looking at a V2. A few comments...
Commencal meta am 29 ?
Good call, geo looks OK, not convinced on single pivot, but will check out, thanks!
Banshee Titan
Frames are mucho money - a bit out of range unfortunately. If I'm going to do C2W I'd like full build.
Guerrilla Gravity Smash that’ll tick most of your boxes, though budget might be an issue.
Interesting. The Rally looks to have a decent spec. A little short on travel but will check it out 🙂
Nukeproof Reactor 290
Unfortunately too little travel.
A few British options – Deviate Highlander? Cotic Rocketmax? Pipedream Full Moxie? Starling Murmur? Plus Bird AM9 as already mentioned.
RAAW Madonna ticks the boxes but theres a waiting list…
I'm really not feeling the steel frame thing which rules out a lot of them. Deviate Highlander is a thing of beauty, but the cost is just too high, and not on c2w.
I have a large 2019 Jeffsy with a Fox 38 on it and find it neither too sort or steep.
It’s got a really short seat tube too (210mm dropper is perfect).
I am 179cm tall.
That's cool, and I totally get it - Rode almost the exact same bike last year on a demo day at FOD and it was what got me started on this path. It felt rapid, and was fun, but I just want something a little slacker and longer. The geo just isn't where I want it to be.
Or, a forbidden druid. Only 130mm rear but it’ll feel like much more due to the high pivot. SLX build for £4400. XT build is £5200.
Another gorgeous bike, and I've read reviews that say they feel like they have more travel, but a test ride is out of the question, and I'm just looking for a bit 'more'
If it helps, I’ve ordered a Sentinel. I have a deposit on a privateer but like you OP i am thinking its to race focussed. 90% of my riding is lift assisted or winch and plummet, but the other 10% are long days in the saddle, which I’m starting to the the privateer doesnt suit. I too cant order a Bird, just something about them. I’m an idiot!
Otherwise I have seriously considered the GG smash, scott ransom and an Enduro
I think we're very much in the same zone dude. Looked at the Ransom and Enduro but they're just appalling VFM.
Propain Tyee
Good call, had had a look at those, but reviews and tales of Propain's CS are a bit thin on the ground. Anyone have a ny tales to tell?
pivot switchblade
Again, crap kit for what I can run too unfortunately.
ton Cycles have Alloy Sentinel frames for sale at £1350
Had considered this, but I really want the small geo tweaks and more importanty the new linkage and rear suspension of the V2
You’ve got to buy a bike you really want, if you’re spending that much cash.
I was also gonna suggest the RocketMAX, or even the Orange Stage 6 – if you click with how they ride. I see the Murmur also got a mention, that would be on my list as well.
You seem to have thought it through pretty well, but you don’t mention your preferred chainstay length – as I think this could be the deciding factor really.
I haven't ridden an orange since the original Patriot 😀 To be honest I'm not a fan of the single pivot bikes I've ridden in the past compared to a good Horst.
Regarding the CS length - I'm not sur eI've ridden enough to have any real preference in terms of 29ers tbh. Most I've rideen are around the 435 ish region, but I haven't ridden anything much outside of that to compare.
I was impressed with the time I spent on the Deviate Highlander. One week in the UK and one week in Spain. 65 HA, 76 STA, 430mm ST on the Large with a 480mm Reach. 160F and 140R. I’d say the equivalent bike is the SC Megatower. Although perhaps a bit more user friendly from an all day perspective rather than a full on Enduro bike. All of which is very similar to the Sentinel.
OK, OK, I'm going to have to take a closer look at these shorter travel high pivot bikes, aren't I?
What you should do is buy an AM9 V3, which will come with all 2021 kit, and the bits you really want as you get to spec it yourself but still pay OE pricing, and then if you should decide you don’t like it then you can sell the frame for what you ‘paid’ for it (Its not full price on a complete bike) and swap those bits onto something else. 🙂
But then I would say that wouldn’t I.
A demo pretty much sold my best mate one on Wednesday. I'm in no rush, so when he gets his I'll probably ride it and be won over 😀
Just read the lifetime warranty conditions on the Deviate Highlander, think they’ve put enough in there to stop them ever paying out to anyone 😂
Like I say I’m in the exactly same boat as you having just sold my bike and personally I’m struggling to look past the AM9 v3.
My mate is gonna try and flip his bike and fancies the Meta Am that why I suggested it, frame only deals on the meta are very good as well! I’d Be considering it as well but don’t wanna have the same bike as my mate again, so I know where you are coming from with that. I wouldn’t feel as much of a dork having the same bike though if we were both supporting British broke brands. Also the guys at bird are really nice blokes.
What about the ordea occam or rallons think you can basically build your own and they then send it to a near by dealer to finish off and warranty etc.
I have a privateer 161 and finding it climbs well on all the local stuff and does not leave me too smoked at the summit. My climb times are not far off my Norco Optic. The Norco was amazingly fast everywhere but when things got very rough it took a bit more care and focus on long downs. The 161 is very fast on the downs and a pretty playful bike. Frame was also cheap. I was going for the Norco Sight after spending 2 days on it. The new norco frames are excellet. The optic and sight are amazing bikes. Still I could not put big money into another carbon 29er so thh 161 fit the bill nicely and seems to cover all the bases at the moment. I am comparing the 161 to a DMR sled (weirdly have all my PRs uphill with this frame), Focus Sam Carbon, Vitus Sommet (one of the fastest bikes I have had) Commencal Meta 27& 29, Giant Reign adv1.
Josh Bryceland was pedalling this nonsense on Instagram recently. Got a bit of backlash and deleted it.
What was he saying?
Mondraker Foxy R? very similar geo to the Bird AM9.
https://www.mtbmonster.com/mondraker-foxy-r-frame-2020/
Those "non Super" Foxy 29s have a weird progressive-regressive suspension ratio which doesn't seem to collect many fans among people I know who've tried it.
Besides looking stunning in person (they really do), I can't think of a single reason to get a Foxy instead of an AM9. Worse suspension kinematics, worse front-rear center length balance, steeper steering angle, mud pocket shock position, not even comparable costumer service
Those “non Super” Foxy 29s have a weird progressive-regressive suspension ratio which doesn’t seem to collect many fans among people I know who’ve tried it.
Besides looking stunning in person (they really do), I can’t think of a single reason to get a Foxy instead of an AM9. Worse suspension kinematics, worse front-rear center length balance, steeper steering angle, mud pocket shock position, not even comparable costumer service
All very good points! Just shows numbers on paper aren't everything.
I couldn't seem to find many reviews on the bike as well.
For me the Pace RC 295 looks the money on paper, with a little less travel but I think again a few of the above would apply.
Can someone give me a reason why a Ripmo AF isn't the answer to my question?
NX build, sell the NX, replace with groupset and brakes of choice.
I can't find a single bad review...
“I can’t find a single bad review…”
Ibis do appear to have totally nailed this bike! It’s even got tons of seatpost insertion (so you have run a massive dropper) which is where a few other really nice choices fall down.
Ripmo AF or Sommet 29er
Ripmo AF not the nicest looking bike - the oval section where top tube meets seat tube aint pretty at all.
I'd have thought the Privateer was perfect for you, saw your reservation about TT length, I guess that's because of the seat angle being so steep that it shortens the TT, so you're maybe slightly more upright when seated.
I think the fact the Ripmo and the AM9 aren't particularly nice looking is the reason I've not ordered anything yet as well.
The visuals and reservations about never having ridden DVO suspension are what are holding me back. I'm a sucker for a vertical shock and a straight line from HT to rear axle.
Privateer is out because of cockpit size and all the reviews saying it's quite harsh and full race. I need something I can do long rides on. The main reason I sold my old Capra is that it was too short when seated.
ogden
I think the fact the Ripmo and the AM9 aren’t particularly nice looking is the reason I’ve not ordered anything yet as well.
I should add that I'm only highlighting that in response to the OP's invitation to nitpick, I think the Ripmo is a great bike. DVO suspension is getting nothing but praise - a firend who has one was very wary of the DVO stuff, he switched the fork to a 36 straight away without riding the DVO fork- but he's a huge fan of the Topaz on the rear now that he's tried it.
Pole Evo link?
The Ripmo seems to be universally loved. If it rides as well as everyone says, I could look past it not being Sentinel pretty. At least it's not HD4 ugly.
The Ripmo seems to be universally loved. If it rides as well as everyone says, I could look past it not being Sentinel pretty. At least it’s not HD4 ugly.
But is it £500 better than the AM9? That's frame and shock, I'm sure that gets even worse when you go full build.
It's certainly more pleasing to my eyes. Also, my best mate isn't buying one 😀
But yeah, it's is more expensive. However, I could potentially be riding one with XTR and a OneUp dropper for under 4k once the unneeded bits have gone.
Sorry, just saw your edit. Yeah, frame only I'd say no. Full NX build with a Diamond/Topaz is actually really good VFM at 3.2k.
Yeah, I'm looking frame only so its a much harder sell.
Oh come on it’s a handsome beast 😉 I’ve only ridden the V2 for a few mins. It definitely felt more DH focussed than my V1. Having said that it was the AF so pretty stout already and with heavy tyres. That was on a DVO Topaz shock rather than the coil.
I don’t need the extra ‘gnarr’ of the V2. I’m actually happy that I have the ‘older’ model. The full builds are brilliant value. Almost worth the ball-ache of selling the stuff to make the frame ‘cheap'
How about a Last Glen, very similar geo to a sentinal, 140mm out back that can run air or coil easily. I have been really impressed with mine.
The Ripmo AF NX build is a bargain. Ibis have clearly taken a hit on that build to get it below the $3k mark. I bought the NX build from Sunset for £2800 and I’ve upgraded brakes to SLX and the drivetrain to a mix of XT and SLX and it still comes in under the price of the GX or SLX builds (they do get the bikeyoke dropper)
The bike is ****in amazing. Climbs like no other bike I’ve owned including ones lighter and with less travel and is scarily fast downhill.
The Ripmo AF NX build is a bargain. Ibis have clearly taken a hit on that build to get it below the $3k mark. I bought the NX build from Sunset for £2800 and I’ve upgraded brakes to SLX and the drivetrain to a mix of XT and SLX and it still comes in under the price of the GX or SLX builds (they do get the bikeyoke dropper)
The bike is ****in amazing. Climbs like no other bike I’ve owned including ones lighter and with less travel and is scarily fast downhill.
Just a shame there’s nowhere to demo the Ibis
Pretty sure there is a demo fleet as my local ibis shop mentioned it but I guess it’s just not the right time to be lending out bikes atm.
It was a bit of a punt for me but it worked out very well.
I generally don’t spend mega money on bikes and so there’s always a compromise on suspension. You generally end up with the basic stuff. Even the likes of YT and canyon can’t match the spec of the Ripmo AF NX build. NX might not be to everyone’s taste but the DVO forks and shock are amazing and so adjustable and you can upgrade the NX stuff as it wears out. The wheels and tyres are spot on too. The fact they’re like hens teeth suggests Ibis nailed this bike.
I am surprised no one has suggested a Giant Reign 29. £2.7k for workman like build with geometry that looks long slack and steep in all the right places. Maybe a bit Mondeo man or is BMW man nowadays?
Radon Swoop 9.0 looks close to what you want.
I had looked at the Reign, but unfortunately there's a ridiculous jump in geo between sizes. For instance, the Medium is 455 reach, the large is 493! With nothing in between!
I'm pretty much decided on the Ripmo NX now to be honest, thanks for all the suggestions people! Now just waiting for some email replied to find out when the next available ones are due, and the same for a Microspline driver for the Ibis wheels.
I’m pretty much decided on the Ripmo NX now to be honest, thanks for all the suggestions people! Now just waiting for some email replied to find out when the next available ones are due, and the same for a Microspline driver for the Ibis wheels.
10% off at mtbmonster
Let me know what the availability is like.
You've said you've discounted Specialised because of their VFM, (I completely get that) but have you ridden the Stumpy Evo? It fits your requirements
They're a bunch of fun for what you want.
They're great bikes I'm sure, and I'd love to try one, but at 3.4k for an NX build with a 36 Rhythm, they can bugger off I'm afraid
.
Ogden: yeah, had seen that. They're one of the people I've emailed. Has anyone used them? Not heard their name around much other than on Google searches.
Ripmo is amazing. However local hero Robin Wallner rides for Ibis so they are insanely popular here. Therefore I can't get one A because they are sold out and B Sweden is very homogeneous as it is without everyone having the same bikes
@nickc I had a Stumpy Evo for an year before the AM9. While it's an interesting geometry experiment, great at railing corners and a very comfortable bike on more moderate paces, it lacks a lot Vs the AM9:
- durability. Mine was creaking everywhere, went through 2 bent shock bolts and most pivot bearings were shot
- very flexy rear end
- stupidly low BB, even with 160mm fork and high setting
- somewhat short
- low anti squat, very sluggish on climbs, always needed to mess with the climb switch
- rear suspension never really worked properly. It's plush, until you start to really push the bike, then it's all over the place
I’m pretty much decided on the Ripmo NX now to be honest, thanks for all the suggestions people! Now just waiting for some email replied to find out when the next available ones are due, and the same for a Microspline driver for the Ibis wheels.
Wise choice and hopefully you won’t be waiting too long for it.
You can order the microspline driver direct from ibis in the US if you want one quick, but as you are waiting for the bike anyway it’s probably not worth it. I managed to get one from my localish ibis bike shop Evo cycles in Eastbourne, BTW they had one left in stock when I rang last week.
Oh cool, thanks! Presumably you mean a freehub, not a bike? 😀
Ive a NX RAF on order as well with Jade x - Just brought the new xt 12 group , Code RSC's and A DHR2 for the rear for less than 700 quid of bike discount - another 100 on chain ring and BB - suspect will get £300 back for the NX and Guide T's- Bikes going to moose and the are sorting the Shimano freehub. Will swap over my reverb and Renthal controls when its done and Fingers crossed riding by July
Oh cool, thanks! Presumably you mean a freehub, not a bike? 😀
Yeah, unfortunately they don’t have any bikes (well I don’t think so anyway)
Ive a NX RAF on order as well with Jade x – Just brought the new xt 12 group , Code RSC’s and A DHR2 for the rear for less than 700 quid of bike discount – another 100 on chain ring and BB – suspect will get £300 back for the NX and Guide T’s- Bikes going to moose and the are sorting the Shimano freehub. Will swap over my reverb and Renthal controls when its done and Fingers crossed riding by July
Fingers crossed for you. Definitely worth swapping that rear Assegai. It’s a great tyre but it’s a lot of weight and rolling resistance to be pedalling 2 of them around.
I’m a couple of rides in with the Shimano 12sp drivetrain and it’s really nice compared to the SRAM stuff. I’ve managed to shift a load of old kit on eBay so now thinking of going for XTR cranks instead of XT to finish it off.
Rocky Mountain Instinct (BC Edition)?
Moose and sunset have stock i believe but in the orange and with Topaz . so mine went on order 3 weeks ago - Could be the freehub that holds it all up as not till EOM - Looking forward to a new bike been 5 years . My Capra has served me well - last ride for it Saturday and then a deep clean for sale .. 2nd hand prices are crazy Atm
klunky
MemberJosh Bryceland was pedalling this nonsense on Instagram recently. Got a bit of backlash and deleted it.
Just curious - he said what about what ?
I am looking at exactly the same boat. I test rode a hb130 and was blown away by how efficient it was uphill and competent down. I have just spent a long weekend with a Deviate Highlander. It was phenomenal downhill, faster and smoother than my Nomad. Heavy though (had asseggai tyres which didnt help) but has left a proper lasting impression. Biggest issue is it doesnt fit a thule roof rack, so need a better transport solution. I also cant have a sentinel as one of my best mates has recently bought one. Others popping up are the Intense & Bird but neither have the "want" that the hb and deviate have. Its a lot of £ so big decisions!
A yakima highroad should fit it. Fits all my HPP bikes. I have a lot of time on the Privateer 161, druid and norco optic. My money would be on the new Norco Sight all around use. The optic is the fastest everywhere IMO yet still being able to go big. Just a harsher ride everywhere.
Being said as I do not have any money left after the above I have settled on a Morph cycles steel FS and hoping to build it soon. 140 or 160 forks. Keep the 160mm fork in a guncase for parks and racing and 140 mostly around tweed valley.
Sorry, just saw your edit. Yeah, frame only I’d say no. Full NX build with a Diamond/Topaz is actually really good VFM at 3.2k.
When you say amazing value I just went onto the bird builder and for £3299 you get an AM9 (Catflap grey!) with Lyrik Ultimates, super Deluxe cool, Xt group with Raceface crank, Code RSC’s, DT Swiss E1700 spline wheels, Maxxis tyres, bird dropper etc.
Other than perhaps a wheel upgrade to something more bling and maybe a nicer dropper (although the e1700’is pretty decent) I don’t think that spec can be beaten.
The Ripmo AF is a killer deal in the US, here, not so much. It's not a bad one either in any way, but one only needs to factor in a brake upgrade to see the price jump. I guess many of us keep hearing/reading North Americans saying "it's a steal it's a steal!!" and internalise that without then comparing the spec with our local price.
I really like the Ripmo carbon V1 on my very brief experience with it, can only assume the AF is just as good. But I can't imagine the price difference Vs the AM9 to be justifiable. Even if it was a price match, the AM9 can handle bigger forks, is more progressive (you might like that or not, in my case it's a plus) and has the best costumer service and lifetime warranty ever
Reopening to close this. Bought an AF, finally got it about a months ago, only about 4 rides in.
Luckily came with the updated Deore/Onyx combo. Replaced the whole drivetrain with an xt/xtr mix, and the rear tyre with a DHRII.
And it rocks my world. Travel at both ends is so supportive yet so supple, absolutely blows my old Patrol and its wooden Monarch out of the water. The Onyx is a seriously impressive bit of kit, as is the Topaz.
A few runs in I was already hitting lines harder and faster than I ever did on my old bike, and on the first local ride bettered my best times on the tech bits.
Climbing is seriously impressive. I've never really noticed the climbing prowess of a bike as I'm very much winch and plummet, but the lack of bob and ability to monster truck up wobbly climbs has taken me aback. Bloody lovely.
As a side note, I still think Birds are very awkward looking. But I've just bought an Aeris 120, so... :/ 😀
Alloy Tyee or stumpjumper frame, that's what I've narrowed it down for now.
There's also the full moxie frame at third...
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As a side note, I still think Birds are very awkward looking. But I’ve just bought an Aeris 120, so… :/ 😀
They grow on you! When I first decided to go for an AM9 I really wasn't sure on the looks but I love it now.