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For rides that may be long and may include big and/or steep technical descents that I would like to go fast on.
That or an Aeris AM9?
Get the AM9 and spec it as you want. Easier to get a demo as well.
Any reason not to get a Spectral AL 6 29? - Any warranty issues/post sales support seems like poor to dire in country/support
That or an Aeris AM9? - Completely the opposite in terms of post sales support
I think either option would be decent. They’re both quite slack HA / steep ish seat angle - perhaps the Bird is a bit longer size for size and has shorter sea tubes size for size.
Guessing the Canyon probably fits in slightly better components for the money - unless that’s changed with the duty and delivery etc.
Bird are normally good customer service and are UK based in their favour. Out of those 2 I’d probably take the AM9 - but if it were a choice between AM9 and carbon Spectral it might be a harder decision.
I’ve had an Aeris 145/145LT and Aether 7 and they were both good. Now on a Transition Sentinel 2032 alloy and it’s flipping brilliant so far. I guess that’s in the same sort of bike category as the AM9 and spectral.
if it were a choice between AM9 and carbon Spectral it might be a harder decision.
Well, a Carbon Spectral seems to be a very good value carbon option, however you're paying an extra what, £700 for a 400g weight saving aren't you? But then again, at least carbon won't corrode and I do want to keep my bikes for a long time.
On paper the Bird is slightly less 'extreme' (to my sensibilities!) than the Canyon.
The ability to demo might be important - I've never ridden any kind of 'modern' bike so I have no idea if I will hate the longer travel ones and would prefer a Aether/Spectral 125 or something. Then again, their demo is at Swinley which isn't exactly gnarly.
You get a day so you can pick it up and head to the Surrey Hills or QECP or wherever.
I demoed from Eversley, tried a couple of sizes in the carpark to get the right size then took the ML out. Then had a good chat with Dan to sort the spec. Far better process than pushing buttons on the internet.
Yeah I probably need a demo or test ride.
Looks like the only way to test ride a Spectral would be to go to Ard Rock, a bit of a Trek (haha) for me.
My LBS has a Remedy 8 in stock.. and a Slash 7.
Yeah but.... titchy wheels.
Ah, edit I see..
Slash? Full Enduro?
I'm in Cardiff, I'm 180cm aka 5'11.
I've been told I can get a new bike when my wife gets a new job 🙂 And I need to have a clearout first.
Get rid of your engine hoist make room for a bike
Ah, you’re probably a bit tall or I’d have said have a quick go on my medium Transition Sentinel 2022 to get a feel for a modern geo bike. It’s probably in a similar ballpark to the AM9 - marginally shorter chainstays and slacker headangle - probably a touch heavier on the frame front too. 160mm front / 150mm rear travel. Love the thing - it’s absolutely ace. Built it up relatively light with exo ish casing tyres - but has a Lyrik and a coil so it is ace through chunder. Still happy to pop and jump off stuff and surprisingly corners really well.
Reach is only 451 on the medium though and at 5’11 you probably want something between 470-490mm I’d imagine.
Ibis Ripmo AF are a good price at Sunset. Very capable bikes.
Only downside to the Ripmo af is it’s w big ugly! I was considering one but just didn’t love the look of it or the yoke driven shock that limits your coil shock choice.
I know, I saw the Ripmo but it looks like some 90s effort. I'm not normally a bike tart but oof.
I have a Ripmo.
I think that technically means I could be a suitable surrogate in the 'face only a mother could love'.
I'd still make it sleep outside though.
Rides really well though. Like, brilliantly. It's like an excitable spaniel of a bike. So much fun, and has got me out of many scrapes it got me in to.
Best mate has an AM9, and he loves it. I think both would be a solid choice. That's not a pretty bike either though.
Sentinel wins hands down on looks, easily, but the value isn't great tbh.
The Canyons look fab, my experience with CS wasn't too bad either TBH. Did take a while but I needed Shimano parts in 2020, so...
Molgrips
I’m in Cardiff, I’m 180cm aka 5’11.
So why wouldn't you demo at Cwmcarn? It's only 1/2 an hour or so from Cardiff?
I do probably need a demo. Cwmcarn is a good shout.
Their website is useless but it suggests they do Bird.
Both look good bikes. We've just sold a 5 year old carbon Spectral and it was a great bike - well put together, no shitty parts hidden in the spec to save money, was still running on the original bearings despite a *lot* of miles.
Latest geo looks on trend and the build are all decent parts. We never needed any service or warranty but they seem to have good spares availability and detailed manuals/spec sheets giving all part numbers and dimensions.