I haven’t used my MTB for years (SC Blur) and have been riding a road/gravel bike but fancy getting back on the local trails in NE Scotland. As this will not be too extreme, I thought about a basic hardtail like the Stoic 4 but as the price has dropped on some of the FS bikes I might consider one of them.
Therefore for tame trails and singletrack blasts through the woods, what would be a good option for someone returning to mountain biking:
Stoic 4
Neuron AL5 / AL6
Spectral 125 AL5 / AL6
Apart from the geometry on the Spectral125 being more extreme and up to date, what is the difference?
Cheers
The spectral is quite radical and almost certainly overkill for your riding. It's also rather heavy. The geometry may also take a bit of getting used to if you're coming from an old school xc bike. I'd probably opt for the hardtail but the neuron would also be a good option if you want more comfort. Good specs for the money whichever you choose.
The stoic isn't exactly xc geo either but I wouldn't let that put you off op. Having said that I'm not sure if I would by anything fitted with NX. If you can stretch to the spectral 6 or even the CF I'd imagine they're great bikes. Otherwise for HT maybe look at something from on-one? You'll get a far better spec scandal for instance I'd expect.
Any of these will feel a bit alien for a short while if you're coming from 26 but modern geo is a winner once you've adapted.
Cheers for replies. I think I’m erring towards the Neuron 6. The spec seems decent for the money. I’m not a fan of the colour though!
@badstoob - for the kind of riding you’re doing I’d go Neuron out of those 3. Prices look very cheap - but do you have to pay vat and or duty on top of those - or are they landed prices?
I’d go Neuron 6 or better - skip the very bottom range one as the forms are very basic. The Fox 34’s on the 6 are comfortably better than the recons.
I hadn’t thought about that but I’ve checked the FAQ and it states all duties etc are included. There is a delivery charge though.
I have a Neuron 7 and love it. I use it for all day epics in the Alps It´s much more fun downhill than the geometry suggests. For the money the Neuron 6 is a bargain.
Check the prices again on the canyon site, they have dropped today.
the Spectral 125 CF7 is now £2219 down another £200.
I have on ordered, couldn't say no at that price.
Good move Mark. This is a ridiculous price for a CF bike with a good fork, DT wheels and GX. The cranks are X1 too. Good brakes and adjustable travel post.
Cheers Nick
Yep pretty much no holes in the spec!
My only gripe is the 31.6 stem so I can't put my one up bars straight on but the G5 stems are pretty ugly anyway so won't lose sleep about ditching that!
I'm also looking at buying Canon - seems like a decent brand?
Nice one OP. I went from casually looking to nearly ordering the Stoic 4, thinking I’ll sleep on it overnight…then came back to this thread and saw that the price had dropped another £200.
£1,349 for the Stoic, dt swiss wheels, NX drivetrain, 170mm dropper, pike select forks. Should be a lot of fun.
You snooze, you lose. I couldn’t make my mind up, woke up for night shift and the Neuron 6 is sold out! Typical. The CF7 spectral 125 is also no longer available.
Where I am, I can get the Stoic 3 for 800 quid delivered. Not as well spec'd as the 4, but still pretty resectable. What do ppl reckon? This would be my second bike to add to a rigid bikepacking steel-framed 29er.
Carbon Nukeproof Reactors were on offer the other day - could be a good alternative
canyon charge for the box too... £20/£30ish