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Getting the itch for a new full sus. Current bike is an Evil Uprising, love the suspension action on it but I fancy something a bit longer and slacker and also a wee bit less travel to make the ride more 'engaging'. I've a switchback hardtail which is great so looking at the switchback FS as well as the calling because every Stanton I've ridden has been great and quality is normally right up there. My only concerns on the Stanton are it's a bit weighty which may or may not make a difference but I like a playful bike ans IME anything too weighty is not as much fun. Also, its 10mm longer than the calling at 466mm reach which is a fair bit longer than my uprising and I'm wondering if it's too long for a bike with an emphasis on fun stuff rather than smashing through stuff.
Anybody own either of these care to comment on their ride characteristics?
I've got a Switch9er FS so can't really comment on the playfulness of the Switchback which is less slack, smaller wheels, lower BB and shorter CS but, I'd expect it to be plenty fun based on the differences. Geometry of the 9er is spot on for what I want and it doesn't feel overly heavy as the short link suspension pedals extremely efficiently. Really can't fault the way the bike rides, it just feels right, though certainly requires a more aggressive approach to technical climbs.
Expect a hefty lead time on frames though... wouldn't expect it in less than 12wks+ from order based on past experience, covid & recent posts in the owners group. I've also had a few QC issues with mine which are being rectified but that was one of the early batches so I'd expect them to have ironed most of that out.
Stanton are usually more than happy to let out bikes from their workshop in the Peaks so I'd definitely recommend trying to get there for a test ride.
Calling frames are a steal right now.
Get a Calling.
Having owned a few Evils, the Calling is gonna be spot on for what you're after.
I’ve owned my calling for 3 years and it’s a great, fun bike. Very playful and engaging. I had a switchback fs 160 which was great, amazing on the dh but a little heavy 35lb with coil front and back.
Now only have the calling and I don’t miss the switchback
I got a Calling earlier this year, set up as a mullet. I was switching from a Transition Patrol Carbon which was 170/150mm travel and around 33lb. It was very capable, a very serious piece of bike and I liked it a lot.
The Calling is much more playful, more fun to ride, despite being roughly similar in terms of head angle and reach. I'd say I get more pleasure out of riding it. It's a tiny bit slower downhill but much more pleasant going up and more enjoyable on mellower trails. I think the lower weight of 30lb (though I'd hoped for sub 30) helps a lot too. I am quite fussy about bike weight though, and do tend to notice it.
On the whole, compared to my Patrol which I'd say was more like the Stanton, I have a better time riding the Evil. For a bit of context my trails range from mellow XC stuff in the Pentlands to Tweed Valley DH and big mountain stuff.
I would say a calling mate loves his Following, another option new Transition Scout or 2021 Ibis Mojo4
Thanks all, interesting reading especially lungman's comparison. I fancied a change from Evil but maybe I should stick with what I know works well.