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Considering getting an XC (or "trail" whatever that means) bike soon as I've been enjoying the longer rides recently and wouldn't mind something a bit more suited to them - there's only so much climbing you can take on a small Scott Voltage before it becomes a soul destroying chore! I've always had smaller fun bikes where I've massively compromised the climbing capabilities for good downhill performance (charge blender, sc bullit, voltage, trailstar etc) but now I'd like something lightweight with decent geometry that actually makes climbs enjoyable. And if possible, still fun and stable feeling down hill. Probably would get used for stuff like the long mynd, trail centres and the peaks.
Is a 29er the way to go for this? I'd try 27.5 but feel its a bit too similar to 26 to make the change of size worthwhile. I'm only 5'9" with a 29" inside leg though so is a 29er going to be completely ridiculous for me?
The [url= http://vitusbikes.com/products/sentier-290/ ]Vitus Sentier 290[/url] looks really sorted for the money, has anyone got any experience with them? I like the look of the [url= https://www.canyon.com/en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3642 ]Canyon AL 5.9[/url] as well. On One Parkwood seems good value but my god the're ugly, would take a lot of convincing for that one! Any other suggestions would be great.
Trying to keep to a budget of around £400-500 second hand.
Charge Cooker.
With a 29" inside leg, on a 29er, I'd be worried about saddle/h'bar height, and not being able to get the h'bars low enough, especially if you want a decent climber. Try before you buy.
Stock answer Cotic soul?
Had a BFe and found it very uninspiring, just a boring ride. Suppose the soul is a lot lighter though?
Cotic Solaris is what you're looking for _tom_
A very capable bike indeed that I've owned for 2 and a half years and do not tire of.
The geo is nice for extended xc miles. The ride isn't so harsh and it's very composed on the descents. Nice short stays to make it fun to play on.
It's a very confidence inspiring bike which quickly became the bike of choice so I sold my expensive carbon 140mm FS last year as it wasn't being used.
Another + for the Solaris. Had mine less than a year but love it.
I built a Cotic Soul recently and love it. Like being a kid again, hoofing around on a bike. And I can put in some serious miles - far more than I was inspired to on my fs (which was light too)..
Maybe it's not the brand though - maybe just the difference between fs and hardtail...
456 carbon covers both bases imo. lightweight base frame (1500gms) for climbs, tough and takes upto 6" forks for descent. on one also sell a slackset for it if you want. just get a plain black, then doesn't matter if you scuff it.
With a 29" inside leg, on a 29er, I'd be worried about saddle/h'bar height, and not being able to get the h'bars low enough, especially if you want a decent climber. Try before you buy.
Hmm yeah thats true.. maybe this would be a good time to cash in on cheap "obsolete" 26" stuff unless 27.5/29 is actually worth it?