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I’ve decided to go for a hardtail. And looking at either an orange crush or p7, with a Ragley blue pig possibly as well.
Any info from current owners of these bikes on how they handle?
Much difference between 27.5” and 29”?
why do you want a "hardcore" hardtail?
I’ve a P7 29. It was my first hardtail after many years on full sus, my first 29er too ... so I’ve not masses to compare it against really.
But I think it’s great. Mine is 2018 so not as long in reach as some of the latest frames from Cotic and the like. It feels very planted though, doesn’t feel the keenest to get airborne.
I’ve taken it across Wales on the Trans Cambrian. It’s whizzed around trail centres. I’ve towed kids on the back. And I’ve even commuted 20km to work on the road on occasion.
Bin done, very recently
But the crush is missing from that list as is the commencal meta. I currently have a chameleon. Have always fancied a crush. Might get one. P7 is made of the wrong material IMO. Ally all the way for me.
Ally all the way for me.
Then an Orange Clockwork Evo? My 2019 650b Is very awesome, maybe an “aggressive” hardtail.
Hadn't spotted they were ally. Though the 29 is shown as oos, and they don't say if it's 27.5+ compatible. Interesting though Kryters, cheers!
What do I mean by hardcore hardtail? No idea but it seems websites are listing certain hardtails as hardcore so thought I would use it as clickbait.
I guess I want one that I can point downhill and have confidence in it handling the trails I ride locally round rivington, londridge fell and trail centres.
Edit: sorry didn't realise there was a similar thread
Do you already have a FS trail bike or is this going to be your only bike?
Hadn’t spotted they were ally. Though the 29 is shown as oos, and they don’t say if it’s 27.5+ compatible. Interesting though Kryters, cheers!
They have a both 29 and 27.5 models. Sunset cycles would be my go-to.
Already have a FS trail bike.
This will be my second bike 👍
why do you want a “hardcore” hardtail?
Good question... I also think I want one but this makes me think. Why should someone want one? Or not want one?
Better than a budget full suspension, more fun on mellow trails, simpler for less maintenance and setup fiddling? And the case against - less comfortable, less forgiving of mistakes (I see BikePark Wales FAQ says most accidents happen on hardtails)?
Cotic Bfe. Bird Zero AM. .On One Hello Dave. You could also go custom and get a Marino as hardcore as you dare!
I went for a Marino as nothing off the shelf quite fitted the bill, I'm very happy with my purchase. If there's something available off the shelf that works for you then it's probably easier to go that route but it's quite nice having something completely unique.
Sonder transmitter is worth a look, great frames and very good value.
Even something like a whyte 900 series is hardcore in the right hands and very versatile.
I have a nukeproof scout that I like very much.
I'm sure there's a purple Orange Crush on the classifieds.
Marin San Quentin
Bought a ragley big al frame a few days ago, 29er and I'll be putting a 160 fork on it.
I second the sonder transmitter. Also look at the on one scandal.
Better than a budget full suspension, more fun on mellow trails, simpler for less maintenance and setup fiddling?
Those are the principle reasons I bought mine. Seeing as my FS is an expensive race bike, when I don’t need the specificity or in winter the HT is quick and easy to roll Out and clean and also - it’s SLX - cheaper on consumables. Besides, having a bike you can throw around which encourages you to do so by virtue of its Geo and bigger fork encourages a little bit of of a skills test / bravery which I can take to the other bike. Also for racing see “training heavy”.... My HT is 6.5lbs heavier than my FS.
Some great suggestions for Hardtails. I didn’t realise there would be such a choice and the sonder transmitter looks great.
A friend has a p7 and he finds the frame is not as harsh as the aluminium frames. It’s a 29er frame but he’s stuck 27.5” 2.8 tyres on it. He’s absolutely rips through trails on it.
My Marin Nail Trail is not really 'hardcore ht', 130mm fork and ability to take 2.4 tyres (just).
It's the rear that's the limiting factor, not a huge fork travel. Keeping air in the rear tyre is the challenge.
IMO, really big forks create big geometry changes as the fork dives.
If you're riding black routes, DH or Enduro type trails regularly, then yes a beefier bike is great. If you're riding reds and swoopier with a few drops and rocky bits, mid-way is more..
IMO, a mid travel HT with some beefy tyres and good rims is faster in most situations than a 'hardcore' bike which weighs more.
At no point this last week riding black trails in the Highlands on my Marin did I feel underbiked, save for thinking a FS would be more comfy...
I love my Zero 29, big tyres and wheels help take the sting out of things and give loads of grip. It's an absolute hoot of a bike and inspires confidence, where previously I'd be on the brakes with fingers crossed, now I'm getting off the brakes and going for it.
IMO, a mid travel HT with some beefy tyres and good rims is faster in most situations than a ‘hardcore’ bike which weighs more.
IMO, MOAB has hit the nail on the head there. I've a 2.4 Trail Boss Rear and 2.6 Magic Mary front on my Clockwork, and a 130mm Revelation with Debonair which as well as the same MY Pike is know for sitting up in its Travel well, I think in reality I got lucky on the 2019 Clockwork EVO S that came with this spec, as the 2020 Evo has a Recon.
A friend has a p7 and he finds the frame is not as harsh as the aluminium frames. It’s a 29er frame but he’s stuck 27.5” 2.8 tyres on it. He’s absolutely rips through trails on it.
Sorry to keep banging on about the Clockwork - it is after all the bike I have - but one of the reasons I stopped considering the P7 was that various reviews and research stated the P7 frame as being heavier than the Clockwork and the Clockwork being quite comfortable for an HT. I'm not a huge lover of Hardtails in my history as I hate getting beaten up by them but I'd have to say its true in this case. This review concurs despite that being a 2017 bike.
I will take a look at the clockwork. I didn't consider it as the travel wasn't enough.
I may be selling my 16.5" mk1 Switchback frame soon if that'd be of interest?
At the risk of being accused of banging on about ally, I'd venture that the 2.8s provide a significantly greater amount of compliance than the frame material on your mate's p7. 😉
To each their own 👍
Transmitter really is a great ride. Very capable and unbelievably well finished for the money(full internal routing) etc.
More muted builds are available 😉
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That sonder looks great. Not sure about the tyres.
Dammit I was thinking of sticking with orange but I may have changed my mind.
So, transmitter or signal?
I'd go Transmitter, as the wider new generation of tyres is the biggest influence on comfort IMO.
If you're after a nice hardcore hardtail, I've just decided to sell my 27.5 BFe - it's in the classifieds. Buying a new house, so lots of bike kits has to go!
There's something great about a steel hardtail with semi-fat tyres and a decent fork.
What is your budget? not all hardtails cheap. The one I am building at the moment will cost nearly 4.5K once done. Also how crazy do you want to go with the geometry, not all hardcore hardtails are equal.
I have up to 2k.
Would want to buy new as I want a warranty and I appreciate it’s not a massive fund pot but for what I want I think I can get a decent spec hardtail.
So it’s either orange (some good deals on at the mo) or the sonder transmitter.
Regarding the sonder, is there a massive difference between the NX and GX versions. Worth the extra £500?