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I'm looking for a new bike that's as good going up as it is going down for all day rides, red/back trails and the odd 'non-competitive' Marathon event. So, a jack of all trades which would have some trade offs compared with dedicated XC climbing bikes and big travel DH bikes. Any suggestions?
Points to ponder
- 27.5" vs 29"?
- 120mm, 140mm, 160mm travel?
- Prefer internally routed cables
- 30lb weight limit but the lighter the better for climbing
Cheers.
A black one.
Something with stripes might suit sir?
@jam bo - Something from Canyon then?
Not being very helpful are they?
This summer I went for a Devinci Atlas with Pikes (120mm) which does exactly what you want (but not internally routed).
There are quite a few short travel 29er's that fit the brief (Smuggler, Phantom etc). Carbon gets you a bit lighter, perhaps touch better for marathons.
Are you going up or down first?
The stock answer would be an Anthem. They're 27.5 only aren't they? Otherwise, any of the manufacturers' 120mm bike.
Short travel 29er sounds like exactly what you're after.
My camber evo feels efficient enough to smash out 50 mile loops without feeling like a hindrance at the end, im far faster on it on trail centre stuff than my 160mm "enduro" bike, will happily hit big gaps on it too.
No doubt people will chime in and say stuff like "my bronson.....capra.... pedals really well, can ride all day on it", on a long day id much rather have a lighter, efficient bike to conserve energy for anything technical or fun, rather than just being slumped in an arm chair and relying on it getting me down. It's personal preference though. This is from someone who has a 120mm 29er and a "enduro" bike.
Budget?
Probably a 29er based on requirements, so maybe a new Camber or a 2015 Camber Evo? Your question is very broad though...
Edit - beaten to Camber recommendation by 2 seconds!
@yossarian - Lacking a helicopter I'll be going up first but I am more of a natural climber than descender. 🙂
Couldn't resist, sorry! 😉
Short travel 29er? I have a 120mm Salsa Horsethief, but the 2 mentioned above would be good.
Pivot 429 Trail, SC Tallboy with 120mm forks.
Loads out there...of course there are other wheel sizes...
Salsa spearfish sounds like it would fit the bill perfectly.
Salsa spearfish sounds like it would fit the bill perfectly.
Bit less all-round, more marathon?
@Rickos - Yes, sorry it is a broad question, I want my cake and eat it to! I had been looking at the new Trek Fuel EX 29er or the Focus Spine (27.5), both 120mm travel but was looking for more inspiration. Had always been a Specialised fan but just not take with their latest range. Ta
Gotta be this one:
Liteville 601 or 301 depending.
Looks a bit cramped that
@Clink - Having raced Marathon in the past and been off the scene for a while I was trying not to succumb to my competitive nature again so want a more playful bike than a dedicated Marathon machine. Having said that, the new Trek Top Fuel is very tempting but with only 100mm travel might not be so much fun on the descents.
@ben98 - Spearfish looks great but Uk distribution for Salsa a bit iffy. Raleigh supposed to be picking this up but not much supply available.
http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/meta-trail-red-2016-c2x16198338
About £2,220 at current exchange. Defo more Enduro end of what you're after though, reading above.
I like the Trek xc bikes. I have just got a new Superfly ss (used on the Ruthin marathon) and they are reasonably slack (ish) for a xc bike. Top Fuel would be good I'd suspect.
The Scott range would be good too? Scale is good geo, new ones come with 120mm forks.
@Clink Pivot looks intriguing. SC may be out of my price range.
29er 120mm seems to be the sweet spot for all day riding just might not be as much fun to chuck about compared to a 27.5" bike. Decisions, decisions.
I've found the times I save on a climb far exceeds the time saved on the descents (partly because of cowardy cowardy custard on downhills these days), so I'll recommend a rigid 29er+
Worth looking at the Whyte t129.
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Cannondale Habit?
Based on the last 2 new bikes I had a bounce on rocky Mountain thunderbolt in 650 (playful) or the instinct 29 both handle just about anything with the 29 being a little more point and shoot down than the 650 nicly sorted bikes.
@nickdavies I quite like the look of the Whyte T130C RS. Hmmmm
wwaswas - Member
Liteville 601 or 301 depending.
nemtbroutes - Member
@wwaswas - Good shout - will look into that. Thanks.
I may be selling my 301 soon (because I've bought a 601)
18 months old, XL frame, full Syntace build inc W35MX wheelset and those fancy Titan pedals reviewed recently on STW.
Would you be interested in taking a look if you're anywhere remotely local to Preston? (email in profile)