[Closed] Here we go then- new bike testing list.

Epic Evo (do they still do it?)
Anthem SX
Pivot Mach 429
Pyga oneten 29

You've got to decide on your priorities first I'd say. Most of that list is not going to be a "competitive" XC race bike. Any of them will be fun on the trails, just some more fun than others.

Whyte M109 is the obvious choice (they're a lot more fun than you might expect too), the Trek or the Spesh the boring yet predictable choices, the Canyon an unknown really, and anything from the T-129 onwards is definitely too heavy and/or long travel IMO.

Got a T-130 works on order myself currently, as a trail centre and big mountain rides toy. It won't be used for racing!

Cannondale

You've got to decide on your priorities first I'd say.

Well...

Most of that list is not going to be a "competitive" XC race bike. Any of them will be fun on the trails, just some more fun than others.

I did, see? But it depends on the rider MBOY, I took the ASR5 to 8th in Vets & 27th overall in the Bonty24/12, without really releasing I was doing so. Now, by really making an effort on that M109CS I might do ok, eh?

But I appreciate I won't be troubling Abselon or Schurter anytime soon...

ChunkyMTB - Member
Cannondale

Which one? The racing ones seem very expensive, the Trail bikes are - well VERY much trail bikes...

Canyon Lux.

Get shot of that heartthrob ASR once and for all, just bite the bullet, you've been deliberating for over a year now.

What about Intense Hard Eddie or Santa Cruz Highball.. Both HT's but then that's a good thing right?

I have a race HT already - which isn't going anywhere. Hence the ability to compromise the FS toward "trail" a bit.

Rocky Element MSL
Rocky Instinct for a less XC more trail version
Tallboy or LT

Should probably add a Scott Spark to that list.

You could probably rule out a lot of those choices on budget alone where frames are upwards of 2k.

I just don't like Scott's, there always seems something not quite right about them for the money IMO, but Ive not go to travel far to test one so...

I've been playing with google. That Whyte 129 SCR Works just scored 5/5 at Bikeradar, and by removing & replacing the dropper with a Thomson elite I already have is only 1lb heavier than the M109CS. Perhaps maybe a longer-than-stock Stem - which I also have - could be added for racing (although the TT is long at 637mm for me). Single front ring with alternates available, life time bearing warranty hmmm I could be onto something...

Seems a lot of bike to be hauling around for a 24hr race. Looks a great trail bike though.

Having ridden both and currently got a T-129 on demo, I'd agree with MrB
Fantastic trail bike but not the mile muncher the M-109 is.

How did you find the m109 as a trail bike Z1ppy?

It was only a limited demo of the m-109, it just flew though the demo loop, like cat with it's tail on fire (I spent 60% of the loop in the outer ring of a triple set without realising). Rode the T-129 on the same loop and it was efficient enough and more relaxed about it (more fun)... Got the T-129 on a proper demo (at home), as that's what I think I want/need but am constantly thinking the M-109 would actually be fine for 99.9% of the stuff I ride. So is the t-129 worth it for that .01% of the time I'd need it?
Getting another ride in on it tomorrow, now I've gotten the suspension setup right and am getting to grips with the bike
So I really can't answer your question with any real authority about it's trail bike potential, but if I wanted a fast bike to cross ground quickly, the M-109 would be my instant choice. Ask your local Whyte dealer about getting a demo bike in

Thanks. Hoping to organise a demo of both on my local trails over the next few weeks. I'm am stuck with a fear of missing out if I took an m109 to Afan though but I guess it comes down to the majority of its use as you say.

It's a strange one, some of the guys I rode with always say I was faster at Afan (Dh direction) on my Superlight, than my Prophet . My Prophet was my fun bike though & the one I preferred.. hmm maybe that's the answer I needed for my own choice (no help to you though). Or maybe I should just get both 😳

But it depends on the rider MBOY, I took the ASR5 to 8th in Vets & 27th overall in the Bonty24/12, without really releasing I was doing so. Now, by really making an effort on that M109CS I might do ok, eh?

But I appreciate I won't be troubling Abselon or Schurter anytime soon...

My point entirely.

I did 24/12 as a 12hr solo last year, my very first one. A 29er HT with light wheels, fast rolling tubeless tyres and a good spread of gears was the perfect tool for the job. I wouldn't have wanted to cart around an extra 4-5lb worth of 120mm FS bike for that length of time! The rider is 99% sure, but why would you intentionally slow yourself down if you had the choice not to?

FWIW, sounds like you've still got a perfectly good, raceable 29er HT anyway. So why not just get a specific fun/trail bike, and not worry about being able to race on it? I can highly recommend both the T129 and T130 from your choices with that in mind. And the M109 is definitely more fun than a 100mm XC/Enduro bike should rightly be on most trails too.

Anthem SX

Agreed.

[img] ?resizeid=-2&resizeh=690&resizew=690[/img]

Short travel back end for the speedy days, and bigger front end, dropper post, wide bars and fat front tyre for the fun days. Brilliant looking bike for the money, IMHO.

mboy my HT is a 22.5lb ti 26er....

CFH - that's only above this much <-> different from my asr 5 no? What'd be the pioint in swapping it?

A friend has the Canyon Lux. Very well made and light, with 100mm travel it is a very good all rounder, he really rates it. The specs do say that you should not do drop offs or jumps bigger than 600 mm though

all I know is that he reckons it has made him much quicker

Saw Anthem SX today - felt nice to sit on but colours are crap and cheap unfortunately. The advanced looks better but don't know price yet.

Waiting to see camber evo 29 in 2015 colours too.

Kryton, we in v similar territory (as noted before). Really need to decide two bikes or what compromise to make.

My favourite ride in an epic but want a bit more gnarr!! Loved the old trance and anthem 29ers but not keen on new wheels. Hated whytes oddly.

Think I will compromise on race ability (1-2 a year max) and go for more trail version. Camber evo looks like most likely now.

How are you testing these bikes? Are you going to just ride them or is there a bit of white coat, data gathering going on? It sounds like the latter to me, which also sounds eXtremely boring and amybe a bit OTT for just buying a bike. If it's the former, then that's a lot of bikes to ride (you'll not be doing 12 hours races in the test, will you?) and you might want to re-ride some of your favourites. So even without the half day riding tests, that's still a few months of just riding before you've tried them all and picked the one you've liked the mostest (or came out with the highest overall score on the test).

If it were me, i'd pick the Whyte M109CS (never heard of it btw) as it's first on the list, and go ride it competitively a few times and for fun the rest of the time.

Teamhurtmore, I don't see the Anthem as any more than a tiny difference in wheelsize over my yeti. I could get an Advance 2 for £2k but it doesn't seem different enough.

Euro, I'm probably not buying until next March, so my intention is to narrow it down to 3 or so between now and then. You've interpreted my list correctly - that Whyte is where my heart is.

I'm happy to ride my HT competitively for Iong as well as short events as I've ridden it for HONC & BORS, it's only for 24hrs and fun I'd use the FS, why is why the t129 scr appeals. But if the m109 was to ride in a trailsy fashion that'd change my view.

Yes it's a big list though!

doesn't seem different enough.

Maestro.

Anyway, this wasn't a what bike thread, I'm just trying to endure I haven't missed anything important from my list.

CaptainFlashheart - Member
doesn't seem different enough.
Maestro.

Maybe , but I'd take your maestro ang give you a re valved race tftuned shock..

Anyway, this wasn't a what bike thread, I'm just trying to endure I haven't missed anything important from my list.

You've definitely not missed anything. You've actually named every bike on the market 😉

Yes it's a big list though!

Yes it is. I had a headache with just two to chose from 😀

Ibis Ripley.... probably not for 3k though...

Sheesh. Pauls seems to have a new stock of Anthem 29 X1 at £1500. Almost worth buying one and keeping the yeti....

The XTC Advanced SL 1 would be tempting me. I'd love a blast on that Anthem SX though.

I'll have another go then, the Anthem.

Having steered no where near Giant in the past I'm a total convert to their bikes. The TCX I have is the bollox and the Propel I tried was a total whoosh.
Only thing I haven't tried yet are the MTBs, but then you lot have, so im going along with what you lot recommend and second it.
The Anthem, great bike by all accounts.

I'd drop the Segment from your list. I specced one up this morning on Orange's website and with some sensible things you'd want to change (Pikes, 1x10, Reverb, Maxxis tyres etc), took the price from the base price of just over £3000 to £3800.

I wouldn't go for the Spearfish, it's too heavy... quick enough and capable enough.. but still, it's heavy. Even with a reasonably light build/spec, it was heavy.

sell everything you have and chuck all the cash at a 100mm carbon FS with all the trimmings,

sell everything you have

Have you not been following these threads? 🙂

If you are leaning towards the Whyte M109CS I guess you should consider some other carbon 100mm 29ers. How about throwing the Pivot Mach 429 Carbon and Turner Czar into the mix? I think both are available as a frame, so a bit of shopping around and raiding of the spares bin might get you somewhere near your budget. Just a thought.

Have you not been following these threads?

i have, and i keep telling him to tell his mrs as mice as the gesture was a few years ago for the frame, he doesn't feel its up to the job of where his riding is now, and where he wants to go,

don't even have to sell the frame, just strip it and box it up

i have, and i keep telling him to tell his mrs as mice as the gesture was a few years ago for the frame, he doesn't feel its up to the job of where his riding is now, and where he wants to go

this, except sell the frame. It is only a frame.

Look, lets be clear - you're implying I'm being indecisive when I'm not.

I'm keeping the Ti HT. I like it, I want to keep it AND it has sentimental value.

I want a FS that will replace the Yeti. When I bought the Yeti I wasn't racing, and if I wasn't still I wouldn't be starting this thread as I really like / rate my Yeti and would love to keep it.

But now I am racing, So I want to [b]replace [/b]it with an option that has more "raceability" hence this list. Selling the HT is not negotiable. Owning three bikes isn't really where I want to be, although the price of the Anthem at Paul's means that could be possible, leading to a consolidation this time next year.

Thanks for comments on the Segment and Spearfish. I don't like the looks of the Pivot, but I would consider a Czar - maybe a bit more saving might get me that. So I think we are here now:

Whyte M109CS
Giant Anthem 29
Canyon Lux
Trek SuperFly
Spec. Epic
Whyte T129 SCR
Santa Cruz Talboy
Spec. Camber Carbon
Devinci Trail 29
Whyte T130 Works
Turner Czar (maybe)

Although buying that Anthem does feel like buying it for buying-its-sake, I've no love for it. Maybe that's a good thing...

I'm keeping the Ti HT. I like it, I want to keep it AND it has sentimental value.

Strip it, polish it up, hang it on the wall, enjoy it every day 🙂

I would have thought your Yeti ASR5 would be ideal as a trail bike + occasional 24hr racer? Not sure what you are expecting to gain by swapping it? Sure you could go more XC race oriented and of course 29er, but everything is a compromise.

Out of your list, the Spec. Camber looks like a good compromise. I was seriously considering the Carbon Evo version as my next trail bike (no racing required for me). I could easily imagine racing a Camber long distance on fairly technical trails.

What about M109CS vs. 29CS? I know you want a FS but I fancy a bit of a hijack
8)

Test rode the 29CS and thought it was pretty close to the best bike I'd ever cocked a leg over. But now the M109CS is the same price for a spec with carbon wheels (which seems to bargaintastic to miss) - so I'm torn...

moshimonster - Member
I would have thought your Yeti ASR5 would be ideal as a trail bike + occasional 24hr racer? Not sure what you are expecting to gain by swapping it? Sure you could go more XC race oriented and of course 29er, but everything is a compromise.

Funny you should say that. On another thread at the weekend I said to someone "I've a lot more to improve before wheel size makes a difference to my chance of hitting a podium".

The Yeti is at 26.25lb with an F120/Stans/Thompson/2x10 XT setup, so having been through the process with the other bike I know I can knock 3/4lb off of it for £300 at XCracer if I want to.

Maybe that's the answer and not to get hung up on 29er Wheels & Geo.

After all, would spending £3k make me £3k faster? I doubt it.

I would have thought your Yeti ASR5 would be ideal as a trail bike + occasional 24hr racer? Not sure what you are expecting to gain by swapping it?

This ^^. You could even make it as light, if not lighter than mine with little effort/expense 😉

Have you looked at the Ghost AMRs? Bullet's is a really nice, light fast bike - he may even let you have a spin on it if you ask really, really nicely.

Edit: Too slow typing.

[i]After all, would spending £3k make me £3k faster? I doubt it. [/i]

Isn't this where we started out 3 or 4 months ago 🙂

[hijack]
did that guy get any joy from Kinesis on Versa the frame?
[/hijack]

@wwaswas YGM.

I've no love for it. Maybe that's a good thing...

Yes, quite possibly given the thrashing race bikes get. I understand that mentality and would consider the Anthem as a very good n+1 option.

After all, would spending £3k make me £3k faster? I doubt it.

Once I was regularly pushing for class wins, I'd then consider it. Until then I'd run what I have and keep the money aside should it happen. The thing with XC racing is like everything in life, there's always someone better/faster. Once you're getting close enough to your goals that an extra 2% may make the difference between a podium and a win... then throw the £3k in the pot.

So, Kryton, you love the way the Yeti rides but want something a bit more race oriented.

Considered an ASRC? - much of the '5 could be transferred onto it, then sell the rest as bits/rolling chassis to fund the forks/wheels. The reviewers seem to like it.

weeksy - Member

[img] [/img]

🙂

But actually, you are right I think.

Ooooh, look at that Solaris in the classifieds, its my size.... 😐 😳

nothing like your original brief. Move along

Nobby - Member
Considered an ASRC? - much of the '5 could be transferred onto it, then sell the rest as bits/rolling chassis to fund the forks/wheels. The reviewers seem to like it.

No, but a good point - they've not released frame only prices yet have they? I know the Silverfish full build is around £5k, which isn't going to happen...

Kryton57 - Member
Ooooh, look at that Solaris in the classifieds, its my size....

If it helps (which it won't, I know) I can wax lyrical about the Solaris! 🙂

I've just been into Stif in Pately and I can honestly say Kryton nothing in there is in your budget.

Forget the Tallboy et all.

Though they did have a Niner RDO with the new upside down forks on for £8k..

Yup, £8k

Reckon that's why you're better off getting an Anthem, Epic or a Spark for racing and just giving it a damn good thrashing. I'd not really want to be racing an 8k bike that I'd paid for with my own money! TBH I'd not want something that expensive as a trail bike either, mine get dropped, crashed and then thrown into the back of the shed.

It seems I'm stuck with the ASR5 until it breaks then. Interestingly reading a review of the new ASRC I've realise the current trend of longer top tubes and slackish front ends on current 29ers is something I already have. Even £1500 for an extra 3" of wheel on that Anthem is expensive.

I'm just a few inches short of glory then, the story of my life....

No, but a good point - they've not released frame only prices yet have they? I know the Silverfish full build is around £5k, which isn't going to happen...

I've not seen 'em anywhere officially but seem to recall £2,400 banded about. To be honest, the old version would still be a lighter, faster '5 and you may even find a NOS one out there somewhere. I love my ASR5 but miss the SL's nimbleness & acceleration.

Well, after riding Oktoberfest my decisions been narrowed to three bikes, no also taking into account that I've not the time, age or legs to make podiums, and that the Vet several places in front of me was riding Marin Wolf Ridge - the older one. Here's the new list:

a) A Yeti ASR5 - £0, 2 years of testing
b) A T129 Works, ideal for 90% of what I do plus 29" wheels for solo events
c) A Giant Anthem 29er £1500 from Pauls
d) a + d, because if it failed to usurp the Yeti, I'd be much happier leaving a £1500 for odd events only rather than a £2700 bike (b).

a+d for 2015, with maybe a consolidation into b) for 2016 could be the way to go.

huh

Well, after riding Oktoberfest my decisions been narrowed to three bikes,

I would get this.

http://www.bikescene.co.uk/Specialized-Camber-Evo-6629-30-0.html

The T129 Works is 2.5lbs heavier than your current Yeti.

The T129 Works is 2.5lbs heavier than your current Yeti.

Yet, it'd roll & climb better and be more energy efficient over 24hrs?

I was even caught looking at Orange Gyro's yesterday, FFS....

Yet, it'd roll & climb better and be more energy efficient over 24hrs?

But would it? I mean, really, in the real world.

Your comment about Mr Wolf Ridge says it all - it just isn't about the bike. Faster riders will be faster on whatever they choose to ride and I doubt any of them would ride something they weren't completely happy with (unless they had no choice).

Not for this purpose, but I found myself pondering the same Nobby, hence...

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/f1-style-bike-maths

But re the Wolf Ridge, I think Weeksy has it:

Once I was regularly pushing for class wins, I'd then consider it. Until then I'd run what I have and keep the money aside should it happen. The thing with XC racing is like everything in life, there's always someone better/faster. Once you're getting close enough to your goals that an extra 2% may make the difference between a podium and a win... then throw the £3k in the pot.

Yeah but Nino is faster than everyone you've ever raced against (probably) and he's on a 650B 😉

I'm sure if you compare me with Nino he's got a larger percentage of a biological rather than mechanical advantage in his favor... 🙂