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Hi, be interested in any thoughts on the following. My riding is Kent singletrack. I'm not confident on technical or challenging stuff, but reasonably OK on fast flowing stuff. I've tried 29er and for me, just found them a little less fun than my 26er, a bit unwieldy and 'feel' slower. My bike is a 15+ year old Dekerf. And I do like titanium frames!
So wondering if a combination of modern geometry plus 27.5 wheels might update me and help me on the techy stuff, whilst still feeling fun/fast. Is this a reasonable assumption and justification for N+1?
And two 27.5 frames that appeal are the Maxlight Sync ti or the Ritchey 650b. Any experiences of these?
Overall, will a modern hardtail really help with confidence?
Cheers
i have a sync ti 27.5" and love it i have to say ( my first ti bike).
i have to admit to not being a tech,fast rider (slow bumbling old git would sum me up lol) but i ride on the marlbrough downs,ridgeway,salisbury plain and the bike is great.
it's the most modern bike i have ridden so cannot comment on 29" or long low slack geometory as i have never ridden any of those type of bikes.
i do have a yari 150mm travel fork fitted (got 2nd hand from bike shop i bought frame from) which is great but tbh could do with a bit less travel if being honest. my bike weighs just over 28 lbs due to good but reasonably priced components (1x11 slx groupset,hope enduro wheels) so with more funds can def be built a lot lighter. once riding though the weight isn't so bad.
i have to say the frame is lovely, and coming from my old charge dustef 26" narrow barred mtb, i def notice a diffefence when offroad for the better.
i loves my sync and will never part with it.
i hope that was some help
Modern geometry might help on techie stuff but might be less fun on what you enjoy.
I’ve tried 29er
There could be many differences beyond just the tyres.
Sorry that may not help!
I have a sync ti 27.5″ too.
I bought it because I always wanted a ti frame and one came up at a bargain price.
Unless they've started making them again, I think you'll find the geo pretty old school.
Think mine has a 69 degree head angle and you can't fit a slackerizer headset.
I came off a fairly LLS slack FS bike and I find it short and steep in comparison.
It is a lovely bike though. Flies uphill. And is surprisingly capable as a trail bike.
I don't really ride any more but I took it round (most of) the red route at Glentress the other day and it handled it really well.
I think it sounds pretty perfect for your sort of riding.
Hope that helps.
If it's a small you're after, I'd sell mine, just in case you are interested.
i do have a yari 150mm travel fork fitted (got 2nd hand from bike shop i bought frame from) which is great but tbh could do with a bit less travel if being honest
Just change the travel.
If you can pull apart the fork to do a lowers service, you capable of changing the airshaft - otherwise it's a simple job for an LBS.
https://www.tftuned.com/solo-air-a1-pikeyarilyrik-35mm-air-shaft/p3411
If you could find one to have a go on and then find one I’d add a Cotic Soul to your list to try.