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So it transpires that the second chainstay arrangement on my Occam M10 has stripped...
The first time was trying to remove it... https://singletrackmag.com/forum/bike-forum/occam-main-pivot-removal-problem-help/
That was replaced under warranty. This time round it has stripped in situ. I waggled the back wheel last weekend and it wobbled a lot. Eventually got the main pivot bolt out and it's completely stripped. I guess the same thing has happened.... The expander sleeve was binding and each bounce of the suspension rotated it slightly until the whole thread was removed.
PITA really as it's only done a few hundred miles since the last bearing change.
I'll contact Orbea and see if they fancy supplying a third one, but in the long term I need a new bike.
For my UK riding the Occam was brilliant.. and I can't work out what to replace it with. Trek Fuel EX looks similar travel, but not seeing much else that jumps out.
So, what do we recommend that's essentially optimal for Lakes bridleways and trails?
It'll also get used for Cairngorm/Torridon and tedious plods in the peak when I CBA driving. Also has to work on the occasional Alps trip.
Also toying with the idea of getting an old Slash for the Alps and something lighter ( Epic Evo8?)for UK, but TBH that's probably a shit idea as the light bike would get trashed in the lakes ...
Not sure on the budget but there are some cracking deals on Santa Cruz Hightowers at the moment. I've had several SC bikes and they take a beating, and if they do break the warranty is solid. https://www.wheelbase.co.uk/product/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/santa-cruz-hightower-carbon-c-gx-axs-2024-gloss-ocean-blue/?size=Medium&colour=Blue&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Wheelbase+%7C%7C+Shopping+%7C%7C+Promo&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD9xA4PZPv5oJJXyOz3SkucvhzDnt&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh_Cmi4qFjQMVJopQBh3avA6UEAQYASABEgLopPD_BwE
Hmmmm. That is indeed a good looking option. TBH I've had pretty much continuous issues with the Occam bearings so the SC backup looks good.
Bit tricky on size though.... They seem to reckon six foot needs an XL. Can't quite get my head around that....
Also, do you know if that is a V 3 or V4?
Hmmmm. That is indeed a good looking option. TBH I've had pretty much continuous issues with the Occam bearings so the SC backup looks good.
Bit tricky on size though.... They seem to reckon six foot needs an XL. Can't quite get my head around that....
Also, do you know if that is a V 3 or V4?
That's a V3 Hightower - different frame arrangement ahead of the BB area compared to the 2025 model. Still a great deal on a great bike, and ideal (IMO) for the use you describe. It's what I'd probably be riding if I consolidated down to one bike (rather than splitting between a Tallboy and a big-travel Geometron).
Sizing, I'd say at 6' you're comfortably on a XL. For reference, I'm 6'1.5 (187cm) and chose a XXL Tallboy rather than XL - I prefer a long reach bike hence sizing up. SC generally not the lightest frames but generally built to take a beating without issue (the Tallboy's described as the DHer's trail bike...)
+1 for the Hightower, mine has handled everything from Nevis Range World Cup track/ 20 minute long descents in Madeira to local singletrack loops and I honestly can't fault it. I'm 5'8 and on a medium but could also get away with a large, personally I preferred the smaller frame
<long shot>
Anyone near Manchester/Lakes/ NWales got a large or XL Hightower I could try?
Do leisure lakes demo days have them ?
A new stumpy ?
went from an Occam to a Tallboy. Really happy with the TB, to me it’s just as quick up as the occam, much better everywhere else.
I’m a long term SC owner, my 5010 is 8 years old, (also had an original superlight that is still going strong many many years later) a pleasure to work on and the back up from SC is fantastic. They really are engineered to last
Do leisure lakes demo days have them ?
Bugger. DD was last weekend
Wheelbase DD is mid May.... Hmmmmm
Transition spur?
I have a Hightower (al) and it’s a great bike
A new stumpy ?
That's what I'd be trying if only to test the new shock.
Reports from mates that have tried it are pretty positive.
I'm even considering one to replace a seven year old bike now Spech have caught up geo wise...
On the sizing I’ve had over the years 2 Bronsons and 2 Megatowers. All large, I’m 5’10. I actually downgraded from a Mk2 MT to a MK1 as had bought a Kenevo SL and only wanted the MT as an uplift bike, so took some money back in a swap. Not ridden it since the Alps last summer but took it out for a spin last week and loved it. The large MT mk1 is similar in size to the S3 (med) Kenevo SL.
In the recommend what you own tend, Deviate Highlander 2? 145mm rat travel, 160mm fork. There where some deals to be had on the older colours, not sure if there still is. Life time beating replacement and British company if that makes any difference.
I had 4 rides on mine in a week, then broke my wrist 5.5 weeks ago but it took me about 10 minutes to get with it and I can't wait to get back on it.
Cotic Flaremax or Rocketmax.
Pivots are pretty straightforward to replace.
Really nice to ride. I have a Flaremax which I find a delight to ride.
I've ridden a few rented Santa Cruzes and while they are fine, the Cotic is just a load more fun and engaging.
I'd be avoiding Specialized and Santa Cruz because they are American.
I'd be buying a Cotic Jeht or Deviate Highlander.
My Gen 1 Flaremax is faster up and down than my Spesh Epic. I don't know how or why but it is.
Sonder Cortex? I've got one of the first gen ones (130F / 120R) for similar duties and it's really fun to ride. The newer model is a bit longer travel - 140F / 135R. Might be a bit (a couple of pounds) heavier than your Occam though, depending on the build..
does seem weird that you've managed to do two of these. It's the same arrangement across the Rise and the Rallon as far as I can tell. I've done a bearing replacement on a few Rise's and not had the issue. (and on one of them it turned out I'd snapped the main axle and been riding it for a while.