You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Compiling a list, having demo’d and liked a Solaris max, of similar frames to consider. So far, Pole Taival and Shand Shug look comparable. The Stanton switch 9er looks too small as only comes in 2 sizes (I’m 6’3). Any other suggestions or experiences of these? Ta!
Bird Zero 29er rowdy enough?
What's wrong with 27.5 x 2.8"? A bit rowdier IMO.
There should be something in Chromag's lineup to suite (getting it in the UK might be more tricky)
How so Jim?
Jim- hoping to share a wheelset with my fs bike, so 29er ideally.
What’s wrong with 27.5 x 2.8″? A bit rowdier IMO.
SolarisMax does both of course.
Though the 2.8in tyre casings are perhaps not tough enough for Rowdy Roddy Piper riding.
Production price Shan? No direct experience but it's been recommended to me by a few people.
Genesis Tarn? Comes in XL and is massive!
Shan GT looks lovely but is short in the reaches department. Bird looks good, ta!
Could you add the Nukeproof Scout 290 for a cheaper frame option? A mate had one and it always looked awesome and so fast.
What about getting a frame made. Local lad to me (dumfries) started talon bikes. I am also 6,3 and made my frame to fit. I love it.
Chromag rootdown can be had from biketheworld.be, get in before Brexit though.
How so Jim?
Slightly stronger and lighter wheel can offset the extra weight of a larger tyre. Larger tyre almost at same diameter as a 29er. Just my opinion and I'm not scientifically proving it, but having ridden both, I prefer the 27.5 plus setup.
My experience of switching from 29 to B-plus on the SolarisMax is that both are actually really good, but B-plus is considerably slower uphill and on the flat. Downhill it depends on the trail.
But I'm not trying to pit them against one another - it's awesome to have the choice.
Pace RC529?
Loving mine so far 🙂
At 6 foot 2 (with a diddy little 32 inch inseam) I’ve been very much enjoying my XL chameleon. I can even (just) get away with a full 150mm dropper which I wasn’t expecting to be able to do when I started looking for a new bike.
Pipedream moxie would be well worth a shout out on this list.
Genesis High Latitude, although I'm unsure its available new now (can't see it in their line up). I'm 6'1(ish) on an XL and its a long stretch, reach is 505mm IIRC. Rides great with a 120-130 fork.
Kingdom Vendetta. https://kingdombike.com/collections/hardtails/products/2019-vendetta
Starts at 1299 euros for the basic model with cheapest options, up to 1699 euros with a few options ticket. Also, custom head angle/seat angle down to 62 degrees and 76 degrees, 150mm fork as a 29er. 498mm reach on the XL.
[img] 
?v=1548157912[/img]
Larger tyre almost at same diameter as a 29er
I'd say 2.8 tyres are more likely to be a similar diameter to a 27.5 wheel with 2.5 tyres.
I'll add another vote for the SolarisMax, also running 2.8 on it and it's pretty darned good, still to try it with 29er wheels.
Nordest Bardino possibly, they do a Ti & Steel option and a variety of sizes.
Sick! Wulf?
Sick! Wulf?
😂
BTR in whatever shape takes your fancy.
Get a Shug, they will do you the sizing you want, it's light, the geo is spot on, and you can have lovely paint.
Failing that, wait until later in the year when I have 2019 Rootdowns available in the UK. Missed the first batch but more arriving soon. Wideangles landing soon 😜
Sick! Wulf?
Wülf is 27.5, you’ll need a Gnarcissist. But because it’s a Sick you could order either, it’s not like it will turn up.
Get a Shug
That's one nice looking hardtail.
Yes, if it were my money, I'd go for a Shug. Mind you, I live up in the frozen North so part of the appeal might just be the made in Scotland tag. The numbers do look pretty good though and the few reviews I've seen look positive. Plus, you get to choose from loads of colours !
Brand new: Radon Cragger
trail hardtail
Radon is know from the "Swoop"
around 1.8 k:
Radon Cragger 8.0
around 1.2 k:
Radon Cragger 7.0
130 mm fork, long and slack
The Cragger is new - no idea what the reviews say so far.
But the owners of the Radon Enduro - te Swoop have a lot of love for their bikes!
Any of these - or similar - available on cycle to work scheme? Am happy to top up the payment