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Came back from a week at Ciclo having given my 4 year old RipMo a bit of Enduro-updating. It was fab and yet yesterday I found myself stripping it completely so I could build this:
180 out front/170 out back. Biggest bike I've ever had.
I was lucky to get the last Giga frame from a bike shop I use a lot at a really decent price. All the kit is off my RipMo other than some new bars and pedals. Frame weighs about 2.5 lb more than the RipMo and full build is 35lbs on the Park Scales of questionable calibration.
Spec is Large Giga 29 with Zeb ultimates, Float Factory X2, XT/SLX transmission, Nukeproof bars/stem/pedals, Newman Wheels, (35mm internal) 2.6 big Betty and Magic Mary both with Rimpacts. Decent clearance but if I was buying new tyres would prob go 2.5 max on the back. XT 4 pots. 210 OneUp dropper shimmed to 200mm for my dwarf legs.
Feels super plush and appropriately slack. Pedals really well for a) a big bike and b) for something that feels like it's sat in its travel. Very different to DW link bikes. Proper ride tomorrow. Really bought for Basque trip in April and a couple of other pedal and smash down trips.
I'll probably rebuild my Ripmo back as a 160mm trail bike. Never selling it.
My mate still hasn't tidied his garage 🙂 https://flic.kr/p/2mS7qLY
That's a big bad boy!
I thought of naming it 'writing cheque I can't get close to cashing'. Still no point dying wondering eh?
Some build notes.
- compared to my 2014 Mega, the quality of the frame is something else. One small blemish, but otherwise not really much below the (many) ibis frames I've had. It really is a very well thought out and manufactured thing.
- lots of stuff comes for 'free'. Decent headset, full tape kit (oh so glad I didn't have to do that), even washers to shim the disc mount to 203 (from 200).
- Cable routing is really smart and simple. Full pipes with the two on the right side 😉
The only issue with the cabling is two exit half way down the downtime to go into the swingarm for the brake and mech. But they foul (a bit) the shock main pivot. I've kind of bodged a solution but will keep an eye on it.
That looks really nice - a lot of bike!
Like that colour of Nukeproof and the Giga looks a lovely design with the lower shock position.
Have to update how it rides once you’ve had a proper go on it - especially via the Ripmo. I was considering a Ripmo AF but couldn’t get my head around the looks fully. All the reviews suggested they climbed pretty well.
I do also have a Revel Rascal for trail duties. 140/130 29er. One of the reasons I slackened off the RipMo and added a longer form was to differentiate it a bit more than the Revel. Not sure I liked it more tho, so if/when I rebuild it, it will be back to 'stock'.
I looked at the AF but it's not different enough and it's a lot of money. I decided if I was going to have two FS's I might as well go big (and then go home 🙂 )
I'm not sure our local woody/short trails tomorrow are going to be a proper test, but it'll be good fun I'm sure. I'll defo be taking it to BPW when it warms up a bit.
Nice Santa Cruz.
😉
There's some bits over in Staunton that would be more challenging than Penyard.
@matt_outandabout - not biting 🙂 other than to say a lot cheaper than a SC
@dropoff - yep for sure. Weds nightrides are always Penyard/chase in the winter. To make sure we can get to the pub at a decent time. I was over Staunton/Yat on Saturday and it was running really well. Not sure that'll be the case after the forecasted rain. Even in the dry, there' quite a lot of stuff over there above my fear/ability grade. Will have less excuses now.
Hoping to do the Gap ride between xmas and new year so far side of the Gap will be a nice test for all that travel.
There's always Back in black.😉
Is that the one with the rock drop/chute coming off Sideline? I looked at a couple of years ago and then ran away quickly? Only way any bike of mine is getting down there is me lending it to a better rider 🙂
It is and you'd be capable. Look at what's there not what isn't. Anyhow lovely looking bike enjoy it.
I'll put it back on the list for next year 🙂
Nice bike, and even nicer garage / workshop / mancave.
Nice bike Mr.
A neighbour just across the road from us has had one a couple of weeks and seems to really like it.
That's good to know Stu. I'm hoping to bring it up your way next year. We had such a good time riding the Golfie this year, we're all itching to go back (and maybe try some of the harder trails but that is generally a conversation I have in the pub 🙂 )
@devash - my mate's garage is where all the proper mechanic-ing gets done. my big shed is more for storage and drinking beer 🙂
@matt_outandabout – not biting 🙂 other than to say a lot cheaper than a SC
£2,600 is still a lot of £, granted it's a C rather than CC but I picked up my current SC frame for a lot less than the RRP on a Giga 😀
Nice bike though, love the colour. A mate had one (complete bike) on order for months for his lad but the dates kept getting put back. I assume the frames were offered for sale as NP couldn't put together complete bikes in the end?
Make sure to give us a shout when you’re coming up here.
Will do 🙂
£2,600 is still a lot of £, granted it’s a C rather than CC but I picked up my current SC frame for a lot less than the RRP on a Giga
I didn't pay close to RRP either 🙂 It made it a very attractive proposition esp with all the bits thrown in (headset, invisiframe, bottle cage etc).
There were a few builds on the site but they're all gone now. I assume CRC/Wiggle got the bulk. I bought the last Large frame only Ordered Friday PM, arrived Monday so I was defo lucky. I probably wouldn't have back ordered, I'm not that patient!
LOL where you guys getting these cheap frames from.... i'm an easy sell and always up for some persuasion, especially on a SC in a 27.5 🙂
I have a good relationship with the bike shop. I have bought a few very nice frames from them, so they do me great deals.
Although I'd probably still struggle to use the word 'cheap'
LOL where you guys getting these cheap frames from…. i’m an easy sell and always up for some persuasion, especially on a SC in a 27.5 🙂
Keep your eyes on Pedal and Spoke instagram stories. My frame was a C that they had stripped for another project (they don't normally sell separately), still not cheap mind, but a lot lot less than a CC.
Alex, you say this is for Basque will you be visiting Doug? Does the terrain warrant a bike with that much travel?
Very nice.
This is a strong contender for when I finally get round to upgrading the frame on my big bike.
How does the uphill performance compare to your Ripmo?
Nice Santa Cruz.
Except without the SC Tax!
Love current Nukeproofs. Would have got one instead of the Privateer if there had been any to buy at the time.
Alex, you say this is for Basque will you be visiting Doug? Does the terrain warrant a bike with that much travel?
We will be visiting Doug. Honestly probably doesn't need a bike as big as this. But in the 10% bike/90% rider ratio, I'm working on improving the 10% 🙂 I've seen loads of vids of the trails and no one is saying "you need a 180mm travel bike here" but it'll be fun finding out. I expect it'll be less perma-loose-rock than Ciclo was.
How does the uphill performance compare to your Ripmo?
I'm thinking 'not favourably' 😉 It's 3lb heavier and quite a bit slacker but a slightly steeper seat angle. The RipMo is an amazing climber for its travel so if its' 80% of that, I'll be happy. Andi's STW review suggests it's a lot better than it should be. It's one of the reasons I went for the bike as we do a lot of climbing and I really don't want to think 'I can't be bothered with that last hill'. That happened on my old Spesh SX all the time!
We have basque booked in 2023 for a friends 50th, so thanks. I was starting to shit myself that I would be under gunned!
Ciclo is my reference terrain, so very useful, thanks!
this is for Basque will you be visiting Doug? Does the terrain warrant a bike with that much travel?
Don't say that - I am in Basque area in the summer, on HT... 😨
The RipMo was great in Ciclo. I did most of the same trails on my Mojo3 four years ago as well. I'm sure the bigger travel/better damping just about made up for my older bones this time round 😉
Matt - you posted riding in Morzine for two weeks on your HT, so you'll be fine!
I expect it’ll be less perma-loose-rock than Ciclo was.
Depends what you want really, and what trip you've planned with Doug. I've done both the Back Country and Basque Coast and Doug can find you anything you want from scary as **** boulder fields waaay out in the mountains to perfect loamy tree lined single track that ends at the beach...
Having said all that I think the Giga will be spot on.
Back country for us Nick. It was sitting in that pub in Hebden Bridge with you in late 2019 that cemented the idea we had to go 🙂
I fully expect at no point will the bike be the holding me back. Still the same could have been said about the RipMo. Probably best not to over-think these things...
Back country for us too. I'll be running 150/130 and some chunky rubber.
Back country for us Nick
I will pretty much guarantee you that you won't be disappointed. There's a day on the trip that is an almighty push up to a saddle between Plan and Cotiella that ends with a 8 mile descent that's perhaps the best single day of mounatin biking I've ever done.
8 Miles! Blimey. Well quite glad I've got the big bike then. At Ciclo I was thinking 'wow these descents go on for ages compared to home' but EIGHT MILES. I've done shorter road rides 🙂
Did I mention that the day starts with a 2 mile or so - 2 hour cycle/push/carry up?
You didn't. Still they always go better with a massive hangover I've found 🙂
NINE POUND SEVEN OUNCES ?, ruddy Nora.
Questionable calibration indeed.
I know, they are my posh Park scales as well. Never raced or rallied! I might pop into the bike shop and use theirs. I think it's more like the quoted weights I've seen or 33/34lbs. Those tyres are blooming heaving tho. As I said earlier, might size down to a 2.5/2.4 combo.
Didn't end up riding last night as it was absolutely hosing it down. Might sneak out today for a mudfest/test. Will at least give me an idea if the mahoosive 2.6 big Betty has UK winter clearance out back..
Well I've been for a ride...
New bike glasses, slightly hungover, trail conditions Greasy Snot Death so any review has to be tempered by all that, but
Climbing; Efficient if not fast. It climbs at a speed, no point trying to go any faster you'll just get tired 😉 It is not like hoiking a soggy sofa uphill tho, even tho you can see shock moving, it feels very taut. Steep seat angle defo helps as well. I reckon I'm a gear down compared to RipMo but lots of variables. End of the day tho this bike is (at least) 10% heavier so it's going to be slower. It does grip amazingly well on muddy trails, but this is the first time I've had the big Betty (v Hans dampf) so that could be a factor
Downhill: Blimey, 180mm from the Zebs and 170mm from that X2 makes it a plush descender. Again it's the grip that really stands out. I was going pretty steady but very confidence inspiring. Did nearly all the jumps/gaps I'd do in the dry (note: I am the Wikipedia definition of 'dead sailor' so...) and they felt great. It's surprisingly 'launch-y' for such a big bike. Didn't seem to struggle cornering with it being so slack, nor with little manuals to get over wet roots.
It kind of feels like a trail bike until you let the brakes off then it's just bonkers. Not that I was doing much of that.
TLDR; first ride, big mud splattered grin.
I've got a 190mm Zeb airshaft you can try if you want to go the whole hog 🙂
I think probably not! 180mm already feels well into 'this is not the air-shaft you were looking for' territory based on my riding ability. And having over-forked my RipMo (and not really liking it as much), I'm sticking with what the MF recommends!
Just how many bikes have you had since you were Buckingham-based, I've lost count.
And if you're coming back to the Golfie, that'll be perfect for Thornielee.
@intheborders let's go with 'a few' and move on. I don't think we should linger on the past where mistakes may have been made 🙂
Heard good things about Thornielee but ran out of time on our last trip.
Wrote a few words on what passes for rationale for buying the giga. Note, it contains a few swearwords, or - as I think of them - modern punctuation 🙂
https://pickled-hedgehog.com/?p=4908
You can sell the ripmo to me when you get bored of it sitting on the shelf!
@swanny853 - nah never getting sold. Too many good memories. 4500km, Finale, Malaga, Sierra Nevada's, all over the UK, a fantastic week in Scotland etc. I'll probably rebuilt it with a 160mm fork, Or hang it on the wall. I'm feeling very guilty for stripping it!
I believe you of course 😉
😀 entirely fair !
Did you sell the Ripley?
@davros I did. I just never got now with it. I appeared to be the only person in the world who didn't like that bike. guy I sold it to certainly does.
I had a Mojo4 after that. Which has also been sold. I' hoping the buying frenzy/bike swapping slows down a bit next year!
Ah fair enough. It sounds like the slacker head angle on the Ripley AF was an improvement. There was a carbon one in the classifieds for £1100 and I was tempted!
That's. good deal if it's in good condition. I definitely think It would have benefited from slack head angle on the AF.