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Recently moved and my riding type has changed a bit and just not enjoying the Fuel. It maybe just because i have had it a few years and I’m craving something different!
So I have £1500 budget and due to current situation it will probably have to be new and for that budget more than likely a HT.
I now do a lot more forest runs, bridle paths, some rough stuff, few light trails but not jumping, drops etc. However I may delve in to some red routes which are more free flowing, rocks and roots, nothing too much. So guess I want a decent all rounder that won’t be slow and cumbersome over smooth cross country rides.
I know it’s a pretty open question, but suggestions welcome!
Whyte 905?
Vitus Sentier VRX @ £1599
27 https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-sentier-27-vrx-bike-xt-slx-1x12-2020/rp-prod181539
Or 29 https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-sentier-29-vrx-bike-xt-slx-1x12-2020/rp-prod181546
SLX/XT 12 speed, Fox 34 130/140mm Rythm Grip, XT brakes, brand X dropper.
Or, FS option - Vitus Mythique VRX @ £1439
27 https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-mythique-27-vrx-bike-sx-eagle-1x12-2020/rp-prod182797
29 https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-mythique-29-vrx-bike-sx-eagle-1x12-2020/rp-prod182815
SX eagle 12 speed, Bomber Z2's (cheaper fox 34's), Deore brakes, brand x dropper.
For what you describe, I'd be looking at a trail capable Hardtail, probably 29er with sensible(ish) 2.2-2.3" tyres, a dropper post and 1x11 or 1x12 gearing myself...
Slightly over budget, but well worth buying cos the frame is awesome and you won't tire of it and it's very upgrade worthy.
https://alpkit.com/collections/sonder-signal-ti/products/sonder-signal-ti-sx-eagle
That does look good but bit of a stretch price wise and the large has been out of stock for months.
Anyone ridden an Orbea Laufey? good all rounder?
https://www.bird.bike/product/zero-29-shimano-12-speed-slx-xt-standard-hg-freehub/#configuration
Bird Zero - will get an SLX build with a Pike Select and dropper for your budget.
Calibre line 29 any good to you...£900 leaves room for upgrades if you want
Ragley Bigwig slightly over budget, but Ragley Big Al in budget
So on my short list so far...
Bird Zero 29 — looks good but they don’t seem to have any wheels in stock
Orbea Laufey - this years model looks good and in budget
Signal TI - only medium in stock and think I would need a large at just under 5ft 11
Nukeproof Scout 290 2020 - looks decent spec and good reviews
Clockwork Orange Evo 29 - looks decent again
Will have a look at the Ragley today.
Canyon Exceed 5.0
Carbon frame, Sram NX 12speed groupset, carbon cranks, Sram level T brakes, Raceface wheels, Maxxis 2.25 tyres & Raceface finishing kit coming in at 11.70KG for £1599
They have all the modern features, boost spacing, stealth routing for a dropper
Ive just bought the 8.0 version, very happy with the bike and according to Canyon its good for 2ft high jumps and they class it as an XC/Trail hardtail
That does look good but bit of a stretch price wise and the large has been out of stock for months.
They’ve got 10% off now too...
Give them a call, see when the Large is coming back in... I can confirm it really is a very good frame indeed and well worth it!
Go outdoors have honzos at a great price & a few choice upgrades would make it superb
Email or call Bird, they will update you on wheel situation- I'd be surprised if they couldn't sort it
Clockwork Evo - highly underrated tough bike but lovely ride:
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https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15985702/15985702-calibre-bossnut-mountain-bike-black
Limited edition bossnut, for a bargain £935.
Stick a one up v2.1 dropper & remote on for around £200.
And go tubeless for about £70.
Still money left to get a pair of vittoria airliners in.
I bought the shadownut for £1000, same spec (apart from the tyres) and its awesome.
Or save yourself £500:
https://singletrackmag.com/classifieds/advert/trek-procaliber-8-mountain-bike-brand-new/
Sorry, that was cheeky!
I’m not sure the bossnut is better than what I have got. After today’s ride I think a nice HT will be ideal.
Lots to read up on and can’t really go ride any (which is a big risk anyway) so need to get it right!