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Last winter I built up a Cotic Bfe (small)for throwing around Lee Quarry during the gritty months. As good as it was/is, I've started doing a bit more cross country/trail riding this year and am looking to swap out the frame for something a bit more suited for longer hours in the saddle.
If possible I'd still like something that will still be able to descend quickly withou too much sketchiness; but that will also be more efficient on the climbs. Any suggestions for either a hardtail that will cover all this, or a full susser that will take a 130/140mm fork with shortish travel at the rear?
One of the new dropper Souls seems to be a good bet, but probably more than I'd like to spend. [I'm 5'11" ifthat makes any difference for suggestions.] Ta
Kinesis xc130
It may be more than you'd like to spend but it's probably worth it! And almost all the parts can transfer straight across, so that saves money. I'm 5'10.5" exactly and ride a medium for everything, XC races to DH track playing.
get the Soul, it's worth it.
Thanks for the ideas so far. Soul's looking the favourite then. £££
hambl90 - Do you ride a Kinesis? What's you opinion?
Think that Titus is probably not quite what I'm looking for - I've already got a full sus for trail centres etc in the winter. Looking for something with a bit more snap when the bad weather comes rolling in. Maybe something with 100mm rear travel that could take 130 up front.
No I don't , just giving some ideas , you could also look at the chumba hx1, not ridden one of those either but did consider one before I bought my bfe .
I've just built up a c456. First hardtail for years and with some 2.4 tyres on I'm mega impressed. Gone 1 x 9 for winter and will put 2.1 trailrakers on for winter. Paint is a bit chippy but helitape it on downtube and chain stays and it'll be fine. I'm thinking about getting a soul too and setting it up as a race bike instead of my cannondale scalpel.
long hours in the saddle - add a titanium seatpost and one of those titanium railed flite flow saddles, which have some elastomer where the rails attach to give some give - surprising how much plush movement mine gives.
Thanks for the input again. The Soul definitley ticks all the boxes but still don't know if I can justify £500+ on a winter frame. Chumba's look quite tasty and tick most boxes but seem to be sold out in Medium.
Kinesis could be a choice, will have to try and sort out a test ride somewhere.
@teamslug: C456 - How's the reliabilty/longevity - would probably have to be a used frame.
Any other opinions on Cove Handjob/Stiffee?