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I'm in a rather nice quandary, I guess, Ive got a 1.5 year old nomad that I'm thinking of changing/downsizing
the nomad is a great bike don't get me wrong, but its a little overkill for 50% of my riding, longer rides feel more of a chore, luckily I'm quite fit so its not a massive problem but still id like it to be less of a slog, nomad is a real plougher of a bike, descend on it and it takes it all in its stride, but want to feel a bit more like I'm not doing that, if that makes sense
I'm thinking of swapping for a Bronson or a 5010 something a little more poppy and playful, Bronson seems like it sits in between the 5010 and nomad so logic suggests best of both worlds perhaps
but the reivews and thoughts of some folks who have 5010's suggest that they are great fun, feel like they have way more travel than they do, and can deal with pretty everything you chuck at it, obviously having less rear travel and the geo over the nomad would make it a better climber too? the 5010 is also a fair bit longer making it feel less cramped climbing etc too
any thoughts appreciated, riding is mostly peak district 2-3 times a week on all of the roughest tracks around, wales and some trail centres (very occasionally)
Other brands are available.
In general, modern short travel bikes are unbelievably capable. I ride a Transition Scout, it's hands down the most fun bike I've had, and faster (for me) than my previous bikes (one of which was a Nomad, though a 26 inch vintage). Up and downhill. My riding is steep, tech, natural Tweed Valley trails.
Unless you're racing at the sharp end of enduro, or riding a lot of proper big mountain stuff abroad, shorter travel bikes are perfect for most UK stuff.
I've not ridden any of the modern SCs, but I'd imagine the 5010 might be the most appropriate bike.
cheers rob
I know other brands are available, but I'm sold on SC warranty/bearing and ease of maintenance
5010 is very comparable to the scout, sounds like you have plenty of fun on the shorter travel, I'm seriously torn between the 2, I had a old Bronson before, but its changed a lot since then, the 5010 looks like it would be more fun and as you say most uk trails, even the lakes/peak don't require massive amounts of travel, as most of the time it just bulldozes over stuff and takes away some of the charm
In true STW stylee...
Are you re-using your current wheels so wouldn't consider a Hightower? I went from a Bronson to a HT and cannot believe how much better it is 95% of the time. My mate (who can really ride) uses a 5010 and does stuff I can only dream of, so there's no doubting their capability (hence why Peaty, Bryceland and Danny Mac all use them as their main bikes) but for me, the HT is the perfect blend of 5010 playfulness and Bronson ability but just does more things well.
5010 and Bronson are now Boost hubbed anyway so your current wheels may not fit straight on.
Hughjayteens - seen your rather pimp ht and it is indeed a sweet bike
Yeh main problem is it would mean new wheels and forks so kinda rules it out at the mo if i want to do it soon
As for my wheel yep aware its boost so i can get a converter see previous thread or have rear boost hub built upon to current wheel at a decent price
5010 with the likes of josh etc it does make me think its hugely capa ble but they are awesome riders so they could ride anything plus theu have various bikes for everything else, this would be my only bike so has to do everything well
I'm in agreement with what's been said in terms of the 5010. I used to be on the side of the enduro bikes with 160 both ends however for uk riding and the odd holiday a sorted frame like the 5010 will handle just about everything and my preference for my next bike has switched to something like a commencal meta 4.2 tr for example.
Having owned a V1 5010 and a Nomad at the same time I always headed towards the 5010 when going in to the garage, such a fun bike to ride. Stick a 150mm fork on and it's a very capable bike. Both are now gone and I'm riding a Hightower which is great but a little part of me still yearns for some 5010 action 🙂
Swapped by Nomad (same as yours) for a 5010 V2 and for the same reasons as you as well, not looked back at all, can feel the reduced travel but not in a bad way, it is very much more poppy and playful on more terrain.
Will always miss my Nomad but the 5010 is more usable in general, you won't look back
You're just suffering from 'iwantanewbike' syndrome. Riding a Nomad is not a chore, up or down. Put a better rear shock on it if you must. Mmm, ohlins.
Dan
My 5010 is great fun and really solid.
Started with a trail bike and DH bike, thought an enduro bike would make sense, turns out it was just rubbish in every respect compared to a trail bike or DH bike (I tried several with various tinkering).
I don't really see the pint of the bronson or nomad to be honest.
If I was chasing KOMs, it would have to be a high tower, but I don't I just ride with as much fun as possible along the way.
People always go on about "my enduro bike climbs amazingly", I don't dispute that, that's not where I find a bike like a 5010 much better, it's the flatter bits where you have to get speed by pumping or the occasional strong pedal stroke where the shorter travel bike is infinitely better and more fun. I'd always get stuck trying to make the enduro bike lively by making it light only to compromise on strength, rigidity and stability on the nasty stuff.
Then if I want to hit steep, rugged stuff flat out, I go for my DH bike, as good as an enduro bike descends, it's still not a DH bike.
Shock horror, right tool for the job ends up being the best and most fun. *no, an enduro bike is not the right tool for a trail centre red.
dans160 - Member
You're just suffering from 'iwantanewbike' syndrome. Riding a Nomad is not a chore, up or down. Put a better rear shock on it if you must. Mmm, ohlins.
Dan
not sure how you better a float x2 tbh 😉
some interesting thoughts, sounds like the folk who have made the switch are more than happy with their choice
its a tough call, both sound spot on, both sound pretty much what I'm after, the 5010 does sound like it will be more fun, the Bronson still sounds like it will be a better all rounder than the nomad whilst still retaining some fun too
the nomad is out and out a beast downhill make no mistake, its a great great bike and if I raced purely enduro type stuff all the time it would make a great point and shoot bike, but my rides take in a lot of stuff, bigger miles and lots of climbing, from in the woods to out on ridges and onto the rockiest tracks the peak has to offer, its on 3/4's of those rides the nomad often feels too much bike, not bad, but too much
decisions, decisions
You know where there's a Large Bronson Demo if you want to try one Oscillate Wildly 😉
I rode a Bronson & 5010 back to back on Sunday on our demo day, Bronson was awesome, but the 5010 more me, horses for courses.
You can ride anything the Peak has to offer on a 5010 - even I can do that and I'm nothing like the most technically skilled rider in the world.
goldenwonder - Member
You know where there's a Large Bronson Demo if you want to try one Oscillate Wildly
I rode a Bronson & 5010 back to back on Sunday on our demo day, Bronson was awesome, but the 5010 more me, horses for courses.
that you dave? haha! I'm in process of sorting with SP, I'm totally torn between the two, you know me, sod test ride just go in all guns blazing 😆
going to have a x2 on the back regardless of which one I think, I just need sort out my rear wheel as its non boost, ive asked SP for a price to rebuild mine with a boost hub and new spokes as gotta factor in that in the cost too
slowbloke - Member
You can ride anything the Peak has to offer on a 5010 - even I can do that and I'm nothing like the most technically skilled rider in the world.
I know what your saying, but you could ride a Hard Tail in the peak and still get down everything, likewise anywhere, albeit much slower, I'm just wondering if it will cope with the usual pounding of rocky descents I do without a) blowing through the travel, b) smashing up the back wheel etc c) still enjoyable
Would a Bronson really offer much different to a Nomad? I test rode the older one and the Nomad felt a better climber and descender.
I have a hardtail and a Nomad and it's a sweet combination, use the hardtail for most local/tamer riding and throughout winter, whilst the Nomad comes out for the bigger stuff incl. uplifts.
Though I think the Nomad is a very competent climber for a bike of its travel, I don't really buy into the whole 'overbiked' thing with it, it's been nothing but fun wherever I've taken mine.
If you're getting rid of it, might be worth doing it before the new Nomad comes out!
I haven't ridden either but I reckon you're right to be concerned about going too short travel.
Yeah you can get a short travel bike down really gnarly trails but it's going to take its toll on the bike and will feel a lot more hairy.
Get demoing if you have the opportunity, for sure.
I'm just wondering if it will cope with the usual pounding of rocky descents I do without a) blowing through the travel, b) smashing up the back wheel etc c) still enjoyable
I didn't blow through all the travel or smash the back wheel descending the beast (or any other descent in the Peak) at a reasonable pace. Sounds like you would be best demoing both though. Maybe talk to the guys at 18 bikes if you're a Peak local - they will be able to advise better than most I'd guess.
Jonny makes a good point, what's it gonna cost you to change and can you get a nice secondhand short travel 29er for the same amount?
jonnym92 - Member
Would a Bronson really offer much different to a Nomad? I test rode the older one and the Nomad felt a better climber and descender.
I have a hardtail and a Nomad and it's a sweet combination, use the hardtail for most local/tamer riding and throughout winter, whilst the Nomad comes out for the bigger stuff incl. uplifts.
Though I think the Nomad is a very competent climber for a bike of its travel, I don't really buy into the whole 'overbiked' thing with it, it's been nothing but fun wherever I've taken mine.
If you're getting rid of it, might be worth doing it before the new Nomad comes out!
Yo jonny!
your right, I had the older Bronson, and the nomad is a better climber and a much better flat out descender no questions asked, but the new v2 is much better for me in terms of sizing, my Bronson always felt a little too cramped, the newer ones are bigger than the nomad I have now, plus all the other tweaks liked raised lower link/seat angle made it climb much better, I'm sure the Bronson will still be a hoot DH, to be honest modern bikes are, and granted the nomad will be hard to beat pointed down the rough stuff, but I'm cool with that, if it makes me work harder on the DH then all good, adds another dimension to riding and soon get used to it
the only thing I keep thinking is new Bronson is somewhere inbetween both, so a good compromise as a few folk have told me
going from one extreme of 170mm/165mm to 140/130 may feel a hell of a lot different and that's the only thing that puts me off the 5010 as I know for most of riding it will be absolutely spot on
slowbloke - MemberI'm just wondering if it will cope with the usual pounding of rocky descents I do without a) blowing through the travel, b) smashing up the back wheel etc c) still enjoyable
I didn't blow through all the travel or smash the back wheel descending the beast (or any other descent in the Peak) at a reasonable pace. Sounds like you would be best demoing both though. Maybe talk to the guys at 18 bikes if you're a Peak local - they will be able to advise better than most I'd guess.
that's good to hear, as its those kinda descents I mean (Jacobs/potatoalley etc etc etc)
my mate rides a scout which I think is 125mm out back and hes quick on that too and rides all the same stuff, so maybe I am just overthinking it all!
I think I'm edging toward the 5010 for something totally differnet, and it will still feel very nimble at trail centres instead of feeling like a complete pig like my nomad does haha
Hightower. It'll still take 160 forks if you want to go mental from time to time but otherwise happy with 140
Wait for the Nomad 29 coming soon?..... As you'll no doubt have seen on insta, I just got a Bronson last week, same as you, coming from a big 170 endyooro wagon. Early days mind, but first impressions are that its bloody rapid, the acceleration is really, really noticeable. It's quicker over everything than my 29er spectral.
Not really had time to mess with suspension at all (I had bought a 160 shaft for forks, but tbh after first ride, I might not bother) but it'll be getting a proper test at Dunkeld this weekend.
Like I said on insta bro,
It'll never feel the same through big compressions and heavy hits.
I think the 5010 is a wonderful bike and I love mine to bits but it wasn't a huge difference up hill with how I had both mine built.
As suggested above, the main difference was not uphill, but on flat. So much less energy sapping than my nomad ever was.
Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll be stoked Dave. You're not doing uplifts and stuff so I'd try a 5010.
You know my thoughts on the matter I'm sure 😀
Anyway, I'd drop 18bikes an email see when there next demo day is, they have plenty through the year.
Oscillate Wildly - Member
goldenwonder - Member
You know where there's a Large Bronson Demo if you want to try one Oscillate Wildly
I rode a Bronson & 5010 back to back on Sunday on our demo day, Bronson was awesome, but the 5010 more me, horses for courses.
that you dave? haha! I'm in process of sorting with SP, I'm totally torn between the two, you know me, sod test ride just go in all guns blazinggoing to have a x2 on the back regardless of which one I think, I just need sort out my rear wheel as its non boost, ive asked SP for a price to rebuild mine with a boost hub and new spokes as gotta factor in that in the cost too
Yep, it's me-if I were you I'd probably go Bronson, better at pedalling, but still man enough for when you have a big day. My slight concern is that although the 5010 is incredible & where my own money would be spent (if I had any) you might run out of travel at times.
For me in Shropshire/Mid Wales etc the 5010 is perfect.
Cheers jack/sam know what your saying totally maybe just sod it and go forit can alwyas sell it if i dont like it and get a different one lol sure it will be a blast
Dave yeh i do feel overbiked at long mynd infact something shorter travel would indeed be more suitable i reckon to, but i know what your saying about the travel thats my only worry too
Do like thw black yellow colour scheme of thw 5010 more than any though haha which counts for 90% right?!
Damn right!Do like thw black yellow colour scheme of thw 5010 more than any though haha which counts for 90% right?!
It's always a lot of money we spend on bikes, so liking how it looks is a massive part of it!
Oscillate Wildly - Member
dans160 - Member
You're just suffering from 'iwantanewbike' syndrome. Riding a Nomad is not a chore, up or down. Put a better rear shock on it if you must. Mmm, ohlins.
Dan
not sure how you better a float x2 tbh
Ohlins coil my freind, Ohlins coil.
Nomad now listed as 'discontinued', new Nomad imminent..... ❓
Where is it showing that??
LBS looked them up on their system yesterday, Jungle I assume.
Hi there,
Just wondering what the OP went for in the end? I'm currently having the same dilemma.
Not sure if i should go for a nomad v3 or a bronson v2. I like doing uplift days but also do alot of pootling about on local flat-ish trails.
The nomad appeals because it may be a bit safer on the uplift days where as i know the bronson v2 will be better for the majority of my riding.
Had a 5010 for about 12 months, Built up as a lightish trail bike (27lbs) Is a fun bike, fast and corners well, You can notice the shorter rear travel sometimes but only on very rough and rocky ground.
In my opinion most people should be riding one of them instead of a 160mm bike.
I now have a Hightower with Ohlins suspension. Its 3 lbs heavier than the 5010 but is a very good bike, Fast and fun,not quite as poppy as the 5010 more of a flat out trail bike.Just point it in the right direction nd let the brakes go.
As an owner of a 5010 v1 and a nomad mk3, I'd get a Pivot Mach 5.5, or maybe a switchblade.
Why not a bronson v2 Tom?
TBH I haven't ridden one, rode a v1 and didn't particularly like it, though I know they may a few changes, just don't know if they were enough.