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After a new FS
I’m a massive procrastinator so interested in other peoples opinions or suggestions on what I should be considering.
I have an amazing lbs but they have a very limited range of analogue bikes. As such test rides are very unlikely as I’m down in Devon, which is too far for civilisation to travel to.
Use - local stuff (mix, trees and a bit of tech, but wheels on ground most of the time), south wales and Quantocks / Dartmoor. Maybe the odd BPW trip but I’m keener on Afan or cwm carn, even a for push up DH at FOD.
Previous bikes - bird aeris (early model). Loved it, felt amazing and my first intro to proper geometry, but didn’t pedal that efficiently.
Transition smuggler alloy - first of the modern geometry bikes they did. I also loved this, carried so much speed despite its weight. Base build was severely compromised but upgrades made the most of it.
SC Hightower - very good at everything, just left me slightly cold at times but think that’s a bit of reverse psychology. It seemed very neutral in all circumstances which didn’t hurt it but meant I never quite got the wow factor I did with other bikes, but that is likely a ‘me thing’.
Any thoughts welcome! Prefer fun over speed and weigh lt doesn’t bother me too much.
In STW recommend what you have style (sort of, I have it’s bigger brother), Raaw Jibb. Or an Atherton AM 130 or 150?
I've just gone from a Ripmo AF to a Pivot Switchblade. Really happy with the change. Pivot pedals much nicer and still descends well. I'll use it on tame rides I would have found the Ibis too heavy and bouncy for.
I wanted a Hightower but also found them a bit dull. Plus I'm in Sheffield where every other bike is a Santa Cruz.
I bought a Druid V2 and have zero regrets.
Propane Hugene or Pace RC295?
If you want a bike that's engaging to ride, there are still deals to be had on Oranges.
The Stage 6 Evo would suit the places you mention. It pedals well and has very modern geometry.
Dunno if there are still any discounted Canyon Spectrals, but that seems like a great mainstream modern trail bike.
As you'll know, I've had quite a few trail bikes over the years including most you've listed.
Currently have the previous Hugene which is a very competent trail bike. That's not faint praise, it just does everything well. I still think DW-Link bikes (RipMo's etc) are slightly better technical climbers, but the Hugene is more like the Yeti SB series in that it's a bit softer. I like that, some don't. Also 150/140 and associated geo makes it ideal for 90%+ of the riding I do (which is similar to your description).
The new Hugene tho is less travel and a lot more money. Mine was an end of line amazing bargain.
I also really like my first mullet- SC 5010. It's the most "fun" bike I've ridden for a while. It's hard tho as almost every modern trail bike is going to have a lot going for it. It's just the one that suits you. On that note my mates Spesh Stumpjumper Evo feels like a really sorted bike (based on a very short ride) and seems to have hoovered up many of the bike of the year plaudits for the last couple of models.
Still as a man who once owned 3 Ibis's at the same time, I'm probably not your first call for bike buying rationale 🙂
I really like the Banshee bikes - on my second Spitfire and my riding likes are very similar to yours. Well made, good climber but v capable on the downs and fun. Also a bit niche to subtly stand out from the crowd. Other models available if you want 29'er.
If you want a bike that's engaging to ride, there are still deals to be had on Oranges.
The Stage 6 Evo would suit the places you mention. It pedals well and has very modern geometry.
Sunset MTB still have the 6 Evo Factory with nearly 50% off. Plenty of colours too.
Having just mulletted my ebike and loved the change I’d go for a mullet normal FS too. For natural trails and less big jumps, how about a Starling? Or an Orange! I think there’s a lot to be said about how single pivot bikes use their travel and have more give in the frame when you’re trying to stick to off camber roots etc…
I’d go for a mullet normal FS too. For natural trails and less big jumps, how about a Starling? Or an Orange!
I'm just finishing rebuilding my one of these - it's genuinely one of the best bikes I've ridden and I'm confident I'll be keeping it for a long time - amazing price for frame and shock (and Hope headset):
Mk1 Switch 6 Frame (with Fox Performance Shock and Hope Headset) | Orange Bikes
That is a steal! If I had more time & money for bikes right now I’d snap one up (annoyingly I have literally all the parts to build one up, would just need to service an old Reverb and get a creaky steerer’d Lyrik fixed).
Orange! Fun. And not-heavy.
The Root Beer option looks lovely in the metal.
Shame they weren't that cheap 6 months ago. The mk1 Witch is pretty much my ideal trail bike geo (would prefer it being a little shorter in reach.
I ended up building a Banshee Spitfire in mullet and it's great fun, poppy & sharp handling trail bike.
The way I've set it up (slackened it out with the mullet & longer forks) means it wonders a bit on the steeper techy climbs but that's something they are generally good at with more stock geo. Also available for a good price last time I looked.
The Bird Aeris was a 150mm 29er, I think any modern 150mm travel bike would be fine like a stumpjupmer or hightower, I think Hot Pursuit in Kingsteinton might even have some Oranges in if you can live with how those bikes look... HP would have a stumpjumper in, Bike Shed likely to have a Hightower in stock.
I see you said you tried the hightower, I think what you experienced was maybe the bike being over capable and not finding the limits, but this would all come down the build you tried and what casing tyres it had on it too IMO.
I’m replacing a v1 5010 with a Dawley T16 R4.
Shame they weren't that cheap 6 months ago.
They were about £900 then, because I was telling a mate to get one.
He didn't though, the fool 😀
One *massive* advantage of the Stumpjumper 15 is the properly adjustable geometry, so you can change how the bike feels.
I've got it on my Stumpjumper Evo, and it makes a huge difference to how the bike feels. I also don't just leave it in the longer lower slacker position outside of bike park riding.
I’m replacing a v1 5010 with a Dawley T16 R4.
I really fancy one of these to replace a pair of Cotics (Flaremax & Jeht) now that the R4 version has dropped as it seems like the best of both to me (plus more dropper insertion/clearance).
How custom have you gone on the Geo, or is that something you decide nearer the time? That's the bit I need to discuss with him as I'm not as clued up on that side of things.
I'd definitely be putting a current Stumpjumper right near the top of the list and trying to get a go on one. I've also had a Hightower and similarly found it quite 'sterile'. I'd struggle get myself to believe it 15 years back but I think a really nice Stumpy probably feels like a bit more of a special bike than a modern Hightower too!
However, I know these are an acquired taste and just like on my Bold thread, some people just will not consider it on (bizarre) principles but these things are awesome and there are some great deals to be had:
STW Bike of the year remember.... https://singletrackmag.com/2023/12/scott-genius-st-900-tuned-review/
Isn't the new Stumpy wireless drivetrain only? Or is that just the top end version?
Not saying that's a problem necessarily, but will be for some (as I seem to remember from the thread on it!).
One of these in raw would do me
Filter MX Core - Airdrop Bikes - Airdrop Bikes Limited https://share.google/WegINRA5q0xw6DNCq
Isn't the new Stumpy wireless drivetrain only? Or is that just the top end version?
Not saying that's a problem necessarily, but will be for some (as I seem to remember from the thread on it!).
Carbon frames are wireless, alloy frames have tube routing I think.
I’m replacing a v1 5010 with a Dawley T16 R4.
I really fancy one of these to replace a pair of Cotics (Flaremax & Jeht) now that the R4 version has dropped as it seems like the best of both to me (plus more dropper insertion/clearance).
How custom have you gone on the Geo, or is that something you decide nearer the time? That's the bit I need to discuss with him as I'm not as clued up on that side of things.
Actual angles, not at all, just specified the reach (510) Headtube (130) seat tube (420) and chainstay (440, 27.5 rear wheel) but if you wanted to go well off piste, drop him an email, there’s not a lot he can’t do.
Shame they weren't that cheap 6 months ago.
They were about £900 then, because I was telling a mate to get one.
He didn't though, the fool 😀
Ah I must have missed them then because I was looking at that time, including at the Orange outlet and didn't spot them.
I’m replacing a v1 5010 with a Dawley T16 R4.
I really fancy one of these to replace a pair of Cotics (Flaremax & Jeht) now that the R4 version has dropped as it seems like the best of both to me (plus more dropper insertion/clearance).
How custom have you gone on the Geo, or is that something you decide nearer the time? That's the bit I need to discuss with him as I'm not as clued up on that side of things.
Actual angles, not at all, just specified the reach (510) Headtube (130) seat tube (420) and chainstay (440, 27.5 rear wheel) but if you wanted to go well off piste, drop him an email, there’s not a lot he can’t do.
I was more thinking the opposite, I want to have as minimal input as I can get away with! It would probably just be seat tube really that I have a preference/requirement on, other than that the standard numbers are pretty close to bikes I own/have owned and got on well with.
Ah I must have missed them then because I was looking at that time, including at the Orange outlet and didn't spot them.
They seem to drop in batches and there's different stuff on there week-to-week TBF
My new/s/h build if you haven't already seen it and fancy some inspiration for going down a slightly alternative route. 160/140 29'er
I’m replacing a v1 5010 with a Dawley T16 R4.
I really fancy one of these to replace a pair of Cotics (Flaremax & Jeht) now that the R4 version has dropped as it seems like the best of both to me (plus more dropper insertion/clearance).
How custom have you gone on the Geo, or is that something you decide nearer the time? That's the bit I need to discuss with him as I'm not as clued up on that side of things.
Actual angles, not at all, just specified the reach (510) Headtube (130) seat tube (420) and chainstay (440, 27.5 rear wheel) but if you wanted to go well off piste, drop him an email, there’s not a lot he can’t do.
I was more thinking the opposite, I want to have as minimal input as I can get away with! It would probably just be seat tube really that I have a preference/requirement on, other than that the standard numbers are pretty close to bikes I own/have owned and got on well with.
No problem, he can do that too!
The last 2 Stumpjumpers both ride nicely. And I assume Bike Shed (in or Outta Town) will have one to sit on.
Thanks everyone
@Zerocool Bike shed outta town had three (!) non eeb full sussers when I went in a few weeks ago, said they don’t have any market for them. Was pretty shocked, they did say that the in town one may have more but I don’t travel into Exeter very often.
Those discount factory Oranges at Sunset look interesting but no XL (I’m 6.3)
Some interesting other choices and views, much appreciated everyone. Will spend the evening googling some of the options!
Those discount factory Oranges at Sunset look interesting but no XL (I’m 6.3)
Yeah, you missed those, they had orange and blue. I hovered over the buy it button, even as far as having the orange one in my basket before deliberating too long and letting someone else buy them!
Currently can't bring myself to dropping thousands on a normal bike when E's are pricking my interest so haven't bought anything.