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I'm looking for experiences on the above, or any alternative ideas, as I'm considering these as a next bike. Key information; must be 650b, I don't enjoy riding uphill, I like tech and bikepark/jumps equally, will also be used to ride reasonably sized stuff (worked through most of Crabapple Hits in Whistler last year etc), I like going fast but would rather have something playful than ultra long.
Nomad is probably the 'cheapest' of all of these but would definitely be a safe option. I like the look of the firebird but haven't ridden one. The Kingdom Hex is a bit leftfield as I had a quick go on one at the weekend (newer geometry, so slightly shorter than the current model) and it seemed good fun as well as being a bit different.
Any real world experiences of these welcome, or other options...
Liteville 601 if you don't have to have carbon?
Took mine to Whistler a few years ago and was an absolute blast. Very light for the travel and pedals well too.
Mine 'feels' lighter than the Capra's and Evil's in my riding group.
I'd not considered a Liteville and must admit that I find the aesthetics slightly challenging for some reason!
What about a Patrol or an Ibis HD4
Good options but I think the Ibis is ugly and I'm less keen on the Transition for some intangible reason.
Yeti SB165?
Just buy the Nomad. I love mine and would need serious persuasion to get something else.
The Alu Nomad is an utterly bombproof bike - it's put up with over a year of abuse by someone who bent two Cotic Rocket seatstays in half within weeks of owning the bikes.
Stanton Switchback FS?
ex.650b Firebird owner here, good solid bike which is actually not a bad peddler, I used mine for both the odd DH and Enduro race without an issues. If you could get one for a good price I'd say go for it.
Also used to own a 601 and yes, it's got looks only a German would like but it's a blast for those technical rocky descents, the only issue I had was its easily dented and seemed to hate flat trails (it's either all out up or down).
Knolly warden
YT Capra? You might be able to get a cheaper Yeti SB6 now they've released the 165
Tom - I did wonder who would suggest that... I think i'd want to wait for a few more reviews before considering that.
Stanton; steel is for hardtails in my opinion...
Stewartc - Everything I have read suggest that the firebird is a good all rounder. I think it's possibly my favourite at the moment but does come at a cost.
Anyone had an experience with Kingdom stuff in terms of durability, service etc? I think TFtuned will be selling the new Hex when it is released, which would be good from a service perspective.
Personally I would opt for a Starling enduro rig braaaaa!
Shhhh but there’s a Hex on ewinbay currently!
Shhhh
YT Capra, Canyon Torque, Commencal Clash, Airdrop Edit?
All the above are equally as good as your Santa Cruz's, Evil's etc. but significantly less money.
Devinci Spartan
YT Capra, Canyon Torque, Commencal Clash, Airdrop Edit?
I've seen a LOT of broken Capras, not seen any broken Nomads - V3s or V4s.
I have a Commencal Supreme SX which I love - but even I knew that Commencals have historically been a bit of a liability. The finish on the paint is shite compared to the Alu Nomad as well.
The Nomad Alu frame is about 600 quid more but that nets you a lifetime warranty, a better finish and dealer support.
HB160, obvs
I’ve seen a LOT of broken Capras, not seen any broken Nomads – V3s or V4s.
More Capras out there? I genuinely witnessed a chainstay snap on an alu nomad last week. It was a different colour to the rest of the frame so I asked if it had already happened before. Turns out he'd had 2 front triangles already. At least the Santa Cruz warranty seems good.