You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Currently riding a 2019 jeffsy pro race, 27.5". I like it but fancy a change. I'd like something a bit plusher than my jeffsy, test rode a capra and loved it but they are quite a chunk of money now!
The jeffsy is great but feels like you are hammering it a bit on some of the steeper/rougher stuff. I used to have an old school stinky for comparison and that felt much more at home and compliant, but pedalled like a sack of potatoes.
I've been pondering the switch to something a tad more 'enduro' - Nukeproof mega, New bird aeris, privateer 161, Capra type bikes
I did consider beefing up the jeffsy, but I now have a XC HT for footpaths/gravel type riding and the cost of upgrading parts I'd like and risk of still not being content doesn't make sense. frame only bikes dont work because jeffsy is 27.5 so I'd need new wheels and forks. When full builds aren't a whole lot more than them alone sometimes!
I've seen some Mega 290 factory models around for 4.5kish which seem a good deal, test rides seem impossible. The mullet version appeals, but they don't seem available over a size L!
It will be for bike parks, Wales trips, uplift days and maybe the odd enduro when I manage to get a weekend off work!
Anyone got one? How are they? Any problems? Alternatives?
The Mega 290 Elite seems like a good deal - would get that over the factory version as I don’t like Kashima. Seems to be a bit of a bargain here:
A mate has the mullet elite and vs my sentinel v2 alloy (Lyrik ultimate / fox float x) I’d say the mega felt a chunk bigger / plusher. I’ve since stuck on a coil / cascade link and they probably feel more similar now.
Would imagine the Mega does exactly what you want it to and seems good value.
Mega 290 is a great bike and the deals at the moment from CRC are decent. I've not ridden other Enduro bikes (you don't get many test rides if you need XL or XXL) and was really impressed/surprised at how well it climbed and felt on the flat. I've seen comments in some reviews that it rides like a big trail bike rather than a plush enduro sled which is kind of my experience - it's a little slacker and a bit more travel than the 150/140 bikes I've had but if you want something that's mostly for uplift the Giga might be more your thing.
How tall are you?
I went from an XXL 2019 29er Jeffsy which had been upgraded with a coil shock and 37mm stanchion 160mm forks, it handled everything I chucked at it with relative ease.
I've replaced the Jeffsy with a Geometron G1, 175/170mm and most definitely more 'enduro' but still pedals lovely. My Jeffsy was 'light enduro' whereas the G1 is at the 'super enduro' end of things!
Haven't done any big days on it yet but even with it weighing in at 17kg with pedals I don't see it being an issue.
You'll be looking at more than 5k though.
A riding mate has the Elite 290, it’s a lot of bike for the money. I’ve had a spin on it, feels very nice and pretty neutral fit and handling wise so far as I was just able to get on and ride, without it feeling weird.
I'm 6ft3/6ft4. Roughly 95kg. Currently on a XXL, Wouldn't want any bigger. The capra I rode was XL and didn't feel too small.
It's not that the jeffsy can't 'handle it'. It's that having ridden the bird and capra, they are more enjoyable and seemed to suit the riding I'm doing more. I'm thinking a mega may be similar but in stock (Birds availability is lacking) and not quite so spendy vs a capra.
Maybe it's a mix of parts spec, geo, wheel size and the resulting package in the jeffsy.
Yes, with some new brakes (the guides aren't that great, and the DPX2 has never felt great for how ive used it) and a coil it'd probably be better, but that's towards a grand I could just put towards a more purpose built replacement which I think makes more sense. Also at XXL the jeffsy is significantly more 'flexy' then the straight enduro offerings. I also don't like the E13 cranks as it eats bottom brackets with the 30mm spindle. So another desired upgrade.
I'm kinda set on replacing it as you can tell...
Absolutely thrilled with mine, I have an XXL 290 pro, ( alloy)
It's had a good testing with Basque MTB and in Molini and I ride it locally in the fod, sometimes on long all day rides.
For me it's without doubt the most capable bike I've owned, and I've had a few...
Edit.....I didn't like the SRAM brakes....
I also don’t like the E13 cranks as it eats bottom brackets with the 30mm spindle. So another desired upgrade.
Yeah I found that too, I eventually changed to a Shimano 24mm BB with a Hope pressfit.
Stealth Ad for a 2020 Bird AM9 XL if you are vaguely in the North and wanted a budget solution to your problem 🙂 I'm 6'4" and 95kg too. PM me if interested.
I was going to get a 290 mega frame but loved the Purple 297 frame so built that up. It’s a great fun bike although only ridden local trails so far it rides very well & I have tried it with a 29er wheel in the rear
Just bought my lad a 297. He bloody loves it. I don’t because now I can’t keep up with him downhill - I knew that day would come though.
Airdrop Edit frame is still 27.5 so you could swap your parts over. I'm just doing this now from my Bird Aether, although I'm swapping out my Pike for a Lyrik too.
I bought the frame in the pre-sale back in November. If I hadn't I would have bought one of those cheap mullet Mega's.
Bird have been clearing out bikes at great prices too in their clearance.