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I've loved riding my 2019 Remedy and wasn't
particularly thinking of replacing it until I had a go on my son's Bird Aeris. The extra reach and LLS geometry felt much better and the bike just 'clicked' with me.
A Bird (AM160?) is the obvious answer but any user recommendations for something similar? I would love a Remedy with more modern geo like the new Slash and have infact considered the Slash itself but feel it might be overkill for my needs. My riding is the usual mix of trail centres and days out (Lakes mainly), budget £3kish. So what would STW recommend for a (very) average middle aged rider in need of a new skills compensator?
In a true recommend what you got; I went from a 2018 Remedy 8 to an Orbea Occam H20 (With upgraded suspension) for under £3k, although Brexit has hiked the prices and lead time up.
I loved my Remedy but since getting on the Occam, I have not looked back.
Bonus point: a more aggressive Occam = Ibis Ripmo/Ripley
Whole bike or frame and component swap?
If it's a whole bike then whatever you can find available in a sensible timescale is the default answer at the moment. If it's a frame then you have a decent amount to play with.
The new Saracens look interesting (I didn't think I'd hear myself say that) and sorted for the budgets too. As they're new to market you'd hope they'd made sure they had stock available.
Those Obea's look nice - good specs for the money. Could be full bike or frame only although thinking it may be easier to sell on a whole bike rather than just a frame and prices for second hand bikes are very strong atm.
Get a Bird!
If you're selling the Remedy complete (good idea with current prices IMO), then I'd suggest a 140mm-ish rear travel 29er.
Something that can cover ground well and be fun at trail centres, but still cope OK on more rugged terrain.
The new Vitus Escarpe and Sonder Evol would be near the top of my list in your position.
Personally I have an Orange Stage 6 for a similar brief. It's significantly more expensive at RRP but a fantastic all-rounder.
3k would get you a real tasty Bird..... Ive had a Aeris 145 for the last 12 months and love it.... I will definitely consider a new Bird when I get the new bike itch.