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Looking to replace On-One Parkwood 29er frame with something more XC. Most of my riding is tramping the moors (with both wheels firmly on the ground) but with the occasional trail centre visit I don't want to feel 'underbiked' with the odd (small) jump.
Kinesis X lets me keep using my 31.6mm dropper, but I would need new wheel/hub for boost (and poss new crankset).
Town Crier would require me to get a new dropper or do without (I do like having it - there's not a lot of flat stuff round here).
My main quandry is with the comparison between the two in terms of ride quality/suppleness. I can deal with the extra weight of steel and people on here seem to feel that the TC is responsive enough (though I've no doubt the X is faster in this regard). I am enticed by the idea of a really fast XC frame and may be willing to stretch the budget to the X, even with a new wheel build, but how does a modern/fancy shape/more expensive aluminium frame ride compared to a more traditional steel frame? Will it explode at Lee Quarry?
Anyone ridden both? FF29 and Breath experiences welcomed too.
In anticipation of STW 'recommend what you ride' tradition - please state dropout width and seatpost dia. 142mm is fine as i could convert hub to this quite easily.