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I’ve recently been borrowing my OH’s 2015 Spesh Camber Evo for doing trail centre reds, as she’s bought herself a new bike. I’ve currently got a first generation Cotic RocketMAX, which is great for bashing around on rough natural trails, but a little bit OTT for places like Sherwood Pines, Dalby etc., and there’s no getting around that it’s 5lbs heavier than the Camber.
Unfortunately, the Camber feels a little bit small for me, otherwise I’d adopt it, as its a stunning bike and really brings milder trails alive. It’s got me wondering about getting a short travel, lighter full sus to complement my RocketMAX (Have ruled out 29 hardtail after trying a couple). By short travel, I guess I mean around 100 to 120mm, perhaps with more ‘trail’ than outright XC geometry.
Just wondered what short travel 29ers are about at the moment(?). A frame only job would be great, as I’ve got lots of components in my parts bins. The simplicity of the Orange Stage 4 appeal, but sizing on the aluminium SC Tallboy also look good - though I guess this’ll carry a fair weight penalty over the Stage 4.
Can anyone suggest any other frames/bikes worth a look?
TIA
Canyon Lux?
But guess they are sold out...
I was gonna suggest the Stage 4 before I saw you already had it in mind, I did a blog after a demo on one...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/orange-stage-4-demo/
Very fast bike, not quite right for me but could be perfect for your use case.
Whytes S120
Spesh Stumpy ST
GT Sensor
Giant Trance 29
.. there's quite a bit of choice
Similar thread here;
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/what-short-travel-29er-trail-bike/
Trek Fuel EX, sizing is a bit odd though.
Thanks for the suggestions, quite promising range of stuff out there then - I was hoping they hadn’t disappeared with the latest Enduro trend.
I like your review of the S4 Cha****ng. From what you’ve said, the S4 does sounds very similar to the Camber EVO - the carrying loads of speed into rough sections sounds familiar😁 That’s one of the reasons I wondered what other options there are. I guess it’s getting the balance between a light and perky contrast to my RocketMAX, but also something that is a fairly forgiving of rider error.
I like the sound of the new Whyte and Trek EX29. Sadly, it looks like the EXs are sold out in my size, but I’m still going to try and see if anyone has demo bikes available. Looks like the Stumpy ST is the replacement of the Camber, so looks like I’ll have to try one of those too😏
Rocky Mountain Instinct (Trail) or Element (XC/Trail)
Transition Smuggler, but carbon if you are worried about heftiness.
In the spirit of recommending what I want, Orbea Oiz Trail. 120mm, so a longer-travel version of their superlight XC race bike. Probably too racy for me, but I still want one!
I've demoed the Trek Fuel EX as well and found it nowhere near the Stage 4 for perky, responsive XC/trail fun. Bit better soaking up bumps though.
Get a demo on an S4, it's a different beast to a lot of the other short travel 29ers and you'll need to see if it suits your style or not.
You’ve got a rocketmax and are looking for a short travel 29er so I’m guessing you’ve already considered the FlareMax (and ruled it out). If weight is the issue and you don’t fancy carbon then the S4 must be worth a look.
Yes, I’ve tried the new FlareMAX in both Med and Large, and its way too close to my RocketMAX (they’ve beefed up the current FlareMAX compared to the original version).
ooooh, Rocky Mountain - always liked the look of their bikes, I think we’ve got a local dealer too:)
but I’m still going to try and see if anyone has demo bikes available.
we've got a demo Fuel EX8 in 18.5" if that's any good?
smuggler!
Smuggler carbon eh?! Strewth, spoilt for choice here! Unfortunately, I think the EX in 18.5” is going to be too small (I’m 6’1” tall with gangly legs).
Swarf and Starling would be nice UK built options.
Starling did mention they could build up a short travel version of their Murmor trail bike.
Max
This bike browsing exercise looks like it might end up being a bit expensive - I’m gonna have to get off my a**e and sell some bikes to fund it!
Stage 4 here, love it! Fast, light(ish), descends like something with way more travel. It replaced a 160mm Orbea Rallon and I've not found the travel limiting yet.
One day I'll manage to embed an image!