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So.....
I've been on here a while buying and selling looking for the perfect bike I've bought new,old,swapped and split all sorts convinced the next bike would change it all well I've finally found it.
I'd been hanging my nose over an Evil Uprising for a bit read good and bad reviews but took a punt on one and woohooo it exceeded my expectations ten fold. I'm grinning like a prize tool every time I get on it the Mrs hates it when I take the Evil out she knows it's gonna be a while before I'm back.
Anyone else expect something from a new bike just to realise it's actually better than you dreamed it would be ??
My Trek Powerfly Ebike, it lets me elbow my way past people on climbs at trail centres.
Giant Reign when I demoed one, after coming off a 2010 Nukeproof Mega - I remembered what traction felt like.
My current bike is a Supreme SX - I bought it because it looked cool and I didn't think I'd be capable of breaking a frame that's basically a DH bike with the travel cut down and the seat tube steepened. I was unsure of just how awesome the suspension would be, kind of didn't think it would make a difference - most of my bikes have been ok - Reign was great for grip and I didn't think it could get any better than that really.
However, the stability that the SX grants you - and lack of harsh feedback is really quite good. It was a pleasant surprise for me - and it pedals well for such a silly contraption.
Surly Ice Cream Truck. Just so much fun to ride. Completely innapropriate for most situations but just nuts.
Edit why aren't my images showing now? I'm using direct link as previous
V1 5010 carbon, couldn't believe how well it accelerated, climbed and, after a descent, that it had less than 140mm travel (its 125)
I bought a Pinnacle Ramin 3+ last year, it was like going back to my 1986 Rockhopper but with all the improvements that have occured since (that would make a difference to my riding) built into a bike that is still as simple and easy to live with as the Rockhopper was. And it cost around £600 as they had loads of discounts on at the time so only £200 more than the Rockhopper did 32 years before it. I wasn't entirely sure about it but it's been a great buy, really pleased with it.
Kona Paddy Wagon. I've always liked fixed wheel riding, but with proper road race bike geometry, and a lot of nice custom parts, it's my most ridden bike.
My PYGA 120 650B, bought it new in 2013 when 27.5 wheels were a relatively new thing in the world of off-road biking and Patrick Morewood had just left Morewood bikes to start up PYGA.
On paper, cos that’s all I had, no real bike to throw a leg over, it just looked right for what I was looking for at the time, so took a not insignificant financial punt and have been delighted with it ever since.
It pisses on the Passporte du Soleil, it goes up and down very well, it’s playful, hoppy yet also has a feeling of solidity and stability. It makes me smile each and every time I ride it and the flame orange colour is sparklingly fab too.
My Calibre Dune.
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/30083676892_9d70e7fcb3_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/30083676892_9d70e7fcb3_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/MQoH3m ]Calibre dune. Surrey hills[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/79912681@N06/ ]kayak23[/url], on Flickr
It's just so much better than any £500 bike has any right to be. Particularly as I got mine second hand but mint for much less money.
Amazing bike.
A 2016 Cube Stereo 140. I bought a barely-used frame and built it up with nice bits and 26" wheels and it was jolly nice, thanks. Sold on for exactly what I paid for it 😀
eBikes 🙂 I was expecting to hate them and didn’t.
27,5 plus hardtaiks, specifically the Orbea Loki, that’s still my favorite bike and the one I grab every time.
Do plus tyres hold up OK over there, Doug?
I had assumed you were all Double Downs and DH casings for those trails?
(I get to ride them later this year, hence the interest)
My 2005 SC Blur. My first full suspension bike and it was a massive change from an alu hardtail. Climbed quicker than the hardtail it replaced, descended way better and made riding for hours on end a pleasure. Wow, it was amazing. So much so that I've been a brand tart ever since.
Good question! I’m on the 3.0” High Rollers which seem pretty tough for a plus tyre. You need to ride nice and light and have a decent pressure but yes they hold up for me. I normally don’t recommend them to guests because if you find they don’t hold up for you on your trip... it’s a pain! If you’re a smooth rider and aren’t pushing 110% all the time then I think no issues.
Any kids first bike...
Cool. Have a plus hardtail, but will be on a full susser for the trip - I have Maxxis DHF/DHR in the shed in both EXO and Double Down - was kind of assuming I'd need Double Down, although there's plenty climbing scheduled, so lighter might be nice. ANy recommendations?
Turbo Levo for me. When I was offered a go on one I thought I would hate it. I was so wrong.
Calibre Astronut! Missus got me one for Christmas and it rides so well on the pump tracks! I honestly can't see why you would spend more on a DJ bike.
Both are good. I like the DDs though, I’m on the same combo.
Edit: sorry don’t want to derail the thread. Drop me an email and I can talk all day about this sort of thing!
My 2012 Orange 5. Especially after all the shite I'd read on here from the haterz.
Still got it, still ride it, still love it.
Solaris max with 2.8in high rollers.
Really surprised how well it could ride some pretty gnarly trails.
And without getting a flat.
Also orange stage 6, which I thought would be more compromised than it is. The best all round MTB I've ridden, I'd say.
I had an old Santa Cruz single pivot FS frame that was amazing considering how old it was.
Modern bike is my current carbon YT Jeffsy, after coming from what I thought was a capable bike on a T129S the jeffsy is so much better in every way.
My 2005 Capra CF, first ride was falling in love and realising I’d pretty much hit anything on it.
I got my ebike in October and it was literally life changing, I’m biking so much more than at any other time of my life.
**** me you had a Capra CF in 2005?
That would have absolutely blown my mind 😉
On One Pickenflick. Had really enjoyed my Saracen Hack, same kind of bike for the same kind of riding. It fits me much better, is lovely as a road bike, and very capable and lots of fun off road. I was hoping it to be good, but I really really enjoy riding it.
Cannondale synapse
£350 off ebay after it had been in someone's shed for 5 years totaly unused.
It actually made me faster than the old dawes steel racer I had been on for 10+ years.
My (significantly fitter) mate could no longer drop me at will!
🙂 @geex
The power of a missing digit!
Actually did get a lovely Santa Cruz Bullit in 2005, built it as light as possible with 170mm travel each end.
Yep, I invented the enduro bike.
SC 5010..amazing bike.
I don't own one as the Whyte t130 is/ was almost identical in terms of geometry and I couldnt get a good enough deal at the time of buying ..( my Whyte )
The Bike that really blew my socks off though was a Haibike fat six from a couple of years back ..that thing could climb a wall ..fantastic fun ..
Singular Puffin. Such a portly behemoth has no right to be as fun as it is.
Kona Ute. Game changer bike. Should never have sold it. Just brilliant. If you’ve never owned a cargo bike you should.
Cannondale Super X - was good with 700c wheels but a revelation when I put a set of 650b’s on, with 42mm WTB Resolutes -love it !
I haven't ridden many bikes, but my Tranny Scout.....after the boardman FS (2016) it took a couple of rides to 'get it'....but my god. 5mm less rear travel, but soooooo much more
Evil The Wreckoning for fun. Did everything it promised and more when aimed downhill and into the air. Don’t own one though 🙁
Surly karate monkey. Just a great bike and so much more than the cheap winter bike I expected.
Also, early days but picked up an onza payoff recently and loving it. Not that long, not that slack. Thought it was worth a punt and it is simply great fun.
a Merlin cycles Rock Lobster 853. Don't get me wrong, I liked it already..... but it had got tatty and so i stripped it down and sent it for powdercoating. Then when i got it back and was looking at its naked frame and a box of parts, I had this dumb idea to get a spacer and tensioner from Brant and try it as a singlespeed.
I expected to hate it - I thought they were only for riders with quads of steel and dustbin liner sized lungs - and I fully expected that within a couple of rides I'd be selling the kit on here and converting back to gears.
That was about 12 years ago and while the RL is long gone, and I've had a Tinbred, an Inbred, a Swift, a Pace and now a cheap Voodoo (after the Pace cracked) in its place, that shit idea turns out to have been the best Trigger's broom of a bike I've ever had.
Capra CF. Bought 2nd hand and amazed at its ability and looks.
Remedy 29. I demoed it just because it was available, didn't expect to like it... Bought one, haven't ever looked for another bike since, it's just really bloody good.
Definitely my Carrera banshee x.
I got a Kona shred for £40. It needed a few hours work. But it's not a bad trail bike. Well impressed 😁
Two surprises stand out, both bikes I rode on Demo days. First was a Trek Fuel EX in 2012ish? Just felt really fun and lively, only rode it because thats all Trek had left at the time but actually really enjoyed. Other is a Yeti SB4.5. Did not expect it to feel as fast as it did, eye-wateringly fast everywhere, up, down, along the lot. If it wasn't so expensive and I had fewer concerns with durability of the Switch link I'd have bought one over my T130.
Voodoo bizango - the yellow one.
More fun than a £600 bike deserves to be. I ride it more than my full suss. Feels just right. More than enough bike for me and real cheap.
In hindsight, my Jones. I liked it on a test ride but I didn't think I'd get quite so attached to it.
Had it 7 years now and if I'd got bored of it and moved on after 5 years it would have been good vfm but it's still my go-to bike for local singletrack and XC. It gets regular use and I just don't get any urge to replace it, which is rare for me. It's just fun to ride while doing many things well and the handling is addictive - almost more so in comparison to the L/L/S bikes around now. Might be different if I moved to the Peak Dist or Lakes but I'd probably hang on to it stubbornly even so. Maybe just with gears on.
turbo levo and my stumpy 29er
the levo was awesome. Probably should have bought that instead of the stumpy expert. I hate myself for liking it so much.
Sorry, Evil bikes.. right, the frames ALONE are nearly 3 grand! And you're surprised it's a decent bike? Blimey... I'm surprised you're surprised, to be honest!
In that case my Rocky Instinct which whole bike cost a grand less than just the Evil frame is a massive surprise! I love it and it does everything brilliantly.
Salsa beargrease. Well below list price and more fun / versatile than I thought
Clockwork 129. Thought it would be good for trundling around on the easier stuff but it's a hoot to ride and well fast.
Another vote for the Pyga (mine was 29). Bought as it looked right, and it rode brilliantly. Completely sold me on 29s.. except original Solaris chubby and SolarisMax. The former for just being a total hooligan and the latter for riding in places I’d previously only take a FS.
And my RipMo. But then I expected it to be good. Maybe just not as good as it actually is.
On-one Pompetamine.
Bought it to upgrade the steel fixed gear hack I had been riding for years as a student. The pomepetamine as a single speed turned out fairly dull. Hard to explain but lacked any zing and just felt dead compared to the old steel hack.
It sat forlone for a year or so until I wanted to go on a cycle tour. Loaded it with front & rear panniers and a Spa leather saddle. Now it weighs a ton but fully loaded up it wafts along as a tourer, super comfy as an all day bike. Now done a number of tours on it and 1,000's of km. Cant imagine I'll ever sell it.
I've had three that stood out. In all cases I expected them to be good (sometimes based on test rides) but these are the ones that just seemed to get better and better the more I rode them, rather than just being fun for a while.
Most recently the new FlareMax, which still amazes me with its mixture of stability, fun and the huge amounts of confidence that it inspires.
The other two have been mentioned aleady. A Surly Ice Cream Truck; just a big steel truck of fun and a 2013 Five, the only MTB that I still regret selling.
The fatbike (Scott Big Jon) was way better than I thought
It seemed pretty good in the car park test but the first push of the pedals on familiar trails had it surging forward and I knew it was gonna be good. That was 2015 and it smashed every PR. I rode an Olympic-spec FS 2017/18 in an effort to set some new PRs but if I put the same effort in on the fatty I always got them back. Charging round on the fatty had physical benefits as well I was in great shape after 3 years of no suspension
I've kind of retired it now because it couldn't be any better and I got to the point where every ride was like a WRC stage.
My 27.5+ is slower but also a lot more chilled and easier to ride any distance.
I remember being blown away the first time I rode the original Cotic Flaremax. Mainly by the ride feel but also the longer than average chainstays and excellent pedaling manners.
Had a go on the new one but it was set up a bit soft for me so didn't feel as lively. Still got a PR on a track I've ridden loads though, on my second descent on the bike - which was better than I thought.
My Reign Advanced was a great bike. I was really surprised by how good it was overall. Enjoyed riding that one & had some good race results with it.
Current Fuel EX 9.9 - first proper go on a 29er, having dabbled before, but jumped in feet first. I've done everything on this bike. Yeah they arn't cheap & it really should be good for the price, but I was surprised just how good it is. Still probably the best 'overall' bike I have ridden than can turn it's hand to pretty much anything 🙂
Focus Sam E-Bike. Never really ridden one before this, wasn't sure how a longer travel one would be, but I had an absolute riot. Totally sold me on the concept of them. Can smash out runs & still be knackered after. I expect my next bike purchase will be an ebike.
Evil The Following
My Mk1 Stooge. I’d had rigid bikes before (early Rockhopper, more modern Inbreds and a Swift) but that was and still is a completely different kettle of whelks. The combo of great geo and a 29+ front end makes it so much more capable than anything I’d tried before.
2007 Cannondale Rush Carbon.
I've come on this thread to say Kona Ute like Takisawa - then I realised I bought mine from him ! and just to pay it forward a little, our ute has now gone to live in the countryside of Dumfries and Galloway with Terrahawk (Jason Miles) 🙂
they are brill, you find yourself making uses for them and great for commuting especially in the rubbish weather thanks to the big tyres and full guards. Only reason I sold mine was the awkward storage and the need for it to be used, kid trailer use was outgrown
Arkose 3.
I expected it to be a decent but conservative ride - I didn't realise how much fun it would be. A review complained that it was 'sluggish', but I've found it to have quick acceleration out of corners and great handling.
Surly Krampus ...well ahead of it’s time, brilliant fun.
Bought a 2nd hand genesis fortitude race a few years ago and still love it. Always wanted one when they first came out but dithered and they stopped making them, took ages to find a used one
Bought a used Orange P7 (2008) in singlespeed flavour with 130mm up front.
Thought it would be heavy and it sort of is, but somehow feels just right.
Thought it would be a good bike, somewhere in the range of mkeh to sorted, but turns out to be the best-fitting, have a go balls to the floor steel hardtail I've ever had the privilege to ride.
Somehow it manages to package XC finesse with near jump-bike big grins. A confident descender and goatlike clmber. A comfortable cruiser and fun flyer. A bike for all seasons. Just wish they hadny ****ed up the dropout design it would be near perfect other. Hope one day to bag some 140mm Revs for it and it could be even better.
Turbo Levo for me.
I'm with Tracey on this.
My newly built fearless vulture https://www.fearlessbikes.com/vulture/
I knew it was going to be good. What’s not to like about a well thought through and well built steel frame, be it mtb, road or gravel but this one...... is awesome, I can’t stop riding it it. Ace on loooong rides and tonnes of fun when it gets tech,I’ve found myself searching out red+ mtb trails on my long rides and still haven’t found the point where it stops being fun.... it’s just one of those rare, sweet spot, bikes!
Second hand spesh pitch. My first full suss. Just opened up so many new options for me. Only just letting it go now - but to a good friend, so I’ll still see it around 😳
SC Blur XC Mk1.
That bike was ridiculously capable for an XC bike...not to mention an absolute riot!
I started the thread off mentioning the Evil but I should of mentioned the ibis mojo too the pick up speed is something else mine is 10 years old but sweet as just have to decide which one gets buried with me !!
My Mojo Geometron, 3 years ago I thought I had a really ace [lifetime] bike, Nicolai AM in Large (425 reach), lovely urban camo' job too. I loved my AM, it was proper fun. BOS suspension and all.
But, one ride on the Geometron [Longest, I am 6'2.5"] which has a far longer reach (520mm) and a much slacker head angle convinced me how well a bike could work if it fitted right - better steering, it really carves - a feeling of calmness (you can look ahead more to plan the next move, so not think so much about what's about to be under the wheels right now).
Plus with that reach it's easy to be over the front and hard (but not impossible) to go out the front door.
Local rides in the tight woods took a while to get dialled in, but now I steer better, brake less and enjoy more.
One bike for it all, yep.
Geometron (Hybrid, 650 rear 29 front) 10/10