well, I got the bandit a few weeks ago and have now had a variety of rides on it. So far I can't stop smiling!
It was a fairly reluctanct purchase to be honest, driven out of the need to get a full susser to help with a back problem. The first purchase I have ever had to make due to getting older....Grim.
Anyway I was looking for something to replace my 456 that would ride like it, but a bit softer. I have been an avid hardtail fan for a few years now as the need for one bike to do it all seemed to always end up at one. The versatillity of a good hardtail is exeptional.
Anyway, the bandit.It has a falling rate design that really makes it firm and lively in the top of its travel, a good thing as I find the wallowy feeling of some designs depressing when I am trying to pump the ground for extra speed. as the bike sits further into its travel it really has that bottomless feeling of a much longer travel bike.
last sunday I chased my friend around the Wall and Skyline at Afan on his Enduro and was really impressed how it kept up at really silly speed.
The seating position seems great for climbing, better than the 456 anyway. result, this was the test for me really. I have been riding for nearly 20 years now and can ride most bikes fast going down and along but a bike that won't climb , just won't climb. The added grip of the rear end helped but the riding position is perfect.
It feels more flicky on the funstuff than the 456 to, it will manual a bit easier , which is suprising as the seat angle is steeper. maybe the rear end is a bit shorter , not sure.
Anyway, I love it. obviously this is written from a view point of a very pleased and relieved new bike owner but I have tried to be as factual as I can.
It will not be quite so hard to give up the hardtails afterall.....
Anyone want to buy an 18 " 456 with a hope headset and a set of Marzochi 55s...........
Sweet, good man! I've been wanting to ride ours for ages! Glad your risk paid off..!
I'm in exactly the same position that you were just before you bought yer Bandit..
This post has done nothing to help my now inevitable impending wallet situation..
Neither Mrs yunki or my old faithful 456 will thank you for this..
nice one, i've been lusting after one for ages, but the £1400 price tag is holding me back. How do they size up?
my frame is sitting in GRF's warehouse while I work out a suitable lie to avoid the wrath of mrs winterfold
posts like these make it more likely I will just take the bollocking
what fork you got in yours nimo?
I am about 5'9" ish and have the medium bandit. It is a good fit for me with a slightly shorter effective toptube than an 18"456 due to the steeper seat angle. the pedaling position is great as I am more over the bb than on previous bikes.
I am running a revelation xx fork with the adjustable travel(120 - 150)
The 150 setting feels great for an all out desent and the rest of the time I use a range of settings depending on mood.....
i ride a 18 inch blue pig and im 5'11. I was thinking a medium?
i have not seen one in the flesh. looks like a slimmer bottlerocket 🙂
I have and I like, just need to find the dosh and I reckon a green one could be mine. Hope to go visit shop soon for a fit etc.
wors - Member
I ride a 18 inch blue pig and im 5'11. I was thinking a medium?
Ditto but an inch taller.
Local rider Clive @ http://www.mtbskills.co.uk/mtbskills/home.html has one and rates it highly. He is a sponsored rider tho 💡
Looks like the importer got banned again today
Got to love that level of being true to yourself and not sucking up to the consensus
I guess lurkers on this forum who think lots of the most vociferous posters are bellends is a lot of bikes - hopefully more than will be sold by sucking up to them...
Jedi - I can see what you mean - does the way suspension pivots and linkages are laid out make a big difference - compared to geometry?
who is the importer?