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I've got a 2017 frame on the way. My inclination is to fit a Pike at 130mm and probably use a -1deg slackset from my spares bin.
However the bike shop dude, who is very experienced, suggests 140mm fork and a normal headset. Personally I prefer not to have a big mismatch in travel, but apparently the progressive suspension suits it.
Also 67.5deg head angle seems steep, 66.5 sounds spot on for a trail bike.
So what setup are you running? Using a slackset or offset bushings at all?
I have briefly ridden one with a 150mm fork and -1.5 degree works headset and liked it - there was certainly nothing 'wierd' about how it rode but could maybe get you into trouble that the back end wouldnt be able to cope with as well as a longer travel bike.
I know Lars at Transition ran a 160mm fork with an angle headset on his with a coil shock, but he isnt exactly your typical rider.
Personally, I would go for a 140mm fork and the angle headset but it depends on what kind of riding you are doing on the bike - I wouldnt want a bike with a head angle steeper than 66 degrees unless it was an XC hardtail.
I would go for a 140mm fork and the angle headset
That's the other option I suppose.
Riding will be a mix of singletrack in the woods and rocky Northern hills, some steepness but I do have an enduro bike as well.
I had a 140mm Yari on mine from new (also 2017). Didn't really notice mismatch travel. Now I'm running a fox 130mm (but the A-C isn't that different). Prefer the fork, not really ridden it enough to tell the difference. It doesn't feel twitchy tho.
All the reviews/forums I read reckoned a 140mm without a slackest was the best starting point.
Not the same bike, but my 2017 Scout feels better / fine with 150mm up front and 125mm at the rear. Although the biggest upgrade was losing the Monarch for a DHC RC4.
Running 130 on mine with a standard headset. I thought I'd extend to 140 on the forks, but I never felt the need.
Feel more confident downhill than my previous 150mm frame, which was slacker. It's great fun to ride but also good at covering ground and big days out.
More importantly, what colour are you getting?
Mine had a -1* Angleset and 140mm forks. Was a perfect set up IMO. Great bikes!
I have an XL 2017 and run 140mm forks and a normal HS wouldn't want less travel but don't need more, and mismatch/deviation isn't really noticable..... I'd go for the 140 forks over the 130's plus a angleset everytime!
2018 here, 150mm fox 36's. I spoke to transition and they all run bigger forks. therefore you should too
Haha, I think I've been convinced to go 140mm - the clincher was that I'll also want to try my plus wheels on it at some point.
More importantly, what colour are you getting?
Black. Pretty much the same as my outgoing Enduro 29, though much more visually alluring IMO...
As most people said 140mm forks is spot on. When I got the frame had 130mm Fox 34 which came off my Ragley Big Wig then got some Ohlins at 140mm Also had a angle adjust headset, now gone back to normal headset with 140mm forks & Cane Creek in-line Coil Shock with Ohlins spring. Amazing rear traction, mate said best balanced bike he has ridden , he has an Enduro with Lyriks,
I think I was trying to buy that one too but my cheeky offer was a bit too cheeky!
I have 140 MRP stages on mine, they're a bit shorter a2c than pikes, but just about to fit some 130 fox 34s. I wouldn't worry too much about 10mm. If I had an angleset I'd try a bit of with and without but I've never felt it was too steep, even mostly riding fairly steep stuff.
the clincher was that I’ll also want to try my plus wheels on it at some point.
Probably not out the back. I’ve the Yellow version of the 2017 frame and while it’s a brilliant bike to ride, the rear clearance isn’t great. 2.3 on s new Stan’s Arch Rim is okay, but not more than that. Not sure you’d get much bigger in there...
Alex - I've heard it'll be touch and go, but I'm not that fusedf if it doesn't work out tbh.
Sssimon - maybe you buttered the seller up for my offer then 😉