You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
What would you get?
Hope HB160?
SC Hightower LT with a SRAM build kit
I would go with the Stumpjumper Coil with 25% off
Canyon Spectral CF9.0SL and £500 change?
If you can stretch to £5500 for the HB160 though... what a bike.
Depends if you want something a bit more burly (HB160) or lighter and with an overall better spec (Spectral). The Spectral is sub 28lbs vs 31lbs for the Hope.
Starling Murmur .
Bronson cc or orbea rallon
It'd be the Hope for me.
In true recommend what you ride style, the new Orbea Rallon. That budget would get you a very sorted spec.
yt jeffsy , with change
Yes
Nice position to be in 😊
I have a stumpy coil like the one Tracy posted and IMO its amazing. Every ride sees Strava PRs this last few months on the down hill bits I’m poor on
but not sure it’s well specced for the price , sram guide R and low rent Gx bits plus basic formula hubs
Top-drawer Bird AM9 and a holiday somewhere to ride it..
HB.160.
Testing one on Tuesday!
Teethgrinder - sweet - let us know how it goes! Are you test riding anything else?
Left field suggestion (an a case of recommending what you ride 🙂 ), hows about the latest incarnation of the Liteville 301. Comes in fully built at just under £5K for either a 140 or a 160mm spec.
http://www.liteville.com/en/200/bikes/301-mk14/enduro-factory-machine/
http://www.liteville.com/en/194/bikes/301-mk14/all-mountain-factory-machine/
Nope! Just need to decide between medium and large. And then the colour...
New stumpy, all the right angles, perfect bike for the riding I do.
New stumpy, all the right angles, perfect bike for the riding I do.
I'm test riding the new Stumpjumpers this weekend. Kinda hoping they aren't perfect as I don't know how I'll explain purchasing another bike to my wife (having bought a capra in Feb to go with my 2016 stumpjumper). Though she did ride my stumpjumper yesterday and said what a lovely bike to ride that it is, so maybe there is an angle 🙂
With any luck I'll win the one Specialized are giving away this weekend and no explanation will be necessary.
transition sentinal
In true recommend what you ride style, the new Orbea Rallon. That budget would get you a very sorted spec.
+1
I got what I think is a very nice spec for a bit less.
4.5 k
EWS Enduro racing machine, the "Greg Callaghan" bike:
new Cube Stereo Carbon 29er 150:
Cube team ranking, EWS, with this new Enduro: #3 right now
or:
4.6 k
Radon Jab
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-jab-10.0-713781?currency=3&delivery_country=190
http://www.mbr.co.uk/news/bike_news/radon-jab-367623
Guess the Jab is a bit more designed to be more a "trail bike like". The Stereo 29er 150 is an pure EWS race bike.
I own an (older design) 150/150 all mountain 27.5 "Plus" bike (I use 2.6 inch tyres). But my home trails I'am biking still with my 130/130 trail bike... The 150/150 bike needs speed and "Enduro" type trails...- and then it's a blast. There is a huge difference between the 130/130 and 150/150 bike. Really important to have the right trails around for the bike...
Hope Factory team, current EWS team ranking:
#21 (of 25)
http://www.enduroworldseries.com/series-rankings/#lists
No idea if this ranking has any value and if it really indicates the quality of the bike.
But if so: appears like Hope has some problems with the Enduro right now. Very early in the game so. First races they did with the Hope Enduro? Will take time to find the perfect setup.
Or .... - all is based soly onto the quality of the bikers.
Possible as well.
On One Inbred. Then blow the rest on cocaine.
I just don't think I could buy the Hope, given that I expect a geometry re-think in a year's time.
If they had made it longer, I think they would have sold triple the numbers to be honest.
(I have no inside info - just guessing).
I would get a Bird AM9 and spend the extra on carbon wheels/cranks/bars to bring the weight under 30lbs
3K on a bike then the rest on a 3 week biking roadtrip around the US mid-west would be my choice (and was last year).
Are you after a 29/27.5?
When you say you want a trail bike, what sort of riding will you be doing, long distance trails or just hammering out sessions on tracks? Any enduro racing on it?
Do you actually have 5k or is this a fantasy post?
Ibis Mojo HD4 with GX build or the ripmo depending on your wheel size preferences.
At the longer end of travel I'd be very tempted with a Rallon given all the customisation options you get on their site. Custom paint!
However I also love my Hightower, so maybe an LT. If you don't need all that travel the regular HT is very nice - mine is 150mm up front on 29 wheels. Kinda half way house. More travel than my bimbling needs.
In the spirit of recommending what you ride - Pivot Mach 5.5. 160mm front, 140mm rear so fits with your 150mm +\- 10mm perfectly 😎
I’m probably in the 27.5 camp, a little 29 curious.
I will be actually be buying in this region just starting to formulate a test ride list and looking to ensure that I don’t miss any options that the STW collective might suggest
I'd be very tempted by a Rocky Mountain. I think the Instinct BC edition is around that price, or the Altitude carbon, depending on wheel oreference.
I've read glowing reviews of both, and they're bloody lovely looking things.
@chismac:
Ibis
had a look at the EWS team ranking:
Ibis is #1 in the current team ranking...
No idea if they bike the "Mojo" (27.5") or "Ripmo" (29") in EWS.
If really 5 k burn in your pocket...
For me: more a trail biker. But if you look for an Enduro type bike... Enduro is about "racing". Modern Enduro bikes are designed for EWS race tracks. Ibis is doing excellent! #1 !!!
#2 Team ranking is Canyon, #3 Cube, #4 Chain Reaction Cycles Mavic (Nukeproof)
Not that it really matters...
https://www.ibiscycles.com/team/
Do a little research, I don't think there is a single manufacturer missing from the EWS
Modern Enduro bikes are designed for EWS race tracks
What is an EWS race track? How many have you tried? Are they all the same?
What would I get? Well it depends. Do I want something more at the fun end of the scale or something at the 'Enduro Sled' end of the scale.
Regardless of that though, I certainly wouldn't be buying the Hope bike.
had a look at the EWS team ranking:
Ibis is #1 in the current team ranking…
No idea if they bike the “Mojo” (27.5″) or “Ripmo” (29″) in EWS.
If really 5 k burn in your pocket…
For me: more a trail biker. But if you look for an Enduro type bike… Enduro is about “racing”. Modern Enduro bikes are designed for EWS race tracks. Ibis is doing excellent! #1 !!!
#2 Team ranking is Canyon, #3 Cube, #4 Chain Reaction Cycles Mavic (Nukeproof)
EWS Positions/rankings have zero bearing on the average punter buying a bike.
Your point is totally flawed,
Your point is totally flawed,
I personally wouldn't use it as a reason to buy or not buy a bike, but at a stretch you could say that to achieve good results in EWS the bikes have to be reliable and ride well, but it really is a push.
For me you have to have an idea of what you can and can't live with as most bikes will have strengths and weaknesses with compromises made to the build even at £5k (unless you buy from a direct brand like YT and Canyon). Then read reviews and test ride as many as you can.
@mikewsmith:
What is an EWS race track? How many have you tried? Are they all the same?
Why should I try an EWS race track? I'am more an trail biker. The EWS bikers are those which bike the EWS tracks and collect the points.
@Hob Nob
EWS Positions/rankings have zero bearing on the average punter buying a bike.
Your point is totally flawed,
For "folding bikes" you are 100% right.
Same for trail bikes, all mountain bikes and and and...
But "Enduro" is per definition an race machine.... - here you are 100% wrong! Race machines which never win a race are ... crap.
Or?
Is it the machine that is crap or is it the rider that the team can afford is not quite as good as the other team's riders?
For “folding bikes” you are 100% right.
Same for trail bikes, all mountain bikes and and and…
But “Enduro” is per definition an race machine…. – here you are 100% wrong! Race machines which never win a race are … crap.
Or?
For starters, you are assuming he wants a 'race machine' as you put it.
Secondly, I would hazard a guess that the living, breathing, peach coloured bit on top is the bit makes it race winning or not.
Why should I try an EWS race track? I’am more an trail biker. The EWS bikers are those which bike the EWS tracks and collect the points.
Because your telling me what they are like. If you don't really know then maybe step back form that a bit 😉
But “Enduro” is per definition an race machine…. – here you are 100% wrong! Race machines which never win a race are … crap.
er what? At a local level riders race on what they can get a deal on - Spec is a common one, others will know someone in the SC dealer etc. people race on what they get. their talent and skill wins the races (and luck)
Enduro is a word that is used to describe bikes in a range that used to be something else, your getting very excited about the results from one series of the best in the world riding the bikes that the teams who can offer them the best deal provide. Swap Sam Hill to a brand that has never one a race and he will win races - does that make the new bike better or worse than the Mega?
Swap Sam Hill to a brand that has never one a race and he will win races
Yeah but that's not the bike, that's because he rides flats duh.....
Was in a similar position after giving up on a V2 Bronson.
I got the Hope. Am over to moon with it. It suits my riding perfectly (all days in the lakes etc) and just felt "right" as soon as I sat on it. I cant see me changing it until it falls to bits. I'm not in the least bit arsed about EWS results because I'm sat on it and not a pro level rider.
Other things that attracted it to me was the customer service should i need it. Bit vain, but i like the exclusivity of it and I honestly think it looks stunning. Easy to shoulder too.
At that money though, I'd be test riding as many as I could.
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4757/39588742085_fb02b91090_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4757/39588742085_fb02b91090_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/23jjDLH ]20180225_111744[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave-lowe/ ]Dave Lowe[/url], on Flickr
Yeah - no doubt I will mostly mince around on it so EWS places irrelevant
That hope is lush by the way
@mikewsmith:
Because your telling me what they are like.
Mmhhh. Where? Don't remember...
EWS team ranking points: they define the ranking. Not me. I'am not a racer. Not an professional biker. EWS team rankings show if the bikes are fast... or slow.
Enduro, maybe you agree to:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enduro_(mountain_biking)
Enduro IS ABOUT racing!
Swap Sam Hill to a brand that has never one a race
Totally agree. 100%. Sam Hill would win on (nearly) every Enduro bike.
That's exactly why the EWS TEAM rankings give a hint about the (race) performance of the Enduro bike... Team rankings "average" the points.
And ... by the way - Sam Hill is biking a fast bike. Team ranking #4 right now...
Fun is key for mountain biking. Trail biking is my thing. And I'am not looking for an Enduro bike.
But just for Enduro bikes... - have a look at the EWS team ranking. Best "scale" to check if the Enduro bike is slow ... or fast.
And correct: this ranking is not connected to "fun".
Buy my bling (enve/xx1) Mk3 Nomad and have £1500 change?
or a deviate guide if buying new.
Robot Bikes? Titanium Carbon can be customised
If your semi 29curious and 27.5 happy I'm sure with 5k in the pot the works s150 from Whyte must be worth a shout, Carbon, well spec'd. Carbon wheels. . Maybe just me. ..
Are you looking for recommendations for what to buy or just interested in peoples 5k fantasy bike?
If it's the former the question is what kind of riding do you do? There's a big difference between something like a Norco Sight and that Hope or a Transition Sentinel.
But “Enduro” is per definition an race machine…. – here you are 100% wrong! Race machines which never win a race are … crap.
If Sam Hill continues his domination then you could feasibly have only 1 2018 bike that isn't crap by that standard. The Rocky Mountain team usually raced on Altitudes last year, rather than the Slayer. The Slayer is not a crap bike by any definition.
Robot? I'd steer clear for the simple reason that if it doesn't work for you, how easy is it gonna be to sell?. Not the prime reason for buying a bike, but one that needs thought.
To be honest the Hope does look awesome but it looks like you'd need to size up. It just seems small on the geo chart.
I'd still be tempted by it after a good test ride (not round carpark)
I was surprised how small the xl HB 160 felt compared to my large G160 Whyte
I'd strongly consider a 29er, I've recently made the switch and am loving how confidence inspiring it is on rough and steep terrain as I feel more 'in' the bike with the increased BB drop. There don't seem to be any downsides with modern 29ers as they seem very nimble and not a handful at slow speed. Something like an Intense Carbine, Santa Cruz Hightower LT or Yeti SB5.5 if you want to spend all your budget or if you want to spend a bit less the base model Orbea Rallon looks great value.
The sizing on the Hope wouldn't work for me as I'd want to up-size for the reach, but the seat tube is too long to run a 150mm dropper. Also you've got the strange proprietary narrow rear hub spacing and some serious low rent rims for a bike of that price and it should have a Fox transfer post rather than a reverb for that price to. I'm sure they'll have a 29er in the works to and will probably revise the geometry on the 27.5 as they can knock up a new mould in house quite easily from what I've seen of the build process.
I'm not sure what that guy going on about Enduro bikes just being for the EWS races is smoking, but he obviously doesn't realise that there are plenty of enduro races going on most weekends in the UK and probably across Europe for that matter.
I heard the hb160 will come with the transfer post.
Tried a large in a carpark and it felt ok. Medium looks to small on paper compared to my spitfire but longer than a medium Enduro.
Hi
Recently visited the Hope factory with a mate who was interested in buying the bike. (Definitely recommend this if you get the chance by the way).
He’s ordered one and apparently it’s coming with a Fox Transfer.
i was asked if I was getting one and I said “No I’m waiting for the 29er” I got what I would call a knowing grin!
Cheers
Steve
The demo I'm having is the Bike Treks one in Ambleside on Tuesday evening. Hopefully there'll be a some careless talk. Grip2 36's and the updated X2 in June as well.
And factory tours - do you just ring and ask?
Hi
With regard to factory tours my mate was torn between large and XL so the guy at the factory suggested he come and get both demos (apparently they have all sizes) and take them to Gisburn for a trial.
I tagged along and took my own bike but we didn’t ride the bikes as the weather was utterly shite but we were still given a tour of the factory and then a car park sizing test.
He’s ordered a Large. I would have gone for an XL if I’d been ordering one-6ft and evenly proportioned with 32 inside leg. My mates a bit shorter than me.
All my other bikes are Large
Cheers
Steve
I’m not sure what that guy going on about Enduro bikes just being for the EWS races is smoking, but he obviously doesn’t realise that there are plenty of enduro races going on most weekends in the UK and probably across Europe for that matter.
Good point. Agree.
But to get some statistical data about the bikes you need a certain number of races and the "team ranking" data.
EWS: 8 race-weekends each year? Couple runs each race weekend. Couple bikers each team... - this makes EWS so important for Enduro racing!
ibis: current team ranking#1, overall last year team ranking #1. This is a clear indication of the quality of the ibis Enduro bikes! The RIPMO or MOJO bike is FAST.
Hope: company with fantastic engineers. They will use EWS to get better. I'am sure they will soon have an "winning bike". Maybe 29 er? Hope and EWS: very possible that they had only bad luck until now. But more likely: that they know already now what they have to "change" with the next bike-development stage.
Mountain biking and "speed"/"fast": not the most important issue.
But if a company designs an Enduro bike - they designed an race machine...-or?
(I'am a trail biker. Love my 130/130 Bossnut V2. No racing. No Enduro. Just fun.)
I’ve currently got a Liteville 301 and I’d go the same again
EWS: 8 race-weekends each year? Couple runs each race weekend. Couple bikers each team… – this makes EWS so important for Enduro racing!
This is exactly what makes the data completely irrelevant for judging bikes.
There are some lovely bikes available at that price.
in no particular order I would be looking at..
Starling Murmur
BTR Pinner
Stanton Switch29r
29r G16 Geometron
Santa Cruz HTLT
Sick! Bikes Deathwish
Sorry chaps, missed the rest of this thread.
On paper at 5'10 I should be on a large HB160, but I have problems with long reach bikes causing back problems. I spent ages trying to make by Large V2 Bronson fit me and gave up in the end. I looked at the reach chart when ordering the Hope and went for a medium in the end.
Was a bit nervous if I'd made the right decision, but when I got it, it was perfect. Only the second bike I have ever owned that felt just right as soon as I got on it. The medium is also very good on the tight steep nadgery stuff that I like to ride.
Lots of other great bikes around at this price point, but I'm over the moon with the Hope. Its likes its made for all day Lakes epics. Despite being fat, slow and old, I've smashed most of my previous strava bests on most ridden downhills.
Good luck with the Demo. I was drooling over the HB they had in Biketreks the week before mine arrived.
Steve, who's getting the Hope then ?
Dave it’s Thomas (Trev’s son) who’s getting one.
He snapped his Intense Tracer swing arm ( 8 years old) and wasn’t sure what to get til he saw this.
See you soon for a ride hopefully?
Cheers
Steve
Had the demo of the HB.160 last night. 16-mile loop in the Lakes starting from Ambleside.
What a machine! Tried the large - seat tube a bit high with the Reverb at full extension, but new ones come with the 150mm Transfer and the top cap is about 1cm shorter which will make all the difference, otherwise it's a One Up dropper going in.
Climbs really well - better than my Spitfire did (RIP) and only 1 pedal strike on the techy, rocky climbs. Got me out of a few tricky situations on the rocky descents as well.
Deposit going down today, then a 10 week wait 🙁
Deposit deposited, now a 10 week wait.