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I ride natural trails and trail centers, I like my 5 but find the sizing to be wrong for me, 16" too short so I have an 18" which too me feels too long, medium Santacruz have always fitted well, so looking at a Nickel, any ideas on what else maybe good, more xc/trail orientated would be better, I have a Trek Remedy if I need something burly.budget of around £1200 for a frame.cheers
If you like your Trek have a look at a EX cos the Nickel is quite heavy . Onone have a crazy deal on Titus frames that would be perfect
Try a Santa Cruz Blur if you can find a bit more cash, an amazing frame. Climbs way faster than similar bikes and descends like a rocket. The frame is relatively short, I am 5th 11 and ride a large with a 80mm stem. I have been very surprised at the capability of this bike and use it for riding in the lakes and Scotland, very quick and agile round the trail centres too.
Zesty or Spicy but not frame only options unless second hand.
Heckler, just as good but without the rip-off Britain price tag. (and its not made from folded filing cabinets)
As someone said in another post, there's a good deal on 2010 Turners on CRC at the mo. One of them might hit the spot if you don't fancy a Titus (which would be my FS choice, no question at £800 for a carbon FSR). Or a nice ti hardtail if you've got a Remedy...
I think I'd be spending my money on a decent hard tail I I were you.
Put the dosh you save towards an Alps trip for you and the Remedy.
Cotic Soul, Bfe, 456, 456ti, P7, etc etc the usual suspects anyway
Heckler, not quite as good and a bit cheaper (its not handmade out of Reynolds tubing/monocoque, but mass produced in Asia with generic tubing)
Fixed that one for you.
I had a 2010 EX9, it was quick along and up, but not very confidence inspiring and pretty average on the downs.
Thanks for he info, I've had a Heckler very nice, followed by a Nomad then an Orange 5, looking to change the 5 for a shorter travel and lighter bike, and keep the remedy for the times I need more bike. Hardtails I've tried many and they all hurt my back, had an injury many years ago, hardly shows it self with a suspension bike, and I have to ride a short TT or my back is a problem, Bosh I have a 5 now and I'm looking to change it, they do ride wonderful, but the sizing is wrong for me. Down hill on my 5 is far more stable that the Heckler, much slacker and lower BB 😀