The Canyon's are a problem for me for this reasons you note Raindog. No way I'm buying a bike without (a) a test and (b) someone local to call if things start breaking.
The ride of my Canyon AM6 is very similar to a stumpjumper but I'm sure you'll be able to find someone on here local to you who would let you have a go on theirs. Regarding the warranty it is a bit of a trade off for the cost saving but they do now at least have an UK based support centre.
I never got on with Zesty - super long chainstay's made it feel like a bit of a tanker, and I was inbetween sizes on it. I tried numerous different settings and set ups, but in the end conceded defeat & flogged the frame on.
I ended up on the bike I love to hate, an Orange 5. The Zesty was my first do everything bike, so there was always going to be an element of learning what & not I liked, from soley riding DH prior, I find the 5 suits my riding style.
Sadly it's a bit of a BSO to me, I can't seem to enjoy the whole ownership prospect of it, but it rides well, so I just get on with riding. It's a hell of a lot better with a coil shock on the back though, well worth the weight penalty.
Well, that was an experience to say the least... With all the variety and recommendations I was a little concerned this process would become complicated, but a 32km test ride on the Yeti ASR5 has made things much easier. Quite simply blown away. It was the aluminium frame with 140 forks and here are my notes;
Climbing was better, way better, than my old FSR. I'm quite heavy and there was not the slightest bob with pro pedel engaged, but it rode over and smoothed the ride to the point where I was just picking a line rather than looking for the smoothest route. Brilliant.
Descending. Blimey... Much more confident than ever before and quick too. Got myself into trouble a few times and just rode through it. I was more than happy with the amount of travel.
It was fitted with a Specialized command post which I LOVED, used it all day and will definitely have one. Very good looking in black and frankly is all the bike I need. However will need one or two more test rides to see how the competition stacks up. If there's better to be had for the money then wow!
Thanks for the continued recommendations, I'm looking in to all of them however please no more hard tails... I won't buy one as it's not what I want. Cheers though.
Sounds great. Let us know if you test anything else!
ask1974 - Member
Well, that was an experience to say the least... With all the variety and recommendations I was a little concerned this process would become complicated, but a 32km test ride on the Yeti ASR5 has made things much easier. Quite simply blown away. It was the aluminium frame with 140 forks and here are my notes;Climbing was better, way better, than my old FSR. I'm quite heavy and there was not the slightest bob with pro pedel engaged, but it rode over and smoothed the ride to the point where I was just picking a line rather than looking for the smoothest route. Brilliant.
I went from a 2001 Stumpy FSR to a 2010 Stumpy FSR. You really can't compare the two.
As you say above, I used to always look for the smoothest line to get down things, avoiding roots/rocks/lumps and bumps. Now I just choose the best line and get on with it.
The first one I had didn't have a Brain shock and was fine. Very little bob, it gripped well both up & down and was easy to lock the shock out if needed or open it fully.
That got replaced under warranty with a carbon version (due to a problem with the paint lacquer) and this one has the brain shock. Initially I was a bit non-plussed, but now I absolutely love it. It's set a few clicks from firm and just does the job.
I was over in Wales at the weekend with some friends. One of them has a Kona Coiler and I was hanging onto his back wheel a lot of the time, whereas on the old bike I would have had no chance.
Give one a test ride - or perhaps the EVO.
Only thing is that they might not meet your criteria of looks. I like mine, but it is considered a bit of a 'Ford' bike, even with the bare carbon finish & deep red finishing detail.
You could probably outbid the others and win this:
Transition Bandit? Deals galore on the 2011 stock, including free upgrade to Kashima shock on its first service, which is also free. Could easily get one built up for under £3k.
Tried an Ibis Mojo SL today. Very nice however I prefered the ASR5 last week. Pretty close but the ASR5 just made me want to go further and do more, I climbed quicker on it as well.
Might be too small for you but this is an example of the sorts of bargain quality bikes that crop up (£3K bike half price)
http://www.freeborn.co.uk/devinci-2010-hectik-3
Except when you get it home the geometry won't be anything like that quoted by Devinci.
Most Definitely an Ellsworth epiphany by a country mile....oh look there's one in the classifieds....and it's an amazing spec for a decent price with only one careful mincer for an owner..... 😉
*wanders off nonchalantly*