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Apologies for the terse format of the below, any thoughts would be most welcome on options I've missed etc.
Intro: I'm coming from a 2013 26" norco sight (don't laugh)
https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/mountain-bikes/norco-sight-2-review/
and to justify the spend of a brand spanker want to go for something as "up to date" as I can given I've had a string of hand-me-downs over the years.
Aim: ~£2.5k trail/enduro 29er
Example use cases:
- Getting down faster off helvellyn or from Esk hause but still being possible to pick up and trudge up hill with it on the shoulders.
- Pottering in the dales
- Intrigued by 27.5+ possibilities (as on the S-150) but probably wouldn't rush out and get a 2nd wheelset from the off.
Shortlist:
1st Whyte s-150
2nd canyon strive 5
Others:
- specialized 2019 enduro comp (2020 version is too many £££s )
- Specialized 2019 stumpy evo alloy (2020 version is too many £££s)
- Trek slash 8 - press fit BB and short(ish) reach - aging geometry?
- YT Capra - uncertainty over support if I have any issues
- santa cruise hightower alloy - underspecced plus maybe a bit short, tall and steep rather than long, low and slack?
Potential local bike shops to buy from:
- chevin cycles
- escape (ingleton)
- Specialized
- Stif
- All Terrain
Cheers for any advice on my ramblings
Ian
A very nice Bird Aeris AM9 could be had for that money and excellent service to go with it, plus you can spec the parts.
I've got a 2018 27.5 capra cf Pro, it's really good, best bike I've owned so far,
Had a go on a mates 2019 enduro 29er carbon, that was pretty good too, but I don't like how 29 inch wheels feel.
Id be looking at the YT Jeffsy cf comp if the OP can stretch the budget a little, I currently have the pro race 29 and can't fault it so far although I originally planned on getting a Capra. The Capra was sold out in large but after 4 months on the Jeffsy it's probably the better bike for most of my riding and I've yet to ride a trail where I felt the bike was lacking. I had looked at the Whyte s150 works but the YT was around £1200 cheaper with far better spec and while the stories of 5 month waits for warranty issues are a bit of a concern I've no regrets so far
Thanks for the replies.
That bird bike setup selector is a dangerous thing - for someone prone to faffing I could easily lose a few hours there.
There was a guy on a Capra at stainburn today who said he was well happy with it.
I have just got a S150, 4 rides in and im blown away by it. Up down and along.
So in the end I got a transition sentinel alloy nx that was on offer.
More modern geometry doesn't "age" really unless you buy into a lot of the marketing hype. I've tried all sorts of sizes of bikes and I have a fairly good idea on what I like now. I think we're at the point where geo can go either way slightly.
I got a Trek Slash 8 last week because it wasn't overly slack and mega long. I wanted it for all day rides and something that can still bomb downhill with plenty of confidence.
I'd hardly call the new Hightower short, tall and steep but I agree on the spec per pound thing though.
Despite Whyte being one of my less favourite brands, I was looking keenly at them before I got the Trek. If I go shorter travel next time, I'll be looking at whatever S-120 is out at the time.
Out of that list the S-150 and Trek Slash 8 was at the top. I also looked at the Ibis Ripmo AF, maybe one to add to the list?
EDIT: Typed all that nonsense out and saw you got a Transition. Hope you enjoy the new bike 🙂
I bought a 2018 s150s 12 months ago and have been very very impressed with it. There's some baragins out there on the 2018 model as well. Just make sure you change them blue grips.
How is the Sentinel? Been interested in one for a while, would love some opinions!
As mentioned above the geometry thing is all a matter of personal opinion.
I currently ride a trek Slash and have found it to be one of the most capable all round bikes ive ever ridden, it climbs really well and descends even better.
The bike really comes into its own when you start pushing it harder.
Im selling mine on if its of any interest, if your local test rides are no problem.
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2671446/
EDIT. Ahhh, just seen youve bought something. Should really read things more thoroughly.
Do I remember something about a magazine measuring the actual rear wheel travel on the S-150 as closer to 130mm than 150mm?