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Anyone else looking seriously at these? Pre order now open
Does look very good, that. Big risk in terms of them being a completely unknown brand, so you have really no idea what customer service, warranty, quality, etc are like, but it does look like a well designed frame.
True, but aren't that a part of a group that includes hunt wheels? so a known unknown?
What's going on at the steerer/stem? Stem appears to be raised up but no spacers? Is that a thing now?
“Big risk in terms of them being a completely unknown brand”
I’m pretty certain that this is just “Hunt Wheels Bikes” but with its own brand name. Looks great if you have the trails to open it up properly!
Yup its Hunt, so a known company/brand but an unknown product
EDIT: couldn't zoom in to see spacers on this machine
think there are spacers, there seems to be three little white logos on there, more likely just grey spacers
"Three bearings in the main pivot" - my cynical side wonders if there's a little marketing engineering going on there?
Interested in the 140mm bike they also have planned according to pinkbike. Hopefully it will come in raw as well.
Spacers...
Christ we are such bicycle nerds.
I lol'ed.
I've only gave it a cursory glance, but what is it that's appealing? Looks pretty generic to me.
These are my local trails 😁
They used to be my (semi-)local trails. Stavanger just ain't the same:(
Nice frame
Good pricing
Company well known for good customer service
“These are my local trails 😁”
Ideal! Big 29ers rock!
Those reach numbers on the relative sizes is un generic
80 degree seatpost angle isn't so generic
Variable chainstays on a £1299 frame isn't so generic
I'm not actually looking for a 29er, but I'm 170cm and the P1 is 27.5.
I'm pretty average interms of leg, body and arm proportions, any advice on whether the P1 will be a bit tight for me? It says it goes up to 170cm. Annoying being between sizes.
I'm looking to replace a 2016 Patrol. I'm thinking either buy this and build it up OR buys something second hand. I could probably get something bettwe specc'ed if I go second hand for the same money as building this up.
What do people think?
Build with a medium spec and mix of mostly new components that I choose
OR
Second hand off-the shelf that may be higher spec'ed?
I’ve only gave it a cursory glance, but what is it that’s appealing? Looks pretty generic to me.
The geometry mainly, which might need more than a cursory glance and a bit of experience to appreciate TBF.
Anyway, looks like a good frame - but my Radon Swoop 29 needn't feel threatened.
I’ve only gave it a cursory glance, but what is it that’s appealing? Looks pretty generic to me.
From my own cursory glance:
Sizing - looks to have longer reach covered.
Geometry - appears bang on trend (LLS) for #Enduroists.
External routing - (at least for the most part) One of my own pet peeves with lots of "modern" frames is stupid internal routing (especially on brake lines).
Threaded BB - none of that PF bolleux.
Bottle Bosses - looks like a usable set on the downtube.
Pricing - £1300 for a ~6" Enduro aimed Frame & Shock is pretty keen these days isn't it?
It's more bike than I'd want these days, but I can certainly appreciate the features and the pricing.
I think it is very appealing. Geo-wise, price, aluminium, external routing. I like that it is slightly unusual ( my bike snob self doesnt like having mainstream bikes, silly i know) but that usually means boutique brand prices.
a friend will be selling his raaw madonna so i could always buy that off him, but this appeals
What size is your friend's Madonna?
Large. The privateer has a longer reach, wheelbase and 1 degree slackererererer HA
If I were in the market for that sort of bike, it would certainly be on the list, it looks like a well thought out package for the money.
Had a nose around and a bounce on one, it's certainly from an initial perspective, well put together too.
That said, I've literally just sold my big bike (Raaw) as the need for it isn't really there after this summer, and partly because my little bike (SB130) is annoyingly good....
Looks great, from a known unknown brand and the price is scarcely believable, BUT! (arm chair engineer time) one look at that geometry chart has me concerned it's going to feel short as. The seat angle is so steep, that even though the P3 size has a 490mm reach, the eff. TT is only just over 600mm, which is comically short for a bike designed for riders up to 6ft 3" (or so they say) To get the same saddle to bars position as on my Soul, my desk top workings show I'd need a 90mm stem!
you don't sit down when riding it 🙂
@hobnob didnt know you had sold your Raaw Mad. why may I ask? edit: not going to be hammering it abroad in the next year or so i guess?
Hob Nob
That said, I’ve literally just sold my big bike (Raaw) as the need for it isn’t really there after this summer,
Damn. I'd just spotted it on Pinkbike, was about to PM you.
howsyourdad1
Subscriber
you don’t sit down when riding it 🙂
This ^...... sort of
@hobnob didnt know you had sold your Raaw Mad. why may I ask?
A few reasons really, nothing to do with the bike though, or how it rode, it was an outright monster for its purpose.
But, I live in the south of the UK. There are only so many races in a year, it was a reasonable amount of money tied up for it to sit there for the next 6 months until I decide what racing I want to do next season, if i can even get any entries to stuff like EWS's, time off work for SuperEnduro's etc.
The other challenge is, my SB130 is also that good, it kind of made the Raaw a bit redundant. 95% of the time, the SB is the faster, better bike. I can live with the 5% of the time on big races on a smaller bike I think.
Although it will probably crack 😆
ordered 😃
Yep totally understand hobnob . I'm riding more park and 'winch and plummet' than ever, i love the dh bike but the smuggler isn't quite enough for #enduroing. It's been to finale twice and it coped admirably, but yes I fancy a bigger beast
I think that bike looks great but shit those trails look fine!!
Seems frames are delayed by a month at least. Let’s hope this isn’t sick p2
Why would this be a sick? It’s hardly a new, untried, company (that also happened to be full of shit)
If any part of them is coming from China it’s hardly a surprise. Otherwise it’s the first production run, still hardly a surprise
Where did you hear this? In the pre-order and not heard a thing.
And yea, no reason whatsoever to make any comparison to Sick.
I made contact with them via their site as I hadn’t heard anything and they said it was delayed till May. Yes saving grace is they are Hunt and Hunt is good and established
Seems frames are delayed by a month at least. Let’s hope this isn’t sick p2
They aren’t the only bike company having supply issues from the Far East. Mines been delayed too (different brand).
When did you order Mrman? Spoke to them earlier in Feb and frame was due in 16th of March. Would have thought they notify customers straight away if delayed.
It would be disappointing if true with races coming up, but understandable with the issues in the far East.
When did you order Mrman? Spoke to them earlier in Feb and frame was due in 16th of March. Would have thought they notify customers straight away if delayed.
You might be OK, all depends on when they were packed into a container/put on the boat.
Ordered around the end of December
I put mine in end of November. What was the lead time on your order?
March I think week 1-2?
Yea, same here. Well i guess i'll drop them an email tomorrow, but it seems very close to shipment date from warehouse, which is what, 15 days away. If it's May/June i may have to diver my money to a Mega 290.
Looks sweet, but what always confuses me is why such a low top tube, lift it up a few inch and make more room for bottles etc. If your nuts are lower than the seat at its lowest position you're doing something weird! Would be nice to see a short travel 29er
Been in touch, frames still expected with them on time and no delay. If you were to order now they would be in around May.
Will they be putting out an official update? Contacted them a few weeks ago and mine was still on target for mid March (ordered early January).
When the frames are with them? Not much point otherwise, I guess.
Well that’s a bit weird as you got told different to me. I’ll ask again, this was via the web chat so maybe email is better. I leverage your response:-)
https://www.privateerbikes.com/products/privateer-161?variant=30291574325351
Leverage ratios and other kinematics have been added to the website.
Quite interesting, Specialized harped on about rearward axle path and lower leverage ratio, but in reality for them it was an incremental change from the old enduro. At a glance, the 161 is similar to the Raaw.
Bit much for me, but I'll keep my eyes open for the 141 when it comes.
Good review but it’s a shame he didn’t stick a posher shock like an X2 on it to see how it rode, particularly with less compression damping.
IMO the Super Deluxe is very very good, I have one on my Reactor and mates have them on their bikes and no complaints, Super deluxe feels more sensitive off the top than the X2, shame they didn't get the right compression tune.
I've had an X2, took a while to get it setup right and can easily see how people can get lost and make mess. New X2 is on the horizon and will be interesting to see if they go back to a shim stack.
I'd like to see seated measurements for the top tube length, is you are running a lot of sag, then the steeper seat angles become less sensitive (Actual vs Virtual seat angle difference).
Off to Scotland at the end of the month, hoping its here by then.
rob8624
Member
Yea, same here. Well i guess i’ll drop them an email tomorrow, but it seems very close to shipment date from warehouse, which is what, 15 days away. If it’s May/June i may have to diver my money to a Mega 290.
Mega 290 are really thin on the ground though too, can't find a 2020 L size frame in either alu or carbon.
Update from Privateer:
How time flies - it only feels like yesterday we unveiled Privateer to riders at Eurobike. In the 7 months since, we've been busy dotting I's and crossing T's, and putting the finishing touches on the 161.
The biggest change of all, is right at the heart of the frame. After putting the miles (plus 1000's metres of elevation) onto our prototypes and keeping track of the ever extending dropper post lengths, we knew the seat post insertion just wasn't enough. Whilst we could've run with what we had, we knew the right thing to do was for the frame to go back to the drawing board. The entire seat tube & shock mount junction as been redesigned.
Not wanting to move the linkage position, but needing to change the tube, took some head scratching. However the new seat tube has increased insertion by around 80mm across P2-P4 and 50mm on P1. More insertion depth means riders can now fit the longest dropper post possible.
Post Insertion Depth
P1 - 230mm
P2 - 250mm
P3 - 280mm
P4 - 300mm
Any change, especially one in the final stages of development, unfortunately creates a knock on effect. For us, that meant a slight delay as the new seat tube went through rigorous testing to ensure it was more than up to the task and would work in harmony with the rest of the frame.
Pushing hard to claw back lost time, riders who ordered from the first drop, can now expect their frame to arrive in the final week of March. We of course understand any delay is not ideal and hope this doesn't dampen your enthusiasm, we promise the wait is worth it!
NEW:
OLD:
Looks much tidier now as well, removes a weld in a high stress area as well.
Yea seen. Looks good to me. Really can't wait to get it now.
Also, even more like a Raaw Madonna 🙂 pretty much identical now.
Kudos to them for doing the right thing there.
Life's too short for seat tubes that can't take full insertion on a post.
I say that on behalf of short-legged MTBers everywhere.
looks grand, although the chainstay cable routing reminds me of my smuggler. i.e problematic
BTW, did everyone order Raw i presume?
Black! Not keen on raw.
Has anyone got their frame yet?
Nope. But they have put a couple of updates out, and the frames are with them next week and ready to be put out to delivery. Considering everything, that's pretty good I think. Looking forward to building it, but not being able to ride it in anger will be hard!
Looking forward to seeing these built... And all the living room shots for the forseeable, as they're not being ridden in anger! 😂
I do like the look of these frames.
haha yea, going to be slightly over biked for a while! 🙂
I could not resist. May week 2 hopefully. Budget Enduro with a lyrik select and sram SX.
Man the full build option looks amazing! Lyrik Ultimate, OneUp V2 Dropper, Shimano XT, HUNT Enduro Wide, Michelin Wild Enduro. The only thing I don't have any knowledge about is the Magura MT5 brakes. Anyone know what they're like?
I am SO tempted by this build.
I think this is going to be the replacement for my ageing Airdrop - geo is spot on and is a great build for the money.
Out of interest what size are people going for? I find my large (biggest they did at the time) Airdrop too small at 6ft. Torn between P3 and P4.
I've no experience of the MT5's tetrode, but I've read good things about them so I've got my fingers crossed as the rest of the spec was too good for me to resist - I have a complete build on order, due end of May, but I'll be very pleasantly surprised if things are still on track for that.
Jamesfts- I had a similar dilemma, I guess I still have, judging by the number of visits I'm still making to the geometry geeks website!
I believe Matt Stuttard is around 6ft and on a P3, I guess that's as good an indicator as any... but anyway, here's my thinking:
I'm about 6'1- 6'2 ish, but shortish legs at 32". I'm currently riding an xl mk1.5 Aeris with 486 (I think) reach which feels a bit short until I sit down... and then the slack seat tube angle and long ett make it a bit of a stretch. I've ordered a p4, so 30mm extra reach and 45mm extra stack. But, 30mm shorter ett so it should be about right sat down... but will that extra reach and stack be too much? I keep flicking from one decision to the other. The p3 seems too short in the ett, but more manageable in reach and stack. And wheelbase- the p4 is 88mm longer in wheelbase than my Aeris... which I'm keen to try... but will it end up being a costly mistake?
Does anyone have any experience of this kind of step change in geo? Is there anyone of my proportions with a p4 or something of that sort of size?
What size have the rest of you ordered?
I'm 186 cm with 34" inseam, so pretty much in between sizes. Ordered the P3, but I was confused as well. Would rather have the bike on the playful/nimble side than just fast when straight lining the trail. The 490 reach seems about right to me with the 515 reach and overall length of the P4 being rather extreme coming from shorter bikes w 450 and 460 reach. But not having ridden anything in that ball game geometry vise it's hard to say. How much can you adapt to? - and what's the gains/drawbacks of each frame size?
I saw a post on the PB Madonna article by someone saying they'd got their Privateer.
It's so hard not to put a deposit down on one of these!
The build they're offering looks brilliant. Well thought out, and amazing VFM. Sending money where it counts, then workhorse stuff that just works too save money where needed.
A friend has the mt5s, and in my short test they felt really nice.
I'm about 179cm and am looking at the p2. My current Patrol is 455 reach, and I've ridden a newer Sentinel at 470 and liked it, so that seems perfect.
Edit: the 470 reach barely felt any different to my current setup, just more stable and faster. Definitely felt like a bigger bike, but that could also be the wheel size switch. It was bloody quick, and rained turns like I couldn't believe.
Mine arrives today, I'm 6ft so went for the P3. Replacing a large enduro (464 reach) and to sit alongside a large reactor (480 reach).
canna wait to see pics of these builds!
When people have got theirs, I'd love to see how big of a water bottle can fit in the frame. The website says "Does it fit a water bottle? Yes! We'd recommend up to a 500ml bottle in a side load cage" but the pictures make it seem like you could fit a bigger one in.
Has anyone got there's yet? Mine is due April week 4. So nowish!
I got another few weeks to go.
Some nice builds showing up online. Good reviews too.
I'm very tempted by a frame but I think I'm going to be between sizes.
At 6ft2 (188cm) the S3 looks ideal, with a similar reach and stack to my current bike, but is slacker and has longer stays to hopefully balance the bike a bit better and make it more stable.
But with the 80 degree STA it looks like it'll be cramped when climbing, but the S4 is a mahoosive frame!
I demoed an XL geometron last year and found it to be incredible on anything flat out but hard work on tighter stuff. All the tracks it worked on were proper DH tracks, and then why not just buy a DH bike, especially as it was a hefty bike.
I would really like a demo on the S4 before I commit. I'm hoping they might do a few demo days once restrictions lift.
When people have got theirs, I’d love to see how big of a water bottle can fit in the frame. The website says “Does it fit a water bottle? Yes! We’d recommend up to a 500ml bottle in a side load cage” but the pictures make it seem like you could fit a bigger one in.
22oz/650ml specialized bottle in a specialized zee cage, you have to shunt it up in the mounts to clear the piggyback.
I built my P4 last week, and I've ridden it quite a bit as I have trails from the house, and it's a great bike. Straightforward to build the frame, running the dropper was a bit tricky, but got there in the end.
First thing is the seat angle. It felt very weird on the first couple of rides, but I love it now. So much better at climbing than my Airdrop, it's actually quite addictive at the moment going uphill. It's a beast (as expected) going down, eats up rough stuff and corners well, very balanced. Build quality is awesome from the looks of it. I though it was going to be pretty much the same as a RAAW but they are quite different when comparing side by side.
Not a bike for everyone though, if I was ridding trail centres etc etc, I'd look elsewhere, these need to be ridden hard and are built for rough stuff.
So yea, very positive from first impressions, I ride off piste enduro stuff in the Welsh Valleys mainly, pretty much every other day, so it was bought for the purpose it's built for.
I've done a quick video of the bike if anyone wanted a closer look.