the 456 is better on undulating/countouring terrain. I have no idea why this is but it’s just the feeling that riding them back to back left me with. Maybe somehow who understands frame geometry can explain.
I run a Pig with 150mm Sektors on it, I’d say it’s ace going down and ace going up, but distinctly surly and indifferent on meandering, flattish terrain. Some of that’s weight – it’s not a light bike – but I wonder if the stability from the slack head angle which is really reassuring on steep descents just makes it feel a bit unresponsive on the flat, the opposite to a steep and twitchy race set-up?
If I lived somewhere flat I’d:
1. Move.
2. Not buy a Blue Pig/Mmmm Bop/Ragley Ti for my local riding.
But that’s just my opinion. Oh, and if it helps anyone, I’m five nine and a half or so and have a 16″ Blue Pig, wouldn’t want to go any bigger.
I havent ridden a 456 for ages and only briefly then anyway, but I’d say it’s more of an all-rounder, but less bolted-on stable on descents. I’ve ridden six or seven hour trail rides in the Peak on the Pig, with ice tyres too, and it’s fine for that, though given that the frame weighs, what, 5.5lb, it doesn’t build light and works best with tough-ish bits on anyway.
As far as the practical UK benefits of the Ragley frames go, I dunno, maybe the unusual geometry has tended to overshadow the rest of the package, but I do really like the cable and hose guides, the finish seems pretty good and I haven’t even thought about chain suck on it. Nice to be able to squeeze biggish tyres in too.
If we listen to Brant I should obviously go with the Pig but does it go up as well as it goes down?
Basically, yes. It climbs like a steamroller. If you can keep turning the pedals, it’ll chunder over pretty much anything in its path. Seat angle keeps your weight on the front, low front end helps too.
Don’t 18 Bikes have a demo Pig or am I just imagining that? You’re welcome to a quick go on mine if you’re somewhere in the Peak some time.