The 853 version has been out for a few months now – any views?

bump

I have one.

I preordered it so have had it for a decent while now.

I really like it.

Currently single speed with a Lefty (90mm) fork.

Having had a Sirius, Soul, Solaris etc I would say that it was what I would have wanted the 29er Soul (Solaris) to have been.

It’s no lightweight but it feels supple and (again personally) faster than the geared Solaris I had.

I would have no issue in recommending one 🙂

Mine >>>

That’s nice. 🙂

I’m seriously tempted by the ti one. I assume the geometry is the same, but the website implies it can’t take as long a 120mm fork which the 853 can.

Obviously, I’d be going for a belt-drive Rohloff…

My long term plan is to give the belt drive thang a whirl but with a poorpers Alfine …. An 8 speed one at that 🙂

Lots of useful info on the PD site re ratio etc.

Ideally I would like a belt kit with two rear cogs; one SS one Alfine but ideally with just the one belt.

Not sure if that’s possibe?

letmetalktomark

What do you mean? how does it feel different from the Solaris? I’ve not ridden a Solaris but had a soul a while back. Found it great at 100mm – didn’t like it at 120mm.

it can’t take as long a 120mm fork

Does 120mm come in different sizes nowadays?

Earl – I found my Solaris very stiff. Very fast but very stiff.

This wasn’t inherently bad but I wanted a 29er Soul I.e. Nicely sprung.

IMHO the Skookum is more of a 29er Soul than the Solaris is.

I hear ya – sounds perfect.