Riding CYB on my 9 year old Blur lat weekend, I decided it’s time for a new 29er FS, for the rides that will be a bit harsh, or just more fun, than on my trusty hardtail. My mates have carbon Tallboys but I’m not willing to pay the price for those.
Luckily there are loads of options in the £1500-£3k range, it turns out.
I thought I wanted a “trail bike” (120mm each end) – eg Giant Trance, Whyte T129.
But reading reviews, the “XC bike” format (100mm each end) look hugely capable and perhaps better for what I most enjoy which is fast flowy pedaly twisty singletrack. (Think Pink Heifer or Dreamtime at CYB). Bikes: Giant Anthem, Whyte M109.
I don’t jump, other than off the occasional step, but I do want a bike that can handle most of what I put it through, at least safely including a normal Alps trip. It doesn’t need to be brilliant at gnarr as long as it can get down it. It needs to be able to climb too.
I’m really a bit confused about categorisation between ‘xc’ and ‘trail’, it seems to come down to 20mm travel and a slacker head angle.
So right now I don’t really know what I want. Again.
Opinions/perspectives please, chime in ->