I want to build a play bike for the Alps, which is a completely different ball game to a general trail bike. I’m after something short and slack, with some coil Lyrics (which I’ve already got). Probably a HT but maybe FS if I can find the right deal.
The Lynskey is very similar geometry-wise to a 456, which is why I bought it. The main difference is the stiffness. Whereas the 456 is built to be hammered and loves it coming down, the Ridgeline needs to ridden more smoothly. It needs to be setup as a trail bike too (80-100mm stem, 140ish travel forks and 685mm max bars IMO) to work properly. If you set it up as a play bike (shorter stem and wider bars) it won’t like it. Like I said, it’s an all day trail bike at heart but it’s not a play/jump/thrash bike. Too sophisticated for that… 8)
I’ve done a few 4 hour rides in the Lakes on it and it was lovely – balanced and a good compromise – but on my local Thursday night rides, where the terrain is jumpier, rougher and shorter, it’s not quite the right tool.