So, got myself a go on a Five yesterday while my bike’s in getting serviced and thought I’d stick up my thoughts. For info, my usual bike’s a wee Trek 6300 hardtail with upgraded forks (100mm Rebas) and brakes (XO’s).
I had an 18″, which I ‘think’ may be a touch too big – a slightly lower 17″ with the same reach would be about ideal I reckon.
Anyway, took it for a spin round the Red @ Kirroughtree and after a bit of getting used to I really rather enjoyed it.
Anything remotely rough &/or downhill was a hoot, obstacles, rocks, roots and drop-offs that I normally would either struggle or just walk over were just obliterated on the Five. No problem whatsoever, it was almost like cheating.
However, on the climbs I was struggling a bit. I don’t know whether it was me, getting used to full-suss bobbing about, needing to tweak the set up a bit or just that these bikes are built for down rather than up, but it felt like much harder work than the old hardtail.
Would I consider actually buying one? Damn right, but I’d definitely like to try a few alternatives too.