I'm really beginning to like the look of this bike. Does anyone own one? anyone ridden one?? i quite like the fact the bottom of the range 1600 quid one comes with an rp23 shock, making it a good candidate for my hardtail component swap.
others i've considered are:
Marin Attack Trail
Trek Remedy
Orange Five maybe, though looking a bit overpriced.
Santa Cruz Heckler, geometry looking a bit outdated.
As you've probably gathered i'm not fussed what brand name is on the downtube!
Chances are it'll do everything you'd ask of it..
changing the components around would mean you got past any spec compromises it already had.
As you've probably gathered i'm not fussed what brand name is on the downtube!
Go nuts
There was a review in mbr last month, think they said it was good if a little bit heavy.
Benji has one on test atm, and did the Fort Bill Enduro on it. He seems to really rate it.
I really like the look of them - be interesting to see if they will do frame only
and how much of the heft is in the frame or the components
SC's aren't outdated, they only launched that model a year or two ago?
If it sways you, the SC will be about £400 cheeper in a month or so.
As you've probably gathered i'm not fussed what brand name is on the downtube!
Go nuts
Some one please explain that rockriders 'N.E.U.F.' suspension. I'm usually pretty quick at understanding the basic advantages of suspension systems but that one is just wierd.
How big are those bearings? 
Looks a good buy, apparently the rear shock blows through its mid stroke a bit according to one review but that'll be rp23 related rather than the frame design. The finishing kit was slated as being on the heavy side, wheels look the only real weak point to me. One downside is that these frames are new so reliability is unknown so depends how long warranty is to whether i personally would take the chance.
The heckler looks decent value at £900.
I ride a five but don't think i could justify the extra £ over the rest if money is at all tight, great bike though.
Ride them - we have a demo Ariel which I love, ymmv - so try some!
that rockrider - does the swingarm pivot itself rotate around that huge bearing?
cool 
cant find any info though!
it also seems to have a built in aluminium mudguard!
its a variation on the old GT I-drive IIRC?
Can't tell what the BB is attached to in those pics
GT I drive is the closest I can understand.
My thoughts: Main swing arm (single pivot) begins swing then large pivot actuates in a forward and upwards direction resulting in a wheel path that is initially slightly backwards and up wards getting more vertical as the travel progresses.
Ahhh. My brain hurts.
EDIT. I think the BB is mainframe mounted. The pivot would be to VPP (not Santa Cruz) and closer to maestro wheel path.
Some more images of the Decathlon. BB definitely looks mainframe mounted with everything pivoting around that massive bearing. Also the bit that looks like a mudguard isn't. It must be there to give lateral strength to the back end
The Ariel is great on the downs and solid on the ups. I found it really confidence inspiring.
Certainly a good alternative to an Orange Five IMHO.
on I drive the BB is in a big rotating shell and it's pushed around by a dogbone link from the suspension. (ensures no drive/suspension feedback) On the rockrider the pivot point rotates around in the massive bearing. (Should give the desirable "rearward then vertical" axle path).
Totally different.
Hecklers and 5's have legendary longevity, but then the aeril is a good value bike from a plucky British underdog, just like the five was once upon a time...
I demo'd an Ariel, it rips, great fun, a Meta5 killer. Not that heavy compared to the sort of stuff I normally ride (beefy meta5, meta4X and most recently a Morewood Mbuzi (beefy Alpine 160)
It shares a few features with the Meta5, like the rear end could be stiffer, but it is soooo much fun it really doesnt matter.
demo one.
Dan
If you're more into the downs than the ups then the attack trail is fantastic. The geometry works really well so handling is great. However they are a bit heavy.
I love mine, I had a heckler before it and this is so much better.
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