Hi all,

Looking for a change from my Cotic Solaris 29er.

I’d like a short travel FS bike preferably 1×10/11/12

I’m a strong rider with at least 100 road miles a week. I like to use the MTB for XC races (not to a high level though, generally finish in the top half of the table but never top 20 in big fields). I like to punish myself on the climbs and I generally just aim to survive the downhill bits ready to go again on the flats and climbs. It’ll be my one bike for everything, from XC races to trail centres reds/blues – same as my Cotic has been for the last 5 years.

prob 29er preferred as am 6’2

I can’t test ride due to my location, but can get a good deal locally n a trek or specialised.

Any advice?

Have a look at the Canyon lux range especially if your not going to test ride anyway. Don’t be shy about having a dropper seat post either, it’ll make the bike that much more versatile.

Surly Giant Anthem

I can also recommend a Canyon Lux.

giant anthem gets good reviews. Will check out canyon lux.

Thoughts on Epic or top fuel?

Top Fuel is an epic bike. Ive always felt the Epic was expensive if not a serious racer, see also Scott Sparks.

Salsa Spearfish if you can find one. Utter weapon is that thing, properly quick.

Specialized Epic or Trek Top Fuel then isn’t it given

good deal locally n a trek or specialised

, depending on what a ‘good deal’ constitutes.

Surly Giant Anthem

That was my first thought, but aren’t the latest ones a bit more trail oriented?

The anthem range has been split. The 29er is very much XC but the 27.5 is more trail orientated (120mm fork, dropper, bigger tyres etc).

good deal means I know the shop owner so a little bit of discount, plus VAT free as I am serving overseas.

Couldn’t get a spearfish out here but will consider for future.

I think really i’m trying to decide if a Camber/Fuel Ex style would be a better option than the pure XCbikes. But i’m really an utter pansy who likes to fast up hills not down them, but I don’t want an XC bike which threatens to chuck me off when I inevitably go down due to my lack of ability!

Orbea Oiz

https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/brands/oiz/

Really nice ride and bloomin quick

As above one of these Specialized Epic or Trek Top Fuel.

Take a look at the latest Kona Hei Hei offerings, very wide range in terms of wheel size and travel. Rave reviews.

revmatt – Member
I think really i’m trying to decide if a Camber/Fuel Ex style would be a better option than the pure XCbikes. But i’m really an utter pansy who likes to fast up hills not down them, but I don’t want an XC bike which threatens to chuck me off when I inevitably go down due to my lack of ability!

Chances are if an xc bike chucks you off, a trail bike will too, you’ll just be going faster so it hurts more!

KTM Scarp

I’d second the Orbea Oiz, check if they do an XL though as I’m on the limit of L at 6’0

Scott Spark
Santa Cruz Tallboy

Can wholly recommend the camber 29 for general fun mile munching

Whyte t129 , just got one myself and it’s a great xc/ trail bike .

Camber 29 if you can get a really good deal (new model coming 2019), Pivot mach 429SL otherwise.

Thats what i did, when there where no works cambers left…

epic was a bit too racey for me

KTM Scarp, seriously fast bit of kit

Cambers are brilliant

But I love epics for what you describe too and anthems

Sorry doesn’t help much

My mate loves his Camber. Bit upright for me but sounds like that will suit you.

My riding is similar to what you enjoy and I bought an Orange Four, then thought oh no it’s the wrong bike so looked at other options……….

But you know what the Four is the right bike for me, it’s comfortable, climbs well, decent quality and reliable and doesn’t try to chuck me off due to my poor skills going down hill.

I’ve upgraded the rims and tyres to XC lighter versions and stuck some carbon bars on it – I could fit a few more bits but not sure the bang to buck is worth it.

It’s a great comfortable solid performing bike – no it’s not a super lightweight XC race machine but it’s a great bike for bombing about on over mixed terrain.

Third vote here for an Oiz (although if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit).

I stuck a dropper in mine and whilst it’s added weight (still only 10.5kg mind) it’s made my descending so much better.

I love how my Camber rides but it’s heavy for amount of travel (2016 Comp Carbon).

Turner Czar

I’d 2nd Turner Czar and I happen to be selling an XL that would be perfect, but the OP want’s to buy new and save VAT I think?

The camber has no boost so worried it’s last year before update, puts me off.

Could get an Orbea, not sure how good a deal but their is a retailer out here.

Never seen the Turner Czar will look into it as might be interested depending on spec price etc. Leaning towards the Epic at the moment.

I did look at the orange stage 5 new for Nov! Looks very nice.

Ferral your comment did make me laugh, you’re quite right.

Sorry leaning towards Alu Trek Top fuel.

The Brain on the Epic is putting me off. Top fuel seems more of an all rounder.

The Brain on the Epic is putting me off. Top fuel seems more of an all rounder.

New Anthem or Kona HEi HEi probably more of an all rounder – Top Fuel still quite a steep ha.

I bought a Topfuel purely for race use, however it’s such a great bike it’s become my all-rounder. Took it out for nine hours in the Brecon Beacons end of summer, riding trails that were so rough even the hikers were struggling.
Love this bike.

pm sent donut!

I’d 3rd the Czar. Fast and durable. I’ve had mine 4 years now.

Trouble is the supply chain is looking wonky currently.

I looked into the Czar, seems to be non boost?

Top Fuel is leading my thinking, would value advice on spec if anyone has the time.

There are two equally priced versions, one of which is carbon with lower spec, the other Alu with higher spec components – advice gratefully received:

9.7:

ShiftersSRAM NX, 11-speed
Rear derailleurSRAM GX, Roller Bearing Clutch
CrankSRAM Stylo 6k Eagle, 32T
Bottom bracketPF92
CassetteSRAM XG-1150, 10-42, 11-speed
ChainSRAM PC-1110
Brake setSRAM Level TL hydraulic disc

9:
ShiftersSRAM X1, 11-speed
Rear derailleurSRAM X1, Roller Bearing Clutch
CrankSRAM X1 1200, 32T Direct Mount X-Sync
Bottom bracketPF92
CassetteSRAM XG-1150, 10-42, 11-speed
ChainSRAM PC 1130
Brake setSRAM Level TLM hydraulic disc

Wheels are different on each but I assume pretty poor either way so would upgrade wheels, bar etc to carbon in due course. You can leap up to £4300 for the 9.8 to get these carbon bits as standard and GX eagle.

Would you go carbon main triangle with inferior bits, or Alu with better bits. Both are £3k.

Matt

At £3k I still think this is better value, it’s full Carbon, good spec and decent wheelset. On paper better all round.

https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/bicycles/oiz-29-m30-eagle-18

it’s also much prettier than the TF! I’ll drop the Shop which sells them here a line and see what they can do.

3 month wait on an OIZ M30 XT, the others are a 6 month wait! 😮

I got this years Anthem, yes it is more “trail” orientated but it’s bloody fast if you want it to be, I think its a great bike.