I’m looking for a 29er to replace my slightly too small Giant Trance 26. To be used for everything from the occasional XC race to the occasional trip to the Alps/Scotland, but mostly around Swinley/Surrey Hills.
I guess my dream checklist would be: Lightweight, Carbon, 100/120mm rear travel, 120/140 front, 68/69 head angle, Shimano groupset and available in XL to suit someone 6’3″. Unfortunately my budget is around £2k, so something will have to give.
I’ve looked at the Salsa Horsethief, but a bit concerned about weight and climbing ability, Scott Genius looks good, but apparently shocks are a bit dodgy. Whyte 109/129 seem to have a few cracking issues and aren’t available in XL. Meta AM 29, like the Horsethief, perhaps a bit too much bike for the uphills. I had a look at a Felt Edict Nine 3, which with a slacker HA and a longer fork would be ideal, but as is its way too racy for me. Giant Anthem/Trance 29ers look reasonable, but are very ugly.
Has anyone got any of the above and want to persuade me of their brilliance, or alternatively got any other suggestions before I make up my mind?