Whathaveisaidnow
call it what you like your way ahead of everyone else . . .
what’s it like?
In a word, and coming from my (old) Gemini 900 – awesome – you can tell it has bigger wheels (2.35 HD tyres, but I had 2.2 Conti RQs on the Gemini, which weren’t small…). Whole machine is much more balanced: lower centre of gravity (BB is SO much lower!), still extremely flickable, suspension that is ‘plush’ (light years away from the Gemini, with 10 years of development and air springs I guess).
Climbs really well – as long as you remain seated and don’t mush the pedals, no bob to speak of. (There is lockout, but haven’t needed to touch it yet). Then, when you’re at the top – point it downhill and ‘weeee!!!’ 🙂
To be fair, with my skill level (ie, crap!) ANY new, modern airsprung full sus would be a mile ahead of the Gemini – just fancied trying the 650b option as I believe a 29er would be too big for Enduro (X-Fusion Enduro1 ‘competitor’ – I use the term very loosely!) Was considering a 120mm 29er (like Trance-X 29er, or Whyte T129s), but believed that to be too much to handle quickly downhill with my size (5’9″) and skill (previously mentioned).
Finishing kit is ‘functional’ – usual Avid (Exilir 1) bleed was awful! Bled the back twice before it behaved itself – still don’t like them, so have some new SLX brakes to fit now.
SRAM X5 is also functional, and so far is working well, even in our ‘spring’ weather.
Not all perfect – the bottle cage bolts are too high! You can fit a cage, but only a 500ml bottle would actually fit in, and then you’d have to stop to take it out. Not a problem for me as I use a Camelbak.
But overall I love riding it – so much more than my previous hard tails and the Gemini. I wouldn’t want to do XC on it, but for all day riding and, hopefully, Enduro, I think it’s perfect (caveat – perfect for me!).
Have a week in the Alps booked for June – really looking forward to taking it.
Those new Santa Cruz Bronsons look pretty sharp as well…