Looking to maybe buy a 180ish mm travel bike for larking around in BPW and the like.
I've been looking at the usual suspects (trek, specialized and Scott etc) but I'm wondering if there's anything else I should be considering that may slip under the radar?
Anyone have anything that fits the bill, and they rate highly?
Banshee Darkside
Bionicon Edison Evo has been getting very good reviews. Loving mine. Very, very capable bike. Shame about my fitness haha!
Liteville 601, although 190mm. I've not ridden one but they get good reviews and if it's anything like the 301 it will be top drawer. Spendy though.
Not seen the Banshee Darkside but have been looking at the Banshee Scyth. A 601 would be lovely but maybe a bit out of my range? Will check out the Darkside and Bionicon.
Does anyone have any idea what a Cube Hanzz is like?
Guy i know bought the cube. Rates it highly and he knows his bikes.
TR250 or TR500
Put a 180mm Idylle SC on my TR450 was fun
Transition TR500
Something from Knolly?
If you want to lark about at places like BPW, look for a bike from a really big name (No pun intended)
[img] 
[/img]
Pretty much perfect for the task! I had a run on the lower end model recently, and loved it! Long, slack, low, fast. Lovely.
Less travel, yes, but 20mm? Really? 😀
Foes fxr
Mate really rates his canyon torque ex.
Unless you're busting every gap and drop on Enter the Dragon and Fifty Shades of Black, 180mm is OTT for BPW - especially if you want to enjoy the blues. imo the reds would also be better on a shorter travel bike with relatively strong wheels
Rose Soulfire perhaps. Was with a chap trying one at BPW last week, he liked it. Surprised particularly by the Durolax fork working well.
Liteville 601 is what I would have, ridden one up and down the alps and it is a superb machine.
Durolax
Is that like picolax but longer lasting?
Radon swoop 175 ?
+1 Rose, if its good enough for Katy Curd riding in the world cup you'll be fine!
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/products/bikes/mtb/enduro--downhill/
And Finlay (uk Rep) is very helpful and has lots of demo bikes - worth riding as i've had to go up to an XL when everything else ive ridden is L.
Re the Hanzz, i bet it would be very good. think CRC had a couple discounted ones
Frame only,but you could spec it how you wanted
http://www.balfa.co.uk/frames/foes-frames/foes-fly-21
http://www.balfa.co.uk/frames/foes-frames/foes-fxr-21-09
I've got the 200mm version and it's a beast. This should be just as good
https://www.canyon.com/en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3565
Marin quake. Go fairly cheap second hand
Cove STD are great fun to ride, 'old-fashioned' 26" but they're slow-sellers s/h so people will often take a cheeky offer for them.
I don' think they're sold new anymore, Cove seem to have dropped all their 26" models bar old stock of G-Spots and Shockers.
kevin1911 - MemberMarin quake. Go fairly cheap second hand
This.! I'm selling mine. If you're ever by Helsinki...