So between now and August, I'm going to admit defeat and just admit that I prefer a bigger wheel. While I really like my Intense Spider, I don't love it so that going up for sale soon.
I'm not too fussed about the amount of travel, as long as it can be a good all rounder. Most of my riding is typical all day affairs in the Lakes, Peaks, Rivington, some trail centres just to mix it up. I do like my drops and I'm getting better at jumps 🙂
The list I have so far is below. Oh and I'm looking to finance the bike (then pay something off with the sale of my other).
Nukeproof Reactor 290
Ibis Ripmo AF
Trek Fuel EX or Slash
Norco Optic (Evans finance is too pricey though over 12 months)
I've dismissed stuff like Kona because SX level components should not be specced on 3k plus bikes.
I'm drawn towards the Ripmo AF, but stock seems to be an issue at the moment. The Reactor sounds good, but I'm not sure on the climbing side of it (seems to have mixed reviews on that).
The Trek seems like a safe bet and my missus loves hers, also decent spec for the money on the EX/Slash 8
The Optic is intriguing, but I'd have to have my other bike sold and put a big deposit down to get one.
Anything else worth looking at around this price?
Bird Am9 is an absolute belter and should definitely be given a test ride.
Bird have been a bit hit and miss with me in the past and I'm not sure if they offer finance?
I have been looking at them though and they are really good value.
Whyte 120-150?
I went from an Anthem to a Whyte s150 . I can’t recommend the Whyte enough! Just as quick uphill but a beast downhill
Hmm, I've never been a fan of Whyte bikes, but the S150 is tempting. I'd have to go and look at one in the flesh as they've just never really done anything for me.
I know Trek seem to be like that with other people though, so who am I to talk 🙂
I've had all sorts of bikes and my favourite so far was the original Hightower. The only thing I didn't like was the slack seat tube on the XL. Climbing anything that got a bit steep was a game of "keep the front wheel down".
Tallboy (too expensive and not Matt black) so I’m considering
a pace R295 slightly more than £3k though, test bikes are imminent
Great bike. Carbon, decent spec with Shimano 12 speed. Under 3 grand with 10% off code.
Completely see what you're referring to as I was the same before I bought my g160.. Just run of the mill looking bikes.
They ride so much better than they look👍
What about the vitus bikes.. They have what looks to be decent geometry too?
New Tallboy would have been a good shout, but yeah it's a bit spendy!
Pace RC295... I would consider building from a frame only so that might be an option. Plus, it gives me the freedom to spec and spend how I want. A demo might be a good idea.
Orbea and Vitus are a good shout. Always admiring Orbea bikes and Vitus are churning out some nice bikes recently.
No XL in stock on that Orbea 🙁
Radon Slide Trail has been amazing for me..
To be honest at that price point in mid travel 29ers I think you are massively spoilt for choice!
has the Ripmo even arrived yet? It might be worth contacting 2pure or an Ibis dealer to see when deliveries are due.
I keep thinking that I could replace my Bird with one of these, all the Ibises I've owned in the past have pedalled better than the Bird, but I'm a bit wary of spending money unnecessarily at the moment, what with the Bird mainly in use for uplifts and it being so good pointed downhill.
Ripmo AF is an easy winner, sunsetmtb have M,L and XL in stock
In the spirit of recommend what you have, FlareMAX? Though don't know what they cost in full build but think they do finance.
If I didn't love the Flare, I'd be looking at the Optic and Reactor (if I couldn't afford a Starling).
Bike active also have ripmo af in stock, 10% off atm as well.
I'm currently looking at the Orbea oiz TR. There is also the Occam if you want more travel.
Jeffsy Pro 29 - £3399
Orbea occam
Stumpjumper expert from Evans if they have your size.
Giant trance advanced from pedalon.
There's really loads of choice in this segment!
Flaremax with the 12 speed SLX build and upgraded shock comes in just under £3100. I think I'd want to demo one though as I'm not sure if It'd be the right one for me.
Basically I was asking about others, but I'm finding it hard to see past the Ripmo AF (and I do like my DV9). I've noticed Sunset and Bike active have stock. I need to get my Intense ready to sell and put it up to get the ball rolling really.
Jeffsy would have been a good shout, but I don't think you can get finance in the UK? Same with the Radon I suspect.
I've had 2 previous generation Stumpys, but I think Specialized have got a bit down on the value for money front. Giant is more of a safe bet (in the same ball park as Trek).
Saying that the ST 29er is good now it's reduced to 3k, but they only have medium 🙁
Certini have the st expert in xl for 3150. I fancied a new st but suspect the xl would be too big for me as it comes with a 160mm dropper.
Cheers Davros.
Having looked at the Stumpy ST, I think the geo is a bit more reserved than I'm after.
Having a closer look at the 2020 Fuel EX8 and the 2020 Slash 8 too now. If I was to choose either, I'm not sure which one I'd go for.
Slash is more of an Enduro bike, but without being too long or slack. More like a longer legged trail bike?
The newer Fuel EX8 seems middle of the road, but has been accused of being a bit "soft". Could possibly tune that out though with more conventional sized tyres and a few spacers in the shock?
Both £2800 which seems like really good value (especially the 12speed XT spec of the Fuel EX).
I have a 5 month old Jeffsy 29 Pro Race, until the end of last year I would've recommended it or a cheaper version without hesitation. After finding a crack on the downtube ( under the plastic guard which bolts to the frame ) I would say AVOID YT INDUSTRIES full stop. No idea how or when the crack was caused as I only noticed it when I'd removed the guard to clean behind it ( no major crashes and the guard is not damaged) but it's over 2 weeks since I emailed pics to their warranty dept with no reply other than an automated email and I'm wishing I'd bought the Whyte S150 works I'd looked at instead
The old me would have just picked one I liked the look of and either liked it or disliked it lol.
I'm not exactly in a rush but as much as I like the look of the Ripmo AF, the Fuel EX8 XT/Slash 8 are really tempting me now. Especially as they're £350 less (that would justify a Yari Up damper upgrade).
Just need someone with either of these bikes to come along and tell me how good they are compared to their previous bikes!
That escalated quickly...
Just gone and bought a 2020 Trek Slash 8! Should be able to pick it up from Wheelbase in Staveley sometime next week.
After reading a few reviews and watching some vids, there was a difference of opinion on minor things, but the main theme from all of them was that it rides more like a long-legged trail bike and isn't a sluggish beast unless the trail is vertical.
That's exactly what I'm after. Hopefully I'll be able to blast down my favourite rocky descents and flowy trails on it and be happy (for a while...).
Guess I better clean the Intense up and get it up for sale now 🙂
You're too late, he's already bought a Trek!
the main theme from all of them was that it rides more like a long-legged trail bike and isn’t a sluggish beast unless the trail is vertical.
Very much what I thought when I demo-ed one. Hope it serves you well.
Funnily enough, I was looking to demo a 2020 Stage 5 later in the year before I thought, sod it! and bought something else 🙂
Good stuff, lovely bikes.
You'll be right with a Trek. Never slung my leg over one I've hated and most owners seem happy with them.
Only criticisms seem to be they're not the longest/slackest around, but then again not everybody is Doddy off GMBN! They have had a few proprietary suspension missteps over the years, but are generally well designed, solid bikes.
The old Fuel I had, got absolutely hammered, in all weathers, but the frame bearings lasted longer than any other bike I've owned. The wheels didn't fair so well 😆
I have been tempted by the ripmo AF. Does anyone have any experience with DVO suspension?
I've had a few "long" bikes. My last one was a Pace RC529 and it was great down fast flowy stuff, but a bit of a handful on slower tighter stuff.
saying that, my Hightower felt like a great size for me and the Trek looks a tiny bit longer than that. I think I have a decent acceptable range on length 🙂
My missus has a Top Fuel and a Pro Caliber and she loves them. Reckons her next trail bike will be a Remedy.
From what I've read the DVO suspension has been tuned for the Ripmo AF and everyone says it's up there with the best. While it seems ace for the money (£3150), I know I'd only end up replacing the NX stuff sooner rather than later and by the end of it, I'm spending way over the odds again 🙂
First thing I'm going to do to the Trek though is replace the Guide R levers with some spare RS levers I have. I'll also see how the front tyre feels as another complaint was that it wasn't grippy enough unless it was completely dry.
Optic looks great IMO. Reviews seem positive too.
Yeah I was well keen on an Optic, but I'd have had to sell my bike first and maybe save the rest as I think they only offer 12 months interest free and the payments were a little on the high side.
https://www.awcycles.co.uk/rocky-mountain-rocky-mountain-instinct-carbon-50-2019
Good deal if you're a Large.
He's bought a Trek. Sheesh.
Yeah the Rocky Mountain is decent for the price, glad it's too small as Chaka says, I've bought a Slash.
To be honest, this thread will probably be still active when I decide to change again lol.
Next time around I'm going to demo a Whyte to see if I convince myself I want one. Loads of people love them, but I've never been a fan. I think it's because the only one I've had a couple of minutes on was a G-170 from 2016.