Been riding rigid for some time and have a HL Turner 5 spot FS in the garage but quite like 29ers and an considering looking for a FS bike for general trail/Xc riding..nothing extreme.I know nothing of this breed and wondered if people could advise on respected bikes that are relatively inexpensive due to age but could be classed as classic one day due to their rideability. I also prefer simplicity and durability rather than numerous complex pivots to maintain but accept this may come with the territory .thanks in advance .Bill
Santa Cruz Superlight 29er?
Bandit 29r
What would you class as affordable OP?
Depending on your definition of affordable, trek remedy 29 has something of a track record. Might know where you could get one too 😉
There's loads of deals on both second hand and new old stock 17/18 MY SC Tallboys and Hightowers about.
The Spanish SC importer has some amazing deals on 2017/2018 frames on eBay... jus' sayin'
Salsa Horsethief or Spearfish.
Turner Sultan.
Trek Remedy 29 is awesome. I mean, properly "OK it's a trailbike but it's also the most succesful enduro race bike of all time just by accident basically" awesome. Geometry is a little dated but the rear suspension is bloody godly, Dirt called it the best they'd ever ridden. And while it's a multipivot, it was designed to be easy to service, it's just hammers.
if you've got long enough legs to size up the stumpjumper 29ers have always been really rideable bikes. I loved mine but as I've got short legs for my height I couldn't get a decent dropper on a large...
If you want simplicity check out the Orange Gyro, early Segment or 5 29. All can be had for reasonable amounts and I can highly recommend either Segment or 5 29/Alpine 5.
My mate has a Specialized Camber. That's getting on a bit but keeps trucking and he loves it.
I'm sorely tempted by the Nicolai in the classifieds .......
Boss would skin me though
As some of the above, i'd be thinking Spearfish or Camber...
I had a Commencal Meta AM29 which was epic... part of me should have never sold that one actually. More Enduro than XC whippet, but brilliant.
Had some long epic days out on the Spearfish, even took to BPW for the day once and it coped well.
Stealth ad.
Used large spectral 29er here, looking for a princely sum. 😊
I’d be looking at a whyte t129 on eBay. Seems to get good reviews and lots going for £1000-£1500.
if you want simple to maintain the oranges are the last word.
What size are you looking for as i may have a Med Turner Czar in Orange Fox ctd talas forks ctd shock Xtr brakes shifters xt mechs Chris king hubs wtb rims carbon bars post pretty top end stuff that might be for sale in a week or so and its a 5 spot DW that i had befor and this is faster in every way
Plus it wont be silly money as have been offered another bike on a great deal
The Banshee Prime was way ahead of its time - has barely changed since it was launched in 2013, so a good bet if you can find a used one!
I have a Spesh Camber eco in large frame and forks available for a reasonable offer. Fresh fork and pivot service and new air can (not ridden since). 2015 - it’s not tidy but it is good.
Having said that I would recommend looking at Tallboy 2’s. If you’re after a race bike.
Similar to you I ended up with a transition bandit 29er..... 2nd hand off someone on here for not a lot of £'s
its not a very light bike, and its not the best peddling one I've ever ridden, but it does have cheap heavy wheels on it as well...
It feels solid, and great in the peak...