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designs always seem to change, they say they have the best and then totally overhaul the designs... which mid travel bike is currently the bees knees?
most of them...or whatever the poster owns, particularly if its a recent purchase.
I'm still going to say Ibis Mojo as its by far the best bike I've ever ridden.
Turner 5 Spot please...
Out of the ones I've ridden I probably liked the Commencal Meta the most. Trance X was really nice too.
Yeah, I love the look of the meta 5... I think that I just get confused by the huge range of reviews bikes seem to receive.
Think that just reflects the fact that there is no 'best bike', just the one that suits you the most.
What I own is the best, I will change it next week, it will be the best again and everything I used to own is awful and this cycle will carry on for ever!
The best bike is whatever YOU get on with and enjoy!
mmmm depends if you go on looks or by the ride !!!
Object of desire - Nomad or Orange 5 AM
out of the bikes i've ridden( not many ) either my spesh or a stinky garbanzo in Austria
Intense VPP. I have a Tazer which is set up pretty slack but I'm happy to compromise climbing as it's a blast on the downhills. I've ridden the 5.5, 6.6 and this weekend had a quick go on the new Tracer . . . fantastic all-round bikes. If I had the cash I'd drop it on the adjustable travel Tracer for sure.
Tough one. Had a Sugar, ETSX, Sworks Enduro, HL Flux, ASR, and now I'm on my second Meta 5. For my riding, i've easily preferred the Meta over everything else - just seems sorted. A recent review talks about flex - really haven't a clue what theyre on about. My tire and wheel will flex more, I'm sure...
I luurrrve my Trance X0.
Liked the Trek Ex9, owned the 08 Stumpy Expert....
They are all pretty similar, just find one you like, set it up right and give it ell!
I must say of the ones I've owned over the last few years, the new Turner DW 5 Spot is a good contender, with my Nicolai Helius CC coming in close (very different rides mind you, well they are given how I've got mine built up). Nomad - not bad but not in the same class as the above IMO, but haven't ridden the new version (yet...).
Cynic-al's probably right though.
Should of said too, that I think shocks are so good now that the configuration isn't as important as the geometry. I look for head angles, top tube lengths and bottom bracket height. Whether its a single swingarm, four bar, faux bar, linkage or whatever doesn't bother me too much (as long as it's not a dog). There's not that many of them left either...
Ive ridden probably 90% of the mainstream 5/6 inch bikes now for 2009 for decent periods of time. Obviously anything full sus is hugley down to personal preference and setup. But so far this is how i can sum up:
Most Fun: Marin Wolf Ridge range: simply an absolute riot to ride
Best Value: Cant beat a Pitch Pro but thats really an 08 so id go with Trance X2
Biggest disappointment: RM Altitude - climbs well, average at best for everything else :o(
Best Custom: Turner 5-Spot - stunning bike.
Best of the Peg: E120
What would i buy? Was very very close to buying a E120 Team but ill hold out til 2010 for a E140 :o)