So after three rides back from a rotated disc in my back, thoughts turn to a plush ride hence the thumper or codeine both long travel 29, would look at a 140/150 fork. Lots of climbing is usual invovled so this is important when considering, plus at 5ft11and some is it a medium or large. Also any reviews of what these bikes are like and any alternatives given these are £500 ish at the moment. Any thoughts on the RS monarch debonair vs cane creek? All help and thoughts welcome.
Orange 5 29.
Thanks but frame is more than 500 pounds
I dithered over these 2 frames for ages and was going in the thumper direction but after chatting too and meeting the Uk thumper agent I bought a Codeine , there was something about the guy that didn't work for me
IMHO . Haven't regretted the decision once , the Codeine is the most confidence inspiring bike I've owned - theres been a few ! . If your near Evesham or the Forest of Dean and want to try a medium Codeine let me know.
Fair enough.
The thumper gets some brilliant reviews. I almost bought one before my 5 29.
Cheesyb what size frame did you get for your height?
5'10" on a medium with a 50mm stem and 760mm bars .
One thing that put me off a codeine was the short reach.
I thought they came up big?
I'd size up to an L with the codeine too, the frame's reasonably compact so it's no hardship.
Commented on the possible iffyness of the Thumper before and it seems to rile people but, they claim to have permission to use the Kona front end and Kona say they don't. Neither are companies I want to do business with frankly, ymmv.
There's no frame only deal but Evans have trailfoxes for £1875, and finance available. Not a light bike or a subtle one but mine is really growing on me. Might be worth a look
Large Thumper at your height IMO.
Which is a shame as I can't try to sell you my medium.
As to the choice between the two, I think get the codeine if you want to shred the gnar and the Thumper as more of an all rounder.
Though I'm sure both are very versatile.
Shred the gnar.....if that equates to I can get to work on Monday then yeah that is me 🙂
I have a medium for sale only done 75km £550 with a reverb or £670 with a fox34 ctd kashima.small mark on one stantion but not a problem.
I'm 6ft and run a large Thumper with 150mm Pike, offset bushing and 30mm stem. Absolutely awesome in every way.
5ft9, and on a medium Thumper with a 50mm stem, which feels spot on.
Where about are you based OP?
Nw England
Got a large codeine you could try if you near lakes. Love mine, 5 29 is a nice bike but I doubt it would be as versatile given its 66 degree head angle which is pretty slack for a 29er meaning its not going to be as great in the twisty stuff, nice bike but perhaps a bit numb for alot of uk riding unless you live in the alps. .. Codeine also climbs surprisingly well. Reach is a bit short but I prefer that to be honest, makes it very very playful.
BTW, if you do go for the Thumper I would totally recommend doing this to it...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/behold-the-frankenthumper-aka-project-279/
Makes it feel a much more aggressive bike - but then the only drawback is that the frame isn't quite stiff enough for the speed it wants to be ridden.
Codeine is 67.5.
5 29 is 66.5.
Thumper is 68.
It's not a lot really.
He's right, the Thumper is great with a slackset or offset bushings taking it to 67 degrees.
But I'd have got a Five 29 instead too if they were £500.
vondally - MemberNw England
If you wanna try a medium one with a 650b rear wheel you're welcome to join me for a ride at Rivi sometime - though perhaps that might not be much use to you.
Switchback Unveil 9 (Thumper) here. 5'11" on a large with a 70mm stem.
Love it, especially for the money, running 140mm Rev's.
The codeine 29er is short in the reach for each size it's 427 in large most new bikes of this type are now about 460 reach like the 27.5 codeine. If it fits you then I would go for one, unfortunately at 6ft the 29er large doesn't fit me at all
6' on a large Thumper with 140 fork. Out on it today and was reminded how well it climbs, handles fast XC and techy trails/drops - it's just a great all rounder...
Switchback Unveil 9 here (Thumper) I'm 6'1" on a large, running pikes at 140 and the rockshox debonair, it's a great all rounder and I regularly do all day rides of 60km + and it's been to the Alps...
I've not ridden a Codein but from memory it's 1 X only....? That said I've just gone Shimano 1 X 11 and I'm very tempted to hacksaw of the front mech bracket !
There probably both great frames in there own way, I bought mine as an entry into 29er full suss as I loved my Yelli Screamy and I wanted full bounce for bigger days out, right now Canfield have just lunched the Riot 29er but I'm struggling to justify the cost to change the frame....
You probably won't go wrong either way...
I think the op needs to try the bikes. I am 6 ft 3 and fairly lanky but find my codeine fits fine with a 50mm stem but then I don't like mega long top tubes. There isn't a right or wrong I think its personal preference... Longer reaches to a certain extent are probably a bit of marketing to sell new frames, yes it may suit some but not all. Did tour de ben Nevis last week and managed a half decent result on the codeine over 40 miles of racing so its no snail.
I was also looking at both of these frames and with similar budget in mind. Then a recommendation for an Orange Five came in and I started looking. Picked up a complete bike in 29'er guise from eBay for £1400, although I've since spent a fair bit on it just to get things how I like them. So don't write the Orange off on cost, just keep an eye open for deals.
I was sceptical about the usefulness of the bike on local trails due to suspension travel and head angle but I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised by just how well it rides in areas that I would normally take my xc bike. Since owning I've had a few trips to Wales and it's been great as you would expect but I've also spent a lot of time at places like Surrey Hills and Friston Forest and it's also been great. Not sluggish at all. Today I was over at Swinley with it and it was great in the twisty stuff 🙂
I'm very tempted to hacksaw of the front mech bracket !
Don't, it's the best way to fit a chain guide.
I'm very tempted to hacksaw of the front mech bracket !
Or just buy one of these: http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/direct-mount-cover.htm
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Im 5 11 on a medium Codeine. Its be best bike ive ever had (coming from a yeti 575). Climbs well, and descends like a demon. Stunning
Ohhhh ...... I am still ditherrrrriiiinnnnnggggggg