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Thanks Joe, useful insight from somebody who has ridden both.
I have pretty much concluded that the Atherton will be overbiked, and am focusing on the 150ish travel full power segment.
The SL segment appeals if I had more physical capability or function, but I am definitely going to need a full fat version.
in the 150mm, full fat, 29er segment the Mondraker does stand out. There are a few others to kick the tyres on (Orbea, Pivot, Nicolai), so I will try to see some in the flesh.
For what it’s worth, I ride a full fat Trek Rail+, it’s got 160mm travel at both ends, removable battery and it’s massive because I like a large bike.
Rides like any of the more nimble bikes I’ve had in the past. Doesn’t feel like a 50lb bike at all, I pop the battery out (literally a 4 second job) and stick it on the roof of the car, it’s easy enough but bear in mind I haven’t been through 6 months of chemo.
you’re a good bit younger than my mother, who had intense chemo in 2024 and it ruined her, but 18 months along and although she’s a shrunken woman she can actually now do everything she could before, so you might find a full fat bike with removable battery will go on the roof once you’re back sorted.
big power is hilarious mind, and it’s addictive, mine came with 85Nm, it was so fast. Then I upgraded to 100Nm, it was so fast, then I upgraded to 1210Nm, it was so fast!
I haven’t updated to 120Nm yet, but I bet it’ll be fast.
Ultimately don’t be put off by the S170e, the power of the support and the location of the weight means it isn’t like riding a 50lb bike of the old days, it’s just different to what you know now.
ride some once you’ve finished your treatment, they’re only getting better. And best of luck with things.
The Atherton has sold and the Seven is looking close so I bit the bullet and went with a Crafty. I was able to swing a leg over a few (Vala, Crafty, Forbidden, Levo) and the Crafty felt 'right'. Plus a big discount right now so I managed to get an amazing spec (Ohlins, Trickstuff, DT Carbon wheels, XX T Type) for the same as a mid spec Levo or Vala. I liked the Forbidden but there is no stock until March and the Unno Myth was interesting, but again no stock until after Christmas.
The Crafty ticked all of the boxes. Geometry biased towards stability vs playfulness (inc size-specific stays), 29er, planted vs progressive kinematics, decent range, perfect fit for me. I liked the Levo, but too many proprietary parts, and I definitely preferred the Bosch CX to the Avinox.
Should be here in 2 weeks which is when I should at least be able to gently ride on the Wahoo.
@solarider: in your current situation, this everyday phrase takes on deeper meeting. But sincerely; health to enjoy your new bike!
Congrats - should do a good job for you and sounds a brilliant spec! So far the Mondraker Dune I bought has impressed me - immediately got on with it cross country and barrelling downhill.
Surprisingly adjustable in corners and the air and doesn’t feel like a lump.
Rear suspension just seems to get on with things - haven’t thought that hard about it. Found I was bottoming out a little bit with the suspension otherwise feeling good so going to add some tokens to the float x.
