So 6 years after originally asking, and then again 3 years back... I still haven't bought a new bike! I did buy a road bike and build myself a lovely retro restoration project during that time, but I think I may have to concede to the march of progress and get something more modern.
My 'must haves' are:
- 29" wheels
- Front mech (or at least the capacity to fit one)
- Head angle no slacker than 70°
- Travel of around 100mm at both ends
- Shimano drivetrain preferred (also probably the only option to get a 2x chainset)
I'm leaning towards the Cube AMS 100 C:68, Bianchi Methanol FS or Trek Top Fuel. Just wondering what else is out there?
P.S. I'm not after having a debate here about the pros and cons of 1x. 😉
Pivot Mach 429 SL ticks all your boxes. I’ve got one, it’s ace.
I did look at that one, but I'm not sure about it being able to run a front mech? There is some kind of tab on the seat tube, but it looks pretty high above the crankset and there's no 2x build listed in their complete bikes, which led me to think it may actually be for something else?
Think the Canyon Neuron fits roughly your spec.
120 mm travel instead of 100.
HA 69.5 instead of 70.
The Neuron is a "climbing machine".
That looks quite promising, thank you andreasrhoen!
[i]but it looks pretty high above the crankset[/i]
I'm not certain, but it has to be a bolt on mech plate. It looks high because the bike has a 1X chainring.
Yeah, it’s a bolt on mech plate. When I got mine there were 2x options, XT, XTR, normal and Di2. Looks like not anymore, maybe worth dropping upgrade a mail, seeing if they can help?
I went with XX1 eagle
Was going to suggest a Neuron - I have the old version (Nerve) and it's a comfy mile muncher
That looks quite promising
Nice.
One of my biking pals bought an Neuron recently (former road race biker, moved to mtb). This bike is fast. It has limits of course when going downhill over very rough stuff. Neat bike. Perfect for long and fast XC tours.
it’s a comfy mile muncher
Exactly!
I’ve a Trek Top Fuel, it climbs beautifully & feels very supple but I’ve found the front a little twitchy. I’ve swapped the frame for an Intense Sniper which is far more fun to ride but the suspension isn’t as smooth. The HA on the Trek is 70 & the Intense 67.5. I ran the Trek with a 70mm stem but use a 65mm stem on the Intense.
My 2010 Tallboy is all the things you want on your dreambike. I was not planning to sell mine but if you can't find what you want, mine knows its way, has been overmaintained, never raced or rallied, is perfect for trips to the Alps, many trail centers (its happiest if you ride to Cannock or Wales before whizzing round the trails), it is epic on Tour Divide and the South Downs way and promises not to leave you with numb hands or toes. It has an aversion to SRAM running gear and coffee stops.
Can't remember how to attach a piccie, but there are some floating around on the forum.
I have the Nerve 29er (now called Neuron), it's a good efficient bike.It does blow through the rear travel a bit quick and is a little heavy. The geometry is a bit old school but your requirements appear to want that, in fact, you might be able to pick up an old stock or secondhand 29er cheap as many want the latest geometry.
The geometry is a bit old school but your requirements appear to want that
Although as evidence above, most of the new geo has an HA of about 68 degrees which most people - I've yet to hear of an exception - agree is a stability and handling improvement on the XC bikes. I have that on both mine now an would not go back. Do you really want to buy into old geometry?
2018 Giant Anthem 29er (has a front mech mount plate I think)
Kona Hei Hei
Focus o1e (the XT one comes with a front mech).
There are some good discounts around on the first two at the moment. Anthem is arguably the better XC suspension design of the three.
Scott Spark ?
Maybe a used carbon Whyte M109?
I really need to sell my spectral 29er frame.... 🙄
The tab on the Pivot is for a front mech.
i have one and love it. Santa Cruz Tallboy or Blur will also be great
.
If you can live with a slightly slacker head angle I would say a Kona hei hei race, last year's or previous with 2x would fit the bill.
I bought one last year and by far the best bike I have ridden. The length of the frame is so confidence inspiring but yet doesn't feel boring or slow on fire road/road.
Only downside is the wheels aren't great maybe keep some money for new ones, but if you get a 2016/17 model they are cheapish for full suspension.
Thanks for all the replies, definitely a few ideas to go on here.
I'd really rather get something brand new rather then used, although I'd consider something 'old stock' in a clearance. I'm quite liking the look of the Canyon Neuron AL 9.0 and the AL 9.0 LTD; I was initially sceptical about the head angle but all the online reviews I can find suggest it's still reassuringly old-fashioned XC (and you're right, cheers_drive, that's exactly what I want).
The Scott Spark would definitely have been a contender, but I again I think it's one that's gone 1x specific.
I have a top of range carbon Trek superfly 9.9sl, fully loaded, sids, XX1 11 speed, am classic hubs DT Swiss xr331 rims, Easton carbon cock pit, Sram level TL brakes with KCNC floating rotors and weighs only 23lbs, looking for £1800 collected
have a look in my profile if any interest? Here’s a pic below
[url= https://s8.postimg.cc/n53a4jb4l/EE43_B0_F8-_F216-4_ABD-_AE5_F-40_C0_F158_F289.jp g" target="_blank">
Ps it’s a medium and my email is jonathantraverse@hotmail.co.uk
The Scott Spark would definitely have been a contender, but I again I think it’s one that’s gone 1x specific.
Only the RC versions. the std Spark can still run a FM.
If you're new to 29 another vote for the Tallboy.
I'm a 26 fan and have hated most 29ers I've ridden, exceptions being Singular Swift, SC Tallboy and the Salsa El Mariachi, very different but all excellent.
So, based solely on my experience, if you prefer old school geometry the Tallboy should work for you, it feels natural even coming off a 26 (2010 Yeti ASR in my case), no need to adapt your riding to it. If I had any money I'd be interested in Rob's.
Only the RC versions. the std Spark can still run a FM.
The alloy RC had FD mount but looks like you're in the market for carbon.
Don't discount the 120mm Spark.. sure its longer travel that you ask and slacker, but none of these are necessarily negatives. In traction mode the Spark is 85mm and you could throw a Step Cast 34 on the front like well see on the higher spec 2019 bikes to drop some weight (or 32SC to steepen it a touch and drop to your wishlist 100mm)