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I think his was bought in 2011 so not a new one.
Newer Chams are longer and slacker than the previous model. Nice looking bike.
have you ridden a spitfire before you ordered? It won't dissapoint, I've been a serial bike changer for a while until I got mine, it's going no-where but my garage wall when it eventually cracks or snaps.... which in my experience all aluminium frames do eventually. Absolutely in a league of it's own.
The long story:
I was in the midst of arranging a testride when I tried a mate's new Whyte G150 and was really impressed with it. Looked up the geometry charts for both and the Spitfire was within a few mm and fraction of a degree, plus it would have a better fork, better shock, be stiffer and have more cunning rear suspension. Gut feeling said "buy!" so I did. Expecting it in a few weeks.
I'm hoping the Spitfire is sufficiently heavily built and I'm sufficiently smooth that it lasts a bloody long time! My last proper crash almost killed/paralysed me so I'm just going with the flow and keeping the risks low...
Chilled - the carbon frames of the C456 is absolutely bombproof. The paint chips very easily though, o I would get the super raw one if you can.
Mmmbop's are a scary light frame and very capable with a 130/140mm fork. I never found mine harsh with 2.2" conti tyres, although the Blue Pig I have now rides better... and is therefore worth the pound weight penalty (IMHO etc).
I've had full suss for the last 14 years as a main bike but remember the good ol days when I rattled around on a '99 Zaskar LE. That was a hard and very direct ride.
Having bought a C456 frame and built it up with 140mm revs I would say it is nothing like as harsh as the older Zaskar and is a very nice to ride bike.
Before that I had the original Ragley Piglet frame and that was great downhill but rather dead feeling on anything other, and I also has one of the first Marley frames as a replacement from Hotlines when I sent the second Piglet frame back because of paint issues.
Never built the Marley up as I didn't have the right kit at the time, but I'd say it looked very substantially built and a world away from the previous Piglet.
Am still tempted by a Soul or something similar to give steel another chance, but ultimately I'm very happy with the C456 as a hardcore (ish) HT at a good weight.
I'm 17 stone and rattle down things quite hard. It hasn't complained once yet, so I don't think the OP has much to worry about strength wise.
