I've been having a major clearout and I'm now down to just two bikes (I know, unacceptable) and given I've just retired I want to treat myself to something new.
I'm lucky enough to own two nice bikes already - an Orange Stage Evo Factory and a Merlin Malt 725 hardtail with XT/SLX/SID spec.
So my dilemmma is what to get that doesn't overlap?
Choices are short travel XC full susser to "in between" - or lightweight XC hardtail to go on the lighter/faster side of the Merlin.
Budget £2-2.5k.
Some great deals about - like the BMC Fourstroke at Pauls, or Giant Trance Advanced Pro (also Pauls) although the latter is probably too similar to the Orange......also the Canyon Exceed is quite a nice option too......
Anyone seen any other candidates out there?
I’d find it hard to look past the BMC if it’s an Xc bike you’re after. Maybe a Specialized Chisel at that price point too?
A short travel full susser MTB is too close to either of those existing bikes. So I'm going...
Gravel bike.
Downhill sledge.
@tthew - I can’t get on with gravel bikes - I honestly don’t think they’re any good at anything other than coping with our crap roads and as of last year I stopped riding the road……longer travel full susser is definitely an option though!
One of each - it's bikes innit?
The Orange is 130/120mm?
If so then a 160/150mm bike.
Your options seem very close to what you already have. I'd for something long travel.
I can’t get on with gravel bikes - I honestly don’t think they’re any good at anything other than coping with our crap roads
I sympathise, although I really like mine. I think I've concluded it's best use is more leisurely paced rides (like riding with my mid 70s dad or gentler winter road rides), a bit of light touring/bike packing, and when the MTB is broken for easy XC rides.
If that's not your bag then it's the wrong thing.
I don't know where/what your riding is but those two bikes would more than cover all I ride and I'd not want more in the shed personally for space and domestic harmony reasons 😂
If short travel xc / trail was what you wanted I’d be thinking Spec Chisel FS at a budget price. Decent light frame that is worth upgrades in time. But….your full suspension bike isn’t a million miles from there already.
What do you want a new bike to do that the other 2 don’t already?
What are you
My ignorance of the Orange range means I’ve changed my recommendation - I agree a longer travel bike would be a nice variation to have based on your current 2. (I thought your Stage was a 160mm bike not a 120mm one!)
+1 gravel bike (never thought I’d say it)
Gives you more options to venture into road riding
I've just bought one of those Fourstrokes from Paul's, and I'm impressed. It's light, climbs well, a barely know its there kind of rear suspension and it descends well.
I know this is controversial and possibly sinful but……. Given how capable modern short travel trail bikes are do you ride in places that need more travel? I have a tallboy so same travel and it’s so capable there are only a few times I ride my stumpy evo in the uk. If I didn’t have the stumpy I could put a good case for just over forking it to 140mm and maybe some tougher wheels and tyres
It really depends what riding you'll be doing. For me, given your existing bikes, the only reason to get an XC bike would be if you're racing or trying to keep up with mates on XC bikes. Otherwise it really doesn't matter if one of your existing bikes is a bit slower on some rides you do.
I'd also add a +1 to a gravel bike if you've never tried one and want to do XCish type long rides. I used to think of gravel riding as either a boring MTB ride or uncomfortable road ride but a friend convinced me to try it and I've not looked back since. My FS MTB got ridden 3 times last year and not at all so far this year (partly as I'd gotten old enough that throwing myself down mountains for an adrenaline rush no longer appealed). I never used to enjoy HT/rigid MTBs either but for some reason it just works better on a gravel bike.
the only reason to get an XC bike would be if you're racing or trying to keep up with mates on XC bikes. Otherwise it really doesn't matter if one of your existing bikes is a bit slower on some rides you do.
I'm sure XC bikes now are a different animal to a decade or two ago, but yeah, I'd agree. The Fourstroke that's been mentioned, to me just looks like an uncomfy riding position. I'm sure it flies along in the right application, but the thought of riding any distance, or anything remotely technical with an arse up, head down riding position doesn't compute - especially the older I get
You have a really great FS trail bike, and a trail/XC hardtail. You don't like gravel bikes and don't ride on the road. Easy answer - you don't need a new bike unless you're going big/fast and could use something 150-160mm, or can go full gas and justify an XCO style bike.
Sorry..
You're retired and have some spare cash? Go somewhere amazing with the bike you have, or buy a touring bike and chip off for a couple of months. In 20+ years you'll remember the places you went and what you did, not the stuff you owned.
I'd throw something else into the mix if you're looking for something different/fun for exploring and getting some miles in and that's a rigid MTB/ATB/Whatever the latest name is. It might not necessarily be faster than the Merlin as it sounds like that's built to a really nice spec. but it'll be different to ride and you can build something really cool and as blingy or utilitarian as you like!
Personally I'd build something cool along those lines and book some trips!
Slightly biased, but I love that sort of bike for local bimbling and a bit of bike camping/all day rides on mixed terrain:
These are all god points - especially @jameso (thanks!) - I was creating an opportunity to buy something that I don't need and I'm not entorely sure I want either - the bikes I have are lovely (I have a Shamnd Bahookie with Gates belt and Rohloff aswell!) and on reflection I don't need more bikes, I need more riding opportunities!
Thanks for the inspiration all! 👍
