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OK, having got another new FS frame I really don't think FS is for me any more, it's absolutely great when I point it down, but I really don't enjoy the power losses on the flat & uphill. I don't get scared by a HT riding down hill, I am of an age where my brain we tells me to bottle it before my skill runs out, I'm not quite as rad as I once was so I don't need the compensation, or the added traction.
But coming off a 29er HT with quite XC angles (OO original Scandal) the long slack & low appeals to me, the handling is just great, so if I were mad enough to go back to a 26" HT which should I choose?
OO still have a few carbon 456 Evo's left, but I have seen a TI evo second hand for less money.
Does anyone have experience of both, or an idea of a better bike to buy?
I'm 6' & I'm currently riding a large 29er Scandal & enjoy the extra reach so I would want a 20" after owning a Titus fireline in 18" which I found to small. Also the more bits I can transfer the better & I already have a 31.6 dropper, but I also have a 27.2 Thomson that I could shim if needed.
Any thoughts much appreciated.
Cotic Soul while you still can get them in 26?
Slackline 631 - 18" should be spot on
Thanks, but I should also mention that I want something light weight & not dead feeling,
Cheers.
The rockhopper one sat in my garage? No? Worth a try...
How about my Cotic Soda frame?
I should also say that I have loads of 26" frames in the loft, by all means try to tempt me into your 26" frame you can't sell, but for Gods sake keep to the brief 😉
456 carbon should suit you
What FS don't you like?
My Evil Sovereign that's for sale in the classified section! The best handling 26" hardball ever made. Size large-perfect. Slightly under 24" TT and 19" seat tube. 31.6 dropper ready.
What about a second hand Slackline 853? They're supposed to ride very differently to the 631 due to the thicker seat post on the 631.
My Slackline 853 replaced a BFe and I couldn't believe how much more lively and spritely it was to ride.
b r - Member456 carbon should suit you
What FS don't you like?
The bike in question I do like, it even pedals better than any FS I have ever owned, but it is not anywhere near as direct as a HT, I'm not blaming the [url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/if-i-nedd-one-of-these ]BIKE[/url], just my lack of riding & suitability of the things I do.
Cheers.
What about a second hand Slackline 853? They're supposed to ride very differently to the 631 due to the thicker seat post on the 631.
Slackline is a great choice but be aware the 853 can't take a tapered fork (and the 27.2 seatpost limits dropper choice).
Sounds like you're looking for a reason to get a fat bike to me. 😉
Tried to like my C456 for over a year, then sold it.
I understand the hardtail bit, but I'm not sure I follow why you want a 26er. ❓
Sounds like you're looking for a reason to get a fat bike to me.
First thing that went thru my mind TBH 🙂
My 20" Orange P7? Nice XT based build too, yours for good price, lucky lucky.
853 voodoo bizango.
Sold mine to someone who had tried a cotic soul and been disappointed as not enough steel feel for him - but loves the bizango.
Dialled bikes alpine.
Slackline is a great choice but be aware the 853 can't take a tapered fork (and the 27.2 seatpost limits dropper choice).
True - if you're going for an unfashionable bike you may as well go the full hog!
The fork wasn't an issue for me because I had a pair of Z1 Anniversary's.
I've the slackline 631, it's not heavy for steel and i find it nice and lively. I've ridden a 456 carbon (non-evo) and the slackline is more fun, but the 456 may suit you better by the sounds of it.
edit: Both slackline and 456 have loads of tyre clearance. Bro in law is currently running 650b wheels with 2.35 hans dampfs in his 456
In the STW spirit of recommending what you own let me suggest any of the On-One 456 models that they still make in 26er variety.....or a Ragley of some sort, I have a Piglet with 140mm forks and it's bloody brilliant....as was the 456-evo beforehand too!
Slack steel hardtails are a riot, I'm hoping to use mine at the UK DH Champs for HTs that Scottfitz from here is organising.
My old 456, I can saw half way through the chainstays to make more 'lively' if you like?
I had a similar dilemma not enough riding enough and a loft full of spares. Got shut of full susser and made use of an old Boardman frame that was lying around. Had it repainted and the only new bits on it are cables. Not a bad bike overall to be honest and very unfashionable to boot.
Or just get a more efficient FS - something a bit more XC tuned. I don't notice any loss of power when climbing on my flux, plus the flux has better traction.
My Dialed Bikes Morning Glory? It does need prising from my tight little hands at some point ,as it has been replaced , but I still love it, rides beautifully