I'm keen to try a Solaris Max as my Stanton Sherpa is proving a bit of a slog on the ups.
Without analyzing every dimension of geometry, has any one owned/tried both a Sherpa and a Solaris Max and can throw any views my way?
Me, I have had both...
I've only run the Sherpa B+ and static post so bear this in mind.
I don't have any real issues with either bike climbing. But I prefer the SolarisMAX on which I ran a dropper post which makes things so much more comfortable when climbing.
The new Max is mile's better climbing than the old non-max version (which I found to front light/manually on the steep).
What's your specific issue with the Sherpa?
What I would say it that the Max with a 35mm stem and the saddle pushed forwards keeps the front end down, the geo with 800mm bars works well for me (albeit on a shinier bike 😉 )
Yes, it certainly does.
Done a fair bit of mileage on mine now on various riding.
I've had a Whyte 529, Chuma HX2, Canfield YS, Zealous, Trek Superfly & Charge Duster, and the Solaris is on a par with the Trek but better than the others.
To me it's a different approach to climbing versus the others. The Trek, you would dance up a climb, but the Solaris is a sit and spin.
I'm South Xxfordshire with a Medium, if you fancy a go.
Sorry guys. I popped a cheeky post up while at work & didn't get chance to check back.
There aren't really any issues as such with the Sherpa, it's more of a 'feel' thing. I originally tried it with the recommended 50mm stem, but I was lifting the front everywhere when it pointed uphill (like I was riding a chopper). It's much calmer with a 70 (or 80 - I can't remember) stem, but it always just feels generally harder work than anything I've ever had before. It descends like a demon though!
Are you talking about the original Max or the new LS version?
Assuming you mean the current version, it's adequate in B-plus mode. I'll let you know about 29er format next week.
Long chainstays make for less shifting about on saddle to maintain traction though, which may be a point of difference from Stanton (not ridden one).
LS geometry Im thinking
Yeah cha****ng, I think you've nailed it there. Its the shorter stays on the Sherpa that are upsetting my climbing (slightly longer stays are more what Im used to).
Mines great on non tech stuff if i can stand up ( i like standing up on climbs) on steep techy stuff not so good ...BUT...... i'm running a 160 fork. Yes I know I shouldn't but i like it like that so much now that i am not changing
With the recommended fork length i'm sure it would be very good
Right, sounds like the same issues I had on my original Solaris.
The LS geo pushes you forward and with longer rear stays this greatly improves the climbing experience. I'd recommend you sizing for a 35mm stem (my old Solaris was a med, went large for SolarisMAX, me being 6'). SolarisMAX is longer than the Sherpa (which I always found short - large with 50mm stem) so would improve the climbing.
SolarisMAX downhill I found way more confidence inspiring than the Sherpa (although I ride the Sherpa harder now than pre LS experience...).
Cheers for your words metalheart.