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My 2010(?) 853 Genesis Altitude felt pretty close to how my old Kona feels, but with some useful tweaks for more demanding trails.
Dunno where you'd get one tho'.
Mine is safely packed in the bike store pending the day I rebuild it as a fully rigid SS (which'll probably be the day my Kona snaps - assuming I can still get 26" sized components then 😛 ).
^^^ Well, that's a puzzling picture!
EDIT - wat hapnd..
Ha, that's the wrong picture!
😀
I was trying to post one of it out and about, not that one of it just dumped in the bin, and cut-n-pasted the wrong URL!
I'd like to be a bin man on your round 😯
OP, I have a small (16") black Mk2 Soul that I was going to put on the classifieds in a few weeks time. Very good condition, I've no idea how much to ask at this point though. Mail me (in profile) if you're interested.
Even if you don't buy mine I'd recommend a Soul. I'm only selling mine as I'm going down to one bike soon.
Op take it you didn't buy it from new as no mention of warranty replacement?
if a jobs worth doing...:
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had a 2010 P7 too. have an genesis alpitude now and it's markedly lighter and more enjoyable than the P7. don't ask me why about the 'enjoyable' bit - just feels more fun.
I had a 2004 Explosif and a muni-mula before that.
I replaced it with a steel (18) Voodoo Wanga, which has a much taller headtube so is a little different but has the paragon dropouts so you can single speed it if needed.
I recently picked up a voodoo bizango (18) 853 steel frame from ebay for 80 quid. It is in need of a respray and I am going to have to fabricate some bizango decals for it, but that has to be the best option for an Explosif replacement being that it is also a Joe Murray design.
I
It must be a recommend the bike I ride thread...But getting a ride on bikes is where it is at. I like the Sanderson, and did not get to ride before other than a 'gis a go' on one for 5 mins round Comrie jump park. As ever, wheels, forks, bars etc have a massive effect on how the bike is.
So, some sprightly steel it is for:
[url= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9458722375_2d7e5fac41_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_outandabout/9458722375/ ]IMAG0241[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/matt_outandabout/ ]matt_outandabout[/url], on Flickr
[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7824034278_1553950bdc_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_outandabout/7824034278/ ]Comrie Croft pump jump track[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/matt_outandabout/ ]matt_outandabout[/url], on Flickr
[url= http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/9225410120_3e02a17a61_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_outandabout/9225410120/ ]Beinn a'Ghlo munro's by bike[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/matt_outandabout/ ]matt_outandabout[/url], on Flickr
Pace RC104, option of running gears or single speed, 26" wheel, and I believe they have them on special offer at the minute.
Damn, you made me look at the RC104 and then the RC129...E Type vs Austin Allegro
I'm just finishing putting my RC129 together, just waiting for the sprocket then it's time to get it muddy, hopefully it's better than allegro, otherwise I need a funny shape set of bars like the allegro steering wheels of old 🙂
Luv my 853 Inbred, still going stong since 2007 and on its third colour scheme which is back to it's original matt black, light, strong and cheap to!
Like those Ritcheys though.
I'm sorry Benji! 😳
I totally get the physics, but I struggle with the aesthetics!
Anyway, how about a pair of these?
[url= http://www.jonesbikes.com/h-bar.html ]Clicky[/url]
😈
Genesis Altitude in the free ads, not read all the above posts! But looks like a good option!
Looks very nice, think its a 16"
Why not get your Kona welded? Sounds cheaper than any of the other options.
johnhe - the work plus a re-enamel would be more than a replacement, I'm just going to let it go gracefully (plus it means I can buy a new frame!)
Mangatank, those Jones bars are hideous looking, got a nice set of crank brother cobalt carbons on it 🙂
Lee - Having had the P7 about 18 months I really can't recommend it highly enough. Since I bought it, my Intense hasn't had a look in. Its just such a brilliant all-rounder. Its eclipsed my previous favourite - A SC Chameleon. And praise doesn't come much higher than that
I run 140mm forks on it and you can chuck it down anything, its great for climbing (I'm not though), And its comfortable enough to ride all day
Honzo, Stache, stumpjumper evo HT or frame from On One/Ragley? Don't see the point in 26" hardtails after riding a 29er one - my jeycore one felt as composed as a bouncier 26" so a mildly rad 29er might be a good shout; not as many handling compromises as a full suss one.
That's amazing isn't it - the P7 in the 90s was an incredible frame (I always lusted after them, but never got one), and it continues to be awesome despite changes in riding styles, trail centres and fork lengths.
I've been swaying that way for a while so might just get myself one!
mafia - I'm a gangly 5' 8", not sure a 29er would suit my 31" legs.
I'm an average 5'8 with 30" legs running an 18" race 29er. I found it fine for most stuff but I do like longer bikes (I used to run a large prophet). I would recommend giving one a go if you get a chance but obviously if you're used to a 26er and enjoy them no point taking a risk.
Yeah? Well I might just try one!
Anyone near Glasgow with a 29er fancy giving me a shot?
Genesis Alpitude. Any good to ya?
Yeah? Well I might just try one!
I was giving this thread a lot of thought on my lunchtime droveroad thrash...
I 'downgraded' from full-sus to a ti hardtail at the beginning of the year to bring back some of the sensation of adventure that full suspension can deaden. I did give the 29 format a lot of thought but my entire backup parts list is 26" based, so I stuck with it. I've never felt like I was missing out on anything after all.
If I was buying [i]right now[/i] however...I'd have to say I'd really look much harder at 29. I'm 5'8" with a 31" leg too, so I'm in the grey area between fitting 29" nicely and riding my big brother's bike.
A 26" bike is [i]not[/i] a broken or redundant format, and they always look well proportioned and often quite beautiful, but it's hard to argue against the physics and maths of the 29" format. Wheels and forks aren't too expensive either, so the sooner you go in, the cheaper it'll be.
I hate to say it but you should probably book a ride on a demo bike before pulling the trigger on a 26er.
A 26" bike is not a broken or redundant format, and they always look well proportioned and often quite beautiful, but it's hard to argue against the physics and maths of the 29" format.
Interesting point, and one that I mooted over at length a few months ago when ordering a Soul. In the end I stuck with 26, as although 5ft 10 I have short legs, and I like a shortish chuckable bike for tight trails.
I do wonder though what the balance is like for the frame only suppliers such as Cotic - do they now sell more Solaris than Soul, how has the ratio changed etc
Yeah, 29" isn't as straightforward as 26" is. Standover and headtube height [i]could[/i] get silly for anyone under 5'10". I've had a couple of bikes slightly too large for me, and though the ride was great on both, you could just tell they were too big. And that top tube sat there waiting to pounce!
mangatank - that was my issue exactly; I rode the Soul and sat on the Solaris, both great but Solaris just a bit close to the undercarriage when not actually sitting on the saddle, which is quiet common for me on tecky natural Scottish stuff that I ride most often 🙂
Steel hardtail with classic Kona-like qualities? May I reccommend a Curtis? If you hunt around you might find someone (daft enough to be) selling one of the ones CRC were knocking out at £200 last year. I've had a load of steel hardtails but the Curtis is head and shoulders above everything I've had. Ticks every steel frame superlative you can think of. The only frame I've had that came close was a mk1 Inbred SS weirdly enough. The 'inbetween' stuff (other Inbreds, Cotic Soul, Dialled Love/Hate etc) all felt very average...
If I was buying tomorrow though, for the price, a Pace would be hovering around the top of the list. Think theres a couple on eBay at the moment too. Really want an RC129 with the colour coded one-piece bar/stem and fork...
just a bit close to the undercarriage when not actually sitting on the saddle
I've experienced an extreme and sudden top-tube/Gentleman's Region interface and it is [i]not[/i] to be taken lightly.
Similarly, the other day I managed to utterly cock-up a rocky and precipitous descent on the local mountain and ended up straddle-waddling the Ti Evo down it like some 18th Century Gent on his Hobby Horse. The first thought I had was 'Thank you Brant, for understanding how important my goolies are to me'!
FS
Cotic Soul Mk 2 frameset 17.5" medium in black, Hope seat clamp,used as second bike ,only as a 9 speed, therefore has never had a front mech attached.
Can add in FSA cartridge headset if required @ £15.
£ 200 posted
phwill77atgmaildotcom
Thanks catvet, but not in a position to buy a frame just yet!
Bloody hell under cut already on me 2nd hand soul frame, mind you black looks rubbish compared to the lovely bright orange frames. Factoid!
Another vote for an 853 Genesis Altitude here - I picked a frame up on here a while back and love it.
If I was buying tomorrow though, for the price, a Pace would be hovering around the top of the list. Think theres a couple on eBay at the moment too. Really want an RC129 with the colour coded one-piece bar/stem and fork.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the bar/stem never went into production, wanted one as well, but when I asked Adrian told me they had never released it, there were 2 made, one is in there office the other is with one of his friends. Might be worth looking at the 650b they have just sent to What Mountain Bike for test, it's supposed to be retailing at £500 when they release it later this year. Close to a 26" but with the new wheel size.
As for sizing on a 29er I'm 6' tall, and am riding a medium RC129er, with a thomson elite seatpost stuck out the top, it gives me the standover clearance so no broken knackers for me. It's worth thinking about a size down on a 29er, and using more of a long post.
Hmm you've got me thinking about considering a 29er now, when it hadn't really crossed my mind!
Someone mentioned the possibility of using 26" wheels in a 650b frame (with a P7 I think). Would I notice any geometry changes, and could it be a safe option to move away from 26", with the option of going back to 26" if I really didn't get on with it?
Here's the thing though, for 'smaller' riders, the frame of a 29er gets really crammed up. The big wheels make absolute sense for tall riders, but for anyone under 6 ft, there's a lot of compromise in frame dynamics going on. Take a look at the Titus Fireline thread: The way the wheel comes so close to the seat tube even with a low profile tyre, and the way the tyre actually [i]sits ahead[/i] of the front mech cable...I know it's been done to get the best handling characteristics from the frame, but it has alarm bells ringing for me.
I'll stick with my t456 evo and get a damned good dropper seatpost instead. Close run thing though 😉
So does 650b suffer some, but not all, of the 29er problems?
Looking at it in this sensible thread, then 650b, if it can be proven to have a real world advantage over 26", would definitely allow frame designers to work their magic instead of pulling their hair out trying to make it all work. 650b makes more sense to me than 29", but the margin of benefit over 26" seems to be so small that I'm not sure it's worth taking the spare parts hit to convert. You could get a pair of x fusion forks (they can be tuned to either size) and run a 650 frame with 26" wheels, but again, where would the benefits be ultimately?
The nice thing about this thread (apart from reminding everyone about the once mighty Kona Explosif!), is that it's made me really, coldly examine the whole wheel thing. It seems to me that everyone has had a huge amount of fun on 26 " wheels for the last 30 years, and now there's a wheel size that caters for larger riders who have always been compromised by 26" wheels. And then there's these 27.2 wheels that...well, are a bit bigger and a bit smaller at the same time. Going proper tubeless and fitting a descent dropper post would make as much of an improvement as going 27.2 I suspect.
I'm in the process of upgrading my frame. I toyed with the idea of going 650b as it's looking more and more likely I'll upgrade fork and wheels at some point also. However, I ride a small frame and don't think a bigger (or different geometry) frame and bigger wheels would be well suited to me. I've not ridden 29er or 650b so have no experience to back this up but I do a lot of road riding and 700c wheels on steep technical trails would feel alien to me I think.
Also worth considering is that with a new (to me) 26" frame I can use all the other kit I've got and upgrade as time/money allow.
Horses for courses and if I was taller I'd probably give bigger wheels more thought but I'm not so I haven't.
Yep. And it's overlooked stuff like stand over. A lot of people will tell you it's not that important, but it absolutely is. With even slightly high SO, you'll be subconsciously holding back on stuff.
Been keeping an eye on this thread, and then Charlie the Bikemonger told me the new Surly catalogue is out. Had a look through and the Instigator looks awesome. 26+ could be the way forawrd for me. He let me have a go on a pugsley a while ago and although it was great fun I doubt full fat would be good for 90% of my riding. So semi-fat with forks and gears ticks a lot of boxes. Not light though at a reported 31 and a bit lbs, but then nor am I particularly
As mangatank says, this thread seems to be keeping the whole wheel size debate pretty sensible so I'll chip in here.
For the cost of new frame, forks, wheels and tyres to go 650B for what tiny benefit (if it is a benefit and not just marketing bullsh*t) I reckon you'd be much better off getting something 26", using all your own parts but buying something that'll genuinely make a difference to your riding and that (IMHO) is a dropper seatpost. Even on a XC style bike like an Explosif replacement, it'd be worth it. I've run a Joplin and a Reverb on my mail trail bike now for about 3 years and they've transformed the way I ride. I reckon I really use the dropper as often as my gears.
So there, new frame and a dropper = much more real life difference than a frame, forks and wheels you're notice barely any difference with*
in my opinion
Brand new 650b Pace frame out 853 tubeset
A dropper post - something I hadn't even considered on an XC rig.
I can ride the majority of things with my saddle at full height, maybe I have a blatant disregard for my testicles!
Dropper is going to be my first purchase on my new (to me) 26" frame. I never even considered it on my old frame as it was 27.2 and too few options. Now I have 30.9 I'm going for a reverb.
Unless the trail gets really steep and rocky I never drop my post as I keep it at the height where I can just get over the back if needs must. The thing that appeals to me about a dropper is the ability to ride with the saddle at the right height for efficient pedaling (ie higher than I normally run it) - should make the climbs a bit easier. In my uneducated opinion it's the top inch or so that a dropper will help the most with.