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Tyres and wheels are beginning to dry up so thoughts turn to what next. If more of the same, the Orange Alpine 6 is the obvious choice, but what else is there in this category?
Riding is local DH trails in wood/slate mines. Also partial to trail centres so wouldn't want to be dragging more weight. That said, I'm totally happy with the weight of the 160. I'm allergic to maintenance so any bike that requires pivot bearings to be bathed weekly in avocado oil isn't much use.
Thoughts?
[url= https://www.orangebikes.co.uk/bikes/stage-6-factory ]Stage 6?[/url]
Santa Cruz.
Going by prices on orange stand at ard rock, much of a muchness pricewise, and free bearings for life.
Just out of interest, which tyres and wheels are you having trouble getting hold of? I only ask as I'm still rocking a 26" Five and there doesn't seem to be any problem getting bits for that, but maybe things are drying up more quickly at the harder hitting end of the market.
A chap I ride with was in a similar situation but with a Five and bought a Stage 5. Another guy who used to have an Alpine is keen on a Stage 6 but wants to try a few more 29ers before making a final decision. If you’re happy with the weight of the Alpine then maybe something like a Cotic Rocket or RocketMax would be worth a look? Should be similar in weight I would think.
As long as I can get rims and tyres (Maxxis DHR or something very similar) I'll keep my 26" stuff.
saxabar - MemberTyres and wheels are beginning to dry up so thoughts turn to what next.
lies
Have been looking at Santa Cruz. The free bearings offer sounds good, but of course you wonder why they need to make that offer. Bronson does look good though while I suspect the newer Nomad might be too far of a step into freeride territory. Would like to demo both though.
Cotic an interesting idea. Will look into potential demos in N.Wales.
On availability, it took a while to source a pair of 2.5 Minions in the flavours I wanted. Yes, I got there in the end, but supply is shrinking. Likewise, looking into a pair of spare wheels today, I see Superstar are reducing 26 provision. No, taps haven't turned off, but hard to disagree with where things are heading.
And there's the 29er question. Loves the look of the Slash a while back, but in the tight twist turny woods though? While I'm sure the greats could ride a Penny Farthing down my trails, is it the best tool for the job? Probably best I try one!
Have been looking at Santa Cruz. The free bearings offer sounds good, but of course you wonder why they need to make that offer
Because it's a huge selling point for people riding in our climate, doesn't cost them much at all, and keeps folks using their lbs/SC keeping dealers happy.
Bronson is an incredibly quick and capable bike.
Previous sc bike have been very easy on bearings as they are very well sealed in comparison to most. The design for cali is just bs. VPP rides very differently to an orange though so it will take some getting used to.
Bronson is a very capable bike and was on my list but budget turned me to the commencal meta.
Though I can still buy the new stans mk3 rims and maxxis (except the newest dh tyre) in 26 easily.
I went from Alpine 160 to Rocket 27.5 (although now sporting 26+ wheels).
On availability, it took a while to source a pair of 2.5 Minions in the flavours I wanted. Yes, I got there in the end...
I think you'll find this is just the current state of affairs with trying to get Maxxis tyres of any size - search here to find all the threads started by 27.5 and 29 riders looking for 2.5 Minions! The distribution has been very bad at predicting demand and slow to respond to stock shortages.