[Closed] Like a full sus Solaris but not a flaremax

Can you buy a YT Izzo frame only?

Or a Sonder Cortex

Depending on your hubs you ought to be able to buy a boost adapter

135/142 rear

modern geometry

I strongly suspect you'll have to pick one or the other. A 29er full sus frame with modern geometry is very unlikely not to be boost.

New ones like the Transition Spur, Yeti SB100/115, Specialized Epic/Evo - all boost but available frame only? Although all scary pricing in my book...

I think you should just buy the Flaremax because it's what you really want and get a water bottle with a filter. You'll get used to the taste of Peat.

You'll probably have to give in and go boost rear, IMO.

But you could consider an older Transition Smuggler.

Or are you implying you want a full-sus bike that takes two bottle cages as well?

In which case, I'm calling troll.

😉

I came to suggest Swarf Contour - but you've been there already... I don't own one but I'd like to.

Not loads of options for a LLS 120mm bike in an XL. Not sure what your issue is with the bottle mount on the FlareMax.
Transition spur is good option, but short chainstays.
Nukeproof Reactor is more travel.
Santa Cruz Tallboy is weird shape in big sizes, and not v light, but might be ok for you.
Norco Optic is hard to find frame only in UK.
Bird have teased an eather 9 model, but that might be too close to what you already have.

I'm assuming hub size requirement is a typo.

I quite like the new Specialized Epic Evo

I did consider the cortex and again not written it off but the recent thread and I’ll be honest the aesthetics are turning me off a bit

@kelvin I think you’re right as the boost seems to have been part of the driving force in the new designs. I don’t mind ‘fake boosting’ the rear but it is the worst of all options none of the hub/wheelbenefits as far as I’m aware

@cha****ng I see your point lol, however something with a more unobstructed frame area there might be scope for either larger bottles or even a second mount using something like the two fish style mounts.

the flare Max is really nice, I’ve nearly pushed the button before. I just think top tube water bottles are naff (shallow alert) I missed a xl mk2 recently which I’m a bit annoyed at myself for

Merino

none of the hub/wheelbenefits as far as I’m aware

There aren't any really anyway. [ I am not an engineer ]

I'd knock "non-boost" off your list of criteria anyway, or you'll get nowhere.

@kelvin it certainly wouldn’t stop me just adds to the cost in the future.

It might be pertinent to ask how you'd like the bike to ride?

Do you prioritise pedaling over downhill plushness? Is weight a big concern?

Reason I ask is that while the FlareMAX is a great bike, it will feel quite heavy and even sluggish when coming from a Mk1 Solaris. It's a bike that punches above its weight, not below it, IYKWIM.

I went from the recent SolarisMAX to an Orange Stage 4 because I was keen to keep a lively feel on the pedals - and it was the right choice for me. Not for you though, as it doesn't have any bottle bosses.

Merino

Bit of a wooly choice there

Great question, honestly I love my Solaris but stiff back has meant hardtail riding it is becoming uncomfortable 20miles in. Essentially I want it to be closer to hardtail than super plush, some give and comfort for medium distance rides locally. South Downs bridleways etc. Weights not an overly high concern as I’m heavy and tall so will never be concerned with that but the build will be lighter.

My bird am9 is amazing but I want to keep that at the burlier end of the scale, the aether 9 has me interested for sure but I suspect it’ll be longer forked than I’d like (still not grounds for dismissal)

@cha****ng your comment re going for a Stage 4 for a lively feel got me pondering. I currently have a Tallboy, which is very good, but missing something for me and I definitely prefer it in plus wheels vs 29. This is partly because it feels more fun and partly because it feels easier to pedal (which I equated to gearing being slightly taller on a 29 wheel). I have therefore recently been thinking of moving to a fun 650b alternative (5010?) but now I’m wondering if it’s VPP robbing me of the fun/urgency that I felt on my old single pivot, rather than needing smaller wheels! Not sure it helps, given I can’t demo anything, but had written off a Stage 4/5 as they’re 29 and I might have to reinstate them to the shortlist

I had a stage 5 prior to the bird and for me I just didn’t get the fizz from it, something was missing. I’ve been a proper fanboy before and learnt a valuable (expensive) lesson on test riding.

135/142 rear

modern geometry

If there are still some knocking around new (or second hand?), Evil Following Mk 1.

Old enough for 142 hubs, revolutionary when it came out, rather middle of the road/neutral now.

HOWEVER - possible issues with the slack actual seat tube on the XL

I've owned a Stage 4 (the one that chakaping owns now), and also ridden a Stage 5 extensively. They are very flighty, and respond to 'stand up and sprint' better than most other suspension frames - the drawback being they are not 'plush' and super active. Great fun to ride.

I now own a Hightower v2 - and was drawn between that, and the Tallboy v4.

For the OP = I#d suggest the Alloy tallboy is a great buy - they are cheaper than an Orange, great geo, great warranty and build quality, and more 'poppy' than the Hightower. Given your other bike - I'd suggest its a good option.

I really, really didnt want a Santa Cruz when I was looking due to perceived 'image' however I actually realised they are popular because they are really, really good, and the alloy frames are very overlooked, being comparable in price, or cheaper in many cases, than the competition, whilst still getting nearly all the benefits.