[Closed] Long travel 29er

Currently got a 2020 Trek Slash 8 and really like how it rides. Not as burly to ride as a full on enduro bike, but plenty capable.

The only thing that bugs me is the seat tube is quite long. I've got an XL at 6'2" and can only just squeeze a 150mm dropper in.

Looking to swap the frame for a Propain Tyee CF in a few months though as they look right up my street 🙂

https://www.propain-bikes.com/en/bikes/enduro/tyee-cf/

The Ripmo always gets glowing reviews too. I'm guessing with your riding style, you'll want something quite playful, or are you thinking more of a hard charging beast?

Pivot firebird is amazing but just heard about privateer too

The Privateer looks really good for the money, but it's just too much bike for me, so I've never really considered it.

Nukeproof Mega 290 is well regarded too.

Basically, I think you're spoiled for choice 🙂

Orbea Rallon.

I have zero experience of any other LT 29ers but I have this one and love it 😁

For me, it would be between the V2 Raaw Madonna, the Privateer (ST is a bit too steep personally) or the new Spec Enduro.

I’ve just picked up a 2020 Giant Reign 1 29 after spending 18 months on a 2019 Trek Slash 9.7.

I’m only one ride in so far, but the Reign pedals incredibly well. The steeper seat tube angle really has a noticeable effect when climbing. Descending I’ve got had enough time yet but the Maestro suspension does feel good, at the moment I’d say the Slash’s felt better but I haven’t had enough time to make a fairer comparison.

Commencal Meta AM29 looks a bit of rowdy contender

Can't recommend the AM9 enough. Like I said on the other thread, would still recommend and buy one without question would they a lot more expensive, at the price they go for is no contest

Pivot switchblade is the answer Tony. Clearly you like DW link (and giant's copy of it). Unfortunately the new frame isn't available in aluminium, so they are a bit pricey.
Lucky I got mine on cycle to work scheme.

Fan boi hat on:
Bird. Unbeatable factory support, and you can custom spec it. For those who have the ability they can be built up as fast playful long legged trail bikes, or super enduro bruisers.

Pivot looks gorgeous though

Is there much difference between the am9 v2 vs v3 frames? Anybody ridden them to compare?

The V3:
- 20mm shorter seat tube at each size
- rated to the longest 170mm forks available
- stiffer front and rear triangles
- more tyre clearance
- RRR link as standard

I think this is it.
I have a V1 with an air shock, my new V3 with a coil should arrive at any moment, can't wait to build that up. I might do a comparo in a week or so

I would say that one of the best climbing 29er long travel bikes is the new stereo 170. Its less aggressive than the privateer and feels more like a poppy trail bike but can handle most. I have a 161, Norco Optic and a Enduro Expert. The Cube in my riding group climbs better and descends closely to them. Just not as stable through really rough stuff. Suits a smooth rider.

i'm struggling a bit with this. i have a privateer frame reserved for september, but can get a new sentinel for a decent price.

the privateer is great value, but i think i would need another bike for tamer trails and bimbling. so may be more expensive in the long run...!

Commencal Meta AM29 looks a bit of rowdy contender

Agree, looks awesome.

the privateer is great value, but i think i would need another bike for tamer trails and bimbling. so may be more expensive in the long run…!

I sold my Reactor 290 as the 161 just did everything better, climbing better and with a wheel change, local xc as well. The reactor wasn't a bad bike, just found that I was more comfortable on the 161 with the steep seat angle.

yeah i'm still undecided . my heart says firebird but head says privateer

yeah i’m still undecided . my heart says firebird but head says privateer

What does your wallet say? Guessing the equivalent Pivot would be double the price of a Privateer?

pivot are triple the price

Would the Privateer be for riding round the local woods? It's heavy so might be hard graft on the flatter bits of Broxbourne etc.

But if you also have a trail bike, that may not be an issue.

I've got a Radon Swoop 29er myself - similar very good value to the Privateer, slightly less cutting edge geometry but still very long and fairly slack.

Would recommend it, but it also wouldn't be my first choice (or second) for Herts singletrack.

I’m not sure my recommendation is worth much, but I ride an older Bird Aeris 1.5. I have no idea why it feels so good, but i prefer it to the Reign, Blur and Enduro that I’ve owned. It climbs superbly and continually impresses me with its surefootedness on descents.

jedi

yeah i’m still undecided . my heart says firebird but head says privateer

Curious - I don't know you, but having watched and enjoyed many of your videos, I'd kind of associated you with throwing around small, agile, jumpy bikes and riding scary northshore skinnies and the like.

I'm kind of surprised that you'd be attracted to something as long and slack as the Privateer. Why a long travel 29er?

Well, we need a bit more info:
How long of “long travel”?
What sort of price?
What reach do you need/how tall are you?
Are you looking for an all rounder or a mini DH?