Just wondering if there would be much point swapping as apart from "next best thing" syndrome will there really be that much difference between the two. Are the Alpine frames that much lighter?
yes the alpine is loads better, bit lighter i think 😕 felt it and 'feels' so much better too. Had a 66 with custom build, tuned fox front and rear and still prefer the 160 s i've ridden.
20" frame in either will be crap though unless your a man mountain, I'm 6'3" so not that small, to give an idea 😛
You on a 20" Loco?
According to MBR the Alpine feels as capable yet is a fair bit lighter.
I've ridden a Pat as an all day bike (36 talas and lightish build, XT, triple etc - 32lb) and it just felt too slack in the seat to be comfortable past 20 miles - the Talas was essential. It was rideable and I ended up doing 40 miles in the end - but it was a slog by the end.
I think the Alpine is more suited to being an all day up and down bike - if you're just after a mainly DH/play bike, stick with the Pat...
I do ride the Patriot as an "all day bike" as well as downhill and Alps and don't complain that much. I am 5 10 and ride a 16' patriot but would both the 16 and 18 Alpine fit?
used to be on a 20" 66 it was ok for 'riding around' but a bit crap on twisty stuff as had the turning circle of a supertanker. Very stable a high speed due to the HGV length wheelbase.
It's gone now to pay for my business.
I'm 5'10" and ride an 18" Alpine.
But you know that, don't you 😉
5'11" and 18" Alpine here. Used for Alps guiding - everything from all-day epic singletrack rides to DH.
I'm 5'10" and ride a 16". Feels perfect for me and is that bit easier to throw around on jumps etc.
Also feels very light for such a burly bike 🙂
Thanks for the replies.
Geometry on the 2 can be very similar .
Compared my 66 with my mates Alpine. I had mine with a shorter shock and set up fairly slack / low. head angle was almost identical and alpine a hair lower in the BB.
I'd be surprised if there was much real world difference in ride.