[Closed] My First Full Suss Bike

Nerve AM 5.0 is a decent spec, nothing I'd rush to change if I had a limited budget. To be fair any of the models are great value when compared to the equivalent model from most other manufacturers & even the base models are a decent spec, not just a flash rear mech to cover up base kit everywhere else (as is the norm).

Also I would struggle to choice between the Boardman and the Canyons (the AM would be my choice, but I like the slacker HA), so it's down to your personnal taste IMO.

I bought a Nerve AM a few months back. It's my first full-suspension bike. It's flipping brilliant, I love it. 😀

Obviously it goes downhill like a very fast thing, but what surprised me is how good it is at going up. I can get it up technical climbs that I've never cleaned on my hardtail, and it's not a dog to winch it up big long hills either.

Never ridden a Boardman so can't comment, although I do hear that they're excellent bikes too.

Sounds like the Nerve AM would be right up your street, for the riding you describe.

Had a quick look at specs and the 5 is probably the best value IMO, and could easily be upgraded with a better (through axle) fork and wheels at a later date.

thanks for the great advice Guys

Mintimperial can you tell me what size of AM you went for and how tall you are. I currently ride a 18" bike but canyons website is trying to put me on a 16"??

I'm 5'10" and I got an 18".

So here's me all convinced that the AM's right for me then I get this advice direct from Canyon.

[i]Moving from a hardtail to full suspension we would strongly advise you to go for the XC model. This is closer to the feel of a hardtail and will give you a more enjoyable experience.

Now I'm well confused again, can anyone help?? 😯

I don't think their advice has taken into account the riding you are doing.

Have you had a go on a mate's 140mm bike? Might be an idea if you are feeling conflicted.

If I were you I would go out and ride a 100mm FS 140 FS etc etc.

Personally I think 100mm FS is sufficient for anything on the Kirro black. I'm going from 130mm FS to 100mm FS as I find for the type of riding I do, which is mainly natural Yorkshire Moorland, Lake and Peaks + Trail Centre that 130mm was overkill and that I'd prefer the efficiency and more racey feel of a 100mm FS.

Neil,
Don't be confused, there's nothing wrong with what anyone, including Canyon, has told you.
Canyon have only (correctly) said that the XC will be more like your hardtail. They don't know if that is what you are looking for though!

It boils down to what you are intending to ride. You mention Kiri Red/Black for example. If this is the most demanding stuff you're likely to ride then you certainly don't need an AM bike. I rode Kiri Black last week on my 100mm XC hardtail and enjoyed it more on that than I did earlier in the year on a bigger FS.
If however you have aspirations of chucking yourself down some big technical downhills then you might be better served by something burlier with an AM tag on it.
Does that help?

...the XC model ... is closer to the feel of a hardtail

True, I expect.

and will give you a more enjoyable experience

This bit I definitely dispute. 20mm more travel is 14.3% more fun, I worked it out with a calculator and everything. 😉

I went for more travel cos my other bike is a 100mm aluminium hardtail, so if I want to batter myself to death over the local Peak District boulders I can already do that. I wanted something rather different to have fun on, not something similar to what I already had. I also wanted it to be able to go up hills (and I'd look bloody ridiculous on a proper big DH bike) so the AM was the obvious choice.

Obviously it goes downhill like a very fast thing

Cheers for all the advice guys.

Gonna be a few months till i've saved up the pennies so plenty time to mull over my choice

Neil

Think some of the earlier posts might have over estimated my cycling prowes.

At the ripe old age of one week from 42 and whith one small kid and one on the way the Kiri/Black will definately be the limit of my downhill exploits.

It looks like from whats been said that the XC will be more than enough bike for me.

Thanks agin for all your help.

Neil

Winstanleys bikes are selling a 2009 Marin Wolf Ridge 6.8 for £1309.99, down from £2399!

Its a great bike (i bought one) and at 15 kilo only a fraction heavier than your current bike. 140mm travel and really good fun.

don't rule out a specialised camber.......

Funkydunk +1.100-120mm and less weight is what you need.

Neil - ridden my new Anthem X for the first time this weekend.

Its onyl 100mm of travel but just as good as my previous 130mm travel bike if not better, but all the power transfer of a hardtail. Certainly made me realise for the type of riding that I do, local moorland, singletrack, trail centres, lakes etc, that my previous 130mm slightly slack angled bike wasn't really the best choice.

Currently with the sales on its easily as good value as any Canyon. I got mine from Pedalon cycles with £550 off.

Manged to have a quick go on a nerve XC at the weekend and it felt pretty good and the guy absolutely raved about it.

Canyon's new bikes come out in September, so am waitng with bated breath to see which of the 2011 models make it into their clearance section.

Neil