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I have recently just bought a used Gary fisher rig 29er to try this "big wheel" thing. Totally loving it... So much so that i'm now wanting to replace my Pace rc305 hardtail with a 29er.
So the questions is, which frame do i buy? Have read some posts recently about the Mythic Paradox, which does look nice, but i do like the look of the Chumba HX2. Any information from riders of these frames would be appreciated. Doesn't seem to be many reviews of either of these about.
Anyone tried Manitou Tower Pro 29er Forks? or would i be better spending another £100 and getting a set of Reba's?
Thanks Jim
Here's a good starting point...
[url] http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/paradox-yelli-screamy-similar-29er-hardtails [/url]
Both forks are good; get bolt through though.
I've got an hx1 and its very nice. Lovely finish and welds. Although it's not a direct comparison! If you are in the reading / Oxford area youbare more than welcome to take it for a spin (it's a small). Don't get to ride it much!
With regard to the fork conundrum there have been a couple of recent threads
[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/29er-forks-1 ]http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/29er-forks-1[/url]
and
[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/29er-suspension-forks ]http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/29er-suspension-forks[/url]
Looks like trying to find a suitable fork is going to be more difficult than deciding which frame to buy... 😯
One of my mates (who is on STW) owns a HX2 which is equiped with a set of Manitou Minute 29er forks (these are the same as the Tower forks - they just renamed them).
I know he's been very pleased with both the bike & the forks - he certainly isn't wishing he bought reba's. He's certainly alot faster on it.
The only issue I'm aware that he had was getting hold of a firmer spring than the stock one (they do soft, medium (which you get as standard), firm and extra firm). It took him a couple of months to get the correct one & had to speak to Manitou in the US, who shipped him a 'special one off' firm & extra firm.
cycl1ngjb, how heavy is your mate? Don't know if i would get away with the standard spring, 168 lbs..?
Winstanley are doing Manitou Towers for £299 but are showing none in stock at the moment..
No Si yet?!
I started the thread Clink linked too. It sounds like we're looking for the similar bikes.
Until I found out that the Yelli Sceeamy wont be available for a while I was all set on that with the tapered Rebas from On-One. I'd be happy with the Paradox but the lack of 1 1/8 steerer forks for it is a real problem.
The popularity is of 29er is really taking off here now so I may wait for a few months for the 2012 stuff to arrive, hopefully giving more choice.
He weighs in at 16st, which assuming I've worked it out correctly comes in at 224lbs. I can't remember if he fitted the firm or extra firm spring in the end - I can ask him tomorrow if you like. Basically once Manitou had agreed to send out the spring from the US he didn't want to chance getting the wrong one so bought both.
Here it is....
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/another-chumba-hx2-build
Obviously the forks have been swapped since the original build
I've been riding a Paradox with Minutes (Towers for 2011) for 15 mths now.
I'm 6'5" tall & weigh about 300lb so run an x-firm spring which was fitted by TFT when i sent it away for a service.
The Minutes i run are 100mm and i must say that it is by far the best bike i have ever thrown my leg over.
Its stable at both high & low speed, nimble thanks to the shorter chainstays & i feel that running the 100mm forks rather than the 120mm makes it better in tight twisty stuff.
Its got good tyre clearance for 2.25 Ardents and I'm using a 2x10 set up which works really well.
I've done everything i want to on it from enduro racing to playing on jumps/drops in the woods. It really can handle everything.
The back end is not at all harsh despite the box section rear triangle with a nice solid section on metal (not tubing) behind the crank so no issues if you do get a bit of chain suck due to work chain rings.
There are i hear a few longer travel 29er's coming our way next year with slacker head angles etc and taking upto 140/150mm forks but for an all round do it all hardtail the Paradox would be my first choice.
I did look at the Chumba before getting the Paradox but not being able to throw my leg over one or even see one in the flesh before buying swung it.
If you live want to travel to the Brighton/Worthing area you're welcome to have a go.
Also have a look on www.mtbr.com as they love them in the states 😉
forgot to mention that having used the Minutes for over 2 year in total now there is no way i would spend upwards of £450 on a set of Rebas/Fox's.
Manitou are replacing the slightly fiddly 20mm bolt through option currently on their forks with a 15mm quick lock system similar to that found on the Fox's & there will be a retro fit kit for anyone currently runniong 20mm both through which is essential for a bike like the Paradox IMO.
No Si yet?!
What can I say? Both nice frames.
Where are you based, you are welcome to come and have a look at a new hx2?
Just to update - my mate fitted the extra firm spring in the end.
Here's my HX2.
The forks aren't bent ( I really must take a better photo of it)
[img] 
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I'm loving mine, I've picked up an Alfine for the back and am loving running round on it.
The forks aren't bent
You sure? 😯
Yeah, the bike was turning away as I took the photo and it looks quite wrong, I also had too much negative pressure in the legs at the time too.
wrong thread!
Here it is now with Alfine and Brooks B17 Pro
[img] 
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