I thought I'd found my new bike...27.5 with 150mm travel...except I'm not an extreme rider...I'm now thinking 150mm is too much for an all day bike that is very unlikely to see much air or jumps, etc. I'm hoping I get out often enough to start riding harder (lack of practice more than anything), but I'm not that bothered about extreme stuff...so what are people's thoughts on an all day trail bike travel running 27.5 wheels?
I still like that bike but I'm thinking it is too much travel...
I've found that it's more about weight and geometry than actual travel.
If you've achieved the numbers you're looking for and it happens to be a 150mm travel bike then I wouldn't worry too much unless you're going to spend hours on fire road climbs and it's a particularly active suspension design.
The travel is only part of the equation, i've ridden a 140mm FS (Giant Trance) that felt every inch the perfect trail bike and then a 140mm FS (Saracen Ariel) that felt like a mini-DH bike....angles, BB height, wheelbase etc have easily as much bearing on how the bike will fare as a decent trail bike.
What bike is it out of interest?
I'm of the same mind at the moment Dick. Looking to change my Covert, which I love by the way, to a Scout for greater pedal efficiency. Shorter travel with similar head angle. Thinking my confidence on the steep and warp speed runs comes from the geometry rather than the 160mm travel in the fork.
Transition Scout
Kona Process 134
Nukeproof Mega TR
Santa Cruz 5010 / Bantam
All bloody perfect for UK gadding about I reckon.
Bird Aeris 1
I wen't through the same a few months back and ended up with a Trance, I wanted a trail bike first and foremost, I have a dh bike and a 4x hardtail so wanted something in between to replace my Mega TR.
I tested a number of bikes bikes in the 130-160mm range (Nomad/Bronson, Aeris, Reign, 5ive/Alpine). If I could only have one bike it would be the reign and two sets of wheels, value is good, pedals well, frame is light. But, for the intended purpose, it felt a bit too long/slack, so I test rode a Trance. Tt wasn't orginally on my list, but with a Pike on the front, its for me the perfect trail bike.
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Soul 275?
I have a brand new Santa cruz solo frame for sale..matt black if you are interested?
I've got my eye on the Bird Aeris...it'll replace my 146...however whilst pondering I got stuck on whether or not 150mm was too much travel...and thought I sound out the hive.
At least with the Bird, you get the option of 140 or 150mm.