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Aaaagh bewildered by and drowning in choice.
Currently riding a 456 with 140mm vanillas which I've had about six years. Riding mostly central south natural trails, Queen Elizabeth park plus occasional trips to somewhere lumpier. Most rides at the moment are around two hours as I tend to ride midweek before or after work, next year some day riding will be back on the cards. I can get up and down all I need to on the on one.
Looked at a Spec Enduro Comp 650 yesterday 2015 model which discounted looked great value but I am wavering on that because I think it might just be a bit big for all round use/ my talent.
Other types of things I keep thinking about...
Stooge - super simple, great looking steel bike but my concerns are lack of suspension long term and I might find myself wanting an Fs for rougher stuff with brownie points now used up...there won't be another new bike for 3-4 years and probably longer.
FS XC bike probably in 29r shape - I am 100kg kitted up so maybe a bit noodly / fragile
FS Mid travel bike - like a Stumpy in one or other wheel size. Looking quote appealing from a general riding point of view
I will keep the on one going while I can get decent tyres (although based on yesterday's shopping that's getting tricky locally - if you want proper ust stuff for xc/trail use)
Any helpful and unhelpful comments appreciated especially if you have been similarly indecisive and budget around 2k.
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Have you tried a 29er? A mid travel one could be perfect for you, but only if you like the big wheels.
Otherwise there seem to be loads of good mid travel 650b bikes at around 2k now.
Forget wheel size to start with, ignore it.
HT to FS is different so your first one will generally always feel great on day 1. Find some things you can try, that is the best way to work out how big you can handle.
Check these out ... and the 29er version. Fantastically well specced bike and well reviewed.
I've got the 29er version.
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-slide-27.5-9.0-238581/wg_id-7247
Stooge is a great ride if it's what you want, but you have to be sure rigid is right for you. I have one but find rigid hard work so it's reserved for the winter slop. Many others will disagree.
Stooge plus a set of bouncy 120mm forks .
Must be really tricky if you're considering everything from a Stooge to an Enduro!
What are you looking for in comparison to your current 456?
F@&k the budget spend at least 4 grand, ride it twice down towpaths in the summer! let it collect dust in your garage for a least a year or two, before you sell it on for a third of it's value in almost mint condition. Bikes are like good cheese errrr fine wine.........well can be a fine second hand purchase anyway.
STW should encourage maximum spendage for potential future second hand swoopage 😉
Stooge plus a set of bouncy 120mm forks
I've yet to try this on mine. Any good?
Stooge plus a set of bouncy 120mm forks .
It's not easy to find 1.125" 29er forks nowadays, especially with steerer long enough for the Stooge.
& I recall 100mm being the right lengh, but no doubt Mr Stooge could advise.
It's not easy to find 1.125" 29er forks nowadays, especially with steerer long enough for the Stooge.& I recall 100mm being the right lengh, but no doubt Mr Stooge could advise.
I got a set of X-Fusion 120mm Trace from CRC sale for this very purpose - not fitted yet though.
**** the budget spend at least 4 grand, ride it twice down towpaths in the summer! let it collect dust in your garage for a least a year or two, before you sell it on for a third of it's value in almost mint condition. Bikes are like good cheese errrr fine wine.........well can be a fine second hand purchase anyway.
STW should encourage maximum spendage for potential future second hand swoopage
In a word no. Whatever I buy I plan to ride.
Thanks all for the thoughts.
I have had an FS bike before but stopped riding it because it never really fitted, was ok going down but miserable if I had to pedal - that was an 04 Enduro.
I don't really "need" something new just a hankering to update and have a change really. The 456 is one of the best fitting bikes I have owned and has been a great all round bike for what I do. I probably don't want something too similar otherwise there's no point really!
It is possibly a grass is greener/ blatant consumerism moment as I have an opportunity to spend relatively guilt free but having been for a ride today I am convinced the enduro will be wasted on me for 99% of the time.
I sense prevarication may ensue for months to come...
It's not easy to find 1.125" 29er forks nowadays, especially with steerer long enough for the Stooge.& I recall 100mm being the right lengh, but no doubt Mr Stooge could advise.
Hi All. as far as i know you can still buy new Rebas in 100 or 120 with 1 1/8 steerer. The geometry would pretty much stay the same with 100mm, though Taz fitted a set of 120s to his and had very good things to say about what a mental hooner it became. worth noting though, the downtube is not designed to accept a fork and the the adjusters will strike the downtube unless you use a deep bottom cup the likes of which On One used to make.
There will be a suspension corrected frame in due course, slacker head angle, longer top tube, B+ or 29, fatter pipes. It'll be a hooligan version of a Stooge for those that want, though it will be 9 months away at the very least.
The beauty of a rigid bike is that it never lets you down, and once you've got the set up/riding position dialled with a substantial front tyre it becomes quite eye opening how much you no longer feel the need for suspension. It's a completely different riding style but once you've got it down there's no going back. That and the genuine sense of achievement and satisfaction as your riding progresses. My analogy is modern suspension bike = modern Audi with stability control and all the gizmos, rigid bike = old sports car that's likely to throw you off the road if you're not careful but is an absolute blast once you've learnt how to drive it.