Looking at a new hardtail and the Vitus sentier with 27.5 wheels looks good value on wiggle with current extra discount , either skx build for 899 or 10spd desire build at 768, anything else to consider and any owners care to share how they find it?
I had a ride on my mate's the other day.
It's the build with the "low-end" eagle drivetrain, RS Rev forks and a dropper, although I rode it with some of the re-released Bombers on it.
I really liked it. Big volume tyres soak up a lot of high frequency vibrations well: I found myself almost being lulled into a false sense of security and getting the occasional kick in the backside on bigger hits when I'd sort of forgotten it was a hardtail. Geometry is pretty good: he has an XL frame for the reach which was manageable for me at 5'11" although if it were mine I might want a large to be able to get the saddle a bit more out the way. It went downhill on steep stuff really well. Climbs well too, plenty of traction available. I didn't get to go very fast on it but I suspect it's a hoot. I'd like to have one!
Downsides for me were: the brakes (SRAM Guide something-or-other) were a bit lackluster. Possibly could be made better with bigger rotors or some fiddling. Also my mate has had lots of tyre issues on this bike: it seems the 2.6 rubber, while nice (see above) does quite like to tear.