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Hi,
I know these bikes are new out but was hoping someone had either of the above bikes in [b]2016[/b] editions?
Leaning towards the Nukeproof scout as really like the design and geometry, plus I'd be keen to try something different and go with the Manitou forks, not that Pikes are bad!
If you dont have the bikes can anyone comment on the forks
([b]Manitou Mattoc Comp[/b], Dorado Air Spring, 140mm, 27.5", Lime).
My brother has the Orange Crush RS which is £600 more expensive but a great bike, again i want something different though.
5 mins after posting this i've seen the Bird Zero bikes and they look awesome, hopefully get a demo day in!
Thanks
I'm looking at similar bikes and came across [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-sentier-vrx-hardtail-bike-2016/rp-prod135387 ]Vitus Sentier[/url] which is cracking value but I've seen no reviews of them. Might be worth adding to your list
I haven't tried the Zero (I like the look of the TR), but I can definitely vouch for Bird's customer service.
Try one if you can!
Mattoc forks are great, not had any issues with my (pro) versions. Prefer them to the pikes on my other bike.
I might be biased having just bought a Zero AM recently but it's almost all about geometry with hardtails (in my opinion). For mediums, static HA/SA, reach, BB offset:
Nukeproof Scout Comp 2016 - 66/72, 415mm, -35 BB
Commencal HT AM Race 2016 - 65.5/73, ~400mm, -45 BB
Bird Zero TR - 66.2/74, 447mm, -45 BB
Bird Zero AM - 65.4/74, 436mm, -45 BB
(My Zero AM with -2 deg headset and 130mm fork - 64.3/75.4, 445mm, -55 BB)
Orange Crush RS - 66/73, 436mm, -48 BB
Vitus Sentier - 67/74, 424mm, -35 BB
I am absolutely LOVING how my Zero AM rides. The very low BB and long wheelbase makes it so easy to hold in a drift (which is most of the time in the current conditions), the long front centre and slack head angle makes it super confidence inspiring as it gets steeper, rougher or faster, the steep seat angle makes it an incredible climber (subject to passenger's legs/lungs), and the long reach yet short chainstays gives you a lot of leeway in how your bodyweight movements control the bike.
The downsides of the somewhat extreme geometry is it's not exactly relaxed on the flat and you have to have your pedal practices fairly well programmed or you'll be smacking pedals left right and centre. And if you pootle downhill you won't have the front wheel grip, you've got to ride it like you mean it.
Bird's customer service was excellent and the components on the full build are great (though I've taken off the fancy 1x11 bits, wheels and brakes because I didn't need them). I already had the -2 deg headset which they put in for me but they have -0.5/1/1.5 deg headsets as an option when you order. Being able to choose the exact tyres I wanted was nice, and the stem and bars I wanted (I've actually put them on my full-sus because I wanted some huge bars for that), and the exact saddle I wanted (though I'm keeping the Scoop for when my old Spoon dies).
Blah blah blah blah... Here's a pic!
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thanks for comments.
I have booked a demo day next weekend for the Large Zero AM with SRAM gear and x-fusion sweep roughcut forks which am told are perfectly suited to this bike, rather than the pikes but im not going to start an argument about forks as at this kinda level they're all decent.
The matt black looks really nice, just had a neon yellow orange five so looking forward to a different colour.
I was initially tempted by the scout but being from UK am biased towards a UK distributer and customer service / bike setup from new is key. Will let you know when i've tested it.
cheers
Looking at all of these myself for a possible hardtail purchase in the next month or two. Also considering the Ghost Asket...
bird zero AM is nice
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as is the dartmoor hornet
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