[Closed] Pipedream or Stanton or Bird or Cotic or something else?

Would have though Bfe or Slackline would be up your street in terms of robustness. Bfe is cheaper than Soul, too.

Inbred? Bomb proof, good geometry, 29 can take a 140 fork. I have a Slide on mine, which is 120 travel but the stanchion length is 140 and it steers like its on rails.

I was wondering whether 650 wheels might be preferable though? I've ridden a couple of 29ers and quite liked the way they roll along, although found them a little more awkward on very twisty stuff than my bike, so thought that might be a middle ground.

What about the Bird then? Appreciate it's not steel, but I struggle to see how I could build up any of the others with the same spec for that price.

Price As Specified Below £1,275.00
Weight 12.0kg / 26.4lbs (Medium frame, no pedals, 1x10)
Equipment Model Year 2014
Frame Warranty Bird Lifetime Transferrable (Please see here for further information)
Frame Bird Zero 6061 T6 Aluminium
Forks X-Fusion Velvet RL2 130mm, tapered, 15mm x-loc axle
Headset Cane Creek 40 series, tapered, low stack semi-integrated, ZS44:ZS56
Rear Axle Shimano AX65 eThru 142/12mm
Wheelset RaceFace Turbine 27.5, tubeless
Front Tyre Maxxis High Roller 2.3, EXO TR dual compound, folding
Rear Tyre Maxxis Ardent 2.25, EXO TR dual compound, folding
1x10 Option: Chainset RaceFace Evolve with choice of Narrow Wide rings
1x10 Option: Bottom Bracket RaceFace XC 73mm threaded
1x10 Option: Rear Mech Shimano Zee Shadow+ FR
2x10 Option: Chainset Shimano SLX 38/24
2x10 Option: Bottom Bracket Shimano XTR BB93B 73mm threaded
2x10 Option: Rear Mech Shimano XLS Shadow+ SGS
2x10 Option: Front Mech Shimano SLX direct mount, top pull only
Gear Shifter(s) Shimano SLX iSpec B
Cassette Shimano XT 11-36
Chain Shimano HG75 10 speed
Front Brake Shimano SLX
Front Disc Hayes Lightweight 180mm
Rear Brake Shimano SLX
Rear Disc Hayes Lightweight 160mm
Handlebar RaceFace Evolve, black
Grips RaceFace Half Nelson or Charge Griddle
Stem RaceFace Evolve, black
Seat Post RaceFace Ride 31.6 Ø
Seat Clamp Hope QR 34.9 Ø black
Saddle (Mens) Charge Spoon, black/black
Saddle (Womens) Charge Ladle, black
Pedals None Supplied

I am a big lad in the same weight zone as yourself, had a soul, found it too flexy, have a pipedream sirus, like the ability too swap to single speed and the seat stays are bigger than the soul so is noticeabley stiffer, but it was a tad small for me. Just built up a SC highball which is fantastic, and what I would recommend.
If you want a green 19" sirus, I may be able to do a deal on my frame.

ps I have also had a inbred 456, worst bike ever, BB area flexed all over the place when pedalling, defiantly not recommended for the larger gentleman.

29 Inbred can take a 140 fork?

I think 19" would be too big for me - 5'9.5" - but thanks for the offer.

If the highball is good for a heavier rider then the zero would be right up your street.... If you look carefully at the Highball you'll find that there's plenty of commonality between the tubesets/manufacturing 8). The Zero is built tougher and a little slacker though for a really engaging, fun ride.

2nd hand dialled alpine mk 2?

18" frame, coil lyrics. 26" wheels but could be sold with 2.4 Chunky Monkeys which will be similar to 650b

for sale just up the road from you 😉

That's a kind offer mango, but alas, I have just ordered the Bird, so I must decline 🙁

The build kits on those Bird's look superb. Really well thought out and amazing value.
It's also been a useful reference for weights!

I'm just swapping the forks for Sweeps, but otherwise I didn't see how I could build up any of the others for anywhere near the same outlay.