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Yeah I wouldn't say it is a bike park tool, its a steep rooty rocky descender.
Just had an email back from Privateer about size small builds. Apparently they don't do them which is a shame. It's always cheaper to buy a complete bike than buy up the bits and the complete build is cheap for what it is. Oh dear. One disappointed kid.
Hi Ian,
Thanks for your enquiry and your interest in the Privateer.We only supply the P1 as a frame with shock, we just cannot get the forks etc in the small qtys we need for the P1. If you decide to proceed we will offer a 15% discount on a wheelset to go with the frame.
I hope this answers your questions, if you need any further information please get back to us.
Regards
John
Privateer frame and second hand for a load of the parts? 15% of a wheel set isn't a bad place to start
The new Vitus Sommet has a cracking spec and would be a bit lighter for your lass, might be worth a look (not sure if/when in stock obvs).
We often do 25/30k rides which incorporate steepest and wildist trails, but there is a lot of ‘trail riding’ in between, I mean is it bad or just overbiked? For me overbiked is irrelevant, but if there is anything actually negative about it then that would be good to know.
I think we're at (or at least approaching) a fairly mature point in bike geometry where there are no right or wrong bikes but every one is a compromise of angles and lengths.
A steeper seat tube makes it easier to pedal up steep stuff, but probably makes it worse / less comfy on long flatter rides. So if your riding is mostly either up or down steep trails (with very little flat riding) then the Privateer geo is probably decent.
Of course there are downsides of having a big bike with big bike angles when you don't need it. Without being patronising, that's part of what being 'over-biked' means! It'll be heavier and less agile on flatter trails, more of a lump to haul up gentle, long climbs and probably less comfortable to ride for long periods. Does your daughter want to be fast over the entire 30k ride, or just fast on the 2 minute steep sections?
I would guess that a steeper seat tube is less important for 'winch & plummet' if your winching is all done on fire-roads. On my bike I often find myself perched on the front of a seat rammed all the way forward in its rails when I'm riding techy climbs. My riding is almost always either up or down something relatively steep (very little flat) so I would probably benefit from a seat that's further forwards.
Ultimately though, seat tube angle is just one facet of a bike's geometry and I wouldn't obsess about it if the rest of the bike looks decent.
I think we’re at (or at least approaching) a fairly mature point in bike geometry where there are no right or wrong bikes but every one is a compromise of angles and lengths
I agree with this, I've gone from hardtail, trail bike to enduro bike and now LLS because the bikes couldnt really handle the more technical or speedy trails that I wanted to ride in the way I want to ride as my taste for riding has developed.
But each jump up the line meant you left something behind, I used to love riding the hardtail and trail bike around the local trail centre, I then found the off piste and non trail centre riding and the bikes couldnt handle it the way I wanted to ride, I moved bike to handle these trails but then found the bike didnt handle the trail centre as well, its all a compromise at the end of the day.
Vitus sommet a good shout, similar geometry other than seat tube. Same price for v similar build spec.
https://geometrygeeks.bike/compare/privateer-161-2019-p1,vitus-sommet-27-2021-s/
mashr
Privateer frame and second hand for a load of the parts? 15% of a wheel set isn’t a bad place to start
Its not the same as a new bike though.
Its not the same as a new bike though.
You can’t buy father-daughter quality bike building time though 😉
True.
You can’t buy father-daughter quality bike building time though
Yeah, she’ll get to learn new swear words and everything🤣
Yeah, she’ll get to learn new swear words and everything🤣
At no point did I suggest it would be an entirely positive experience 😀
She's nearly 14. I learn my profanity from her.
An Enduro bike being focused on Enduro riding isn’t really a shocker is it?
It definitely says “all rounder’ in the Singletrack review .... didn’t know that meant Enduro these days. Thanks for bringing me up to speed .
Relying on reviews often isn’t the best place to start. Privateer say this “ Privateer bikes was founded on the idea of creating a bike that fits the needs and demands of it’s namesake. Progressive race-ready geometry combined with rider focused features, ensures the 161 can handle seasons worth of abuse”. Not a hint of compromise there really
Actually this bit is probably better: “ Developed with Top 20 EWS rider Matt Stuttard and the Enduro World Series in mind - The 161 features progressive geometry to descend as fast as possible, whilst reducing fatigue with a low effort climbing position. By reducing upper body stress on steep transitions, readiness and speed will increase during the timed stages.”
So the 161 is a 148 boost frame with 53mm chainline can you just buy the Hunt enduro wide 148 boost wheels with a HG freehub and fit any 8/9/10/11 (and possibly some 12) speed cassettes?
Or is it better to go Microspline or Sram XD? Not bothered about 12 speed but there are not too many boost cranks (in 165mm for daughter) that are not 12 speed...
Basically help me spec her drivetrain!
Yep, it's a 148mm boost frame.
I'd probably go with 12 speed microspline for forwards compatibility- it's a new standard which hopefully won't be replaced in the near future.
That said, you can get deore 10 and 11 speed with wide range cassettes now which might help the budget a bit. You could pair a m5120 mech with wide range m5100 11 speed cassette and some m7000 slx cranks with 53mm chainline. I'm making the assumption that despite all the covid disruption that this is all available... but it could be a way into a solid, dependable and affordable way into boost widerange 11 speed.
I have 12 speed slx on my 161, it's o.k - the shifting under load is amazing but I don't think the derailleur is as solid as the 11 speed options, and they seem more sensitive to maladjustment and mud too.
I have a 4 year old xt 11 speed system that is going strong, i will be gutted when it dies, so I might hunt for bargains. Thanks for the advice.
Is it ok to get a slx 12 speed single crank and chainring and run 11 speed chain? will it still retain? Ie mix 12 speex crank with 11 speed chain/mech/deraillur?
Thread revive! How are people finding them?
I know everything is a compromise. The vast vast majority of my riding is winch and plummet on rough techy scottish naturals but sometimes I throw in the odd normal 'trail ride' or biger mountain day on tamer descents and can't afford two bikes.
Too much of a compromise? as long as its not awful thats ok for me
cheers
My daughter is getting on very well with her P1 161. I was struggling to keep up before, now she is long gone. Apparently its super long, stable, corners like its on rails, and so far I have not been called upon to fix anything...
Whats the biggest water bottle people ar fitting in these frames?
specifically P3, 161
cheers
I've just ordered a black P2 Frame/shock//fork deal. Can't wait! There were heaps of them at the Naughty this weekend. Seemed like they were going well.
Keep going back and looking at frames on their website. The 141 ticks every box on the check list!
im struggling with the crankset on my 141. needs 2 spacers behind the driver side BB otherwise both the crank arm and the chainring fould the chainstays. im pretty sure this is throwing out the chainline giving me noisy transmission. i must be doing something wrong but cannot fathom wtf it is!?
its a raceface aeffect boost crankset.
How is everyone else getting on with their bikes?
My daughter (14) loves her 161 still, which believe me is a miracle if you know anything about how fickle 14 year olds are. She has started doing some of the steeper more gnarly surrey hills stuff that gives me pause. The bike seems to give her a lot of confidence. Still reliable so far.
Anyone between p3 and p4 bought a p4 and regretted getting the bigger size?
I’m 6’2 foot could go for either
Cheers
James
I'm 5'10 and felt very much on the correct size on my mates P3 (he is 5'9). I think you would feel massively cramped seated on the P3 (generous reach but the seat tube angle cramps you up for pedalling), reach is bang on for me on the P3 so i think at 6'2 the P4 would be the better option. .
nice to see this thread still going!
Thanks steve, think I need to try one or at least something similar because the geo is a long way from my 2016 Capra
Noticed matt stutard and matt Simmonds are both 6’2 and ride a p3 but sebb Stott whose 6’3 is writing rave reviews about his p4
Any other real life feedback from riders my height would be greatly appreciated
James
My daughter is 150cm on a P1, I think the length ratio etc is probs simialr to 6'2" on a P4, she likes the room and stability and seems to be fine with corners. Lots of standover (when she is on the pedals).
Well my P2 in the new colour turned up a couple of days ago. Really good looking bike! Unfortunately arrived with a bent mech and brakes that needed bled. Hunt/Privateer couldn't have been better and paid the bill from my LBS to sort. Currently getting invisiframed, then I need to cut down the bars, put the tyre inserts in and I'll be good to go. Golfie on Sat and uplift Sunday to get a feel for it. Quite a different proposition to the Murmur!
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That's a very handsome bike Mandy.
Are you keeping your Murmur as a trail bike and this for enduro/uplift stuff?
Exactly that. I have dropped the fork on the Murmur to 140, taken out the inserts, put on lighter, faster rolling tyres and...gulp.....clips. I've been using it for my after work night rides where I am trying to pedal a lot harder on the ups. Typically, having bought this new bike, I am now enjoying the Murmur more than ever. I actually think the Murmur might have been better this way all along.
Very much looking forward to getting out on the new bike though.
then I need to cut down the bars
I'd wait until you've ridden it.
They're 800s! Way way to big. 760 is about right. I'm only 170cm.
Hi
Of you long term users are you having any issues?
Warrantied problems? Bearing wear? Problems changing bearings?
I’ve got a deposit on a frame for April, just want to make sure there aren’t any concerns before paying up
Cheers
James
I've done about 600km on mine since November. No problems with frame of any kind. No play in any bearings at all. The only issues I had:
Gears were all over the show when it arrived and needed indexed
Brakes needed bled
Downtube and CS protection was peeling
Privateer have sent a new protection kit. I've ditched the Codes. I bled them several times including trips to 2 different shops and no matter what, after a couple of rides they would pull to bar.
Overall it's been a superb bike. Great to ride, very very quiet and so far reliable.
Some things that are slightly sub-optimal / minor gripes:
There are cable guides around bb area, cables have worn through paint already
It doesn't come with a bashguard, minor but still
It doesn't come with torque caps. Given that they make the wheels as well, I thought this was a bit stingy
Still though, for the money it's an incredible spec / bike. Good enough that I am selling my Murmur.
I'm coming up to a year on my 161. 2500km in and no issues at all (apart from the headset it came with being crap).
It's the time of year when i usually be stripping the bike and changing the bearings but there is zero play anywhere so i'm not going to bother.
I bought frame only so can't speak for any of the parts the full bike comes with (and i changed the shock).
I'm hard on bikes so impressed so far with how it's held up. It's a weighty number but really fast if you push it.
I was looking at a 161 but delivery in Aug has put me right off.
Think that's just a bike industry thing tbh. Stock is horrendous.
Encouraging to read they hold up well to use/abuse. Had my 141 for about a month now and love it, Heavy by modern standards but doesnt feel it when climbing, and mega planted on the descents. Looks mint too!
The wait does seem to be the norm, but way longer than I'll tolerate.
So I'm going to do the sensible thing and persuade the wife I need a Hope 916 frame.
Still waiting for the 121 to make an appearance.
Still waiting for the 121 to make an appearance.
I'm waiting for the 181 😀
I suggested it a while ago and they said they'd been playing around, but I dunno if anything will emerge.
Re-visit
What is the update from all the owners.
I would like a long(er) travel bike for Morzine ( or other such trips). I am a long way from being a great rider - but I am chunky - and want something stable ish.
Would a Specialized Status be a more sensible buy?
Would a Specialized Status be a more sensible buy?
Status has super-duper-mega short rear end which might make it more "lively" than stable. A 161 would be ideal I reckon. Mine was amazing in the chunk at Finale and still manages the really tight stuff where I live. I've run mine as a mullet for the last few months too. Has been very reliable so far. Was totally faultless doing 11 days of riding in Finale.