[Closed] Recommend me an XC full sus bike

trek top fuel

Specialized Epic / Epic Evo, possibly the short travel Ghost AMR thingy. There are others I'm sure...

All I can think of at the moment is a Giant Anthem

Perfect 😀

Here it is!
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[url= http://www.ghost-bikes.de/2011/bikes/mtb-fully/marathon/rt-lector/11-rt-lector-5700/ ]Website Link[/url]

Anthem X all the way.

I sadly bid goodbye to mine today but the new owner seemed chuffed to bits. If I could have afforded to keep it as well as the Helius I would have.

It's a really capable bike and can do so much more than just go fast up hills (which it does do superbly).

I think I'm going to genuinely regret selling mine 🙁

Cannondale Rush or Scalpel

Specialized Camber or any if the others mentioned, including an EX8 or 9

I fancy a 120mm full susser also and like the sound of the Camber but I'm not sure about the looks of the thing. Some great deals on 2011 Spesh at freeborn
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£1k!!

[img] ?1291777614[/img]

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surprisingly similar

anthem x without a doubt.

Santa Superlight still worth a look after all these years......

Morewood Zula
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Properly nice bike.

That morewood looks great - not feelin the White and red spesh paint job

anthem

Ta, its looking like the anthem at the moment. Maybe some sort of 2nd hand build. Has the frame changed in anyway over the years? Which is the best year to get? Do they have any issues with them?

I have an Anthem X2 at the moment and like it. Reasonable spec for the money if you can pick up a 2010 end of year deal. I've had a Spesh Epic in the past and liked that too.

The Anthem frame has gradually evolved over the years. I think 2009 is quite similar to 2010. I looked at the 2011 model, but didn't think I'd benefit from the different bottom bracket and tapered steerer tube, so went for the cheaper and better looking (IMHO) 2010 X2.

Issues wise, I haven't heard any bad stories. Mud clearance isn't great (not much room between tyres and seatstay bridge), and the suspension links seem to attract muck.

Before I got mine I looked at the Scott Spark, Spesh Epic, Trek Top Fuel and glanced at the Lapierre X-Control and Cannondale Scalpel.

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Clearance+Section/MTB+Clearance+Section/Clearance+Commencal+Super+4+Frame+2010_C-META4.htm

£400 Commencal Super 4 frame.

Titus X - lovely and light. Looks pretty too.

That commencal is half tempting, my size too. Are they any good though? I thought most commencals tended to crack? I konw my mates dh frame did

Yeti ASR (carbon?)
Pronghorn PR6 (carbon?)
Titus Racer X

Scalpel for tighter budgets or Whyte E120 if a bit more bounce is required.

anthem has won bike of the year a couple of times....

Got a 2010 frame which I built up, absolutely love the thing 🙂 Can't go wrong at all if you decide to get one!

That commencal is half tempting, my size too. Are they any good though? I thought most commencals tended to crack? I konw my mates dh frame did

I have a Meta 4 which is I guess pretty similar to this? I think the cracking frames were the Meta5's in general, and I think mainly one year production on that. mine certainly is fine after a lot of use.

The ride is the best I have found after trying loads of different frames, a real fun bike to ride. The only downside to me is it's a little porky, maybe this one is lighter than mine though. If I didn't have a Meta I'd be looking towards an Anthem X but they're nearly 3 times the price of the one linked.

Pronghorn PR6 (carbon?)

I'm glad I didn't mention it, but now it's out in the open, SO MUCH THIS!

trek top fuel!

My friend has a Super 4. He's one of those people who somehow manages to break loads more bike bits than anyone else, despite not seeming to ride much and not jumping or anything - anyway, he hasn't broken the frame yet.

It's a bit heavier than he'd like for XC racing, but he likes how it handles and he's managed OK when he's come out with us in Lakes.

As my missus tells me, I'm a Specialized lover 🙂 I have an Epic expert+Stumpy FSR (frame bought separately) in my garage. Out of the 2 I much prefer the Stumpy for all round riding, its also no different in weight (if anything its lighter@ 27 1/2lb). Buy a 2nd hand frame and build it up yourself.

I've had a few friends Commencal's bend out of alignment. As far as I'm aware the problems were sorted for 2010. For additional reassurance, they were all treated brilliantly by Commencal, new (2010) frames all round.

I think the Super 4 is a little slacker than you'd expect of an XC race bike, it's the sort of thing I'd consider if I wanted a fun bike that was a bit more comfortable than a hardtail, but not a skill-compensator. It's a bit of a racebike for someone that doesn't race competitively and wants to be able to have a bit of fun on rides with.

I haven't ridden one, or any of the others mentioned, but I like the concept of 4" non-race bikes like this.

http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain_full_suspension/top_fuel/topfuel99ssl/

jeeeesus!

By god that's one fugly bike!

merida 96.

Anthem (X). It's a rocket with wheels. I wish I had one. See Pauls Cycles
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I think the Super 4 is a little slacker than you'd expect of an XC race bike, it's the sort of thing I'd consider if I wanted a fun bike that was a bit more comfortable than a hardtail, but not a skill-compensator. It's a bit of a racebike for someone that doesn't race competitively and wants to be able to have a bit of fun on rides with.

That'd be my exact assessment of the Super/Meta 4, great riding bikes, just a little heavy.

Someone i know has and MSC Koncept, it looks awesome and seems to pedal well. Probably one of the lightest aluminium FS frames around too, I think he said his is sub 10kg without stupid parts.

Im half tempted by the commencal because the price seems so good. Its either that or a Trance (which will probably cost more for a 2nd hand frame)

Which is better? Trance is lighter I guess, Commencal a bit better for dh stuff (like parkamoor)?

What do they pedal/ride like?

I would certainly go along with the previous comments about Super 4s.
However mine did crack-on the seat tube but the importers [madison I think] sorted it in double quick time and the 2010 frame I got under warranty seemed beefier. So if those are 2010 frames, it would be a contender.

I'm glad I didn't mention it, but now it's out in the open, SO MUCH THIS!

Anthem X without doubt. makes me feel 16 again! enough said

I have had an Anthem X1 for almost two years now and think it is an awesome bike. Great at climbing and handles most things I chuck at it (Cairngorms, Innerleithen, Glentress etc etc). I changed the wheels to Olympics and have made a few other changes but even as stock it is an excellent bike.

Which is better? Trance is lighter I guess, Commencal a bit better for dh stuff (like parkamoor)?

What do they pedal/ride like?

I had the 4in Trance, not X, but the light framed one.

Frames are very light, bit short in the top tube (and my 6ft mate bought an XL Trance X for that reason), pedal very comfortably, handling neutral and some say uninspiring.

Not really a race bike though. I have raced it but riding position is a bit too upright. Would be fun down Parkamoor, and Commie probably would be too. Both supposedly better with 20mm extra on the fork.

I would guess the commie is lighter than a trance, it pedals well and has a propedal on the shock too. I run mine with 120mm forks and it feels much better for extra front travel. It weights approx 26lbs at a good guess.

I would say the anthem is the way forward if you were a racer that occasionally goes off piste/trail centres, or the commie if you rode centres/off piste and occasionally raced.

Giant Trance.

why do you want propedal on a modern FS bike?

why do you want propedal on a modern FS bike?

Because it is faster at times.

It might come as a surprise to some, but there are people who go out to ride bikes fast, they don't stop in the middle of the trail at the first sign of a climb to have a chat. Who are not interested in finding excuses as to why they can't ride up a hill. For whom a decent ride means finishing it in a quivering heap as the acid dissolves every muscle. A hard climb is one where you throw up.

Whilst suspension does help at times it isn't always an advantage to have a very active system, sprinting can be a right pain as the bike squats, sometimes less suspension helps on smooth fast flowing singletrack.

Propedal? Because as above, I like my suspension smooth and plush for the downs, but I ride xc so I enjoy blasting up a good climb just as much so want a bike to feel fast and that doesn't bounce and wallow too much whilst it's doing it. That propedal switch allows this to happen, and for those who say get a better designed bike, I've not found one yet that feels ace both climbing hard and decending hard despite trying loads.

Hi the giant is amazing in the twisty stuff just flys however I just couldn't get it uphil anywhere near as quick as the epic and didn't like the 3x10 drive. See if you can get to one of the demo series events you'll get a ride of an epic fuel and anthem all worth a look.

trail centre mincing machines 😀

It might come as a surprise to some, but there are people who go out to ride bikes fast, they don't stop in the middle of the trail at the first sign of a climb to have a chat. Who are not interested in finding excuses as to why they can't ride up a hill. For whom a decent ride means finishing it in a quivering heap as the acid dissolves every muscle. A hard climb is one where you throw up.

+1 on that!

hi i ride a anthem x2 2010 had it six months and had no problem with it,but want to sell it becauce i want more travel so thinking of a lapere zesty.

Epic or maybe a Spark. Spark's a bit lighter but the Epic rides beautifully. I notice Biketreks have a 2010 carbon Epic on sale and a 2011 demo model too.

You shouldn't need propedal - if you do you should consider a better designed bike.

I thought anthem x's weren't suppossed to need it? I rode an anthem and it seemed not to. My flux certainly doesn't want it.

You shouldn't need propedal - if you do you should consider a better designed bike.

I refer you to my earlier comment, suspension isn't always a benefit, i know this seems difficult for many to understand. Pro-pedal allows suspension to be reduced when it is not a benefit.

Suspension is not just a factor of the bike, it is a factor of how the rider rides the bike.

I refer you to my earlier comment - you shouldn't need propedal anymore - not with anti-squat designs.

Suspension should be plush on the downs and not bob on the ups, and if you have to play with propedal to do this you are riding an outmoded design.

What is the point of putting propedal on for a climb as you are stiffening out the suspension and so it will act more like a hardtail on bumps and roots rather than digging in and giving more traction.

If you want a bike like this why do you not save weight and ride a compiant Ti HT design like the On-one?

I refer you to my earlier comment - you shouldn't need propedal anymore - not with anti-squat designs.

Suspension should be plush on the downs and not bob on the ups, and if you have to play with propedal to do this you are riding an outmoded design.

What is the point of putting propedal on for a climb as you are stiffening out the suspension and so it will act more like a hardtail on bumps and roots rather than digging in and giving more traction.

If you want a bike like this why do you not save weight and ride a compiant Ti HT design like the On-one?

Suspension is better than it has been in the past, but it is still not perfect and never will be for every situation, give me a rigid bike for hammering up a fireroad, and suspension for bashing over roots, but no bike can do both perfectly. It is about compromise, Propedal is a decent solution

The majority of MTBs have three rings and nine sprockets, each and every combination results in different loads on the suspension, again you have to accept that no perfect solution can be achieved.

as for riders adapting style to suit the bike which is what is often brought up as a solution, sit down and spin etc. Riders build and muscle structure does determine the way a rider can ride a bike fast, whether they need to spin fast small gears, use slightly bigger gears etc. When your talking about XC race bikes the only determining factor is which bike gets you to the finish first. Put generally It is for the bike to adapt to the rider not the rider to adapt to the bike.

Propedal is a hack.

Hammering up a fireroad might be the only time propedal was ok, or maybe if you stand up a lot - although I stand on some climbs and can't feel any bob on my bike.

Otherwise I cannot see why you would want to compromise your suspension with it.

Look at user reviews of any of the dw-link bikes and you will be very lucky to find anyone who uses pro-pedal. Here's a link to start with:

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-suspensio/turner/fluxdwlink/PRD_425925_1526crx.aspx

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Spark is a great all round bike, but still goes like stink. 😉

I bought an S-Works Epic in the sales from those lovely people at Bikescene 4/5 years ago and built it in to a great XC machine - very good at everything I pointed it at!

Have since sold though and back on to the HT weight-weenie challenge 😉

just clicked on the turner website, it states the flux comes with an rp23, a pro-pedal shock? What else can i see comments about the back end adding 1/2 pound to the frame weight. No i can't see anyone making comments about using the propedal, but then i look at the Top Fuel reviews and i can't see that detail either, yet i know i use the propedal when i want.

You say when you stand up, as if you don't?, suspension bikes tend to react badly when you get out of the saddle, but there are plenty of times when i get out of the saddle, maybe because i ride from my door and have to do road climbs on it. The propedal acts to damp the worst of my throwing the bike around when honking, in the same way a fork lock out means i can sprint and honk the bike without the front end getting wallowy. If i had no propedal the suspension would have to be setup harder to allow me to ride the bike the way i want, which would mean that it would be worse when i need the suspension

and because you can't see why anyone would want to compromise, or i would say optimise, there suspension doesn't mean others can't see why.

RP23 is there for marketing - people spending that amount of money will want an RP23 for some reason - I would rather not have it.

As I say, if I climb out of the saddle I still don't see the need for the propedal - but maybe that is the anti-squat nature of the suspension.

First comment i see on the trek top fuel say he wishes the suspension remained active when braking...

Merida 96. Just picked one up seems nice

Currently got a Ghost AMR on Demo took it around Kirroughtree yesterday and Mabie today.

Really enjoying it and a real change to the type of bikes I normally ride (it has much less travel), but I can see it working for most of my riding and it's a joy to ride, climbs nice and decends nice very confidence inspiring.

Shall be riding it again tomorrow too.

The Ghost would make a good XC bike.

Thanks for all the recommendations and great debate about pro pedal (i dont even know what that is)

First comment i see on the trek top fuel say he wishes the suspension remained active when braking...

Which Topfuel, they changed the design, newer ones are much nicer than the older ones. Personnally never noticed any issue with either of my top fuels.

Anyway to to OP, ride a few bikes where you intend to ride them, it is fair to say buying a 6" bike then riding it round the block is not going to be very informative, likewise if you do go and try a few bikes somewhere a bit rocky like Afan but your riding is on smooth singletrack more like Sherwood, you will get a little misled about a bike. And make sure you try and set the bike up, even if it is only roughly correct, a badly setup bike will never let you make an informed choice.

davidtaylforth - propedal is worth knowing about as the need to use it is the sign of a flawed suspension sytem!!!

It is a damping in the shock which acts against the tendancy for the bike to bob as the rider exerts pedalling effort. This happened a lot on early designs, like single-pivot, and is still present on some newer designs.

However even on a bob-prone design you may never need it if your pedalling style is good enough - for instance the Orange 5 is a single pivot bike that is very popular - some of the guys I ride with has Orange 5s and never put propedal on when climbing, but others might need it if they were not so accomplished.

On other bikes that require it you will feel the bike sapping energy on a climb until you switch it on - a Santa Cruz superlight felt like this to me - and people often spend a lot of time balancing shock setting and propedal to get a compromised performance that suits them.

There is a newer suspension design by Dave Weagle named dw-link (ignoring split-pivot) which appears to be one of the best at balancing all of the problems that a suspension system has to tackle, and it's main feature is so-called anti-squat, which simply put stops the bike squating down into its travel as a reaction to pedalling forces. dw-link bikes normally have short links to characterise them, and there are several companies using his design or using something that is a close copy to try to get round his patents.

The Giant Maestro system is a close copy and works well.

The recommendations on here to try the Anthem X are good - I love my Flux but it is more money and certainly more to compensate the 1lb more frame weight (although frame weight is not so important if the suspension is more efficient - hence people say a bike rides light).

Anybody who bobs the Anthem X probably could do with learning a better pedalling stroke...

Geometry counts for a lot, but you don't want to dump a load on an FS bike and then find later than it has flaws that bug you. You can change a lot about the feel of a bike with a different stem or even risers, but it is difficult to fix up a suspension design - changing shocks or getting them Pushed can be expensive.

So ride several bikes, but if you want it for XC pay attention to how it climbs.

oh dear...

Marketing this Marketing that, blah blah blah....

Take the decent advice and look at all the XC offerings from the major players, pick the ones in your budget and that you like the look of and then arrange some test rides.

That is the only way you will know which designs *you* get on with, but the bit about making sure you get them set up right for your eight etc before riding is good advice.

Singletrack reader in "suckered by marketing" shocker

move along....

I ummed and ahhd for ages last year about this and in the end i just had to start ignoring everyone giving me advice and i went with what felt right when i rode i, which turned out to be a Giant Trance in the end.

[url= http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2065 ]This looks nice[/url]

YOU don't need pro pedal on giant bikes. It will slow you down. The bikes have no pedal bob. al pro pedal does is make suspension worse so it doesn't climb as well

Maestro suspension makes you pedal though everything so you go very fast. It does not wallow at all. It's not a single pivot system. Try it.

who said Maestro was a single pivot system?

I sold my marin to get a Anthem X4 2010 and its the best bike decision I've made. Its been upgraded a fair bit but the bike feels so at home on singletrack and gives me the biggest grin every time I get on it.

Get whatever you can get a ride on and find works for you and you can afford.

Many people find the Anthem, Top Fuel, Epic to do this. Regardless of availability, if they didn't work, folks would look elsewhere - especially the Niche Mongers here!!

Despite TurnerGuy's preaching 🙄 it is nice to have the pro-pedal shock in there; if you don't use it, never mind. If you find you do, then you have the option. I have an RP2 on my Meta4 and use the pro-pedal on the road to and from the trail (10 miles!!) but it suits me to leave it fully active once I get offroad, up or down. Choices, choices...

Well at least the issue will hopefully be prominent in the OPs mind when test riding bikes 😀 And if the bike 'sits down' in its travel as he starts to pump up a climb he might figure out that it is a bad thing.