Looking to replace my Sonder Signal Ti (bought during Covid, wrong size – too short) with a full sus second bike. I like having two bikes for variety and as backup.
Current setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Alloy Elite – absolutely rate this bike. Running enduro tyres for Wharny sessions, but it's versatile enough for West Yorkshire woodland and moorland on trail rubber.
The dilemma:
Two options, both via Cycle to Work (~£3.5K):
-
Orange Stage Evo (complete bike) – Run trail tyres for local laps and moorland, keep Stumpy on enduro spec for Wharny
-
Orange Switch 7 (frame + parts build from shop) – Use for Wharny sessions, put lighter trail tyres on Stumpy for woodland/moorland
The question:
Has anyone run a similar two-bike setup where you're essentially swapping which bike does the heavy lifting? I've considered two wheelsets but can afford two bikes and prefer having a spare.
Thoughts?
I loved my Stage Evo but I would suggest going even more Polarised - a proper modern XC or 'downcountry' style (yuk) build... Chisel, Scott Spark, Trek Fuel etc.
Switch 7. Mainly so you can have a mullet to play with. Bit different init.
I loved my Stage Evo but I would suggest going even more Polarised - a proper modern XC or 'downcountry' style (yuk) build... Chisel, Scott Spark, Trek Fuel etc.
I'm with this guy. I've got a similar type of bike (Ripmo AF) and when it came time to add something to compliment it I decided I needed something different enough to add variety. Went with a 130mm DC type bike that I plan on reducing to 120. It's different enough to be, well, different.
Then increased the gap more by putting a coil and Cascade link on the Ripmo, upping the front travel, and putting beefier tyres and wheels on. Feels like I've got a good, diverse set of options now.
Option 1... A 120/130 travel 29er is ideal territory for most XC/Trail riding in the UK... The Stumpy is a 150/160 travel bike and weighs a fair chunk anyway, I should imagine it's a riot on the DH but hard work on more mellow stuff... A Switch 7 isn't going to be much longer or much more capable than the Stumpy, and you can mullet the Stumpy anyway should you want to. But a Stage Evo would give you a lot more trail friendly a bike and a few kg weight saving, most of the time...
Have you ridden an Orange? I like the idea of them but not how they ride, and much prefer Horst link bikes.
I have literally the same two bikes,
I have a stumpy Evo 2021 set up mullet with coil, ochain, alloy wheels and inserts, and have just bought a stage Evo with those ghost carbon wheels, I absolutely love it, it is so snappy and agile, but with a 130mm Helm up front it's plenty capable still.
Any questions fire away
I'm also in west Yorkshire if you want a go 😁 it's a size medium
Oooooh hang on, the Stage Evo is 120mm, I thought it was more like 140. Definitely that one
Stage Evo with light wheels and faster tyres IMO.
It's shorter travel and lighter than you might think. With a decent shock and a faff with the pressure it feels surprisingly sprightly.
The specialized is a much bigger travel bike. Keep it chunky boi.
Has anyone run a similar two-bike setup where you're essentially swapping which bike does the heavy lifting? I've considered two wheelsets but can afford two bikes and prefer having a spare.
I thought I was going to.
one ride on my new frame and I abandoned that idea.
im now in the two wheel sets, two shocks and pile of tyres camp.
I’m looking at doing this. Got a Spur which I’m lightening up with a set of those Ghost wheels from Sport and Leisure and putting the original SIDs back on to replace the 130mm Pikes. Slightly lighter tyres. It should fly - so looking for a 150/160mm travel frame as well.
I have the same stumpy but set up mx. I went for a tallboy as my second bike. It’s different enough to create different uses cases. I tend to use the tallboy as a trail bike and the stumpy for more winch and plunge. So my advice would be a short travel trail bike
Ive got a Switch 6 for uplift/downhill/enduro duties its great fun. Surely a 7 is one better!
Was having similar thoughts myself but in the end decided the 7 was just too much bike for what I'm capable of. Decided in the end to put myself in a position where I can make my Spur more burly if required as it's usually very XC.
So I've ended up with my XC Spur, a Stage 6 Evo as my bigger bike (which is more than enough) and a recent purchase Clockwork Evo. Plan is to upgrade the Clockwork forks and fit some wide rimmed Hope based wheels with a Minion DHF/R combo which can be swapped on to the Spur if I fancy using that on more challenging rides.
Ultimately I do more low to mid Gnar riding than I do full tilt so realised that's where my options should be. If you're anything like me the Stage Evo is the answer.
This might make any decisions easier, the Stage Evo is no longer listed on the Orange website.