Certainly will Denis. It's a lot comfier than my non chubby one. Reckon I've got a few years of HT's left...
Anyone put calipers across their tyres? I'm curious what the difference between my 2.4 chunky monkey on a 20mm id rim and a 29+ would actually be (62mm here).
I'm quite glad someone else bought that! I was sorely tempted for quite a while
First impressions here: http://pickled-hedgehog.com/?p=3630 - disclaimer, it's not a proper review 😉
That made me smile, reminded me a lot of how I first felt riding one and has not helped with the need for self control to not buy one 😕
Enjoying mine.
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Think I'm going to order a 7 tomorrow.
Been umming and arring for a couple of weeks after getting a small tax return. Test rode one the other day and couldn't believe how light it was, even with tubes. I haven't been able to motivate myself to ride enough in the last 12 months and a few things beyond me being a lazy turd have got in the way. New bike might give me the kick up the chuff I need.
I like purple too
So far this is the only bike I want to replace my Kilauea with. Strada Cycles of Bristol are excellent but they're having a hard time sourcing an XL Stache 5 test ride bike for me. No worries, I can wait.
The passion started when Strada lent me the Krampus to test ride...PURE BLISS! This was even with too-high gearing and a crippling 34lb RIGID weight ( ouch ). Having decided I wanted the Krampus the Stache 5 came along with ALL the component upgrades I was planning for the Krampus rebuild as well as a bizarre light weight of 27-ish lb for the rigid. Bit of a no-brainer there. Beggars can't be choosers for the colour ( Jesus what were they thinking ) but after watching the vids on Youtube I'm more and more convinced it is " the one. "
Time will tell.
[url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7100/26787197594_19a526ac9b_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7100/26787197594_19a526ac9b_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/GP6oAo ]Chubby the Chub[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr
Mine has 400km on it now since late Feb. It is my fav hardtail ever. It's not light with those big 29+ wheels, but seems to accelerate really well, definitely holds its speed and will plow through pretty much anything. And it rips round corners if you're feeling brave. 90% of my riding on it has been in the FoD and as it's dried out, I find the bike more and more involving. Those short chainstays - even with the 29+ - are the magic I think.
My (2nd hand one) had the std 9 build. I've swapped the bars for 800mm versions and the stem back to a 50mm. The fork feels over damped in the car park but seems to work well (only get 100mm travel tho even with all the air out). Once the drivetrain wears out, I'll go back to Shimano but that means new cranks as the BB is so wide.
Mate has the 650b+ version. I'm gong to try his wheels out on my frame and a Yari fork I sort of bought as it was cheap. Could run it with the Manitou but fancied a bit more travel with the smaller (but still HUGE wheels).
He reckons I won't want to go back. I'm not sure, I really do like this bike as it is and ride it more than my FS around here. Fat bike is not getting ridden much because i prefer the Trek.
According to the devil that is Strava, I'm about the same pace in the Forest as on my FS, but the limiting factor there is me. Sold on the + wheels for a HT, not sure I'd want a rigid one tho.
I've just bought a set of 650b+ wheels for my 7. I was worried they would look silly in the frame but they fit lovely,the bb has dropped bang on 10mm. First proper ride is in cyb next wkd when I'm on my hols.
Mine's proving to be rather enjoyable too
Stooge Moto bars made a massive difference in lifting a tad more weight off the front
[img] https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPTrg7Mkk8B77dD6vGeb1-otzNWw6ibnH-lZVll [/img]
Try this pic post attempt
[img][url= https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7431/27329140601_68d6641a19_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7431/27329140601_68d6641a19_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/HCYZnk ][/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/10752586@N06/ ][/url], on Flickr[/img]
Thread resurrection!
I just bought a '16 7 (the purple one). They're reduced prior to the '17s coming in, but the aluminium '17s are near identical, except 10mm more fork travel and the 7 is a truly gopping green too so I took the plunge. The 9 seems a lot of extra dosh to me. The 9s fork seems to have more bells and whistles, that I could probably never tell the difference of anyway.
With a shorter stem this is a very right looking bike to my eyes, some bikes have that, this one certainly does.
A mate's had one for a few month and he raves on it. But he's a strong powerful rider - podium contender - and I mos. def. am not so I looked elsewhere, figuring it took a low of brawn to get those big wheels up to speed.
But a car park spin then a couple of borrows soon showed otherwise - this is a fast bike in anyone's hands.
It's a near perfect bike for the riding I love - fast flowy woodland singletrack with plenty of roots thrown in. Leith Hill and Surrey Hills. Go at it.
Absolutely could not get on with the stock saddle, swapped out for a Spoon, and the DB5s can't match up with my XT M785s yet, maybe they need breaking in.
I can make my legs contact the seat stays if I want, but it disappears when riding. A non-issue for me. No heel strikes despite being duck footed.
What I like most is this is a very physical ride. Mincing is not an option asit will just carry on forwards like on rails. On my 29er boinger on 2.3s, to a degree the trail features will turn it for me. On the Stache I have to pick it up, plant it, and lean over as far as I dare, then it sticks like glue. Put effort in and it comes back. Lots of fun.
Climbs are physical too - because it grips you go at it.
Am still messing with tyre pressures. Will probably end up around 10/12.
It's a 17.5 in Surrey Hills if anyone wants a go, and Head for the Hills say they'll have a 19.5 shortly.
I'm 5'8, long legs, short body, the 17.5 with a 50mm stem is a perfect fit. I swapped the bars for a pair from the spares bin that have 25mm rise instead of the stock 15mm.
May SS it in the winter, not sure I'd want the chainstays any shorter though.
Oh and a Connectamajig won't fit through the routing port on the seattube so I'll need to find another dropper. I'm also finding on the stock static post the seat is slammed right back on the rails so it will need to have some offset. KS Lev probably.
And the new carbon ones for '17 are slightly tweaked geometry - slacker, longer TT, lower BB. Ticking all the 'progressive' boxes.
But I find the aluminium geo dob on for my use, I'm not sure the tweaks would be beneficial for my use. I don't want it more stable!
The big takewaway - if you've been hanging back thinking you need to be a power rider to get this thing moving, it's not true. Put that aside and go try.
-added to post above-.
Good innit?!
I have the 5 which now has a Carbon Lefty - which has made it even more of a giggle..
You gone tubeless yet? That will obviously shed a lot of rolling weight.
Only problem I have now is the girlfriend keeps nicking it to ride.
Yeah the shop did the tubeless for me. They said it wasn't hard, used Gorilla tape. Those tubes are quite meaty!
I've had the wheels off a few times while interfickering, they're not heavy.
But I'm expecting to put a heavier tyre on the front when wet season arrives.
Is there any consensus about tyre pressures folks?
I'd be keen to try one of the 2016 ones, but nowhere seems to have any in 21.5.
just the 17.5 and 18.5 left I think Gavin.
Anyone know how to get extra travel out of these Manitou Comps? At full travel (110mm) there is still 20mm or so of stanchion left so I guess it's hitting a bumper or something.
ps the saddle is crap.
another question: anyone on a Stache 9 with XT brakes and the SRAM shifter - does it come with Problem Solvers or just 2 clamps? (Trying 2 clamps on my S7 to run XT brakes but can't get positioning to work for my lickle hands).
Any closeup pics of the S9 setup please?
Alex I see from your pics you're running 2 clamps, brakes outboard. I'll give it another try.
Anyone know how to get extra travel out of these Manitou Comps? At full travel (110mm) there is still 20mm or so of stanchion left so I guess it's hitting a bumper or something.
You're not supposed to- the top of the stanchion isn't actually used. IIRC because otherwise the fork arch and the downtube would be getting a bit familiar.
edit- let the pressure out if you want to see where the 'correct' bottom out location is
I bought a 5 a few weeks ago becuase the colour is ACE and the saddle is fine :0)
Being cheap helped too.
Struggles on rocky fast trails unsuprisingly as it's rigid but I still need to buy an accurate pressure gauge so I can repeat air pressures and reduce by small amounts.
Compares to a 4" Fat bike it's not as comfortable but it weighs a lot less and goes fast.
Thrutching up steep stuff is amazing I'm currently eyeing up a rockysteppymanmade climb that I'd never thought I'd even think I could clean.
[url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7524/28563981842_400f27808b_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7524/28563981842_400f27808b_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Kw6SDy ]Dalbeattie[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/tomlevell/ ]Tom Levell[/url], on Flickr
@swanny sure I understand thanks. But the '17 models are specced at 120mm travel not 110mm, for the same named fork and frame geo, so I bet it's just an internal mod.
My 5 is the only bike I ride now
So fast once in the flow.
Still B+ rear and 29+ front and 11/12 psi (Topeak D2)
Also, XT brakes, Stooge Moto bar, 60 stem (21.5), Layback post, and a creaking Hope BB (screw together expensive one)
I thought the saddle ok to begin with but now I can feel a centre ridge and it's looking worn
One thing - check your headsets as I did and it was rusty. A few have found the same on mtbr
@swanny sure I understand thanks. But the '17 models are specced at 120mm travel not 110mm, for the same named fork and frame geo, so I bet it's just an internal mod.
Ah, sorry, misunderstood the question. You might be able too but the '17 models might have slightly longer stanchions!
So fast once in the flow.
amen. takes a bit of booting up but once it's rolling, hang on and work it! a big bag of fun.
does anyone know anywhere that has the 5 at £1k? Having had a week or so on a mates I'm very keen to get my hands on one and am just re-eligible for C2W again
I should get looking quick as the new 5 has a suspension fork
yeah - think I'm going to end up looking at 2nd hand . . .
Bonesetter your right about the headset. Mine was grumbly on my 7 and when I took it apart the lower race was shot and rusty as hell. I replaced it with an cartridge acb and then it pours all day......
Chomp, Stans Cycles in Shrewsbury had a Stache 5 in size 18.5ins a few days ago. Didn't look at the price, but assume it will be same as Trek website if they still have it.
^ Should be able to get that for £1100
Chris - yeah, just not enough factory fit grease - what's a cartridge acb?
Anyone know how the stache 5 rides compared to a stooge. Looking to go b+ on either
I've owned both, at the same time
Geo of the the stache means you'll be more weight forward, but you'll get used to that, and of course you can tweak the cockpit (I ran a Stooge Moto bar which works fine)
Stache CS's are super short and it feels it. With B+ and if you like the CS's short then you'll be popping off anything you can find, albeit at higher speed stability sacrifice
Stache is mega lightweight too
Stooge gets the nod for me though, and shines better in B+ mode. You can feel the steel
Sorry bonesetter I missed your question. Its a angular contact bearing. Its a lot better quality than what I had originally in mine.
Thanks Chris
Cheers chap. Been told that the stooge mk3 frame arrives end of march with improved fork and two sizes. Think that's the one to go for.
It'll have to be, unless you can find a used Stache 5 - no more new ones
Seems an odd move dumping the rigid 5 from the range. It's the only one I've seen out and about, which suggests it sold ok. I quite fancied one too, but couldn't get a demo on a superlankytallguy sized one.
I got one of the last 5's in 19.5. That was back in August.
It's the best colour by far 🙂
I swap between using the rigid fork and a Lefty. Put some XT brakes on and went tubeless. One of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. Slam that rear wheel!
My stache 5 has been transformed by fitting some 2.4 conti mountain kings for the mud.....I can now ride it without fear of getting slammed in to the ground in the greasey stuff!
My stache 5 has been transformed by fitting some 2.4 conti mountain kings for the mud.....I can now ride it without fear of getting slammed in to the ground in the greasey stuff!
Is that on the standard rim?
Yep.....and the added bonus of masses of mud clearance too
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