Pros & cons from an owners perspective?
Brillant bike, great with a 35mm stem and 800mm bars. Goes around corners very well. And down hills like a fast thing.
XL could be a bit taller in the head tube though.
Love my 2018 . First true mtb so not too knowledgeable on mtbs but im very happy with my choice
Ooooh <registers an interest>
Anyone running them at a lighter end of build? I like the versatility, but getting closer to 25lb would be good (unlikely?) and I'm OK with running more XC forks and wheels - I'm unlikely to push 34mm forks hard enough.
Also thinking about buying the built low end version - I can get 8% off Evans so it looks decent value then, though a lot has been said about the fork not being up to it, I reckon I could live with that and replace it in a few months. Thoughts?
I'm very tempted to buy a 27.5 D version.
Anybody know if the fork will take 29er wheels or do they put different forks on the two versions?
I've had mine a few months now. I love the extra length and feels like the bike actually fits for once. Despite the length it still is easy to lift the front with the short chainstays. Takes a bit more effort to bunny hop coming and old shorter 26" bike. Feels very composed on difficult terrain and I haven't touched my FS since though its my first 29er so don't have much to compare to.
My XL 29er with 34mm forks, 1.8kg wheels, relatively heavy tyres, dropper post and non-bling build comes with in at around 28.5lbs. Its not the lightest frame considering the price but no doubt could get it closer to 25lbs with a light build. Might be missing the point though. Saying that I plan on racing some XC on mine with lighter tyres this year.
With those short stays, how does it fare at climbing?
Can't really think of any cons with mine. Best hardtail I've owned, really comfy to ride. My XL comes in about 29lbs. In fact the only con is it's made my Hightower feel a bit short in reach now.
With those short stays, how does it fare at climbing?
Can't say I've had an issue with them set at the shortest but they are adjustable by 15mm if you wish.