So I have been sniffing around looking at what I want to replace my current Stumpjumper with. I have ruled out both Spec and Trek as neither have really excited me or proven value for money.
So I am throwing open the doors. I am after a 160-170mm bike for nobbing about in the woods and racing UK Enduros. I am hoping to do some of the Welsh rounds next year along with the usual Southern rounds. Not worried about wheel size etc as I don't want to narrow down to much yet. Value for money is high on the list though with a budget in the £3k-£3.5k bracket. Not fussed about Carbon tbh, but a nice plus.
So what do you recommend/suggest and why?
Airdrop Edit
Now that does look good value for money and UK made. Added to the list. You ride one @sharkattack?
Cotic rocket/rocketmax 👌
I think i'd be picking up a Radon Swoop. Annoyingly they're mostly sold out though, but at £2300 that's a lot to spend on upgrades if you feel that way.
I don't ride one but it was on my shortlist a couple of years ago and I went with something else. Since then it's evolved into the V3 which is much nicer than the V1. Now that I have a wandering eye, I'm thinking about it again.
If you can get to the HQ in Sheffield (Alderson Road) Ed is very helpful. He'll answer all your questions and let you have a good look at whatever they've got lying around. There's no V3 demo bikes though as they're selling too fast.
Cheers @sharkattach, sadly Shefdield is not from Exeter to got to, plus I might get altitude sickness!
The Swoop is so hard to ignore. The Edit has the UK thing which I like. Didn't think of Cotic oddly despite a mate having one (and he is a midget so no demo ride for me! )
Any more suggestions?
Orbea Rallon is decent 29er Enduro bike
D&D cycles have one in your budget in their sales.
If its value you're after, a vitus sommet will be hard to beat.
Sommet CRX
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/vitus-sommet-crx-mountain-bike-xt-1x11-2019/rp-prod179052
Carbon/alloy frame, grip2 fox 36 factory, dpx2, code brakes, decent wheels
Whyte s150 and g170?
I’ve recently purchased a Scott Ransom 920. I am really pleased with it.
I was tempted to go short travel as my confidence took a hit with a few bad crashes
A few years ago.
Decided to bite yet bullet, and go for a full on 170mm travel bike and I must say it’s confidence inspiring.
Climbs well for such a slack bike, heavy though. However it’s worth it on the downs.
A Bird Aeris AM 160 would be my choice, top customer service and spec what you want.
I like my Mega and the 2020 290 looks like it might be rather good when it’s released. I’ve also been impressed with my mates’ Commencal Clashes.
JP
I think i’d be picking up a Radon Swoop. Annoyingly they’re mostly sold out though, but at £2300 that’s a lot to spend on upgrades if you feel that way
This.
Ours was £2k.
Frightening how quick it is over rough ground. Great forks, good shock, good wheels. Add gravity casing in the rear and some aftermarket 4-pad sets in the brakes for proper frightening deceleration...
Save the rest for upgrades or busted kit, or indeed a week in some steep and rocky corner of Europe on holiday.
Calibre Sentry Pro worth a look.
To be honest, the problem you've got is there's so much choice for that budget! Nice problem to have 🙂
Did you ever try 29 wheels in the Stumpy
Aeris 160 - British designed for British riding (threaded BB, forward facing seat tube slot, full external routing), properly progressive geometry, good value, ability to spec to your preference/budget, no silly model/year updates, amazing advice/backup/support, and a lifetime transferable warranty.
Doesn't hurt that they ride great either..
I have an airdrop edit v2 and can very much recommend them! Out in the alps at the moment with it, it's a great enduro/mess around/Park bike
So far the airdrop has peaked the most interest. Oddly the Bird AM160 does nothing for me. Weird eh?
@tracey oddly enough never got around to it, but do have a 29er hardtail and have owned a full sus 29er in the past.
So at the mo heart says Airdrop Edit v3, but heads says Swoop. The Edit is winning as I could go frame and fork and swap over my current bits which makes sense as I have X0 11 speed, XT brakes and carbon cranks. Hmm tempting.
Anyone got anything else to add?
Commencal Meta of some kind...?
A Kona Process? Overpriced at rrp but seemingly always on sale and supposedly excellent fun.
As long as you’re tall enough (which is far from tall tall) I’d be pretty confident that the right 29er will be quicker than a similar 27.5 - as you’re planning on doing some racing.
The best way to look at is though is to reference from your likes and dislikes of your current bike.
So at the mo heart says Airdrop Edit v3, but heads says Swoop. The Edit is winning as I could go frame and fork and swap over my current bits which makes sense as I have X0 11 speed, XT brakes and carbon cranks. Hmm tempting.
Anyone got anything else to add?
You could try the airdrop owners facebook page to see if anyone near you has one you could have a look at.
So @chiefgrooveguru (great name btw) raises a valid point. This is going to be used for racing which is becoming a greater focus now my results appear to be improving ( 11th in my age cat at my last Enduro race. Natch) so at the back of my mind a 29er seems like a good idea.
The Stumpy has been a great bike so far and I really get on with the suspension design. What lets it down is the conservative geo compared to more modern bikes and the 130mm backend (6fattie version) which lets down the 150mm front end when things get really rowdy.