The frame is the boring part. When it comes to super builds the real fun comes speccing the components !
When it comes to super builds the real fun comes speccing the components !
Can confirm.
The frame is the boring part. When it comes to super builds the real fun comes speccing the components !
Totally agree, but you'll always need something to hang them on.
Current thinking is Intend fork, or maybe the new Push inverted. SRAM transmission. Onyx hubs with BERD spokes
You say Santa Cruz are a “bit common”
There could be a reason for that, they are exceptionally well built, they have a lifetime warranty on the frame and bearings, and speaking to a certain dealer in the Peak District their customer support is worth the extra cash
I know if I was in the market I definitely wouldn’t discount SC on the fact they’re a bit common
The only other boutique bike I would have on the list is the Hope HB916.
In the meantime go on as many demo days as you can
Happy hunting
The OP stated that he was excluding some brands because they are ‘too common’ or ‘too mainstream’.
This makes it sound like you value perception over performance.
Not at all. Having something different just feels special.
Having something different just feels special.
Can confirm.
I’m sure a few of you won’t believe this, but I don’t build my bikes to impress others. What is nice however, is when others are just as enthusiastic about my bikes as I am, if they aren’t, IDGAF.
I can't believe we've got all this way without someone asking the obvious question, which is why a man of such advancing years and limited skills is not buying an ebike 😉
(disclaimer when i was younger and used to ride mtb i frequently rode with @MartynS and still count him as a good friend. As I've barely ridden mtb since The Before Times, i very much doubt i could keep up with him these days, and have little to no useful knowledge to impart in terms of current cycle technology. I have LOADS of cheeky insults though)
I can’t believe we’ve got all this way without someone asking the obvious question, which is why a man of such advancing years and limited skills is not buying an ebike 😉
We didn't:
my first dilemma if spending this sort of money would be between eBike and normal bike. You said it’s for a long time, and I’d agree, so normal bike it is.
For the past 3 years ive been looking for a reason to change from my Megatower .. There is a reason why its still here... exceptional build quality and unbelievable customer service/ warranty . I have demoed the Forbiddens Deviates, Yetis and others in the last 2 years .. Still not found anything like the Mega.. I seriously recommend finding a larger demo day and trying a few
MartynS is typically towards the front of the group he rides with, up and down, so there's no need for an ebike.
Use it or lose it.
I'd go Hope, or maybe Atherton & make an event out of getting it. Invite yourself to the factory to see it getting made, spec the parts there, maybe a trip to wherever the fork & shock come from, will make it feel totally yours.
TBH, if it were mine, something from the Shand stable would probably suit the majority my current riding quite well. That's not for everyone though.
I have to say that if I was splashing the cash for a top end bike I'd be very attentive of the level of customer service... very nice having a boutique bike but not if you have no warranty 'cause the man in the sheds gone bust, or it takes 6 months to get anything done if it needs work.
Hope HB916 in Chameleon. Not sure if I'd ride it or hang it on the wall just to look at.
6 month lead time though.
Or one of the SupreDrive Nicolais
You say Santa Cruz are a “bit common”
There could be a reason for that, they are exceptionally well built, they have a lifetime warranty on the frame and bearings, and speaking to a certain dealer in the Peak District their customer support is worth the extra cash
And this is actually part of this thought process.. whilst the boutique top end stuff would be very lovely to own and ride if the support isn't there its just not worth it.
very nice having a boutique bike but not if you have no warranty ’cause the man in the sheds gone bust, or it takes 6 months to get anything done if it needs work.
so exactly this. The reading I've done the Atherton doesn't use any custom/bespoke stuff its easy to source bearings and fasteners which I assume means standard bolts!
I really appreciate the ideas. It's helping the thought process.
OP mentioned Turner or lack of. I can confirm the RFX is awesome in all ways but Dave T has had one too many significant birthdays so is now designing gravel bikes cause that what he rides now. Makes sense but sad that no more Turner MTB's. Also RFX is probably a bit short if you're coming off an AM160.
I'd go Deviate I think, cool company story and well designed and made bikes. Highlander not Claymore as it just soaked up too much and didn't feel that playful.
Support from Santa has been beyond brilliant. Even though covid I had replacement bearings with in 48 hours on my door step . A rear end warranted because of a failing grub screw in a flip chip .. 72 hours again in the hight of covid .
Could mondraker be an option, a foxy rr perhaps.
I have no idea. But to me they just look delicious.
Six month lead time on Hopes? Never! I have an H3 in raw carbon XT bike ready to ship and more in both carbon and chameleon arriving in about 6 weeks or so. And those ones can still have their details changed without losing place in line.
Personally I have a real soft spot for non far east carbon, so the Hopes, WeAreOne Arrival and even the Atherton even though I don't sell those ones should all be top of your list.
I have been on a HB130 for nearly three years and don't plan to change it any time soon. Ridden the 916 for a few days and it is a lot of fun too, I just prefer trail bikes to enduro style bikes for what we ride. That said it did pedal really well, I wonder what a 916 'light build' would be like 😀
Hope HB916 in that awesome chameleon paint job
If you after something ‘a bit special’, the SCOR 4060 and the new Scott Genius both fit the bill, certainly in terms of looks if nothing else. Kingdom Void is also a pretty thing.
I’m trying hard to resist the new Atherton AM.170 currently. The AM.150 is also lovely, but that kink in the seat tube, reducing seat post insertion is a deal breaker for me.
What about a Pyga? Bikes with a bit of back story.
Six month lead time on Hopes? Never! I have an H3 in raw carbon XT bike ready to ship and more in both carbon and chameleon arriving in about 6 weeks or so. And those ones can still have their details changed without losing place in line.
I was told when I ordered mine 5 weeks ago that it wont be here till September. Thats in Chameleon. Mine is a H2 if that makes any difference.
Are you a serial bike-swapper? Or do you tend to keep your bikes for a while?
I think geometry has got to a place where we might buy a bike and not feel it's gone obsolete within a few years. I know I'm hoping to keep my Bird Aeris 9 for 10 years or so.
But personally, I still feel there's an element of planned obsolescence in mainstream carbon FS bikes. You know they are already working on the next iteration as you're buying it.
Hence my other bikes are a Starling and an Orange, which feel a bit more lasting and have more character (in both looks and ride feel), IYKWIM.
Anyway, definitely test-ride a few candidates and see what floats your boat in terms of ride characteristics.
