When I go away on holiday - I end up hiring lots of bikes - it's a great way to try them.
I've owned tonnes of bikes (currently full Turner fleet including Czar 100mm)
Bikes I've been impressed with the most are the Transition Spur and Ibis Ripley. (Spur in Maine and Ibis in Arizona last year.) Enjoyed both. (Ive also owned and ridden a few SC but not fussed about them currently.)
They're both slightly more travel than I run around on but I did like how they peddled - perhaps a bit burlier than I like but I would remove dropper posts and change the tyres. Etc.
I'm erring on a Spur but it's not a bike that you hear much about in the UK whereas in the US they're always available on the hire fleets.
So my question - What's the long term thoughts by owners - durability? I mean my Czar is over 10 years old but really do like the bigger cockpits of these other bikes.
Is the Spur snappy enough for speed or is there another 100mm FS I should be looking at?
Is the support/enthusiasm for Transition (auto correct put Transitioning!) limited in the UK as you don't see many for sale or being ridden.
General tips and experiences wanted.
Riding for me is biggish miles mostly XC - looking for speed and a bit of plushness and climbing control. (Sherwood Pines locality with a bit of Peak thrown in. )
I don't want to lose the punchy-ness of my 25lb Czar. Though of course there might be a weight increase.
Thanks.
There's loads of Transitions in the UK. I suspect you're just not riding at the rowdier spots where they tend to be at home!
I had a Patrol, and it was a brilliant bike. Support from the UK distro was great, and Transition in the US were dead helpful when asked. Similar experience with Ibis regarding the factory, but the UK distribution hasn't impressed me. Great bike though (Ripmo AF).
If buy a Spur in an instant if I had the means. Very nearly did in fact, but couldn't stretch the budget. Plus the Spur a a bloody gorgeous bike. Everyone I speak to traced about the adaptability. It's all in whether you build them to be a lightweight flier or stick on some burly wheels, bigger fork, and make them a bit more fun.
Tbh for your use case they are probably a bit over bike, but I'm a big fan of that. Plus they'd give you some flexibility for bigger stuff. Maybe the STW standard issue Chisel could be an alternative?
Thanks for that. That's really useful.
I do a fair bit of riding and Sherwood Pines is quite busy now but I've never come across a spur - that said nearly every other bike is an E-bike.
Yes possibly overbiked a little bit everything else ticks the box.
Will check out the chisel. I'm a little out of the FS having ridden mostly Ti rigid for four years.
Not sure why you’d buy a bike like the spur and not have a dropper. Each to his own.
Not sure why you’d buy a bike like the spur and not have a dropper. Each to his own.
Because I've never ridden a dropper post and I've ridden all over the place and never needed one. It's just a heavy awkward seat post to me. Chances are if I need a dropper I probably can't get down the hill. I'm more of an uphill rider / distance / bit of knarl.
Old habits etc. However will take the other benefits of course of a new bike with new geo etc.
I
I've got a Spur, not done huge mileage on it (just under 1000km) but I really enjoy it. It compliments the bigger enduro bike and the gravel well. I haven't ridden any other modern short travel bikes but I do feel like it's not designed to be an xc whippet although it is comfy. Most of the feedback I see on the FB owners page is about how capable it is, handles rowdy terrain well etc. Depending on budget id imagine 25lbs or so would be achievable.
A friend has a recent Specialized Epic, they always seem popular.
On the offchance XL suited this is a decent bargain and the shop are sound.
https://www.pedalsbikecare.co.uk/products/pedals-project-dc-frame-with-rockshox-sidluxe-twistloc-xl
Not sure why you’d buy a bike like the spur and not have a dropper. Each to his own.
Because I've never ridden a dropper post and I've ridden all over the place and never needed one. It's just a heavy awkward seat post to me. Chances are if I need a dropper I probably can't get down the hill. I'm more of an uphill rider / distance / bit of knarl.
Old habits etc. However will take the other benefits of course of a new bike with new geo etc.
I
TBH then I think a Spur would be too much. I'd look at something more XC focused.
I'd also suggest trying a dropper for a while. I don't know anyone who's had one and then gone back, even the most stuck in their ways XCers.
I use my Spur for XC and it's largely built for XC. It does have a 170mm dropper, but I don't use it, I needed it for the seatpost length.
Mine with X0/XX1 AXS and 2.4 tyres is 10.2kg making it plenty lively for XC thrashing.
I also at the same time had a Titus El Viajero built for the same XCish purpose and the Spur was no slower, but was much more capable. In the Quantocks, the 100mm HT Viajero felt out of its depths on some of the descents, but the Spur never has.
Good comments.
So it's on the burlier side it appears. But can make it snappy. Really like the cockpit of the spur. Rode one 5 times last year in Colorado.
Probably what I want.
I already have a light xc FS. So maybe it will just give me a bit more plush and grip.
@daffy - that's pretty much what I want to hear.
(Probably not so keen as going down a specialized route as already have a killer carbon FS for that purpose. That said it's great they've got a nice ally range now. I've got an allu Turner Flux and it's still trucking 11 years later.)
TBH then I think a Spur would be too much. I'd look at something more XC focused.
I'd also suggest trying a dropper for a while. I don't know anyone who's had one and then gone back, even the most stuck in their ways XCers.
I really don't need/want a dropper for Nottinghamshire riding. It would be a waste. I've have tried them on alpine trips where they make a bit more sense.
Gf had a magura wireless dropper that was pretty good, and ahead of its time.
(I also love super clean lines on a bike so the less crap the better!)
Interesting that the spur is a considered a bit too much at 120mm travel. I thought that's what most rode nowadays.
Maybe I will wait until a deal pops up.
Windwave have Spur frames at £2.2k currently. I think they had some complete bikes reduced also but can't see them right now
I have a 2022 Spur, built up from a frame only, size XL, X01 Eagle gears, SID 120 mm fork and SID shock, 200 mm dropper, 2.4" tyres. It weighs 12.99 kg, i'm 193 cm tall and about 97 kg in riding kit.
As a long time Kona fan, at the time I was looking at the 2020 Hei Hei CR/DL to replace a 2017 Kona Hei Hei Race DL but couldn't find a frame only. I chose the Spur as the geo better fits my height than the 2020 Hei Hei (good reach and stack numbers) and other options at the time.
I ride the Spur for endurance XC and trail riding/events (dare I say 'down country)', it fits the bill perfectly for me. It's way better than the 2017 Hei Hei it replaced, but is a bit heavier. I could make it a bit lighter but that would cost £££. The extra 20 mm of travel over the 100 mm 2017 Hei Hei and more progressive geo (slacker head angle, longer reach, higher stack) means I can ride it confidently on more difficult terrain but it still climbs well and is light enough.
For the OP, I think a pure 100 mm XC bike would be the better option as it will be lighter and probably climb better.
I have a Spur which was a replacement for a carbon XC hardtail (which was a replacement for a gravel bike) and I built it for long, steady XC days. It's superb, absolutely the correct tool for the job.
I looked at plenty of more traditional XC bikes but most were just too low at the front with too steep a head angle for my taste and I worried I'd not be able to get comfy. The Spur and Specialized Epic Evo were the only Goldilocks bikes I found that seemed to match progressive geometry with the ability to be built XC light. I picked the Spur simply because the less obvious choice always seems to excite me more than the mainstream.
It absolutely flies and without trying is faster than both my carbon HT and GB on anything other than road (if that matters to you?). The rear suspension is very plush, so much so that it makes the SID Ultimates up front feel harsh but it just gets on with its job without bogging down or being over active. I built mine with lightish DT wheels, light forks, tyres, bars etc but still fit a dropper and reckon it comes in around 27lbs so 25lbs would be reasonably easy to achieve. Most sensibly priced old style carbon full suss bikes are no lighter than the Spur.
I'm considering building up a 130mm hardtail built a little bit burlier so I can swap parts back and forth to the Spur to widen its scope as it's so capable. I want to ride it all the time! Get one, you won't regret it.
If you want more XC and even though you mentioned being indifferent about Sant Cruz, Merlin still have the Blur at 50% off.
The Spur is a decent bike and probably one of (if not the best) looking ‘downcountry’ bike. Transition are a decent brand and not as commonly seen as the likes of Santa Cruz etc. I’d say the frame quality of Transition carbon bikes is a little bit below that of Santa Cruz but still good enough. They stand by their warranty and have been known to help people out of warranty too.
Ive just picked up a Trek Top Fuel (2022 version) and it’s great for being a faster pedaller / bit quicker handling than my Transition Sentinel (which I also love and it’s a monster downhill). I’m coming from the other end of mtb to you though where I’ve been running loads of travel for most of my riding.
I don’t think the Spur has been updated recently so it’s still in that inbetween xc and trail spot you’re looking for. A few of the bikes that were there have gone too burly now and sit in trail - e.g. current gen Top Fuel / SC Tallboy etc.
I think the Spur isn’t the most efficient pedalling bike you could look at but can be built light with nice components. I’d consider the Specialized Chisel FS as well - I’d imagine weight wise the frame is in the same ballpark as the Spur and it’s a little more towards xc than the Spur I believe.
On the dropper I’ve known a few people who have said they’ve always managed fine without one - but when they’ve given it a concerted effort they’ve found it makes cornering quicker and makes them more confident in general.
The Spur was very popular when it came out as a XC ish bike with 'trail' geometry.
But now nearly all new XC bikes are 120mm with 67 degree or less head angle... the same as the Spur. So the Spur looks a bit overpriced and has no room for a second bottle cage. I'd look for any new 120mm bike with a decent discount.
As a fairly late convert to dropper posts, I'd say modern geometry is wasted without one, even if it's just a light 100mm one.
Scott Spark in whatever variant meets your budget needs.
As for the dropper, no, nobody 'needs' one in the same way we dont need disc brakes or tubeless tyres. But you really should try one.
The point of a dropper post isnt 'do I need my seat down for this bit'.
Its 'do I need my seat up for this bit'.
I bet I put mine up and down 100 times in a lap of Sherwood pines, never mind any where more technical!
ha ha - my parents-in-law live in Bakewell. I have a bike there - ride quite a lot - don't have a dropper!
I bet I put mine up and down 100 times in a lap of Sherwood pines, never mind any where more technical!
Stop messing lad.
Just ride. I've been riding there for 20 years, run a club there, coached there. And never fancied one. Moab last year - didn't touch it.
This is not the convince me I need a dropper post thread.
Spur is a great bike but I don't think it's the best bike for you (from what you've described).
Specialized Epic 8 or Santa Cruz Blur would likely fit your requirement better.
And fit a dropper 😉
If you can afford a Spur, I don't think there's many reasons not to go for one.
I'm not getting into the seatpost discussion... accept to say try riding it with the dropper before taking it off. The Transitions are all better value as a complete bike (especially if you're not in a rush and are deal hunting) than frame only... so buy a bike... ride it... fit lighter wheels/tyres and remove the dropper later if you're not having the right kind of fun with the stock build.
Spur is a great bike but I don't think it's the best bike for you (from what you've described).
Specialized Epic 8 or Santa Cruz Blur would likely fit your requirement better.
And fit a dropper 😉
I had a Blur in the early days - seems it's a different bike now. Also had a Tallboy too and that's changed too.
I've always like SC but i had way more bearings with them than other bikes around that period.
If you can afford a Spur, I don't think there's many reasons not to go for one.
I'm not getting into the seatpost discussion... accept to say try riding it with the dropper before taking it off. The Transitions are all better value as a complete bike (especially of you're not in a rush and are deal hunting) than frame only... so buy a bike... ride it... fit lighter wheels/tyres and remove the dropper later if you're not having the right kind of fun with the stock build.
Thanks. I'm not in a rush - I've got 5 bikes but I'm keeping my eye on windwave currently.
For sureKelvin - I saw the complete bikes were a good deal. I'd probably prefer that this time. (I rode a few with droppers on hols last year. Didn't use it.) I think I'd go with your plan though - run it for a bit upgrade as and when. Post is getting Thomsoned straight away. 🙂
From a riding perspective, the Spur I had was really good. From a reliability perspective, it was not. The paint (like all Transitions) was pretty flimsy, the BB shell came unbonded from the carbon, which Transition replaced after a right old battle with them & then the same thing happened with the lower pivot bearing seats. Then began the second warranty battle.
From experience of friends who have had Transitions over the years, it does seem to be an issue that repeats more than it does with other brands.
At that point I bought an Epic8 & it rides just as well as the Spur, hasn't fallen apart in 18 months & I’ve ridden some really stupid sh*t on it. However if you are in the camp of “I don’t need a dropper post” then I’d probably suggest neither are the right bike for you & id probably look at a new Anthem/Supercaliber/Epic WC.
From a riding perspective, the Spur I had was really good. From a reliability perspective, it was not. The paint (like all Transitions) was pretty flimsy, the BB shell came unbonded from the carbon, which Transition replaced after a right old battle with them & then the same thing happened with the lower pivot bearing seats. Then began the second warranty battle.
From experience of friends who have had Transitions over the years, it does seem to be an issue that repeats more than it does with other brands.
At that point I bought an Epic8 & it rides just as well as the Spur, hasn't fallen apart in 18 months & I’ve ridden some really stupid sh*t on it. However if you are in the camp of “I don’t need a dropper post” then I’d probably suggest neither are the right bike for you & id probably look at a new Anthem/Supercaliber/Epic WC.
Ouch. I'm used to having virtually no problems - I've only owned Turners in the last 15 years. (But alas no more FS.)
That would bug me for a premium brand. In fact it's enough to put me off.
Post is getting Thomsoned straight away.
I've probably got one you can have. Dropper posts on everything for me!
Looking at the Specialised Chisel myself, as it's far more affordable, and I keep my bikes too long to want to deal with the long term issues that carbon frames tend to have. That little story above about alu inserts liberating themselves isn't unique to Transition at all.
Post is getting Thomsoned straight away.
I've probably got one you can have. Dropper posts on everything for me!
Looking at the Specialised Chisel myself, as it's far more affordable, and I keep my bikes too long to want to deal with the long term issues that carbon frames tend to have. That little story above about alu inserts liberating themselves isn't unique to Transition at all.
Cool. If the time's right I will get you some ££.
I've owned a few FS (SC Blur, SC Tallboy, Spearfish, Turner Flux26, Turner 5spot, Turner Flux650b, Turner Czar1, Turner Czar2) - I've never had many issues with suspension other than the odd bearing replacement. (I had one broken rocker on the Czars in 12 years and I'm not super light.)
That Chisel looks an excellent bike. Got to say there's an appeal with a good ally full-suss bike. As my main 'peak' bike is a 130mm / ally Flux. The Chisel is a good looking 'lean' bike. What's the lightest v diminishing returns is can be built and bought off the shelf (Or do people get epics if they want lighter?) The 'lightness' is more for the crispness of ride rather than weight-weeny reasons. Not obessesive.
Which Chisel are you buying @Kelvin?
Not buying 'till a bargain frame turns up. You can get '25 colour ways for about £800/$1000 stateside, waiting for prices to drop over here, or will get something second hand.
If I could afford it, and it was to be my main bike, I'd still get the Spur though.
Here's my 'old' but current FS for XC - longer rides. 100mm both ends. Bit short on the cock-pit even at XLG. Like the stretch of the Spur.
Agree on a deal these days. Work has been on and off so I'm not as ready to pull the trigger as in the past. But if something pops up that's good I'm in.
The linkage on that Chisel is very very similar to my early Spearfish. (80mm IIRC.)
It's very light too.
I _really_ wish somebody hadn't pointed out the reduced Spurs on Windwave. I'm in a serious procrastination battle now. They're due to be replaced though I guess, this generation has been round a while and a fair bunch of the rest of their range have recently had frame storage etc added.
Spur is a great bike but I don't think it's the best bike for you (from what you've described).
Specialized Epic 8 or Santa Cruz Blur would likely fit your requirement better.
And fit a dropper 😉
Epic 8 is closer to a Spur than a Blur from memory? I considered both but discounted the Blur for being too old school XC (unless I've missed a new model?)
I had a Czar for 10 years, 5 Spot & Flux prior to that, & many others. Currently on an Epic Evo & Pivot Mach 4SL.
Wife's on a Yeti ASR 120mm which was a good price from Insight cycles for frame only.
Merlin are doing SC Blurs cheap but I think all the frames only have sold out.
I guess, this generation has been round a while and a fair bunch of the rest of their range have recently had frame storage etc added.
Listening to the Pinkbike podcast and they reckon the internal storage rage is coming to an end as customer feedback says they're not used that much, or words to that effect.
Keep an eye on the Windwave ebay site OP as that's where mine came from last year. Less than 2k from memory?
Riding buddy has the 115mm 'TR' version of the current Blur and it's a flying machine (handy rider too, but still). Noticeably lighter than my current era 120mm Tallboy 5, although the Tallboy's more akin to the Spur being generally considered as more downcountry (eurgh) than XC.
Despite indifference re Santa Cruz, those are some great deals on 100mm Blurs at Merlin: https://www.merlincycles.com/search?w=santa+cruz+blur&stock=instock
Have you tried Creation Cycles in Radcliffe on Trent? They are always on Transitions and not that far from The Pines
This is not the convince me I need a dropper post thread.
It really needs to be!
On a performance improvement per £ ratio, a dropper post really is the best innovation to come to MTB's in the last decade or so...
Just ride. I've been riding there for 20 years, run a club there, coached there. And never fancied one. Moab last year - didn't touch it.
Ever heard the phrase "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got"...?
If a dropper post is overly complicated, then full suspension should be an absolute nightmare to you! And disc brakes the work of the Devil...
Have you tried Creation Cycles in Radcliffe on Trent? They are always on Transitions and not that far from The Pines
Never heard of them. Worth a shot I guess.
Riding buddy has the 115mm 'TR' version of the current Blur and it's a flying machine (handy rider too, but still). Noticeably lighter than my current era 120mm Tallboy 5, although the Tallboy's more akin to the Spur being generally considered as more downcountry (eurgh) than XC.
Spur is considerably lighter than the Tallboy though. When I was asking on here I was warned off the TB if weight was a consideration.
When I owned my smuggler I had two (admittedly relatively minor) warranty issues come up, tweeks who I brought it off forwarded to transition who replied both times within a couple of days and sorted me out no problem. Has stuck with me as going above and beyond and (appearing at least) caring about their customers.
Riding buddy has the 115mm 'TR' version of the current Blur and it's a flying machine (handy rider too, but still). Noticeably lighter than my current era 120mm Tallboy 5, although the Tallboy's more akin to the Spur being generally considered as more downcountry (eurgh) than XC.
Spur is considerably lighter than the Tallboy though. When I was asking on here I was warned off the TB if weight was a consideration.
I know, but that's why I was suggesting the Blur to the OP and not a Tallboy. As much as I rate my Tallboy, it's definitely not a XCish replacement 😀
(Iappreciate what you're saying - for the Tallboy/Spur type of bike the Tallboy's an outlier in being heavier than average, or the Spur being lighter than average)
Had both the original Blur and Tallboy.
Tallboy was great.
Not too fussed about either now apart from the geo - they're not going to improve upon my Czar.
This thought started for me when I hired a few bikes over the last few years and the Spur kept coming back as the most rideable and comfortable, as well as compliant and snappy. (Ibis Ripley is the other option and that has Dw-link which I've been a fan of for a long while. )
The windwave sale is very limited in sizes with mainly XL.
I'm starting to think my trip to CO in July might be about getting a Spur there instead of hiring as that stacks up.
The rental place in Frisco has loads maybe they sell them off.
Interesting that flex stays have become a thing now. I did like my spearfish but it wasn't super compliant. Fast and snappy though.
This is the best current deal I can find.
Just not sure about how 'marked' it is and apart from my motorbike years - since when did ohlins forks end up on bikes?
Are they any good?
I've had a Spur since early 2021. Took a while to arrive during the lockdown years. It replaced a Tallboy 2 as an XCM bike.
I've had no reliability issues at all. I put invisiframe on, and there is just normal wear. You need to keep an eye on the upper bearings, but no more than my TB needed
The negatives can be that it is "soft" in the rear suspension. I did not get on with the sidluxe shock. I found it would wallow, especially when going up a rocky trail if I hit a step or rock. I've put on a CC DBIL which is a much better shock.
Imo for you, something snappier and less "trail" would be better. Maybe the Trek super caliber?
This is the best current deal I can find.
I saw that last summer. It's long since sold, I think.
This is the best current deal I can find.
I saw that last summer. It's long since sold, I think.
Ah. Gotcha. Thanks
Bit of a lag on the inventory.
Imo for you, something snappier and less "trail" would be better. Maybe the Trek super caliber
Yeah I think you're correct but I thought the spur could do a bit of snappy stuff plus a bit of trail stuff.
Quite surprised as I thought 120mm was well within xc levels of suspension these days.
Yes, it does feel a bit soft (with the few hours I've spent) and interesting you flagged the shock. I've nearly always had DW link / Horst with fox and that's never been an issue.
I'm probably still going to get one in the end. Nothing like owning something to really find out.
Thanks all.
I've owned a Spur since 2021. Done nearly 4,000 miles according to Strava and it's been such an amazing bike. Built and used solely for XC with SID Ultimate / SIDluxe, Roval Carbon wheels, but the rest of the build is more 'trailsy' (full X01 Eagle, G2 brakes, One Up dropper, Title carbon bars, Specialized Ground Control T7 front / Fast Trak T7 rear).
My typical ride is around the 30 mile mark, but I've done a few 50 mile slogs. It's rode as efficient as any XC bike I've owned previously, but goes like proverbial poop off a stick pointed down. The handline is sharp when it needs to be and loose and fun when you want it. It's an incredibly fun, mild-mannered bike that encourages you to do daft things above and beyond the travel on offer.
But then if you wanted to, you can chuck a bigger shock and chunkier fork on it (up to 130mm) and you've got a rocket ship light trail bike, so it really does straddle the XC / Trail boundary. What ever you want to build it up as, it will excel.
I would never sell mine, and if it got broken or stolen, I'd buy another in a heartbeat. The geo is absolutely spot on for what it does - no changes or updates needed. One disclaimer though - the latest Specialized Epic (Epic 8, non-Evo version) basically copied the Spur geo, but the Spur has a burlier frame, something like half a kilo extra heft. So if you're gramme-counting / racing then the Epic would be one to consider.
spotted one on fb marketplace ust now, large frame with fork, shock and dropper (!) for 1750. You could maybe get it reduced if you don't take the dropper. Link wont won't work though.
spotted one on fb marketplace ust now, large frame with fork, shock and dropper (!) for 1750. You could maybe get it reduced if you don't take the dropper. Link wont won't work though.
Think I've seen this one on eBay too.
Nice colour.
I've owned a Spur since 2021. Done nearly 4,000 miles according to Strava and it's been such an amazing bike. Built and used solely for XC with SID Ultimate / SIDluxe, Roval Carbon wheels, but the rest of the build is more 'trailsy' (full X01 Eagle, G2 brakes, One Up dropper, Title carbon bars, Specialized Ground Control T7 front / Fast Trak T7 rear).
My typical ride is around the 30 mile mark, but I've done a few 50 mile slogs. It's rode as efficient as any XC bike I've owned previously, but goes like proverbial poop off a stick pointed down. The handline is sharp when it needs to be and loose and fun when you want it. It's an incredibly fun, mild-mannered bike that encourages you to do daft things above and beyond the travel on offer.
But then if you wanted to, you can chuck a bigger shock and chunkier fork on it (up to 130mm) and you've got a rocket ship light trail bike, so it really does straddle the XC / Trail boundary. What ever you want to build it up as, it will excel.
I would never sell mine, and if it got broken or stolen, I'd buy another in a heartbeat. The geo is absolutely spot on for what it does - no changes or updates needed. One disclaimer though - the latest Specialized Epic (Epic 8, non-Evo version) basically copied the Spur geo, but the Spur has a burlier frame, something like half a kilo extra heft. So if you're gramme-counting / racing then the Epic would be one to consider.
This is exactly what I want to hear!
* The handling is sharp, not the 'handline' 🤣
Maghalie Rochette raced a Spur in the BC Bike Race this year (I think she was last year's Elite Women's winner when she rode for Canyon) - https://www.pinkbike.com/news/top-racers-share-their-2025-bc-bike-race-weapon-of-choice.html
When I was still on Facebook and a member of the Transition owner's group, there were regular posts from weekend racers who raced their Spur in local and regional events and placed on the podium.
Yup, same one. At least you get some buyer protection via ebay. Gunmetal does look good with the decals
Had my Spur for almost 2 years now and love it
Bought the GX spec version with FOX 34 Performance Elite forks and FOX DPS Performance Elite rear shock
I upgraded the rear mech and shifter to GX AXS (had them left over from a previous bike)
Sold the One Up dropper (it kept having a knocking noise when at full extension) and replaced it with a FOX Transfer Performance Elite
Then changed the wheels to a set of Reserve 28XC wheels with Maxxis Rekon tyres
I only use it in the drier months and its great fun, where I live you can be on an XC ride and find some good downhill sections with some good jumps and drops etc... and the Spur just takes everything in its stride
I looked at getting one but its a spendy bit of kit. Went Epic 8 instead
Built my Spur up a little burlier - Pikes at 130mm, a cane creek db air shock, and beefier tyres - Specialized Purgatory T9 and T7. Can’t be much under 30lb but rides great and handles everything I can do - did most the Glentress off pistes on it at the weekend including hammer time and b side which are quite tricky (for me!). Am tempted to stick the SIDs back on with lighter wheels and tyres but only if I had a longer travel bike to complement it. Would be around 26lbs I think and would be rapid.
I’m a bit of (sometimes unintentionally though) a serial Specialized owner, so I think I’d put my money into an Epic 8. But I’ve always liked the lines of the Spur, that black one above looks great (shame it’s sold!).
Probably easy to test ride it’s closest competitors as they are from big brands, so I’d compare the Epic and the Top Fuel to what you already know about the Spur before settling on a final decision. Can’t go wrong with any of them though I reckon.
Turns out loads of people have got them!
Can honestly say I've never seen one in the UK.
Every bike I pass now is an E-bike!
Specialized have been around as long as me but I've never owned one as I've always sought out slightly 'different' brands but their bikes do look great now.
I'm exactly like @escrs above - my FS comes out in the drier months. Turner rigid Ti for winter. Although I rode 3 times in the peak over Xmas as it was dry on my Turner Flux.
I've got to say FS has always been my epicentre of enjoyment. Rigid is just to have something low maintenance to be able to keep going over winter, and I've always found a light FS to be faster and more fun.
My 2018 Czar 1.1 with parts from 2013 still looks pretty new because of this .
But rigid sort of dulls the enjoyment a bit for me, especially on smaller chop.
My Spur has the Fox shock, which is ace, if that's any help. Have heard the SID isn't the best for day to day?
I do like the lines of the Spur, the top tube and seat stays aligning does look awesome!
But, I was in the market recently and picked up a '25 Chisel Comp and fitted some Roval Carbon Wheels with X01 cassette and love riding it around in all weather conditions, if anything this is my winter bike as I tried a hardtail but didnt get on with it...(it was def the wrong hardtail though)
yes any deviations from fox to me have not been satisfactory.My Spur has the Fox shock, which is ace, if that's any help. Have heard the SID isn't the best for day to day?
I managed to grab the last (only?) one of those size large framesets from Windwave. Based on a few weeks riding, it's superb. This is a bike I've lusted after since 2021, but couldn't justify to myself for various reasons.
I bought a mint Spesh Chisel last spring, so swapped the build over from that. I see no reason you couldn't race XC competitively on it. Even the lightest XC bikes are only going to drop a pound or so.
The Chisel is an ace bike too. The Spur is just a little bit better all round, but I wouldn't have swapped at full frame RRP.
I obviously can't give a long term view, but a mate has had one for nearly five years and hasn't managed to break it. He ridess a lot, and rides hard, regularly breaking wheels despite not being very heavy.
Get a dropper you weirdo.
I managed to grab the last (only?) one of those size large framesets from Windwave. Based on a few weeks riding, it's superb. This is a bike I've lusted after since 2021, but couldn't justify to myself for various reasons.
I bought a mint Spesh Chisel last spring, so swapped the build over from that. I see no reason you couldn't race XC competitively on it. Even the lightest XC bikes are only going to drop a pound or so.
The Chisel is an ace bike too. The Spur is just a little bit better all round, but I wouldn't have swapped at full frame RRP.
I obviously can't give a long term view, but a mate has had one for nearly five years and hasn't managed to break it. He ridess a lot, and rides hard, regularly breaking wheels despite not being very heavy.
Get a dropper you weirdo.
So you grabbed one but you couldn't justify it? You mean you ended up selling it?
Ha ha see you on the trails whilst you're moving your damn rattling heavy post up and down I will be coming past 😉
No, I mean I couldn't justify full RRP, and this is the first time I've ever seen any sort of offer on one other than huge / tiny ones. Even SH they are rare. This ones a keeper!