I’ve got a hankering for a new bike, I have an Orbea Rise & a Bird Aether 7.
I plan to ride the eeb less and get back on a normal bike more. Most of my riding over the last 18 months has been at the Golfie / Tweed Valley with a couple of weeks in Wales & the Alps and various other Scotland adventures.
Next year we hope to do the Tour du Mont Blanc, so hopefully some big alpine descents but plenty of pedalling and climbing (going to the Alps this year too but will probably take the Rise). I have dreams of more mountains which will involve some carrying.
I think I want around 160mm of travel, has to be a reasonable amount more than the Aether I think to make it worth it and a 29er as I think it will cover ground better.
I’ve got demos booked next weekend on a Bird Aeris 9 and the Carbon Aeris AM.
I might go to Comrie and demo a Deviate Highlander, but pretty sure I can’t afford one.
I’ve also considered a Bird AM9, either frame or full bike.
Stumpy Evo looks the sensible choice as they’re so cheap at the moment.
What else would you look at along the same lines?
I was after something similar and went for a Canyon Strive CFR Underdog on the basis that I get 2 bikes for the price of one, that and an amazing albeit brief sale on the price, which was already pretty good value anyway.
Hasn’t arrived yet so can’t tell you whether it’s any good!
I cant see past a Stumpy Evo Expert at that price.
Yeah my head keeps coming back to the Stumpy but my heart wanders elsewhere 🤣
I might go to Comrie and demo a Deviate Highlander, but pretty sure I can’t afford one.
Only £250 in it for a framset vs. the Aeris AM, both with shocks, if you take the non-UDH Highlander II. Different story I expect for a complete bike as with Bird you can get all the parts at non-retail pricing.
Yeah I’ve just been playing on their site, a nicely specced one comes in at £8k so in theory would be £1.5k less with the ‘23 frame. The Aeris with a similar spec is about £5k I think.
Unfortunately I haven’t got any parts to build a bike from so really want a full bike.
Canyon Strive CFR Underdog
Looks good but I probably wouldn’t get the best out of it, isn’t it a bit of a beast? Or is that just the “Race Bike” marketing?
I have an Aeris 9 and it's pretty much ideal for what you describe imo. I've had bigger/burlier enduro bikes but for me they only really come into their own when you're really hammering it, which for me basically just meant fort william and stuff like that, both rocky and burly but also basically straightforward so I can go fast. Anything less haggard, or anything that haggard but slower, the Bird deals with superbly. But at the same time it's perfectly happy doing trailcentres. A coil fork really helps a big trailbike or little enduro bike punch above its weight
Course, there'll be loads of other bikes that can say the same- in the end there's literally only one thing it does much better than my 10 year old trek remedy 29 did, jumps, the basic job of "be a big trailbike" is a fairly straightforward problem to solve I reckon, especially considering everyone copies everyone else's homework.
Rear suspension is really important I think, and possibly rear centre length, not so sure about that one though. You could ride bikes with identical geo but different suspension in and have a far bigger difference than 2 bikes with the same suspension and pretty big geo differences I think, especially since everyone went so mad for antisquat.
I’d have thought the Aeris AM could be an awesome bike for what you want. The Aeris 9 is fully Enduro I’d say.
Transition Sentinel V2 is in the same kind of ballpark - it’s what I’ve got. I was considering the Aeris AM but they didn’t have stock at the time.
Ibis Ripmo is in a similar ish sort of area too.
For context I had an Aether 7 before the Sentinel - I was running that with a 150mm Lyrik and dhx2 coil shock so was about as aggressive as that bike could get.
Even with a 160mm Lyrik and a fox float x shock the sentinel (alloy v2) blitzed through chunk a lot better. With the cascade link and coil shock it’s an animal - it’s so fast.
I have both an X2 air shock and Kitsuma coil on my carbon version I’ve now got (the carbon frame is a chunk lighter than the alloy one) - it feels more trail with air / more enduro with coil.
Oh yeah - Stumpie Evo too. Heard from a few people the downtube is a bit sensitive to rock strikes - so if you go that way I’d add some extra downtube protective.
I think you mean an AM9 @Northwind? 😜
I have an Aeries 9, it's definitely more Enduro focused. Despite a similar build to my AM9 it does feel slower when not pointed downhill, the weight penalty over a V1/V2 AM9 is about 500g I think but you do get more stiffness, more travel on the front and 160mm over 150 on the rear.
I've had several AM9 and got a lot of enjoyment from them. They are all going to be out of warranty now as a SH buyer unless Bird still have any new XL left and that fits. The V3 takes a longer fork and is about 3.2kg in a ML so not too shabby for alloy.
I’ve got a Stumpy Evo. It’s excellent for Alpine enduro style/big mountain/backcountry riding.
The adjustable geometry is really useful too. I swap it around for what I’m planning on doing.
I have bought a Rockguardz for it. In the low and slack position at bike parks it just eggs me on to go faster, which can lead to the front wheel throwing up some significant rocks.
Specialized are really good build quality and I’ve had excellent warranty service from them too.
What's in-between trail and enduro bikes? Yep, all-mountain bikes 😀
For what you describe (and as you know I rode the TMB last year), I'd suggest 150mm-ish rear travel could be the sweet spot - perhaps going up to 160mm if you know the frame is light and pedals well (carbon Bird should fit that bill).
My new Orange is 145mm travel (160mm front) and it was awesome in the Highlands the other week.
Have you considerd an Orange ? lots of deals around
I'm was in the same situation, have an Orbea Rise and wanted to build up another bike for the Alps/ Peaks/ Dales/ Calderdale that would go up and down with relative ease. Ended up with a Highlander II frame only option from Deviate as I had the standard forks and shock off the rise, plus some spare wheels.
Only managed 4 proper rides on it but it goes better than my old Jeffsey, set a few PRs downhill, I like it, handles really well. The downsides are a bit of cable rattle and mud gathering around the linkage but nothing I can't live with.
I've very little experience of FS bikes generally, but love my Aeris AM Carbon, it would fulfill your brief perfectly.
Another Rise (H) owner back on the "normal" bike now the better weather is here (Rise gets used mostly for winter exploring across the Southern Uplands). I went for one of the 2023 Ripmo's (wanted the UDH just in case) which I am enjoying. Thought it was going to be heavy but it doesn't ride like the static weight (14Kg).
I plan to ride the eeb less and get back on a normal bike more
Out of interest, aside from the Alps and carrying stuff, why?
Another Rise (H) owner back on the “normal” bike now the better weather is here (Rise gets used mostly for winter exploring across the Southern Uplands).
Same question - out of interest, why?
I ask as someone who's considering a Rise style eMTB.
rockthreegozy
Free Member
I think you mean an AM9 @Northwind? 😜
Oh god, yes. ****ing incomprehensible Bird bike names 🙂
I’m sure the Strive is me ‘over-biking’ massively but I like the idea of having the option of full-on downhill geometry that changes at the flick of a switch to more uphill / trail orientated - changes rear travel to 140, adds 1.5 degrees to head angle and raises the bb.
Plus it was reduced to £2800 10 days ago, and with cycle to work scheme in addition makes it £1700 all-in…
Out of interest, aside from the Alps and carrying stuff, why?
I took the Aether to Wales a couple of weeks ago and absolutely loved riding it, like laugh out loud enjoyment. The Rise is a “light” e-bike but even then I think mine is around 21kg+ and the difference in riding a 15kg non eeb downhill was great fun.
I’m fitter now than I have been for years, partly because of getting the Rise and riding a lot and having done a fair bit of gravel riding. I’m probably not getting much fitter at this point keeping riding the eeb, pedalling a manual bike will definitely help my fitness though & is less off a grind than it used to be.
The Rise will be staying and it will probably still get a lot of use, at places like the Golfie doing laps up fire road climbs it gets me double the number of runs down. The Rise has also been great for my riding, because it allows more laps and I’m not as burst by the time I get to the top.
I had an Aether 9 and have just moved to a Stumpy Evo. Not a huge jump in travel or geometry, but enough to make a big difference to the ride - the Evo feels like a bigger & more capable bike without actually being one - it's lighter and feels that way too. Would buy again!
Plus it was reduced to £2800 10 days ago
Ooft, yeah that’s a good price.
Looks like a great bike, hope you enjoy it! 😎
Oh god, yes. ****ing incomprehensible Bird bike names 🙂
🤣 I’ve nearly got my head around the names, taken a while though! I knew you had an AM9, you’d answered my questions on your other thread 👍
I’ve very little experience of FS bikes generally, but love my Aeris AM Carbon, it would fulfill your brief perfectly.
“hardtailonly” hmm, not convinced by that name! I haven’t heard anything bad about them yet 👍 I’m talking myself into one.
Ended up with a Highlander II frame only option from Deviate
The 2023 frames are a decent saving, but it would be an expensive project gathering everything else to build it up.
They are all going to be out of warranty now as a SH buyer unless Bird still have any new XL left and that fits.
They have some green V1s in the right size, but I would like the option to run a longer fork. And I’m not a fan of the green 🙈
Have you considerd an Orange ?
I can’t get past the agricultural looks of an Orange. They’re probably great to ride though I’m sure!
I've a transition sentinel v1 (160F / 140R)
And I've also a vitus sommet (170F / 160R)
Both are set up with strong components as I'm a lump, but I can swap wheels/tyres between them - anything from XC, trail to Enduro depending what I'm up to.
The vitus suspension is significantly posher and so it's better at eating chunk, it's longer (other angles similar), and it's a fair bit faster downhill. However it's also a bit harder to pedal.
For Enduro racing or laps, I take the vitus every time.
For XC/trail where there is more long distance pedalling, or for jumps, I take the Transition.
With appropriate wheel swaps, either would cover much the same ground, though they are more capable at the extremes (pedally XC / super rough Enduro wi' big drops and that)
I went for one of the 2023 Ripmo’s (wanted the UDH just in case) which I am enjoying. Thought it was going to be heavy but it doesn’t ride like the static weight (14Kg).
I’ll check them out ta.
I had an Aether 9 and have just moved to a Stumpy Evo. Not a huge jump in travel or geometry, but enough to make a big difference to the ride – the Evo feels like a bigger & more capable bike without actually being one – it’s lighter and feels that way too. Would buy again!
So this is going to sound silly but I’d originally discounted the Stumpy Evo because my wife was about to buy one, and I wanted something different 🤣 We’ve had his & hers T130s and Rises and I just didn’t want to do it again. But once she was looking at them I took an interest and they do look good.
She’s quite likely to go for an Orbea Occam LT now so an Eco might be back on the short list.
Oh yeah – Stumpie Evo too. Heard from a few people the downtube is a bit sensitive to rock strikes – so if you go that way I’d add some extra downtube protective.
I’d most likely get a metal one tbh, because of the cracked frame stories. I’m also not the most finessed rider so the thought of carbon does trouble me a bit anyway.
I can’t get past the agricultural looks of an Orange. They’re probably great to ride though I’m sure!
They ride exactly like they look. Unfortunately.
They ride exactly like they look. Unfortunately.
Oh 🤣
I might go to Comrie and demo a Deviate Highlander, but pretty sure I can’t afford one.
There's a cheap (relatively) nearly new Highlander frame/shock in the classifieds...
For the riding you're describing (Golfie, Tweed Valley etc and the occasional bit of bigger riding) that'd be a decent choice.
The Highlander II is supposedly a total "one bike quiver" for aggressive riding by all accounts...some of those accounts possibly have a bit of an incentive from Deviate to say that though.
I do everything that isn't easy XC stuff on my Slash though, which rather surprisingly I have actually found is easier to pedal and climb than my old trail bike. So probably these days whatever you choose south of a full DH rig will be totally fine for big techy rides.
Can confirm Oranges ride how they look: Bloody amazing
I was actually pining for my old Stage 6 while I was doing the TMB.
You'll probably be better off with the Stumpy Evo as an all-rounder though. I'd just say to look into the weight of the alu version, in case it's a real porker (TMB in mind again here).
I do everything that isn’t easy XC stuff on my Slash though
Ooh, I meant to say OP might want too look for deals on the old model Slash.
Perfect example of a light enduro bike that pedals fairly well. Very similar geo to that new carbon Bird.
Same question – out of interest, why?
I am trying to keep what strength and fitness I have so prefer to get the "normal" bike out as much as possible.
However, the Rise is great for maximising ride time when I want to get more riding in than my (over 60s) legs can cope with.
Also, it's a great tool for exploring the (pretty wild) local hills - you have no fear of just seeing where the odd quad track goes without worry of burning a match or two up that girt great hill.
@cha****ng - Yes, the old Gen 5 model is what I meant to specify! Just feels like an alloy trail bike to pedal around to me.
Ive also a transition sentinel v2 and really like it, can still be a lil cumbersome on mellow rides though.
Not sure what budget is but is the pivot switchblade worth a look? Whyte T-140? Personally id also look at an orange stage 6 evo as i also love how oranges ride, so much fun.
The Highlander II is supposedly a total “one bike quiver” for aggressive riding by all accounts…some of those accounts possibly have a bit of an incentive from Deviate to say that though.
I do everything that isn’t easy XC stuff on my Slash though, which rather surprisingly I have actually found is easier to pedal and climb than my old trail bike. So probably these days whatever you choose south of a full DH rig will be totally fine for big techy rides.
The more I look at the Highlander the more I like the look of it, there are a couple of v1 150mm ones for sale for not much money, not entirely sure what the difference is between the 1 & 2.
I think it's probably fair to say that it's pretty difficult to buy a bad bike these days.
Megatowers have some big discounts at Stif right now.
I never thought I'd be looking at a Santa Cruz but there are some crazy discounts about on them at the moment, unfortunately missed the Tweed Valley Bikes demo weekend.
Whyte T-140? Personally id also look at an orange stage 6 evo as i also love how oranges ride, so much fun.
I had a T130 before and whilst it was a good bike, I don't think I want another Whyte. See comments above about Orange, sorry!
Airdrop Edit MX?
I do love the look of the Edits, not sure it's what I'm after though. I'm not a weight weenie but I think it might be a bit too burly?
The more I look at the Highlander the more I like the look of it, there are a couple of v1 150mm ones for sale for not much money, not entirely sure what the difference is between the 1 & 2.
There are a few reviews which mention what's changed.
Based on what I've read about high pivot bikes, I'd definitely want to demo one somewhere even if you do eventually buy second hand. The growing chainstay as you go through the travel apparently takes some getting used to and isn't for everyone.
Also you mentioned carrying, about the only time I'd think much about weight. The frame weight is listed as 3.2kg, vs. 2.5kg for the Bird Aeris AM. That means either a lighter bike, or burlier components for the same total weight.
IMO there's not much point getting a heavy 140 travel bike that uses the same forks supplied with 160+ travel bikes!
It's become fashionable on the internet to say weight doesn't matter but it does, especially when it comes to the frame. You can load a lighter frame up with heavier components/tyres without it getting ridiculous, therefore you have got more freedom to choose/accept heavier components and maybe benefit from increased durability/better performance.
It’s become fashionable on the internet to say weight doesn’t matter but it does, especially when it comes to the frame.
2.5kg for the Bird vs 3.75kg for the airdrop (I assume both without shock) is quite a difference. I do want to stay reasonably light, without spending ££££ to do so.
Somewhere around 15kg-16kg seems achievable. Once its getting close to 17kg I’ve probably gone for too much bike!
IMO there’s not much point getting a heavy 140 travel bike that uses the same forks supplied with 160+ travel bikes
To a point, but most 160+ mm bikes are running Zeb/38’s now, hefty tyres & in quite a lot of cases DH shocks too. There was a recent article on Pinkbike of the weight of racers bikes & they were all over 16kg & up to 19 in some cases, which is fine for racing big mountain enduro stuff, but screw that for every day riding.
If you are building a 16kg 140mm travel bike, I would suggest you might be doing something wrong, or you live in a place where brutal trails & absolute reliability are number one priorities.
Enduro bikes are very much one trick ponies now & IME it’s less to do with the weight & more to do with the uncompromising geometry.
I think if I was going for the one bike solution, it would be a modern trail bike, as they are considerably more versatile, more fun more of the time & 99% of the time as fast or faster than a big bike. My middle bike (Druid V2) which between that & my Tallboy I spend most of my time on, is about 14kg & I’m still yet to ride anything on it & wish I was on the big bike.
I would however, pick weight over something like a Stumpy Evo & their reputation for cracking. The downtube is frighteningly thin (almost as thin as the frame protector they put on them).
Enduro bikes are very much one trick ponies now & IME it’s less to do with the weight & more to do with the uncompromising geometry.
One of the best features of the Stumpjumper Evo, IME, is the ability to alter the geometry from uncompromised downhill, right through to reasonable trail.
I think if I was going for the one bike solution, it would be a modern trail bike, as they are considerably more versatile, more fun more of the time
Generally agree with that: something around 140mm travel with decent geometry is a great all-rounder. I'd hoped the Highlander v1 140mm I bought would split the difference between my shorter-travel trail bike and my 160mm Geometron - it did, but the sizing hasn't worked for me (even their XL felt too short/cramped for me). Had an eye on future combining my two FSers into one, leaving headroom for a big-travel ebike for winch n plummet days.
& 99% of the time as fast or faster than a big bike.
But don't fully agree with that. Rode my trail bike last week then my Geometron this week on the same trails - my big bike is definitely quicker much more that 1% of the time! It's more the ease it handles stuff that my trail bike is pushed towards the limit on. All about the compromise though.
Ref Stumpjumper Evo - can you adjust geometry whilst riding? That was what attracted me to the Strive.
One of the best features of the Stumpjumper Evo, IME, is the ability to alter the geometry from uncompromised downhill, right through to reasonable trail.
In theory, yes, in practice I don’t think they quite got it right, as some of the settings were too compromised (yes I did own one a few years ago). I still put that bike down as one of the most frustrating bikes I had owned, as it was so nearly the one, only to be let down by that utterly ridiculous shock ruining clevis mount & the paper thin downtube.
But don’t fully agree with that.
I think a lot of people get blinded by the tough bits on a trail & overlook how much quicker trail bikes are on the rest of it in most cases. I know where sections of trail I am faster on which bike, but overall, the little bike mostly wins out (S. Wales off piste style riding). it just goes to show that you can turn up to something like an EWS these days & still win on a small, or relatively short travel trail bike though, thats how good bikes have become.
Banshee Titan (155mm) or Banshee Prime (135mm)?
Both punch above their travel number and like a longer fork.
I have a Prime and it's good for all day pedalfests through to bike park laps.
Canyon Spectral could be another contender?
Good value, mullet flip chip, downtube storage and geometry looks decent.
140/150 travel will be fine for the TMB and most UK riding.
I kind-of agree with HobNob these mid-travel bikes are often fastest most of the time. And UK "off-piste" trails rarely require big travel so much as slack angles.
Ref Stumpjumper Evo – can you adjust geometry whilst riding? That was what attracted me to the Strive.
No. It needs flip chips flipped or the fork dropped out to turn the headset cups around.
I think a lot of people get blinded by the tough bits on a trail & overlook how much quicker trail bikes are on the rest of it in most cases. I know where sections of trail I am faster on which bike, but overall, the little bike mostly wins out (S. Wales off piste style riding)
Not a brag, because I'm still a bit rubbish/nervous on a lot of it, but getting there - the steepest/nadgeryiest stuff I've ridden recently has been on my slack(ish) 150mm forked 29'er HT.
Strava times aren't far off matching my FS times on DH sections too
Transition Sentinel V2 is in the same kind of ballpark – it’s what I’ve got.
Can't remember if Transition were on the Tweedlove list (and now the list has gone because bookings are closed) but hopefully they are and I'll be able to take a look at one.
140/150 travel will be fine for the TMB and most UK riding.
I kind-of agree with HobNob these mid-travel bikes are often fastest most of the time. And UK “off-piste” trails rarely require big travel so much as slack angles.
I reckon my Bird 130/150 will be fine too. It’s comfortable, pedals pretty well, is slack enough (65° on paper but with the longer fork 64.5 ish?)
And I’ve just got it out the garage to put in the van, it makes me smile whenever I even look at it 🙂
Maybe all I really want is a coil for fast descending & some Hope brakes for a bit of bling 🤔
At the time I didn’t want to go up to a 29er but if I had the Aether 9 already I probably wouldn’t even be thinking about a new bike.
And then this brings me back around to looking at the older AM9 (in Raw obviously) and adding an angleset to slacken it a bit. Which would be a whole lot cheaper than any of the other options… 🤣
There's quite some gap between a 130 27.5" and a 160 29er. Could well end up battered in the Alps on it, I read it's demanding enough even when you've got the right bike. You also mentioned carrying up mountains, personally I wouldn't want to be coming down without a 29er front.
@B&B, the thing is, the alps are very big. If you're bashing out runs of pleney or something then there's no substitute for bigness to soak up high speed roughness and a million braking bumps, but every sort of riding exists there, you could be doing ancient cattle tracks in saint foye, or relatively lightly worn bike park in les 2 alpes, or mega-innerleithen at la thule (or mega-dirtfarm at Pila in knee-deep powder dust...). Varies literally as much as the whole UK. So that plays a big part too.
phil5556
Full MemberAnd then this brings me back around to looking at the older AM9 (in Raw obviously) and adding an angleset to slacken it a bit. Which would be a whole lot cheaper than any of the other options…
The AM9 takes an angleset so well btw, you lose a tiny amount of techy climbing ability and you've got to be slightly more careful in slow stumbly turns, but it's better all the rest of the time. I've never heard anyone say they'd go back, I certainly won't. It even looks better.
personally I wouldn’t want to be coming down without a 29er front.
I’ve been to the alps a few times, the biggest bike I’ve ever taken is my 130/150 Aether 7. There’s been a few times when I probably would’ve been quicker on something else but I’ve still had fun.
I’ve done a bit of a mix of riding like Northwind says. I like a bike park but not for a whole week (and I can’t jump, so that’s a bit limiting at times 🤣)
The AM9 takes an angleset so well btw,
Apart from the slacker seat angle, with an angleset it puts it pretty close to the Carbon AM geo (-10mm rear travel).
Which incidentally I had a go on at the weekend, it’s a lovely bike, instantly comfortable and was nicely nimble compared to the A9. I’d get it with a coil because I want to try one and supposedly should make the back more supple. If they made it in metal I would buy it straight away and it is on the short list. I rode it back to back with the Aeris 9 which did feel a bit too much although I went into the demo with that thought so it might have biased my judgement a bit.
The Grurple colour looks better in real life, I’d probably get a black one though.
My wife has just bought one.
I rode the Highlander too which I also loved. The back end felt lovely and I think I could feel the suspension working more than on anything else I’ve ever ridden. How much that was down to the Öhlins shock or the high pivot I don’t know but I definitely got that pushing the bike into corners feeling.
It felt a fair bit heavier than the Bird but did have a 2.6 tyre on the back.
The 65° head angle sounds a bit steep so that is against it although it felt great I didn’t ride anything particularly steep. The price is also a sticking point.
It also looks lovely.
If an AM9 with an angleset is going to do everything you need, why not give it a go.
Depends how focused you are on light weight, fancy suspension or having the latest thing.
My "new" bike was £500 for a three-year-old frame and I'm loving it.
Could well end up battered in the Alps on it, I read it’s demanding enough even when you’ve got the right bike.
I’ve seen people ride the natural trails on XC hardtails and 120mm bikes. They did fine, but they were professional guides. But anything from a mid-travel trail bike up is good, the main thing is decent tyres and brakes to prevent arm pump.
I ride similar places to you OP and the Banshee Prime is a great shout. I had 2nd hand one for a couple of years and it was fantastic, but a suspected crack meant I swapped for a different frame - let me suggest a leftfield choice: Canfield Tilt - 138mm rear and supposedly 130-150mm up front.
I used the Banshee bits to build it up but wanted a bit more and swapped the 140mm Yari for 130-160mm dual position Lyrik. This slackened off the head angle just enough and now it's perfect. Frame looks heavy on paper but it honestly rides like a bike 2kg lighter. Took a bit of faff to get the CCDB set up but once I had it sorted that CBF suspension is so smoooooooth...
You're looking at ~£2000 for frame and shock delivered, including duty & VAT.
Also, and not insignificantly – heavier rims, heavier casing tyres, slower rolling tyre models, and all-steel cassette.
I thought there’s less than 50g difference in the rims?
But yes the cassette is probably a fair bit heavier and I think I looked the weight of the tyres up, nearly an extra 500g I think for the rear.
Rims - yes about 50g x2, but it's the worst place to have it.
Rear tyre 500g as you say, front tyre 250g.
Cassette 120g.
Tacky Chan and Nobby Nic is a particularly fast combination even for a trail bike. Mazza Enduro Race is a slower pattern and stickier compound which won't roll nearly as well.
I reckon the above (just under a kilo) would contribute disproportionately more to the ride feel, than the 700g heavier frame.
Canfield Tilt – 138mm rear and supposedly 130-150mm up front
Looks great but a bit too close to my 130/150 Aether but with bigger wheels. As does the Prime I think.
Just had a look at the new Geometron Enduro bike with high pivot and Supre gearing
I think this would be at the very bottom of my list of bikes to take on the Tour of Mont Blanc.
Aren't they heaver than most downhill bikes?
Didn’t look at weight but I’m guessing heavy! Gearing without a hangy bit at the back does look like a good plan though…although I thought Supre gearing was still unreliable..?
Still waiting for my c to w certificate for the Canyon Strive - will provide some feedback when it eventually arrives. For me if it rides well it’s the ideal combo of a long travel trail bike and a downhill best.
Enduro bikes generally do seem to be getting heavier these days - burlier forks and bigger hub standards etc - this bike will be about 1.5kg up on my current one.
The 65° head angle sounds a bit steep so that is against it although it felt great I didn’t ride anything particularly steep. The price is also a sticking point.
If it felt great then why is 1 degree difference head angle being held against it? Isn’t the whole purpose of a test ride to judge for yourself rather than just looking at the numbers on paper?
I did the Megavalanche on mine last year & at no point did I think “you know what, I could do with 1 degree slacker head angle here”. 🤷♂️
I didn’t think I needed a slacker head angle until I got a bike with one!
In fairness that was 10 years ago and going from a nearly vertical tube…!
If it felt great then why is 1 degree difference head angle being held against it? Isn’t the whole purpose of a test ride to judge for yourself rather than just looking at the numbers on paper?
It is the whole point but unless you ride something at my limit (or the bike's, which is a much higher bar!) then you can't test it in all conditions on a demo.
Tbh it's the price more than the HA that's stopping me!
I might see what price they can build a 2023 frame up for though.
Just to add my sentinel carbon v2 is about 34lbs with the air shock on it - 35lbs ish with the coil (I think).
Thats a carbon frame that according to transition specs should built to 31-32lbs with the right build kit. Mine isn’t much difference but according to my digital luggage scales is a couple of lbs adrift.
I looked at the forbidden Druid v1 and that frame was (in theory) a touch heavier than the sentinel one.
In practice it rides really well / pedals decently (even with the coil and cascade) / descends like a demon. I think as long as a bike’s suspension isn’t ridiculously inefficient then being up around 34-35lbs isn’t the end of the world. it’s when you take a bike like that and add heavy casing tyres that things feel more sluggish.
@phil5556 can you put it on a cyclescheme?
I got a discounted non udh frame, dropper, headset, spare hanger, shock mount kit and idler pulley direct from Deviate with a voucher. They were brilliant to deal with, installed the headset for no extra cost and offered to fit the dropper too. They also have discounted XT parts at the mo, loads of drive train deals about.
I did consider the Bird when i was in the same situation but fancied trying out a high pivot for something different. It's built up as a trail bike but can handle steep and chunky stuff with ease, I'm taking it to the alps next month and can't bloody wait!
long as a bike’s suspension isn’t ridiculously inefficient then being up around 34-35lbs isn’t the end of the world.
I carried my bike up Ben Lomond last night, I'll have to weigh it later. In an ideal world I'd like anything new to be lighter than that but that is probably unlikely. Or at least if not lighter I'd like it to not have a pump bracket jabbing into my shoulder 🤣
can you put it on a cyclescheme?
Yes I can 🙂
I guess I'm in the same place as you, the Bird is a safe option, fancy trying something different. Someone had a shiny new Highlander up Ben Lomond last night, only just spotted it as he went past.
These things are pretty mega and this is a good deal, frame quality is superb, although admittedly its quite an 'old' bike now.
If your looking at dipping into your pockets for a full build, the all new Scott Ransom is suppsoed to be pretty bloody awesome:
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-2024-scott-ransom-900-rc.html
I'm a full convert to the idea of Tracloc since buying my Bold, its very, very good especially for a bike where you want a decent amount of travel but still need to winch it up big hills.
If your looking at dipping into your pockets for a full build, the all new Scott Ransom is suppsoed to be pretty bloody awesome
Un-necessarily complicated lock out, headset cable routing, PF BB, linkage design with zero thought for riding in mud & it looks like an ebike.
Scott, yet again, making bikes that no-one wants to buy 😆
Un-necessarily complicated lock out, headset cable routing, PF BB, linkage design with zero thought for riding in mud & it looks like an ebike.
Scott, yet again, making bikes that no-one wants to buy 😆
That's exactly how I feel about Scott bikes. Everything they do is a complete checklist of everything I hate about modern bikes and would never buy.