Hello,
I never thought i'd write such a request, but after 4 years of not riding MTB, i need some advice.
I'm looking for recommendations for a new fs mtb. I live in Brussels where the hills are rolling and rooty (sometimes muddy). I'm looking for something that is Steel or Aluminium (no carbon..), no motor, and in a trail / "down country" guise. Ideally something made in Europe too.
My current bike is a Liteville 303 MK11. It's a nicely made bike but i've not felt particularly comfortable on it and it needs some work to make it rideable again. Previously i had a Cotic BFE, Marin Quake, Merlin Malt, Spesh Stumpy... and several BSOs.
What's caught my eye:
- Cotic Jeht gen3 (Trail Silver)
- Atherton S150.3
Thanks for any recommendations.
I can't really comment on either bike, except to say the Jeht's really stood out to me recently - because it looks great, and has been getting great reviews, but also because Cy's been pretty open about why it is the way it is, the logic behind the setup etc.
I guess there's not much chance of a test ride if you're in Belgium?
I really like the look of the Mondraker Raze Alloy, 150mm Fr/130mm Rr.
Nukeproof Reactor Alloy is Belgian (kinda) these days also.
Also the Commencal Meta TR but that might be a bit too much travel?
The new Jeht is lovely through, that would be top of my list I think as long as I needed that amount of travel.
I own an older Jeht. I bought it as do everything bike. But increasingly use it only for bike park/uplift/enduro style stuff. They’re very stable and capable but also heavy and (in my opinion) too long. Wouldn’t be my choice for what you describe.
Orange Stage Evo? Plenty about with decent discounts.
Orange Stage Evo?
I have had one of these since they were launched. Though it has neither the cache or boutiqueness of some, it's a surprisingly capable bike and great fun.
Do you need more than 130/120 travel? I use the Stage Evo on the off-piste stuff at Moel Famau, Gwydyr, Cwm, etc as well as all day XC rides around the Clwyds, Long Mynd, etc, ...
Though I am sure the OP knows exactly what travel and geometry he wants 😊
Bird, Cotic or Airdrop all make alu frames with external routing and excellent customer service that is worth a look. Also some good discounts on offers and pre-built. UK shipping might be a faff post-brexit so Raaw is worth looking at for something more European.
Steel or Aluminium (no carbon..), no motor, and in a trail / "down country" guise. Ideally something made in Europe too.
Starling Mini Murmur?
"I live in Brussels where the hills are rolling and rooty (sometimes muddy)"
Are you sure you want a full-sus? I'd ride a hardtail for that! And if you do want rear suspension I wouldn't want 150mm, something sprightlier seems a better bet...
"My current bike is a Liteville 303 MK11. It's a nicely made bike but i've not felt particularly comfortable on it"
Figure out why and then what you want will become more clear!
