Ha – I am trying to get a feel for this too.

My current shortlist is the Stumpjumper Elite, Fuel EX8 and the Zesty 314.

Trying to find demo bikes for them all is proving difficult. The only Zesty I have found is up in E'burgh (thebikechain on here, has one) and ideally I'd want to ride them all within a few days of each other.

Might have to leave it until the new yr or just cross the Zesty off the list and just demo the Trek & the Spesh.
I thought there'd be more info about the 2010 bikes by now as they've been in the mags for about 3 months now.

why not just buy some new forks for the enduro?

Assuming you're having issues with the E150?

Probably a silly question, but have you handed it over to Spesh to be serviced and upgraded to the new 2009 internals? Made a huge difference to mine, no problems since in fact (it's been almost 8 months since it was done under warranty…)

Hmmm, I am sure that any of the bikes on my shortlist can handle stuff much better than my not-so-great abilities can, so perhaps riding them all is largely academic.

And they'd all be better suited to the type of riding I do now than my current bike. But, I think if I didn't test ride them all, there'd be a nagging doubt in my mind that I hadn't bought the right one.

Hi

I've had mine for 3 weeks now. Done 3 decent solo outings, each about 40 – 45Km. CyB Beast and Tarw, Llandegla – World's End and the Marin (2 loops on Monday, a lovely day).

Does climb very well and let out the forks and downhill is a dream. Very alive ride if you want or very forgiving if you are knackered.

Have just converted to flat pedals!!

Basically you cannot go wrong if you get the sizing right 😉

Good luck.
Paul

That'd be another reason why I definitely want a demo. I am on the cups of a small/medium & I reckon that a medium would be better but would want to ride before saying for sure.

I'm 5'6" or thereabouts, and I think the S is recommended up to 5'5" and the M is 5'6"+

Heyup

I am 5'11" and a smidge (and shrinking). The large is much smaller than my 20" frame Kona.

I had great service from the Specialized Concept Store in Chester. Worth a visit.

Sorry no photos, although there is no choice the colour scheme is pretty cool.

Paul

A Large. Seems perfect, so far, geometry is a lovely balance esp with the adjustable forks.

Hope it works out for you.

Paul