Took the new ST4 up to Brechfa for a scoot round the Black on pretty dry, fast trails in the sun.
I’ve been impressed with it everywhere I’ve ridden so far, but it properly excelled at the fast swoopy bermy flow riding that is Brechfa.
Everything the original frame promised, but amplified + pared down to make attacking riding a total joy.
LOTS stiffer back end, much less reliance on the pro-pedal and comfortably sitting into the travel + groveling for traction on steep / technical /off piste climbs, but still stiff enough to cope with fireroad slogging and out of the saddle efforts. The magic, tardis-style bottomless feel to the suspension is so good, pushing into corners, making body english really pay dividends. I don’t care if it really is much faster, but it feels it in a 100% engaging way. Feels allot more capable than the previous design + ends up out classing the forks (Reba, team maxles) which I never felt on the old bike.
Not an XC super light, efficient map crossing bike, but i’ve not ridden a more engaging trail bike.
Next years plans are changing. I now want to spend as much time as possible on the ST4 marinading myself in endorphins thinking holy ****.
Finished the ride supping very fine coffee + munching Ian’s magic flapjacks at the Drop-off bus, shaking slightly + grinning in the sunshine. Ace day.
No pics as the digi camera has given up the ghost + there was no way I was stopping anyhow.