I have been riding hardtails for a fair few years (knocking on 10 since my last full suss) last year I have been riding rigid SS 29+ exclusively. Recently a few more friends have eventually been bitten by the MTB bug and it seems that trail centre riding is becoming a more regular occurrence so I’m thinking of building a squishy both ends geary thing.
The shortlist in the title is not only based on the specifics of the bikes but I good deals on those brands also.
I’ve demo’d the Segment at BPW back to back with Five’s and A160’s and I definitely preferred the Segment there and also believe the Segment the best choice for my local stuff.
I tried the Four recently just on a carpark and I liked the fit n feel of that too.
I don’t hear the haters when it comes to Orange, I think their geometries are spot on and great riding bikes.
I’m yet to jump on a Banshee but will be soon. I like their ethos and adjustable geometry is a plus too.
I’ll like the Phantom for the same reasons I got on with the Segment, I’m thinking of building them with 27.5 plus wheelsets.
Now although I’ve happily ridden the trail centres including Stiniog fully rigid no problem I’m obviously off the pace with the rest of the group on 160mm Gnarpoons, I don’t really want to go for something with that much travel (A160/Rune) as it would be wasted on my local stuff.
I fear the short travel 29ers will get out of their depth a bit at places like Stiniog so here the longer travel 650b’ers tickle me fancy….
Can someone nudge me one way or the other!