Conundrum

Morning all,

In a bit of a good/nighmareish pickle. I’ve had my swiss army knife Soul as my go to bike for 10000 miles, 2 wheelsets, XC for local and a trail wheelset.

My FS is an Ibis Mojo 27,5, which I had just decided to change for a Banshee Enigma, so C2W voucher ordered.

Last week I was crushed by a van on my Soul, Fibula and Tibia snapped,  but miraculously not another scratch, the Soul wasn’t so lucky, it’s snapped.

So now I’m in a dilemma, what bike to replace the Soul with? In winter it will be my bike riding towpaths 90% of the time, in summer 50% of the time, using the Banshee in the Peaks/Rivvy etc. I’d get a gravel bike, but I also want something that can do trails if for some reason the Banshee is out of order, or I’m taking two bikes to a trail centre for wife or brother in law.

I’ve got three 27.5 wheelsets with different tyre set ups on. But I’m torn whether to go with a capable XC like a Scalpel or Epic. I’m worried an Izzo is too much bike for round here and will basically be the same bike as the Banshee. Although, I could get a second set of 29er wheels with XC tyres on.

Is there a goldilocks bike to replace my beloved Soul?

Sorry to hear about your injuries, sounds nasty.

Another Soul? Could reuse the hubs if going from 27.5 to 29.

It;s crossed my mind mate. But there’s a part of me that’s a bit bored of getting second hand stuff, I feel like treating myself to something new.

I like that your leg is completely smashed in half but you are totally focused on the bike  🙂 Hope you heal up soon.

Given you are buying the Enigma, you probably don’t need a second 29er hardtail, something like a Solaris or a Pipedream Sirius are obvious Soul repalcements, but that’s quite a bit of cash, on top of new forks and wheels to go 29er. Nordest Britango another one – but still all quite close to the Enigma

I’d be looking to keep the 27.5 bits you still have, and grab a second hand Stanton Sllackline or Ragley MmmBop frame, gives you a fun hardtail frame as a second bike without a big spend

What about a Stanton Slackline? You can use your 27.5 wheels.