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Time for a new "trail" bike.
The Zesty is 150/140 travel. Would I miss the extra travel if I went for something like the Whyte T130? Thinking the carbon RS model. It does seem a bit on the heavy side too at 13.5kg.
Mainly ride Afan, Brechfa, Cwmcarn etc.
Nothing too heavy for my regular fireroad bashing after work in the evenings but something that can handle the rough stuff on proper rides please.
If you're looking for inspiration, I'd throw into the mix the Transition Scout; Pyga OneTwenty or Stage Max; and the Saracen Kili Flyer carbon.
I love my Bird Aeris , great all round bike . Having said that i was in a bike shop yesterday and they had an orange 4 and a rather snazzy looking carbon whyte t-130 which both looked the bees knees .
Thanks for the suggestions. The bird aeris does look interesting.
Should have put budget £3.5k
Specialized stumpy in the sale (25? off currently) so can have the carbon expert model in your budget.
Missing travel really depends on both you and the bike but generally you adapt. If your crashing through stuff maybe try and take better lines etc. Also find results new bikes I'm nearly 100% in the try before you buy camp, not sure how old your zesty is but bikes are evolving fast these days.
Cotic FlareMAX obviously
This one comes with a bottle of Powerade 😀
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I also love my Aeris and will have it for years to come BUT if i were on the hunt Id also consider a shorter travel such as a t-130 or a Scout.
£3.5k will get you something pretty darn nice 🙂
Yes, have a look at the new Cotics. I have a Transition Covert and I like their bikes very much. Personally I wouod compromise on the fireroad weight/performance and favour the trail side, have a bike which is more capable on an Alps holiday for example (note did a guided tripmwith a guy on a Zesty, obviuosly its about the rider etc but that bike was more than capable and he was a lot faster dh than me)
Do you have to spend that much though?
Spec for cash I think the Cube Stereo 140 HPA Race is rather tasty for £2300 (probably due to drop too soon!)
[url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-stereo-140-hpa-race-suspension-bike-2016/rp-prod141147?gs=1&gclid=COTC8-Xhi84CFe4K0wodkxoK7g&gclsrc=aw.ds ]Clicky[/url]
Canyon spectral looks like a modern version of the zesty.
How important is weight to you? Do you want to buy a full bike or build one up?
How do you feel about 29ers?
I recently was in the same boat, having had my 2012 714 from new, and having gradually up-spec'd and up-travelled it (To 160mm). But after 4 years, and with more modern geo now trickling down to AM bikes i wanted a change.
So, i've put the zesty back down to 140mm, refitted all the lighter parts (wheels/tyres etc) and i'm going to use it as my everyday UK bike. Light, fast, and capable enough for most things.
Having done that, it made room for me to get a 180mm "big" bike to smash out the bike park / alps etc....... 😆
I went from 2010 Zesty to Bronson. TBH the Bronson with the VPP was impressive. Zesty was a great bike though but after demoing a few bikes I'm sold on VPP as it fits my riding style.
Have not tried the Whyte but I like what I see, would be great bike for trails. Plan to try one when I get a chance. Same advice - demo a few bikes. I was surprised how much difference there was in bikes with same geo/travel etc. Demo is money well spent. Also check out Pinkbike buy/sell. Some cheap second hand/pre loved bikes there