Live in Scotland – lots of mud… Like technical riding but would like something that climbs well and not too heavy. Also am a shortarse (30″ inside leg) and would like some standover. What trail bike would you suggest?
Shortlist:
Orange 5 pro
Norco Sight 2 (and get dropper post)
Ghost AMR plus 7700
Spesh Stumpjumper FSR
Trek Remedy
Can spend up to £3k

Not sure if it falls within budget as a full build but Transition’s Bandit would seem to fit the bill. Only 130mm travel but designed with a 140 fork in mind. I’ve seen plenty of glowing reviews, in one it compared favourably to the Norco in your list.

Whyte 146

turner 5-spot?
I got one about 6 months back, very impressed!
Lots of stand over height too.

titus ftm carbon

Mojo SL Special Blend and £500 in your pocket?

Not sure I would view 30″ inside leg as overly short…. anyway IbisMojo SL SB +1

turner 5-spot?
I got one about 6 months back, very impressed!
Lots of stand over height too.

2nd stugus

I have a 27.5″ inside leg and ride a small 5 spot.

A very sorted bike that rides very well indeed

get the one that you like the look of

stumpys are 29ers next yr – get a 26er quick!

Stumpjumper fsr.
If you live any where near Jedburgh you can have a go on mine!

Pivot Mach 5.7? In true STW-fashion, I’ve never actually ridden one 😉

Orange Crush Hardtail

I guess purely on fit the Five could do you well as either the 16″ or 17″ is bound to fit you.

Again purely on fit, as it’s really a marmite bike, but the Whyte 146 is generally long for a given standover height so could be a good bet.

16″ orange five, without a doupt! 😉

+10mm cotic rocket

Love my SC Blur LT

Wish mine was this new and shiny…..

Stumpjumper FSRs are NOT just 29″ next yr. You can still get 26″ wheeled Stumpjumper.

I think the Epic is 29 only though.

I wouldn’t rule out a 29er myself, unless you already have a nice set of wheels..

One of these?

http://www.freeborn.co.uk/devinci-2011-dixon-rc

29er 120mm = 140mm ? 😉

Salsa Horsethief

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/m1b104s200p10187/SALSA_Horsethief_Complete_Bike/RS_GB/28048

Blur LT knocks a few out of the list in my book.

For me the shortlist to ride would be;

SJ FSR
Blur LT
Mojo SL

This covers fsr, vpp, dw.

But I say this having ridden DCRV (tuning a nightmare, avoid). I would suggest a Trance, but it isn’t very bling by comparison to your budget. The same goes for Devinci’s until they bring out the bling carbon dixon. The same goes for the new meta sl (alu, not bling).

For £3k I’d want carbon frame, bars, reverb, pro2’s on flows/ex’s or better and a well tuned set of shocks.

I have a 2012 Norco Sight 2 SE for sale on this forum (search ‘Norco’) if you are still considering

Stumpy Evo.

5

I am considering selling my 16″ 2011 orange 5 pro (current geo, 30.9 seat tube and tapered head tube) with full hope shiny bits. Only been on about a dozen rides, running 1×10. Starting to think it may be a little large for me.

Email in profile if interested

Trek Remedy 9 I’m 5ft 11 got an 17.5 frame ,climbs very well you can alter the headangle from 67.5 to 67 via the mino link . great spec plus lifetime warranty

Go for a Mojo.

Saracen Ariel?