Spur ordered – good price on a Shimano/SID combo in that very nice sea green, which leaves change for an upgraded wheelset bringing it well under weight of the GX/Fox version which are currently £1.8k more!! Couldn’t see past the incredible reviews that summarised everything I wanted in a bike – the up and down package.
Tallboy seems a bit chunkier than my ideal (I did after all manage my way round Torridon on my Sherpa, but it could have been more enjoyable!) and I prefer a firm suspension under pedalling. Absolutely no Elements in my size. Izzo is nice but I could get the Spur with Shimano which I’ve always preferred. Cayons are incredible value, and Stumpy very impressive, but I am an awkward b*****r and always liked something a little less mainstream (yes, it’s an issue – I’ve always been the same). Cotic and Banshee, bike brands I’ve owned in the past, are just meatier frames than I wanted. Scott and Orange just don’t float my boat. Thank you so much for all the input as it has changed my mind and confirmed my choice.
Now, wheels…set of Alloy Reserve or Hunts XC wide? Will try and get them on cycle to work.
Get it bought… life is far too short 🙂
Exactly what went through my mind. We can spend the summer riding as you’ve no idea what’s round the corner (the big C has been a shitter to friends and family recently and bought this to the fore!).