Slackline not really a xc hardtail mind, more of a trail bike.

It’s about the reference points of previous items – and the most important thing is the dislikes, the problems with previous gear. When someone says they love their current gear with no caveats at all, I do actually tell them to keep it and not buy anything new!

This ^

Yup 29er alloy transmitter for me too.

But isn’t that called a Scandal?

Yeah and currently £699!

mccraque +2

I want a light, fast trail bike – something like the new Yeti Arc but not £1300.

Looks awesome. On my list but I want reach/ett of 19” with seattube of 17” (5’10”).

This thread as seriously got me thinking of one of these as my only bike. Seems like a great allrounder

Yep. If you could buy one.

@Clink, this might not quite scratch the same itch but C6 Bikes had a large black carbon Santa Cruz Chameleon in stock a few days ago and it’s still up on their webiste now. If you compare the geometry tables for the new ARC and the chameleon they are remarkably similar to each other so it may be a worthy alternative (I may be biased having had an aluminium one for the last couple of years).

https://www.c6bikes.co.uk/Santa-Cruz-Chameleon-C-Frameset–2021/cycle_detail/3-975

Edit: One slightly shonky geometry comparison; I suspect the ARC is at least one size smaller than the Chameleon.

Appreciate that; Chameleon SA looks a bit slack in comparison?

Anyone know anywhere likely to have stock in large?

120mm SIDS are 35mm, 100mm 32mm (I think).

Stooge my only mtb currently, have ridden it on Quantocks, Mendips, local rides. Very comfortable place to be, but missed sus forks on ‘official’ Mendips trails today. Repeated (increasingly large) holes between roots and braking bumps take it out of me!
On natural descents, even baby-head rocks, it is fine though.

100% brisker, can’t go wrong. Good value too.

I ordered one a couple of weeks ago, build date looking like mid-April. I sent them my wheels to use, which should lighten it and helped offset cost of getting and Rebas and the rigid forks :-). For local xc rides and bike packing. Can’t help with a ride report, sorry. My wife got one a few weeks ago, which prompted my purchase, but it’s a bit small for me. For the money I don’t think you can go wrong. I would prefer something a bit more ‘bling’, but I’, confident it will do the job.

Rab make good windproofs.

https://rab.equipment/uk/vital-windshell-hoody

As do ME:

https://www.mountain-equipment.co.uk/collections/mens-soft-shell/products/aerofoil-full-zip-jacket

I’ve got one of these (bought in sale).

Patagonia Houdini

Bloke driving car with dash cam above is so calm!

I test rode a demo Signal in the Lakes. It was large, I’m 5’10” and it was spot on.

Both our girls went to China when in Year 6, so 10/11. It was hard, but they wanted to go and we trusted the school staff they went with.They had great times and it definitely helped shape their characters. Go for it.

Shand.

Pace 529?

Giants 2021 range includes 27.5″

All their xc bikes – i.e. Anthem, are 29er though.

My fave bike for ages (sold as bought a size too small) was a 2018 Giant Anthem 29, alu one. Traditional xc geo, climbed like a whippet and yet strangely composed going down. Light too, for the price. Worth considering. It was perfect for mix of local riding, big days out. Orbea Oiz might be worth looking at too?

What I take from this thread is that what is missing from Cotic’s line-up is a more traditional xc frame, bit more conservative in angles, a bit more sprightly. Or is that just me? BFE is very gnar and Solaris seems quite gnar, needs something bit less gnar. :-)

We have a 19 plate Berlingo, LWB with grip control. It’s ace. Split 3-way middle seats – can have two bikes in with front wheels off and still 2 middle seats. Slept in it couple of times.

I didn’t want something too upright but don’t want to get a Signal or Frontier as I dont think they’ll be as suitable for bikepacking

Isn’t the Frontier primarily designed for bikepacking? Don’t see why it would be any less suitable than the BR, just a bit heavier.

@Clink – I was prescribed Montelukast after the latest episode, and it appears to have made a difference. Might be worth asking to give it a try if you’re struggling.

Thanks for that, if it doesn’t improve I’ll ask my GP.

I have asthma and as I (now) work in NHS was lucky enough to have had my jab mid January. I also had a positive antibody test and believe I had Covid last March. I have recurrent episodes of unusually tight chest and hurts when I work hard (and asthma normally well controlled), initially roughly every 4-5 weeks after (believed) initial virus. Beginning of Jan getting increased chess tightness/soreness and has chest X-ray 2 weeks ago. Luckily clear, and GP has increased my steroid dose. I’m convinced my asthma has been affected by Covid, or it’s some aspect of long Covid.

It was yours that I bought I think Clink. Really regret selling it. Such a comfortable and fun bike for cruising about on.

Yes it was and I sooo miss it!

Had a Mk1, Mk4 and Speedball. Currently riding a Scrambler. Particularly miss the Mk1 and Speedball. Would love another Speedball, great all day rigid bike.

I had previous 2019 model in large, I’m 5’10”. Spot on. Borrowed a mates medium, too small. Hope that helps?

Isn’t 2022 a different suspension layout?

Anyone have a 29er Simple or similar ?

oooooh, I’d love one of those! Searched for one for ages.

Mostly B, bit of C, lots of T (trail running)

Tensioner for a tool free 10-second-swapable dingle speed!

👍🏼

What a ss tensioner when you have sliding dropouts?!?!?

Oh and couldn’t find online, but got mine through Woods Cyclery

I just bought a Bombtrack Arise frameset; fits most of your criteria other than through-axles, so 100 front/142 rear. https://bombtrack.com/2021-arise-frameset/

Enve mtn fork

Have you ^ seen the price of bikes/components recently?

Which ^ Decathalon ones are you describing, they do several, ta.

I have a Niner RDO one – used with rub marks. Happy to let go for a good price.

I’ve been using a pair recently – worried they would be clumpy, but the soft midsole seems to ‘aborb’ the trail! Getting mega heel blisters, but that is mostly my heel spurs – dig holes in heel cups of everything :-(
They also seem to dry quicker than my Inov8s after a soaking.