Great thanks I’ll try that as it seems like a more scientific approach than just removing links.

Thanks just checking.  And don’t call me Shirley 🙂

Thanks I’ll consider those options.

I hadn’t considered that Kuco thanks. Yea I might try a ride in the next couple of days, there is no flat here but I can take it easy on tracks.

That sounds like you got a bargain there. Does that TDF one automatically change the resistance and can you change gears too like on the Watt Atom?

Ok thanks I’ll look into that swift app.

It’s an interesting subject that I’ve also debated at length with friends. Personally I like to adjust reach and height with the stem and spacers (which I can’t because I’ve run out of steerer) and stick with the bars I’m happy with. I would happily swap out a 40mm stem for a 60mm one if it put me in a better position but that’s just me. I find there’s just too many variables with bars as listed above and I’m quite fussy about backsweep and stuff like that. Not so keen on retiring my nice carbon bars that feel nice shape etc either.

Great feedback guys thanks!

Ha thanks folks for your advice and apologies for my careless typos!

I don’t have any steerer left to play with and I have some riser bars fitted already although not as high as those Nukeproof ones. Last time I shopped for riser bars I couldn’t find ones with a really good amount of rise.

The XL Aeris fits me better than any bike I’ve ever ridden but because I’m long in the leg I feel the bars are maybe a couple of cm’s too far down when I’m stood up going downhill otherwise it’s spot on. My Yari’s came off my old bike so the steerer was already cut.

Would 170mm forks make a big difference to balance and handling of the Aeris? It might be a good option and It would be one less cm of steerer tube sticking up I suppose. If it didn’t upset climbing too much. I generally let the forks sag for climbing then add a bit of compression for downhill support anyway.

I didn’t realise you could upgrade the Yari, I might look in to that.

I test rode an Aeris 145 in Large and XL (LT).  I was convinced I would prefer the large but the XL felt amazing.  I’m 6ft 2″ with long arms and legs and obviously benefit from a bike with very long reach.  I was looking for a frame only deal and the Aeris ticked all the boxes.  I had an Ibis XL frame but always felt cramped on it so was looking for a roomier frame to switch all my nice bits on to.  I didn’t have time to test the AM 9 but I would have done if I were looking for another 29er.  Definitely test before you buy because the steep seat angle has the effect of shortening the feel of the top tube.

I approached my test ride with an open mind as some reviews said she wasn’t great at climbing but I found it brilliant mainly because of the seat angle.  I found the suspension very supportive on the climbs which is one of the main things I look for and she ripped going downhill.  For me the riding position, geometry and sturdy feel of the bike gives me a lot of enjoyment and confidence.

I was sold on 29ers when I got a Whyte T129 because it felt stable but the Aeris feels far more stable and I don’t miss the 29 inch wheels at all when I’m riding the Aeris.  Despite its length the Aeris feels a bit more nimble and fun in tight, techy woodland trails.  Not much between my Strava times on these two bikes.  The T129 possibly climbs a tad quicker but the Aeris is a lot better downhill, I suspect the AM9 is a bit better at everything.

The only negative from my initial test ride was that the Aeris felt a little slow to pick up speed on the flat but I think this might have been due to the massive tyres on it.  It feels better with my carbon wheels and 2.35 High Rollers.

OK thanks this is useful feedback.  I actually had to send my last brake back to Hope for them to bleed as I just couldn’t get the air out I think it was trapped behind a piston.  I’m not sure I tried pushing the pistons in each side during the process I just used my home made spacer block so maybe the method has changed a little.

I might try a syringe from the caliper next time.

I’m test riding a L and XL tomorrow but I’m 6’2” with long arms and legs. Intrigued to find out how they size up.

Sounds good! If I get a frame it’ll be getting all the carbon goodies put on it off my other bike including the Chinese carbon rims I built up which have been fine.

I would recommend the T129 single ring version if you can find one it’s the best bike I’ve owned but also the only one that’s fitted me so well. Also the strongest stiffest feeling Bike I’ve had although there does seem to be the usual 29er wheel flex from the rear if you pile it through rock gardens. Really good all rounder.

Thanks folks that’s really helpful.

Thanks. I actually have the WHYTE T129rs for trails and it’s very similar geo to the G160 and as long as I get in the right position it climbs fine. I would like to try a Bird Aeris but I get on with the Whyte’s so well. It’s taken me ages to find a design that really works for me.

I didn’t realise before that I can convert my hub to boost so that gives me more options. How tall are you? I’m 6’2” and also all arms and legs.

Thanks. The Bird is certainly ticking all the boxes right now.

Thanks bunga that’s really helpful.

What’s a 1.5? Is that a conversion kit? Is conversion to boost easy? I gave up trying to keep up with all the changes about 3 years ago because it was twisting my melon. I think they do it to stop us building our own bikes. My rear hub is a dtswiss  350.

I do love my steel hard tails but hadn’t considered it for a full suss I’ll have a look.

I’m looking for something roomy, rowdy and tough feeling. Like my T129rs but up for more of the gnar.  The Mojo is a lovely bike in so many ways but I tend to just take the WHYTE now.

That Geometron looks good for length but I’m not sure I’d get on with that kind of slackness.

Id not looked at the Mega. I’m also 6’ 2” but I’m all arms and legs.

Does the Mega ride nice?

Thanks I’ll look into that!

I’m not using a disc to install if that makes any difference? Just using the recovery function for 8 then downloading 10 from Microsoft.

I’m in the Glasgow area.

I’ll try and do 10 again and if that doesn’t work I’ll maybe take it to someone to look at it. Ta.

It’s failed twice trying to download 10.

Ok thanks! Or any other nice options in the area with sungletrack?

Thanks I’ll check those out!

It seems to fit fine it’s just the extra weight of either the light or camera that causes a problem. Thanks for your concerns! I have got the light caught on a few branches at times which can make life interesting.

I’ve never had any time for the Tories but she’s especially incapable and cannot connect with the people. She seems wooden and alien to me. She makes me think of Roald Dahls ‘The Witches’. Corbyn was criticised for being dull but look how he inspires passion in people now.

She comes across as incredibly stubborn. They will have to cut her free from the railings of number ten when she’s finally voted out.

UPDATE:

Ok folks. Thanks for all the replies, thought I should let you all know how I got on as I’ve struggled in the past to find something that fits me well.

Having tried the S150 and loved it (but wanted something a bit more XC) I went for the T129 RS XL which JE James were doing for a great price and wow what a bike. It has felt spot on from the start and I’ve never had that. Only change I’ve had to make is slide the saddle forward 1cm. Usually I’m faffing for ages with stems and bars but this bike just feels so ‘right’. It’s proper gnarly too and makes me want to point it down anything and just ride it for miles and miles. I’ve had a few full suss bikes and they’ve never felt supportive enough but I think the 29er short travel long and slackishness of this bike is the perfect combo for the riding I do which is kind of all mountain/XC with technical descents.

I’m 6ft 2 with about 35 inch legs and long arms so others with similar proportions may want to consider this bike. It comes with a long steerer with a big cone spacer so it doesn’t feel low at the front for me at all. I considered the Jeffsy 29er and Stumpy 29er which are similar on paper but I hadn’t tested one and the Whyte warranty on bearings is an attraction plus I’d ridden the S150 which is a very similar size.

Like those Surly bars they look like they mean business!

I think comfort is the main thing here. Why make an adjustment that’s going to make your bike descend quicker for the 30 mins you’re downhilling but be uncomfortable for the rest of the day?

Is that an xl frame? My legs are about 35″ but I wouldn’t have that much seat tube showing.

Yea the longer top tube will definitely be a factor. I run the bizango forks really stiff and I have quite a lot of steerer to play with and it fees about right if not a little short on reach.

The biggest factor for me when it comes to climbing has always been seat post angle rather than bar height. Never had trouble getting weight over the front. This has been an interesting discussion thanks for everyone’s input. Nice to hear about other talker folks experiences.

Yea should do it. Wow that spreadsheet puts mine to shame! Good find! You rarely see anyone do a bike review on an XL do you? I wonder how many manufacturers try to ensure they’re bikes perform similarly over all sizes. Of course there will be differences but….

Yea I’ve been riding long enough and I’ve been uncomfortable enough to know what works for me. It can take a long time to find the perfect fit and geometry but I feel I’m very close now. Having said that there is always a bit of compromise when you want a bike to do everything. That was big ride I did on the S150 and I have less pain today than usual.

I’ve owned a 26 inbred, blue pig, trance, mojo hd3 and voodoo bizango 29er. The voodoo fits me better than the others ever have. I rode a WHYTE S150 yesterday and it was amazing but felt a tad low up front but I loved the reach and general ride position. I quite fancy the T129 if I can get a ride and find one. I have just found some riser bars that go up to 3 inches so that might be the answer. Like you say you don’t want the bars too high for climbing reasons but I’m a bit of a freak in the inside leg measurements. Puts me high up in the bike!

Interesting to here other lanky folks findings. I think proportions are a critical point here rather than just height.