If I run a 30t or 28t front ring with the 11 Speed cassette 11-42t how far away from the 12 speed 11-50 with a 32t ring would I be?

I’m guessing close at the high and low ends but not quite as many middle options?

Thanks OP!

Is there a long and slack bike with a high B.B.?

Same as me then just about!

Anyone had any issues with the knock block when running non bontrager stems?

I do want XL and I occasionally am in the Tweed Valley so I might take you up on that. What height are you if you don’t mind me asking?

I’ve been solely on 29ers for a few years now so theres no adjustment needed from 26/27.5 wheels but I’d like the HA to be around 66*.

Yeah chakaping we seem to be going through similar bikes at different rates!

Edit – had a wee read of the write up and I think, a bit like I was the demo bike wasn’t quite right for you which is always a shame but often the case.

Are you still on the 290 now?

Ah that was my mistake – I thought it was for all ‘soft goods’. Not quite the bonanza I was hoping!

Cant get the code to work now – is it just me or is the deal done? I didn’t see an expiry date anywhere for it.

simply_oli-y would you say that with the 140 or 150mm forks it is actually quite a bit slacker than ‘advertised’ as per comments made elsewhere?

I am thinking 150mm would be what I would put on there.

Thought I’d revive this as I’m also curious as to whether the 50t Sunrace works with a GX 11speed mech. Anyone tried?

I also managed to get a demo the other day. The bike wasn’t quite set up as I would choose – front end was much lower than I’d normally run (combination of shorter fork and low rise bar) and the groupset/tyres/fork were all different to my current bike and the model of EX I am more interested in so was a bit of a flawed demo TBH. However seemed a good bike, wasn’t bad at climbing as some have suggested and I think with some of my own preferred kit choices it would be a really good all rounder.

What size is that johnw1984?

Also what model exactly are the forks? I can’t see it of Stif’s site….

thanks davo – was going to drop you a PM!

mansonsoul – any chance to ride yours yet? Also wondering what that stem is?

Any updates from the guys that bought bars? Anyone try the 16* sweep?

I really don’t see myself using the plus tyre option so the 29er would be the one for me as it’s ready to go out of the box so to speak.

Alloy or carbon is the other decision I suppose!

Thanks all – definitely need a demo then I think…..

Just for balance I’m 6ft1 and I ride a large frame Smuggler! Good bike!

Hob Nob – what was it about the G13 you didn’t like that you did about the Trek? Both on my shortlist so be good to get feedback from someone who’s ridden both.

Looks nice – not plastered with logos and simple. I like it but it is very expensive!

Think I’ll grt a demo ride lined up. Have read a few places that they’re not a great climber. Neither am I to be fair but I thought it would be good on the up as well as the down?

Anyone ridden a sentinel yet?

HobNob – would 150mm up front work?

Tall_martin could you post a pic of that set up if you get a chance?

Isn’t this the sort of thing that gets reviewed under fair trading laws etc?

davosaurusrex – I might….will PM you!

What site are you seeing them on?

There was quite a bit of chatter about the RaceFace Agent shorts about this time last year but I have not heard much since so if anyone has bought them it might be good to get some feedback on them!

Sweet Protection MudRide usually get good reviews. Think Fox have some too but again not heard much real life feedback on them.

I’m looking for a new pair myself and the above are basically my shortlist!

goyawave – Shorty 29 x 2.5?

I’m using a der Baron Projekt 2.4 on the front and am thinking the same tyre on the rear might work – it’s very slightly less of a specialist than the Shorty and maybe slightly better on rooty slippy stuff other than mud.

It I were running maxis at the moment I think Shorty 2.5 front (if i could find it for sale anywhere) with DHR on rear might be my choice.

It’s all very subjective though depending on personal preference and riding location!

Where is the Endura at for £40, my Google skills have deserted me….

If anyone has 29er WT DHR/Shorty I’m all ears…

Where are you at in the NE? Cyclehighlands have Demos in I think if you fancy another run out on one…

I did a car park test on the stage 5. Seemed nice…

Is that easily converted to 160mm? If so what would the rough £££ be?

I don’t have the FR but the shorty has been brilliant since I got it.

Also used Cilary Blue for some Oakley Jawbones. Got the green transition lenses, cant remember exact costs but was way less than standard Oakley and they are great in all light conditions – use them for night rides and sunshine!

molgrips – the weight might be because they seem to place an emphasis on strong bars? I’m sure I read that they far exceed the strength/crash tests that they need to. No idea if that is it though, just an idea!

Ecky – what models do you use? Did you just take a punt on tremor do a ‘fitting’?

Thanks for the update and pics – look good. Any chance to ride yet?

I really like the look of the SQLab stuff myself and am after the same sort of wide sweepy bar.

I like a higher front end too – usually I’ll be running a different fork with 10/20mm more travel than bike comes with, long steerer tube and high rise bars. Chromag, Spank and Renthal do nice high rise alu bars. Although if you are looking at the S150 it comes with a custom offset fork so you might think of using a different air shaft to up the travel rather than a different fork.

Check the headtube length and stack height on the bikes and that’ll help you decide.