I got my eye on the SE too. But interested to see what other makes come up with. Pinkbike is working on both an XC and “down country” field test, where the Scalp is featured in

If you don’t like the Orbea colours I thought they let you customize

I can’t work out how to quote. But to answer Trail-Rat’s question;

“you ride in the drops all the time ?

I guess the alternative is to get a bike with a longer headtube so you have zero adjustability in how high the stem sits if over time say – your flexibility gets better or you change tact. id chop out about 3cm of spacers if all i planned to do was evening league road races but my bike is set up so i can do 250k rides.

But i guess it depends if you had a bike fit via the Illuminati rules or via a prescribed protocol“

No I don’t. But I am comfortable riding in the drops, which is more than you can say about a lot of people riding aggressive geometry bikes, where they would probably be more suited to something less aggressive – and consequently they would probably be more aero on a bike that fitted them better.

I have had two fits – one by James (now Richmond cycles) and one by Bespoke. They are both pretty much spot on the same – and both striking the right balance between comfort and power. Both bikes also allow for some reduction in stack, should I want to.

As I said, I would always prioritise fit first and then choose the bike. Particularly when spending that sort of money.

More importantly and something I mentioned in my first post is bike fit. Most places might even credit the cost of the fit against the purchase price. So look at a few shops that are well respected for bike fitting and carry some of the options you like and go from there.

I have bought from Sigma and Bespoke in the past. Both very good, but prefer Bespoke.

No point having an aero bike, if you have to ride it with loads of spacers and on the hoods all the time.

By world cup I meant a bike which would be at a level where it would be or could be represented in the world tour / conti tour / world champ level. I am sure the Rose is good value, but it is not on that level.

Why the adversity to disks tired ?

It’s 20grams well spent 🙂

I agree. I put discs on mind. I also think it will be harder and harder to get good choice of wheels for rim brakes going forward.

For 5k you are not going to get a world cup level bike. Simple as.

Just look at the prices.

Frame 2.5 – 3k
Groupset 1k at least – that is ultegra or force, not DA or Red
Wheels 2k

And then you still need stem, bars, seatpost, saddle, headset – easily another 1k

What about power meter?

Off the shelves Canyon may get you close (ish) but still not world cup level.

I spend “a little” more a couple of years ago and got a custom Festka frame, complete Sram Red etap disc, Knight wheels, carbon components, Chris King headset and Quark power meter. It is closer to 8 kg I would say, but it is unique and the bike I wanted – and it fits me like a glove.

The main issue is that even 5k bikes do rarely come with great wheel sets. Set of Zipps or Knights are what 2k? Enve’s getting close to 3k.

5k should get you a good frame, probably Ultegra Di2 and some form of carbon wheels.
But there will be parts making up weight, like alloy bars and stem. Heavy BB. Possibly a 105 cassette etc. And again, the wheels and tyres may be on the heavy side.

If I were you I would start with a good bike fit (hard at the moment) and then get pointed in the right direction on frame sizing (frames measure fairly differently). And then go from there.

The good news is at 5k you will get a very good bike, and one you can probably upgrade a long the way.

Lovely

Can’t believe no one has asked – what bike is it?

A few have launched already. New Kona Hei Hei. New Cannondale Scalpel

Normally Olympic year is a big year for XC launches. Given Tokyo has been postponed, I am not sure if launches will still happen this year – or some brands will hold back?

I would just use my instinct and go …

From what I have been able to gather is that it goes away when you subscribe. I wanted to subscribe anyway and support the magazine, so all fine for me now.

As simple as that.

My Festka

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I am pretty much same height as you and I ride a 18.5 top fuel. I have a lot of seatpost showing, as I have disproportionate long legs – eg 33inch inseam – to my height.

Might be parting with a Trek Top Fuel 9.8 in size 18.5 – 2018 model.

I prefer Stephens

Sorry, late to this thread. 2018 was going to be the first season where I did som3 actual racing, focusing on marathon stuff. And the season ended before i5 even started.

Similar to Padkinson (hope you are on the mend) I was out for a leisurely spin 3 weeks ago, and bam, out of nowhere I was on the deck.  In short, paramedics, 5 days in hospital and now at home with arm in brace waiting for a fractured humerus to heal.  This in addition to groin strain and the usual scrapes and bruises.   Unfortunately the humerus is one of those bones, that takes longest to heal with a long recovery period thereafter.  So that is the 2018 season out of the window..

You could put the Top Fuel in to the mix. I have bought one to replace the Anthem (listed for sale on these pages) . The Anthem was great fun to ride, very responsive on the 27.5 wheels. But the 29r Top Fuel suits my riding and what I want to do over the next few years better.

If you haven’t bought the smart trainer yet, I would get the Wattbike Atom instead

On a related note. Buying cycling shoes is frustrating. The shops have hardly any stock, which means ordering several sizes and models from the online retailers is the only option. But that is annoying as it requires constant money outlay and back and forth to the collect points.

I have normal to borderline wide feet.
I found the Shimano MV5 wide.

Evans on the Cut near Waterloo.

Cycle Republic by Leadenhall Market.

https://getclug.com/#purchase can take tires up to 2.5″

As I mentioned on your other thread, I have a Anthem Advanced 1 (for sale). Not sure how long the stem is, but I would say it is “trail short”. The 2017 Anthem is modern geo, with a slightly slacker head tube than older XC bikes like your 2013 model. It is also 120mm / 110mm suspension. So whilst the same in name, I would actually argue they are pretty different.

In terms of gearing, I have 32T front and 11 – 46 rear, which I find a good combination. I would not want to drop to 30.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Two bikes
Two sets of wheels

Or you could buy my 27.5 Anthem Advanced which is for sale 🙂

I am looking to do a few too. I am currently trying to decide between events like the ones above or the typical 6 / 12 hour type events on a circuit basis.

Looks like we may need to start a 2018 XC racing thread soon.

Am I the only one who doesn’t think £400 is a lot for a washing machine? We looked at some the other day, and they were substantially more than that.

Nice wheel by the way. Blingy.

Does the bear shit in the woods?

I like my Kask Mojito.

Have used Giro and Metz in the past. All about fit really.

Coming back to this. Done some test riding and am 99% sure I will pull the trigger on a Giant Anthem Advanced 27.5. Really like the way it rides. So nimble.

So much for going non mainstream

I ride 170 on my road and TT bike. Do you translate this directly to the mountain bike? I would assume so as the saddle height for optimal peddling I the same?