Sent you a PM Matt!

2017 NS Eccentric Cromo looks like a nice fram – what colours do you have and what spec are we looking at for £1300?

I was just coming on here to ask pretty much the same question and thinking a 29er would be best for my XC/trail needs!

Also add to the mix the Giant Fathom 1:

http://www.giant-shoreham.co.uk/gb/fathom-29er-1-2018

SLX 1 x 11, dropper, 780mm bars.

I looked at the Marin too – but the 2017 29er seems to be all sold out with only the 27.5 avaliable.

Excellent, thanks for the heads up! They are a bit lighter than the race face ones too.

I’m still hovering over the order button! There is an extra £100 off when you spend £1000 too.

A measure would still be handy. The offer is on until the weekend and if they sell out I might regret not ordering one.

Thank people – will have a look at the above!

For some reason I like this..:

https://www.freeborn.co.uk/saracen-zen-mountain-bike-2017-black-orange?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9qvcwcXF1gIVlRsYCh24MwUEEAQYASABEgJkAPD_BwE

Can get from my LBS too. Nail trail still looks good, but think the 29er would have been great but all sold out!

This thread may help me!!!

Im thinking of buying a TR frame and transferring all my bits from my FS. I will drop an email to Bird who will hopefully help as need to figure out what will fit.

The Trek has a through axle 142 12 rear so think that would fit straight on(although I have no idea if this is true or how easy it is!) – wheels/forks etc will be a straigh swap if the rear end fits straight over. Just have no idea on how to swap over gears etc etc!

Have asked what the best price is outside of ebay – its where I bought my last bike from so hopefully get it down to nearer my budget!

I’m hopefully looking at a Smuggler – all be it a cheaper one than your budget!

It’s running a Yari fork, NX 1×11. They have it on ebay at the moment too:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRANSITION-Smuggler-Alloy-Complete-Parts-kit-4-/132340678081?hash=item1ed01e7dc1:g:t9EAAOSwyLFZuQ5F

That’s a lot of cash!

I do like bird bikes, but by the time a dropper is added that takes it to £1400 which pushes the budget a bit!!!

Although looking at frame only options, I think all the kit from my trek would swap over, has same 142 12 rear too.

VRX looked spot on! Shame!

Mintman – is it a public Facebook group? Will have a search!

Do the Vitus have routing for a stealth dropper out of interest?

Might up my budget on this one now – just to see whats what!

The Marin is still an option – but not sure I like the look of it (which I know shouldnt be an issue!).

Ryder’s scott still look like a nice option, but need to arrange to go and see that one!

Also saw a Genesis Tarn 20 2017 which looks nice for a bit of steel plus bike fun!

Watching a large T130s on ebay with interest! Don’t see many coming up for sale and do love the T130s!

Been off work ill so bike searching/trying been on the back foot so apologies for not replying to people. So going to hopefully be on the hunt again now as feeling better. Did also see a nice steel genesis tarn 30 for sale over budget!!

I’m sure it will be alright! If mine sells its a serious contender!

That would be helpful! Plus my nads are indeed old!!

I’m around 32 inside leg or there abouts! Think I should be all ok for fit on a 19″. No local places have Marin bikes to try!

Or let me know how stand over is. I can’t find size chart!

Will have a look, need to sort out my headset on the trek and get it shifted before they sell out!!!

Is the large the 19″? How’s the stand over?

That Marin looks perfect. Any Marin size guides about?

Rutland do not have the 29er in 19″ and it seems not many places do!

The 27.5 version is in stock though.

Im presuming I need a 19″ anyway – hard to find info!

And think this is the top one!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cane-creek-40-series-is41-top-assembly/rp-prod115644?gs=1&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Chain+Reaction-UK-PLA-PLA-All-DT-SE-Shopping+QLB+Manufacturer+Desktop&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|szlmLpU3o_dc|pcrid|161845658788|pkw||pmt||prd|416099UK

When I put my bike in to Cane Creek Website I get:

IS 41/28.6 Upper
IS 52/40 Lower

So will see what I can find on the website!

Found what I think is the bottom one on CRC:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cane-creek-40-series-is52-40-bottom-assembly/rp-prod115643?gs=1&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Chain+Reaction-UK-PLA-PLA-All-DT-SE-Shopping+QLB+Manufacturer+Desktop&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|snURsHUv4_dc|pcrid|161845658788|pkw||pmt||prd|416098UK

Will have a look – might play it safe with the FSA one as dont want to get it wrong! I put my bike in Cane Creek website and it gave me figures but didnt match it up to a headset.

Might buy whole headset if I can figure out which one will fit.

Scott looks nice – will message

Just been in touch with someone selling a Nukeproof Scout 275 Race 2017 for £850 in as new condition.

Anyone ridden/got one? How do they size up?

Also guessing they are both pretty well built with regards to taking the odd scratch or knock. Both look Matte which I think would hold up better than anything shiny!

Its always helpful! Means what ever I decide is good to go. Not actually seen or tried any Race Face bars before but both get decent reviews!

I do like that renthal have added the rough area for the stem though, looks like a secure fit!

Look like 40mm rise bars rolled forward giving some weird old sweep, I’m confused!

Does carbon paste end up scratching the bars? Not that it will be seen I guess!

Admit probably do not need 35, but its got the right angles and width and its cheap! Struggling to find 3mm spacers though – as need a 5mm and 10mm to match!

Thanks, think he will go for the Eastons due to the graphics being subtle. No idea why he wants 35. I’m not sure what/if there are many benefits?

Dork disc is gone! The rear hub comes off with the cassette pretty easily so I just unclipped the disc and took it off!

I tried some wide bars and shorter stem but just didn’t feel right having my arms that wide! In actual fact my final bar choice are 10mm shorter!

So final mods and changes with thanks to all my threads and help i have managed to do it all myself (might not seem a lot to anyone but it’s my first attempt at more than changing pedals!).

Renthal fatbar carbon lite 740mm bars 20mm rise
Renthal apex stem 50mm
Steerer cut down – new star nut installed.
FSA carbon spacers (just because!)
Ergon GA2 Grips
Ergon SMA3 saddle
Saddle running lower

I know a lot of people thought the bike looked too small and in a way I have made things smaller, but it’s so much nicer to ride, everything now just feels right.

Thanks for all the tips, job was made easier using the cheap x tools – torque wrench, star nut installer and saw guide. Also spoke to renthal with regards to torque settings and carbon paste and they were very helpful too.

Will update with pics when the sun is back out!

Yeah it’s the lite version I’m looking at

Guess the vibration is noticeable? Hard to judge for me as never had carbon! My rides are usually short 5-6 miles but the odd 15-20 at weekends.