Thanks for all the feedback. Question has pretty much resolved itself as was out shopping for a new MTB jacket yesterday and came home with a bike instead lol. It’s has XR4 2.6 and 2.4 on set up tubeless so will run with them for a bit.

All very helpful thank you. Going to order this evening.

Thanks all. I might try the XR4/XR3 combo and see how it goes. Hopefully be a nice combo for a mix of XC/trail use.

Can swap out to an XR4 out back if the XR3 feels a bit slippery.

Didn’t realise they had a Uk base. I’m about 45miles from the Mill so I might pop down there.

Do they have bikes to sit on/try?

Thank all. Great help thank you.

Did see the test but they are all way above my budget.

It’s finding bikes to try at the moment will stock levels so bad.

Thanks. Will have a look.

So was looking at Forekaster Rekon combo.

According to Maxxis website these are the options for both:

Rekon
2.4
60tpi
Dual

60tpi
3C Max Terra

120tpi
3C Max Terra

Forekaster 2.6
60tpi
Dual

120tpi
3C Max Terra

I do more light trails and not an aggressive rider. Only tyre I have destroyed was. Mezcal on some flint.

I don’t lean over a lot, I’m more of a careful rider and usually stick to the more smoother trails if that effects choice of compound.

I don’t think I would even make it off the tarmac using single speed lol

I think my biggest issue is the terrain. Start on tarmac, head over some loose stuff, then some more smoother bridle paths then on to some more muddy rooty trails then same in reverse.

It’s defiantly a mix of terrain!

Haha! Was it a bit slippery?!

Anyone running 2.6 on 29mm rims? I could
Look at 2.4-2.5 as long as they come up to size.

The Ardent is 2.25 and does seem to Tina little narrow.

Yep 2.5s more than ideal. Probably suit the rims more too. What faster rolling rear do people pair with the DHF?

I guess 2.6 is not definite. I just want something with a bit for volume for the HT which is running 2.3 High roller and 2.25 Ardent. Not a lot of squish for the old bottom lol

Thanks all. So MaxTerra is the one. That would rule out Forekasters. Anything similar in 29×2.6 that’s a lazy fit and forget set up? I understand this means a compromise over the seasons.

Not actually looked. Just seen them on the maxxis site.

What have you paired on the front with the eliminator?

Would Forekasters work front and back for all year ish?

Will have a look at the above, few options to read up on.

Should have asked – what colour is the stem and top cap?

@davosaurusrex

Stem looks nice. How does the top cap work? I have a 5mm spacer currently above stem. I can probably get away with that length stem.

That Gusset one looks quite nice.

Thanks for the replies. Maybe I will just go open front and live with a bit of gold on display.

Will have a look at the stems mentioned.

I tried some cheap alloy 9degree back sweep bars today to see how they feel.

With the Nukeproofs going forwards a tad before sweeping back would the reach be any different from a normal 9degree bar?

It’s either the Oneups of NP V2 bars.

How’s the finish on OneUp and Nukeproof? My last race face pair only needed you to look at them the wrong way to mark them.

Also, with the way the Nukes sweep back, does it effect reach a great deal? I was going to get a 50mm stem but they do a 45mm.

Got the new HT built up and just chucked on some cheap alloy bars to get a feel of the bike. Actually seems a bit longer than the FS despite a apparent shorter reach figure.

Will give me an idea of what bars to go for. I can instantly tell I need a slightly higher rise though. Probably look at the OneUp ones or Nukeproof V2 ones. Both look great.

I’m after 7degree back sweep as find they suit my wrist position.

To be fair, maybe I’m just not used to other carbon bars but not found the 35 carbon lites to kill my hands.

OneUp are 8degree so not sure how much difference that will make. However I couldn’t get on with 9degree at all.

Thanks @teethgrinder

Nice to hear still going strong. Only seen pics of the bars and not in the flesh yet. Is the carbon weave quite subtle?

I was looking at the Hope 35 bars as I like the 7degree sweep. The OneUp ones are 8. I tried some 9s and didn’t get on with them.

Will I notice a huge difference between 7 and 8? People recommend OneUp over hope?

Or if anyone knows of any bars that have the same sweep?

I will see if I can borrow some bars to try before purchasing. It’s not built up yet so hard to get a ride in!!

No idea why I put 4 spacers. It’s actually 3.

Guess will get it all built and see what’s suits!

Think I would prefer less spacers and higher rise than lower rise and a stack on spacers. Always thought the current bike looks a bit cumbersome with a stack of spacers underneath.

FS
Stack 603
Reach 450
4 x 10mm spacers under stem

HT
Stack 622
Reach 440

**edit – I’m pretty clueless when it comes to numbers and the effect it will have on high/low rise bars! Higher stack means front end sits higher?

Current bike is a FS 130mm travel with 20mm rise.

The HT has 5mm longer Head tube with same 130mm front fork so all in all be same height.

Light trails and longer smoother rides over the South Downs.

Hips/Hamstrings… old weak and past sell by date!

Lots of alternatives here! Good things to read up on.

@ta11pau1 you liking the oneup bars? Do you notice a big difference?

OneUp bar and stem is about the budget I want to spend.

Will look at the Deity bars too.

@nedrapier it’s a Genesis Tarn Ti

The Garmin 830 looks like a decent option and In budget with the extra bundle.

Hmmmm maybe it’s not a good idea with the chainstays as might want to use it for some longer rides. Back to the search!