Much difference between the Ergon SM Comp and Pro apart from different padding? Foam vs Gel.

Sorry for my utter ignorance, but will this model work? Seen some on ebay so just wanted to check first!!

XG-1295 Eagle™ Cassette

https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/cs-xg-1295-a2

Should have rim strips – if not they are about a tenner I think as bought some recently. Had no issues with my Comp 30’s either. Been running tubeless for nearly 2 years with no leaks!

Is the x-dome tech just part of the tech? I definitely have an XD driver then.

Will see what cheapest price I can get the XX1 for and decide from there!

Thanks for the info. Was looking at this one…

https://www.bike24.com/p2171991.html

Guess I need to make sure my current set up is using the XD driver, which I presume it is already being an Eagle.

Also, will this will work all ok with my GX rear mech which is pretty new itself.

Bump for an old thread as Christmas is done and dusted so time to have another look as got the cash waiting.

Decided to go 2nd hand as if I decide a HT is not for me I can sell it on and hopefully lose minimal money.

Vitus, Sonder or Bird TR look like solid options. Just got to find the right bike local (ish).

Seen a couple of Nukeproof Scouts – not sure how they compare to the others.

Will have a look at the giant and smuggler. The pivot looks nice but I need to be at max £1500 for a full build.

To be honest I probably would not rule out another 650b. My last Fuel was an odd ex9 650b.

To the above

Current Trek Fuel 18.5 ex8 29
Light trails (Friston Forest)
Longer rides over South Downs 30-40 miles ish
Budget is max 1500 no more
Short travel. 140 max.
1 x 11 or 12
Stealth dropper compatible
alloy is fine
As per title – 29er

Sonder my currently available in large. Bit of a risk not trying one first too but not local.

Will have a look at the Bird offerings too.

Thanks for all the suggestions! It definitely needs to be able to handle the trails so not a pure XC machine. The Sonder looks nice as well as the P7.

I’m going to go used so if I don’t get on with it I won’t lose too much money!

I’m 5ft 11ish so more a large than a medium. If anyone had anything in the South East area feel free to PM. I’m looking to spend a grand or under if possible.

My MTB has a 60mm stem *shocking*

How are you guys getting on with the 611? The Ergon is definitely not for me.

Nukeproof Reactor 290 comp might come in on budget if can get a discount too.

It’s for a mix of light woodland trails and longer distance XC over the South Downs.

Anyone ridden the Whyte 120?

https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/320862/products/whyte-s-120c-r-29er-mountain-bike-2019-silver.aspx?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=WS120CR3LV1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz53vBRCpARIsAPPsz8VGmHfCM569A8ztLhZr8quoaopWTdnyAx9qKMTeR0SsCM7dSd9LmYQaAsXFEALw_wcB

I think you might be right on the travel. My fuel is more than enough. I wish it was the next size up though. Been looking for a 2018 or 2019 EX8 in 19.5 but don’t see many for sale in good condition.

Mine works really well with my Trek.

Mate just bought a new one with the new actuator pre installed and something up top is different.

Mine had a rubber cover over the air valve. His has a screw on cap with the sides exposed. Is this normal or should there be something else there?

Are Graphene ones called this now?VITTORIA BARZO TNT G2.0 TYRE ANTH/BLACK
VITTORIA MEZCAL TNT G2.0 TYRE ANTHRACITE/BLACK

2.35 front and back or 2.35 front 2.25 rear?

@smokey_jo – what size Vittoria are you running?

@richardthird a fellow Friston rider! I’m usually only the easy fast flowing sections, never been brave enough to do anything more, but I enjoy the parts I ride and then follow up with some longer South Downs way riding where tyres with too much drag would start to be painful!

I kind of do a little more of the XC stuff but don’t want to go full XC tyres as still jump in to the trails.

I ride Over the South Downs and the trails in Friston but I stick to the fast flowing bits which are mainly medium to hard mud and roots. Rarely anything rocky and I avoid the drops!

It’s on a trek fuel.

Not sure if that would change opinions on tyres!

Just another quick question to add. Is the Forekaster better than the HR2?

I don’t mind my Ardent rear (2.25) and it’s still got a bit of life left so might get the Fk up front and change the rear a bit later down the line.

Main difference between the Forcaster 2.35 and Ardent 2.4? They both seemed to be sold as an all round tyre?

Both only seem to come in dual compound on those sizes too.

So was thinking maybe Forekaster 2.35 and Ardent Race 2.35

Or

Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal combo in 2.35 TNT or Barzo all round?

Any reason for running a Mezcal 2.25 out back instead?

How is the 2.4 Ardent as a front?

Never heard of Vittoria tyres before. Reviews seem positive though. Are they tubeless ready?

If you still love riding it and what you demo doesn’t make you want another bike I would upgrade what you have.

Calibre Line 29 from go outdoors?

My FatBar Lites are 20mm rise sitting on top of 30mm spacers.

I don’t think going up to 30mm and lowering by a spacer will make a huge difference but it does give me more adjustment if needed as the 20s can’t go any higher!

I think the actuator is good, but maybe a little rushed as I have now seen 3 of them and they all sit differently at the bottom so as your cable comes out it can be angled sideways in my case. I’m guessing its all down to them having different threads.

No big deal in reality – but if you are OCD lol.

The Bonty lever works fine BTW.

Cheers all. What length people using? Need to find out depth of my wheels and go from there I guess?

I ride an 18.5 Fuel but if I got another it would be 19.5 I think.

5ft 11. 31.5 inseam.

18.5 is fun though. Had it 2 years nearly!

I got some new 3m safety glasses from work. They have a foam like insert and are like a pair of mini goggles.

You can’t steam them up at all. Blowing breath on them to clean them also does bugger all.

Pretty decent! Will get some pics. They are perfect blend of glasses/goggles.

@chiefgrooveguru

Yeah I’m on South Downs and finding my Ardent likes a good spin and once it’s gone its gone!

Some people seem to prefer an Ardent Race 2.3 but pretty sure that will be just as slippy at the back.

Ideally I do need a 2nd set of wheels but no spare cash – just enough for some tyres so need to get a compromise for all year I guess.

My HRII up front is the 2.3 version and by all reports not a great rolling tyre either. Looks like my current set up is indeed very wrong lol.

So drag wise, would there be a noticeable difference between the Ardent 2.25 3C and the DHR 2.3 dual compound when it starts to dry up in places? My trials can get very wet to very dry quite quickly so ideally want something that can give a good balance for all conditions and be able to roll well for some more cross country riding.

I know I can’t have it all, but think I would prefer a little more rolling speed over grip as I’m not an aggressive rider and weed out at all the real hefty drops etc!

Trouble is when it’s not been raining the trails dry up pretty quickly as it’s all up pretty high so last think I want is too much drag!

But if the 2.3 dual compound minion is not too far off the ardent (mine is 3c) then that would be ok.

Hopefully the 2.4 3C up front won’t be too much difference from 2.3 HR2. But I might just he talking crap lol.

Thanks for the info! will get the 2.3 rear.

More difficult for me as these tyres are not just for downhill but a mix of trails, climbs, bridle paths etc. So a trail/XC tyre rather than a pure downhill really aggressive tyre.

So I have compounds sorted in my head, but what I sort of don’t understand is what width to choose and why? All dependent on riding style and where you ride?

2.5 & 2.4 or 2.4 all around or 2.4 and 2.3.

guess there is explanations out there!