For ref, my v2 is 15kg*. Which was the same weight as the outgoing Spectral*.

Carbon wheels too.

*Approximate weights based on bathroom scales.

I have a V2. 3 rides in and I’m loving it. Which is handy as it would have been a costly mistake otherwise. I also had the V1 too. Plus had a lengthy dabble with a Highlander.

I must admit I much prefer the V2. The fit and feel is different and for me improved over the V1. I found the latter too compact from a geo perspective (size L). Currently own the S3 V2 in 29 flavour.

It’s spritely and nimble, rides light (even though the build weighs the same as the previous 160/150 bike Canyon Spectral 29), carries speed well, feels planted and importantly feels balanced. It has trail bike feel with a little more travel up front.

There are downsides. Tyre clearance isn’t great with the 29er version. It’s OK but definitely something to keep an eye on. Yes, regardless of improvements and efficiencies, there’s an extra cog. Although so far this has been inobtrusive. I’ve noticed the frame protection near the idler has been rubbed in a short space of time when running the lowest gear.

But so far the pros outweigh the cons.

I’ve been tempted to buy frame and forks as I have everything else to build a bike. I still own the original Solaris and I’ve previously owned the LS SolarisMax too.

I’m torn on sizing really. I felt the large ‘Max was too stretched out with a low stack even with a 140 fork. It also lacked that spritely, zippy feel of the original. Yes the ‘max was more burly then the original but I didnt quite gel with it and possible the LS geo.

The C4 looks to be the same geo as the previous L ‘Max. So is the C3 the frame size to go for or will it feel too small?

I should drop Cotic an email really and try and get down to the showroom.

I feel you’re pain and watch these threads with interest. My daughter is 10 and 150cm tall. She’s outgrown her BMC Twostroke AL 24* (now Scor 24) and having heard good things I thought the Whyte 403 26″ bike would be the next step. Yet today I realised that the height range is up to 152cm. So regardless of buying new or second hand I’ll need to replace again next year.

So, like you a weekend trip to a range of bike shops is on the cards.

*brilliant bike, light rigid hardtail, great component spec; just wish they did a 26 or 27.5; my 7yr old son has the 20 and will inherit the 24.

I’ve been impressed with the BMC Twostroke AL 24 that I bought for my eldest. Lovely lightweight alu frame. Big 2.4 Kenda tyres. Really nice spec contact points, drivetrain and brakes. Nice geo. So much so I’ve just got my youngest the AL 20.

Eldest is now on the cusp of being too big for it and needs to size up to 26. For which it looks like Whyte or Orange.

I’ll no doubt put the AL 24 up for sale at some point in the near future if you’re interested :)

Yeah, it’s easy to do and I’ve done it a couple of times when visiting. You can ride the South Loop to the top. You’ll see where people have accessed through a hedge/clearing. You’re then onto the trial leading up to Grizedale Pike. At the top you can go right and descend back down to pretty much the start of the South Loop again. Or go left and head to Buttermere and the numerous options thereafter i.e. Whitless Pike, Rigg Beck, etc, etc.

I like the look and sound of the new Solaris. Someone must have read my What should I replace my mk.1 Cotic Solaris with? post :)
I’d like to see the frame and check the sizing out in person when they become available next year. The C4 looks to mirror the Large SolarisMAX ’18 geo I had. Which I felt was on the large side. So even at 183cm the C3 is perhaps the way to go for a shorter, snappier bike.

Our patented, two-piece wishbone shock extender is used on the SB140 and SB160

Reading between the lines I guess Yeti have revised the SB115, SB130 and SB150 then. SB120, SB140 and SB160. Looking forward to seeing the former.

Ooooo that Sour Crumble is a bit of all right.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, appreciated. A few repeat offenders in all the messages.

I agree with some of the sentiments regarding the SolarisMax. I found the front end / stack too low. So had to run 140 forks and spacers to accommodate. It took some bonding with and adapting to as it was initially difficult to get over the front end even with a 35mm stem as the cockpit/ETT was soooo long. There was no way I felt I could run a shorter fork.

I guess it lost that light, snappy feel too. Although it was great fun and very competent.

I guess that really low front end/stack height also put me off the likes of the Sirius and Sherpa. Obviously, this is solely based on numbers as I’ve not seen either in the flesh.

I did consider the Yeti Arc, and there have been some good 2nd hand frame options recently, but at 6′, would a large feel too compact?

The Fairlight Holt looks great and is surely quite close on paper to a modern equivalent. I’ve also heard great things about the Chisel.

Lots to ponder.

Ha! Thanks @andrewh. I intend to. I couldn’t part with it now. But I would like something more modern for those rides from the door.

I echo what others have said about the sizing calculator. I’m 183 and own a large Spectral 29. Canyon’s recommendation for my height and inseam was a medium. It would have been too small. The large fits me perfectly. Check the geo as always for ETT, reach, etc. as a better comparison.

Great review Benji.

I currently own the Spectral 150. There’s a lot too like about the bike. Sizing, fit, geometry, feel (especially now I’ve got it dialled in after 10 rides).

Yet I can’t help be drawn to sporty, snappy short travel trail bikes with sorted geo as firstly, historically that’s what I’ve preferred and owned and secondly, they suit how I ride and predominately where I ride at least 80% of the time. For that other 20%, you rein it in.

The Spectral 125 certainly appeals and perhaps addresses some of the minor gripes about the Spectral 150. Shorter seat tube, longer dropper, internal cable routing.

It’s just a shame Canyon don’t do frame only.

I think the Spectral 125 looks good and is definitely of interest.

I recently managed to get hold of a ’21 Spectral 29 in a private sale and built it up with RS suspension and a Shimano groupset. The size large fits me well. It rides well being reasonably poppy and playful for a big bike. It’s well built. There’s a lot to like about it but…

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the most fun bikes I’ve had were 125-130mm travel. Steamrollering stuff on an Enduro bike is faster but I’m fairly convinced most people would have more fun on less travel. But who am I to say?

…I have to acknowledge that I feel it’s too much bike for me at 160F/150R (as I have generally opted for shorter travel trail bikes). So the same bike, sizing and geo with a little less travel and a little lighter would suit me, my riding and where I predominately ride better. Giving me the opportunity to hoon stuff still but cover the miles comfortably as well.

That said, the complete weights don’t look to dissimilar to the existing 150mm Spectral. So if I wanted lighter (and to retain the travel) the CFR would be the choice.

Let me just say that the current economics are bonkers. I’ve seen a couple newer equivalents of my Cali, both 2nd hand and they want £67k respectively.

We own a ’15 California. We purchased outright in Jan ’16. It was brand new with 50 delivery miles on it. It was the spec, colour, etc we wanted and we secured a good price including extras direct from VW. We also got a great PX price for our car (that was on it’s way to costing us some money).

Based on what we paid (excluding the PX) I think we could sell for not a lot less today.

As for reliability and maintenance it’s been great so far. I’ve had a couple of things done on warranty in the first couple of years, trim mainly, there’s the annual mileage driven inspection and oil change and like someone else has said, the cambelt and water pump. All of which have been done by VW.

The Cali is our daily driver, although prior to Covid my wife and I worked from home or took the bus to the office. So it’s mainly used at the weekends. When we bought we were a family of 3. By the end of the first year having done numerous weekends away and a Spanish/French roadtrip we were then a family of 4.

We continued to take smaller UK holidays and longer (4 weeks) European summer breaks until last year….obviously. Although we still managed the NC500 in the summer. I just find it’s an amazing family vehicle, as both a daily driver and for family holidays. It’s all very well designed internally as VW have been refining the trim and design for some years now.

Yes, it does have limitations. We feel the vans nemesis is strong winds. We’ve been caught as a family in some coastal storms (Cornwall and West coast of Scotland) and with the roof up to accommodate all of us sleeping (2 up 2 down) it acts like a sail and it’s an unnerving night. Yes, it can feel cramped (again, bad weather with two young kids (7 and 4)). Yes, you do have to be clever with the packing (we try and travel light so no awning, just the van).

Generally though I’m more than happy. It suits our needs and more importantly the kids love it and love the opportunities for holidays it brings. I think now the only time we’ll get rid of it is when an E variant is available. If they’re affordable obviously.

On a side note, what’s the score with the connected woodland (I think it’s Binns Wood on the map)?

I pieced together a nice route from my in-laws in Skircoat over a few exploratory rides in 2019 and rode it extensively in the summer of 2020 several times. Taking in Elland Woods, Binns Woods, Strangstry Woods, Elland Woods (again) through to North Dean Woods, Greetland, Norland Moor then descending down into Copley and along the river and canal until climbing back up to Skircoat. Anice big loop with plenty of fun bits.

The last time I rode there someone had gone out of their way to block the singletrack traverse through Binns Wood (I think a wall had been rebuilt too). Is that now off limits? Is there a decent alternative (when heading to Cromwell Bottom Reserve and Strangstry Woods)?

Yeah, I bought a SolarisMAX in Cosmic Black last October. The paint got chipped on the top tube due to an innocuous knock while building. Since then it’s scratched and scuffed far too easily. Not only that, quite quickly the top tube and seat tube lost their finish so the frame looks foggy and dulled in appearance in those places. Which has been a little disappointing.

It doesn’t really compare to the green paint of my eight year old mk.1 Solaris that’s for sure.

It’s a solid riding bike though. I did struggle to get it dialled in for a few months due to the low stack and limited steerer tube of the donated fork. Yet I’ve found a sweet spot with it and it’s been a god send this year on the local trails. It’s so capable.

With a new ‘bouncy’ bike arriving imminently I’m unsure whether to keep it though. If I do, I guess eventually I might take it back to a raw steel frame and get it polished up. Or repainted. Whatever.

I was impressed with the time I spent on the Deviate Highlander. One week in the UK and one week in Spain. 65 HA, 76 STA, 430mm ST on the Large with a 480mm Reach. 160F and 140R. I’d say the equivalent bike is the SC Megatower. Although perhaps a bit more user friendly from an all day perspective rather than a full on Enduro bike. All of which is very similar to the Sentinel.

It’s a really great bike and feels very familiar and intuitive as soon as you throw a leg over it. It’s good for all day riding. It climbs well as the high pivot provides a real stable, stiff pedalling platform. It is a big bike though so its not rapid uphill. More composed and a steady climber. Point it down and its great. It’s blistering quick through chunk. Frighteningly so :S

To say I spent a couple of short, local rides in the UK before 6 full days in Ainsa I felt right at home on the bike and confident with whatever I found myself riding.

The Deviate guys are great to talk to and I’m sure they would configure a RS version of the bike (they spec Fox and Cane Creek as standard).

For disclosure I don’t own the bike and didn’t end up purchasing one due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. I’ve certainly not ruled one out though.

Thanks @cy I’ll look to source a stem and bars with increased rise to compensate with the lower front end when its reduced to 120mm.

Although it rides well at 140mm I think 120mm would be the sweet spot for my local riding and the bike in general. Hell, my original Mk 1 Solaris coped admirably with everything I’ve thrown at it over the last 8 years with 100mm forks.

Looking forward to hear how it goes @twrch

I was intent on dropping my Fox 34 forks from 140mm to 120mm. Yet it seems to ride well in the 140mm guise.

My concern about dropping the travel on the front is how that affects the stack height and riding position. I’m already running 15mm of spacers under the stem with no room for manoeuvre due to the steerer tube length and I wouldn’t want the cotic stem and bars any lower. As they are pretty low already. This provides a stretched, seated riding position even with the saddle pushed forward on the rails.

The bike did get some getting used to too. I bought a large cosmic black frame in Sept but didn’t get it built up (taking all of the drivetrain, forks, brakes and wheelset from a donor bike) until Nov. I’m running 30mm internal DT Swiss wheels and Maxxis 29 x 2.5 DHF and Aggressor tyres. The first four rides (the second ride resulted in a crash losing the front end) before Christmas I struggled to get a feel for the bike and gel with it.

The last two rides have been much better. I’m getting used to the longer, slacker geo, the increased wheelbase, etc. What felt heavy, not as playful, not as poppy is actually stable and centred. The increased reach over the previous bike is also an improvement. The more I ride it the more I’m getting used to it and adapting. So the poppy and playfulness is returning. It’s quite the steamroller and even though it’s perhaps the heaviest bike I’ve had for a while reasonable nimble.

I’m not rating the Aggressor though, especially at this time of year so will change to a DHR II WT.

So, I’m still tempted to drop the forks to 120mm but seeing as I’m still getting to know the bike I might leave it for another month. Has any else gone from 140mm to 120mm?

I built up a large cosmic black Solaris Max two weeks ago (having bought the frame some months before when then new shipment arrived). So only two rides in at present. I’m 183cm. 6ft in old money.

It feels much bigger than my previous (donor) bike, a Yeti SB4.5. Even with a 35mm stem. I’m currently running an Fox F34 fork at 140mm and it feels fine. Although I’m looking to reduce this to 120mm, maybe compromise at 130mm.

I’ve not weighed it yet. It’s not light, nor is it heavy. My 30mm internal rims are now supporting 2.5 29″ rubber front and rear. The first ride felt harsh so I’ve dropped the psi to 22F/25R.

I’m still getting a feel for the bike. It’s not quite as poppy as previous bikes but this might equate to the longer wheelbase. On the flip side to this it feels stable on the descents.

Great little edit. Enjoyed that.

I demo’d a Ripmo earlier this year as I’m on a quest to replace my Yeti SB45 with something a little bigger, burlier.

It climbs very well. Very efficient. Very direct. It pedals nicely covering ground with relative ease. It feels fast, is fast on the descents.

It did feel quite harsh though. I initially thought this was to do with the tyre pressure and raised it with the Ibis mechanic but the pressures were OK and comparative with what I run. So maybe it was the carbon wheels? Dunno?

At 6′ the large was too small for me. It felt smaller than all of the other bikes I tried in the same size that day. Again, I was informed it would be worth sizing up to an XL. To be honest, I’m struggling with the reduced, shortened cockpit the steeper STA produces.

I’d be up for demo’ing the bike again in an XL but there are other bikes I’m aiming to revisit (SB130) and try (HightowerV2) first. Plus the downside of sizing up is a longer wheelbase, heavier bike

I did some more reccy this morning. I started the same but headed up Exley Bank Top? and onwards to Siddal Top Farm on route to Southowram before descending into the top of Elland Park Woods.

I traversed an undulating highline before descending into Cromwell Bottom and climbing back up the other side in Rastrick Woods. Then descending back down and retracing my route via Southowram CC before descending through the woods ending in a childrens playground/field.

Really nice flowing singletrack in the woods. Looking forward to riding it again as todays ride was very stop, start.

Mugboo was right though. Its very bitey. Especially Rastrick. There were midges the size of sparrows wanting to gorge on my sweatiness.

All I need to do now is piece both routes together.

I hired a scooter in Hue and rode to Hoi An via a trip to the beach in Da Nang for a dip in the sea and lunch at some beach shack. That was pretty much 10 years ago now.

I’ll echo what others have said. It’s a great road with fantastic views in places but it’s also a main road with a fair amount of HGVs. It was generally quiet though when I rode it and it only got busy in Da Nang. Although like most towns and cities it was busy with swathes and swathes on people on scooters. All moving generally as one. Mad!

Is it DH riding you are after or trail/enduro?

We went to Sospel last October. Flights were cheap to Nice. Pick up from Bri @ Cool Bus. We stayed in Ash’s (of TransProvence fame) place in Sospel. We met Bri in town every morning for some Cool Bus uplift.

The trails were excellent with some of the surrounding mountains and valleys providing different riding. Weather should be belting in September too.

Highly recommended

http://www.trans-provence.com/ride.html

I hear a lot about the issues some bikes have or some owners have with their bikes. I’ve owned two Yetis. My first was the ASR5C which I owned and rode for two years from ’12 to ’14 and recently (and my current bike) the SB4.5 which I’ve owned since ’16.

Both bikes have seen the Alps, races, Scotland, Lakes, crashes, etc, etc.

I’ve had no problem with either. I tell a lie. The ASR had a seized cable mount on the downtube.

I regularly clean and maintain my own bikes. Especially keeping the SI link cleaned and lubed on the SB4.5. I did pay for a local dealer to strip and clean this and replace the bearings on the frame last year after 2 years use. The SI was OK. The bearings not so.

I guess the complexity of the design means you have to pay closer attention to maintenance. The offset to that is that it does provide a great platform and feel for riding.

If I had issues with one or both bikes like some owners then I imagine I’d be reluctant to invest so much money in the brand again. That goes without saying. I’m sure (previous) owners of any top-end brand that had paid a premium price only to have issues would say the same.

I’m tempted to buy an SB130 to replace the SB4.5 but not entirely sold and I’m open to seeing what other manufacturers have to offer. Like the new SC Hightower for example.

Absolutely spot on Ben. I rode this morning from the in-laws front door. I’ve very rarely used the navigation function of my E820 so there were a few teething issues. So not knowing the area that well and not knowing how accurate or prescriptive the route is there were a few stop/start/check/start/stop/check moments.

But the route in general was great. Just the right amount of climbing, descending, distance, tech, etc and a great introduction to the area. I enjoyed the two descent orientated aspects of Norland Moor. Although the last bit towards the Moorcock Inn caught me out on the first descent. Really enjoyed just rallying the second bit of single track after I’d climbed back up (although I was seconds away from being swallowed up by a road race taking place when climbing back up the road from the Moorcock Inn).

Cat Lane Man Holes and Puntle Hall descents were cracking. As was the Copley Cracker. Although somewhat blown out. I added a couple of bits I’d seen on Strava too. The first was on t’Moor and didn’t live up to its Enduro name (it ends in the carpark next to a kids playground). The other was Blue Balls Descent before climbing back for the Copley Cracker.

Just a few questions on bits I wasn’t quite sure on.

The bit behind the Skircoat church. I followed what I thought was the route yet there looked to be other options in those woods. A steep line that started with a sharp left near some steps? I’ll investigate this another time. Although the start of the track was blocked off initially at the back of the church yard. I also nearly got wedged between a tree and a wall and I only run 760mm bars.

North Dean Woods. I’m not sure I started the climb on the correct path at first but stuck left and climbed up to the top. I then proceeded along a thin footpath between a fence and walled drop into the woods which started from three metal poles. Did I need to drop back into the woods at this point? There seemed to be a trail on the map below the footpath?

Also, just before that cobbled intro to the Copley Cracker. There was a little trail from the road that drops onto the cobbled road. I missed it. Plus I was heading for the Blue Balls bit. Was I supposed to ride that?

Cheers

Mik

That’s marvellous Ben. Much appreciated. I’ll get that on the Garmin and follow it round on Sunday morning. Looking forward to it.

I’ve got a pair of Guide RSCs that came with the bike. I’ve been impressed with the brakes. They’ve been faultless for 3 years but then recently one of the pistons seized in the front brake. So I bought another pair. An updated pair actually with the S4 caliper / bleeding edge port.

I replaced the front brake leaving the old back brake on for now (as I couldn’t face the internal routing). I left the bike out in the sun last month after washing and low and behold the lever became sticky and this has become an intermittent problem.

Unfortunately I bought the new brakes privately (new bike but unwanted brakes) so I couldn’t process under warranty with SRAM UK. They confirmed the part no. I required and I’ve ordered the lever rebuild kit which should arrive today. I’ve also stripped and removed the old brake lever to compare pistons and use as spares.

Cheers Ben, much appreciated. I guess I like a bit of everything really. Happily ride for 2 to 2 and a half hours / 30 to 35km on the local trails (North Leeds) with <600M of up/down. Regularly ride Ilkley Moor which is more concentrated, steeper and descent orientated. Bingley, Sheff, Peak, Tod, etc.

In the past I’ve driven over to Tod and rode the bike that way. It would be good to have an option straight from the (in-laws) door.

Seriously impressed with my set. They’ve been flawless for the past 3 years. I actually bought a second set for a new build that has not progressed so they’re up for sale if you’re interested?

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2559577/

I’ve not tried the new SolarisMax but love my old Mk1 bike. In fact it was my only bike for 2 years and it didn’t stop me riding Torridon, Sticks, Ulswater, etc over that period. I did hanker for a FS bike though.

The reviews are good and I can’t imagine not liking the new Solaris.

As for a 29er FS replacement, so far I’ve demo’ed an SB130, SB150, Megatower, Ripmo and Stage 5 (at a recent demo day).

The new wave of LT FS 29ers are different again. There are a few elements to not wanting to part with a lot of money so far.

Firstly sizing. The reach figures are only relevant for out of the saddle and the steeper seat tube angles are shortening the cockpit and for me that meant I felt slightly perched on top with knees a little close to the bars. Some bikes felt and looked small.

I’m sure this is something that you adapt to but at the time felt significantly different. Even though it might not have been. I tried sizing up on a couple of bikes but then they felt too large.

Secondly, I found the slacker, longer bikes to be less playful. Or they certainly were until they started picking up speed on the descents.

There’s also an element of not owning a LT FS before. Up until now I’ve always owned and preferred that ST sporty, trail bike feel.

I’m tempted to OP. I currently own a short travel FS 29er (SB4.5) and 29er HT (Solaris). The FS is used for everything from local laps from the front door to trips away in the UK and Europe. The HT is for winter laps, trips out with the kids, it sits on the turbo trainer, etc, etc.

The FS is 3 years old and the HT is 7 years old.

I was intending to buy a new long travel 29er FS bike and donating all of the parts on my existing ST FS bike to a new SolarisMax which I’ve provisionally ordered.

Unfortunately I’m yet to identify a LT FS 29er I like. I’ve demo’ed a few and been left a little underwhelmed. So now I’m concerned about giving up my ST FS with planned trips away to Scotland and Spain for just a HT. I do also like riding my ST FS.

Although so far this year, I’ve done nothing but ride from my front door due to viruses, injuries, family and work commitments, weather, you name it. Plus my both my kids (5 and 2) are really enjoying riding which in turn is eating into my riding time.

Decisions, decisions.

I did the Boltby Bash this year. It was my first race since the POC King and Queen in ’13. I would have preferred to enter the Enduro category but it sold out and therefore I entered the Sportive. I loved it and I’ll look to enter other races, hopefully this year, if not definitely next.

I rode the Sportive in the same fashion as I would have rode the Enduro e.g. took the route as a whole and transitions steady with time to chill and chat and focussed on being as quick as possible on the descents. Then comparing Strava times with mates after the race to see how we did.

The Sportive format, certainly at Boltby, is the same route/course as the Enduro but is timed from start to finish. So if I’m unlucky and I only have the option to race this again next year I’ll opt to get round as quickly as possible.

So maybe if other events use this Sportive format then this might be the option for you OP?

I’ve taken the same Santander ferry twice now and travelled around the Basque coast with my young family in the camper.

The first trip in ’16 we stayed in Potes in the Picos. We stayed in a lovely little campsite (Laviorna) 15 mins walk out of town. It had its own little shop and restaurant serving decent food and a pool. Highly recommend as a base for exploring. I’d definitely go back there.
You could probably arrange a ride in the area if you contacted trans-picoseuropa. We slowly moved up the Basque coast and then the French coast before returning home on the ferry from Le Harve.

The second trip last year I intended to take the bike but didn’t. Slightly regret that but this is life. I didn’t want my quest for riding to get in the way of the family holiday and carrying bike and kit along with 3 weeks for potentially 2 rides didn’t seem worth it.

We started on the coast in another cracking campsite with an amazing beach (Playa Joyel) about 45 mins from Santander. This site was much larger with playgrounds, pools, supermarket, restaurant, etc. It was very popular with the Spanish. We were there off season as my daughter hadn’t started school then. We had the site and beach practically to ourselves in the week but lots of Spanish families started arriving on the Friday and the campsite came alive for the weekend. Again, somewhere I’d definitely return. We travelled around the coast again, travelled inland to Haro, intended to cross the Pyrenees into France but the weather took a turn for the worse so we headed back to the coast.

I made enquiries with Doug @ BasqueMTB regarding riding in the area and the Pyrenees. Specifically Ainsa. He didn’t recommend Ainsa at that time of year (June) due to potentially how hot it might be. He certainly doesn’t run trips there at that time of year.
So if you’re still keen I’d recommend dropping Doug an email to see what suggestions he has for riding on the Spanish side. He was very helpful and knowledgeable as you’d expect. The riding on the Basque coast looks fantastic which is the option I was recommended.

Its taken some time but I’ll eventually ride there next year as I’ve booked with Doug on the Winter Enduro hol in Ainsa.

I hope your daughter heals up in time.

Thanks n0b0dy, but I’ve only got an MTB so off road only.

Cheers, finephilly. I remember there being a bigger loop that perhaps started on the other side of the bridge to Barmouth?? Either way, when I rode it last we parked near a Post Office in Tal-y-Bont and set off from there. It might have been an old MBR route.

Could Machynlleth be an option? I recently read about the Dyfi Enduro on here. The route is accessible on Strava and starts in the town.

Yep, the ending of the guide book route is pretty disappointing. I did the same as you 6 or 7 years ago now. Slowly adapting the Bingley route out of the guide book.

I’ve ventured into Cottingley a few times but generally I turn left onto Lee Lane (instead of right towards Marchcote Ln). Ride down the sweeping turns of the quarry then climb back up into St. Ives (left turn after cricket pitch opposite the garden centre), then climb back onto Harden Moor (Moor Edge High Side) before climbing up just past the car park and re-entering St Ives again. Then descending down the trails that run adjacent to Harden Road. Crossing over the road that runs through the estate then a traverse and climb to the picnic area and then a final descent and traverse before being spat out on the road just above the bottom car park.

I liked the Ripmo. I’ve not ridden a DW link bike before and was suitably impressed at how stiff and supportive it felt from a pedalling and climbing perspective. It’s certainly a bike that you could comfortably cover some distance on. And this is with 145mm rear travel.
It also felt great on the downs. Really quick. It actually felt the quickest yet from a Strava perspective I don’t think it was. Although this is all relative.

It would be a close call between the SB130 and Ripmo. From a sizing perspective I rode a Large on both and they were very similar. I’d probably say the Ripmo edged it slightly. Maybe :)

I did think the ride was a little harsh on the Ripmo and thought this may be down to those 2.5 WT Maxxis being over inflated. Yet the guy at Ibis said they had 22/24 PSI F and R. The Ripmo also had carbon wheels. The Yeti some cheap, heavy DT Swiss M1700. The Ripmo had an X2 shock over the Yeti’s DPX2.

At the end of the day my mate said that if he was buying a bike, the Ripmo would probably be the bike he would purchase out of all those tested.