Interested to hear that as thinking about one myself.

Are you running the Float shock or CCDB air?

That picture looks like a horst linkage driven by a rocker (similar to the Nerve and many other brands), so they’re ditching the single pivot of the Strive in favour of a common design with the Nerve.

Worth waiting I reckon, even if it just means you get a heavily discounted 2013 model.

I think one of Transition’s owners is using a 650b Bandit on the World Enduro Series, so they may not be 26″ for too much longer.

George, interesting to hear that, as I’d also been considering a Lapierre Spicy. How do they compare in detail? I thought the Spicy frame was a bit lighter, but as you say probably not much in it.

It’s a good point about the shock stroke, which I hadn’t considered. What shock do you run on the Ion?

Sorry for the slight thread hijack

I’d read somewhere that the old Alpine frame weight is about 3.4kg (7.5lb) without shock, but I think this sounds a bit high. The new one is supposed to be 300g lighter. The Ion is claimed to be 3.2kg (7.1lb) without shock, which is close enough.

I understand that the way it rides has an effect, but after dragging my Alpine round massive rides in the Lakes and Scotland (granted, not what it was designed for) for the last 3 years, losing nearly 800g off a frame is an interesting proposition.

There is clearly a trade-off between strength and weight for an alu frame, so I guess if I want the strength and burliness to cope with the DH elements then I have to accept the weight and suffer on the climbs.

I have been looking at the liteville 301 or Nicolai Ion 16 to replace my Alpine 160, which is used as a big travel trail bike, DH days and Alps trips (I’ll maybe try the odd enduro race in the future too). 160mm both ends is what i’m after, but something light enough to drag round all day (the Alpine is a bit of a lump for all day rides).

I like the idea of the Liteville adjustable travel plates, and it’s low weight, so it’s a more versatile option, but had read some reviews that it can be a bit more compromised (flexy) in 160 mode (I guess this is the trade off for the low weight). It also looks like you are restricted in shock usage due to clearances.

The Ion 16 ticks a lot of boxes for me, but the drawbacks (for me) are it is quite a bit heavier than the 301 (I guess similar to the Alpine) and more expensive.

I’m currently in the pondering stage, but will hopefully try to get some test rides later in the year.

I’m in a very similar position so also interested in opinions. I’ve loved the Alpine, but it is a bit hefty and only 27.2 seat tube so limited on dropper post options. I also fancy trying a four bar (horst link) again.

I’ve got stuff to swap over so would prefer a frame only option, but considering a full bike and flogging the bits I don’t need. Currently narrowed it down to:

Lapierre Spicy (hopefully some good deals around soon on 26″ 2013 models)
Specialized Enduro
Nicolai Ion 16

I really like the Ion (good angles and get to choose shock), but it is expensive and I don’t think it’s much/any lighter than the Alpine.

I’d echo comments about being hard to seat and I had to use CO2. I ran 2.5 minions dual ply on Flow rims in the alps last year. I also used them with the rim strips in addition to yellow tape for added security and tighter fit to inflate.

I gave mine a testing on a few DH days and they were fine before using in the Alps and they were ok for most of the week, but I did burp the front tyre on one day, so I always had a nagging doubt after that and stuck in more psi to compensate.

I would say it’s a bit of a risk without rim strips and if you lose enough pressure (burp) then you won’t get it back on the rim without a CO2 cartridge, or sticking a tube in.

Since mine were knackered after last years trip I’m now running proper UST Maxxis 2.5s and they go up a treat (trackpump and without rimstrips). They feel up to the job of DH too.

Best advice is to give it a try, but give them a proper pasting to be 100% confident before using them on an event. You’ll be mighty annoyed if they fail on you, for the sake of running tubes.

CCDB is a silly amount of money to spend on something you will probably only use for 1-2 weeks per year. Given the amount of adjustability and tuning you will have to do you might just have enough time to get it set up before you go in July.

I bought a cheap basic DHX3 coil (Mojo had a sale on) for my Alpine and had it tuned after 2 years when it needed servicing, and it’s been spot on for the Alps and DH days.

If I had the choice again I would think about a lighter piggyback air shock (Monarch plus or X-fusion) as it may replace the RP23 and you will get more use out of it in the UK, rather than having a coil shock as an expensive paperweight for 50 weeks of the year.

dexter – how did the shinobi, santa cruz and Prime compare? Obviously the Prime was best.

I have this very same problem (Transition bandit). Unfortunately I couldn’t test this as it was a frame only purchase and there are no test bikes here in Sweden.

It seems to me now that a lot of bike companies are putting long seat tubes on frames, which limits you using a proper length dropper post. Another guy riding last night had the same problem on his Canyon Nerve, which has a reverb stealth (150mm travel) fitted as standard.

Mine is only maybe 1-2cm too high, but enough to be annoying and will be worse when I switch from SPDs to flat pedals.

As I want as much drop as possible I’m going to go for option 1 (2cm), but will need some courage before picking up that hacksaw! Thankfully the frame came with touch-up paint, so I’ll try not to make it look like a dogs dinner.

Cheers for that. As I expected really. I’ll run dual ply minions tubeless, which saves a bit of weight and if I’m running coil forks and shock it encourages a bit of battering.

I have some of the old Saints and remember laughing after the first run in the Alps at the raw power. The only problem was bleeding them, was tricky and I wasn’t keen on the lever shape.

I think I’m going to try some Zee’s or new Saints this year.

I better start this one by admitting I’ve not ridden one so, to limit recriminations, but I looked into one of these as an all-purpose bike. After comparing geometry though I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t versatile enough (small cockpit and long wheelbase, chainstays) as an all-rounder.

For me, this was ideal for Alps trips (admittedly it’s stated purpose), but too much of a compromise for normal riding, where I would want a bit more top tube length, and a wheelbase shorter than a DH bike.

Having said that if you measure up differently then it may be a perfect match and I’d also be interested to hear if the above is an unfounded perception.

Cheers for organising this one. Had a great ride and chat with everyone on the way round. Cracking weather too which was a bonus.

Extra thanks for those taking the great photo’s on the way round, a few dynamic shots always go down a treat! Also properly chuffed that Dawson managed to get some great pics of the mist hanging over the Hope Valley. I stopped in the car at the top of Mam Tor to have a look, but didn’t have my camera, so was a bit gutted.

Andy on the Orange (or should it be white) Alpine

Thanks for the feedback. To be on the safe side I’ll probably go for some new Zee’s instead.

I was thinking about this myself, as replacing levers can be done for about £50-60, but with changing hoses also bumps it up by £40, which makes it easier to just sell them and replace with Zee’s or new Saints.

I’m guessing it’s not the hoses that are critical in reducing the fluid flow, but the brass insert that limits it, so wondering if the BH90 insert fits in existing Saint hoses.

I guess I’m asking for those that have tried swapping levers, who has swapped hoses and who hasn’t and what has the effect been?

Cheers

It’s funny as my first ride back after France I was completely underwhelmed by my 32mm Revelations on my Five. The 36 Vans will be going on after i’ve serviced them.

Andy should have my email address and would be good to keep in touch.

Is that Paul from Trailladdiction Les Arcs in June?

If so, were you not considering Marzocchi 55 RC3 Ti’s?

Can’t comment on a Dixon, but I’ve never had any problems running different brand forks with Fox rear shocks (air or coil).

Andy (Orange Alpine)

Singlespeed_Shep,

Worth taking the bike if you’re there for a couple of weeks. I’ll pop you an email.

Both really, I think we both posted at the same time.

I don’t race, but out with the happymtb.org rides on Wed nights and weekends.

Moved from Manchester to Gothenburg in Sweden 5 months ago.

Twohats, I notice you’re also in GB. Don’t think I’ve seen you out though. Do you ride wíth any of the clubs?

It’s a long shot, but it looks like a frame and forks old riding mate from Denton used to have. He used that one for commuting to work (between Denton and Virgin Trains at Belle-Vue). He’d been biking since the real early days and had loads of top drawer kit from back in the day (including the really classic Manitou frame which had forks replacing the seat stays).

Two problems are I haven’t seen him in at least 6 years (as he retired from MTB) and I’m now living in Sweden.

I’ll text a mate from back home to see if he knows anything and get back to you if I get a response by email.

Big thanks for noticing it out and about posting it up.

Thanks again for all the info,

I’ll be over for a week in late May getting married. I won’t have my bike with me, but will certainly do a bit of walking and investigation around the area’s you’ve all highlighted. I’ll contact people separately for maps/routes etc.

The big move will be end of September, so will hopefully get a month or two riding in before picking up the skis! It’ll also give me a chance to improve my Swedish enough to communicate on happymtb.

Everyone’s comments kind of confirm with my view that there’ll be lots of technical singletrack close by, not too much altitude to play with, but some uplifts not too far a drive outside the city.

Cheers,

Andy

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I’ve had a look at the happymtb site so will register and get some more info. Hopefully get in touch with a local club and get them to show me around. I’m also over in May so will go into bike shops for a chat.

I’ve done some running and walking in the forests aroung GTB and looks to be loads of opportunities for singletrack. If they’re more liberal towards access rights than the UK then it should be promising.

Geda, Bream and Amos: I’ll be in touch further if you don’t mind?

I used a syringe to pump fluid in from the bottom, then burped them a bit. Seemed to do the trick.

Thanks all for the info, very helpful.

Trio25, H interested in the girls ride the coming weekend, tried to find your email on blog but must have missed it. Can you please email me when and where to meet up on mellanfot.at.gmaildotcom? Cheers

Thanks a lot for all the posts. Sounds like there’s a lot in the area.

Justme and Tangoman, all things permitting will give it a blast on Thurs at 7.15.

Junkyard, happy to hear any hints on good places. Mail is andrewthomasperryATyahooDOTcoDOTuk. Tuesdays I work away, so not the best night. Would be interested in 3 towers and think I am around that weekend (will check calendar tomorrow and confirm).

Trio25. Thanks for that. Reckon H will be well up for the Belmont ride in 2 weeks. She’s away until Wed but I’ll get her to email you for details.

Vortex, do you have an email address or any chance you could you pop me a line on email above?

Cheers all

Cheers, will give it a go this week.

Weekday evenings ok. Going to try the ride from the pub on Thursday.

Cheers

Cheers for that Chris. What time do you meet?

Should be up for that this Thursday.

Andy

Last week and they've not gone yet. £20 for the pair if anyone's interested. Email address given above.