just under 6′ 2″ and have been riding a 2010 26er ht, started demoing 27.5 – didn’t like it, tried 29 – loved it and didn’t look back. i also eyed up the enduro but as i couldn’t get a demo on an xl then they can go jump and don’t deserve my money, same as trek who told me i’d have to buy the xl to be able to try it…

i’ve just bought a hightower lt in xxl as the xl still felt a bit short for me (i’ve got a long reach) and also a pipedream moxie in the longer size (this needs to be built when it arrives, but with it being a hardtail I’m more comfortable in buying without demoing).

try to demo as much as you can before parting with your cash. i thought i’d love the enduro but i didn’t like the suspension.

Thanks all

Thanks all for your comments 🙂

I’ve demo’d a top spec normal Hightower with the Reserve wheels but it felt very stiff and unforgiving, the bike itself felt fantastic otherwise, so i’m hoping that with a different wheelset, it’ll feel better.

I’m demoing an LT next week so will see how she rides in comparison. I may have another go on a standard HT also.

I’ve demo’d a Slash 9.8 and an Enduro Elite 29er too, didn’t really get on with them. The Slash was a bit squirrely on the front end when climbing and the Enduro was just okay, felt very soft, even after fiddling with the suspension.

I don’t think I need a 27.5+ wheeled bike, but it might be helpful if winters keep being as interesting as they are in the UK!

I’ve seen lots of people comment they’ve upped the forks on a standard HT to 150mm, did you do this when buying the bike and did it cost you extra?

The mango standard HT is such a lovely looking machine – it puts that vomit green LT to shame ha!

I demo’d a bronson and a hightower from the factory last summer and the bronson was okay but didn’t live up to the hype for me. i then took the hightower out for a ride and was blown away at how good it rode, it just took everything in it’s stride, no messing. it was a lot more confidence inspiring. it sold me on 29ers.

i’ve had 2 rockshox forks go on me in the last year and am currently without a bike whilst waiting for the most recent one to be warrantied, so there’s no chance i’d have rockshox suspension again (unfortunately my hardtail has a 1.1/8th steerer, so i’ve little choice there!)

I did the Ard Rock on a 2010 Orange P7 last year and had no problems with any of it, the bike was more than capable enough – my fitness on the other hand…