Thanks for the reply chakaping. I haven’t considered stem length tbh. What makes you say large?

Apologies for the thread hijack but to all you Rallon owners, how are you finding the sizing in relation to your previous bikes. Does the sizing run true?

I’m 183cm (6′) with 84cm leg (33″) and sit between the medium and large. My last two bikes (Whyte 901 27.5 and Nukeproof Mega AM 26) have both been large and the were fine but from what I can gather the Rallons run long and low and feel on the big side. The website just about puts me on a medium (1-2cm short on my inside leg for a large). However, the large rallon states the same effective top tube length as my Whyte and has a shorter stand over so on paper, the large seems like the better fit.

What are your experiences?

mikeep – Member

@stinkytrooper
Do you recommend the Enduro 29 then mikeep?
If you plan to race enduro or ride gnarly trails then yeah, It’s a great bike.
A bit too much for trail centers or tame trails.

I’ll be riding trail centres mostly with the occasional uplift day. I’m hoping to progress to DH when my skills (and nerve) increase so I’m looking for something that is capable to do both. Not sure whether to just get a dedicated trail bike now and maybe get a more focus DH setup later or just get the all singing ‘do it all’ bike now. If things weren’t confusing enough, I’ve just thrown 29ers into the mix! HELP!

Do you recommend the Enduro 29 then mikeep?

I took a demo Niner WFO out to Cannock Chase yesterday and loved it! I’m upgrading to full suspension from my current Whyte 901 650b HT and the difference was night and day. How much was down to wheel size is hard to fathom as there were plenty of other variations to consider (rear suspension, better components, wider/better tyres, increased travel, etc) but I found it better in every way… Almost! Popping over ruts/boulders whilst climbing was a little trickier and I couldn’t quite get the hang of drop offs which I’m guessing is due to the increased wheel base and might get better with experience. Either way, it’s opened my eyes to the 29ers.

Sorry to bring up an old thread but pdV6, how are you finding the T130 now? I’m considering a T130 and an Orange five. Given the chance to buy new again, would you pick the T130 over the five?

Thanks for all of the responses folks!

Like most, it’s more about having fun than anything else which for me comes from descending as quickly as my nerve and ability will allow.

I’m fairly new to MTB so I’m pretty slow and there’s a lot of gaps in my skill set but I’m keen to learn. I’ve come from a MX background so I guess some of the skills may cross over though. I broke my tib and fib last year on the MX bike and spent 3 months on crutches. Once I got the all clear, I bought the Whyte 901 with the intention of commuting to work and the occasional visit to trail centres to build up strength in my leg and to lose a few unwanted pounds that I’d gained. Well, it turns out MTB flat out rocks! I’m spending more and more time on the trails than I ever intended. Fitness is still on my list of priorities but it’s the adrenaline buzz that I’m chasing if you know what I mean? My confidence on drop offs and the likes is getting better but probably through poor technique, it’s taking it’s toll on my body.

So ultimately I’m looking for a fun bike that inspires confidence when facing downhill and will soak up enough of the gnarly stuff to keep me grinning and keep me from grimacing. I want to progress to the more DH type of riding but still be able pedal around trail centres. I’m guessing a slack head angle is key but as for the rest of the frame geometry, I haven’t a clue. Again, any advise is gratefully received.

Ps. Sorry for the long post.

Deviant, funny you should mention the Trance, I’ve been eyeing up an SX on ebay. Like you, I really like the look of the Orange though. Did you test the Orange before buying the Trance? If so, how did they compare? What’s everyone’s thoughts on buying used? More bang for buck but does warranty carry over?

Yeah, definitely need to get out and try a few and see for myself. It’s reassuring to know the shorter travel bikes are capable of doing most things providing the geometry and such like is right.

What else did you test Mosey?

Wow! Thanks for all the responses guys!

Some very valid points and lots to consider. I think a demo day is a very good idea. My lbs has ordered an Orange five for me to demo so I’ll finally get to see what the fuss is about. He’s also ordered a Niner WFO on his recommendation.

I can totally get the appeal of riding small bikes on big terrain although I kind of feel like I’m doing that now and my body just can’t take it. I hit Penmachno a few weeks ago and for the first time ever I shameful heard myself say “not another decent!”. My back was in pieces! Hence the decision to go full squidge!

From what I’ve read, the Orange Five seems ideal and if it’s possible to adapt it to Alpine riding for the sake of a set of forks then I’m even more convinced but there’s a huge divide in opinions, people tend to love or hate it. Are there any alternatives to the five that I should be considering? Has anyone ridden both a five and a mega?