If you were to get a new FS Trail bike - what would your short list look like?
- Thread starter MMcG
- Start date
I've thought about it. It would probably suit my requirements nicely but I don't want to reinvest into a new fork/wheels/tires. I will be buying a frame only. The bike would also need to work as a backup bike for Endurance race events and the Sultan accelerates like poo.
In no particular order:
Specialized SX Trail
Transition Covert
Transition Preston FR
Norco B-Line
Specialized SX Trail
Transition Covert
Transition Preston FR
Norco B-Line
Jamis Parker
Does it come with your speed and endurance? If so, I'll take two.
I test rode one at Pedrofest last year. It was so freakin nice. If I hadn't bought an RFX two weeks before, I would have seriously considered an El Guapo.
CP - keep an eye out for further developments to the Niner Bikes WFO frame as well.
Cheers,
Mark
I could include some of my essence for free. I can't guarantee any results but it seemed to make those hookers run fast.
Probably a little of both. I have a Ridge that I love and the geo of the Gruitr looks fairly similar, I also like the simplicity of the single pivot design. The fact that they are based locally and ride some of the same areas to what I ride helps as well.
Now that I think of it what about a Ted Wojcik Solution? Another local company with some beautiful welds!
I've heard a lot of mixed feedback about the El Guapo depending on what shock the person was testing with. I really like the idea of a 6" FSR with a full length seat tube though. I'd really like to hear how it compares to the RFX since its my top contender right now.
08 kona stinky deelux. more of a do it all bike. i almost got one until i decided to just rebuild my old 01 kona stinky-d
It's funny how different some peoples definition of "trail bike" are.
IMO it requires 4-5.5" of travel, geometry can vary per the rider, needs to be a fast pedaler, light enough to throw/hop around, and strong enough for controlled aggression.
That doesn't mean a mini-dh bike like the SX Trail or Reign-X (I have one of each in my garage right now and I do NOT consider them "pedal friendly". Sure, better than a downhill bike, but not by much).
My short list of what I would actually pay for:
1-3: Specialized Stumpjumper (I <3 mine)
4: Giant Trance X
5: Enduro SL (don't seem worth the price, but worth a look)
IMO it requires 4-5.5" of travel, geometry can vary per the rider, needs to be a fast pedaler, light enough to throw/hop around, and strong enough for controlled aggression.
That doesn't mean a mini-dh bike like the SX Trail or Reign-X (I have one of each in my garage right now and I do NOT consider them "pedal friendly". Sure, better than a downhill bike, but not by much).
My short list of what I would actually pay for:
1-3: Specialized Stumpjumper (I <3 mine)
4: Giant Trance X
5: Enduro SL (don't seem worth the price, but worth a look)
Has a lot to do with how different our trails are depending on the region I imagine.
I have a Stumpy FSR right now and its great and all, just a bit steep and rough in rocky SB.
I have an MkIII and a 7point already, both highly capable bikes, so my list would go something like this based solely upon what I'd like in addition to what I need to fill my stable:
1. Iron Horse 6point
2. Ibis Mojo SL
3. Iron Horse Sunday WC
4. Specialized SX Trail
5. Pivot Mach 5
1. Iron Horse 6point
2. Ibis Mojo SL
3. Iron Horse Sunday WC
4. Specialized SX Trail
5. Pivot Mach 5
Here are a few more to throw out there:
1. Commencal Meta Series - those look sweet!
2. Ventana El Bastardo - new FS designed around the new 650bs - would love to try that one
3. The Niner Bikes RIP 9 - wouldn't mind giving that a whirl - but the lowish bb height concerns me
4. I wouldn't rule out a Prophet
5. I wouldn't mind trying a Specialized Pitch as a lower cost option to some of the aforementioned bikes
1. Commencal Meta Series - those look sweet!
2. Ventana El Bastardo - new FS designed around the new 650bs - would love to try that one
3. The Niner Bikes RIP 9 - wouldn't mind giving that a whirl - but the lowish bb height concerns me
4. I wouldn't rule out a Prophet
5. I wouldn't mind trying a Specialized Pitch as a lower cost option to some of the aforementioned bikes
As Zark pointed out, "trail" is a lose term around here. With Post Canyon and Falls City being my idea of trails. Also, at 230+ pounds, some bikes are out of the question for me.
Anything sub 44lbs is "light".
It would pretty much look like this...
But, Post Canyon doesn't have any rocks.. :biggrin:
j/k. some stuff there is biiiiiig. More what I would call 'freeriding' than 'trail'.
As far as sb goes, I haven't ridden enough of the backside to really say. I generally don't even bring my light bike when I go there. The descents are too good.
1. Intense 6.6
2. Commencal Meta 5
3. Santa Cruz Nomad
4. Specialized Enduro
5. Specialized Stumpy
2. Commencal Meta 5
3. Santa Cruz Nomad
4. Specialized Enduro
5. Specialized Stumpy
1. Orbea Occam (or a Rallon if I could get a non-US model)
2. Yeti 575
3. Santa Cruz Blur LT
4. Specialized Enduro
5. Transition Covert
2. Yeti 575
3. Santa Cruz Blur LT
4. Specialized Enduro
5. Transition Covert
Random thoughts...
Foes is another line of bikes I'd be interested in.
Nicolai even more ridiculously overpriced than SpecEd and I too would love to have one.
IBIS Mojo owners on MTBR seem to been drinking delusional Kool Aid that's even stronger than what the MTBR Turner "homer" guys drink.
It warms my heart that no has mentioned Ellsworth.
Foes is another line of bikes I'd be interested in.
Nicolai even more ridiculously overpriced than SpecEd and I too would love to have one.
IBIS Mojo owners on MTBR seem to been drinking delusional Kool Aid that's even stronger than what the MTBR Turner "homer" guys drink.
It warms my heart that no has mentioned Ellsworth.
Just 'cause we ride some of the same areas I figured I'd ask....
Have you looked at any of the new Canfield frames? To me, they look like they may be a good fit for the SB trails....
Not sure. I'd need to see and ride one.
My feeling is I wouldn't like them for climbing due to the large amount of chain growth in Canfield designs.
Not sure if I am remembering this right but I think the F1 DH bike has less chaingrowth than a bullit of the same vintage and it has much more travel.
Agree though, minimal growth for trail bikes is ideal...
and there is the first ellsworth reference.....
Pretty sure I am buying our demo.
Prolly gonna buy that and throw a shorter stem on it. I am on fire when I ride it.
Yes!
They seem to be gaining popularity down here.
Trance X