PhilipT

Something worth thinking about, depending on the type of riding is you do, is how the pack changes you center of gravity/ weight distribution. For this reason went with a hip pack, as its impact is less.

P.s make sure you put a dropper on whatever you get- it will enable you to better handle the bike using you natural shocks(as per WT above) through the tech stuff or just maintain flow through corners etc> its a game changer/must.

Look at the end of the day it will depend on the type of riding you intend to do & your comfort levels you want. Be realistic & honest about this and your capabilities so as to get the right frame. I 100% agree the fun factor on a HT is legit IMHO - it puts a smile on your dial and it def forces better bike handling - I went HT Trail> soft tail trail bike> HT Enduro and I noticed it the impact of riding 2 HT before switching to soft tail. I am my current rig’s limitation, the rig handles blacks and tech stuff no problems. Next do your research on frames that suite what you want. Buy the best frame you can that is designed to do the riding you want to do, materials/ geo/ brand(who/where is was made) are compounded on a HT and you feel it more than a ST & DO affect the compliance of the ride. Also factor in max tyre size & clearance of the frame. There is alot you can do around the frame to further soften it up (wider tyres, type of tyre, tyre pressure, inserts, grips, bars, fork) but the frame is a biggy and can’t be changed. The big + on the tech side, there are less moving parts, bolts, shocks, pivots etc which at the end of the day means less stuff going wrong, leas maintenance & ultimately more reliable. Also like the idea/ feels more efficient with less stuff compressing, moving by nature of design; transferring energy more directly. For the record, I have two HT: 1) A ragley mmmbop alu which rides a smidge harder than my trail ST I had( to be fair im not bombing downhill lines/ massive jumps ) and I put it down to frame build(sure running inserts, tyres with good sidewalk support etc) but a super fun and capable bike! 2) Steel Rapide Tigre with rigid carbon fork which is super compliant and will only get softer with change in tyres/ rear insert changes. Sure perhaps on the heavier side but im not planning on winning any races and is setup for comfort & endurance stuff down the line. Welcome to DM as yes I'm a HT fan and am happy to share and help where I can.

Howsit, What silverback you running, would prob say it would depend on ur head angle and what u intend to ride. Im running a 160mm travel fork on a ragley mmmbop and it’s amazing.

Anyone thats pulled the trigger on them and can share their use/ experience?

Out of interest, will it work our cheaper if you bring a used bike in from travels abroad? Will any duties/ VAT be applicable? Anyone done this?

Can vouch for the Roscoe, super fun, playful and capable bike!