Kameel

Maybe if you ask Guy nicely... ????

Great to hear that it's not only me having this experience on the Stratos. Loving this bike. Also I'm in agreement with Bob's sentiments. Overall it's a very efficient bike even if it's heavier than my previous bikes. If weight still remains a concern, best route will probably be opting for a different bike alltogether rather spending loads to upgrade to lighter components on the AL range. Just my honest opinion.

I'm coming from a lighter Merida Big Nine HT onto the Stratos AL1 (14kg). It might be 'heavier', but I'm already hitting PRs on the AL1 (even on the climbs) and I'm not nearly as fit as I used to be on the Big Nine. The bike's POP geometry is just spot on in my view, even if it is slightly heavier. But it's all relative I guess?

Sure it is a very unique frame (the assymetrical design) and it has recently won some design awards, but I guess people either like the look of it or they don't. I recently got the AL1 and loving every minute on it. So yes, might be a bit biased here ????

Just throwing another option in here - have you perhaps had a look at the Stratos AL2 or AL1? Very versatile bikes, modern geometry and well specced for the price. I think CWC still has some decent specials on them.

So just an update - I was on the verge of getting myself the Drone Elite from Titan, but then I came across a fantastic deal on a Stratos which I rather went for. Still rolling around in bed at night about that Titan though...if I end up going back to hard tail, I'm going for it. Thanks for all the input

Didn't know one can do that? Will try it out next time, thanks!

Thanks all! I'm really leaning strong towards one of their HTs now. Either the 2020 Drone Elite or the 2020 Drone Pro...

Newbie here - first Bike Hub post! I used to ride mtb a few years ago. Completed a handful of mtb races (Die Burger, Argus MTB, Nissan Trailseeker) on my Merida Big Nine that time. Then we got kids ???? sold the bike with that also. Want to get back into riding now. I have a buget of about R20k. I'm seeing fantastic deals on Titan Racing bikes. The 2020 Drone Elite and the 2020 Drone Pro both have a Rockshox SID fork and XT or GX drivetrains respectively (1x12) Both have Level brakes. These bikes seem like great value for money without the need to upgrade (apart from the wheels maybe at a later stage..?). On the other hand..my mind is also throwing me into the direction of exploring the world of dual suspension. When I used to ride my Big Nine I was getting lower back issues the moment I hit about 30km, but I also had a frame size too small (I had a L instead of XL)..So now I can get a Silverback Stratos AL5 for the same price as the Titans, but much lower spec components. Or maybe a 2019 Merida Ninety Six with a NX drivetrain for R23k (going over my budget here..). I need an XL frame and unfortunately don't see a lot of them 2nd hand. I'll be riding in the Western Cape. Mostly Bottelary Hills and Tygerberg routes. I'm usually quite strong on the climbs but slightly 'conservative' (formal for pissy) on the descents ???? Any reason why I shouldn't go for one of the Titan bikes? They sport great components, but is their overall quality on par? Or should I rather consider a duallie with cheaper components in that same price range? Any thoughts will help..thanks