droenn Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 hey all, been a while since I posted. Back in Aus now and looking to get a new bike in the coming weeks, but we don't have bike hub here hence I thought I might see if you guys had some advice. At the moment I've got my cotic solaris hard tail with 120mm fork. I can ride most local trails on it, but want (need) a squishy bike to start taking more A-lines instead of the Bs (so to speak). Option 1: get a do-it-all trail bike in the 120-130mm range like the new Norco Optic. There is also the Whyte T130, but our currency also not great at the moment, so would probably have to go for Yari / GX spec. These bikes seem ideal for my idea of riding and would handle pretty much everything around here, even the downhill tracks minus the big jumps and drops (which I don't know if ill ever be up for). Can get in 29er or 27.5. Option 2: get something in the 140-150mm range such as Trek Remedy/Canyon Spectral/Norco Sight, and in 27.5, so I maximise the difference between my 29er hardtail and new bike. (I know these bikes also get sold as do-it-all bikes, but the bikes in option 1 are more genuine allrounders i think). I'll try and ride a few of these, but need to start narrowing it down somewhere!
Samurai Pizza Cat Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 If you are keeping your hardtail, get a 160mm 27.5 bike...it's just more fun!!! Most decent AM / Enduro bikes can be ridden anywhere nowadays, and you can take it to the bikepark. If you are progressing to the bigger stuff, the extra suspension also offers a safety net. Do-it-all bikes are great if you are already an expert rider, but if you are still on the learning curve more suspension is definitely better IMO. Also look at the entry level SC Bronson : 150mm and the Transition Patrol : 155mm (My bike, so I'm biased). Great bikes at good price points.
droenn Posted June 21, 2016 Author Posted June 21, 2016 Do-it-all bikes are great if you are already an expert rider, but if you are still on the learning curve more suspension is definitely better IMO. always thought the opposite - but do you mean its more forgiving when you're learning? definitely keeping the HT, took me years to put together! I had a look at the SC 5010 (Bronson out of price range) and that with some basic specs could be on the list. However, its really brands like Trek and Norco (and Giant) that offer best value.
the nerd Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 always thought the opposite - but do you mean its more forgiving when you're learning? definitely keeping the HT, took me years to put together! I had a look at the SC 5010 (Bronson out of price range) and that with some basic specs could be on the list. However, its really brands like Trek and Norco (and Giant) that offer best value. Yeah i tend to agree with you... brands like transition (In this country anyway) and SC are not up there on the "brands that offer great value" list... Trek and Giant definitely have some gems in that travel range.
droenn Posted June 21, 2016 Author Posted June 21, 2016 Just to give some indication, a Trek Remedy 8 is about R43 000 here, a Canyon Spectral the same. Both come with Pikes. Whyte T130 S is R56 000, but comes with a Yari / GX. Santa Cruz Bronson with a Rockshox Sector Gold / XT or Pike / GX build R82 000 I'm trying to keep it under 50K, 60 at a stretch
gummibear Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 So many 140mm bike to choose from It's not going to be a easy decision
anybody seen george? Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 Get yourself a jeffsy . I HATE looking at this bike... I have a crisis every time...
Headshot Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 The price of bikes has gone crazy. There is always the ali Giant Reign 2 - its a lot of bike but allegedly pedals quite well despite the slack angles. Perhaps a Trance is more suitable however. I think a sorted Trance will handle most local trails and even a bit of DH. Also look at a Spez Enduro. There are some on special at the Concept Store at the moment with a dropper included over the standard spec. That will come in at well under R50k if I recall and its a great do it all bike - less focused on gravity than the Reign, but just as capable in my opinion.
Brawler Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 YT?Insanely nice bikes with great team, reviews and they beat even Giant these days in terms of value of money. YT Capra (160mm 27.5) or Jeffsy (140mm 29er)
droenn Posted June 21, 2016 Author Posted June 21, 2016 Yeah, I've been looking at YT. I think the Capra is too much bike for me (still not convinced I should from from HT to 160mm). Just looked again at Jeffsy, and looks like stock is available now (last time I checked it was still 3 months away). The thing with YT is that they don't have an office in Aus afaik - whereas Canyon does. Not exactly sure how that affects aftermarket service if any faults, but it is kinda peace of mind? We're a long way from anywhere if things do go wrong ANYWAY going by suggestions, consensus is more to go for the 140+ mm bikes over the 120-130mm?
gummibear Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 Been hearing very good things about the Felt Decree and the Trek Remedy. Giant Trance is always something to test and price is good. Seen a few Orbea Occams on the trails in 140mm 27.5.
droenn Posted June 21, 2016 Author Posted June 21, 2016 The price of bikes has gone crazy. There is always the ali Giant Reign 2 - its a lot of bike but allegedly pedals quite well despite the slack angles. Perhaps a Trance is more suitable however. I think a sorted Trance will handle most local trails and even a bit of DH. Trances and reigns are just as popular here as back in Western Cape. Whilst there is good reason for that, it would be nice to have something different too
banna Posted June 21, 2016 Posted June 21, 2016 going by suggestions, consensus is more to go for the 140+ mm bikes over the 120-130mm?Ag nee man, moet nou nie pisserig wees nie....160+mm....
droenn Posted June 21, 2016 Author Posted June 21, 2016 I don't speak Afrikaans, but I'm guessing "no man, you must stop pissing about and get 160mm+"? edit: missus says you're telling me not to be a little bitch lol
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