Christie Posted May 31, 2017 Posted May 31, 2017 Im starting to think about my next build. I currently have an Ellsworth Truth 26er, and a Rocky Vertex 29er. I enjoy the speed of the 29er, but the hardtail does not suit my riding style that well. I built it for riding around Pretoria East & Sabie, but since moving to Somerset West, I enjoy riding the 26er more - Grabouw, Jonkershoek and the Stellenbosch trails are just more fun on the dual. The Vertex is a racing machine (8.9kg, 1x11 XTR, SiD, Hope Race brakes, AC Wide Lightnings) but when I do the occasional event, I dont race, just ride. I crave singletrack and technical stuff - the bull runs at the bike parks, rock gardens, ride down flights of stairs if possible etc - all the fun stuff, but I also like to ride stage events. So - Im leaning towards a bit more travel, 120mm or 130mm, and I am also intrigued by the idea of a bike that can take 27+ and 29 wheels. Preferably it should not be a "big brand" frame. I would like to hear some thoughts re. frame and fork choice. It may be possible to have one bike to rule them all - My wife would like to take over the Ellsworth and I'll sell the Rocky.
splat Posted May 31, 2017 Posted May 31, 2017 Santa Cruz Tallboy 3 ?It's 27+ and 29 compatible, but is a bit short on the 120/130 travel on the frame. The fork is no problem. (It used to be a boutique brand, but is pretty big now) If you want that wheel interchangeability, you are probably looking at a Boost spaced frame.
Christie Posted May 31, 2017 Author Posted May 31, 2017 Rocky: http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/20170204_085628_zpskkaihi70.jpg
Christie Posted May 31, 2017 Author Posted May 31, 2017 Ellsworth: http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/ag294/dilbertZA/20150430_090620_zpssqjkvgyd.jpg
Odinson Posted May 31, 2017 Posted May 31, 2017 Going to have to go for a Boost frame and fork. Keep in mind that not all 29er Boost compatible frames are plus compatible. YT Jeffsy is an example of such. Frankly, I'd forego the whole plus size requirement and go for a sorted trail 29er.
Patensie Posted May 31, 2017 Posted May 31, 2017 Somerset West? Go visit William @ William's bike shop. Last time I was there, he had a Pivot frame (can't recall Mach what) that might tick most of the boxes... Also sells Ibis & SC.
Christie Posted June 1, 2017 Author Posted June 1, 2017 List of suggestions so far: Tallboy 3 (perhaps the 5010 is also an option)Pivot March 429 Trail - looks very nice Perhaps another one to add would be an Ellsworth Epiphany convert? SOme good suggestions, thanks
Christie Posted June 1, 2017 Author Posted June 1, 2017 http://www.pivotcycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/2017-429-trail-blue.png
Chavo Posted June 1, 2017 Posted June 1, 2017 Look at the Transition Smuggler for a short travel 29er that is not too mainstream (115 mm rear, 130 mm front). Not plus size compatible but a ripping bike. Check out Ride Rate Review's video And the long term testing here on Bikehub https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/gear/reviews/three-months-with-the-transition-smuggler-r6538
Christie Posted June 1, 2017 Author Posted June 1, 2017 I'll look into the Smuggler, too. I'm not dead set on the 27+ as an alternative option: It has the advantage of loads of traction, but fitting a 27+ wheelset will also bring the chainring/cranks closer to the ground by about 20mm from my quick calc. Considering that people change to from 175mm to 165mm cranks to gain the extra 10mm clearance, 20mm is a lot. The idea of the 27+ wheelset would be to make the bike a monster in technical terrain.
Patensie Posted June 1, 2017 Posted June 1, 2017 List of suggestions so far: Tallboy 3 (perhaps the 5010 is also an option)Pivot March 429 Trail - looks very nice Perhaps another one to add would be an Ellsworth Epiphany convert? SOme good suggestions, thanks I have a previous gen 5010. Love the bike to bits. The new one is even more capable. Quiver killer IMHO.
stefmeister Posted June 1, 2017 Posted June 1, 2017 List of suggestions so far: Tallboy 3 (perhaps the 5010 is also an option)Pivot March 429 Trail - looks very nice Perhaps another one to add would be an Ellsworth Epiphany convert? SOme good suggestions, thanks Make that the High tower in stead. 135 mm at the rear and 150mm in the front. Should be plenty fun.
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