Marathon bike

[Grease_Monkey]

Nut why has nobody mentioned the Spur?

Because they are impossible to get...

 

I suspect lots of people will settle for their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th choice when buying a new bike in 2021 just due to availability issues.

Edited January 31, 2021 by Grease_Monkey

[Nick]

@skips192

The Epic Evo would be my choice hands down. It's definitely not just restricted to long day racing, it's also hugely capable on the trails too.

But if you do choose the Titan (great value) or Pyga, you won't be let down by them.

The Anthem is the probably the least capable for those "light enduro" days you describe.
 

Jewwie let's be fair, the Pyga ain't old by any stretch. It was quite progressive at the time and the geometry remains current.
It's leverage rate is set up to be more trail and marathon focussd than the Epic evo that is essentially a detuned XCO bike.
The choice will depend on the feel you're after. I'd still opt for the Pyga Stage (not the max) with a Rockshox SidLuxe and Sid Ultimate 120mm fork.
I'm basing this off what Skips decided he wants to do with the bike.

For a more racy feeling that
rewards at high speed the Epic Evo is a great option.

The Titan also great bike but doesn't have the trail cred that Pyga has. For the purpose recommended I'd put it in 2nd.

The Evo needs a custom tuned shock to keep it's active rear end in check. The Pyga Stage works with std tune SidLuxe or Fox Float DPS rear shocks

 

I owned a Pyga Stage for over three years. Rode it in a number of different set ups during that time (it even had a 160mm fork at one point). It's a good bike.

But ... I now own a 2021 Epic Evo Comp. I'm finding it to be a superior ride in every way compared to the Stage (aside from the lack of SA flag on the seat tube). I'm having so much more fun on it. It's certainly much more than just a "detuned XC bike".

[DieselnDust]

@skips192

 

The Epic Evo would be my choice hands down. It's definitely not just restricted to long day racing, it's also hugely capable on the trails too.

 

But if you do choose the Titan or Pyga, you won't be let down by them.

 

The Anthem is the probably the least capable for those "light enduro" days you describe.

 

 

I owned a Pyga Stage for over three years. Rode it in a number of different set ups during that time (it even had a 160mm fork at one point). It's a good bike.

 

But ... I now own a 2021 Epic Evo Comp. I'm finding it to be a superior ride in every way compared to the Stage (aside from the lack of SA flag on the seat tube). I'm having so much more fun on it. It's certainly much more than just a "detuned XC bike".

 

 

I suspect a lot of that fun factor ha to do with RockShox Sid Ultimate 35 and SidLuxe rear shock.

Bikes equipped with those units are getting great reviews everywhere. Not taking anything away from the Epic Evo, its got a great chassis especially since it's Brain-less. so the Stage would have to judged with the same suspension as the Epic Evo..

 

and I know your partner woks for Specialized..

[Nick]

@skips192 Do let us know which you decide to go with in the end. It's always fun to hear how these decision turn out. And post some pictures!

 

I suspect a lot of that fun factor ha to do with RockShox Sid Ultimate 35 and SidLuxe rear shock.

Bikes equipped with those units are getting great reviews everywhere. Not taking anything away from the Epic Evo, its got a great chassis especially since it's Brain-less. so the Stage would have to judged with the same suspension as the Epic Evo..

 

and I know your partner woks for Specialized..

 

Well, ummm, I disagree. I mostly put it down to the frame and geometry. But I've just owned both bikes, what do I really know   

That's my take of course. I haven't had it peer reviewed. Oh wait, I suffered through 78 comments picking it apart. So I'm probably wrong again.

A spec table comparison is definitely better suited for this discussion. While you're looking at them, just double check that you have the correct model bike. Mine has a SID Select+ and Deluxe+ shock, not the SID Ultimate and SIDLuxe. S-Works is a bit rich for my bike industry salary. Close though.

And seeing as you've made this personal and called my impartiality into question, I don't currently have a partner. I'm accepting applications though. Hinge is my preferred platform, for those interested.

[DieselnDust]

Hey Nick, not making anything personal so chill out.

[skips192]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

 

Judging a bike on paper specs is much the same as comparing cars in the manner, very difficult!

 

Ray from Trail Centre PMB immediately put his hand up and freely offered a morning demo to test the Pyga. No sales talk, just a good 40km marathon type ride and left me to make up my own mind. And I have come away from that ride totally in love with the bike.

 

I love the brand and the willingness of Pyga to offer a demo has sealed the deal. Unfortunately my experience with the other brands has fallen hopelessly short in this regard.

 

Now the question of which fork: Rockshox Pike or MRP? MRP seems like the better option with its positive and negative chamber adjustments.

 

FYI, the stage does have provision for 2 bottle cages in the frame.

[Nick]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

 

Judging a bike on paper specs is much the same as comparing cars in the manner, very difficult!

 

Ray from Trail Centre PMB immediately put his hand up and freely offered a morning demo to test the Pyga. No sales talk, just a good 40km marathon type ride and left me to make up my own mind. And I have come away from that ride totally in love with the bike.

 

I love the brand and the willingness of Pyga to offer a demo has sealed the deal. Unfortunately my experience with the other brands has fallen hopelessly short in this regard.

 

Now the question of which fork: Rockshox Pike or MRP? MRP seems like the better option with its positive and negative chamber adjustments.

 

FYI, the stage does have provision for 2 bottle cages in the frame.

 

Always a good idea to buy the bike you've had the opportunity ride and enjoy   

 

Once it's built, don't forget to show us all over here: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/119246-post-your-pyga/

[Wayne pudding Mol]

you won't regret buying the Pyga - its not mine so you must get what you like but this bike would be awesome with a fox34SC

 

I ran mine with a fox32sc and never felt overwhelmed although I tend to avoid super technical - I have ridden Holla trails a few times with this set up and it was bliss

[DieselnDust]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

 

Judging a bike on paper specs is much the same as comparing cars in the manner, very difficult!

 

Ray from Trail Centre PMB immediately put his hand up and freely offered a morning demo to test the Pyga. No sales talk, just a good 40km marathon type ride and left me to make up my own mind. And I have come away from that ride totally in love with the bike.

 

I love the brand and the willingness of Pyga to offer a demo has sealed the deal. Unfortunately my experience with the other brands has fallen hopelessly short in this regard.

 

Now the question of which fork: Rockshox Pike or MRP? MRP seems like the better option with its positive and negative chamber adjustments.

 

FYI, the stage does have provision for 2 bottle cages in the frame.

 

 

MRP Ribbon would be my choice. I love the Pike but the extra adjustability of the Ribbon SL makes it my kinda toy

Edited February 1, 2021 by DieselnDust

[Headshot]

Does anyone ride marathons on HT bikes anymore? 

[DieselnDust]

Does anyone ride marathons on HT bikes anymore?

 

Only the pros

[GenghisGandhi]

Great discussion here! I'm moving from a HT looking for a trail bike that will work for XC racing and dabble in a little simple enduro. 

 

 

While I'm in the US I've raced Lesotho Sky 3 times. Lived in Lesotho 82'-86' and raced BMX in SA back then. Mostly do 6 hour MTB races now and hope to make it back for Lesotho Sky once COVID is over. 

 

I've been look for a 120mm raceable, strong, trail bike. My first choice is the Pyga Mobu, second is 2021 Specialized Epic EVO.

 

For me the one factor pushing Pyga over the Epic EVO is the Pyga pros actually race the Mobu and have raced the Stage. Specialized pros always race the 100mm Epic. 

 

Hopefully the Mobu will be available for pre-order to the US in a few months. I think it will be a stronger frame and again, its race proven unlike the Epic EVO. If I decided I want more of a trail bike in the future, I could swap out the shock and fork and go to 130mm of travel.

 

With the Mobu currently unavailable, and the Epic EVO really hard to find (even in the US!) I've been taking a serious look at the Pyga Stage. My plan is to build wheels around DT 240 hubs, they can easily convert between 142mm and 148mm. 

 

Then there is the price (for frames). The advantage of the Stage not being cutting edge is the price. The Stage would save a lot of money that would go for a really nice wheelset.

 

Has anyone here ridden both the Pyga Stage (120mm) and Stage Max (130mm)? How does the climbing and agility compare between the two? 

 

Skips, if you have the chance test ride the bikes you are considering, especially if you are buying a complete bike. All the bikes you listed are great with little differences test rides should bring out. 

[DieselnDust]

He did that's why he settled on the pyga

[Wayne pudding Mol]

Wait for the Mobu - by the time it’s ready the exchange rate will ensure it costs a dollar

 

I’m a huge fan of the Pyga stage but if I lived in America I’d be looking elsewhere

[DieselnDust]

Is the Mobu real? Does anyone actually have one?

[Knersboy]

Is the Mobu real? Does anyone actually have one?

It is made out of dark matter, it exists in theory but nobody can find one.

 

Similar to the SRM X-Power MTB power meter pedals, they were supposed to come out towards the end of 2019, still not available.