Back into XC after a long time.....need replacement

[jamieandthemagic]

After a long time out of the saddle properly, but a long long time xc mtbr (1988 started).

I've a 2000 specialized fsr enduro pro (xtr & xt equipped) But it's now long in the tooth and proving difficult to get service parts for. So I'm thinking its time to replace it.
But having been out of biking properly for about 8 years, I'm learning all the specs and new tech over again.

My biggest issue is........I want a full sus xc mtb bike with 26" wheels.

Can anyone suggest anything new, or even a couple of years old. I'm probably looking at 1-2k spend wether it's new or used.

My prob with the new larger wheels, is three fold:
1) I've put on a few pounds, so don't want a bike that goes up lumps easier, or carrys momentum etc... As I need to loose some pounds.
2) most of my riding is very technical, low speed single track, where short wheelbase and switch ability is key.
3) in my 25+ years of mtbing, I've seen so many fads and technology's come and go! I can easily see this wheel size being another! they already have issues with 29 being too big, so let's have 650b !!!!! Honestly.

So any suggestions for a decent 1-2k xc mtb with full bounce, would be well received.

[Herman Toothrot]

Don't knock 650b until you try them, 26" is dead for all except DH bikes, most manufactures won't even sell 26" next year, buying one now is like buying a mini disc play when the iPod was launched.

I built up a on-one 456 ti Evo as a trail centre bike last year, well over £2k build - I now regret it, I'm faster on virtually everything I don't want my Commencal Supreme FR to ride down on my 650b off the shelf Vitus flat bar XC bike. Regards fitness just ride a gear higher :-) p.s. I've been around for a while but never really stopped mountain biking since my Dawes Wildcat back in 1987, only fad I can think of that died a death was 1.5" headset on my Iron Horse / Rudy Project DH bike and even that's half come back now ;-)

[gazza285]

I spent my money building a 26er XC race bike last year for this year's Nutcracker series, my best result was the one race where I decided to give my 29er singlespeed a day out. Get some light 29er rims and tyres and embrace the future...


Next year I'll be racing my 26er again.

[Bobley]

Plenty of used 26 xc bikes out there. I always liked my giant anthem and my mate had a trek top fuel. I went 29 back in may and even though I've not sold the giant I've not wanted to use it in preference to my new 29er spec camber. Loads of deals on 27.5 and 29 2014 xc bikes. Go and test ride somewhere.

[richardxjr]

Giant Anthem X. Climbs too easily though, so convert to 1x10 for fitness Maestro suspension is very good.

These days you'll want Shimano drivetrain and brakes. (Deore and up is all good). 2011-2013 X1 or X2.

[vwsurfbum]

Just shoving my oar in,
I ride 29ers, have done for 3+ years now and they are around to stay for XC.
I rode DH on mine sunday at PORC, and i would say its the first place i would say i really noticed it to be a handfull in the corners, i've done all but the scottish trail centres, ridden locally on natural trails and theres nether a point i wish to go back to 26".
But if you really "have" to go 26" look up the canyon Nerve. in your budget and very well spec'd

[jamieandthemagic]

Giant anthem doesn't seem to be available in 26er
Canyon nerve seems only 2014 models in 26er

Any other recommendations?

Sorry guys not looking for you to persuade me to a particular flavour of wheel size.

[cava]

I'll be amazed if any mainstream manufacturer has a 2015 XC bike with 26 inch wheels. I was dead set against bigger wheels, but hardly noticed the difference after switching to 27.5. Can't comment on 29ers.

Another fad which has taken off within the last 8 years is dropper seat posts. Again, I was very sceptical but after having one on my new bike I think they're awesome. Just don't get a Giant one, mine rattles like hell when you're not sat on it.

Tubeless wheels and tyres might also be new since you were last into biking. Personally I think they're a PITA (from my personal experience) but others seem to like them.

[richardxjr]

jamieandthemagic said:

Giant anthem doesn't seem to be available in 26er

that's why I said:

2011-2013 X1 or X2.

[yellowjack]

jamieandthemagic said:

...My biggest issue is........I want a full sus xc mtb bike with 26" wheels.

Can anyone suggest anything new, or even a couple of years old. I'm probably looking at 1-2k spend wether it's new or used...


...So any suggestions for a decent 1-2k xc mtb with full bounce, would be well received.

Merida certainly had all three wheel sizes in their range for 2014, so they might be worth a look? I'm not sure which specific models had which wheels, but I suspect it's the 'One-Twenty' range. The 'One-Twenty 1000' at £1,500 or the 'One-Twenty 500' at £1,150. I haven't seen their 2015 range though, so not sure if that policy of having representation in all three wheel sizes has been carried over.

[richardxjr]

And Cava is right anyway, 650B IS 26" to all intents and purposes.

26" is BSD 559mm, 650b IS BSD 584mm, that's less than an inch difference.

UNLESS you've got exsiting 26" frame/fork/tyres you need to use.

[Bobley]

jamieandthemagic said:

Giant anthem doesn't seem to be available in 26er
.

They replaced the 26 with 27.5 this year but you can get a good deal on a 2013 bike...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s1p4945/GIANT-ANT...

bang on the money and enough left over for a dropper seat post.

I would at least try a 27.5 or 29er just for the sake though.