What bike for mountain event?

[deckster]

So in a moment of weakness I've just agreed to enter the Tour de Ben Nevis. The distance isn't hugely long at 72km but going on the video of last year's event I can expect everything from tricky descents to technical climbs, a bit of hike-a-bike and quite likely a river crossing.

It strikes me as a perfect opportunity to update my current bike (Orange P7) which has served me well for many years, but I suspect will struggle with some of the terrain on this. I presume that a full-susser is called for but the choice is a little bewildering and I can't even begin to guess what the difference between XC, Trail and All-Mountain is. I've always got on well with my P7 so the obvious upgrade is an Orange Five, but I'm sure there are others I should be considering as well.

So for around £2k, and considering the intended purpose - I throw it open to the floor...

[Beyond Rational]

If you were after a large, this seems amazing value - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/intense-spider-ii-xox9-201...

[shalmaneser]

Best Zesty you can get for the money, I reckon.

Maybe a Meta 5.5 also.

EDIT: If it fits, that Intense is AMAZING value.

[Vladimir]

I'd get a decent Hardtail - less to break.

If you really want a full susser, get a Spesh Epic - light, XC orientated and excellent allrounder.

And good luck - sounds like a cracking event!

[Jimbo.]

Provided your P7 is of a *reasonable* spec, I'd be tempted to stick with that: "knowing" or being used to a bike on such an event is x10000 more important than some fancy rear suspension, etc, etc. The P7 isn't exactly rubbish, and a HT won't be out of its depth at such an event at all. Fit some tough tyres with a bit o' volume (Continental X-King Protection or Mountain King II Protection for example) and you'll be 'reet

FWIW this isn't some "FS is pointless" luddite ranting: I still yearn for a nice full suss from time to time, BUT, on long-distance events you'll welcome the pedalling efficiency and durability a HT offers.

Edited by Jimbo. on Tuesday 12th April 13:45

[Minnsy]

Matey has just picked up 2010 Zesty 514 for £1800, from Evans in Crawley.... there are deals to be done. Or just get an Orange 5. Usually a bargin to be had on ebay...

[deckster]

Thanks folks, keep 'em coming

That Intense does look good value but it's not a brand I'm familiar with. Looking on their website a large is a 20" frame which may be a touch on the large size (I'm 6', 33" inside leg)?

I've always liked the look of LaPierre bikes so good call on the Zesty - and £1800 for a 514 sounds like a stonking deal. Crawley you say...?

There's a 2008 Five on eBay at the moment going for £950 which sounds pretty reasonable, think I'll keep an eye on that for the next couple of days.

Of course just beefing up the P7 is an option but don't let my wife know that! I've had it five years now and my 'new toy' gland is itching - plus realistically it would need a new fork, a serious brake overhaul and probably a few other bits and bobs. Enough for me to convince myself that it's money better spent on a whole new bike, anyway

[Gooby]

There is only one way to do this, get out and ride some bikes. There are plenty of demo days coming up. There is one at the Banks Arms in the purbecs this sunday.

I rode anything and everything and the list came out
1) Orange 5 SE
2)Yeti 575 - Nicest steering ever. (go for the cheaper aluminium rear triangle)
3) Trek top fuel 9.9 (fast furyous but left out the fun)
4) Lapierre 514 (a bit vanilla, but very capable)
5) Gary Fisher HiFi Carbon - it did feel a little delicate, it didnt break but it would be at the back of my mind (Waiting list nightmare)
6) Santa Cruz Blur - lovely, just not as lovely as an Orange

Big fat disapointments;-
1) Turner 5 spot - the best suspension of any bike just so god damn boring. After 2 hours I wanted to throw it in a bush and walk home. Weighty as hell!
2) Specialised FSR pro - beautifully made, just didnt fit and didnt flow or "zing"
3) Cannondale spark (or something) Why make life complicated, a setting for everything which ment it did nothing well and every 2 mins you would have to re-tune it - shame as I like the 'dale hardtails.

Want to try bikes;
Nicolai, just look very cool
Yeti ASR carbon - sat on and took it across the park opposite the bike shop and I would like to put some distance under those wheels.

And naything I have not tried

[Sarkmeister]

Beyond Rational said:

If you were after a large, this seems amazing value - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/intense-spider-ii-xox9-201...

Good spot. However, the bike in the picture is very different spec than the description, so I'd be a bit careful (different chainset etc). Also, it was never worth £4k...

[Beyond Rational]

deckster said:

Thanks folks, keep 'em coming

That Intense does look good value but it's not a brand I'm familiar with. Looking on their website a large is a 20" frame which may be a touch on the large size (I'm 6', 33" inside leg)?

I've always liked the look of LaPierre bikes so good call on the Zesty - and £1800 for a 514 sounds like a stonking deal. Crawley you say...?

Intense suggest the large for 5'10"-6'4", so the right ball park possibly.

I'd take a £1,800 Zesty 514 if I could find one.

[Minnsy]

The same shop (evans, crawley) had a spicey 216, 2010 model, which I reakon they would shift for £1000. Bit more downhill than the Zesty, not sure what size...

Yup, the zesty my mate grabbed is a delight... though not as delightful as my Orange!

[theboymoon]

Gooby said:

6) Santa Cruz Blur - lovely, just not as lovely as an Orange

ohhhhh really?!!!

I'd take a blur LT above a 5 all day long! All IMVHO of course. Hourses for courses etc ect



I had a think about this event, its run by Fraser at no fuss isn't it? Will be likely a great one. Unfortunately, I already know work wouldn't give me time off that weekend (big work thing the following week).

The terrain up there is pretty wild and 75km on a hard tail would be fairly err umm brutal!

Short travel full suss - if you are looking at Zesty's then maybe think about a Ghost AMR, had a fondle of one the other day and they really are a very lovely thing.

[Gooby]

theboymoon said:

ohhhhh really?!!!

I'd take a blur LT above a 5 all day long! All IMVHO of course. Hourses for courses etc ect



I had a think about this event, its run by Fraser at no fuss isn't it? Will be likely a great one. Unfortunately, I already know work wouldn't give me time off that weekend (big work thing the following week).

The terrain up there is pretty wild and 75km on a hard tail would be fairly err umm brutal!

Short travel full suss - if you are looking at Zesty's then maybe think about a Ghost AMR, had a fondle of one the other day and they really are a very lovely thing.

It comes down to personal preference and that is really what I am trying to say. My "thugish" riding style did not bring out the best of the Blur. I have done a few miles on the carbon version and found it to be an absolute racing razor blade of a machine.

With the sort of budget I spent on the '5, there are many bikes and you will have no idea how they feel unless you ride them. Spending this sort of money on a bike you have never got dirty is just crazy. Recomendations from people you have never met is not a great way to select a bike and I count my Orange 5 biased opinion right at the top of that tree. I am without a doubt in the minority of the people I ride with and looking at that demographic - go buy a Trek, I know more very happy Trek riders than any other manufacturer.

One thing I am very aware of is my neglectful style with 'bikes. It is not unusual for me to return from a long and dirty ride late then have to throw it in the garage to rust for a few days 'till I get time to clean and maintain it. It is not unusual for a bike to miss a service by months. The '5 with its "agricultural" build will deal with this. I suspect a bike with more complicated multi-link suspension would not appreciate this.

For an assult on 'Nevis I would want "sturdy"! For instance the only brakes I have encountered that have not failed on a trail at some point are Hope. So I dont mess about, my bike has Hope brakes. Your experience may differ from mine.

The only think I want is someone to buy a decent bike that makes them happy!

[theboymoon]

Gooby said:

It comes down to personal preference

Absolutely, I was in no way having a go. If we all liked the same things etc etc.

Gooby said:

The only think I want is someone to buy a decent bike that makes them happy!

Nothing wrong with a well specced 5, tis a thing of desire

One of my riding buddies has a blur and it does take some love to keep on form. There's one part of the rear suspension that seems to be made of finest Gouda. I can't remember which part but there's a bushing he has to replace every few months. He does love it tho and ferk me is it quick over the rougher stuff. Great combo of pedally and bouncy if you know what I mean...

[deckster]

Blur...Ghost...excellent stuff chaps, some names I hadn't thought of that will now go on the list.

I absolutely will be heading off to Mountain Trax to have a play on some different bikes (anyone recommend any other shops around Wokingham/Reading/Bracknell?) but going in with some idea of the bikes that are recommended can only be a good thing.

Having just done a bit more research I see that the guy that came in third last year was on a single-speed hardtail. Serious respect due!

[subsea99]

Intense frames used to supply most of the pro's then they just stickered them up with whoever was sponsoring them,as the sponsors bikes were not up to it

http://www.crcintense.com/

so they have a fair pedigree

[anniesdad]

With regards to the SC Blur, I have owned my LT1 version for 4 years now and have had the bearings replaced three times in that time. The cost to do this work was £100.00 for labour only (twice at £30.00, the other £40.00 - there is a lifetime warranty on the bearings themselves) by Bike Treks in Ambleside, North West Mountain Bikes in Cheadle and Leisure Lakes in Bury. The Ti upper link(s) is/are a little weak and I had mine replaced with a one piece design which is much stronger. Like Gooby, I'm unable to always attend to my bike directly after a ride and it can be a few days, weeks even, before I get round to looking at it. Whilst obviously not advisable, the bike doesn't appear at least to suffer from this so I would say it's sturdy enough, the quite spectacular crashes I've had on it are testament to this. There is more to go wrong I suppose than a single pivot design but having ridden both single pivot (not extensively) and VPP bikes (extensively), I do prefer the way that VPP works.

I've considered selling the Blur and buying a bigger travel Nomad, but it wouldn't suit me in the climbs. I've chased mates with Nomad's (alu and carbon) and they're maybe a little quicker on the downs, but there ain't much in it.

I love my Blur and to be honest after all things considered have come to the conclusion that I would only exchange it for a Blur LT carbon (this will take a 160mm fork if necessary).

[subsea99]

Try canyon bikes,loads more bike for the money only downside is they are in germany/holland

[nammynake]

^^^ Canyon do indeed seem to be getting rave reviews in the magazines.

[Gooby]

Tour De Nevis!
http://vimeo.com/16698386

Looking at this, I would want full suspension and very rugged!

[orange 5]