29er XC Hardtail recommendations

[Fluffsri]

Mr Gearchange said:

29" wheels are the DSG of the MTB world - yes they make you quicker, but ultimately its less involving and less fun that older technology.

Love it!

[Tall_Paul]

Just a heads up if you're still looking, the new Vitus sentier hardtails have been listed on CRC http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/s?q=vitus+senti...

£900 will get a Recon gold RL in either 140mm (27.5+) or 130mm (29er) travel, 'proper' width bars (780/800mm!), NX 1x11, 27lbs in the 27.5+ version, and 2.6" tyres on the plus or 2.3" on the 29er, decent tyres too, Maxxis Minion/Recons.

£1170 gets a damn good spec (27.5+ only): Reba, brand-x dropper, full SLX 1x11 and the rest as above - pic below

or, dropping down to £765 gets you a Recon RL and deore 1x10 groupset, everything else pretty much the same as the £900 option.

All prices after the BC 10% discount.

They're all Boost F&R, 66/66.5HA and decent modern geometry.

I'm very tempted by one...

Edited by Tall_Paul on Thursday 16th November 21:31

[Craikeybaby]

I’ve done almost 5,000km on my Vitus Nucleus - lower in the range than the Sentier, but have been impressed with it. Especially as I bought it on a similar deal to the one mentioned - I also got Quidco cash back on it.

[warp9]

Thread update - I ended up buying a Vitus Escarpe 29 VR. It's proving to be a lovely bit of kit, I just need to up my game! Thanks for everyone's input, it really helped me understand what I wanted and am currently a happy bunny! Going to attempt to get out every couple of weeks.

Here's me on my opening blast round Sutton Park last Friday.

[gazza285]

Will you be racing it at Cannock Chase this weekend then?

I've taken in all the advice given on this thread, so I'll be there on my rigid single speed.

[warp9]

gazza285 said:

Will you be racing it at Cannock Chase this weekend then?

I've taken in all the advice given on this thread, so I'll be there on my rigid single speed.

That looks like a fun event at Cannock Chase. Away with the family, might have considered it otherwise. Good luck getting your laps in!

[Craikeybaby]

Thanks for the heads up on there being an event on at Cannock Chase this weekend - I was going to go for a ride. May venture to FoD/Llandegla instead...

[BRR]

Nice choice of bike, the Vitus stuff is great value. I only found out about the race at Cannock a few days ago and unfortunately I'm already booked to compete in another sport this sunday. I only live a few miles from the chase so have been getting over every weekend recently so will try and pick it up and enter the race there at the end of April. will probably use my Enduro bike on 27.5's as after getting used to that I find I have far less confidence on my XC bike and feel like I'm perched on top of it, haven't had chance to compare my times between the two bikes though