Thoughts on these three MTBs ?

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Zippee said:

beambeam1 said:

CharlieAlphaMike said:

Why not just buy a good hardtail?

I'd echo this statement. I borrowed a full suspension before buying my hardtail and it seemed like a lot of extra effort for that type of riding. Hardtail has served me perfectly for that type of 20-40km adventure for a year now. (Marin Nail Trail).

Another hardtail fan here - IMHO for the riding you're doing you really do not need FS.
Couple of grand will get you a very playful Orange Crush Pro or a Santa Cruz Chameleon.

And when the going gets a little more tricky, I'm sure you'll have more fun on a Hard Tail because you'll need to 'ride it'

It's obviously entirely your choice of course but perhaps you should compare a couple of Hard Tail's to FS before you part with your money.

[rockandrollmark]

FA57 VWT said:

Buy what you like and what fits, buying a bike beyond your capabilities is all part of the process.

My Stumpjumper cost me about £4k in total, I’m not rich by any means and absolutely hopeless on anything more downhill than a kerb, but when I open my garage and see my bike sat there it inspires me to get out and use it.

Thank goodness for people like you, supporting the bike industry. Turns out all those flashy ads and "shredits" are working a treat.

[FA57 VWT]

rockandrollmark said:

Thank goodness for people like you, supporting the bike industry. Turns out all those flashy ads and "shredits" are working a treat.

Like I care what you think? You carry on riding your 26er

Edit to add, checked your profile and you drive an MX5, you’re hardly in a position to tell anybody what to ride/drive

Busy day at the salon?

Edited by FA57 VWT on Saturday 31st October 08:18

[Simes205]

Zippee said:

beambeam1 said:

CharlieAlphaMike said:

Why not just buy a good hardtail?

I'd echo this statement. I borrowed a full suspension before buying my hardtail and it seemed like a lot of extra effort for that type of riding. Hardtail has served me perfectly for that type of 20-40km adventure for a year now. (Marin Nail Trail).

Another hardtail fan here - IMHO for the riding you're doing you really do not need FS.
Couple of grand will get you a very playful Orange Crush Pro or a Santa Cruz Chameleon.

Slightly off topic but my new carbon Chameleon frame arrived yesterday Full alloy builds aren’t available until Jan.
My build cost seems to have escalated to more than my t130s it joins.
You might have to look around as bikes are hard to get hold of.

Edited by Simes205 on Saturday 31st October 08:33

[rs4al]

If you definitely want full sus, get a 29’er with 120-130mm travel. A trail oriented XC bike otherwise known as ‘downcountry’

[sunnybono]

If you are in Maidenhead you don't need to travel that far!

Check out saddle safari in Marlow, great bunch and do demosfrom memory. Or flat Harry's in cookham.

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

rs4al said:

If you definitely want full sus, get a 29’er with 120-130mm travel. A trail oriented XC bike otherwise known as ‘downcountry’

That's not what defines down country.

That could describe pure xc.

Down-country is xc travel with enduro geo and reach.

[Stax1970]

joshleb said:

The Giant seems like it could be a better fit for that sort of use or if you want a bit more travel the Giant Trance would be a good one.

What other manufactures does your bike shop supply?

A nearby bike shop now has a Giant Trance X in stock in my size so I may pop over to take a look. Do you have one Joshleb ?