Carbon hardtail

[sam1176uk]

Hi, looking to buy a carbon hardtail after a few years of road/cyclocross riding, looking to take on some more difficult terrain that i can on my cx bike, but still like the light/fast side of riding.
I've decided on a carbon hardtail and have narrowed it down to 4 bikes that i like, they all have strengths and weaknesses, i'm just looking for some opinions from people more used to mtb riding than i currently am:
http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m15b0s864p16925/MOUNTA...

https://www.merlincycles.com/yeti-arc-carbon-mount...

https://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-fiori-sfb-ltd-c...

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s182p5510/GIANT-X...

Any input at all would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Chirpsean]

I bought a Giant XTC 2 earlier in the year and couldn't be more happy with it.

[sam1176uk]

Carbon frame xtc advanced 2? What kind of riding do you use it for?

[paulmon]

Ignore the 27.5 and just look at 29ers, I don't see the point of a 27.5 HT. The Yeti you linked has a triple which is a bit meh on a 29 HT. On a 29er you need to be looking at:

The geometry of the frame. Does it have some slack or is it a full XC kind setup like the Canyons. Choose the one that best suits the kind of riding you want to do.
2 *11/10 to give you a nice range of gears.
120mm fork Rockshock Gold or Reba RL or Fox equivalent

Don't discount aluminium as a good aluminium frame will knock spots off a cheap carbon. The Santa Cruz highball is super light for aluminium.

P

Edited by paulmon on Saturday 18th June 18:38

[sam1176uk]

Why is a 27.5 ht pointless?
I've looked at some alu frames but wld just prefer carbon.

[sam1176uk]

The majority of riding will be fast xc stuff, with the occasional trip to the trails at glentress - 2 or 3 times per year.
Sorry but the geometry means nothing to me!

[paulmon]

sam1176uk said:

Why is a 27.5 ht pointless?
I've looked at some alu frames but wld just prefer carbon.

Because 29er's exist and do everything a 27.5/26 does but faster.

[paulmon]

Buy this. You wont be disappointed. https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/grand-canyon/gran...

[Andy JB]

I disagree with the 29er comment - you really need to try before you buy. This decision will probably make more difference than the make/model of bikes you list IMO.

Just be honest with your intended use, if you wish to replicate typical CX fast trail mild off road routes there may be some merit in a 29er, but for technical & twisty single track with climbing I would personally go 27.5.

I went through this decision in January & being 5ft 11 tried both sizes changing from 26". On the type of routes I tend to do these days the smaller wheel diameter makes a lot more sense for handling above all else and weight despite the marketing & current trends.

There's plenty of these type of discussions/reviews on line which are useful but consider the weight & handling of the bike, I even find the 27.5 has some shortcomings compared to 26" wheels & frame geometry but do appreciate the faster rolling on the longer sections over a 26". I found the 29er unwieldy to handle IMO.

There's also some good deals on 2015 complete carbon bikes - the Scott Scale 7 or 9 series bikes for example can be had for exceptionally good value on-line.

[sam1176uk]

I plan to keep the cx bike so don't want anything too similar, hence my preference for 27.5 over 29.

[matt-ITR]

29ers are better suited as hardtails, especially XC bikes.

27.5 suits mid-travel full sus bikes and above. They are more playful and fun to ride, but a 29er is faster, more comfortable and have more grip.
Just because the wheel diameter is the same as a CX bike doesn't mean they will be similar. Road bikes have the same wheel size as well

[paulmon]

matt-ITR said:

29ers are better suited as hardtails, especially XC bikes.

27.5 suits mid-travel full sus bikes and above. They are more playful and fun to ride, but a 29er is faster, more comfortable and have more grip.
Just because the wheel diameter is the same as a CX bike doesn't mean they will be similar. Road bikes have the same wheel size as well

This. There is also some merit in the 27.5 is good for technical singletrack and the statement about being honest with yourself about what you intend to do is excellent advice. If you see yourself doing this then go with the 27.5 if however you see yourself more like this then get a 29er

[Chirpsean]

sam1176uk said:

Carbon frame xtc advanced 2? What kind of riding do you use it for?

Sorry Sam i missed your reply. I use the xtc for commuting and also playing. I did try a 29er and didn't like the way it handled (i came from a 26) I just preferred the feel of the 650b.