Short Travel Full Suspension Frames (Not Carbon)

[Mr Scruff]

I've got an N+1 itch that I might end up scratching - wanting input on frame manufacturers.

Context, my favourite hard tail is my Pace RC529, to the extent that my Yeti Arc and Kingdom Vendetta are both up for sale as I'm just not using them. Hard tails are my go to and I love them.

My full suspension is a Yeti SB140 29". Again, I love this thing, flippin' brilliant.

Wondering if there's a middle ground I'm missing though. SB140 gets used at bike parks, and is perfect for it, but feels a bit excessive for my bridlepath/ XC daily riding.

Head has been turned by a Starling Mini Murmur, feels like it ticks the shorter travel bike thing.

I'm not huge on carbon fibre (hence Arc is going, and I didn't get on with my Tallboy). I've had a Pipedream Moxie, but while the Full Moxie appeals I'd like to try something else. Cotic FlareMAX is another alternative, what else have I missed?

[missing the VR6]

I've not ridden an XC full sus, but give you have a hardtail and a 140mm bike in my mind it seems a bit pointless, especially for bridleways etc, surely the HT would do that?

Buy a DH bike instead!

[demic]

I have a FlareMax, very fast and competent and doesn t make local trails too boring. Really has a zing about the way it rides. But if I m honest I prefer my gravel bike on local stuff (boring bridleways and disused railways linking rooty, twisty technical but flat singletrack) as it s much more engaging.

Other options might be an Orange Stage Evo? Plenty of deals around on what is an old model now.

Edited by demic on Tuesday 21st April 20:27

[GravelBen]

I tend to agree that the hardtail will probably do everything you want a short travel bike to do, but also fully understand the urge! I've had a 140mm trail hardtail alongside a Giant Reign 29 (160f/146r) for the last few years, and have just acquired a cheap second hand Canyon Spectral 125 to go with them.

Are you after something more XC or more trail bike in feel, as bikes in that travel range can feel very different despite similar travel numbers.

Some mainstream options, though it sounds like you may be more into less mass-market stuff.

Giant Trance 29 and Trek Top Fuel would be worth looking at, more trail than XC in character but not too burly. I really enjoyed my old (2019) Trance 29 - great fun, agile playful efficient bike. Always felt like it was egging me on to get air popping off small trail features that the Reign prefers to steamroll.

Spectral 125 might be too close to your SB140 in character, its closer to enduro bike geometry in a short travel package. Wouldn't be the best option for flatter trails.

Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 22 April 01:26

[DaveyBoyWonder]

demic said:

Other options might be an Orange Stage Evo? Plenty of deals around on what is an old model now.

Edited by demic on Tuesday 21st April 20:27

I'm a long term Orange fan so Stage Evo was going to be my suggestion too.

[mattvanders]

What sort of travel are you looking at? 140mm all round, a mix setup (140mm front, 120mm rear) or more of short travel 120mm both ends?

Can think of loads that fall into the mix

[river_rat]

Specialized Epic Evo?

EDIT - just realised these only come in carbon, so maybe not suitable....

Edited by river_rat on Wednesday 22 April 13:26

[demic]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

I'm a long term Orange fan so Stage Evo was going to be my suggestion too.

I had the earlier version, the Segment and really loved it. Fast and had what was back then quite progressive geometry for a short travel bike.

[mattvanders]

Transition smuggler
Banshee phantom
Raaw jib
Mondraker razer
There’s a new Marin out this week that’s worth a look

[Mr Scruff]

Sorry for the late replies, can you believe work actually wanted me to do stuff for my wage!?

missing the VR6 said:

I've not ridden an XC full sus, but give you have a hardtail and a 140mm bike in my mind it seems a bit pointless, especially for bridleways etc, surely the HT would do that?

Buy a DH bike instead!

100% true. This is a heart, not head purchase. 140mm is more than I need on my local trails, but I'm getting old(er) and soft(er) and like the idea of a bit of bounce. Never do DH, so not a bike for me.

GravelBen said:

Are you after something more XC or more trail bike in feel, as bikes in that travel range can feel very different despite similar travel numbers.

Some mainstream options, though it sounds like you may be more into less mass-market stuff.

Giant Trance 29 and Trek Top Fuel would be worth looking at, more trail than XC in character but not too burly. I really enjoyed my old (2019) Trance 29 - great fun, agile playful efficient bike. Always felt like it was egging me on to get air popping off small trail features that the Reign prefers to steamroll.

Spectral 125 might be too close to your SB140 in character, its closer to enduro bike geometry in a short travel package. Wouldn't be the best option for flatter trails.

I'm not going to lie, I don't know what the difference is between enduro and XC. I like my Pace, I want a bit more bounce. Also have a gravel bike and (sshhhh!) I bloomin' love it, but my usual routes are too much for it.

mattvanders said:

Transition smuggler
Banshee phantom
Raaw jib
Mondraker razer
There s a new Marin out this week that s worth a look

Stuff which wot to look at, thanks! And the Orange too, I've had a few in my time (still miss my Vitamin T...).

Effectively I'm looking for 130mm max at the front, and 120mm max at the back. Again, heart and not head, I don't by any stretch need another bike, but work has been tough for the last few months and they just gave me a bonus to try and make it up to me...

[Tickle]

I'd go Orange Stage or try to drop-on for a Kingdom Void 130 if a frame comes up.

[GravelBen]

Mr Scruff said:

...I'm not going to lie, I don't know what the difference is between enduro and XC...

In simple terms there is a spectrum of MTB design from flat/uphill pedalling focused to extreme downhill gravity focused:

XC - Downcountry - Trail - Enduro - Downhill

There is a fair bit of overlap between those nominal marketing categories, and a gravel bike would be well to the left of XC on that spectrum.

At around 120mm travel you'd mostly be looking in the downcountry to trail categories. I think the most obvious difference is probably riding position - XC/downcountry lower front end, more athletic performance and agility focused. Trail a bit more more upright relaxed body position and more stable forgiving bike handling.