Hypothetical what bike: sub £2k all mountain/trail bike
Discussion
This is, as the title says, largely hypothetical as I'm still amazed what my ancient Sub 5 can do, even now. It did get me thinking though. When I bought it in 2003 I wanted the best all-round full suss trail bike (and in those days 5" classed as a long-travel trail bike) for under £2,000. What would be its equivalent these days and how would my bike compare?
The only upgrade it's had since is the fitment of Rockshox Revelation forks (which work very well) - its Rockshox Sid rear shock and Shimano Deore disc brakes remain standard. The only real weakness I've ever encountered is once overheating the brakes on a warm section of downhill singletrack. Ironically the 2009 spec Deore discs on my hybrid work beautifully.
The only upgrade it's had since is the fitment of Rockshox Revelation forks (which work very well) - its Rockshox Sid rear shock and Shimano Deore disc brakes remain standard. The only real weakness I've ever encountered is once overheating the brakes on a warm section of downhill singletrack. Ironically the 2009 spec Deore discs on my hybrid work beautifully.
pablo said:
i think the lapierre zesty or the trex ex8 would probably top most peoples list.
Show how out of date I am that those names don't even ring a bell.The last time I went bike shopping it was the Specialized Enduro, the various TARA-equipped Marins and the lefty-equipped Canondales. Oh, and the Giant AC1 for something a bit heavier duty.
How about a 2011 Orange 5S (slightly over-budget @£2.2k)? 
In all seriousness, Orange got the 5 pretty much right first time and all they've done is tweak it a bit over the years.
A mate of mine rides (well, "rode") a Sub-5 of similar vintage to yours and the frame has finally given up the ghost. New frame is now on order and will receive the (updated, over the years) build kit from the old bike when it arrives...
In all seriousness, Orange got the 5 pretty much right first time and all they've done is tweak it a bit over the years.
A mate of mine rides (well, "rode") a Sub-5 of similar vintage to yours and the frame has finally given up the ghost. New frame is now on order and will receive the (updated, over the years) build kit from the old bike when it arrives...
Specialized Pitch Pro?
Pocket the £400 change and use it to replace any broken bits/anything you feel isn't as strong as it should be.
Yet to see a bad review of them, with many stating they ride as well as a bike costing twice as much.
Edit; Doh! Just realised the hypothetical bit... well the above is what I'd do!
Pocket the £400 change and use it to replace any broken bits/anything you feel isn't as strong as it should be.
Yet to see a bad review of them, with many stating they ride as well as a bike costing twice as much.
Edit; Doh! Just realised the hypothetical bit... well the above is what I'd do!
Edited by matty_doh on Monday 5th July 18:48
I'd go for a really good hartdail frame and build it up with some choice parts for that money rather than get a full susser. Something like a Cotic BeFe with a Magura 140 fork up front. Kit it out with XTR, Middleburn cranks, Formula R1 brakes and hope wheels etc. I did just that last year (but with a Cotic Soul frame) and it's been fantastic. It will keep up with any full susser on anything than the gnarliest trails but completely outruns them on the climbs.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff