Which Enduro MTB?

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Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Monday 13th November 2017
quotequote all
Would appreciate some advice from those with the wisdom..

So I am looking to make a purchase within the next month and ideally would like a 2017 bike, as there are some savings to be had, however need to move fast.. I have narrowed down my choices to the following bikes, which are sitting around the £3k mark, the Scott can be had for under that at some online retailers and Radon even cheaper, however not sure if I can buy one in the UK..

- Scott Genius LT 710 Plus Full Suspension 2017 bike - 27.5
- YT Capra CF Pro 2017 - 27.5
- Radon Swoop 170 8.0 - this one a bit of an outlier, as Aluminium frame

What additional bike/bikes should I consider as obvious candidates that would be in the same peer group as the above?

Thanks G


Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Tuesday 14th November 2017
quotequote all
Many thanks for the excellent feedback. I will look into some of those makes..like the idea of buying British!

Was doing an overall search at the price point and found the following came up:

Given it is a 2016 bike, anyone know much about the Intense brand, I gather more of US name? Cannot find any meaningful reviews on this model type..

https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/102659/products/...

Thanks G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Tuesday 14th November 2017
quotequote all
james7 said:
If you like the idea of buying british how about the hope hb160?
A tiny bit over budget perhaps but using man maths it might stretch to it wink

I was looking at one last week and its just stunning. The photos dont do it justice imo cloud9
A tiny bit... more like £4K over!!! Lovely looking machine.. anyone on here got an Intense, per last message..

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Thursday 16th November 2017
quotequote all
As per earlier post. Any comments/thoughts/experience on Intense Tracer 275C?

G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Thursday 16th November 2017
quotequote all
james7 said:
No experience of one here im afraid. But the spec looks great for the money. Got all the right bits and not lacking anything.

I am personally not a fan of the pf bb but some people prefer them. Just a personal thing.
Thanks, having a look at one next week...

G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Thursday 16th November 2017
quotequote all
Nedzilla said:
Love my Capra CF. Currently £2600,if you can find a better enduro bike for less I'd love to know what it is.

Agree hard to beat... I am seeing them everywhere..

G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Sunday 19th November 2017
quotequote all
Saw this yesterday in Soho bikes



Work of art..

G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Tuesday 21st November 2017
quotequote all
Many thanks all for the feedback and great insight. Looked at allot of bikes and made lots of calls to bike shops...

I am edging closer to getting a great deal on a 2017 Intense Tracer.

G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Wednesday 22nd November 2017
quotequote all
Interesting comments on here about the carbon framed bikes. Clearly accidents will happen and some manufacturers techniques and materials will differ. Would be interested to see who does generally come out on top?? That Santa Cruz video was impressive, however not independent..

What concerns me the most is there ability to get you out riding again and the quality of their after-sales support...

Whilst I have been speaking to many bike shops in my search, I am amazed how many of them have received terrible aftercare from the vendors, from what I thought were reputed brands. That is nothing new and people do their own research on how well the manufacturers respond to issues and how quickly they can deliver parts for older bikes.

G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Saturday 25th November 2017
quotequote all
Well finally got the new stead.. Went for a 2017 Intense 275C Tracer Expert.. The deal was too good to refuse..



Online pictures of this bike do not do it justice. Looks great in the flesh..Very happy. Thanks all for advice!

G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Monday 27th November 2017
quotequote all
james7 said:
Awesome looking bike but...........

more pics please
Here are a few I took before my first ride...



Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Monday 4th December 2017
quotequote all
First proper ride over at Swinley yesterday, where I was able to test the bike..

Still trying to get used to it, as come from a 29er hardtail, however first impressions were very positive. I was amazed by the way it climbs hills, pretty effortless. Changing gears was smooth and super responsive, brakes are bedding in, however felt great with plenty of modulation.

Suspension felt superb and did not loose traction, even though I am not on the optimum tyre choice (High-roller II) Turning was pretty sharp, just felt very planted and reassured. Need to get used to the handlebars, as they feel quite wide especially going through some tight tree lined trials.

Overall pretty happy..

Looking to do Morzine next year - Pass'port Du Soleil - anybody have any recommendations for the right set up? I hear that rotor upgrades to 203mm is the way to go?




G

Gio G

Original Poster:

2,946 posts

209 months

Thursday 7th December 2017
quotequote all
Interestingly over the last week, Intense Cycles have decided to go the "Direct Consumer model" seems to be the way the industry is going. To further put the boot in, they seem to have reduced all their bikes and frames by 20% in their new direct model and even more on their 2017 models..

I have to feel for their old dealers - hoping I purchased at the right time..

G