Another, which bike should I get thread.

prunudo

So obviously this will be subjective and people will generally recommend the bike they ride themselves but when the restrictions start easing I want to get around to a few bike shops and see whats around.

So basically main criteria will be 29er enduro full suss bike with over 150mm travel. Must have capacity for water bottle. After that I'm open to suggestions.

While I understand the cost benefit of buying online, at 5'10" I'm at that funny height where I'm between sizes and that varies between brands too. Its a lot of money to be finding out you've bought something that doesn't fit.

Usual haunts would be the likes of Djouce, Carrick, God, enduro stages from Ballinastoe and Ticknock etc. But at same time partial to the flowy stuff at Coillte trail centres or The Gap.

Price range, thinking €3.5- €4.5k but could stretch for the right bike. Riding a kona at present and while its served me well I'm not stuck on a brand.

As I said, while not at the high end, its still a fair wedge of money for me to be laying out so want to get this right. Thanks for your recommendations.

boomdocker

If I had that cash to spend on a bike it would be this:
https://enduro-mtb.com/en/specialized-stumpjumper-comp-alloy-29-review/

had lots of bikes/brands over the years, including a few Specialized - had a Stumpjumper over 10 yrs ago and probably one of the best bikes I've ever had

prunudo

boomdocker wrote: »

If I had that cash to spend on a bike it would be this:
https://enduro-mtb.com/en/specialized-stumpjumper-comp-alloy-29-review/

had lots of bikes/brands over the years, including a few Specialized - had a Stumpjumper over 10 yrs ago and probably one of the best bikes I've ever had

Cheers, will look into that. Was looking at review of the enduro online but its mad money for the spec and also seems like a very big bike. Not sure its too long for me.

fatbhoy

Save yourself a wedge and get one of these:
- Torque CF 7.0 3.3K
- Torque CF 8.0 4K
- Torque CF 7.0 (outlet, large) 3.2K

EDIT: I think those are 27.5" wheels. I'd prefer those over 29".

As a former Canyon owner, they size larger than normal. So with you being 5'10" a size M would be fine.

prunudo

fatbhoy wrote: »

Save yourself a wedge and get one of these:
- Torque CF 7.0 3.3K
- Torque CF 8.0 4K
- Torque CF 7.0 (outlet, large) 3.2K

EDIT: I think those are 27.5" wheels. I'd prefer those over 29".

As a former Canyon owner, they size larger than normal. So with you being 5'10" a size M would be fine.

Yeah, had looked at the torque before unfortunately they only come in 27.5"
The strive could be an option but the demo day in the gap was a bit of a shambles so didn't get a chance to try different sizes.

bogmanfan

Having only owned one 29" enduro bike I don't have anything really to compare it to. But I love my Orbea Rallon! It's light, climbs great. Is excellent on the flowy, Coillte trails. And handles everything I've ridden in Carrick/Djouce etc. I raced both XC and Enduro on it last year. And have done big 40km days.

prunudo

bogmanfan wrote: »

Having only owned one 29" enduro bike I don't have anything really to compare it to. But I love my Orbea Rallon!

Good to know, it was one on my list to look at.

iwillhtfu

fatbhoy wrote: »

Save yourself a wedge and get one of these:
- Torque CF 7.0 3.3K
- Torque CF 8.0 4K
- Torque CF 7.0 (outlet, large) 3.2K

EDIT: I think those are 27.5" wheels. I'd prefer those over 29".

As a former Canyon owner, they size larger than normal. So with you being 5'10" a size M would be fine.

Opposite I'm current canyon spectral owner and 5'11 I'm on a medium which is fine but would rather have bought the large.

I'd also take a look at the YT Capra but probabaly not a very pedal friendly bike if that's your thing. https://www.yt-industries.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/2344/sCategory/92

I've always wanted a commencal, no idea why perhaps the name just sound exotic. bang on budget and everythings Kashima coated not to mad on the colour way though. https://www.commencal-store.co.uk/meta-am-29-signature-c2x29150762

boomdocker

prunudo wrote: »

Cheers, will look into that. Was looking at review of the enduro online but its mad money for the spec and also seems like a very big bike. Not sure its too long for me.

No doubt that Specialized are at the top of the expensive list, definitely better bang-for-buck out there, components wise
But as that article alludes to, you are paying the big bucks for the frame -as well as my old Stumpy, I currently have a Camber Evo, 2015 model and i'd say the two of those are the best frames I've had (and I've had >10)

For example, also have A Vitus Escarpe VRX and yes it too is a lovely bike, with better component spec, but the Specialized is lovelier

I think the Enduro is overkill for you, based on your description in the opening post

prunudo

boomdocker wrote: »

No doubt that Specialized are at the top of the expensive list, definitely better bang-for-buck out there, components wise
But as that article alludes to, you are paying the big bucks for the frame -as well as my old Stumpy, I currently have a Camber Evo, 2015 model and i'd say the two of those are the best frames I've had (and I've had >10)

For example, also have A Vitus Escarpe VRX and yes it too is a lovely bike, with better component spec, but the Specialized is lovelier


I think the Enduro is overkill for you, based on your description in the opening post

Agree, looks a lovely bike but probably beyond the trails I ride.

iwillhtfu

prunudo wrote: »

Agree, looks a lovely bike but probably beyond the trails I ride.

There's little in Ireland that couldn't be ridden on a hardtail so get what you like.

You could always have the best of both worlds and buy a full squish and a hard tail. The nukeproof scout is a do it all HT or you could go for the commencal meta am which has plenty of travel up front. https://www.commencal-store.co.uk/meta-ht-am-ride-29-c2x29150728

xxyyzz

Trek slash, Chris in Ballyhoura sells them so you can throw your leg over one before buying. Treks have become surprisingly good value, almost comparable to the online brands.

Caroline_ie

Nukeproof Mega is what you want.


https://www.wiggle.co.uk/nukeproof-mega-290-elite-carbon-bike-slx-2020/

prunudo

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Nukeproof Mega is what you want.


https://www.wiggle.co.uk/nukeproof-mega-290-elite-carbon-bike-slx-2020/

I thought so too, but then I realised no space for a water bottle, same goes for the yt capra

Lemming

prunudo wrote: »

I thought so too, but then I realised no space for a water bottle, same goes for the yt capra

It's an awesome bike [the Mega]; love mine. But yeah, no water bottles to fit. I use a camelbak hip-pack for bike park runs, smaller trips etc. if I need water, and save the backpack for those days out.

Outside of living at bike parks exclusively, tbh I find the whole water bottle argument a bit dubious at best as there are easy, practical work-arounds, and while yes it means spending money on a hip-pack or a backpack, I don't hear the same people complaining about having nowhere to stash their tools for free too as all that costs money too.

Buy a bike because you like it and it feels right for you when you ride it, not because you can fit a £1.50 piece of plastic and a couple of screws.

prunudo

For some reason I tend to drink a lot of water when out on the bike. Used to have a camal bak but it sat up too high on my back so found there was too much weight on my shoulders on decents. Starting using a hip pak with bladder but doesn't hold as much water so need the option of a bottle holder.

covey123

prunudo wrote: »

I thought so too, but then I realised no space for a water bottle, same goes for the yt capra

What about something like this?
As Lemming said,I wouldn't let the lack of a bottle cage be a deal breaker on a bike I really wanted

https://www.sks-germany.com/en/products/anywhere/

booooonzo

Might sound mad but I would 100% include a water bottle as a requirement when looking at bikes
Camel backs or any crap on your body are just so awkward and hassle

I had a stumpy and with the swat box it was so handy.. great bike
just got my self the new Orbea Occam and although no swat box the geo is excellent and ticks so many boxes

140mm rear is tons for Ireland

I had a yt capra and while i did like it, it was too much travel and too much bike and no water!!! lol

fatbhoy

You can never have enough travel. 160+ at least would be what I see as minimum.

iwillhtfu

fatbhoy wrote: »

You can never have enough travel. 160+ at least would be what I see as minimum.

Perhaps the clue is in the name :D

Wanderer78

I've 160 front, 170 back, no need for it at all, I'd say 140/150 be grand

Tenzor07

fatbhoy wrote: »

You can never have enough travel. 160+ at least would be what I see as minimum.

210 dual crown front and 200mm coil shock rear, defo needed for the GAP and Ballinastoe!

Caroline_ie

One thing.

You want a bottle. Fair enough. These big Enduro type bikes are designed to ride the sh!t out them, jumps, steep gnarly stuff etc. Bottles don't do too well on these types of rides.

You can get yourself a nice full sus XC bike with 2x spaces for a bottle You don't need enduro bikes for the 'flowy stuff'.

Maybe you don't really need an enduro bike?

By the way, this lad has a bottle on his MEGA.

prunudo

Caroline_ie wrote: »

One thing.

You want a bottle. Fair enough. These big Enduro type bikes are designed to ride the sh!t out them, jumps, steep gnarly stuff etc. Bottles don't do too well on these types of rides.

You can get yourself a nice full sus XC bike with 2x spaces for a bottle You don't need enduro bikes for the 'flowy stuff'.

Maybe you don't really need an enduro bike?

By the way, this lad has a bottle on his MEGA.

There are manufacturers who do design enduro bikes with space for a cage so I will stick to those models. Haven't lost a bottle for years so that doesn't bother me going on rough terrain.
In my mind a true enduro bike should have one. If you enter a race your supposed to be self sufficient so for me that means bringing water with me.

Seems like a good compromise with that mega.

booooonzo

fatbhoy wrote: »

You can never have enough travel. 160+ at least would be what I see as minimum.

💯 disagree

Up front 150/160 fair enough for charging (pick up air shaft kits handy to upfork)
Out back 130/140/150
It's not the Alps ...

Get the bike you want for 80/90% of your riding. Which I'm guessing, like most of Ireland is extremely varied mix of mellow trails linking some nice technical bits

A 160/170 bike does not maximise our varied terrain in my opinion.

Horses for courses but there is so many people over biked and it prevents them from progressing and actually learning to use their legs

Tenzor07

prunudo wrote: »

In my mind a true enduro bike should have one. If you enter a race your supposed to be self sufficient so for me that means bringing water with me.

Yeti re-designed their bikes to accommodate a waterbottle cage, was previously under the downtube, but due to customer demands they re-designed the entire range, so looks like they agree with you...

prunudo

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Yeti re-designed their bikes to accommodate a waterbottle cage, was previously under the downtube, but due to customer demands they re-designed the entire range, so looks like they agree with you...

A sb150 it is so

Tenzor07

prunudo wrote: »

A sb150 it is so

Great choice, add another €2,500 to your budget for the base model

prunudo

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Great choice, add another €2,500 to your budget for the base model

Sure may as well dream here on the sofa as in bed.

prunudo

On another point, anyone know of any norco dealers in or around Dublin?

Tenzor07

prunudo wrote: »

On another point, anyone know of any norco dealers in or around Dublin?

None, you'd have to go to an online retailer out of the UK....

xxyyzz

booooonzo wrote: »

�� disagree

Up front 150/160 fair enough for charging (pick up air shaft kits handy to upfork)
Out back 130/140/150
It's not the Alps ...

Get the bike you want for 80/90% of your riding. Which I'm guessing, like most of Ireland is extremely varied mix of mellow trails linking some nice technical bits

A 160/170 bike does not maximise our varied terrain in my opinion.

Horses for courses but there is so many people over biked and it prevents them from progressing and actually learning to use their legs

To be honest, 160mm bikes were a revelation for my local trails, it's all steep rough natural stuff around here and in the last 2 years I have gotten into more big mountain stuff. My 160/ 150 remedy is my perfect bike. I think this is the ideal travel for an all-mountain bike. It doesn't need to be a super long enduro race sled if you're not a racer, you want something that can climb reasonably well with enough travel to get you out of bother.

prunudo

Anyone any experience with the new high tower, thinking it might be worth a look.

saccades

prunudo wrote: »

I thought so too, but then I realised no space for a water bottle, same goes for the yt capra

Have that problem on my Orange, this is an ace fix with just enough space for a CO2 cannister and valve adjuster.

https://www.terra-nova.co.uk/sale/rucksacks-sale/eol-laser-1-pack/