New bike choice: c.£1800 fast full-susser for Peak District

m33mje

Time to get some advice to support final decision re. bikes I've been demoing and deal hunting for about 8 weeks! Ridden lots, all great but discounted several from Specialised, Marin, Giant & Treak as they just weren't quite as good for me.

Target: I like 'em fast and climb a fair bit but most fun comes from going down where my confidence needs improving. Vast majority of my riding is in the Peak District - Dark, Jacobs etc..

Advice against this shortlist appreciated. All around and about £1800. I've ridden and enjoyed each of them. Scott handlebar rear sus. control is nice, Blur XC was firm and quick, Orange felt like best all-rounder. Problem is, most of the demos were on purpose track rather than the rocky peaks. Which of these would you recommend for the Peaks?
1. Scott Genius MC 20;
2. Scott Spark 20;
3. Santa Cruz Blur XC;
4. Whyte E5 XT;
5. Orange 5 Pro.;
6. Turner 5 Spot (2006).

Bordering on too much research and not enough riding so gonna have to get this nailed! Appreciate your help.

Thanks,

M

Splasher

Pesonally, I'd drop the Spark as you'd fly up Jacob's LAdder but lose your fillings coming back down the other side

After that, it's down to personal taste, they're all pretty good.

Have you considered a Blur LT? The frame is only a fraction of a pound heavier than the XC and similarly something like a Talas 140 is only half a pound heavier than an F100. So you'd end up with a bike that was 1lb heavier at most but about 5mph faster on the decents!

sjburbidge

Have you thought about the commencal meta 5.5? I got a 2007 5.5.2 a couple of months ago and it's awesome -climbs pretty well and seems solidly built to take a bit of a battering down the other side - It improved my descending confidence no end down Cut Gate. Great reviews too.
The 5.5.1 retails at £2100, could maybe get an 07 model for a bit less though. The 5.5.2 is £1700 for this years model, and spend the change on Xmas!

Father Faff

I'd second the Commencal. I got a Meta 5.5.1 in March and I still can't believe how fast it goes down really rocky descents and even if you balls up the line it'll save you from disaster cos it's so sorted.

m33mje

Thanks alot guys. Guess the point is they're all great. I still want to ensure I get the right thing for me though. Consider the Spark crossed off the list - I kinda knew that I suppose.

Good shout in the LT Splasher - I haven't ridden one but would be well up 4 doing so with a view to buying - just aren't any available within my price range.

Also, whilst adding more confusion, Commencal's got to come into the reckoning especially at under £1200 for a 5.5.2 from Merlin. Crumbs - only Small left. Prepared to keep on looking BUT concerned about climbing ability and suitability for racing which I aim to get into... Any thoughts?

I'm now thinking on the Genius - really suits me to be able to make those uphills easier through lockout on a light bike yet dial into 5 inches of travel at the flick of a switch for blasting downhill. I'm a big fan of my bike being set to do just what I want it to for a variety of riding.

That said, Genius was not as good as some of the others for building confidence coming down. Orange 5 may well have been the best feeling all round bike.

Splasher

Trance 1 is within your price range, as is the Trance X 1 (4 and 5" sussers respectively)

zero303

Will be interesting to see what you pick - I'm after a similar rig and have all but decided on the Orange...

My LBS has convinced me it's all the bike I'll ever need for the riding I do and the fact that you felt it was the best all rounder kind of confirms this.

If you you check the reviews for it on the orange website - they all seem to say there's something relentlessly fast about this bike, both up and down, and it is supposed to be one of the most confidence inspiring bikes you can ride. Something you were after as well...

Looking at your list, I reckon you'll be mega happy with anything you end up buying - in cases like this - which one is the prettiest?

:twisted:

clarkson

what about a specialized stumpjumper?

Father Faff

The Commencal Meta is probably not good for racing. I'm not sure why but it is quite slow on smooth surfaces such as tarmac and fireroads and from what other riders I know have said it is not just down to tyres. It only really gets into the groove when things get more technical. It climbs okay but it is not a fast climber - again it comes more into its own when things get bumpier. It rocks on rocks. I have enjoyed it most on rocky Lakes and Dales trails and on the Continent on good dry limestone with big rocks, steep descents, and really rough terrain.

thewaddys

Have you conidered a Cannondale prophet. I bought and 2 mx as it won "What MTB" award this year. It climbs well and descends like a beast. They are well specced too. Hope this helps.