Full Sus advice.

RSMarco
RSMarco Posts: 95
edited March 2008 in MTB buying advice
I have been contemplating moving onto a full suspension bike for some time now as I have found the Malt 4 which I have is a little to punishing on my lower back. When riding CYB etc it gets very uncomfortable on the rocky sections etc.

Anyway, I have been looking at a few options and what I am looking at is a full suspension that will be ideal for trail centres like Llandegla, afan and CYB. Also something that is good for future upgrades etc.

The bikes I have seen are the Spesh Stumpjumper FSR, Enduro and Trance / Trance X.

I have test ridden the Stumpy and found this to be a good ride but I want to see what the Giants are like.

Can anyone offer and advice and recommendations towards the above..?

I would like to understand what each mentioned bike will offer and the quality etc. I know the Enduro may be overkill and I am unsure of the Spesh suspension after reading of peoples experiences with poor manufacturing etc but the style just attracts me.

I would like to be able to climb efficiently but not really push it and I like to be able to push myself when it comes to tech, fast down hill sections etc.

Hope you all can help and look forward to reading your replies.

Mark

Comments

  • zero303
    zero303 Posts: 1,162
    Budget?
  • RSMarco
    RSMarco Posts: 95
    zero303 wrote:
    Budget?

    I have been looking at between £1500 to £2000. Maybe more if I can find a deal as the girlfriend is looking at one to but not to the same spec as I wanted.
  • zero303
    zero303 Posts: 1,162
    Orange 5 Pro then... I went looking for the ultimate trail centre bike (£2k limit) and that's where my search ended - slight over budget yes, but totally worth it. Getting a demo should be easy enough, just check the orange website for premium dealers with demo bikes.

    It's hard enough to endure everything the UK trails can offer, it's the most mud-proof full suss (as chosen by MBR), it's light enough to be ridden all day (I'm even going to 12 hr endurance race mine). It basically feels like a 120mm bike until things go pear shaped and it gives that extra travel just when you need it.

    I still can't help grinning everytime I ride it.
  • guilliano
    guilliano Posts: 5,495
    I'd look at the Orange, the Meta 5.5 XT, The Trek Fuel EX 8 and 9, and The Giant Trance X 1. All very capable trail tamers
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/
  • Steve_F
    Steve_F Posts: 682
    My mate got a Marin Wolf Ridge recently, seems to be a cracking bike and around £1900. Probably worth a look.
    Current steed is a '07 Carrera Banshee X
    + cheap road/commuting bike
  • the mvps
    the mvps Posts: 49
    "I know the Enduro may be overkill and I am unsure of the Spesh suspension after reading of peoples experiences with poor manufacturing etc but the style just attracts me. "

    Understand your comments about the Enduro - I had the same thoughts & I decided to get an Enduro in the end.

    I would'nt worry about the suspension issues - they have a 5 year warrenty. The 2007 models did have dodgy forks & shocks - the 2008 models are suffering less. All issues are being sorted & replacement forks / shocks are being issued without any quibbles.

    Coupled with a lifetime frame warrenty - don't se how you can go wrong...............
  • zero303
    zero303 Posts: 1,162
    the 2008 models are suffering less. All issues are being sorted & replacement forks / shocks are being issued without any quibbles.

    I'm sorry but that would still be enough to put me off...
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    not to mention you are moving into the realm of cars, were nothing is compatible between bikes and you need specific hardware from specific manufacturers to finish your spec.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Steve_b77
    Steve_b77 Posts: 1,680
    how about a Spec Pitch Pro, a couple of hundred under your budget.

    Don't know if that interests you but they're built for trail centres and any other kinda ruff stuff you can chuck at them
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    If you have 2k to throw at it then i'd do it, you'll get a really nice full suss for that, i'd say orange five or a marin
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • RSMarco
    RSMarco Posts: 95
    Cheers all,
    Not keen on the Orange or Marin bikes from a styling point of view. I am not saying these are no good but at the end of the day, this is one area that you make a decision on.

    I am kind of set on the spesh / giant style bikes so looking at either the Enduro / Stumpy FSr or Giant Trance.

    Does anyone have a Trance / Trance X..?
  • grantway
    grantway Posts: 1,430
    I go with what Zero303 says i have the Orange 5 AM

    And would not bother with the Stumpy tried the 08 Expert
    and did not get on with the brain waste of time
    out on the trails and everytime the terrain changes
    had to get off the bike and adjust to firm and
    the rear shock comes back fast and hits your arss
    like a hammer as it wants to be a hard tail and put it soft
    and push hard down on the pedals and just to wollowy
    The brain is not for everyone.

    Maybe someone on here has one and would be kind to explain it.

    Also the new Stumpy was too safe did'nt push
    your limits Boring in my eyes

    Try the Orange 5 just cant go wrong no idea
    why people look else where i dont know

    Simple hand built bike with loads of mud clearance
    and the Fox rp 23 rear shock with Pro-pedal with three
    settings and the third setting is close to lock out
    and a fully open setting

    With this bike you just need to oil the chain and go and ride

    Go to there web site and see the magazines on the reviews
    Just an Hand built bike made well.

    Dont know what size you are but Leisure Lakes in Bury had an 16 inch
    06 Orange 5 S Model £ 1,349.00p was £ 1,749.00p This as upgrades.

    Have seen an 18 inch 06 Orange Patriot XCEL £ 1,799.00p was £ 2,699.00p
    This was at JE James web site

    Take a test bike out you wont be dissapointed
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    RSMarco wrote:
    Not keen on the Orange or Marin bikes from a styling point of view.?
    heh heh bummer. cos there goes my recommendations.
  • Father Faff
    Father Faff Posts: 1,176
    RSMarco - if you are more interested in how a bike looks than how it rides then just go for what you like the look of.

    If you are more interested in how it rides then having ridden a Trance and a Meta 5 I went for the Meta 5 and haven't looked back. An Orange 5 would also have been in the reckoning if I hadn't liked the Meta.
    Commencal Meta 5.5.1
    Scott CR1
  • Chaka Ping
    Chaka Ping Posts: 1,451
    It'd be quite a change going from a Malt 4 to a long travel bike like an Enduro. Do you enjoy riding up hills at the moment? Because that might change.

    To your original question, I'd certainly recommend getting a test ride on a Giant Trance - their FS system is excellent and their bikes are very good value.

    I'd also be looking at the Trek Fuel EX mentioned above. They look fab and felt "right" for me on a very short ride.

    Don't worry too much though - you get so much bike for your money now if you're spending £1,500+ - you're going to love whatever you get!
  • Chaka Ping
    Chaka Ping Posts: 1,451
    It'd be quite a change going from a Malt 4 to a long travel bike like an Enduro. Do you enjoy riding up hills at the moment? Because that might change.

    To your original question, I'd certainly recommend getting a test ride on a Giant Trance - their FS system is excellent and their bikes are very good value.

    I'd also be looking at the Trek Fuel EX mentioned above. They look fab and felt "right" for me on a very short ride.

    Don't worry too much though - you get so much bike for your money now if you're spending £1,500+ - you're going to love whatever you get!

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