full suspension

mrbib
mrbib Posts: 5
edited February 2009 in MTB buying advice
My choice of a full sus bike new or second hand comes from the following selection.

Orange Sub 5 size 19"
Ellsworth Faithj size 17.5"
Rocky Mountain Element 30 size 18*

I can get each one for £800-£1000

My current ride is a Felt hardtail with a 17" frame, compact but comfortable and fast.

I am 5'10" tall and the bike would be used for trail riding,XC and Enduro events.

Difficult question but forgetting the actual cost which bike would fulfil my criteria?

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    They would, possibly, but we have no real indication of the spec or year.

    At the risk of upsetting Orange owners, the 5 is a basic single pivot frame. Like a Saracen Raw. Sure it, works well, but the Ellsworth and RM have a multi link sus that you may find better tuned. Key is in the testing - one up for the single pivot is less maintenance.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    the orange a high pivot single pivot.
    the RM a low pivot with linkage (Konaish)
    the Ellsworth a linkage that does not really make it any different from a single pivot bike.

    Sorry as above test.

    but for what you want i would go for the RM.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
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  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Gotta say, Ellsworth does spout the most amazing BS on his webpage. Not saying it can't work well, but still, a lot of crap!
  • zaris
    zaris Posts: 337
    http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id40632.html

    KONA Coilair 08....i've had one for about a week now...and boy does it fly trough the trails, i love the bikes handling and how the whole magic link system works!

    Though i must admit...the shifters and rear mech is gona go soon, just after 2 rides the shifting isn't as consistant as it used to be when new and compared to my prvious X.9 setup...it is much less responsive.

    Think I will be upgrading to the X.0 on this one ^^, but then again that is option not a must :)
  • mrbib
    mrbib Posts: 5
    I think that a a whisker under £800 (RRP £1800) for an 07 model, the Rocky Mountain is edging into the lead, which would leave a lot of scope for some upgrades. However the Kona Coiler at JE James looks tasty.
  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    Up to a grand the FSRxc Comp is looking a VERY good buy. Then again, I would say that cos I bought one.
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.