Stumped Bike Choice - Next Build

tptvmbircn

Now here's a topic, a one that's really bugging the hell out of me but as a core MTB'er I thought i'd drop it in here, see where I go.

The purpose behind this one is my next bike build. Everything seems to get simpler the more I go on lately like the rigid build, the single speed and even a love for the V-brake.

My original idea the Anthem X, saw some good deals but the more I look into it the questions start, I don't do trails as much, I'm sick of setting up discs rubbing, suspension really does not suite my riding and obvously a black trail machine but for my purpose alot of weight for nothing and its just all show.

So i don't know where i stand now, the salsa i've got yep nice frame etc etc but i've built a single speed, love it. My idea now is to go cyclo cross, not on roads but on the trails. My purpose is not to dirve to trail centers, 14-20 miles later, back in car and home. I like to knock out 50-60 miles for fun and mainly on the C2C light trail terrain.

My options and thoughts? possibly a 29'er, want some comfort (drop bar style suppose) some thing that can go from geared to SS, full rigid build.

Sorry to blab on, what would you do?
Thanks

Terry

supersonic

The CX is a decent idea, but I'd demo one off road. Don't thino for a moment they can handle even mild off road stuff with the same aplomb as an MTB. The narrow tyres, narrow bars and drop bar brakes can make things very nervous. A skilled rider can get a lot out of them though.

I have set my zaskar le up with a light weight build, 80mm XC race forks, V brakes and thinnish tyres. In my eyes a better allrounder.

Anonymous

stealthelite1986 wrote:

but as a core MTB'er

you don't sound like one, you sound like a spy.

GHill

Are you feeling an urge to grow a beard?

Seriously, are you thinking of racing cyclocross at all, might it be a possibility? UCI have some specific rules that are worth checking out as it could influence purchasing.

Something by Surly might do the trick?

tptvmbircn

yeehaamcgee wrote:

stealthelite1986 wrote:

but as a core MTB'er

you don't sound like one, you sound like a spy.

I do now!

supersonic wrote:

The CX is a decent idea, but I'd demo one off road. Don't thino for a moment they can handle even mild off road stuff with the same aplomb as an MTB. The narrow tyres, narrow bars and drop bar brakes can make things very nervous. A skilled rider can get a lot out of them though.

I have set my zaskar le up with a light weight build, 80mm XC race forks, V brakes and thinnish tyres. In my eyes a better allrounder.

I suppose that's the fun of getting a new bike, the salsa has some 80mm bombers on at the moment and like you say thinner tyres. My uncle has always done the CX side of things and I think it's taking over me at present?

GHill wrote:

Are you feeling an urge to grow a beard?

Seriously, are you thinking of racing cyclocross at all, might it be a possibility? UCI have some specific rules that are worth checking out as it could influence purchasing.

Something by Surly might do the trick?

3 days for the beard, and i'm only 23 haha, not pro, surly i've looked at, kenisis, ritchey, salsa and on one. I'm more of train up, for fun, knock the miles out, see the scenes and pop across the country in a day.

snotty badger

supersonic wrote:

Don't thino for a moment they can handle even mild off road stuff with the same aplomb as an MTB. The narrow tyres, narrow bars and drop bar brakes can make things very nervous. A skilled rider can get a lot out of them though..

A couple of weeks ago I was just starting the singletrack at the top of Whinlatter North when I spied a CX coming up the fire road- I pushed on just in case he was gonna ride the singletrack, I really didn't want to be passed by one of them! I think I would of faked a mechanical if he caught me up! :oops:

Anonymous

singletrack would be fine on them. I think what Sonic is getting at is properly off road trails, rocks roots, that kind of thing.

tptvmbircn

well looking at a few aspects of it and thinking again, i wish i had rims on the wheels to put the XTR V's on and sell the deore hydraulics and discs, a pure carbon flat handlebar + seatpost will reduce the hi frequency shocks and keep the 853 steel frame to bend over the bumps with a rigid cromolly steel fork.

Obviously keeping the salsa as the budget spiralling out of control on a new bike here...