Advice needed before spending

GJC

I currently have a trek EX8 2008 model, i am thinking of buying a bike with more travel to try some mild downhill stuff and small drop offs

i am currently looking at a lapierre zesty 314 with 140 travel which is 10mm extra on the front and 20mm (I think) on the back if this worth the upgrade to this bike?

i am currently also looking at a lapierre spicy 316 with 160 travel which is 30mm extra on the front and 40mm on the back if this worth the upgrade to this bike?

Do you recommend any other bike or is the travel on the trek enough for most riding conditions?

Many thanks GJC

Tom Barton

If your planning some downhill orientated stuff, I'd go for the spicy (and not just because i own one), you'll find it more confidence inspiring when going downhill as the angles are slacker and its strength will absorb and forgive any 'off' landings much better than a zesty.

For the money though, also look at the cube frittzz (much better specced then the equivlant lapierre but the lapierre design, shock placement etc, is arguably better on the lap).

The spesh enduro is now a contender again now that they've put a decent fork on it too.
I'd avoid the scott lt genius myself as it seems as if there is so much to go wrong with that bike with all its gadgets.

Also - a droppy seatpost on these types of bikes is a wonderful thing!

Shaggy_Dog

Do you plan to be using uplifts? I.E. Is this a play bike only or is it replacing your Trek?

Pudseyp

To be honest I cannot see the point in changing to a Zesty as the travel gain is minimal. When you say small drops what do you mean 2ft,3ft,4ft ??? The EX8 is a great bike and the ABP pivot kinda makes the the back more than 120mm in the way it delivers the stroke length.
If you feel that you cannot push it any harder, then yes a 6" travel bike may be worth a look, however if your riding it and are no way near bottoming out then why go for longer travel ?

Unless your riding to the bikes limit every time you go out, I would not spend money on a longer travel bike which will be harder uphill....

Though if are riding to it's limit...The Spicy is a cracker though expensive...

GJC

cheers guys for the advice, no i wasnt going to replace my trek, it was going to be more of play bike.

Many thanks GJC

Shaggy_Dog

If it doesn't need to be ridden uphill you might as well get a total bomber. Intense Slopestyle? Trek Scratch? Specialized SX Trail or BigHit?