another what bike thread.

andybrad

Ok folks, Ive just had a call from the insurance company and I should be getting a cheque for my stolen bike in the next few weeks. This gives me some time to go and look at some new shiney shiney. Im looking for some help if you don’t mind.

The bike I last was a nerve al+6.0 with dropper post etc. A good bike and a lot of travel. I don’t think I would want much more travel than this as while it was fast it was also a little numb on some things.

So im looking at. An orange 5 probably 2013 , a new heckler (just ) but basic spec a lapierre zesty (the new AM one just) or a canyon spectral Al 8.0

They all seem like good kit and anything I will be getting will probably outlast me. The kit on the canyon is far superior to everything else but it’s a long lead time. If im honest at the moment ill probably not notice the difference between the bikes due to my skill and fitness level and they will all outclass me im sure. Ive always thought the zestys look lovely but im concerned about the reliability of the frame. Ive had a sit on a few oranges and they ride better than they look which seems to be a good thing because that welding is shocking! However I do like the idea of having a British made bike. I just like the blue colour of the new heckler tbh and know bugger all about the bike.

So any help and advice? Ive had the go ahead from the mrs so its all good. Ill be mainly riding around Calderdale , hebden and the odd trail centre.

Can you help point me in the right direction?

gazcarsf1

Yip had the same issue as we'll, but not insurance claim just my own cash, all great bikes, but spec wise no where near the canyon. I would imagine the heckler is just deore spec, with no dropper etc. when you look at the canyon, for the money it can't be beat, wheels are great, all xt gears/ shifters,dropper, avid trail 7 brakes, great stem and headset etc.
The only down side is delivery times. I'm ok with that as I have my carbon hardtail. Seen some good initial tests for the canyon translated from German sites.

The question u need to ask is can I wait for the canyon,or go for one of the others but take the hit on the spec?
Steal one of ur m8s and order the canyon!!!!

I have a spectral al 8.0 on order in stealth black, ordered Nov 9th not due in till middle/end march it's a long time but I have a bike.

Tom Barton

Orange = legendary reliability if matching by legendary (and devisive) looks! and post purchase care from the company - absolutely second to none. Single pivot makes for easy do-it-your-self servicing when the time comes too.. Plenty of colour choice too.

Santa Cruz = an equally legendary bike with less controversial fans and haters. Again single pivot simplicity.

A tough choice - I'd personally want to at least swing a leg over each to compare as both these frames should last for many years of good use so spec aside I'd want to choose the best feeling frame for me.

The Zesty is a fab bike (I own its bigger brother - a spicy which I massively rate). I believe the cracking frame issues have been largely sorted out but ultimately all bike designs will have the occasional frame failure.

And as you've said canyon are hard to beat for the combination of value high spec parts and a decent riding bike. The wait is off putting though..

For the money - I'd be tempted to get some test rides in, only way to be sure you get the best one...

rockmonkeysc

Orange may be simple and reliable (until the shock mount cracks) but they are very over priced.
Santa Cruz make some superb bikes but they stopped making single pivots years ago. The VPP frames are very good.
Lappiere carbon frames are reasonable value and solid.
Nukeproof Mega and Transition Bandit are both wort considering.

andybrad

interesting comments, cheers folks.

My heart says get an orange. my head says the canyon. my eyes say the heckler.

christ i dont know what to do!

cooldad

Get an Orange so we can all hate you.

andybrad

interesting, i didnt know you had an orange cooldad

passout

I'd get the Orange because I know they work & last well, it's British and it's old school like me. That said the Santa Cruz looks good. I'd also look at the BH range of bikes.

cooldad

andybrad wrote:

interesting, i didnt know you had an orange cooldad

I don't need an Orange. Are you new?

Tom Barton

RockmonkeySC wrote:

Santa Cruz make some superb bikes but they stopped making single pivots years ago. The VPP frames are very good.
Nukeproof Mega and Transition Bandit are both wort considering.

The Heckler even in its new guise is still a single pivot - has a 142 rear thru bolt, big fat head tube, more travel, 650 sized and tweaked geometry just to bring it bang upto date.

I agree with your other suggestions too the mega and bandit are great bikes!

Festerfeet

Interesting you have in your possibles chosen two bikes that are usually well loved by their owners but not considered the best value (Orange and Heckler) and the Canyon which is fantastic value specs/price. The Zesty falls somewhere in between.

I rode a Heckler last weekend and to be honest didn't want to give it back, it really is simply a great bike and I can understand why a lot of people regret "trading up" to a more expensive, sophisticated machine. Haven't ridden a recent Orange but they do come with a certain rep.

There are a few Canyon riders on this site that speak very highly of their bikes but if you can't wait then that cuts it out.
I tried the 2013 zesty last year and it didn't feel feel very.....Zesty but that is personal taste and the zesty has had some cracking reviews.

If it was my money (which I know it is not ) and I was buying today I think I would go for the Heckler, the spec on the basic version is still good enough for most people and Santa Cruz bikes have a great reputation for being well built.

I can't see you you not enjoying any of your choices though, perhaps get on a few and try them.