Replacing my 2004 Specialized Epic Comp

kevin_stephens

For some time I've been considering replacing my Spec Epic (full sus 80mm forks XC). With onset of autumn road biking will be less attractive and there seems to be some good end of season deals at the moment. I've been a little wary of spending on a new bike if it's me rather than the bike that is the main limitation. However I enjoyed a good skills coaching session last year and plan to do more after some more practice.

A wet afternoon around Greno and Wharncliffe woods sums up what I THINK I'm lacking in my current bike:

Despite putting a longer stem on and trying to get my weight well forward the front wheel unweights or even lifts off on steep climbs (forks locked out), especially if rocky making accurate steering a lot more difficult - not sure how much of this is down to me or the bike geometry. I wouldn't like a bike that's a lot heavier and refuse to push uphill but not as fit as I should be at the moment so sometimes stop for a breather - only more riding (road and MTB) will help. I'm planning to do some longer technical cross country riding over the winter as road biking becomes less attractive.

Picked a descent I'd not done before which turned into a steep narrow gulley with lots of loose rocks and a few steps - I think bigger wheels, better forks and an auto seat post would have helped a lot and not got me so scared and eventually bailing out (as would of course better technique, confidence and experience)

On a fast flowing man made red trail I've done a few rimes before forks feeling harsh and bottoming out sometimes (I lost my shock pump a few years ago and not checked the pressure recently).

So all of this makes me think I should really be considering a new bike. Needs to be good for climbing and descending. I'm a bit vague about the difference between "trail", "enduro" and the other classifications that bike shops use but I'm guessing a "trail " bike with 130-150 forks, 27.5 inch wheels (I 'm 5'4" so not keen on 29s) and one of the modern 1 x 11 gearing systems?

I don't mind spending for good components, forks, shocks, tyres etc but not on the bling of a carbon frame. Budget may be £2.5 k +/- depending on value

Looking around (including some apparently very attractive end of season deals) some of the recommendations include:
Whyte T130 RS
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite
Orange four/five pro/RS

What's the view on these and any other recommendations or suggestions?
Are there any specific components I should be looking for?
Which bike shop in or near Sheffield has the most knowlegable and helpful staff for MTB?

Thanks for help and suggestions

The Rookie

Front wheel is more likely to lift when locked out as it will skip off trail features, but your probably not getting your weight forward enough.

The Orange's won't climb as well as your Spesh.

Trance is a good bet or an Anthem which is much more capable than its 100mm of suspension would suggest.

kevin_stephens

The Rookie wrote:

Front wheel is more likely to lift when locked out as it will skip off trail features, but your probably not getting your weight forward enough.

.

Hi Rookie; read my post again - I've even fitted a longer stem, also sitting on nose of saddle in it's most forward position

kevin_stephens

Thanks folks. The mist is starting to clear a bit. It looks like a new bike will make a fantastic difference to my riding options (The Wharncliffe DH's are walking distance from my house). I'm not looking at a full down hill rig yet (probably too old to bounce enough) but the newer 140/150mm forked bikes look like they will give me a chance of learning to handle the steep and technical whilst still getting up and over the bigger peak District hills.

This is turning out to be more expensive than I expected but I'd rather buy once than fret about upgrading later (except tyres of course). Looking at sales prices (some of the RRPs seem a bit far fetched) for stock bikes in my small size the following stand out:
- Specialized stumpjumper FSR expert
- Giant Trance 27.5 1
- Canyon Spectral AL 7.0 EX (cheaper than the discounted bikes above; are the components as good?)

Should I be considering Enduros too? I may get lured into the downhill more than the uphill (similar patter to my back country skiing ) There seems to be less difference between then and some of the trail bikes these days; would a Spacialized Enduru Elite climb significantly worse than the Stumpjumber Expert?)

The Rookie

Kevin Stephens wrote:

The Rookie wrote:

Front wheel is more likely to lift when locked out as it will skip off trail features, but your probably not getting your weight forward enough.

.

Hi Rookie; read my post again - I've even fitted a longer stem, also sitting on nose of saddle in it's most forward position

If you can't climb on that you won't climb on much else, I still think it's a technique issue, your arms should be bent by tucking your elbows in and that will pull your weight forward. You can sit forward and fit a longer stem and still lean back arms straight and lift the front.