Not too extreme but capable 29er

karldh

Looking to replace an old Giant Trance 26' wheel which had stolen with a full suspension aluminium at about 2k price level , thinking 29r due to type of riding I will be doing
Will be riding locally open single track , bridle way, trail centres like Dalby. I prefer to ride longer distance and press on rather than very technical and throwing myself down extreme slopes due to my self preservation instincts which are age related now and a road cycling background. I still want a bike capable of going downhill but want it to be an all rounder which can have fun on! It also needs to be able to climb well
Thinking a boost frame for added stiffness and tyre clearance. Mud may be an issue where I live . ideally able to run 27.5+ ish as well in future but not essential , although appreciate may be about 2.6 tyres in reality on that size in a 29r
Been looking at
Orange Segment S less travel but aimed at enjoying the ride possibly, travel is relative as I am sure it would be enough for me, made in England is a plus but not the price
Yt Jeffsy Al Good kit and price but distant selling
Trek fuel 29 2016 ex8 decent all rounder at Evans cycles
Orbea Occam Tr kit bit lacking for price
Specialised Camber comp 29
Any views on choices and have I missed any other options

rockmonkeysc

For the type of riding you're doing, why do you need the extra stiffness from a boost axle? Are you currently finding it a problem?
I'd suggest that a Giant Anthem would be ideal for your riding. The YT is very much aimed at harder riding rather than big distance.

Herdwick

YT jeffsy is more downhill oriented from the rest, it pedals well but a bit heavy depending on spec. I own one and it's great on rocky root infested natural trails.
trek also has some good reviews.
Orbea occam tr is on the soft side of the trail bike category and Orange are expensive

Not very helpfull I know

karldh

Not finding it a problem as I am bikeless
Boost for futureproofing if that is possible. Have to say like the idea of the Orange but at the risk of stirring up a hornets nest is it overrated and overpriced

karldh

Sorry rockmonkey. Did look at anthem six but 27.5 and 29 looks bit strange , I know shouldn't rule it out on that alone

Herdwick

overpriced for sure

cycleclinic

I like the look of the genesis tarn or the Kenesis frame. If you cant find a Kenesis FF29 they are a damm fine 29er.

rockmonkeysc

karldh wrote:

Sorry rockmonkey. Did look at anthem six but 27.5 and 29 looks bit strange , I know shouldn't rule it out on that alone

Get a test ride on the Anthem SX. It's a really great bike. I think they're only available in 27.5" but it's still a great mile eating trail bike.

karldh

Thanks for the replies and advice so far

karldh

Whilst looking at giant anthem couldn't help but notice a trance 2 2016 at a decent price, having had one before have a bit of an affinity towards the trance, I know it is 27.5 and away from my original thinking but will it be too much for what I want or just as good on long trail rides and climb almost the same as my original options
Had a look at sizing and recommends for me at 5'11 a medium, have longer top half of body than bottom so would a large be better with shorter stem
Easily swayed I know but considering all options!

YellaBelly

I've currently got an Orbea Occam on demo. Superb bike, I have to say. It's plenty capable for the style of riding your talking about too, without being too much bike on the climbs. Orbea tend to be good value to, with decent specs compared to other brands and a life time frame warranty.

winter_zombie

karldh wrote:

Whilst looking at giant anthem couldn't help but notice a trance 2 2016 at a decent price, having had one before have a bit of an affinity towards the trance, I know it is 27.5 and away from my original thinking but will it be too much for what I want or just as good on long trail rides and climb almost the same as my original options
Had a look at sizing and recommends for me at 5'11 a medium, have longer top half of body than bottom so would a large be better with shorter stem
Easily swayed I know but considering all options!

hi
ive also been looking at getting a trance 2016 because of the sales ect. i tried to get a test ride via my local giant dealer (sherwood pine cycles) but its been a week and no reply.

i too am 5'11 and i thing the large would be better, i just can not see a medium frame size fitting that well.

do you have any giant dealers near you, if so ask about the test ride option that giant offer. their is a cost (about £30 fro what ive been told) but it's got to be worth it just so you can find the right frame size and if you like the feel of the bike on the ride. keep me updated please mate as im in the same boat as you.

eric_draven

winter zombie wrote:

karldh wrote:

Whilst looking at giant anthem couldn't help but notice a trance 2 2016 at a decent price, having had one before have a bit of an affinity towards the trance, I know it is 27.5 and away from my original thinking but will it be too much for what I want or just as good on long trail rides and climb almost the same as my original options
Had a look at sizing and recommends for me at 5'11 a medium, have longer top half of body than bottom so would a large be better with shorter stem
Easily swayed I know but considering all options!

hi
ive also been looking at getting a trance 2016 because of the sales ect. i tried to get a test ride via my local giant dealer (sherwood pine cycles) but its been a week and no reply.

i too am 5'11 and i thing the large would be better, i just can not see a medium frame size fitting that well.

do you have any giant dealers near you, if so ask about the test ride option that giant offer. their is a cost (about £30 fro what ive been told) but it's got to be worth it just so you can find the right frame size and if you like the feel of the bike on the ride. keep me updated please mate as im in the same boat as you.

Go have a look at a Trance in the flesh,I looked at a SX version last year and thought the same,but when I saw the large I knew by just seeing it it would be to big for me at 5'10",they do come up long

batmo

karldh wrote:

...have longer top half of body than bottom...

I'm 5'10" with only 29" inside leg; I found the Anthem 29er just too close for comfort on the standover with a frame sized to give a long enough reach. The Camber fitted me much better so could be worth a try if you're a similar proportion. I found both Anthem and Camber had similar suspension "manners" for what it's worth.