Short travel FS for XC/trail

revmatt

Hi all,

Looking for a change from my Cotic Solaris 29er.

I'd like a short travel FS bike preferably 1x10/11/12

I'm a strong rider with at least 100 road miles a week. I like to use the MTB for XC races (not to a high level though, generally finish in the top half of the table but never top 20 in big fields). I like to punish myself on the climbs and I generally just aim to survive the downhill bits ready to go again on the flats and climbs. It'll be my one bike for everything, from XC races to trail centres reds/blues - same as my Cotic has been for the last 5 years.

probably after 29er (am 189 cm 6'2) but could be swayed?

I can't test ride due to my location, but can get a good deal locally n a trek or specialised.

Any advice?

JGTR

Specialized Camber or Scott do excellent short travel XC bikes

trek_dan

Specialized Epic

revmatt

budget 2-3k euros ish

Spech epid looks nice, anyone ridden one for stuff other than XC racing, can it be used for trail centres etc with confidence?

How would it compare to Trek Top fuel? I could go Scott/Giant locally but not get as good a deal as on trek or spesh.

Camber no boost

Cheers!

trek_dan

revmatt wrote:

budget 2-3k euros ish
Spech epid looks nice, anyone ridden one for stuff other than XC racing, can it be used for trail centres etc with confidence?

Yes me, I've only got 1 MTB. Its seriously fast and because its so light is very fun to throw around. Obviously its no trail bike though.

The Rookie

Scott Spark, Cannondale Scalpel, Anthem, BMC Fourstroke (or Agonist for a bit more than the 4" travel on the 4stroke) are all worth a look.

DR1VER

Trek Top fuel is a good choice, climbs like a monster.

As you're focus is on hill climbing and flats you'll probably want capability on these parts and wont mind the steep geometry on the down hills