Next bike conundrum, quality advice needed!

robmanic1

Started shopping around for my next ride, over the years I've owned and loved them all (nearly), bogo hardtails, racey hardtails, steel thrasher, full bouncers, even had a brief affair with a chubby (Surly Krampus). Looking for a long term relationship with something special!

Really an open spec, I have an affinity with steel framed lovely's and have had a long time hankering after a Cotic Solaris after demoing one a few years back. Just been checking out Bird's Zero but sadly they don't have the colour I like in the right frame size (yes I know it's not steel but bear with me!).

The Solaris isn't available for a few weeks so I'm spending way too much time researching other offerings.

"Just wait for the Solaris you impatient tw@t!", yeh I know but no harm harvesting opinions on alternatives, right?

There's a massive pool of experience on here so I'm hoping you good people can help me decide.

Budget is fairly elastic, to a point, for the right bike. I don't want a full on xc bike or a downhill rig, but something that'll munch the miles and will be equally at home at a trail centre. 29er, 650B, steel, ally, maybe even carbon at a push, full sus or hardtail, I'll consider them all!

I'd avoid Specialized, Trek, Cube, Giant etc not because I'm a massive bike snob but I don't like giving money to big corporations on a purely ethical level (but mainly because I'm a massive bike snob and I want something different to my mates bikes). I'm aware that those brands named above offer some amazing bikes and have a loyal following, sorry if anyone's offended.

So thoughts and opinions...........GO!

cooldad

I suggest a mountain bike.

trek_dan

Canyon Lux?

robertpb

Sounds like you need one of these, http://www.starlingcycles.com/murmur-29/

lostboysaint

Wait for the Solaris. (see my sig)

swod1

what about a production privee shan n05 full suss frame? that is something different looks nice in yellow colour.

lostboysaint

Expanding on my post slightly - I am totally in love with my Solaris. It was bought on a friend's recommendation (he has a Soul, a BFe and replaced my XL frame with an L) to replace another steel frame that I wasn't that keen on. I built it up cheaply, using stuff that I've had for years on various hardtail frames and that is much more "robust" than your usual XC stuff, 1x10 and it's been magnificent. The ride is pliant enough, the angles great for a bit of fun downhill whilst still being fine (not too light on the nose) for climbing. It's a great allrounder.

robmanic1

Thanks for the replies chaps, very grateful.

Yes cooldad, a mountain bike crossed my mind thanks!
Canyon's a bit mainstream for me I think.
The Starling is probably way to much bike for me .
(although it is a thing of beauty).
The Shan, again I think I'd be "over-biked".
Looking like a bit if a wait for the Solaris (6 weeks) might have to hang it out.
Unless anyone wants to throw anything else in the mix?

swod1

What about a Ragley blue pig? Stanton slackline? not sure of anything else you may like.

kernel_gadaffi

Expanding on my post slightly


There's a euphamism.

robmanic1

Bluepigs look like good bikes but not keen on the yellow swod1.

Nice eupho kernel

swod1

Robmanic1 wrote:

Bluepigs look like good bikes but not keen on the yellow swod1.

Nice eupho kernel

i thought they were blue as i looked the frames up and saw a blue and white one must have been last years model.