orbea laufey h10 2020 or Ribble HT 725

bigomlet

Hello all,
I had a little go of mountain biking a good few years ago on a voodoo hoodoo 26” hardtail and loved it but had to pack it in due to work commitments.
Now I’m in a position to get a bike on the cycle to work scheme so I thought I’d get a half decent modern geometry hardtail.
Orbea has an ally frame, marzzocchi bomber Z2 140mm forks, slx gearset, Deore brakes, dropper post and 29” wheels priced at £1399.

The Ribble is steel framed 27.5”, revelation 150mm forks, SRAM nx gearset, level t brakes priced at £1500.

Never rode a steel frame, never rode with 27.5” or 29” wheels either.

I’m 6ft 3 and 19 stone ????

Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

JBA

I have been looking at 29er hard tails recently and really like the look of the Laufey. I'm a fan of Shimano kit though so haven't really looked in to the Ribble.

Once we can return to some semblance of normality a Laufey H-LTD will be high on my list of potential new bikes.
The biggest problem at the moment though is supply and availability of bikes.

bigomlet

I’ve only rode Bikes with Shimano kit on so not sure on the sram components.
I’m just waiting on an e mail from a LBS as you can pre order a Laufey but not sure on the wait.
The Ribble will be dispatched on the 15th September.
I’m sure the Ribble will be a smoother ride but the Laufey May be faster and a better climber ??

The Rookie

SRAM NX is not proving super reliable, also the Ribble is very slack at 64deg HA, the Orbea (65.5) of those two looks better for more general riding to me, the Ribble will not be a comfortable climber with that HA.

sw19carpenters

Will you be using it to cycle to work on the road?

bigomlet

Won’t really be using it on the roads... I’m leaning towards the Orbea. The bigger wheels, Shimano over SRAM and a dropper post 👍🏼