Replacing the fleet with a single Trail/AM bike! But which one..

[evObda2]

As title suggests.. I'm looking to replace my complete fleet (Dh, Xc, 4x, Bmx) with a single bike i can ride just about anywhere. As I'm no longer racing any Dh or getting enough time to ride Dh, practicality is now on the cards. So it needs to be able to still (lightly) hammer down some rough stuff but it will need to be able to mainly be peddled on flat single trails and uphills if necessary. Im pretty good on my gear and don't break too much stuff so it will be built pretty light yet strong enough in the right places.

Travel I'm looking for is 5.5" give or take or 140-150mm and just after the frame only as ill build it up to a pretty top spec myself. (mostly things from my xc bike and some new). Size id most likely be a medium or 17" abouts.

Things I'm looking for is spot on geometry which can handle going downhill.. i.e. a 68-67deg head angle, tapered head tube/fork, Maxle rear etc. And ill use a drop post as well.

I recently rode a mates Yeti ASR5 (med w/ 70mm stem) with a super light xc spec and was very impressed how it actually handled going downhill even with such a light race type spec, yet still understandably very fast on flat and climbs (even though i think the thing slowing it down on the climbs was nearly all me). The size felt spot on as well. Not too short that i was cramped on climbs etc but not to long or xc race orientated either.

So.. the list. Obviously I'm trying to get some feedback from people who may have rode these bikes, or from people who were previously looking at similar bikes and what they chose for what reasons.

There is a HUGE amount of options now (with info links).. I've included quiet a few so if others out there are in the same boat then perhaps looking for something in this category, the thread may help as well. Cast your vote and reasons. Many thanks!

1: Orange 5 - http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/bikes/five_pro/
2: Santa Cruz Blur LT - http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/blurlt_carbon/
3: Intense Tracer 2 - http://www.intensecycles.com/bikes/index.php?id=2&product_id=14
4: Mondraker Foxy RR - http://www.mondraker.com/12/eng/bikes/FOXY-RR/222
5: Yeti ASR5 - http://yeticycles.com/#/bikes/ASRCarbon/1/
6: Morewood Sakuma - http://www.morewoodbikes.com/bikes/all-mountain/sukuma/
7: Lapierre Zesty - http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/mtb/all-mountain/zesty/zesty-914
8: Mojo HD140 - http://www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/mojo_hd_140/
9: Commencal MetaAM - http://www.commencal-store.com/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=8531351
10: Specialized Stumpjumper FSR - http://www.specialized.com/au/gb/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62078&scid=1100&scname=Mountain
11: Trek Remedy - http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/mountain/technical_trail/remedy/remedy_9_8/#
12: Giant TranceX - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/trance.x.advanced.sl/9720/50943/
13: Norco Sight - http://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/sight/
14: GT Force - http://www.gtbicycles.com/2012/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/2012-force-carbon-sport
15: Deubel - http://www.deubelbicycles.com.au/bike
16: Craftworks - http://www.craftworkscycles.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=25
17: Devinci Dixon - http://www.devinci.com/bikes/browse_18#18_54_176
18: Turner Flux - http://www.turnerbikes.com/011/flux.html
19: Yeti 575 or Yeti SB66 - see above ASR5 link
20: Pivot 5.7 - http://www.pivotcycles.com/bikes/detail/5
21: Transition Bandit - http://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Bandit.cfm
22: Cube Stereo - http://www.cube.eu/en/full/hpc/stereo-super-hpc-race/
23: Scott Genius - http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/product/11259/64168/221726
24: Tomac Snyper - http://www.tomac.com/bikes.php?year=2012&model=snyper-140

Ok thats enough for anyone to keep their mind boggled for the next hour.. Now for some ride reviews!

 

[Ivan]

They're all great bikes. It's hard to pick a bad one.

Maybe add Deubel and Craftworks to your list
http://www.deubelbicycles.com.au/bike
http://www.craftworkscycles.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16&Itemid=25

 

[MrCove]

all good
the ASR5 is only 127mm rear travel, stil looks good though
if you are looking at that sort of rear travel i'd check out the Blur TRC, slacker, lower, longer version of blur/blur lt
not a fan of the blur lt, too tall/short/steep

try and test ride a Yeti 575, really good all round bike, 68* head angle with 150mm fork. plus ISCG tabs, tapered head tube
Mojo HD in 140 or 160 mode is good too, i had mine in 140 at first, then added an angleset which really made the bike better, now run at 160/160 with angleset.
much more 'AM'/light FR than the 575, but the 575 is a better trail bike. in my opinion

would like to try an Orange 5, 140mm rear with slack geo, looks really good

 

[rone]

I'll be doing similar this year but will be building up a Turner 5 Spot.

http://www.turnerbikes.com/011/spot.html

140mm DW Link rear end and rated up to a 160mm fork. Supposed to be the best adaptation of the DW rear end. Add to that the classy ano finish, grease port linkages, 142mm Maxle, full length outers, ISCG mount and 44mm headtube.

Handling is supposed to be top notch too.

 

[aanon]

That's a killer list right there.
But . . . . what about an Intense Carbine.
I gave one a car park test (lame, i know) and it felt awesome immediately.
A mate of mine had just built it up, his verdict so far seems positive and we reckon she is on about 12kg, with a build that would suit your dh orientated fun.
Whatever you choose i'm sure you will end up with a sick machine.

 

[TheBug]

I'm in the process of doing exactly the same thing but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.
Two not on that list you cannot overlook - Yeti SB-66 and the Pivot Mach 5.7 Alu/Carb.

Good luck on finding "The One".

 

[Ivan]

Good luck on finding "The One".

Eggzachary!

An AM bike is a compromise. Each single bike that is marketed in this category is going to be a compromise in a different way. Some may climb better than others, some will descend better than other, some will be plush, some will be lighter, some will be fast and some will be fun. Thats why choosing the rigth AM bike for you relies heavily on what kind of compromises your happy to make.

Search for ride days, and get out and have a go on as many as you can, because that is the only way you'll spend your money wisely. About the only research you can do on the Internet that is of value is looking at geometry to narrow down your selection.

It's an awesomely fun to choice to have to make though.

 

[evObda2]

Some good suggestions here! Also to add my current XC bike is a Commencal Meta4. Not a bad XC bike to be honest.. but the 4" travel is pushed well above its limits on any Dh section of a Xc trail. Im surprised it hasn't given way to be honest (like my mates did). So travel wise I'm looking at the 5" or just over at least, with some nice low/long/slack geo.
Carbon looks nice and an option.. and i suppose keeps the weight down too..

Also after riding my mates new ASR5 i can see the (huge) difference in flex from not having tapered head tube, maxle rear and of course the more modern geometry etc..

Keep it coming guys! Much appreciated.

 

[big dan]

So travel wise I'm looking at the 5" or just over at least, with some nice low/long/slack geo.

Transition bandit - just got one and not yet built it up but i rode a demo that was rad. Slackish HA at 68 with a 140mm fork, low BB and although it runs 130 out the back they are designed around a 140-150 mm fork.

A mate has just got a yeti sb66 as well which is pretty sweet

 

[indica]

Big list you have there.

GT Force you cannot get here.
There is only 1 2012 for sale in the country and it is not the carbon one.

I am getting a GT Sanction in the next few months when it turns up. Can't wait.
The Meta looks great as does the Rocky Mountain Slayer and the Trek Scratch also.
There are compromises to be made in either direction, I am unsure if there is a perfect middle point but the Meta I followed Boxing Day looked close.

 

[struggles]

A Niner W.F.O

This is my mates he had no issue riding it 140kms on Tuesday. It climbs well and flies downhill.

 

[MurrayW]

pivot mach 5.7

you owe it to your self to test ride a pivot mach 5.7.
fantastic going up or down and railing corners.

 

[eastie]

The Jekyll seems to be a bike concept that fits the gap better than most, with fox's dual travel xc/am modes on tap.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/superbike-cannondale-jekyll-ultimate-29771/

 

[Wellsey]

Anything VPP or DW Link. I voted for a Blur LT, but that's just my bias. I would have bought a Pivot or an Ibis if one had come up for sale 1st.

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone still makes, or still rides, a single pivot bike. I like my suspension to work when I'm braking.

 

[cam-o]

Another vote for checking out the Turner 5 Spot.
I ride a Flux (4") and it soaks up bumps like it has way more travel. In choppy stuff it is smoother than my old 575 despite having almost 2" less travel, and it climbs brilliantly.
Where it is a bit limited is hucks compared to a bigger bike. It will handle say 3-4 foot dropoffs OK but for the bigger stuff will ramp through the travel pretty fast and have a pretty harsh landing.
The longer travel in the 5-spot will make that not a problem.

 

[taquar]

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone still makes, or still rides, a single pivot bike. I like my suspension to work when I'm braking.

They are simple. And it makes you watch your speed and plan ahead, so you get the best flow. No need to smash on the brakes if theres something you can't handle. They are also brilliant for long distance, no pedal bob at all.

Personally, I would go for the Blur LT if I had your choice. Always wanted one. I would say go the Orange, but I really don't like the look of it.

Probably couldn't go past a SC Nomad though either

 

[Ivan]

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone still makes, or still rides, a single pivot bike. I like my suspension to work when I'm braking.

it's not as bad as you make it out to be.

The SP's that I have ridden are the plushest and funnest bikes. They provide lots of "feel", unlike the four bar bikes which tend to feel a bit less playful. I have owned four bars and SP's and probably prefer a SP's as a trail bike. I haven't tried a split pivot bike, which is on paper at least, a better SP.

 

[aidz44]

If you have a Mojo as a possibility, then why are you even asking ...

as for the SP vs bar linkage... I just went from vpp to a linkage actuated SP, and I definitely prefer the SP.
Its the technology within the shock itself that makes the biggest difference.

 

[crank1979]

I think this just hows that a lot of it is going to come down to personal preference, so being able to have a test ride is always going to help. Using the Yeti 575 as an example, a lot of people seem to like it. I can't understand why because for me the stink bugging, poor pedalling performance, flexy rear end and non-functioning suspension when braking made for an extremely overrated and crap ride. I believe that a well designed frame will have good pedalling performance and functioning suspension regardless of what shock is fitted or the brakes being applied. Not having to flick the ProPedal lever to achieve satisfactory pedalling performance, without comprimising suspension performance, can be achieved with good design, as shown by VPP, DW Link and some HL designs.

I went from hardtail --> SP --> Horst Link --> VPP --> DW Link and thought each was better than the last. I'm now building up another Horst Link style bike after test riding it and deciding between it and another DW Link bike. It depends on how well the frame is designed, what characteristics you're after and what you're prepared to compromise on.

 

[hungrytiger]

Alot of great bikes on that list - but try the trek remedy, not boutique enough for some but it probably has the greatest R&D development budget of any of them and it shows when you ride it. The magazines mostly agree to for whats thats worth as it pretty much always wins in a shootout.
And I agree with what someone else said about single pivot designs, yes they are fun but why would anyone buy one when you can have frames that have zero brake jack? If I want that again then I'll rebuild the orange sub 5 frame thats sitting on my garage wall (although I will do that eventually anyway... :single_eye