here we go: recommend me a non-eBike. Budget £3k

[Docca]

hello again


No longer going down the ebike route, so what would you recommend for a clockwork MTB?

Riding : mostly xc. I'm not interested in down hill focused because 90% of my riding is down lanes through woods etc

29er preferred

Would prefer it if the bike was light

Be great if it came with a dropper post or at least the capability of fitting one.

Thanks!

[formula400]

I am in the same boat and do the same sort of riding, I want the canyon AL 6 but no stock until November apparently, currently looking at the whyte t 130 S for 2.5 on my works cycle 2 work scheme, so will make a decent savings

[Beancounter]

Docca - would you prefer a hardtail or full sus? HT obviously lighter and generally better for XC use. I would point you in the direction of Whyte Bikes. I have no experience of Ragley bikes but they look pretty tidy, they're possibly not XC enough for your riding, but very different from the usual suspects.

Ragley Bigwig - £1,799 - 29er and has a dropper. Frame is made of steel so, in theory, would be comfier than aluminium but probably a wee bit heavier: http://ragleybikes.com/products/big-wig-complete-bike/

Ragley Marley 1.0 - £1,299 - 27.5 and has a dropper. Frame is aluminium but no weight listed on the website as far as I can see: http://ragleybikes.com/products/marley- ... ke-2020-2/


formula400 - I've got a Whyte T-130, it's a cracking bike.

[formula400]

Sweet, they have really good reviews as well. I've been looking at the SR for 2.3 and the S for 2.5, I know some components are different but still working out what ones for me

[Docca]

Definitely full sus. My back can't take hardtail.

I quite like the look of the Antidote carbonjack

https://antidotebikes.com/product/carbo ... cba1185463

[weeksy]

Definitely full sus. My back can't take hardtail.

I quite like the look of the Antidote carbonjack

https://antidotebikes.com/product/carbo ... cba1185463

Yes but that's £6000+ by the time you put bits on it.

[Docca]

Or the Privateer 161

https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/privateer-161-390592

[weeksy]

Or the Privateer 161

https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/privateer-161-390592

I think that may be too extreme for you.

[Beancounter]

Or the Privateer 161

https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/privateer-161-390592

That looks like it’d be hard work on any terrain that’s not going down the way.

What about a Whyte T-130?

[Docca]

You're not going to be happy until I suggest a whyte t150 are you?

[Docca]

Bird?

https://www.bird.bike/product/aeris-am9 ... figuration

[weeksy]

Bird?

https://www.bird.bike/product/aeris-am9 ... figuration

We like Birds yes.

[Beancounter]

Bird?

https://www.bird.bike/product/aeris-am9 ... figuration

I like them (not that that matters). You can get an SLX build for circa £2,700. The Pike fork is a bit overkill for XC but wouldn’t hold you back.

[Docca]

What's an SLX build?

[weeksy]

What's an SLX build?

Shimano SLX, mid range gear components. Decent enough for you and not stupid money if it breaks

[flicker]

For xc use you're looking for a shortish travel bike, giant anthem, scott spark, specialized epic, whyte t 129, Bird Aeris one20, to name a few

[Mr Moofo]

Bird?

https://www.bird.bike/product/aeris-am9 ... figuration

They have great reputation, Ben seems to offer fantastic service - and I guess they are local to you.
Mate has a AM9 and loves it - but I don't think he has ever really used it in anger.

That said - and it's irrational - I just don'r like the way the look. And I have no idea why!

But an Aether would be a great choice ...

[weeksy]

A big part of the reason we like both Bird and Whyte is "external bottom brackets" along with lifetime frame/bearing warranty, it also helps that both sets of bikes ride brilliantly.

If i'm being completely honest here, something like a Whyte T130 is and should be right at the top of your list.... It's just a fantastic machine that would properly suit your riding. Then as you potentially progress and start hitting bigger things with jumps, drops etc, then maybe think of something more 160 travel. The short travel Bird is again, right along the same lines.

This new model looks totally perfect for you

https://www.infinitycycles.co.uk/35246/ ... cgrey.aspx
Depends of course if you want 29 or 27.5, i'm very much a 27.5 guy for trails.

Either way, i think you'll need to wait for the 2021 models to hit the shops.

[weeksy]

IMO, something like this will do you brilliantly....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-T130-S ... Swghpe72qM

Cheap, easy, bearings etc... sorted.

[Beancounter]

IMO, something like this will do you brilliantly....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Whyte-T130-S ... Swghpe72qM

Cheap, easy, bearings etc... sorted.

The stem on that looks like a tiller. I know it’s not because it’s the original stem and is the same on mine, just the angle of the photo.