Potential MTB swap looming.

[weeksy]

At the moment my riding on manuals is more on the tame side rather than the gnarly side.

The Status isn't exactly a trail whippet so i've chucked it up for sale. It looks likely likely that i'll be riding the Session on the big days out (Don't ask, we can't discuss lol). So that's the Dyfi, Antur type days covered.

So i'm debating a bit of a swap. With 2 bikes on my hit-list at the moment.
viewtopic.php?t=5905
Crusts Fuel EX8

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305826832081
My previously owned Fuel ex9.8

Why those, well weight, performance and i do like a Trek.
The EX8 is 13.7kg and the EX9.8 is 13.1kg, this is in part due to the 9.8 being carbon, with the ex8 being Alu. Then that's slightly offset by the Fox 34s on the EX8 vs the heavier Fox 36s on the 9.8.

The major difference between the 2 is SRAM vs Shimano and Large vs M/L in sizing.

There's 15mm difference in reach between the 2 with the 9.8 being 475mm and the EX8 being 460mm.

Another part of the reason for the swap is the difference between swapping with the Status and the Orbea Rise... It's a weird thing but the Status is massively different and feels weird for half it's ride as it's so so different to the Rise (and most other bikes), due to very short chainstays, mullet wheels and a very slack head angle.

The Fuel EX8 we've not discussed price but i think we'll be at about a Grand
The Fuel 9.8 he'll take £1550.

I won't get quite the £1550 for the Status won't be that far away that it matters.
Obviously i've ridden/owned the 9.8 and it was ace, but i felt i wanted a bit slacker/more (the Session will take care of that lol). The EX8 is very similar, just a smidgen shorter, but not enough it'll much matter i think. Both bikes are immaculate and well maintained so no issues on that side of things.

So the question is
Alu, Fox34, ML @ £1000
or
Carbon, Fox36, L @ £1550

[Mr Moofo]

The privateer 141 P3 from Pink Bike

[weeksy]

The privateer 141 P3 from Pink Bike

LOL I've got a P2 here in the garage already which is a 465mm reach (so in between the ML and the L Trek) but is less of a pedally bike than either of the 2 Treks.
It's also a chunk heavier than either of the Treks.(15+kg vs 13 and 13.7) Along with being slacker (which can be a good thing).
I'm not sure what's happening with the Privateer as it's not owned by us but by Katy. So that brings a certain complexity to it.

The P3 is insane in reach and not an option.

[Mr Moofo]

Interesting as I find my P4 top tube very short.
The reach is only mega because of the near vertical seat tube

The Cotic feels way bigger.
But accepted - they are not light, mine is 15.5kgs XL

And to answer the question above Fox 36 all day

[weeksy]

And to answer the question above Fox 36 all day

Go on... curious on that one.. flex of the 34s ?

It'll get used at FoD when doing non-eeb stuff and it'll get used locally more often than that. If i'm hitting bigger climby days it'll be the Orbea and if i'm hitting Dyfi/Antur it'll be the Session.

[Mr Moofo]

Yup - for racing snakes like James 32 or 34 might works.

But for not racing snakes …

[weeksy]

Yup - for racing snakes like James 32 or 34 might works.

But for not racing snakes …

Mmmm I dunno. I think if I were hitting bigger stuff then yes, but clearly I'm not at that level.

It's a tough debate this one. I had an offer on the Status but at £1000 it's less than I'd accept for it, so it's still here for now

[Mr Moofo]

What’s the new bike going to do that the Status doesn’t?

[weeksy]

What’s the new bike going to do that the Status doesn’t?

Pedal. Also feel 'normal'

[MingtheMerciless]

One of these:
https://www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/exie-usa

[weeksy]

Only £5000 over budget.

[MingtheMerciless]

But it'll make you feel quick....

[weeksy]

But it'll make you feel quick....

Not even a motor cam mange that task!

[Mr Moofo]

But it'll make you feel quick....

It’s also very ugly

[MingtheMerciless]

But it'll make you feel quick....

It’s also very ugly

Doesn't matter what it looks like when your in front

[Mr Moofo]

But it'll make you feel quick....

It’s also very ugly

Doesn't matter what it looks like when your in front

Often heard in Brighton down Vaseline Alley

[MingtheMerciless]

Fortunately I wouldn't know.......

[weeksy]

Well i've got a fishy well and truly on the hook for the Status at a decent price, he's a firefighter and just needs to sort out a time we can meet up to get it done.
In the meantime i've whipped off the Code RSC brakes and fitted the Codes onto the Status, the RSCs are currently on the Orbea now I've also fitted the standard Specialized tyres and a new pair of grips to complete it.

It's a very pretty thing, but it's time is done.

[mboy]

Got a similar quandry going on myself, trying to convince myself that I want something inbetween my Rocky Mountain Element (120F/100R XC/downcountry) and my Orbea Wild eBike (160 F&R enduro eBike)... I can't stop looking at these...

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/bikes/mou ... eal__12854

Worst thing is I already have a Fox 36 lying about, along with X01 drivetrain, 2 or 3 much nicer sets of wheels, Code brakes, upgraded bars/stems etc. all lying about, and could then stick the OEM fork/drivetrain/wheels/finishing kit on a hardtail frame I own that I am doing nothing with, to make a saleable bike out of it... Seems to make financial sense, especially as could save another 32% on it buying on the C2W scheme...

The reality is it would probably never get ridden!

[weeksy]

For some reason I'm not keen on the shape of the GT.

https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/bikes/mou ... VhEALw_wcB

This Fuel is far more of my liking. But that's exactly the same as @crust bike. Looking on eBay through last 2 sold of the same model as his were at £1000 and £1020, which is kinda taking the piss but that's what they're selling for.

We'll see on sizing today on the ML, I've owned plenty of shorter bikes, but this is deffo a chunk shorter than the Status.

We're at BPW next weekend and whichever Trek comes in will be getting used there for some of the ride in some timed testing alongside the Session.

Weirdly I honestly have no clue which of the 2 fuels I'll end up with after this weekend.