What FS mtb? Yeti replacement...
Discussion
Its getting about time to find a replacement for my FS mtb. Its a 2012 Yeti ASR5 that I've had from new in late 2011, and whilst its still great fun, I'm aware of the dents and dings and general hard work its been through during the past near-7 years. Its a Trigger's Broom of a bike - the only thing original is the frame and rear shock (RP23). I've recently upgraded the forks to 150mm Fox 34s, and converted to 1x11, as well as generally keeping it in good nick all round.
I'm hoping to narrow down a choice to pick up a 2018 bike as the 2019 bikes come in, but what to get? I've not really looked for a few years... Requirements? 4-5" full sus capable of handling bumps, twists and climbs of a trail/AM course, not so much pure XC. I don't do big drops, but the current bike's 5"/150mm travel does get full use. I also ride to the ride, so it needs to be something I'll be able to maintain a reasonable rolling speed, and I hate climbing, so its got to feel lively up as well as fun down.
Moon on a stick? Yes please!
Oh, and I'd be interested in 27.5 v 29 views too. Current bike is 26" and the last 29" I rode, whilst about 3 years ago, felt too big for my local trail, but that's not really conclusive. I've had a go on a couple of 27.5s and they feel about right.
Obvious contender is a Yeti SB5, which not only appears to fit the bill, also gets rave reviews. But what else?? I've tried a couple of Giants (2017 Anthem and Trance) and they were OK, but felt a bit meh - nothing wrong, but didn't inspire. Santa Cruz? Davinci? Pivot? Commencal? Something more left-field/boutique/w
ker'ish?
Budget? Not sure how it translates at the mo, but AU$5-6k or so - a locally-sourced SB5 is around AU$6.5k - say GBP3-4k. Reasonably large numbers, I know, but I've only bought three mtbs in the last 12 years - 2 575s and the ASR5 - so I aim to keep.
I'm hoping to narrow down a choice to pick up a 2018 bike as the 2019 bikes come in, but what to get? I've not really looked for a few years... Requirements? 4-5" full sus capable of handling bumps, twists and climbs of a trail/AM course, not so much pure XC. I don't do big drops, but the current bike's 5"/150mm travel does get full use. I also ride to the ride, so it needs to be something I'll be able to maintain a reasonable rolling speed, and I hate climbing, so its got to feel lively up as well as fun down.
Moon on a stick? Yes please!
Oh, and I'd be interested in 27.5 v 29 views too. Current bike is 26" and the last 29" I rode, whilst about 3 years ago, felt too big for my local trail, but that's not really conclusive. I've had a go on a couple of 27.5s and they feel about right.
Obvious contender is a Yeti SB5, which not only appears to fit the bill, also gets rave reviews. But what else?? I've tried a couple of Giants (2017 Anthem and Trance) and they were OK, but felt a bit meh - nothing wrong, but didn't inspire. Santa Cruz? Davinci? Pivot? Commencal? Something more left-field/boutique/w
ker'ish?Budget? Not sure how it translates at the mo, but AU$5-6k or so - a locally-sourced SB5 is around AU$6.5k - say GBP3-4k. Reasonably large numbers, I know, but I've only bought three mtbs in the last 12 years - 2 575s and the ASR5 - so I aim to keep.
PomBstard said:
Its getting about time to find a replacement for my FS mtb. Its a 2012 Yeti ASR5 that I've had from new in late 2011, and whilst its still great fun, I'm aware of the dents and dings and general hard work its been through during the past near-7 years. Its a Trigger's Broom of a bike - the only thing original is the frame and rear shock (RP23). I've recently upgraded the forks to 150mm Fox 34s, and converted to 1x11, as well as generally keeping it in good nick all round.
I'm hoping to narrow down a choice to pick up a 2018 bike as the 2019 bikes come in, but what to get? I've not really looked for a few years... Requirements? 4-5" full sus capable of handling bumps, twists and climbs of a trail/AM course, not so much pure XC. I don't do big drops, but the current bike's 5"/150mm travel does get full use. I also ride to the ride, so it needs to be something I'll be able to maintain a reasonable rolling speed, and I hate climbing, so its got to feel lively up as well as fun down.
Moon on a stick? Yes please!
Oh, and I'd be interested in 27.5 v 29 views too. Current bike is 26" and the last 29" I rode, whilst about 3 years ago, felt too big for my local trail, but that's not really conclusive. I've had a go on a couple of 27.5s and they feel about right.
Obvious contender is a Yeti SB5, which not only appears to fit the bill, also gets rave reviews. But what else?? I've tried a couple of Giants (2017 Anthem and Trance) and they were OK, but felt a bit meh - nothing wrong, but didn't inspire. Santa Cruz? Davinci? Pivot? Commencal? Something more left-field/boutique/wker'ish?
Budget? Not sure how it translates at the mo, but AU$5-6k or so - a locally-sourced SB5 is around AU$6.5k - say GBP3-4k. Reasonably large numbers, I know, but I've only bought three mtbs in the last 12 years - 2 575s and the ASR5 - so I aim to keep.
get a 29 carbon and keep the 26 for big trail riding. i got a scott dual with about 100 on the front and 80 or so on the rear for XC marathon racing and then use the 26 to hit the big narly stuff. I'm hoping to narrow down a choice to pick up a 2018 bike as the 2019 bikes come in, but what to get? I've not really looked for a few years... Requirements? 4-5" full sus capable of handling bumps, twists and climbs of a trail/AM course, not so much pure XC. I don't do big drops, but the current bike's 5"/150mm travel does get full use. I also ride to the ride, so it needs to be something I'll be able to maintain a reasonable rolling speed, and I hate climbing, so its got to feel lively up as well as fun down.
Moon on a stick? Yes please!
Oh, and I'd be interested in 27.5 v 29 views too. Current bike is 26" and the last 29" I rode, whilst about 3 years ago, felt too big for my local trail, but that's not really conclusive. I've had a go on a couple of 27.5s and they feel about right.
Obvious contender is a Yeti SB5, which not only appears to fit the bill, also gets rave reviews. But what else?? I've tried a couple of Giants (2017 Anthem and Trance) and they were OK, but felt a bit meh - nothing wrong, but didn't inspire. Santa Cruz? Davinci? Pivot? Commencal? Something more left-field/boutique/w
ker'ish?Budget? Not sure how it translates at the mo, but AU$5-6k or so - a locally-sourced SB5 is around AU$6.5k - say GBP3-4k. Reasonably large numbers, I know, but I've only bought three mtbs in the last 12 years - 2 575s and the ASR5 - so I aim to keep.
Sounds like the new Canyon Strive is right up your alley.
If it is good enough for EWS pro riders then I cant see you finding its limits.
But at the money you are talking, any 5k bike will be up to the job, you just have to decide what drivetrain and forks you want on it (again at the price they will all do a great job).
If it is good enough for EWS pro riders then I cant see you finding its limits.
But at the money you are talking, any 5k bike will be up to the job, you just have to decide what drivetrain and forks you want on it (again at the price they will all do a great job).
My only comment is on the wheel size, I still ride a 26er, and the only 29 er I have tried on my local trails also felt bigger and less agile. The only area where it was better was down hill - think descents off the South Downs, so not jumps, but bumpy and sketchy as hell - it was much faster but I already go too fast for my own sanity. It felt harder to get it uphill, and harder to change direction.
d8mok said:
Maybe a evil?
My insurgent is ace compared to my old Bronson.
Good call - I think The Calling might suit but, again, would be bought almost blind. They also make Yetis look cheap...My insurgent is ace compared to my old Bronson.
As for the previous 29 v 26 comment, that was also my view. Flew down hill, just nowhere as nimble, and without sensation - was a Turner 5 Spot I think. Same sensation on a Specialized of some description a couple of years ago.
NS Snabb T but again may find it difficult to test ride.
650b all day over 29 unless you are >6' tall in which case I believe the the general scale of the bike may make it feel 'right'. I' 5'10" & tried 29 last year and it's true what people say they are faster they do roll better but it felt like a bus I sold it within 3 months, couldn't see the point in a bike that made off road feel like on road unless in an XC race.
650b all day over 29 unless you are >6' tall in which case I believe the the general scale of the bike may make it feel 'right'. I' 5'10" & tried 29 last year and it's true what people say they are faster they do roll better but it felt like a bus I sold it within 3 months, couldn't see the point in a bike that made off road feel like on road unless in an XC race.
Reviving this as I’m now starting to look around in earnest - what’s the general consensus around buying a bike of this type secondhand, say a year old or perhaps two? Would you? There are then Evils and more Santa Cruz/Yeti in budget...
Arranging test rides is proving tricky due to time and location but we’ll get there! The 650b v 29 thing still needs resolving for me - but at 6’2” maybe it’s less of an issue.
Arranging test rides is proving tricky due to time and location but we’ll get there! The 650b v 29 thing still needs resolving for me - but at 6’2” maybe it’s less of an issue.
PomBstard said:
Reviving this as I’m now starting to look around in earnest - what’s the general consensus around buying a bike of this type secondhand, say a year old or perhaps two? Would you? There are then Evils and more Santa Cruz/Yeti in budget...
Arranging test rides is proving tricky due to time and location but we’ll get there! The 650b v 29 thing still needs resolving for me - but at 6’2” maybe it’s less of an issue.
Yes, buying a second hand bike is a good idea. Just make sure that frame is high quality and bearings etc are cheap to change. Quite often warraty ends when first owner sells that bike. Evil has got some issues in the past, but i think they have solved those issues. I wouldn't buy second hand Canyon because their value is not there. They are great bikes if you are looking to buy a new bike. Santa Cruz is a great Company and their frames are very high quality and dependable. Easy to maintain, which is important if y5ou are buying a used one. I would say my pick is either SC or Orange with 650b tires. Arranging test rides is proving tricky due to time and location but we’ll get there! The 650b v 29 thing still needs resolving for me - but at 6’2” maybe it’s less of an issue.
You seem to buy a mountain bike and keep it for ages, so with that in mind I'd recommend a new bike. That way you have a warranty on all the parts, a lot of companies offer decent length warranties on their frames nowadays which can be well worth having.
At 6'2" there is no question in my mind that you should be on a 29er, but I'm sure you will find plenty of people that say go with 650b though so you'll have to decide for yourself. A short test ride may not be enough to get a feel for the bigger wheels so try to get a few decent length rides over a weekend if you do demo anything. Out of all the people I know I don't think any have gotten a good 29er (there have been a few shockers released over the years) and then gone back to smaller wheels.
Now, bike recommendations. Yeti have two new bikes coming very soon, they will be announced within a few weeks I think and should be available by November. One is a 150mm rear 170mm front, probably overkill for you, the other is 130mm rear 140mm front which sounds like the choice. Both 29ers. Other suggestions could be a Trek Fuel EX, Specialized Stumpjumper ST, Transition Smuggler, I think Scott do a beefed up component spec on the Spark, so many other options. Ride them if you can, but the one that makes you smile and that you love the paint job on. If you love the bike you'll ride it all the time. Also, I wouldn't think about keeping your old bike. If you do this right your be bike will be better in every way and you won't want to ride the old one.
At 6'2" there is no question in my mind that you should be on a 29er, but I'm sure you will find plenty of people that say go with 650b though so you'll have to decide for yourself. A short test ride may not be enough to get a feel for the bigger wheels so try to get a few decent length rides over a weekend if you do demo anything. Out of all the people I know I don't think any have gotten a good 29er (there have been a few shockers released over the years) and then gone back to smaller wheels.
Now, bike recommendations. Yeti have two new bikes coming very soon, they will be announced within a few weeks I think and should be available by November. One is a 150mm rear 170mm front, probably overkill for you, the other is 130mm rear 140mm front which sounds like the choice. Both 29ers. Other suggestions could be a Trek Fuel EX, Specialized Stumpjumper ST, Transition Smuggler, I think Scott do a beefed up component spec on the Spark, so many other options. Ride them if you can, but the one that makes you smile and that you love the paint job on. If you love the bike you'll ride it all the time. Also, I wouldn't think about keeping your old bike. If you do this right your be bike will be better in every way and you won't want to ride the old one.
PomBstard said:
The 650b v 29 thing still needs resolving for me - but at 6’2” maybe it’s less of an issue.
At 6'2" I'd imagine a 29er being a good bet, scaling the whole bike to fit makes a lot of sense. I guess type of riding also comes into it, if you are doing loads of tight switch backs and lots of stop start type technical riding all the time maybe smaller wheels would be a better choice.Thanks for the additional replies...
Tom - yes, probably new rather than used as I do keep them a while. I've still got, and ride occasionally, my Giant XTC from 2005, converted to fully rigid, off road for entertainment!
I'm starting to come around to the idea of something a bit different to the ASR5. I'll keep hold of it and it will give me the short, sharp, bouncy fix should I need it, but I do like the idea of a Yeti SB5.5. I know a 29" could feel like its taking the fun and connection out of a trail, the reviews of this seem to suggest an excellent manoeuvrable bike with short chainstays, plenty of travel for whatever you come across, and a loping gait that happens to climb well. The saying du jour is quiver of one.
Evil Wreackoning (sp??) looks good though, albeit seems aimed at those that do more downhill than I would.
All a bit First World Problem, test rides need to be arranged with a bike shop the other side of the city so won't be happening a fast as I like. They do have a sale on Yetis at the mo though...
Tom - yes, probably new rather than used as I do keep them a while. I've still got, and ride occasionally, my Giant XTC from 2005, converted to fully rigid, off road for entertainment!
I'm starting to come around to the idea of something a bit different to the ASR5. I'll keep hold of it and it will give me the short, sharp, bouncy fix should I need it, but I do like the idea of a Yeti SB5.5. I know a 29" could feel like its taking the fun and connection out of a trail, the reviews of this seem to suggest an excellent manoeuvrable bike with short chainstays, plenty of travel for whatever you come across, and a loping gait that happens to climb well. The saying du jour is quiver of one.
Evil Wreackoning (sp??) looks good though, albeit seems aimed at those that do more downhill than I would.
All a bit First World Problem, test rides need to be arranged with a bike shop the other side of the city so won't be happening a fast as I like. They do have a sale on Yetis at the mo though...
I've always replaced the frame only.
Everything else is known to me and it means I can put it DECENT wheels rather than the crud manufacturers put in. Plus nowadays on top bikes they still skimp on the kit which means you are upgrading anyway st somepoint.
I've no idea about 29'er but where I ride it's tight not open and wide. I ride a Commencal Meta 4.2. if it's good enough for decent riders...
Everything else is known to me and it means I can put it DECENT wheels rather than the crud manufacturers put in. Plus nowadays on top bikes they still skimp on the kit which means you are upgrading anyway st somepoint.
I've no idea about 29'er but where I ride it's tight not open and wide. I ride a Commencal Meta 4.2. if it's good enough for decent riders...
Floor Tom said:
Don't buy a 5.5 right now, leave it a week or two at least. If you still want a 5.5 after that that's fine but they'll be on sale by then.
SB150? Looks good, perhaps too much bike for what I need, but I’m already riding a 5” bike with 150 up front, and the previous two bikes were 5.75” with 140, so maybe notSa - I’m keeping the ASR5 as a complete spare bike. Upgrades will happen as kit wears out. My trails are a mix of the tight and twisty and the broad and open, sometimes in the same ride. A 26” bike has been a blessing and a curse at times...
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