I want a new bike
- Thread starter qclabrat
- Start date
jvrock
Active Member
Was reading your choices and wanted to chime in since I have some relevant experience with some of bikes related to the models on your list. I own an Intense Spider 29c, which is basically the old version of the Primer. Bike is great. Climbs awesome and maintains speed in the rough like no other. I initially didn't get along with it as the shock that I originally was using on it didn't work well (CC DBinline). I switched to an old RP23 (freshly serviced) and the thing is a beast now. Additionally, I went on a guided tour in Moab a few weeks ago and got pretty intimate with the Spot Rollik. While that living link is odd looking, I have to say, it worked really well. I did find the limit of it, due to my inability to negotiate those slick rocks elegantly. It would sometimes feel like it was extending to it's limit, making a sort of vibrating metal sound/feeling. That being said, it was definitely a great climbing, long travel bike. Just wanted to give you some insight, for what it's worth. Good luck!
Paul H
Fearless OOS Poser
Was going to take the Talon to 6MR... but no problem to bring the HT instead.
BTW, do you have a 26er disc wheelset you want to unload? If you do... let me know price
Monkey Soup
Angry Wanker
Based on your criteria, stop and go straight to the Ibis and Pivot. And as an added bonus you'll get small bump sensitivity. Small bump sensitivity should be one of your top criteria as this is where your traction comes from on technical climbs, one of many reasons why DW-Link is so awesome.
i went to jorbafest (or whatever they call it now) and rode the 130mm bikes from every demo tent there (idr all of them, but specialized, i think pivot, giant, and a whole bunch more, i got there early and did their demo loop like a dozen times to try out all the bikes) if you fit a medium you can take it for a spin around sometime. the RE:aktiv (as trek calls it) shock was the one that climbed the best IMO, it was the only bike i was comfortable standing and pedaling on.
phillychris498
Well-Known Member
I love my Transition Smuggler. It’s a 2016 (before they made a carbon version) with 115 mm in the rear and 130 mm up front. Fairly slack and long bike too with a 67 degree headtube angle. The new smuggler comes in a carbon version that weighs in around 28 pounds for the XO1 model. It climbs like a beast. They did boost the suspension on it to 125 rear 140 front, and made it a little bit slacker with a 66 degree headtube angle though. That being said, my older smuggler can handle pretty much any type of trail other than downhill specific trails like Mountain Creek. It slays on technical trails around NJ and Massachusetts.
Another bike that comes to mind is the Evil Following. 29er with a 66 degree headtube, 120 in the rear and 130 in the front. I demoed one out in Sedona, rode the Hangover trail on it and loved it.
Another bike that comes to mind is the Evil Following. 29er with a 66 degree headtube, 120 in the rear and 130 in the front. I demoed one out in Sedona, rode the Hangover trail on it and loved it.
Paul H
Fearless OOS Poser
qclabrat
Well-Known Member
What year is your spider? Funny because this search started with that bike. Saw someone selling one on PB and did some research for curiosity sake. I'd consider the frame but some of their graphics were a bit over the top.
qclabrat
Well-Known Member
Had them on the list and read a number of unfavorable reviews on their warranty. Anyone heard the same? Someone mentioned it here about foreign mtb companies sometimes are a pita when dealing with warranties
qclabrat
Well-Known Member
To clarify the statement the tester said the rear felt fully locked out with no flex so you don't get that positive feedback which plants the rear tire in hard climbs. Guess that means an unlively rear?
it must be that guy following me on instagram
Supermoto
Well-Known Member
I haven't read that, actually the opposite, plue there are local Devinci shops that will help with the warranty. And their lifetime warranty seems pretty nice. Their customer service has been extremely help and fast to answer any questions I had. I test rode a Marshall and have a Django 27.5 on the way. I really liked the suspension. It felt very neutral on climbs, with great traction but without the feeling on the rear wheel getting pulled down into the ground and the suspension toping out feeling that the 429 trail did. It wasn't super supple on flats because the Marshall is 110mm that ramps up fast, but it did handle bigger hits very well. I also demo'ed a 429 and did not care for it at all. It was a little small, even though it was the size pivot recommends. Had a hard time getting to get it to go where I wanted, was always fighting with it until I pushed it very hard. I hated how it felt on steep climbs. Every pedal stroke, the bike felt like it was growing, much to high AS in low gears. My DW-Link Turner does this slightly, but not nearly as bad as the 429. It was annoying and distracting. The Devinci felt much better.
Another bike to look at would be a Rocky Mountain Element. I would have gotten the Element or Thunderbolt if they were any left in my size.
qclabrat
Well-Known Member
Awesome feedback, thanks
Do they us a split pivot design?
Supermoto
Well-Known Member
They do. I also tried a Fuel Ex and Salsa and like them too. But definitely test ride different bikes. While it didn't like the 429T there are lots of people that do, so its not that its good or bad, just a matter of finding the suspension design that works best for you.
jvrock
Active Member
It’s a 2016. I think it’s the last year they made it. I know what you mean about the graphics. I opted for black on black. I think I remember when the Primer came out I was looking at the geo and it’s a little slacker than the Spider. It’s probably much more fun on the descents though the Spider is no slouch.
Dave Taylor
Rex kwan Do
Pivot id you want quality.
Monkey Soup
Angry Wanker
The Ripely is a pretty good bike for around here. They make it in 2 geometries, Old and New School. Friend of mine got one in Old School. The bike rode surprisingly well, much better than I expected for an xc bike. If I were to get one though, I would definitely get it in New School, as I’m taller than my friend.
All suspension designs are a compromise, but I think that DW LINK gives up the least. One of the few that don’t require you to use pedal assist, working best fully open and lightly damped. They are finicky with setup though, so beware on a demo. Not a design where you want to run less than the recommended sag, thinking your going to get better climbing efficiency. They actually ride like shit with too much preload. You want to run recommended sag, sometimes even a little more. FWIW, mine is 160/160 and climbs better than any xc race bike I used to own. In Ringwood, Wayway, Jungle, High Mountain the bike eats up the tech. And I never change my preload to match terrain. If I go to a bike park, I may increase rebound a few clicks to match speed but that’s it. Only place I change preload is my fork.
All suspension designs are a compromise, but I think that DW LINK gives up the least. One of the few that don’t require you to use pedal assist, working best fully open and lightly damped. They are finicky with setup though, so beware on a demo. Not a design where you want to run less than the recommended sag, thinking your going to get better climbing efficiency. They actually ride like shit with too much preload. You want to run recommended sag, sometimes even a little more. FWIW, mine is 160/160 and climbs better than any xc race bike I used to own. In Ringwood, Wayway, Jungle, High Mountain the bike eats up the tech. And I never change my preload to match terrain. If I go to a bike park, I may increase rebound a few clicks to match speed but that’s it. Only place I change preload is my fork.