Long Travel All Mountain Recommendations

http://www.bikemag.com/gear/bikes/first-ride-trek-slash-29/#FysGyyOzmD9uw3Y1.97

Trek Slash: Really? Aluminum wheels on a $9,000 bike. The Jeffsey looking more and more "interesting" but the age-old direct sales issue of "Where can I ride it?"

Also, it seems to be admitted that this bike sucks ballz on the climbs. I know, it is not intended as a climber... but the reviewer seemed to be admitting the ball suck. Maybe it is just a bit of honesty. ? :)

I already reached out to Jax for a demo.
 
StrandLeper said:
http://www.bikemag.com/gear/bikes/first-ride-trek-slash-29/#FysGyyOzmD9uw3Y1.97

Trek Slash: Really? Aluminum wheels on a $9,000 bike. The Jeffsey looking more and more "interesting" but the age-old direct sales issue of "Where can I ride it?"

Also, it seems to be admitted that this bike sucks ballz on the climbs. I know, it is not intended as a climber... but the reviewer seemed to be admitting the ball suck. Maybe it is just a bit of honesty. ? :)

I already reached out to Jax for a demo.
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Reviewer seemed to like the AL wheels. And still a fair amount of riders at the top level on AL. Plus you get that glorious factory red color for the top end bike.

Jeffsy looks cool, price is right, but if you're looking for long travel 29er goodness, you can do better than 140mm. Enduro 29 is 150. Evil Wreckoning is 161. Rip 9 RDO is 150.
 
StrandLeper said:
When I get a demo, I will let the group know and will invite the crew for a group ride in Laguna... non-strava... down some tasty stuff that may or may not be on the menu.
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I'm eyeing the new Slash as well but cannot ride for several weeks. Your non-strava invite on Laguna's trail buffet sounds very enticing, but if I were to join you I'd be the caboose for sure. I will be looking out for your trailhead invite.

I do not recall the reviewer of the Slash designating which geometry setting he used. On my 2013 Slash 26er, the half-degree headangle adjustment makes a huge difference in climbing control. I keep mine in the "upright" position (as opposed to slack), and it handles great on the climbs while still providing plenty of confidence on steep descents. My main drawback on the new Slash is the dedicated 1x. I prefer more instant gear ratio adjustment than what a 1x provides; however, perhaps the SRAM Eagle rear derailleur can accommodate. Only one way to find out. Best of luck on your demos!
 
+1 for the RIP9. I'd say demo a WFO but it looks like the RIP is taking it's place. Bummer they aren't continuing with the WFO name. Or do they have crazier plans with a 7 or 8 inch WFO? Watch out if you demo the RIP, you'll probably buy it.
 
StrandLeper said:
Also maybe the Intense Carbine 29? @herzalot might care to weigh in on this one... perhaps. The CEO lives in my 'hood, so I've got that going for me.
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I'd say no on this one. Long chainstays and short-ish top tube means it's time for a re-fresh of the design. I am sure Andrew would be happy to see another Intense prowling the hills of Laguna however, so when the new Carbine (or its replacement) is released in a few months, perhaps he would provide a purchasing incentive.
 
There is an article in MBA, with the Foes Mixer with the DVO fork. Foes doesnt need to advertise. They sell themselves. I had an XCT 5 with the Curnutt shock and hated selling it.
 
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Danmtchl said:
There is an article in MBA, with the Foes Mixer with the DVO fork. Foes doesnt need to advertise. They sell themselvers. I had an XCT 5 with the Curnutt shick and hated selling it.
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I bought a DVO Diamond 29ER Fork with the intent to build a bike around it this year. Mixer it may be.......
 
You all might know already, but there are two distinct versions of the Foes Mixer. One is the "Trail" version, other is the "Enduro" version. Some relevant and probably very noticeable differences in geo and travel, and intended use. Some of the reviews noted above are for trail version, other for enduro version. Just fyi....
 
@knucklebuster indeed. Thanks for clarifying. Very interesting bike. After a fairly big ride on my Bson, with a new drivetrain and a few fun drops, and some twisties (bvd, fenceline, lizards) it's going to be interesting to see how the long travel 29 (and mixed) bikes compare. Gotta say that I love the new 32 tooth chainring. Adding speed on the downs with a few cranks here and there-- loving it! Hopefully I ride 'em and say "no thanks." :)
 
No Foes demo. Very nice e-mail back from the owner that they are moving to a bigger factory and just don't have the inventory for a demo, but that I was welcome to call and tour their facility and ride a bike around their parking lot. Pretty darn cool! E-mailed me back IMMEDIATELY. Very impressive response. Did I mention made in the U S A frames?

I also noticed that one of our forum participants who kicks my a@@ on every trail @shawndoh works with a Trek shop. Maybe he can guide us to a demo... and eventual sale? ;)
 
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