I myself am in the market for a new XC rig to replace my 2014 Stumpjumper HT. I’m currently torn between a pure XC rig like an epic, lux, blur or fourstroke vs. the “semi-downcountry” bikes like the Epic Evo or Blur TR. I’m not sure if you’d put the Felt Edict and Rocky Mountain Element in that latter category, but they’re in the mix too.
It’s a tough choice because most of the XC courses out here in Washington State do have some tight, twisty turns (potentially arguing for something steeper), but there are also courses with fast descents and a few technical lines (arguing for something slacker).
In my view you can’t discuss the XC bike that you need unless you discuss the type of terrain that you are going to race. The usual Olympic type “non-technical and short” XC races that you get 100mm travel will suffice with a not so slack head angle. If your racing includes technical terrain and lots of single track like the races I plan on doing like such as BC Bike race and some XC Marathons like the Whaka100 here in NZ then the Transition Spur or my bike the Norco FS120 will be your better bet.
again though, depends how technical, right? Like i can think of races i’ve done with lots of singletrack but it was tight singletrack with really tight turns where i happen to think traditional xc geometry is better or can be just as good.
if it’s technical as in steep with big drops, like black or double-black technical, the calculus changes.
I went from a (2012 model) 120mm full sus with 26 inch wheels to a 29er Hardtail will 100mm forks and a 69.5 head angle and honestly the Hardtail feels more cabable over the rough stuff.
I test rode a couple and was between a L and XL, in the end I choose an XL (and put a shorter stem on it) due to having a longer head tube, meaning less of a drop between seat and bars, this helps alot with steep stuff / drops.
I guess my point is you can’t just look at one spec (head tube) and make a judgement on how it’ll ride.
Agree with your point. When I focus on head angle, it is subject to assumptions about what the rest of the geometry is like.
I had the same experience as you, btw. The 2014 stump jumper is 29er. It has something like 71 degree head angle. My old 26er kula primo had a much slacker head angle (I believe) and yet was less capable.
But now I’m greedy and am looking for something even better
I haven’t seen any mention of the Pivot Mach 4 SL with its option of either 100 or 120mm travel. Is this something the Spur is trying to content with and others? I like the geometry and build options as its more reasonable & configurable.
Any one who has a Mach 4 or test ridden one lately? Seems like a viable option to throw in the mix.
Mine is rad. The only issue I have is the seat tube isn’t steep enough. I have so much post showing that it puts me far behind the rear wheel and my front wheel picks up in turns.
I test rode a Mach 4 SL back to back with a SC Blur, and Trek Top Fuel. I continue to be amazed at how well DW link suspensions pedal, but also have great bump compliance. The Mach 4 SL to me had the best developed suspension by a long shot. And, as of today, they have a non boring color.
Do you have the 120mm travel fork? I’ve read similar reviews about the front wheel picking up, so I’m scheduling a test ride this coming weekend with the 100mm and 120mm, hoping the 120 works out best for the races/rides I’m planning. I know you’re taller so thats probably another factor why your behind the rear more.
Watching some YT reviews of the Live valve looks great and maybe more reliable than the Brain or similar. I don’t think I can justify the big $$ increase but will see again after this weekend’s test rides.
Has anyone here put a 120mm fork on a Spark RC? I’m happy with my 100mm but I’m wondering what difference the HA and imbalance would make for general trail / Marathon racing.
The rear lockout was removed on mine as well and I am running a 120mm Fox 34 SC. I agree with you on your assessment of the bike. I think the bike is so unbelievable capable that I put myself into situations that are beyond the bikes category and then it turns into a white knuckle moment. But really I should not be asking that much of a XC bike. Flow trails and jump lines are amazingly fun on this bike. Other bikes are starting to interest me as well and I will most likely sell the bike after the High Cascades 100 in a couple of weeks.
I ride a M4SL: best bike ever. I would love to have a steeper STA as well, but this is not a fault of the bike. It already has one of the steepest STAs on the market. New Epic has a 75.5 effective STA but a lower stack height. Meaning the angle is measured at a lower point on the seat tube. It is not steeper than the Mach4SL. Actually I think it will be even slacker because of the suspension design. But it always depends on how you love to run your shock and fork.
Does any know why we haven’t been seeing more XC bikes launched with Live Valve? You’d think Fox would have partnered with more manufacturers to push this on high end bikes. Maybe they are working on further refinements before a true widespread launch?
Does anyone have thoughts on the new SID Ultimate 120mm vs the 34 StepCast? Or the SID Select? I’m trying to figure out which one has a plusher, more trail-fork feel, and have read conflicting reports in couple of reviews (one says Ultimate is better for small bumps, one says Fox). And Pinkbike’s review mentioned the damper in the Ultimate is softer off the top than the Select…
I know it’s early days and probably nobody has used it yet, but figured I’d get some opinions anyway. I’m leaning toward the Fox because I can find it for around $300 cheaper, as it’s been around for a while now. Decided to upgrade my Lux with parts that I’ll eventually move to a frame with modern geometry for the extremely difficult trails I want to “race” on in my area.
I can’t give you a direct comparison because I have the SID Ultimate in 100mm on my Supercaliber, which I believe is quite different than the 120mm. I do have a 120mm SC 34 on my Niner RKT9RDO and rode this for the second half of last season. The SC 34 is a fantastic shock, easy to set up and tune, and rides very well. I found it to be very plush, even on our very heavily rooted trails.
Right now I’m still chasing my PR fastest 25 mile lap time that I hit late in the season on the RKT9RDO/Fox SC 34 combo with my Supercaliber. I think I will eventually set a new PR, but haven’t yet, and I think that is a testament to how good the SC 34 is.
If you can get a good price on it I wouldn’t hesitate.
Agree-- either get the best value, or in a lot of cases I’ve been finding whatever you can get your hands on sooner (if you don’t have patience). Bikes are in high demand and lots of brands/models I’m interested in are out of stock. Best to keep your options open like colors and even framesets if you have time/$.
