before anyone asks, I have had a look at the what 4-5 inch bike thread and a few others, but thought I would seek a more targetted response.
So I am after a new full suspension trail bike.... thinking of the usual 5", but I am open to 4-6" if it can do the job.
Budget - up to around $5k
Riding style -awesome.... trail/enduro, DW 100/Fling/Dirty Doctor, usual sydney trails like manly dam, ourimbah, yellowmundee etc. I want something that is efficient and goes up hills well, but i do like to have a bit of fun on the downhills and rougher stuff (ie, not a full on XC racer), but I am no serious downhiller and I am not too hard on gear. I would also prefer not too heavy a bike (naturally), aiming for under 12 kg if possible.
I want something with decent brakes and tubeless tyres/rims. I want XT/X9 level drivetrain.
I currently ride an Iron Horse MkIII which is too small for me but has been good. I find it reasonable up hills and quite good for the downhills and technical stuff. (just to give my reference point)
I know many people will make comments about shops/after sales service etc, but this isn't hugely important as my bikes rarely go in for servicing.
The ones I have looked at so far and my thoughts:
Gt Sensor 1.0 - new for 2010, seems like a good spec particularly given the price and has good initial reviews. However, not sure on weight and brand new bike means it is not widely tested.
Yeti 575 - looks reasonable, but not sure if extra travel would make it heavier and perhaps not as good up the hills
Trek EX range - seems expensive for certain spec levels, but I believe they have a good reputation.
I don't want a Trance because the people I ride with most have them... I just want something different (they both rave about them though)
So, what do people recommend and why?
So I am after a new full suspension trail bike.... thinking of the usual 5", but I am open to 4-6" if it can do the job.
Budget - up to around $5k
Riding style -awesome.... trail/enduro, DW 100/Fling/Dirty Doctor, usual sydney trails like manly dam, ourimbah, yellowmundee etc. I want something that is efficient and goes up hills well, but i do like to have a bit of fun on the downhills and rougher stuff (ie, not a full on XC racer), but I am no serious downhiller and I am not too hard on gear. I would also prefer not too heavy a bike (naturally), aiming for under 12 kg if possible.
I want something with decent brakes and tubeless tyres/rims. I want XT/X9 level drivetrain.
I currently ride an Iron Horse MkIII which is too small for me but has been good. I find it reasonable up hills and quite good for the downhills and technical stuff. (just to give my reference point)
I know many people will make comments about shops/after sales service etc, but this isn't hugely important as my bikes rarely go in for servicing.
The ones I have looked at so far and my thoughts:
Gt Sensor 1.0 - new for 2010, seems like a good spec particularly given the price and has good initial reviews. However, not sure on weight and brand new bike means it is not widely tested.
Yeti 575 - looks reasonable, but not sure if extra travel would make it heavier and perhaps not as good up the hills
Trek EX range - seems expensive for certain spec levels, but I believe they have a good reputation.
I don't want a Trance because the people I ride with most have them... I just want something different (they both rave about them though)
So, what do people recommend and why?