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Money no object, one bike what would YOU choose?


Cotic Tony's picture

By Cotic Tony - Posted on 23 November 2012

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

After a chat today about what we actually ride vs what we'd like bike wise I ask the following Question.
PICK A BIKE, money no object to do everything that you currently do/want to do.

Personally, I'd like an agile trail bike that is fast, comfortable but can handle the odd race & jump.
Poss choices would be a 29er Ti hardtail or mid travel duallie or light allmountain 26er.
Personal perceived choice is a Tallboy 29er or Pivot 429

How about you?

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GAZZA's picture

Race bike anyway, Cannondale Scalpel 29er with custom wheels by Bosch and a few other nifty parts. Comes in at 9.7kg's with pedals.
I'd love the 2013 model in full stealth black with Enve carbon wheels and the new improved 2013 Lefty but i've only had this one 8 months.
Maybe next year? Eye-wink

DudeistPriest's picture

2013 S-Works Epic 29er

Logan's picture

OPEN Hardtail - http://www.opencycle.com/

Go the Limited Edition Model - 8.3kg's out of the box for the Large including ENVE Rims.

obmal's picture

Are you an undercover wife or significant other?

Impossible question, does not compute.. Answer is N+1

MOD please delete this most terrible thread!

Funkychicken's picture
kitttheknightrider's picture

one I actually get to ride Sad

Matt P's picture

Will reveal all when I finally get it tweaked (probably a week or two off yet).

Lach's picture

...if money was no object, it wouldn't be just ONE bike. Smiling
I might even get a roadie and a downhill bike if money was no object. But for what I do at the moment (just general trail riding and XCM half distance events), we're talking 29er, dual suspension and hard to go past the Niner Jet. Maybe the RDO...

hawkeye's picture

I'm with Lach... wouldn't be just one bike. A couple of custom fitted roadies (1 steel, 1 titanium) and a couple of mtbs, both 29ers.

Not sure if one of the 29ers would be a hardtail or not. One of them might be the new Crack'n'Fail 29er trail bike.

But if I could only have one, 2013 Scalpel probably.

muvro's picture

Yeah, I'd def need 2 or 3. Couldn't just have one, as my activities are too varied.

But if I had to choose;

Everyday, do all bike - I'd probably have the same bike that I ride now, Orbea Rallon, but it'd have full Enve cockpit and XTR drivetrain and it'd def have to have Enve AM rims with Hope Pro2 hubs and my special mod to the freewheel.

Race/Enduro bike - The bike I'm currently saving for Orbea Occam 29 S10

Commuter - Prob what I have literally just finished building and rode for the first time this morn. Orbea Alma carbon 26" setup for road.

Slowpup's picture

which is a rigid Ti 29er SS, but the money no object build would be complete with Enve rims.

Great thread, and it seems like plenty of riders would love a trick set of rims!

CAUTION's picture

id somewhat tweak my current stable and perhaps add a bay.

general trail/fun workhorse, the trek remedy stays, just upgrade to lighter wheels and she done (done everwything else).
cant beat a 26inch new age 6 inch front and rear for putting a smile on the dial.

commuting id keep my custom steel cross bike, just build some ultra light carbon hoops laced to disk hubs to drop a tad, maybe upgrade to sram red one day.

fyxo is treaked as can be, prob keep it for pub runs.

would like to add a new pony, being a fat bike like an on-one fatty or similar for enduro events and general KC faffing. be fun ez to blast past the lycra clad 29ers with their race face attached.

this is fun, more threads like this polease.

Hop fiend's picture

Full 2x10 XTR,XTR trail brakes,Kashima coat Fox front n rear shox & full Easton carbon everywhere!!!!

Hans's picture
"Personal perceived choice is a Tallboy 29er or Pivot 429"

Tony - you are on the right track...

My son asked me the other day what my next bike would be ...and I couldn't think of anything else than the Tallboy Eye-wink

I'm a happy Tallboy customer for almost 2 years now. I tried out a friend's new Carbon Stumpy yesterday and 'just couldn't feel the love...' Go for a test ride where you are ...or come to the east cost to test ride mine.

Santa Cruz Tallboy 29'er

(TB 29'er in full flight...watch full screen)

http://vimeo.com/32301541

Dicko's picture

Sram XX1 - 9.4kg

For a race bike - until this year I was impressed with what this can tackle. Everything i would generally ride can be covered by this bike - very capable.

If you could have only 1 this would be it !

twotommos's picture

+1 for the new Pivot carbon 429 with internal cabling...mouthwatering

pharmaboy's picture

TB, maybe epic - but I'd rather a shitloas of spares - I reckon I'd have a hernia if I hasn't to replace a $350 cassette plus chain plus $200 of rings every 5 months- so maybe a tall boy with slx everything Looks sort of cool but not like a weight weeny Smiling

Oldernslower's picture

Money No object - then build my own probably using the following parts
Specialised Epic 29r small frame - black so no paint = lighter
Forks: 100mm Rockshox brain - but would consider other lighter ones and maybe try them out as money no object.
Shock: probably Brain but uncertain and would try a couple.
Geartrain: 2x11 - yep 2x11 Smiling (looking to convert my 2x10 to 2x11 at moment.
Rear: XX1 11 10x42 speed with trigger shift, can't use twist as hanmd damaged.
Front: Sram 2x 24x36 This gives me the range I require. If possible with Rotor rings
Crank: Spesh crank arms as S-works frame but maybe some of the exotics if they would fit.
Wheels: Sram or Roval over the counter carbon OR get some made up by TWE
Brakes: probably SRAM XX or Shimano top of the range (140 rear 160 front)
Seatpost and stem: Syntace
Pedals: modified XTR (about 50% lighter than standard)
Seat: ? - probably carbon Venge but would consider and try others as money no object.
Bars: (700+) - AXlightness
Full ceramic bearings, everything light but durable

PS an S-works Epic 1x11 large weighed at 10.8kg stock.
PPS money wasn't an 'issue' for last bike - so Epic S-works 29r got the nod

stefan43's picture

Santa Cruz Blur XC carbon
all X0 with XX brakes and cranks
weighs in at 9.8 including pedals and everything else you need to ride

if money was no object I'd probably get some carbon rims and change to XX1

btw. the 'undercover wife' comment was brilliant Smiling

Cotic Tony's picture

Ah, I wasn't thinking about road biking at all so you can have one of those as well.

At the moment we seem to have the speed junkies, the freeriders plus a couple of alternatives like the single speed.
Carbon is obviously the "In" material at the moment but I'm glad to see steel mentioned as well as some shouts for hard tails & 26" all-rounders.

As for carbon wheels etc take a look at these guys. http://www.light-bicycle.com/
Ok, they're china but the web site & info given is very good. They also reply to questions very quickly.
My next rims will probably be from them (Built onto Hope EVOs) & carbon bottle cages for $9 cant be bad.

Btw.... I did a bit of shopping last night & a black Jet RDO frm in lge is on its way.
Now feeling reckless spend guilt but at under $2K the price was right...

Now, what shall I hang on it?

stefan43's picture

and definitely asking for a XX1 setup...

obmal's picture

I'm with you one this one, Ti 29 HT would be the platform.
But as money is not limited.. then why not buy some gears? so its gotta be 1x11 or 2x10 (XX of course). Not so sure on the 2x11 mentioned? is there a derailleur that can handle that many teeth?
Of course I would need 2 or 3 sets of wheels.

GonzoRacing's picture

2013 S'd Enduro Carbon with full fox build.
2013 S'd Demo Carbon with full fox build and latest invert fork.
New frame for the work commute jump hardtail do everything, went small after last failure, too tight
2013 Redline Proline 24"
2013 Redline Carbon Flight 20 XXL"
2013 SCruz 29"

Tony, u r ona winner here.

Can we add what is ideal holiday in 2013 to this.

Mine BMX NAtionals QLD, then NZ UCI worldcup BMX and the World cup MTB circuit plus some Norba and Canada. And this new exciting ENduro racing when deatils land. Thats about $100k done well i reacon.

Cheers

Jeddz's picture

Ha, if money was no object it would be where I rode not necessarily what. I'm building a new carbon Jekyll right now with all my favorite bits, just waiting on the new 160mm Lefty.

Then Id be off.... NZ, BC, Nevada I'd be gone for ages. Lets keep the dream factory running.....

Antsonline's picture

Oldernslower - that bike you have spec'd - that is an S-works epic (other than a seatpost and bars) for 2013 give or take....
2x11 - are you sure? You need a huge range hey?

S-works epic, XL, with XX1 (2013) with the saddle and seatpost changed, and the rear rotor swapped to 140mm, with 'heavy' XTR pedals, weight 9.38kg (not sure where your 10.8 came from) - I know as I have one.

So - for the record - my ideal "do it all" bike is my current one:
2013 S-Works Epic
Roval Wheels
XX1
Magura MT8 brakes (XTR performance at XX weight)
Tune Speedneedle saddle
New Ultimate seatpost
Syntace neg 17deg stem
ESI grips
Pedals (to be added shortly) new Look S-Track

If any of you are interested, and at Awaba tomorrow for the ST Mind race - come over and say hi. We have an XL, a L, and a S of the above bikes - take one for a spin around the carpark if you like - or just pick it up and be amazed....

kitttheknightrider's picture

not that I am saying anyone above is but after a short ride today I have to say that my money no object dream bike is this one

Build pics here http://forums.mtbr.com/650b-27-5/1106-bc-821423....

Very happy little camper here

Oldernslower's picture

Hi Antsonline.

Yeah it's close to a full S-works but did say I'd try some different suspenders front and rear.

The weight was from a LBS who just got one but with flat pedals - was surprised as it was bit heavier than mine - though mine is small frame and his XL.

And yes I do need the 2x11 - Im old and slow and can't climb for shite. Even with the smallest front ring for the 1x11, it just doesn't have the low gearing I need to get up 15%+ grades. And smallest front ring means I'm undergeared for downhills.

The LBS also removed the Magura brakes after one ride and fitted SRAM XX, but that's just preference.

Am a little surprised so few seem to consider building the bike to their specs.

And while on the topic of holidays and money still no object - a holiday in or even a move to NZ South Island would be worth considering. Alternately a world trip to a variety of enduro events would be on the cards. Clearly a full support crew of top female mechanics, masseuse, and other staff would be essential to keep the bike and, more importantly, me serviceable.

One Power Ball - - -

Eye-wink

ps's picture

I am sure that the new 11 speed only works with a single front chainring. You will have to stay with the 2x10.

Oldernslower's picture

ps: - It does but the front rings are machined with alternate teeth wider than normal to keep the chain on. But the rings can be replaced with standard width rings - but they have made the spider BCD 76mm so need to change spider.

Soz for hijack Sad

the.flying.al's picture

Would look at one of those obscure euro full carbon dually. With unlimited budget you wouldn't just have to think about performance. My current n+1 bike would be a bianchi 29er hard tail - but this is not really a choice you would make with unlimited funds.

Anyone with any ideas? - dangerous territory though, next thing I will find myself planning how to get one.

StanTheMan's picture

I want to have a Yeti when I grow up. which really..... isnt all that differenet to a Giant.

but then I'm really happy with what I have right now. Perhaps I need spend some time with Minter & Chitts to get really educated. But I'm really happy with what I have right now.

are you holding your breath?

It started out as a Anthem X3 because that what I started with.....now its still an Anthem X1...... but its got all the good bits on it.

To me its the bike you enjoy. Its fast. Its rock solid. OK IF I BOUGH IT IN ITS CURRENT SPEC.....may be 3.5 - 4K ?

The onlything I sometimes think about now is putting a 120mm fork on it to gain some speed down hill.

is it so wrong to vbe really happy with your avareage Giant bike?

ido09s's picture

I built what i thought was my dream bike a few years ago

A Yeti Big Top with all the bling. Full XX, RLC Float 100mm forks, customs built TWE tubeless wheels, Thompson everything else, and you know what, i hate riding the thing because it cost me so friggin much to build.

Now i think i would be happy with a run of the mill build SB66 or SB95. No flash drivetrain that costs a bomb to replace and wears out like nobodies business. All the bling in the world isnt going to make ME faster as my ability or current fitness level simply wont allow, it just makes your pocket lighter if you ask me

Buck's picture

I think if I had to have one bike it'd be an AM bike.
Something along the lines of:
Santa Cruz Nomad Carbon
Fox 36 160mm
Easton Haven Carbon wheels
XTR drivetrain and brakes
Thomson control gear

BT's picture

If one bike only it would have to be a Blur LTc. I need as close to a "do-it-all" bike as I can get, although I haven't raced in ages, so maybe a Nomad carbon like the one above would be more appropriate. One of the two anyway. Smiling

cryline's picture

Dream bike would be a Trek Fuel EX9.8
Fast, light and can handle the rough stuff. Also not rediculously expensive/unique that its expensive to maintain and repair.

Drool....

Dicko's picture

Titanium Yeti 575 - something like this

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/04/01/worlds-first...

Full xtr build
Enve carbon wheels
Brushed titanium finish

This would go close to the do anything bike - for me anyway.

Cotic Tony's picture

Sorry Dicko I know where you're coming from but I honestly believe that you're wrong.
The main reason for Titanium being such a fab bike frame material is that it has a has a great resistance to metal fatigue and its strength to weight ratio is good so a light but slightly flexible frame can be made that feels springy but doesn't fatigue & crack.
It is also pretty inert which means that it is resistant to corrosion etc but hard to weld.

A full suspension frame needs by necessity to be rigid allowing the shock & fork to soak up the bumps so by making a full suspension frame out of Titanium you are either wasting Titanium's main asset or making a slightly flexible frame.

OK, It shouldn't rust or corrode & will look great & last but I still think that a Ti hard tail makes far more sense.

http://www.pipedreamcycles.com/product/skookum-2...

crank's picture

While I feel bad recommending anything to do with the 575, Kent Erikson makes a titanium frame with teh Yeti rear end.

http://kenteriksen.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/

crank's picture

double post, sorry

c3024446's picture

Frame Santa Cruz Tallboy, Large Frame
Fork 2013 Lefty XLR Carbon, 29er, 100mm Travel
Wheels Mavic Crossmax SLR 29er Lefty
Crankset SRAM XX1 w/ 34T Rotor Q-ring
Cassette SRAM XX1 10-42
FD N/A
RD SRAM XX1
Chain SRAM XX1
Shifters SRAM XX1
Brakes Magura MT8
Tyres Racing Ralph Snakeskin Rear/ Rocket Ron 2.25 Front TR
SeatPost Thomson Masterpiece
Seat Selle Italia SLR Flow
Bar Ritchey Superlogic Carbon 2X
Stem Thomson X4 100mm
Grips Ritchey WCS Ergo Foam
Cables SRAM XX1
Sealant Stans
Seatpost Clamp KCNC
Skewer KCNC Z6
Headset Chris King
Tubes N/A
Pedals Time Atac XS Titanium

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