What to build next?

[Carbon_Dude]

Okay guys, looks like I've got my IP/CS-057 sold.  The buyer has committed to buying it but only after I install my GX drivetrain from my Trek Stache.  I'm happy to change out the parts and sell the bike a little cheaper since it will be an upgrade to the Trek.  One minor bump in the road is the Stache has Boost spacing on the chainring (+3mm offset) while the -057 has the standard zero offset.  Not a big deal, I just ordered two chainrings to make the swap and have the correct chain lines.

Once I get everything changed over I have a new problem to solve, what to do next?

I'm looking at either building a 27.5+ full suspension bike using the XMCarbonSpeed CS-M04 http://xmcarbonspeed.com/Productinfo.asp?f=1438




Or go off-the-shelf again and buy a Specialized Stumpjumper 6Fattie https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/trail/stumpjumper-fsr-comp-6fattie/107081



If I go with the Specialized bike, I think I will be ban from Chinertown as I will no longer own any Chinese carbon whatsoever!  Bummer.

Pretty much no carbon of any kind at that point.  However, I've learned that a carbon frame is getting to be less important with plus tires as the extra air volume smooths out the ride more than the frame material ever did.

[groussere]

Carbon Dude, you will definitely have to change your screen name since you won't own any carbon bikes any more!

Weird, but I have the new Trek Stache too and I love it! I can basically ride anything here in Cali, but once in a while my body wants a full suspension on the bumpy stuff. I rode a Spec 6fattie (carbon) and loved it, but I can't afford 4K or whatever it costs. The aluminum version of that bike makes lots of sense.

You definitely should build up that new XM Carbonspeed 27.5+ frame, so we can all see how you build it up. I would be really interested in a 29+ full suspension, but have only seen 2 (Lenz and Lamere) anywhere. I was wondering if there's a Chinese version of that Lamere frame that could be built up as a 29+ FS.

Good luck whatever you choose, and thanks for keeping us updated.

[Carbon_Dude]

Yes, the Lamere Cycles 29+ frame really seems like a Fatbike frame they just put 29+ wheels on.  With 177mm rear axle spacing and the wider crank, it just doesn't fit the bill for what I'm looking for.  I'd prefer something like my Stache but with rear suspension.

Maybe I should just wait 12 months and see what's available then.  In the meantime, I will at least get a demo ride of the Specialized SJ+ bike.

[325racer]

Take a closer look at the cs-001, it's  a fatty, but the geometry looks the closest to the main stream plus full suspension bikes.  Hightower, Pipeline, ellsworth Epiphany + ( which my father is demoing this weekend).

If we go the China carbon route for him, it will be theasier CS-001 frame, built as a 27.5+.

[carbonazza]

Since you are changing a lot, why not build a gravel?
I'm waiting for Peter, who teased me with an upcoming model.

[Carbon_Dude]

Since you are changing a lot, why not build a gravel?
I'm waiting for Peter, who teased me with an upcoming model.

Changing bikes but not changing venues.  I prefer our dedicated mountain bike trails that are away from cars and in the shade of the woods.  There are so many great trails in North GA, I have plenty of off road trails to choose from.

[SportingGoods]

The only downside of the Spe 6Fattie is the weight. For the same cost, you can build a bike that will be at least 1 kg lighter, maybe 2 kg.
The big downside of the CS-M04 is the short travel. Only 100 mm in the rear and 120 mm Fork. Massive difference with the Stumpjumper.

I'd say, go with the Specialized if you need the longer travel. If not, you will benefit from a light bike.

I'm also on the market for my new frame (and will convert my current hardtail into a disk road bike). I don't need 140 mm long travel. It will be either the CS-496 (still a hardtail but proper Plus size, with Boost axle, nice geometry) or the 100 mm travel CS-M04. Both would work for me. I'm tempted to go Full-Sus but it's more expensive and 1kg heavier. Still very tempted...

My real concern with either bike is that none seem to be compatible with double-ring. Even a SRAM 10-42 is not good enough for me (a mix of stupid climb and fast descent). Eagle is the solution but... that's expensive!

EDIT: it looks like the Stumpjumper FSR Comp 6Fattie is 30.8 pounds. You will definitely get a 2 kg lighter bike with the CS-M04 and the same budget (I'd say 2.5 kg lighter is doable - still with same budget as the 6Fattie).

[Carbon_Dude]

If I were to build the CS-M04 with all high end components (SRAM Eagle 1x12), I'm looking at around $4,600-$5,000 USD.  If I go with a GX drivetrain I can drop the cost down to $3,500 which would be very close to the Specialized cost.  After riding the Trek Stache I'm less concerned about weight.  I would agree that a carbon 27.5+ build should come in around 28 lbs vs ~30 lbs for an aluminum framed plus bike.  It's more work to have the bike weigh a few extra pounds but so far my times are faster on the heavier Stache.

My biggest concern with going carbon is trying to determine if I will like the way the CS-M04 will ride.  I need to start looking at the geometry and compare the Chinese frames to some of the branded plus bikes.

[Carbon_Dude]

I found a company in Italy that is selling a complete 27.5+ bike using what appears to be the CS-M04 frame that Peter sells.



The pictures look much better on the Olympia website. http://www.olympiacicli.it/en/models-2016/full-suspended/27-5--plus/bullet

I found the bike on Youtube, it also looks good in the video,  here is the link: 

The price in the video shows 4,260 euro, or about $4,750 USD, it looks like they only sell mostly only in Europe.  I'm sure I could do their GX build for around $3,500 USD with CarbonSpeed wheels.

[325racer]

Soooo, as mentioned previously I've been helping my father find a new bike.  I was pushing him towards 27.5+, he finally demoed an Ellsworth Epiphany + Alloy (carbon is different geometry all together).  He really liked the tires, but kept coming back to liking my Santa Cruz Tall boy LT, so after a ride yesterday morning we went to look at the Santa Cruz Hightower.

Well, within 50 feet in the parking lot it was decided that was the bike.  They were doing 20% off, so the Hightower C, was $3600 instead of $4600.  He ended up with an XL, vs large which I would have thought.

[Carbon_Dude]

Interesting, I rode the SC Hightower and just wasn't very impressed with it after riding the Trek Stache.  Maybe I will need to give it another try.  Some of the things I like about the Hightower are the SRAM drivetrain, Shimano brakes, BSA bottom bracket, stiff rear triangle.

I was told that SC will be coming out with a 27+ Tallboy C, that might be more in my price range instead of the CC.

[325racer]

What did you not like about the Hightower?  We felt that it had great fit, rode over stuff like a freight train.  Pedals well, nice and plush and with 150/135 travel and 27.5+ tires can go over anything...

[325racer]

I also rode the Rocky Mtn Pipeline, and really liked it also.  To me, very similar ride to the Hightower.





These were the two bikes I was trying to find a Chiner to match up to.

Problem is both of these are 150F/135r and 150F/130R, with 67deg head angles, Boost, etc.  Very hard to find something similar in Chiner options.

[Carbon_Dude]

During the demo ride, the Stache was so much fun that it just eclipsed my demo ride of the Hightower.  I do like suspension design of the SC bikes, being one piece, that rear triangle is very stiff.  If I can find one in that $3,600 price range I may consider it.

[bxcc]

During the demo ride, the Stache was so much fun that it just eclipsed my demo ride of the Hightower.  I do like suspension design of the SC bikes, being one piece, that rear triangle is very stiff.  If I can find one in that $3,600 price range I may consider it.

I am currently building a Tallboy 3 for my wife in the 29" flavor. I bought the frame and will build it from the frame up. It will come in more than $3,600 but it won't even be close to the $6,500 list price. Once it's done, I'm going to throw my 27.5 wheels with 35mm rims on it with some nice plus tires and see how she likes it. Hopefully she prefers the 29er version for summer use as she won't want to pay for another wheelset.....