[R332]

I am in the market for a trail bike to compliment my light weight 120mm XC bike but I want a bigger bike that still climbs well. This 'trail' bike will still be pedaled to the top of every climb and spend lots of time on XC trails so a stable climbing platform and poppy/responsive dynamics are important to me.

Any feedback on which bikes I should be looking at? Here are a few I am considering:

Santa Cruz Hightower or Megatower
S Works Stumpjumper or Stumpjumper Evo
Trek Slash 9.9 (probably too big)
Norco Optic C (probably too small)

 

[d365]

Ibis Ripmo should be on the list.

 

[jay_paradox]

Pivot Switchblade


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[spaightlabs]

Some of the new long-travel e-bikes make short work of the climbs and you are still sort of pedaling.

 

[R332]

Some of the new long-travel e-bikes make short work of the climbs and you are still sort of pedaling.

I am still 10+ years and 20lbs away from owning an e-bike

 

[Crockpot2001]

I'm coming off of a few Tallboys, Tallboy longtravel, Specialized Camber, Hightower, and now the new SJ EVO. The SJ EVO may be the best of them all. Small bump compliance may not be as good as the Santa Cruz bikes but overall, it pedals better and feels like a much more XC type bike that eat rocks and drops for dinner

 

[GKelley]

I'm liking my Fezzari Cascade Peak. I don't feel like I lose anything on the climbs.

 

[Halfabrain]

Here's my short list looking for new/old bike/build with similar:

• Devinci Troy
• Evil Offering
• Transition Sentinel
• SCOR 4060
• Pivot Switchblade

 

[Taroroot]

I like my Yeti SB140

 

[dysfunction]

It's amazing how well some of the long travel bikes pedal and climb these days. I've been really impressed with my lithium (short shocked, so running 150mm rear train that regard. With that said, does it climb like a 120mm bike? No, and I wouldn't expect it to do so. But I've been really impressed with CBF as a suspension platform.

 

[norcalbike]

Ripmo my guy

 

[plummet]

I've said it many times before. Invest in light wheels that dont compromise performance. That is half your battle with bigger travel bikes. Heavier wheels make them a drag..... lighten the wheels/tyre combo and hey presto....

 

[MyDadSucks]

Megatower climbs like poop.

2021 Stumpjumper is an absolute trail bike weapon. Pair with lightweight wheels and you will have no issues climbing whatever you want to, while still being able to descend some gnar.

Also Banshee Prime v3 climbs excellent for a mid travel 29er. Long chainstays = speed and balance.

ripmo is kind of meh ime.

 

[Arnaldo]

Orbea Occam with the Fox 36 fork upgrade. I was previously on a Pivot Mach 429 Trail and a Yeti SB130. The Occam has the right amount of plushness without making trail features feel too muted. Fun to ride and climbs like a goat.

 

[vikb]

Any feedback on which bikes I should be looking at?

GG Smash. I've done all day alpine rides with huge elevation and shredded BC black diamond trails without any changes. Climbs great and can be poppy if you choose to set the suspension up that way.

 

[tstinchy]

Ripmo

 

[goldsbar]

The Slash climbs well. The tires it comes with are very friendly for XC style rides. This is coming from someone that owns a Top Fuel as well.

 

[atsouza]

My vote goes to Mondraker Foxy 29.

 

[Cdal1770]

A great question!

I strongly recommend a Spot. I own a Spot Rollik (27.5) 150mm/160mm and it's an excellent climber. You can go with a Spot Mayhem 150, the 29er sibling to the, unfortunately, D/C'ed Rollik. I'd also recommend the Esker Elkat 27.5 150/160. It has a sturdier - and hence, heavier - frame, but it can climb almost just as well.

 

[KRob]

So many good bikes in this category it’ll be hard to go wrong. My top three (or six):

Ibis Ripmo
Fezzari Delano Peak or La Sal Peak
Evil Offering
GG Smash
Knolly Fugitive 138
Specialized Stumpjumper
Orbea Occam


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