I talked my brother into buying a new 2018 Django 27.5 Carbon from Evo, it was steeply discounted (3k for a 6k build), arrived ready to assemble, thirty minutes and he was rolling. He had some surgery so it's been sitting, but I took it for a couple spins:
Very lightweight, stiff frame, efficient climber, took hits well, better climber and more agile than my Signal Peak. No real downsides that I could find, though the fork is not plus so I don't think a tire larger than 2.5 would fit; the rear triangle looks big enough for 2.6, 2.8.
Compared to a Hendrix, it feels lighter, quicker, and stiffer.
Compared to an Atlas, it feels similar, better trail geo so more agile and stable at speed, just as good or better for climbing efficiency.
I have not ridden the new Ripley, though the reviews are glowing (aren't they always?).
Which is better? Well, it just depends on what you want and how you ride.
The Django on sale is a good buy, but at full price I'd pass.
Very lightweight, stiff frame, efficient climber, took hits well, better climber and more agile than my Signal Peak. No real downsides that I could find, though the fork is not plus so I don't think a tire larger than 2.5 would fit; the rear triangle looks big enough for 2.6, 2.8.
Compared to a Hendrix, it feels lighter, quicker, and stiffer.
Compared to an Atlas, it feels similar, better trail geo so more agile and stable at speed, just as good or better for climbing efficiency.
I have not ridden the new Ripley, though the reviews are glowing (aren't they always?).
Which is better? Well, it just depends on what you want and how you ride.
The Django on sale is a good buy, but at full price I'd pass.