Own Apache 6.0
I'm loving the new Apache 6.0. I've made a few component swaps and I had to go with flat bars, but the bike is very responsive and soaks up everything (mainly xc riding/racing here). The pro's is a long list; the biggest being climbing ability, smooth ride, holds a line great, good component selection, good geometry.
The con's is a short list. Until tonight, I'd say it's heavy if you want to race it. Mine is a size large and I've got it at 24.8 lbs with pedals. The ONE new thing I discovered tonight was a little bit of brake-jacking on a very fast, screwed-up descent with some heavy breaking (by screwed-up I mean a heavy storm messed the trail up with wash-outs, downed trees (6"-12" diameter that you just had to time and clear because I couldn't scrub speed fast enough) and debris everywhere). The feeling of kickback on the pedals was a new thing from the Apache that I had never felt before (and didn't the rest of the ride). The suspension was working doubletime! But, this was one hell of a descent that I didn't scope-out beforehand, and after getting down it, I probably shouldn't have taken it in the first place. If I was on a hardtail, I don't think I'd be here right now (seriously). So, I guess I found the suspension's limits.
I wouldn't hesitate to get one if I were you!
I'm loving the new Apache 6.0. I've made a few component swaps and I had to go with flat bars, but the bike is very responsive and soaks up everything (mainly xc riding/racing here). The pro's is a long list; the biggest being climbing ability, smooth ride, holds a line great, good component selection, good geometry.
The con's is a short list. Until tonight, I'd say it's heavy if you want to race it. Mine is a size large and I've got it at 24.8 lbs with pedals. The ONE new thing I discovered tonight was a little bit of brake-jacking on a very fast, screwed-up descent with some heavy breaking (by screwed-up I mean a heavy storm messed the trail up with wash-outs, downed trees (6"-12" diameter that you just had to time and clear because I couldn't scrub speed fast enough) and debris everywhere). The feeling of kickback on the pedals was a new thing from the Apache that I had never felt before (and didn't the rest of the ride). The suspension was working doubletime! But, this was one hell of a descent that I didn't scope-out beforehand, and after getting down it, I probably shouldn't have taken it in the first place. If I was on a hardtail, I don't think I'd be here right now (seriously). So, I guess I found the suspension's limits.
I wouldn't hesitate to get one if I were you!