Looking for a mid travel light enduro/AM (whatever that actually means!) bike ~$2500 thats actually available and kind of narrowed it down to Abajo, Siskiu T8, and Intense 951 Trail. You don't see a lot of reviews for the Abajo and was looking for opinions between those. The things I don't like about the Abajo is the seat is a little further back and these old knees like to be above the pedals, I'm sure the Level brakes would have to go, and not too keen on NX. It does have a nice tire combo and I'm fine with X-Fusion as I've run it before and was happy (actually tried a DPS and went right back to the O2 Pro with the 4 settings). I may ride in Pisgah, Florida, Utah, Colorado all on the bike, not so into parks, more old school backcountry trails. The T8 is SLX, which I really like, entry Fox stuff which is OK, and 4 piston brakes. The biggest downside is I have dealt with their customer service a couple of months ago on my wifes new bike that arrived damaged, a nightmare. The 951 is carbon but a bit more expensive but have top shelf suspension and brakes, but the tires are unknown and more NX.
Why an Abajo Peak?
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The Abajo has been a great bike for me. Though, as you noted, the brakes were.. not amazing and I swapped them for Shimano SLX. NX drivetrain is perfectly serviceable but I would have greatly preferred GX or SLX and will be swapping out to SLX once things start to break.
I’ve not ridden the other two, so I can’t compare directly, but I can say that customer service has been helpful and quick when I needed help (the bolt that connects the shock and the rear linkage bent). Overall it’s been a dependable bike that I’ve enjoyed. I wish it had the pedaling platform of an Evil or Ibis/Pivot, but it also cost quite a bit less so.. I’m happy with it.
Maybe throw the Ibis Ripmo/Ripley AF on the list as their cheaper offerings may be sufficient for not a ton more, especially if you may upgrade some parts like I ended up doing.
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I’ve been on an Abajo for a year and half now. Here’s my thoughts.
I looked at the same bikes and went with Fezzari because they’re US based. Being able to call them and talk to customer service has been fantastic. From other reviews on the other brands, guys that have had issues with their bikes, can’t get help. I had the same rear shock bolt issue, and they sent me the new upgraded bolt quickly. I believe this issue has been correct since and bikes coming out now, have the better bolt. I also had my freehub start acting up, they sent me a new one very quickly.
When I ordered the bike, I paid for Guide 4 pots and never even messed with the Levels. It was $140 at the time, and I didn’t have install them. Well worth the money. I’m not sure if they’re still doing upgrades upon order because of the supply issues, but for sure ask. For 90% of my riding they’re great brakes, the 10% steep techy stuff, I need more rotor.
I have upgraded the wheel to a custom set since purchase. The OEM one were on par for a factory $2500 bike but weren’t strong enough for me. (230ish pounds and riding in AZ) I would say, plan on having the wheels looked over before riding, and again afterthe first few rides, no matter what brand you go with.
Overall the bike has been fantastic. I though that I would upgrade the drivetrain and suspension, but I see no need. Neither of those items are holding me back from anything I want to ride. Lastly, the 23 point custom fit, was spot on. This was my first FS bike and I put it together and rode it. I’ve not had to make any fit adjustments since getting it.
I looked at the same bikes and went with Fezzari because they’re US based. Being able to call them and talk to customer service has been fantastic. From other reviews on the other brands, guys that have had issues with their bikes, can’t get help. I had the same rear shock bolt issue, and they sent me the new upgraded bolt quickly. I believe this issue has been correct since and bikes coming out now, have the better bolt. I also had my freehub start acting up, they sent me a new one very quickly.
When I ordered the bike, I paid for Guide 4 pots and never even messed with the Levels. It was $140 at the time, and I didn’t have install them. Well worth the money. I’m not sure if they’re still doing upgrades upon order because of the supply issues, but for sure ask. For 90% of my riding they’re great brakes, the 10% steep techy stuff, I need more rotor.
I have upgraded the wheel to a custom set since purchase. The OEM one were on par for a factory $2500 bike but weren’t strong enough for me. (230ish pounds and riding in AZ) I would say, plan on having the wheels looked over before riding, and again afterthe first few rides, no matter what brand you go with.
Overall the bike has been fantastic. I though that I would upgrade the drivetrain and suspension, but I see no need. Neither of those items are holding me back from anything I want to ride. Lastly, the 23 point custom fit, was spot on. This was my first FS bike and I put it together and rode it. I’ve not had to make any fit adjustments since getting it.
Glad you're loving your bike. I ended up with the 951 and pretty happy with it. The suspension is a bit finicky, but I think I finally have it, and honestly I think part of the problem I was having (after switching back to my old bike for a ride) with it is I am going a lot faster than I was before. I could do with a slightly steeper seat angle I think, 75 isn't super modern, but I love everything else about the bike. I had a set of Hope/Stans wheels and tossed those on there of course, and I am a bit Shimano biased so I a added SLX everything, but now realize I shouldn't have worried and went with the NX until it broke as there is no real difference.
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