Which bike to replace a Patrol

Just got some potential terminal news on a 2016 Patrol. It was my sporty send-able bruiser, but did feel just a little short in the reach on a size large. It occupied the stable alongside a Spur that covers more rolling and Backcountry pursuits.

So this new sled will be handling a mix of steep chunk and roots, flowy blue jump lines, and bike park. Blown out dusty Whistler bike park. But no huge drops or pro lines, etc.

Bike should meet two Competing goals: 1) Be different enough from the downcountry bike to take advantage of a two-bike stable. 2) Prioritize poppy fun with a side of monster truck. Priority for Transition as I may be looking at a crash credit.

Candidates are Transition Spire vs Sentinel vs Patrol, Pivot Firebird vs Mach6, Evil Wreckoning vs Insurgent

Spire: Slack AF. Too slack? Heavy ish at 33lbs. Worried this might qualify as 'overbike'
Wreckoning: Less slack. More $. Shorter WB and CS. Snappier than the Spire?
Patrol, Insurgent Mullet...hmph. Seems like extra trouble but maybe?
Firebird and Mach6: Least progressive geo. Colors not as cool. More $.

Rider is 6'2 #200 with gorilla arms

Analysis paralysis

Get the red one.

I love my Spire, but I’ll probably switch to a coil when the shock needs a rebuild.

Think of being overbiked,as insurance.

Only time I’ve seriously hurt myself, I was at Demo and got impatient. All the big bikes were out, so I took too small of an XC bike into the park and went over the bars.


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Originally Posted by Huskydoc

Spire: Slack AF. Too slack? Heavy ish at 33lbs. Worried this might qualify as 'overbike'

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33 lbs is light these days. No longer travel bike is going to be lighter than that, especially once you put real tires on it. DH tires + coil = 35 lbs minimum, unless you want to just throw money at grams.

That aside, you gotta decide on a wheelsize. Poppy fun = 27.5. Monster truck = 29. Mullet might suit you, but it'll limit your options.

I'd probably just go spire and be done with it. It pedals fine, it'll hold up to bike park abuse, it'll work with coil or air, and it's not too heavy.

Watch out for modern Pivot and Evil as they are super boost. Love my offering V1 as it’s boost.


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Originally Posted by SkiLyft

Watch out for modern Pivot and Evil as they are super boost. Love my offering V1 as it’s boost.


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Why no super?

Because it’s a stupid size that isn’t mainstream


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Just depends what you like...Spire would be great but I find that Transitions are a little slacker that my personal preference. Well my only data point is a demo of the Sentinel. I'm really enjoying my Rocky Mountain Altitude. Geo is a nice combo of monster truck + playful. And super adjustable. I think last years models are on sale...which makes them about normal pricing for the usual brands. The builds are weirdly spec'd tho.

I ride the same places as you, it was great at Whistler, Snoq's new bike park, Squamish trails. Handles I-90 perfectly.

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Originally Posted by SkiLyft

Because it’s a stupid size that isn’t mainstream


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This ^^^

When Specialized, Cannondale, and Trek are better about standards you've gone way too far Pivot.

Counterpoint, Super Boost is the better standard that actually makes sense and is backwards compatible, but Specialized, Cannondale, and Trek glommed on to Boost and we’re stuck with it.

Having said that, Boost is the industry standard so clinging to Super Boost on trail bikes doesn’t make a lot of sense, it’s more difficult to find parts, and it's probably going away soon.

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Originally Posted by Mustonen

Why no super?

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It's not just a stupid size that isn't mainstream. It's a stupid size that didn't catch on. And now there's a small handful of companies that are still using it because they paid a shitload of money for carbon molds built around that stupid size, so they kinda have to keep using it. But I bet at least some of those companies will ditch superboost at the first opportunity because they see the writing on the wall. Especially since sram just released a fancy new drivetrain with the stated intention of making superboost pointless.

I bet in 2-3 years, trying to sell a used superboost bike will be like trying to sell a bike with 26" wheels. OK, maybe not quite that bad, but same idea; trying to unload a bike with a dead standard is hard.

At your height, no reason not to go with a full 29 unless you're really wanting a long travel play bike.

That said, if you really like 27.5 for some reason, consider looking for a clearance or used Nomad 5 frame. That would definitely be a spiritual successor to your current Patrol.

If you do want a mullet despite your height, one thing I've noticed is mullets with short chainstays (low 430s) corner funny. The rear wheel really cuts a tighter radius than the front. That can be good for some people, annoying to others. Mullets with longer chainstays (440) handle a lot more balanced, like a full 29. The new Patrol has shorter chainstays, the new Nomad 6 has longer.

I am just under 6'2" and have a large Spire. Great bike so far, but definitely not super "playful" with the relatively long chainstays and wheelbase, and slack headtube angle. That said, I don't mind riding it on mellower trails or non-tech, jumpy trails. But it shines more on steeper and rockier stuff. I've been running it 180 up front and sometimes 180 back with the CC link. But I am going to try going back to stock link and 170 fork to see if its a bit snappier and quicker. I didn't want to go XL with the super long wheelbase, and am happy on the large. But it does feel short in the cockpit when pedaling, although fairly easy to get used to.

Sentinel is probably more playful than the spire due to the shorter wheelbase. I’m just a little taller than you and on a v1 xl that I hold back, could let you take it for a spin.

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Originally Posted by carlh

Sentinel is probably more playful than the spire due to the shorter wheelbase. I’m just a little taller than you and on a v1 xl that I hold back, could let you take it for a spin.

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That's a mighty generous offer! Demoing a spire in Bham this w/e if it doesn't click lll hit you up

Spire

Get a Spire

I think I need a Spur to go with my Spire.

God, the Spur is so fun. Gets more nimble the faster you push it.


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Fuel EX!

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Originally Posted by thefortrees

Fuel EX!

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It’s a nice bike , but the Slash would be a lot closer to what he needs.


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