You are reading a single comment by @Alkali and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@Alkali
I'm not sure of the pricing on the santa cruz, generally they seem expensive. I'd be happy ragging about on a 130mm FS so long as it has a fairly slack geo that gives the feeling of go-anywhere-ability, that's worth a lot more than just long travel IMO (he says, riding a 150mm badboy). I think companies are finally catching onto the fact that riders value fun and confidence-inspiring bikes rather than just bunging a set of 36s up front and hoping you've got the legs and balls to match.
Here's a 120mm from Merida, that's not very cool or desirable, but it looks like the higher end models are a decent spec, well priced and described as 'trail bikes' so slacker and more capable than xc but still quick and nimble. Top of the range one only has 32mm forks, maybe something with more beef is better.
This review says it's ok, which is a good thing, as it was the basic model that was tested.
http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/review-merida-one-twenty-7-500-49474/