New bike time Not sure what my exact budget is yet but thinking these are around the sweet spot:

Code: Select all

                        NZ$ (inc shipping)   Fork
Canyon Spectral AL 7.0  4500                 Pike RC
Canyon Spectral AL 6.0  4250                 Pike RC
YT Jeffsy AL 29         4000                 Fox 34 float rhythm
YT Jeffsy AL 29 Comp    4800                 Pike RC

https://www.canyon.com/en-nz/mtb/spectr ... l-7-0.html
https://nz.yt-industries.com/detail/ind ... tegory/512

Currently thinking Canyon Spectral AL 7.0, looks a bit weird with old skool '2 by' but I think that might suit my needs a bit better, has wheel upgrade too, the AL 6.0 has Eagle 1*12.
Never thought I would say this but after reading the Jeffsy reviews I'm wondering whether the 29er is the pick (also available in 27.5). Runs E*13 cassette 11 speed 9-46 - 9T looks a bit crazy!
Would like to support my LBS but nothing I've seen comes close to these bikes and I do all my mechanic'ing myself.

There is a jeffsy just advertised 2nd hand on NZ Mtb Sales on farcebook.

Two points to make:

-YT support in NZ is top notch thanks to DayZero. I've heard multiple reports of people singing their praises, including some who are very hard to please.

-The e13 cassette isn't perfect if you're a spinner with its quite wide gear steps, however the Shimano/e13 drivetrain is a damn sight better performer overall than eagle. Putting a shimano cassette on the jeffsy once the e13 wears out will cost you an extra $99 for the driver.

No experience with Canyon unfortunately.

Tks for comments, YT pre-sales support was very good, but pushed the button on a Canyon Spectral 7.0 in the end, sounded like it would handle rougher tracks a bit better than a Jeffsy. Due early June...

Nice. That's quite a wait though! I have my eye on the 8.0 for later this year.

Surprised to see how much much the traditional brands have come down in price, have you had a look at Trek Remedy 7, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp, Giant Trance 2, all those bikes you could ride before pulling the trigger?

michael wrote:Surprised to see how much much the traditional brands have come down in price, have you had a look at Trek Remedy 7, Specialized Stumpjumper Comp, Giant Trance 2, all those bikes you could ride before pulling the trigger?

Yes test ride before buy normally a good idea, but personally I've found it can actually confuse the decision (my own bike can feel different on the same track on a different day!).
There's a 30 day exchange in case it doesn't fit etc.
Had a look at all those bikes that you mentioned but they didn't excite me like the Canyon so decided to take the risk!

I could have got one shipped straight away but chose to wait for the specific model and colour I wanted, I've waited 6 years for an upgrade what's another few weeks...

purdy

Awesome. How is it?

Absolutely loving it, in spite of not having dry tracks to ride on in first week of ownership. The front end (Pike) felt harsh initially but I'm getting it dialled in a bit better with each ride.
Didn't realise how much geometry has changed since my last bike (2011) and how much effect it has on the ride. And everything feels so smooth. It's not allowed in the lounge any more though now it's all mucked up...