Re:
Ok, so after this mornings ride on one Scott,
InstagramCapture_8aa8a7ef-d1f9-4e9d-aa98-926d72303008 by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
I tried out the titled one this afternoon.
So here it is,
WP_20170429_15_53_08_Selfie(1) by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Assembled with around 30 other riders, we rode up the first long, draggy climb. Despite the bulky look, this bike felt really light, especially at the front.
Had to resist the urge to change gear at the front, despite the temptation!
WP_20170429_15_53_36_Pro by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
The levers are actually fork lock out levers!
Generally, you felt like you could get away with riding anywhere, so much suspension and grip. I went off piste on one occasion, to see how it coped on rough ground. Just ate it up!
The pace was generally slow, so I was riding with the leader for most of the ride, Until a demo e-bike came past on a long climb. Expecting this, I latched onto the wheel, and held it all the way up. Hoping to get past near the top, I pulled alongside but ran out of puff. I did beat three other e-bikes up there though, so was pleased with that! Not trying to show off, just wanted to get a feel of what it would feel like to race it.
The long descent was fun, loose gravel, fast, not technical, but I did run out of gears. Didn't look to see what the gearing was, but this is it!
WP_20170429_15_53_59_Pro by
Mike Murray, on Flickr
Overall, I liked it, light at the front end, loads of grip, plush suspension too. With a longer stem and narrower bars, it would feel great, I think. Also, with the option of narrow tyres/wheels for racing, maybe.
Oh, and lose the dropper post that I never activated!
I don't have, or could justify, £2.3k on one, though. Nice to get a feel of what modern bikes are about nevertheless.
Mike