Mountain Biking - Wanting to build a trail bike; Which one?

Azonic Sabre

Cannondale Jekyll (prefered)

Turner 5Spot

Mountain cycles San antonio or something?

which one is good for climbing, descending, ride all day comfort?

Azonic Sabre

Cannondale Jekyll (prefered)

Turner 5Spot

Mountain cycles San antonio or something?

which one is good for climbing, descending, ride all day comfort?


Check out Transition Bikes. They are a local company out of Seattle and offer a nice linuep. Either the Preston or the Preston FR will suit your needs. The prices are also very reasonable and they offer package deals with forks. I would suggest out of the two the Preston fr because it comes with a romic shock and If you watch the demo video of it on the website you can see that its very downhill friendly yet can be pedaled uphill at the same time. Ive ridden the trail in the video and let me tell you its no easy climb. Also check out nsmb.com for a recent review of a preston fr.

http://www.transitionbikes.com/PrestonFR.cfm

http://www.nsmb.com/gear/transition_review_04_04.php


Out of the ones you mentioned, if you have the money, go with the turner without thinking twice about it. Its more all mountain friendly than the saber yet more downhill friendly than the jekyll. However, at more than twice the cost of the transition, its something to at least think about if money is an issue, especially since you could get a really nice part spec if you got the cheaper transition and a great frame at the same time.

hope this helps

Turner 5Spot

Gotta go with Ditka, ok, I meant Turner.

Turner 5spot is one of the best handling, most balanced bikes I've ridden. It was one of my top 3 choices when buying my last bike.

L8R

have you thought about the yeti 575? Might be worth looking into.

TimB,

Why do you prefer the Jekyll?

TimB,

Why do you prefer the Jekyll?

light weight and long travel 130mm front and back.
Also it's a simple single pivot and the geometry is adjustable.
However after 5 cannondales, i would like to try something a little different now.


5Spot is top on list but price is bumping it down. This bike essentially has to bare the bruntof my ridign and MTB training for this 8 day stage race in RSA in February next year. Don't want to knacker my Scalpel.

I guess what I'm really after is a long travel XC bike (trail) and not a FR machine. i may have confused the issue by having the Sabre in there.

Just go with the Santa Cruz Heckler......
www.Santacruzbicycles.com

The Jekyll 1000 Will Thrash The Hyde Off Most Other Bikes" - What Mountain Bike

In the latest issue of What Mountain Bike, the Jekyll 1000 was put to the test in their "All-Mountain Bike" grouptest. Here's what they had to say:

"The latest shocks keep it bang on the money"

"Ride how you like, over whatever you like"

"The Cannondale benefits from outstandingly precise tracking stiffness"

"An inspirational trail weapon, up or down hill"

"Cannondale's proudly US manufactured frames always make them a premium product"

"The 130mm travel Lefty fork is a long-term favourite, with tracking accuracy to shame most 'normal' forks, smooth stroking, needle roller slider and limitless mud room"

"XTR rear mech, XT shifters and the tough tubeless rims are real highpoints"

"Manitou's SPV shock has revolutionised the venerable Jekyll to create a true all-rounder. Add one of our favourite forks, good kit, and the Jekyll will thrash the Hyde off most other bikes up, down or along any trail you choose"

"A truly great all-round trail greyhound with unique fork appeal"

Performance 9/10

For the full review be sure to check out the June issue of What Mountain Bike.


The review of the Jekyll in ?MTB (a UK based mag) is moving me closer to one of these. Plus I rode one last night. Heck is't nice. feels like a XC bike. Nimble fast and about 1kg lighter than a Sabre.......

another one not on your list. Have you taken a look at the kona dawg line. You can purchase the kona dawg primo frame for around a grand if you wanna build it up.

don't get a bike because of a bike mag review, go with the rider review check mtbr and read what they have to say