All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

1. Makes the most sense $$$ wise. But is the least fun.
2. Most bestest choice.
3 Good choice, as long as it involves bzzzzzzzzz. But is there honestly another hardtail out there that interests you enough to warrant dumping the fun machine?

 

I have been contemplating this as well I love my stache but I’m wondering if a semi aggressive titanium or steel hard tail with like 2.5” tires and a 120mm fork would be a fun replacement

I’d say no if you’re talking a straight up XC hardtail

 

Considering Ive been looking at a new wheelset for it anyways, option 2 is most likely. I've got a while since I just dropped some new WTB rangers on it anyways. Will at least get me through next season.

Option 3: Thats the thing, theres a few other hardtails I'd love to have, but they are rowdy British steel frames that have geo numbers at or exceeding my Sentinel in the long, low, and slack dept. Pipedream Moxie comes to mind. Fun bike in the quiver sure, but doesn't diversify the portfolio. rowdy XC Stache + sentinel is a great pair to cover the range.

 

Aint nobody got time for that

Something like the Cotic bFe MAX is what I'd go for.

 

That would be a solid choice

 

Steve of "Hardtail Party" is an acquaintance of mine. I've been bending his ear a little bit on a possible replacement option.

 

Sub

 

Not too familiar with the brand but why the bFe MAX vs SolarisMAX which seems more in line with the Stache? Seems the bFe is also in the big bike territory like the Sentinel.

 

Yeah, not too many COTICs this side of the pond. I was just throwing out an example to be honest. The Solaris does seem to align a little better with the Stache, and the frame is bigger for larger bikepack bags. The bFe is more of an shredder hardtail which is what I would mainly use it for and the better standover height is something I always appreciate.

I'd prob go with the Solaris the more I think about it.

 

Now I'm looking at steel 29er hardtails....thanks

 

I think you may be getting a little ahead of yourself on this one, but here ya go:

1. WTB Ranger+ 29x3 tires roll much faster and are much lighter than the Surly Dirt Wizards. In fact, I personally think the WTB's are Best-in-Class.
2. What wheels do you have, and what makes you think they won't properly handle 2.8's?
3. "regular" is lame. I have one of each and never touch the standard 29er any more. 29+ is simply glorious.

But, if you insist on being silly, then I highly recommend going the Vassago route. They're located just south of you in AZ and their frames are next level amazing -- especially their Radimus Ti. They also handle 2.8's and 120mm forks without any problem whatsoever.

 

1. I agree on WTBs , thats why I dont like option 1 and would rather go to a dif rim size to fit 2.6 to 2.8 rubber. If 3.0s go away, I suspect 2.8s will be not far behind
2. I'm on Duroc 50s now which are great for 3.0 and pretty decent on 2.8. Much too wide for 2.6 though.
3. Agreed, but if you cant find tires you like anymore then whats the point? See also: Why I dont have a 26er DH bike any more

 

Anyone ever ran a WTB Vigilante? I have a Trail Boss on the rear with a front Minion, but want them matching somewhat. I’ve always ran Maxxis, but wanting to switch it up a bit.

 

That’s pretty sweet! He definitely knows what he’s talking about when it comes to hard tails

 

Made this rack...

 

Dude's a ninja riding them too. One of the techy obstacles on Gooseberry mesa we mortals struggled with, he rode down while doing a backwards nose manual like so.

 

If you like the Stache id keep it. Still going to be 29+ options. Can always get another set of Trek 29+ tires.

I run 2.6's on my Chameleon and its a nice middle ground imo.

 

Damn, I can barely do a regular manual haha

 

Capra sold and I did a thing. Local deal.

It’s a 2020 x01