Putting money to one side and assuming XTR kit on both bikes which one should I buy for the Welsh trail centers/Brecon Beacons etc? Appreciate any advice and reasons why - handling, weight, response etc. Thanks Clive
I've not ridden either but I did have a good look over the Blur at the World Cup and it's a lot lighter than I was expecting, a damn nice bike. The guys at the Alpine Bikes stand had 2 Ibis frames there, for pimp value there's not much out there that would top it. It's got the DW link so it'll work well. Personally I'd go for the Ibis as I like the way the DW link bikes ride.
A test ride's the only way to know which suits you. No matter which you go for you'll have one helluva bike.
Can't remember where at the minute but I'm sure I read summat about some bit of the Ibis frame failing during a test or overseas endurance race - might have been Chipps in Singletrack. Anyone remember it?
Chipps Ibis failed at the lower linkage. Doesn't happen often but has happened to a few.
I've also ridden both and my money goes to the Santa Cruz. In my mind for slightly burlier riding it give you more confidence, handles better and feels much less wandery.
For the record the Mojo I rode was the WTF build and weighed naff all, pimp points off the chart but I just couldn't open it up and really enjoy it. I also really don't like the DW link system at all. Hard to explain why. Sorry.
The Blur was built up with similar gear to the Ibis, nice and light, plenty stiff enough to be thrown into corners without deflecting (and with my weight that's quite an achievement). I just felt a lot happier on the Blur.
Both bikes did the same route so it was a fair test. Blur just made me happier.
Well if you want a race bike or just to go very, very fast - it'd have to be the Spark. Although you'd get a very good workout on the Blur LT if you wanted to race it
Going back to my comment about not liking the DW link system - the only way I can describe it is wooden. It works, and the suspension does it's thing but to my mind it feels like there's an extra layer of fluff between you and the trail. I'm aware that makes no sense but...
