Other than the 29+ wheel set the thing that really sets the Stache apart is it’s incredibly short chainstay at just 420mm. The 5 has a steeper head tube angle at 70.3 degrees than its front shock brothers (they run at 68.4 degrees). I test rode a 17.5 frame size/18.5 bike (you’ll see when you see the sticker on the seat tube). The bike sizing has an actual and “trek” sizing. Ride Ride Ride some more than you will know.I had put out feelers a month or two ago about test riding a Stache 5 and pretty much gave up after my third contact said they are only bringing in the 7 and 9 this year, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got a call this weekend to take one out for an afternoon ride. Might need to ride a year or so before you really know what to look for. In general if you wont be able to test ride just get something and ride a much as possible making adjustments as you go but little adjustments at a time. Starting with something 68 degrees or less head angle and shorter chain stays could be of benefit for stability and technical trail riding where anything steeper (aka higher number) has potential to be faster XC race type bike. Start looking at bike gemometrys if you get a chance to test ride some to figure out what you like. If budget ia hughe limited than do maybe consider the Stache but dont rule out other 29 Hardtails that can take a tire in the 2.4-26 range and 120mm fork. Need to find something that fits your budget and is supported by LBS. Fuel EX can fit into that bucket (so could the Top Fuel) for sure but really any 29 trail bike around 120mm would be great. I think you are better off learning the in and outs and building your skills, power, and endurance on 29 trail bike for the conditions you describe though. I love the Stache and it is great fun handling bike. I have no idea what a plus tire 29 bike is like to pedal.įor a new rider I honestly wouldn't recommend a Stache. I can add that the 2.8" tire does rob the power though. The Chameleon and Stumpjumper are both easy to ride in most conditions around me. On the smaller tired hard tail (my old 26" stumpjumper) I'd have to move around a lot, stop pedaling over bumpy stuff, etc. Otherwise I prefer riding the full suspension because of comfort. Pretty flat, sort of rolling terrain and rocky. The full suspension 29er or the 27.5 Chameleon both were good. For reference, if I ride flat out it is a 90 minute ride. I have a trail here that I can ride (out and back) on the Chamelen with comfort whereas on my 26" bike it beat the crap out of me. You can ride and pedal all day long on the full suspension and not be beat up. If the trail is not smooth the full suspension takes out those little feelings. I have similar speeds up a hill and down a hill on the Chameleon and my Stumpjumper. But those trails for me are short duration. On some chattery trails the bike is uncomfortable. The plus tire of the 27.5 tire is a lot more bouncy than a 2.3" 29 wheel. I keep up with them no problem with their 29er hard tails. There are some areas of my favorite trails that I don't like the plus tire on. I do however a Chameleon with 2.8" plug tires. Full disclosure: I don't have either bike.
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