Because ‘Treaders love giving bike advice.
So here’s my current old bike.

I love this bike and it is right in the current trail bike category with 130/140 suspension. I can go 1X on it, but it’s always going to be 26”, and not modern geometry. Putting the 140 fork with an outboard bearing decreased the HA to about 68 and was a major improvement. But modern geometry is a whole bunch of things working together, I know. And really, who doesn’t want more bike than they need? So...

I’ve been off & on looking at new and used bikes for a couple of years. I saw this one and was excited because the build is awesome.

But when I asked for more photos I zoomed in on a crapload of battle scars that were touched up. So negatory.


I also like this one. Said to be really low mileage. But something looked weird. I got more photos and here’s an example.

Turns out it isn’t dark gray but is clear coat over raw carbon.

My question is, has anyone had a clear coat carbon bike, and did it look kinda funky instead of cool? Cuz I’m not sold on this up close look.

At this point I’m thinking I might prefer a more budget build new bike rather than a used one, just so any scars are all mine.

That Pivot should be warranted.
That looks bad.

E-bike, all the cool guys are.

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I never would have thought that Harley would end up being my inspiration. (well..maybe a little).

avidtest

My totally unbiased pick between the two would be the Pivot
Just gave it a real good look from the pic and it sure looks nice

Raw carbon with clear coat looks like that. My Levo is like that and I like & hate it, can't really decide.
Overall, it's how it rides and if YOU like it.
One small flaw I noticed is that it's missing the motor

Good luck on the decision. Might want to think it over a couple of cold ones

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You never know what tomorrow will bring so go ride your EBike today or walk your pooch
Fear the Yeti

Mike

I figure one more real bike before I get an ebike.* And there are a number of other bikes besides those two that I’m considering.



*although anyone who rides with me probably wishes I had one now.

I like your bike and doesn’t it have a new rear end. GLWTSearch

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We'll ride it till they pave it. -Clyde

I think you should look at an Ibis.

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We'll ride it till they pave it. -Clyde

I have bought bikes on the cheap that have performed great but I did not like how they looked and always had to convince myself it was worth it.

I say get the bike that you like to look at, rides the way you want and gets you excited to ride within your budget.

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If you are the big tree
We are the small axe

Wife's bike is clear coat over carbon (Turner RFX). It's beat to shit and does not look good, as the clear coast chips off.

Why do I keep envisioning you on a Ripmo or Ripmo AF?

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"it can go full porno alley"

- Kimba - One love, many bikes - 2020

Considering that. Great bike, but I don’t think I want to skip over 27.5 to 29, altho I know there are plenty of shorter riders loving their 29ers. I’ve demo’ed both sizes.

Thanks, I do welcome input!

I haven't posted here in a while but this caught my eye as I went through this exact same scenario last year and ended up with the Pivot Mach 5.5 same color as in the photo. This is how the raw carbon looks so that is a matter of taste. The glare in the photo does make it look worse though. I like it myself and love the bike. As a shorter rider I really appreciate the lower stand over during quick tech dabs. I tested many other bikes and found the 29's with new Geo felt huge and like I was riding a freight train sitting on a flag pole. Keep in mind Ibis uses bushings in the lower pivot and will creak so they require regular maintenance in that area. I believe the Rocky does too. The Yeti requires the removal of the rear triangle to perform the regular maintenance of the switch infinity. The Pivot uses all sealed bearings and so far no creaks and no issues. The Pivot is a bit less long and low compared to the competition so it is bit more nimble but still super stable and composed. Especially compared to my old 26 with 72 degree head angle.

Dan,

If buying used, just like a car, the cosmetic appearance will tell you a lot about how the bike was cared for and used. Something scratched and dinged was used hard or "thrown" in the garage and might have other underlying issues that might not be seen at first.

As for the clear coat, over carbon, it shouldn't be peeling or discolored, that shows damage to the resin and could impact structural integrity. My now 5 year old China Carbon is clear gloss over carbon weave and still looks shiny and clear with now discoloring or chipping/peeling.

For used bikes (at a premium) check out The Pros Closest, these are mostly premium used bikes and prices do reflect that. They are more than street prices, but less than new.

I was in Boulder and stopped to check them out in person and got a quick tour. I can say they are a super nice team and really very diligent with their inspection and prep before reselling. Every bike undergoes a very thorough cleaning and tune up. I would say they are essentially as clean and ready to go as a new bike, but show the minor wear a used bike would.

The Pivot comes with 10 warranty but not sure if it is transferable. The clear coat on the mach 5.5 is a matte finish so will never be shiny but there shouldn't be any cracks, chips etc as 325 stated.

Thanks guys for the input, especially mtbmojo. That Pivot sold today, so no decision for me to make now. And after today’s ride, I’m thinking this is starting to make some sense...

dirtEtreaders? Lol.

GLWS search Dan. Since 26 is not as popular you theoretically should have an easier time finding a good one for a low price. You will have to filter through the beat up used ones though, and you seem to have good handle on that. Have you looked at the few new 26 full suspensions available?

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"We'll ride it until they pave it."

-Big Clyde

^^^ Wait...?* I’m not looking for a 26. I have a perfectly fine 26. I’m looking for a 27.5 or possibly a 29.

*(I’m guessing a few too many birthday beers may have affected your reading comprehension my friend. Thank you for commenting though)