What do I buy now?

[72dan]

I had a Canyon Spectral on CFR, bought it in August 2024, then the battery recall Nov 8th.
We went back and forth, I finally disputed the cc charge at the end of December when still no new battery and no date when they will have a battery.
It just shipped back to them last week. The battery had a fire issue and ironically I ride the Palisades and surrounding trails that just had the fire and it was a big concern, it has been really dry for a long time there.
I have done some motorsports and heard good things about Ohlins suspension. Is a coil much better?
The new Amflo looks really nice as well but doesn't seem to have a release date.
The Canyon was a good bike for the money.
What bike should I get?

 

[Paulquattro]

Welcome to the site

 

[steve_sordy]

@72dan Have a look at the new Merida bikes.

 

[darwink1]

Nicolai Saturn 16 baybee!

D

 

[jeanmarc]

The new Santa Cruz Vala, seen it yesterday (didn't try) but looks like a winner

 

[Zimmerframe]

 

[Healy]

Don’t buy a Norco range. Keeps creaking. Going back for the second time this week for a look and repair

 

[Healy]

Merida is a great call. Marin do some decent stuff

 

[BAh30]

the Pivot Shuttle is receiving some high marks...

 

[Healy]

I had one for a week. Was a lovely bike to ride. Cost a wedge tho

 

[Zed.]

Don’t buy a Norco range. Keeps creaking. Going back for the second time this week for a look and repair

interesting

I've just bought one

actually, I'm currently the owner of an expensive ornament (Canyon Torque:ON bought in july '24) that I'm trying to persuade the manufacturer to take back as 'not fit for purpose'

@72dan Ohlins suspension is good, even better when tuned to suit rider & bike - BUT if you're ~80kg the dampers shouldn't need a tune as thats what they are factory set to work around

Rich.

 

[Healy]

I’m going the not fit for purpose road if it happens again

 

[Healy]

@Zed.

What’s wrong with the canyon

 

[Zed.]

@Zed.

What’s wrong with the canyon

You missed the battery issue? Owned mine ~2 months / 200miles then told not to ride / charge etc.

Seems like it was a pre-existing issue…

Just an expensive ornament

Rich.

 

[72dan]

Nicolai Saturn 16 baybee!

D

That Nicolai is a work of art for sure. The CNC parts and welding are really nice. The gearbox/belt drive are really well engineered. I am looking a the G1 on their site as well, really nice rear coil shock.

 

[RustyIron]

I had a Canyon Spectral on CFR, bought it in August 2024, then the battery recall Nov 8th.

What bike should I get?

Hey, Dan.
Everyone thinks their bike is the best bike ever made. It's true. If they didn't think that, then they'd dump it and buy something else. I'm no different. I've been rockin' the Pivot Shuttle AM for just over a year. It really HAS made me a better rider... or maybe allowed me to express the skills that I had all along. Either way, it's a pretty capable bike. Since I got mine, four others in my regular riding crew have picked up AM's, and one has picked up an LT. Right now, Pivot is blowing out their existing stock at SMOKIN' deals. Regardless of what brand you go with, I always advise people to go with the local brand. If you're European, go with the European brand. If you're on the West Coast of the U.S., Pivot isn't a bad choice. They're just outside Phoenix, and you get get them on the phone during regular hours. Their tech support girl picks up the phone. Parts arrive in a day or two.

I've only ridden in your hills a handful of times. Is it Sycamore that's on the east side of the Santa Monicas? The last time I was there was just for a few hours. It's was on the west end, closer to Camarillo. I think it was Sullivan. It seemed pretty mundane at first, but we met a few locals who showed us the really fun trails.

 

[palmer365]

Bike designs are so matured in most forms of cycling now - try and split the difference between road race bike silhouettes these days for example - you’re way safer in bike choice vs 10/15 years ago. Back then the gap between great bikes and poor was big. Now, is much less with not only general design but manufacturing process improvements.
So, make your choice, ride loads, enjoy it and tell people its the best bike you've ever owned (it more than likely will be!)