new (bivy) bike

[barney]

my mate doesn't get out as often as he'd like and can't justify a full on bike specifically for bikepacking but he's after a new 29er that will be equally at home on "normal" rides as well as multi-day trips

he's narrowed it down to 2 that he likes and I was just wondering if anyone had any experience of them from a bikepacking point of view...

Grand Canyon AL (approx. £1100)
Whyte 729 (approx. £1500)

doubtless you'll come up with lots of alternatives but he can demo ride these and really wants to test ride before he buys.

cheers

[johnnystorm]

I bought a Grand Canyon al29 8.9 as the spec was unbeaten by anyone for the money. It was bloody quick but had no "soul". I just didn't get excited by the prospect of riding it.

He doesn't fancy an Alfine Swift by any chance?

[Mart]

He doesn't fancy an Alfine Swift by any chance?

Im after a medium frame and forks if your getting rid

[johnnystorm]

It's a large.