I'm stuck. Bike Advice Needed (again!)

[Firmo]

Most of you here know an awful lot more about bikes than I do, so I'm looking to tap in to your wisdom!

I've narrowed my bike search down to Canyon and Rose, two models of each.

Canyon only do 29ers, but Rose have a 27.5 offering too.

Canyon have two models I am contemplating:
Canyon Grand Canyon CF SL 6.9 £1,599
Canyon Grand Canyon CF SL 7.9 TEAM £1,799
Main upgrades are wheels (DT Swiss 1900 to DT Swiss 1700 Spline), Shimano Deore XT to SRAM X9/X0, and fork (Fox 32 Float CTD Evolution to RockShox SID RL)

Rose:
Both bikes have the same spec, Psycho Path 27.5 and Mr Big 29er; roughly £1,500

What would you choose? Is the Canyon 7.9 worth £200 more than the 6.9?
Is 29 better than 27.5?
Canyon or Rose?

HELP!

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'd buy whichever 29er didn't have SRAM transmission

[Richpips]

I've found ownership of Fox forks to be expensive.

I wouldn't buy t'other though as it has gripshift.

[Firmo]

I've got nothing against SRAM transmission. I've had hassle-free rides with mine over the last 18-months.

I was a little put-off by the GripShift, but reviews of the SRAM GripShift seem quite positive. Nevertheless, I still think I'd prefer trigger shifters (haven't used GripShift since my old Raleigh Max back in c1996).

At the moment, although I think the Canyon bikes look amazing, I'm steering more toward the Rose bikes. There is also the option to customise/upgrade each component (at really good prices!).

...but then it comes down to 27.5 or 29. Is there really much difference? What will I gain/lose if going for one over the other?
I'm 6ft and weigh 11 stone; would that make a difference over choosing between 27.5 or 29?

[Bearbonesnorm]

This could just be me but ... every 650b I've ridden has just felt like a 26" wheeled bike with big/heavy tyres.

[whitestone]

This could just be me but ... every 650b I've ridden has just felt like a 26" wheeled bike with big/heavy tyres.

Demoing a couple of bikes I could hardly tell the difference between a 26" wheeled bike and a 650b, well certainly not enough to consider getting one. Some 650b tyres are very low volume and the effective diameter of the wheel/tyre can be the same as a 26" wheel with a large volume tyre. (I'm not talking fat or semi-fat here but normal "trail" tyres)

[Nick]

I'd steer clear of the Fox CTD Evolution, I have one on my Trance and it's quite disappointing after three sets of Rockshox Revelations on other bikes. If it goes bang I shall replace with a Revelation or Pike.

27.5 or 29er? Probably doesn't matter much, but my Trance (27.5) is more nimble than my Fargo (29), but then they are completely different bikes in every other way of course.

[ScotRoutes]

Remember that "27.5" in this context isn't half-way between 26 and 29.

At 6ft I'd likely opt for a 29er unless you really find you're not happy with it (or wait for B+.....)

[Ben98]

I wouldn't consider x9/x0 an upgrade over XT in any way, if anything it's probably a downgrade. Can't really comment on suspension but I've got a Reba that seems very reliable and I've heard a lot against fox's reliability, but I have no first hand experience.
And as for wheel size, read my signature

[slarge]

What do you want to use it for?

[Firmo]

slarge - I plan on using it for hitting my local trails in the North York Moors, and take it touring TransAndalus and TransMurciana in June.

I think the 29er is going to be the best option; Shimano-equipped with front sus and wheel upgrades from Rose.

Massive thanks again for the input. Its much appreciated.

[johnnystorm]

Theres a thread on STW about how the Canyon prices seem to be fixed now rather than fluctuate according to the actual £ to € ratio meaning one bought with Euros is significantly cheaper. Might be worth looking if Rose are the same. It does of course mean you'll need to get in delivered in mainland Europe and/or collect it.....

One fella reckoned buying an expensive full susser he could fly there and back and collect from canyon and still be quids in with a little holiday included!

[Firmo]

Theres a thread on STW about how the Canyon prices seem to be fixed now rather than fluctuate according to the actual £ to € ratio meaning one bought with Euros is significantly cheaper. Might be worth looking if Rose are the same. It does of course mean you'll need to get in delivered in mainland Europe and/or collect it.....

One fella reckoned buying an expensive full susser he could fly there and back and collect from canyon and still be quids in with a little holiday included!

Haha, thanks for the advice!

Yeah, I found that Canyon sell theirs in GBP, whereas Rose price theirs in EUR. Its incredible VFM with today's exchange rate! Quids-in!!
You are right though, that if you were to buy a Canyon bike, it works out cheaper to go over there and pay for it in Euros!

I can't quite manage to squeeze a little holiday in though unfortunately! (Postage is £36.64)

[johnnystorm]

Theres a thread on STW about how the Canyon prices seem to be fixed now rather than fluctuate according to the actual £ to € ratio meaning one bought with Euros is significantly cheaper. Might be worth looking if Rose are the same. It does of course mean you'll need to get in delivered in mainland Europe and/or collect it.....

One fella reckoned buying an expensive full susser he could fly there and back and collect from canyon and still be quids in with a little holiday included!

Haha, thanks for the advice!

Yeah, I found that Canyon sell theirs in GBP, whereas Rose price theirs in EUR. Its incredible VFM with today's exchange rate! Quids-in!!
You are right though, that if you were to buy a Canyon bike, it works out cheaper to go over there and pay for it in Euros!

I can't quite manage to squeeze a little holiday in though unfortunately! (Postage is £36.64)

I bought a Canyon when it still fluctuated with the rates. Saved £50 by waiting a week (fluke, not planned) BUT at the time the postage was at least £50 so that's got a bit cheaper as well!

[Tanglefist]

I wouldn't let yoursefl be put off by the gripshift. It works pretty damn well (so far, at least - only a few 'proper' rides under my belt on the new iron horse) and it's fun. Looks goofy as all hell, but fast, fun and no noticable reliability issues.