Opinions on a couple of MTBs.

[Dandle]

Im looking for a new bike, I had a Cube attention SL which I have just sold and have signed up for the companies cycle2work scheme.

I'm by no means a hardcore cyclist but would quite like a decent bike, I do a bit of a mix of cycling which is mainly paths, parks and a bit of forest. Cube seem to offer a good spec for the money. I sold my Attention just because i thought it would be a good point to upgrade to a slightly higher spec which I couldn't justify when i bought it.

I have my eye on the Cube LTD SL 29er, which is last years model (the lasy year they made it). It has nealry all Shimano XT components and a Fox32 fork. I can get this for about £1000 and the sizing will be the same as my Attention was at 19".
https://www.cube.eu/uk/2017/hardtail/ltd/cube-ltd-sl-2x-bluengreen-2017/

The other bike that has my interest is the Orbea Loki (renamed the Laufey this year). I can get last years H10 model for £1199 new. This has a 1x drivetrain and a Fox 34 for with a more relaxed head angle and 27plus tyres.
https://www.orbea.com/gb-en/bicycles/outlet/laufey-h10-27

Has anyone riden the Loki as im a little unsure how good it will be on the road with the 1x drivetrain which im guesing will have quite a bit lower top gear. I'm also not sold on the 27plus size as it looks abit ungainly from some angles. I have yet to see the bike as it isnt coming in stock until next week but the price seems very good for the spec.

What opinion do you guys have on these bikes? and any experiences with either?

Ive look around at quiite few other bikes but they seem to sport lower componants with mainly Rockshox Recon forks same as my SL had.

 

[Jonny ///M]

Depends on what riding you do.

The Cube will be lovely to blast round local trails, climb well and be decent enough on road with the bigger wheels. You know the fit well too!

The Orbea is a lot more of a go have a play on a more technical trail with it's slack head angle and big forks. You can stick 29" wheels in there with smaller tyres last time I checked.

I've ridden a few 27+ bikes and I'm not sold on it, it's good as you can just trundle over things on descents but it is more sluggish if you find yourself riding too and from a trail or local loop.

I'd maybe not go as far as saying 27+ is a fad but it's certainly a more niche market.

 

[Dandle]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll have to have a go on the Loki when they get it in stock and see what I think. If I'm unsure I think I'll opt for the Cube.