Scandal 29er (08) - BikeRadar

Brant set me up with the Scandal 29er for the TransRockies and it was superb. We put a set of spinner forks on the front which improved the handling and provided that much needed respite on long descents. I also put on a set of Michellin 2.1 tyres on, which are high volume and that added to the dampening.

What has surprised me most is just how good the 29er handles on technical trails. I rode around Drumlanrig at the weekend and was blown away by the handling of the bike in the tight.

Whilst I may not be able to push my full suss mates on the descents, the superior climbing (and it has is sublime) means that I get a chance to make them suffer!

Fully in agreement with Mr Miserable! My Scandal now has Rockshox Reba race 29er specific forks, which are light enough to complement this brilliant bike, as do Geax Saguaro 2.3 tyres. Lots of wheel choice now, with Halo disc rims as well as On One's bulletproof Reetards, but mine has Mavic 719s with Hope pro2 hubs that work very well.

I've ridden this bike for 3-4 hours solid on numerous occasions and it always surprises me how agile it is. I'm average height, 5ft 9in, but it is perfect for me - they're not just for lanky types!

It really doesn't feel like an ally frame either - kind of hard to explain, but it is mega light and has a lovely ride.

shurely shome mishtake, could've sworn I gave it 5 stars?!! Too much red wine......

Brilliant bike - light, fast and with the big wheels and carbon forks it's the ideal long-distance machine. One pleasant surprise for me was that, like 'Miserable' says, it doesn't seem any less nimble in the twisties, somehow it weaves between the trees just as well as a 26" bike.

I was after a bike specifically for a 200+ mile non-stop XC ride (SDW Double) - did a lot of research but it was the Scandal that ultimately ticked all the boxes. Did the job perfectly, couldn't have asked for a better bike and those wheels and forks really do smooth the trail out.

For me, it's as good as a mountain bike gets so 5 stars all the way!

Bloody marvellous machine. Incredibly quick and feels lovely, very responsive. Can't wait for the carbon frame...