I started 2020 with the intention of getting geared for DS / light adv fun this year, but Covid happened.
I was finally able to get my M1 last month and scheduled to get my M2 in 3 weeks.
I've tried light adventure bikes, and they are not for me, nor is the 500 for reasons I don't want to get into here.
In all my research and what I want the bike for, I've landed on the 690 / 701.
My biggest concern is the transmission. Given I'm going for the new LC4 with a lean on the 690, I'm buying 19+ new, and it ain't cheap.
Reviews are plentiful on the street ratio of this gearbox. What is not clear in most reviews is the terrain type they were using the bike on, and what I'd argue are probably unrealistic expectations of this bike in the terrain they want to ride e.g.: single track
Is the 1st gear as atrociously tall as everyone says it is?
If you currently own a 690/701 Enduro or SMCR, any year, and wouldn't mind a visit for a short test ride, I'd also be very interested if that's an option...PM / e-mail
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Steph
I was finally able to get my M1 last month and scheduled to get my M2 in 3 weeks.
I've tried light adventure bikes, and they are not for me, nor is the 500 for reasons I don't want to get into here.
In all my research and what I want the bike for, I've landed on the 690 / 701.
My biggest concern is the transmission. Given I'm going for the new LC4 with a lean on the 690, I'm buying 19+ new, and it ain't cheap.
Reviews are plentiful on the street ratio of this gearbox. What is not clear in most reviews is the terrain type they were using the bike on, and what I'd argue are probably unrealistic expectations of this bike in the terrain they want to ride e.g.: single track
Is the 1st gear as atrociously tall as everyone says it is?
If you currently own a 690/701 Enduro or SMCR, any year, and wouldn't mind a visit for a short test ride, I'd also be very interested if that's an option...PM / e-mail
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Steph