#!markdown
Good to know, and thanks for the kind words. You are correct that the Slash
compares more to a Nomad 29er than to the Hightower. And, having just jumped
back on the Nomad after a bit of an absence (when I almost exclusively rode
'smaller' bikes - 135-150mm travel), the Nomad still descends like a flaming
weasel but climbs like hyperactive sloth. The Slash, by all accounts (I
haven't ridden the new one), climbs similarly to the Remedy 29er - one of the
best all-rounders I've ridden.
The Hightower is a terrific pedaler and climber and descends very capably. The
only question is whether its 135mm is 'enough' for your intended purpose. It's
good at high speed and nimble for a 29er, but when it gets rough and fast,
that's where that bike (predictably) gets a little in over its head. Which is
not surprising for a 135mm bike. That said, as an all-rounder in almost all
parts of the world, I'd be as happy with it as any other.
Nov. 11, 2016, 10:33 a.m. - Pete Roggeman
#!markdown Good to know, and thanks for the kind words. You are correct that the Slash compares more to a Nomad 29er than to the Hightower. And, having just jumped back on the Nomad after a bit of an absence (when I almost exclusively rode 'smaller' bikes - 135-150mm travel), the Nomad still descends like a flaming weasel but climbs like hyperactive sloth. The Slash, by all accounts (I haven't ridden the new one), climbs similarly to the Remedy 29er - one of the best all-rounders I've ridden. The Hightower is a terrific pedaler and climber and descends very capably. The only question is whether its 135mm is 'enough' for your intended purpose. It's good at high speed and nimble for a 29er, but when it gets rough and fast, that's where that bike (predictably) gets a little in over its head. Which is not surprising for a 135mm bike. That said, as an all-rounder in almost all parts of the world, I'd be as happy with it as any other.