Have been on a Darco LTD since June. Really well balanced ride and overall a great little bike. Can take some big hits, but does pack out at high speed in really rough fast sections. Compared to an Optic, the Darco rides more like a bigger bike and isn't as twitchy as the Optic. Could be the extra heft and longer wheelbase with the slacker front end.
Was initially a bit worried about reach (it is about 25mm longer than bike I had come from on paper). Ordered with short 32mm stem to compensate. After 1 ride went back to normal 40mm. Bike just feels right. The reach numbers aren't as extreme when riding. Geo really works well. The 78 STA props you into a great climbing position, and the bike has really good traction. Not overly agile, but is moveable on tech climbs and easy to keep the front end down and tracking where you point it.
If you like the long slack hardtails and are getting old and want some cush then the Darco is for you. Don't put it on a scale and compare to other 120mm bikes.
Dec. 17, 2022, 8:30 a.m. - cascadehops
Have been on a Darco LTD since June. Really well balanced ride and overall a great little bike. Can take some big hits, but does pack out at high speed in really rough fast sections. Compared to an Optic, the Darco rides more like a bigger bike and isn't as twitchy as the Optic. Could be the extra heft and longer wheelbase with the slacker front end. Was initially a bit worried about reach (it is about 25mm longer than bike I had come from on paper). Ordered with short 32mm stem to compensate. After 1 ride went back to normal 40mm. Bike just feels right. The reach numbers aren't as extreme when riding. Geo really works well. The 78 STA props you into a great climbing position, and the bike has really good traction. Not overly agile, but is moveable on tech climbs and easy to keep the front end down and tracking where you point it. If you like the long slack hardtails and are getting old and want some cush then the Darco is for you. Don't put it on a scale and compare to other 120mm bikes.