looking for a new(ish) aggressive xc or enduro "light" bike

Seeing as my bikes are all over a decade old and 'm not a gear junkie as I have no idea as to what's good these days. My current XC bike is a 26'er Kona Explosif that has served me well and is in good shape except for the Marz MX comp fork in which is need of servicing (if it's possible) and got me thinking I should just replace the fork or maybe even get into a newer bike. If I go with a new bike it could be hardtail (Andrew's re-review of the Trek Stache has piqued my interest) or full suspension. There's a few bikes I'm considering and one I'm interested seems to fit the bill well, but I'm wondering if it's 71.5 degree head angle is going to be too steep. Thoughts, suggestions or jokes of derision welcomed.

Hey stretch, wagon wheels are popular again....  https://ca.yt-industries.com/detail/index/sArticle/1311/sCategory/514  ......just in time, eh?

looks cool but it seems to be missing a front deraileur.

Don't be a luddite. 

I'm wondering if it's 71.5 degree head angle is going to be too steep.

lol..........67 is the new 71.5

You mean Sex Robot. don't you?

Ed.

Depending on how much you're comfortable spending, and how often you ride, I'd strongly lean towards a new FS bike, or a mildly used one from the B&S of various bike sites.

That MX Comp is noodly as heck.  Good thing it's also plush...

Posted by: switch

That MX Comp is noodly as heck.  Good thing it's also plush...

I've honestly never really noticed that. Even when I used it on the Nimby 50 and cleaned all the descents n/p. IT was def more work and pucker factor than on a bigger full squish bike but it was also strangely more rewarding and fun too.

I'd stick with 31 inch wheels.

I want to put my old school shore hardtail back together, 24" rear and a 26" front with a monster t rolling on Michi 2.8's

looking used and cheap(ish). it needs to be noticeably better than what I currently have to make it worth my while. i'm not gonna pull the trigger on a newer bike if it's just meh much better than the explosif.

IMO/IME wagon wheel's saved the hardtail, and yep, it'll be a significant improvement from the Explosif. I like my Rootdown, plenty capable while still being efficient. Snag a plus compatible one like the Trek to future proof yourself or a used Rootdown/Surface/Honzo etc. to save your pennies.

IME I don't generally notice if something is flexy unless it's way undergunned for my riding, but I really notice the improvement when I move to something more stout.  Forxxx in particular.

Posted by: syncro

I want to put my old school shore hardtail back together, 24" rear and a 26" front with a monster t rolling on Michi 2.8's

So basically a Plus bike?

You will never be the same....

Posted by: tungsten

You will never be the same...

nice, but no budget for something like that