Help for new trail/enduro bike - Vala or Druid Core

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cebo

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Hi,
I'm torn between these two bikes for my new trail bike, which I want to be capable of tackling more challenging terrain.
I currently ride the latest Bullit in size L. I’m 5’9” (176cm) tall. The bike is good, but it feels a bit too long for me and is also too burly for the terrain I mostly ride on. I’m leaning more toward the Druid, but I’m not sure which size would be right for me. Forbidden recommends the S2, which has a very short reach of under 450 mm and, compared to the size L Bullit, has a relatively short chainstay and is also shorter than the medium. The same applies to the Vala. Does anyone have experience with these two models and could give me a recommendation? Thanks in advance.
 
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Remember that the druid chainstay grows so at 8-10mm of to chainstay length to get a representative measurement when comparing nin hp to hp.

Regarding reach. That sets your standing cockpit. You need to figure what reach is best for you and buy the appropriate bike.

Ps, this is another hp v non hp battle. Vala will be more playful and poppy and feel lighter at the front with 600wh battery and 4 bar suspension design. Druid will be heavier at the front end due to 800wh battery and hp growing chain stay.

Druid will blaze chunder smoother but won't be as playful.

If you can demo,demo,demo.
 
Thanks! I know this is yet another HP vs. non-HP comparison. But these two bikes are actually aimed at the same target audience: 160/150 trail bikes with enduro capabilities. I’m trying to ride both of them. Unfortunately, Forbidden is very hard to get my hands on for a test ride here at my place.
 
It will depend on where you mostly ride it, and how you mostly ride it.

Vala will be better on trails. Druid better on chunk and enduro. Remember the HP wheel moves up and away from the bump it strikes. Whilst the non HP moves up and towards the bump it strikes. So the HP will feel smoother on big rear wheel hits.

So if you love aggressively attacking rock gardens, the Druid will perform better. If you look for lines to pop over the chunk. Then the Vala. So Druid to plough thru. Vala to pop over.

Terrain and riding style. Only you know best.

BTW. I'm a pop over rider, because I ride a bike similar to the Vala. But I've ordered a long travel HP, because I want to try ploughing through.
 
Druid is what I fancy. Relatively light for what it is, great suspension design.

Pinkbike did a group test that saw the Druid come out on top almost everywhere. Cornering, slow tech climbs, fast stuff, it just seemed to be the bike to have everywhere. Bikers Edge had similar comments.

Yes, it’s wheelbase grows, but under heavy suspension compression where it matters, but in tight switchbacks the suspension won’t be doing much work so it’s similar length to most bikes there. I really want one.

Definitely top of my list, especially as I’d like a bigger battery for range - but you can also order it with a 600w battery if you want less weight.

I’m still riding my SB140 and dreaming about an e-bike so take my comments with that in mind.
 
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