muffMan.Solid write up, definitely know your bikes. The SX is on my list of next bikes. Shame the V5 is pretty bad but I’ve seen a few v4s on marketplace.
On a meta HT atm, but will decide once I go for a full suspension.
What other rec’s you got for tall guys? Saw the druid/dreadnaught you mentioned.
Trying to be as unbiased as possible here, look for brands that tailor their frames to every size. Brands that just change reach numbers and nothing else usually optimize the bike around medium and large, not for us outliers.
Do the chainstays get longer in the big sizes?
Is the seat tube steeper in the bigger sizes?
Does the stack increase proportionally to the reach?
Are they recycling parts from other sizes to keep costs down at the expense of ride quality?
Small details like that are more expensive to manufacture, but show that the brand is paying attention to keeping consistent ride characteristics in the less popular sizes.
I'm 6'6, I like a slightly shorter reach (500-510mm) and higher stack than people my height. Dak Norton style.
For bikepark riding, my top recommendation is the Dreadnought V1 (with a cascade link and any coil shock).
I also got a few laps on a Meta SX V4 XL and Nukeproof Giga 29 XL, both are great options.
I rode a Scott Gambler carbon mullet XL briefly and it was okay, but I wouldn't pick it over other DH bikes.
2019 YT Capra XL carbon was decent but a bit small for me, so I can't really judge it.
Rode 3 seasons on Clash XL and they're decent for jumps and flow but lack balance and capability.
Will add more if I remember any others lol
