Pronghorn 29er review; n=n+1+1
Despite having a few bikes in the garage, there is always the place for a new niche bike. So whilst I really enjoy riding my Camber 29er full sus I did have the itch for a 29er hardtail that I had to scratch. Of course it was all Dave’s fault that I ended up with a new bike.
Dave’s fault? Well when he PSA’d the Moles to let us know about some cheap carbon bars, it started me thinking that I had enough parts in the garage to build a new bike. Of course all of this “make use of what I’ve got” got out of hand and I ended up with an almost completely new bike. I did use the Bontrager carbon bars, but not much else in the garage.
First thing required to go with the bars was a frame. After looking for a while for a Chinese 29er frame to put my parts on, I came across Pronghorn and decided that after reading some good reviews it would the good basis of lightweight 29er hardtail. I also came across the Light Bicycle wheels, which seemed to be too good not to go for. The final parts were a Manitou Tower Pro, a complete clearance sale bargain from Chain Reaction, and a 2×10 set up.
| Frame | Pronghorn PH Carbon 29 |
|---|---|
| Fork | Manitou Tower Pro (20mm through axle) 120mm travel |
| Wheels | Light Bicycle 30mm Hookless Carbon, tubeless with Specialised Captain tyres |
| Bars | Bontrager Carbon |
| Grips | Hope lock on |
| Stem | Easton |
| Seatpost | Joplin Dropper |
| Seat | Fizik Gobi XM |
| Drivetrain | FSA 2×10 BB30 chainset, 10 speed XT cassette, XT front and rear mechs, KMC chain, XT gear levers |
| Brakes | Shimano SLX |
| Pedals | Shimano XT |
So what does it ride like? In one word – fast. Well that might be due to all the road miles I’ve been doing lately but the combination of one light bike, very light wheels and extra fitness has meant a blizzard of Strava PRs and smiles. I spent a happy Sunday morning hammering round the Surrey hills seeming to ease up all the hills.
I did also worry that the bike would be too “twitchy XC” on the steering front but after studying the Pronghorn website, I was happy that the steerer angle would be sufficiently relaxed. Maybe running the longest fork recommended – 120mm – helps, but the handling was super neutral and just encouraged more speed! Hopefully it’s going to be a good companion for many hot dry dusty summer rides.
Every cyclist loves coffee!
☕Buy Matt a coffeeThere are 9 replies to Tony so far
We really appreciate comments from our readers. If you have something to say, we'd love to hear from you.
To add to the conversation, jump to our comments form or reply to individual comments.
Add to the conversation…
()
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
June 12, 2014 at 8:29 pm
Dandy says:
I can confirm it’s a fast bike. I followed Tony back from Leith Hill tower, and despite having a knackered hip from riding into a tree earlier that morning, I still set a load of Strava PRs trying to keep up with him on the way home.
, or add a new comment
June 12, 2014 at 8:42 pm
Dandy says:
N.B. What’s with the garden light chucked casually into a pot? Now is the time to get those non-hardy annuals out there and ready for potting on 😉
, or add a new comment
June 12, 2014 at 8:45 pm
tony says:
The garage (aka ManCave) is my domain and the garden is Debbie’s domain. Feel free to pass on your comments to her 🙂 Probably best to do that anonymously though!
, or add a new comment
June 12, 2014 at 8:46 pm
tony says:
Anyway D’Andy I’m surprised you didn’t comment on the “Cannondale spec” cable lengths?
, or add a new comment
June 13, 2014 at 11:38 am
Matt says:
That Pronghorn sounds like it has similar angles to my Scandium Kona Big Unit which has turned out to be a pretty enjoyable trail tool despite being relatively steep for 29ers these days. The large volume Butcher/Purgatory combo tyres seem to help for me.
Of course, the Pronghorn is lighter and the rider is fitter, but I do my best!
I’m not a fan of black bikes so expect to see the Kona dressed up in a fetching white/black/pink Rapha-esque colour-scheme when you next see me.
, or add a new comment
June 13, 2014 at 1:50 pm
Karl says:
Nice One Tony.
Powerful engine and light machine = Fun
🙂
, or add a new comment
June 13, 2014 at 7:45 pm
KevS says:
Those cables are a disgrace! You have already had a verbal warning about this at Peaslake stores a few weeks ago! 😉
, or add a new comment
June 14, 2014 at 10:51 am
KevS says:
Nice bike though!
Cant wait until you want to sell it as it’s just my size. 🙂
, or add a new comment
June 14, 2014 at 12:27 pm
Tony says:
Just keeping it in readiness for you Kev. Although it has to be said I don’t have the best track record of bike selling
, or add a new comment