AkuskaUK Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Hi all, i am tempted to save up and buy the Inspired Skye, i was just wondering, is it too overpriced? I do street trials and i need something that will be strong for a long time. £2.3k is A LOT to ask but i would save up just to get it. Would a fourplay be better? Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyseemonkeydo Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 It's not overpriced as you basically get what you pay for, with a premium being paid for the bonus extras on the frame and forks. It depends what you want really, with the Skye you get a lot of high end kit and some very neat design features which the 'cheaper' bikes don't get but unless you're really going to push it you get get by just as well with a Team which is almost as well specced without the bells and whistles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AkuskaUK Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 It is tempting though! Thank you for the fast reply. Due to the Skye's "bonus extras" on the frame and fork, would it survive longer than a team? If one of the axels snap (hopefully unlikely) how easy would it be to get replacements? Thank you again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 It's built like a tank so it should survive. If you're killing an inspired team, a skye might be strong enough. If you're not... it's your call. The axles are used on DH bikes so they're pretty available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark W Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 They're different to DH axles, but they're available separately anyway. All the 'specific' sort of spares like that are around. You really shouldn't be breaking those axles though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AkuskaUK Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Brilliant! Thank you all! Looks like i am saving for one after all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolver Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Spose if you live on the Isle of Wight you get a bit of a discount. Jealous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Would I be right in saying that for 95% of the riders out there an Element would be good enough? Apart from the ridiculous ball bearing headset of course. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewG Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Would I be right in saying that for 95% of the riders out there an Element would be good enough? Apart from the ridiculous ball bearing headset of course. but it´s not riden by mr. macaskill 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cai Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Would I be right in saying that for 95% of the riders out there an Element would be good enough? Apart from the ridiculous ball bearing headset of course. I'd say so. I'd probably prefer the Element over the Skye - much cheaper, dedicated Vee mounts, better geometry IMO, and normal dropouts - but that's just me.. Also if your worried about the life span of your bike then you could buy 2 Elements and it'd still be cheaper than the Skye :L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Nichols Posted May 8, 2012 Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 When you ride the Skye you don't feel like you've just bought a fashion accessory. You really do feel like you're riding a two grand bike that has an incredible spec and is built to last. It feels so stiff and responsive. The geometry is a tricky one because it's all based on opinion. At first when I was riding the Skye I felt completely at home, it's compact yet roomy enough for a six footer like me, so you can really throw it around. I always considered it to be the closest thing to a BMX that isn't a BMX, which was exactly what I wanted. Curiously though, my trials moves have actually improved too, I can now gap further than ever. It pops really easily too and manuals forever. I really can not fault the bike at all, which is the whole point of spending every penny you have on a bike, right? You also have the piece of mind that you will not kill it, everything is so well engineered that you just won't break it! I can't see the replacement axles being big sellers!! I can't really think of anything more to say, it's just totally worth the money. People will argue that it isn't, but it really really is. but it´s not riden by mr. macaskill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC-6tgdgkT4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AkuskaUK Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 When you ride the Skye you don't feel like you've just bought a fashion accessory. You really do feel like you're riding a two grand bike that has an incredible spec and is built to last. It feels so stiff and responsive. The geometry is a tricky one because it's all based on opinion. At first when I was riding the Skye I felt completely at home, it's compact yet roomy enough for a six footer like me, so you can really throw it around. I always considered it to be the closest thing to a BMX that isn't a BMX, which was exactly what I wanted. Curiously though, my trials moves have actually improved too, I can now gap further than ever. It pops really easily too and manuals forever. I really can not fault the bike at all, which is the whole point of spending every penny you have on a bike, right? You also have the piece of mind that you will not kill it, everything is so well engineered that you just won't break it! I can't see the replacement axles being big sellers!! I can't really think of anything more to say, it's just totally worth the money. People will argue that it isn't, but it really really is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC-6tgdgkT4 Thank you, this is just what i wanted to hear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanczik Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 sam that was a review i waited to hear for a long time!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark W Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 Would I be right in saying that for 95% of the riders out there an Element would be good enough? In the same way that any entry-to-mid-range bike is 'good enough' for most people? The headsets are fine on those bikes too, but then I guess I've never really been that bothered about headsets really (I usually run mine too tight so they all feel the same anyway ). Personally, based on the new geo I think I'd probably opt for the Fourplay Pro or Team over the Element or Skye if I was in the market for a new bike and had some money to my name. Sam's Skye does feel pretty amazing though - it just feels really stiff even just rolling around on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew62 Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 Is it not a banal question really, as it's not like the Skye is just a Fourplay with more expensive parts on it.... They're quite different geo's so buy the one you think will compliment your riding the best. Having ridden a Skye, an original Fourplay and the newer version they all feel different... Going from a Skye to a Fourplay is a fair jump so I wouldn't look at it as one being a slightly cheaper option to the other. Granted they're different prices (which are based on there parts and frame design) but the price shouldn't be the deciding factor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmeh-Time Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 just the dh axles alone don't warrant the price jump from the 4play, i guarantee £500 per frame kit is going straight in danny mac's back pocket for his involvement in the design if it was ali c and not danny, and i'm not being insulting here it wouldn't be as high but people who hang on danny's nut-sack will pay stupid prices because they think they'll be able to ride like him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark W Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 Probably a good thing it's not just the "DH axles" then. I can also counter-guarantee you that it's not £500 going into Danny's back pocket... EDIT: Going back to the type of riders who buy the Skye bikes/kits - few of them are actually just people who want one because Danny's got one. We've had a pretty broad range of people buy them, from people like Sam through to people just getting into streety/trialsy stuff from different backgrounds who want the best bike they can get. Although it's a high price relative to other trials bikes, it's pretty low compared to what you can spend if you go down the best-of-the-best route in other riding disciplines. Oh, and we also had one person buy one primarily because it was orange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamKidney Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) Now Im not hugely observant of the street scene, but I think you cant really go far wrong with any of the Inspired builds. Theyre amazing in terms of quality. Its down to what you want. If I was in the market for a streety bike, I would ideally want a skye, but only because it looks fantastic, and comes with a pretty amazing spec, added to the fact its bombproof. Would never go majorly wrong. I know bugger all when it comes to streety geos. If it works for one of the best out there, it'll work for me Edited May 11, 2012 by Echo Lite 09 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyseemonkeydo Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 i guarantee £500 per frame kit is going straight in danny mac's back pocket for his involvement in the design Bull. Shit. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eskimo Posted May 12, 2012 Report Share Posted May 12, 2012 I would think heavily about geometry before jumping into a Skye purchase. Yeah you're paying good money for something that's been heavily designed and proto'd. But that doesn't mean you'd like it. If i had the chance between the Fourplay and Skye for free, i'd take the Fourplay. But i own a bmx, and a mod, so i'm gonna be wanting something more in the middle, the Skye leans over to tricks moreso. I also wouldn't worry about strength, if some how the Skye combusted magically, Inspired won't ignore your tears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FamilyBiker Posted May 12, 2012 Report Share Posted May 12, 2012 my frame is pretty much a skye geo. it literally bunnyhop 360s on the spot,but its backwheel move abilitys are damn limited. yeah,think about geo,mate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ooo Posted May 16, 2012 Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 I have just moved from a mod to a fourplay, my two cents from having ridden it a little bit, is that it feel very different and wants to be ridden in a different way, mainly its about conserving momentum (because of the weight). But aside from that I think you would be better off buying a used fourplay or element sooner and riding it, instead of waiting ages to save up all that money for a skye. As you will be able to become familiar with the style of riding sooner. If you are happy with a fourplay then start to save up for the skye if you think you want that geo more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skoze Posted May 16, 2012 Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 (edited) just the dh axles alone don't warrant the price jump from the 4play and other choice quotes... Wow. I'm sure you can back all of this up, and not for a second consider it costs a lot because it's actually had a lot of money put into it by Inspired? It's so much more than just some bolt through axles which aren't as "off the shelf" as you seem to think. Everything about it is built for a purpose with a lot of testing and research behind it... Anyway, here's my take. I like my 24"s short - my 609's around the 1005-1010 mark from what i remember, it feels small compared to new Fourplays but it feels massive compared to a Skye. When i've ridden Sam's, it really does feel like a scaled down 24" to me. Don't get me wrong it doesn't feel cramped, i'm 6'3" and had plenty of room to move about, but it does feel the small size it is - admittedly i never really got my tgs on and hopped around on it much but for someone tall like me that could be an issue. Having said that, if you're buying one you probably won't be riding it like a pogo stick and for that kinda thing it really is bang on. I've never ridden a bike that'll just sit in a manual like the Skye does before, nor have i ridden one that feels so stable. It gives a lot of confidence, and the proof of this comes from people like Sam and Martin Direske who've really stepped their riding up since changing to them. Sam's got painfully good on his, I used to be able to at least contemplate getting near him on certain things but i'm absolutely f**ked now. They really are good. If you've got the money go for it. Edited May 16, 2012 by Skoze Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manuel Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 I've ridden Danny's bike a couple of times and my personal feeling is its the best geometry 24" out there. It's got a lower bb (which I like) and a steepish ha to give it a pretty decent reach (which I also like) but the bike is small enough to chuck around like you should on a 24". If I had the money to spare I'd have that in a heartbeat... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AkuskaUK Posted May 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 Wow all the replies are brilliant! Thank you all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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