Rawland X-Sogn opinions vs Crust or other?

[Hoffsta]

Ignoring all the drama surrounding Rawland over the years, what are the group’s opinions of the X-Sogn? Sean’s Instagram claims a complete build weight of 25lbs, similar to the Ravn. I’m wondering how the group feels this bike stacks up against the NFE, a Crust, Hunter Gatherer, etc. The price is good and the details are modern (flat mount brakes, thru-axles, etc.)

I already have a Stag that I ride the shit out of on-road. It’s set up as a go fast road bike and does that very well. I’m looking to replace my Long Haul Trucker that doesn’t get much use these days with something that has room for bigger/suppler tires, disk brakes, low-trail, but can still haul loads and get off road better than the Stag.

So, if we take the Rawland drama, extremely poor communication, and weak customer service out of the equation, how would you rate the bike? Is there something else that stands out as a better alternative that doesn’t cost more for the frame than this entire bike? Thanks for the feedback!

[p k]

I would rather get an NFE over all those. Not too much more than a Crust, MUSA, and they have excellent customer service.

[Alex Wetmore]

The only list member that I've seen talk about the xSogn is Ryan Nute.  He didn't seem to keep it for too long, but also tends to buy and sell bikes quickly so that doesn't mean anything negative.

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From: 65...@googlegroups.com <65...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Hoffsta <tongue...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2018 11:52:12 AM
To: 650b
Subject: [650B] Rawland X-Sogn opinions vs Crust or other?

 

Ignoring all the drama surrounding Rawland over the years, what are the group’s opinions of the X-Sogn? Sean’s Instagram claims a complete build weight of 25lbs, similar to the Ravn. I’m wondering how the group feels this bike stacks up against the NFE, a Crust, Hunter Gatherer, etc. The price is good and the details are modern (flat mount brakes, thru-axles, etc.)

I already have a Stag that I ride the shit out of on-road. It’s set up as a go fast road bike and does that very well. I’m looking to replace my Long Haul Trucker that doesn’t get much use these days with something that has room for bigger/suppler tires, disk brakes, low-trail, but can still haul loads and get off road better than the Stag.

So, if we take the Rawland drama, extremely poor communication, and weak customer service out of the equation, how would you rate the bike? Is there something else that stands out as a better alternative that doesn’t cost more for the frame than this entire bike? Thanks for the feedback!

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[rcnute]

I decided I didn't need a disc brake drop bar bike.  I really enjoyed the Xsogn though it was a bit stiff and heavy.  I think it'd come into its own loaded and/or on dirt/gravel.  I was just riding it on the road so it wasn't the best choice for that.  The price was right.  It would complement your Stag nicely.

My custom NFE (pretty close to the production ones) was more fun to ride.

Ryan (who just bought another Brompton today)

[Chris Lowe]

I wavered between a NFE and a Hunter-Gatherer. Extremely similar and ultimately I went with the Hunter-Gatherer because I liked the color better and it was less expensive (at the time).

Chris Lowe

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[Ian A]

Surprised no one has mentioned the Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus. It might be worth a look.

Disclaimer: I have not ridden or owned the X Sogn or BMC.

IanA

[Hoffsta]

These are a lot of great suggestions. For someone who doesn’t own any 650b disk wheels, thru-axle hubs, or 1x drivetrain, I can’t help but thinking the XSogn looks like a great value. I couldn’t just buy one of those nicer frames and throw it together from my parts bins. It would cost several thousand to build up. I’d get a complete bike for close to the same amount as many of those frame sets. Sure the parts aren’t anything I’d choose if building my own dream rig but they seem fully capable of putting a smile on my face and are legit stepping off point for upgrading later.

I’m sure the tubing spec is lesser and there aren’t as many frills like dyno-wiring holes, however I do wonder if the additional $1000s For the other options are worth it as an entry into this format of bike.

My main concern is if the geometry will please me. I’ve read and read, but there’s no substitute for a test ride, and unfortunately all of these bike are completely unavailable to me without a full investment.