5again

errr, yes, well quite. Had a great day on an '03 200 - she never gave up the struggle but was a bit flat on some of Bognor's bigger climbs, especially with my 15 stone, had to really rev the nuts off it, rather than torque it up in third. Bit of a secret weapon in the tight stuff though, great good grip / traction. Don't think I could bring myself to part with my cash for one, probably going to go back and look at the 250/290 again.

Wow ! - been out for a few days, can't believe the response and amount of viewpoints. Need to check out the dictionary for the difference between grip and traction now Good news is that I think I have cadged a 200 for an event to try one out, can't wait, just hope there aren't too many climbs for my portly frame. I guess it should have been 200 vs 250 vs 290.

Thanks guys, was leaning toward the 250, but will try and cadge a quick go on each if poss as suggested. Bikespace, was there anything in particular that made you switch from the gasser to the sherco, thought the 280 pro the perfect expert mount ?

Which is best for an experienced but feetup challenged over 40, thinking of going for a used '03. I would normally always go for a 250 (always have with gassers) but everybody seems to be on 290's, and there is more for sale in TMX - have heard it said the 290 is the easier to ride, smoother, torquier of the two, but the last thing I need is a to be hanging on to a fire cracker ! Anybody got first hand experience of a comparison ? - mostly ride on good ole south of england mud, clay and chalk, no rocks (thank goodness!)