The successor to my first MTB (the Vitus Sentier 29 VR) I built with the Pole Taival M frame so both, my daughter and I, could ride it. The Taival M frame is about the same length (reach & chain stay) as the Vitus, but it is a good deal lower.

The steel frame of the Taival feels much more supple than the Vitus' aluminium frame did, and due to the length, the Taival feels more stable, too.

Way easier to ride fast down hills. Way more fun!

I am using the Taival to test things, and I have changed some things, already. I put the Charge Spoon saddle back on that I had on the Vitus. I added a Timber Bell.

And I'm back to experimenting with tyres, namely the Michelin Wild Enduro Front GumX3D, and the WTB Verdict in Light/High Grip.

I replaced the rear wheel with a DT Swiss E 1900 Spline, cheap and cheerful. I also put on a WTB Judge 2.4 rear tyre in Tough/Fast Rolling.

The Verdict/Judge combo is perfect for wet weather, whereas the Wild Enduro/Minion SS combo is fast and fun in the dry.

I also replaced the handle bar with a Truvativ Descendant Downhill 25mm 31.8 800mm, like the one on the Taiga. It's 20mm lower, but 15mm wider, and it feels better.

In August 2022, I took all the parts off the Taival to build my first ever full-sus, the Evolink. So, for now, the Taival is out of service.

Build

Most parts came from the Vitus, except for the dropper post, which I had to buy, the headset, which came with the frame, and the bottom bracket, which was making creaking noises on the Vitus, so I bought a new one.

This is what the bike looked like two days before I started riding it.