Brawler

yeah I know the Reign vs Enduro and Trance vs Stumpjumper is the more accurate comparison. The Stumpjumer isn't available in 650b in SA and the Reign will still be a month or more away (and possibly stock issues) So that leaves Trance vs Enduro 650b. Both should be available within the next week or so. The Trance will be upgraded with Pike so they will actually be pretty similar. The Enduro comes better stock and I will be happy with it stock. I will not be happy with Trance stock and will need to upgrade it which will make it the more expensive option but then it will be a very capable bike. At this stage I am trying to forget all that and focus on the important bit (the frame). Trance +'ves: -relatively new frame design, designed from the ground up to be 650b -proven -Better up hill Trance -'ves: -I must say when I compare perceived quality of the two bikes the Trance seems like a class below the Spesh. -Less rear travel Enduro +'ves: -I've sat on the 29er version and it felt like a quality product. Nearly bought it but then I remembered it was a 29er.. -More rear travel means can bomb it harder on the way down. Enduro -'ves: -Frame adopted for 650b... Half arsed, only doing it because they have to attempt? -I have heard the Spesh rear suspension not as efficient as Maestro

Anyone got any advice on Spez Enduro 650b vs Giant Trance? (aluminium models) Forget components, frame only. The obvious difference would be 160 vs 140mm but other than that??

I think you are being a tad optimistic there on the value of the stock fork (I hope I am wrong) Doubt one could get half of that. At the moment I'm debating 2015 vs 2014. 2015 non OD2 fork should be a easier sell at like R5k.

me again, can't resist a trance post. What rims and fork for 10k?? Hell even 15k.

I thought we didnt get the 650b Stumpjumpers in SA?

@GuyOnBike two decent bikes but surely it should be a simple 27.5 vs 29 decision? If you want speed 29. If you want agility and like jumping 27.5. Other than that the only major plus on the SJ is the Fork.

Change fork & headset and your OD2 problems will be a thing of the past

Still haven't decided

I also need a small thingy or two..

No doubt the Anthem is popular, not sure about the advanced models though.

Odd. I have been told the 2015 Reign and Trance will be here next month. Why would the Anthem be different? Maybe due to this not being a popular model?

Thanks guys. Went to BMT and the Enduro comp looks amazing. I think if they had the 650b in stock I would have purchased it there and then. At 36k including dropper its really hard to beat. '15 Trance 2 will be good as well but with Pike and dropper it'll probably be 38k and I'll still feel uneasy with the wheelset, stem, bars etc. I feel I will be happier out of the box with the Enduro. The only question is how bad will it be uphill compared to the Trance. Downhill it should annihilate the trance.

Thanks man. That is Enduro for 34k seems like an epic deal. I'll email them now. Is it the 650b? I have already seen a 650b Stumpy Evo at Gspot last weekend. It was the expert model. The first one in SA. I'll check out the Rocky as well. Can't say I have heard good things about Fox forks of late though. Its enough to put me off the bike. Pygas are great but you need a proper budget. Isn't the new Pascoe out in 2 or 3 months?

Hi all, apologies for long post. I am in need of advice. Some of you may know that I am looking for a new trail / AM kind of bike. It’s quite a lot of money for me so I want to seek as much advice and do as much research as possible before. I have just sold my 26” Spez FSR Stumpjumper as it was too small so was struggling up hills. I don’t know if I am just a poor climber or it was the bike but I really struggled to keep up with my mates. I do the Argus every year with relative ease so I can’t be that unfit.. Let’s blame the bike haha. On the rough down hills it was ok but I would definitely like something a bit beefier. I mainly ride DJ so I jump pretty much everything I can relatively smoothly. So I guess I want a bike that climbs like a mountain goat and descends like a downhiller. Is their such a thing? Bike is for Cape Town trails, mainly Jonkers, Tokia and similar that I haven’t tried out yet. Budget is 30 - 40k, lower the better but willing to spend it all if the bike is worth it. 650b preferred. I’m 1.87 and about 88kg. With all that in mind, here are some of the options that I have looked at so far. 2014 Trance 2 @ +- R22k Nice and cheap but will need a few upgrades out of the box. Fox 32 will not do. Due to crappy OD2 will need new headset and stem to accommodate new fork (Pike). Wheels, hubs, dropper and brakes also need to be upgraded asap. Problem is after upgrades I would have spent over R44k... I’ll also be sitting with a OD2 fork that no one wants. 2015 Trance 2 @ est R26k Similar to above although it comes with better brakes, hubs and an improved Fox 32 fork (doubt it will suffice). At least with no OD2 upgrading fork will be cheaper and can sell the stock fork easily. 2015 Trance SX @ R40k+ Unsure if its coming to SA and will be pricey @ $4250. This bike seems to fit the bill nicely. 2015 Reign 2 @ est R32k Probably won’t be a great climber. Initial reviews also suggest its a bit of a “pig”. Will be epic down hill though. Some components not ideal but at least it’s beefy where it counts. Pike, AM wheels etc. 2015 Spez Stumpjumper 650b Evo comp @ R40k ? Maybe a little too close for comfort to what I had before. Also “only” comes with a revelation whereas others in price range have Pike. Not sure if it's strong enough. 2015 Spez Enduro 650b comp @ R40k ? Seems like a decent bet? I have heard that it’s the exact same frame as the 29er? Not sure how that will translate into a 650b. Don’t want to spend so much on a half arsed attempt at a 650b bike. Pyga Pascoe build. Will likely cost R45k+ to get the complete bike at a level that I’m happy with. Ouch. Any obvious omissions? Which one would you choose and why? I suspect this thread may become useful to others as well who are in the same or similar predicament. Thanks, B

Anyone know exactly what 46mm offset Pike means on the Reign?

That price seems too good to be true? I'm super keen on the first one off the ship it retails for 30k

That reign looks epic. Think I'm going to hold out on it.

I arrived one hour before load time everything went super smooth. I started late though (OC - 09h53) Excellent organisation overall in my opinion.

Can I do it on a trail bike? Spez stumpjumper

PM me to please

Yeah I believe they were going for nothing but they got snatched up very quickly. I also wasn't looking then. Anyway, mine is like new with a few upgrades so I'm not complaining.

Yeah I believe they were going for cheap new at one stage but my one was in really great condition with dropper post, boo bar, tubless etc upgrades so I am stoked

I recently picked up a 2nd hand 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp (140mm) for R13k and so far been super impressed with it. Its not a true AM bike like the Meta AM but it is more than capable enough for most people. I have hit the road gaps at G Spot on it a few times and it handled it with ease. http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb7918400/p5pb7918400.jpg

Depends on what you are trying to achieve and how much you want to spend but a 26er with slicks is absolutely fine for the Argus. I did my first Argus this year on one and it was fine and there were thousands of others as well. I would definitely not buy a new bike just for a once a year event. Are you trying to go for a quick time?

Just to report back: I bought the Stump Jumper and so far very happy!