Hi all, I am a recreational cross country rider, my last MTB being a Giant Boulder, so I can be considered an entry level rider. Endless research has finally settled on 2 bikes which fit my requirements and budget, but now I am torn between the 2: Silverback Spectra Sport (2019) vs Giant Liv Tempt 2 (2020) I am 100% happy with the Silverback specs, as far as I can see it has all the important bits which make for a good quality MTB. Reviews also give it a huge thumbs up for build/spec quality and performance. A few things concern me with the Giant Liv though. Firstly, the fact that it is a gender-specific MTB. I am definitely not a girly kind of girl and a gender-specific MTB bugs me because it certainly sounds like a clever marketing ploy. My research does however show that this MTB scores 10/10 in all the reviews so in spite of it being gender-specific, it delivers on its promises in terms of quality and performance. If I do ever enter an event, will I look like a newbie dufus for rocking up with a "girly bike"? Forkwise, the Liv has Fork RockShox XC30, coil spring, preload adjust, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, whereas the Silverback has SR Suntour XCR Air, 100mm, Hydraulic Lockout and Rebound Adjust, QR. I have been advised that when it comes to suspension, air is preferable to coil spring. Is that correct? The Liv wheel size is 27.5 whereas the Silverback is 29. I wonder if 27.5 will eventually be phased out, like what is happening to the 26? Both are just over R10 000 so no difference there. I won't be upgrading for a long time after this purchase so whatever I choose will have to serve me for the next few years. I am leaning towards the Silverback but must confess that I have always loved the Giant brand (research surprised me by revealing that Giant manufactures for Trek and Scott!) Your advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
