Okay, I'll budge. My take on the Cube AMS, Vipa XT and Sesta having ridden all three recently... For starters my own ride is the Vipa XT, 2015 spec, pretty much stock with Fox 32 100 upfront and Float on the rear. Cube AMS 100: I was really impressed by this bike - it's super stiff and ultra efficient. To me it feels a little more "racey" than the other two thanks to the steeper head angle and suspension design. I'd be less inclined to bomb it down a rocky or rooty trail than the other two. I did, and it's perfectly capable though, but perhaps more aimed at a serious racer. Vipa XT: I'm a little biased since I own one. I love it, it suits my typical riding very well and am not rushing to get something new just yet. Although on paper the rear travel is shorter than the others, you feel like you have a bit more available and that you can play a little more than on the Cube. Ideally I'd like to switch out the Fox for Rockshox, but it has served me well in multiple stage races and even the occasional enduro. Sesta Race: I was immediately comfortable on this bike. Partly because the geometry is very close to Vipa, but also thanks to the lower standover and slightly longer top tube. It gave the feeling of being more "in" the bike than "on" it. Performance wise it's very stiff and responsive when you need it and fun to throw around a bit on trails. If I had R60k to spend? For me it would be between the Vipa and the Sesta. Both suit my riding preferences a little more with the slacker head angle and more playful characteristics. The Sesta would take it narrowly based on spec. Rockshox wins this round for me!
