Dieter ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

So after many hours of soul searching and Googling, I have decided the Anthem SX is the bike for me. Basically a 650b XC bike with added fun The dropper post and extra 20mm up front will cover all my needs. The colour has also turned this from merely a head decision to a dream bike. In the future I can upgrade the wheel and it should give me years of fun! I already have a saddle so that won't be an issue as the standard one is apparently very squishy. Thank you for all the valuable input! Opinions and experience trump marketing but I think I will be very happy on this gorgeous machine.

If someone has time during their coffee they can find the location on google maps

I will always splurge on contact points!

Either way it will an upgrade and a good one at that. I think I will try both wheel sizes and see from there

So between any two bikes it seems Anthem is always the answer! Is our market large enough to keep the Giant 29" rolling?

Do you find yourself more capable because of the skills learnt on a hardtail? I suppose all the skills will come with time but maybe at an easier and slower rate on a DS.

I'm a bit concerned about the major surge in 650b. I'm not overly tall but I do fit into the 29er box. Also the more trail orientated bikes are all 650b and they seem a lot more fun? What exactly do you find better about the 29er in your case? I haven't had either!

I'm intrigued now as well!

Makes sense! I just saw that Giant will only focus on 650b from now on. Keeping this in mind, will it be a smarter move to start with 650b now so my parts stay relevant in the years to come.

Unfortunately this is all about compromise. HT vs dual sus, and then within the dual sus, trail vs xc. So for me now with Giant as an example: XTC vs (Anthem vs Trance)

Hello! Thank you in advance for the input! I have read a few of these so here is the info needed. R30kish budget 1.83m tall (Large frame if i'm not mistaken) 27 years old Riding for 3 years Old bike was a 26" carbon hardtail from 2008 (very race oriented geometry) Ride 2 times a week, 50km+ outrides in the south/Thaba/Modderfontein Races every 2 months or so. Competitive but nowhere near a podium. Bike will be purchased new as it is part of a claim. What my LBS stocks will be preffered. (GT, Giant, Merida, Cannondale, Cube, Mongoose, Silverback, Titan) My dilemma now, a nice one at that, is a carbon hardtail or a full suspension. My standout choices: 2016 Anthem X 29 2015 Gt Zaskar carbon 9r Pro What else should I be considering? Perhaps not 29? My reasons, which might be completely unreasonable: Dual - Comfort, fun, capability, futureproof HT - Learning, speed, components I look forward to the input!

I trust nothing today...

#USNEpic Stage7: 03:26:24

No need to be salty mate. "Provide feedback about your positive and negative experiences." I never felt the need for a bike shop shop until earlier, that was the point. You also have the right to provide negative feedback on a comment that was meant to be positive.

First 6km into this 'festive' season and almost disaster, sidewall just a memory now! I am normally a huge advocate for online shopping but this was now an emergency... I can't wait for a tyre that's not in vogue anymore. I also don't have a garden... God help me if I use sealant on the couch! A trip to my LBS and i'm all sorted. From this day on I will be supporting them more. Your friendly LBS might not have the best prices, and you can certainly do most of the stuff yourself with some tools and YouTube, but what lifesavers. Thanks again to my new LBS, Ridgeway Cycles <3 <3 <3

#USNEpic Stage6: 02:53:13

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#USNEpic Stage5: 4:43:12

#USNEpic Stage4: 03:01:17

This would be great! Especially to get to the veld on the bike.

#USNEpic Stage3:04:32:18

I actually never knew how much I loved them until now <3

#USNEpic Stage2: 03:51:30

#USNEpic Stage1: 04:44:44

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