Scott spark 40 vs Merida 96 3000alu vs Giant Anthem x2 vs Silverback mercur 1 ??

[step777]

Actualy I the Merida was one of my options, but the parts for the fork is hard to find in SA.

But the main reason was I personaly don't like the mix between SRAM and Shimano - I like the full XT of my Spark.

[leeu52]

I'll also go with the Anthem X2. I had the chance to do a quick round the block on an Trance X2 (5inch travel) and the suspension feels amazing. Not much riding on it to really comment I know, but just giving my 2c. I'm getting my Trance X4 soon after quite a lot of research, reading forums, asking questions, visiting bike shops etc..and that Maestro suspension (well the X2's) def stuck on me. Will be upgrading my fork and rear can over time to bring it up on par with the X2. Def go visit some bike shops and get on these bikes.

+1

[mark ellis]

do yourself a favour and go and see each bike in the flesh.

 

In my oppinion the mercury is not in the same class as the rest of the bikes you mention

[wapad]

I will be doing mostly XC and racing i am bit on the heavy side 90kg ex rugby player and is about 1.75 tall.

 

ther is a big difference between an Anthem and the trance the Anthem is more racy and suited to XC and racing stages where the Trance is more suited to all mountain although you could race but the suspension would sap plenty energy out of the ol pins

 

I'm 100kg and 185CM and the anthem is well comfy then there is the new 29er anthem which is excellent value at about 25 K

 

I tried the Merida but the ride is hard and pure XC lap racer more suited to the snakes

 

havent tried the scott but the setup looks very merida like

 

try test a bike on a trail its the best way the parking lots doesnt help ask a bud to let you have a ride if he is the same size

 

 

try not make an emotional purchase the merida had buy me all over it but I had to be honest whenn I felt how hard the ride was ..

[hansman]

I'm also on the heavy side for a cyclist ,at 112kg and 1.94m i sit very comfortable on my entry level spark 60 ,So i would go the scott route agian when i upgrade ,that twinlock system on the handle bar does make a big difference to keep momentum.but you prob made up your mind already,enjoy whatever brand you choose.cheers

[G-funk]

I got myself the X2 anthem about 2 months back. Its a great ride, very soft and i would def recommend it!