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Specialized S-works 29er vs. Cannondale Scalpel 29er


sharkysa

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I currently ride a 2009 S-works Stumpy and looking for an upgrade for Epic next year.

 

SpecializedPros

 

1. I already own specialized bikes.

 

Cons

 

2. Brain technology is OK but the service costs are crazy (R1100/shock)

 

Cannodale Scalpel

Pros

 

1. Lefty shock and weight

 

Cons

 

2. Seem many broken Cannnondale frames due to frame failure.

 

Would love to test ride both but it is near impossible to get hold of one?

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Two top of the range bikes - surprised you can't get a test ride.

 

Edit: Comparing your cons: Breaking a frame on the Epic is the end of the race and all the training and costs of entry. R1100 is hardly a train smash in comparison.

Edited by Just Keep Pedaling
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Two top of the range bikes - surprised you can't get a test ride.

 

Edit: Comparing your cons: Breaking a frame on the Epic is the end of the race and all the training and costs of entry. R1100 is hardly a train smash in comparison.

 

 

Good point, I almost don't want another specialized as they have become so mainstream. But thats probably for a reason.

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Scalpel design has changed regarding the breakages, instead of the carbon stays being bonded to an alloy frame, it is now a single carbon piece.

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Scalpel design has changed regarding the breakages, instead of the carbon stays being bonded to an alloy frame, it is now a single carbon piece.

 

True that. The old scalpels used to break a bit, but usually on the seattubes though...

 

Good luck on finding a Scalpel 29er for test ride - it is only due for release in the fall of 2011 , will probably hit SA Dec/Jan...

How will lefty servicing compare with Brain servicing in terms of pricng as OP lsited itas a con?

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Scalpel design has changed regarding the breakages, instead of the carbon stays being bonded to an alloy frame, it is now a single carbon piece.

 

And the lefty, is really that good? This is going to be a tough decision!

Edited by sharkysa
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Look at one of the alternates if Spez is too mainstream - Ellsworth, Yeti etc are boutique bikes, but mainstream on the Epic....

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From the Cape Epic website:

 

The annual Rider Survey not only provides feedback on the race services; it also provides insight into the equipment preferred by Absa Cape Epic riders in any given year. The 2011 Rider Surveys indicated the following:

 

64% of riders bought new bikes in anticipation of the event

 

18% of riders preferred Specialized, making it the most popular brand of bike in the 2011 Absa Cape Epic. 12% of riders preferred Scott, making it the second most popular brand.

 

77% of riders rode on a full suspension bike

 

22% of riders rode on a hard tail

 

53% of riders preferred SRAM to Shimano (47%)

 

22% of riders rode with 29inch wheels

 

48% of riders went tubeless, vs 81% in the 2010 event

 

39% of riders started out as roadies before converting to mountain biking

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From the Cape Epic website:

77% of riders rode on a full suspension bike

 

22% of riders rode on a hard tail

 

What did the other 1% ride then?

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What did the other 1% ride then?

 

 

I noticed that too.

 

Unicycles perhaps?

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From the Cape Epic website:

 

48% of riders went tubeless, vs 81% in the 2010 event

 

 

Less than 50% riders on tubeless tyres?

Wow, I thought it would be a lot more than that.

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Sooner or later everyone wants to ride a Specialized - just stay with it :thumbup:

 

Hie hie... you are opening up a big can of stinky worms with that comment boet. :D And I would change my Morewood and Intense bikes for a Specialized for which reason?

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