Which MTB would you chose? Thoughts pls

[T-Bob]

Okay, so I'm in the market for a new ride. I've been focusing on road for a bit and the last dirt bike I had was a Scott Scale 40 and before that was a Mongoose Teocali.

 

So the options I have is:

 

- Felt Six Elite carbon 2010 (new) 26" - HT

- Specialized Rockhopper SL 2010 (new) 26" - HT

- Specialized Camber FSR Comp 2011 (new) 26" - DS

- Volcan xc Carbon 2012 (new) 26" - HT SRAM x9

 

General use would be riding cape town and surrounds. Trails and belting about with a view to get some decent training in for a few events next year like Knysna/ PPA events / joberg2c / hell and back.

 

I never really know about dual vs HT (ridden both and have likes and hates and can deal with both) and I'm not even going to enter the 26 vs 29 firestorm.

 

I know I have a spread of bikes there but they are all available at about the same prices on clearance down from different prices to the R12 - 14K mark.

 

Any advice would be good I have my views but would like to hear from others.

 

http://dale2.bigup.co.za/components/com_mtree/img/listings/m/14.jpghttp://www.thesportsbasement.co.za/content/images/thumbs/0000145_camber_fsr_comp_26_300.jpeghttp://www.thesportsbasement.co.za/content/images/thumbs/0000144_rockhopper_sl_pro_300.jpeghttp://www.thesportsbasement.co.za/content/images/thumbs/0000150_volcan_26_300.jpeg

[T-Bob]

and before the grammer nazi's point it out I did speal 'choose' as 'chose'... I'm just trying to look kewler.

[MrJacques]

I'd choose the DS. Personal preference for comfort and traction.

[Iwan Kemp]

I'd choose the DS. Personal preference for comfort and traction.

 

+1

 

Lighter has it merits, but for very little amount of time REALLY. The dual with give you a lot more fun factor (especially on our rocky, rooty trails down here).

[(Deon)]

Specialized Camber FSR Comp 2011 (new) 26" - DS

 

That is a good looking bike.. you can see it is slacker than the rest. It has my vote.

 

I assume it is the 14k bike, good price too. As components wear, upgrade when replacing..

[zeepee]

ja if you looking to do joberg2c you should definatelty look at a DS

[The Ghost]

Specialized Camber FSR Comp 2011 (new) 26" - DS

[Cav']

Of the above i'll take the -- Specialized Camber FSR Comp 2011 (new) 26" - DS

Edit . saw the price in OP

Edited March 29, 2012 by Cavendish

[Sharkie 2]

I have a Felt Six Carbon and it is awesome! Still not my Scott Scale I had in terms of responsiveness bit very comfortable

[T-Bob]

Cheers guys for the info. I'm never sure one way or another on the DS angle. Yes the comfort is great but the extra weight, issues climbing and bobbing about seems to be always creep in.

[(Deon)]

Cheers guys for the info. I'm never sure one way or another on the DS angle. Yes the comfort is great but the extra weight, issues climbing and bobbing about seems to be always creep in.

 

Well, we are seeing that extra weight is just hype. DS dominates the epic.

Extra bob? If you notice it, then you need to look at the setup again, they are infinitely adjustable.

 

Sounds like you want the hardtail. All the best. .

[BushGoblin]

DS is awesome for comfort etc. I have a carbon Volcan 26HT that I have upgraded a fair amount, which is now super light running 2X9. Tried ride all bikes and see what suits your needs the best blended with the opinions that you get from here. Good Luck

[T-Bob]

Sounds like you want the hardtail. All the best. .

 

Not fixed on any, ht's have their own issues that everyone knows, was just mentioning my issues with DS in the past. Had both and each has plus and minus... can't own both kinds plus the roadies, the boards and all the rest of the toys so a decision has to be made!

[(Deon)]

Thing is, with the right setup the DS negates the need for a HT.. if you were having problems with the last bike, it could be that you had a fault in the setup. (??) Which bike was it? Did it have/need a platform setting on the shock? Some susp. systems like Maestro/DW link are so good, platform adjust is just plain unnecessary. For those that need assistance, the manufacturers have platform setting so taped, it is not even a question anymore.

 

Follow the sag rule when setting up the bike and you are almost there. Then it is just up to rebound and fine tuning of platform if you have it.

 

Compare the components between brands and that could be your deciding factor. I think nowadays to still use bob as the drawback is flawed. Remember, it is a 2011 bike sporting all the new technology..

[T-Bob]

Thanks for all the advice. Just to be perverse I've decided to get a 2011 s/h Orange Five out of the UK and get a friend to bring it over.

 

Awesome bikes, can't wait. Always wondered why they don't import here.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Thanks for all the advice. Just to be perverse I've decided to get a 2011 s/h Orange Five out of the UK and get a friend to bring it over.

 

Awesome bikes, can't wait. Always wondered why they don't import here.

 

Very nice. Simple. Easy. Good pedigree. Which one did you go for?