Scott Spark 940 29" or Giant Anthem 29" ?

[rackman]

I'm in the market for a new 29" full suspension bike & I've narrowed down my choice down to the 2014 Scott Spark 940 & the Giant Anthem X1?

 

I'm 104kg, 184cm & am a roadie wanting to do some mtb, doing trails, logging tracks, non-technical stuff, distances averaging 50 - 100km's.

I'm asking hubbers out there what there views are on the two bikes & what you reckon would suit me most.

Your input would be appreciated.

[faanie]

Vote to the Anthem X1, but an XTC is probably also a good choice. I think the Scotts are a bit heavier than the Giants.

[splat]

Weren't the Synchros wheels on the Scott bikes prone to folding upon impact?

Especially under normal (by South African standards) sized riders...

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Giant. Their stock wheels are much stronger than the Syncros wheels on the Scott. It also has a better suspension design than the Scott.

[Guest dilldesigns]

Giant X1 is your winner. I have ridden both, My neighbor has a Scott Spark 940 and my riding buddy has a Giant Anthem X1, the Scott is legit and does the job but the Giant with that Maestro suspension feels great and is a trail machine.

 

At the end of the day, these two bikes are not cheap, so take a weekend out and try both to see which feels better.

Edited May 13, 2014 by dilldesigns

[Sephton]

If you shop around you will be able to get an Anthem X 29er 1 for around R25k which is great value. As an ex Spark rider who now rides an Anthem I have to agree, the Maestro suspension is a better design.

[PoiZoNouZ]

Giant. Period.

[mtbride]

Picked up my X1 for R22500 in January ... The SLX and Deore XT comps are flawless and the suspension works awesome, I run it soft to get full travel though, but I only weigh 68kg ...

 

Next upgrade will certainly be new wheelset with tubeless, still running HEAVY slime inners

Edited May 14, 2014 by Kraggie

[Hardi]

Giant defnitly, But I would recommend the Trance x 29 er 1. Reason: It has more travel, and at 100+ kg you still have reasonable usable travel, the frame is also slightly beefed up. My Dad-inlaw (97kg) has a 940, and the moment he sat on my trance, he got buyers remorse.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Giant defnitly, But I would recommend the Trance x 29 er 1. Reason: It has more travel, and at 100+ kg you still have reasonable usable travel, the frame is also slightly beefed up. My Dad-inlaw (97kg) has a 940, and the moment he sat on my trance, he got buyers remorse.

 

I'd recommend the Trance 275 over the 29er every day of the week and twice on Sundays

[GaryP]

Hi. I have a 2014 Anthem X1. Highly recommended!

[mtbDobby]

I have had both or atleast I now have the scott spark 910. The giant is a great bike but I don't like the shock design, I found mine prone to peddle bob which was a problem on climbing. With my scott which has the ability to set complete lock out (twinloc) I am in control of the setting at all times which I like.

 

In my opinion I found the Anthem to be more of a trail bike and the scott more of racing bike - you must decide which you prefer which means ride both and make a decision otherwise you will always wonder.

[MaXiMuM]

I have had both or atleast I now have the scott spark 910. The giant is a great bike but I don't like the shock design, I found mine prone to peddle bob which was a problem on climbing. With my scott which has the ability to set complete lock out (twinloc) I am in control of the setting at all times which I like.

 

In my opinion I found the Anthem to be more of a trail bike and the scott more of racing bike - you must decide which you prefer which means ride both and make a decision otherwise you will always wonder.

 

Nice reply.

Do you think this holds true for the 650b versions of both bikes?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I have had both or atleast I now have the scott spark 910. The giant is a great bike but I don't like the shock design, I found mine prone to peddle bob which was a problem on climbing. With my scott which has the ability to set complete lock out (twinloc) I am in control of the setting at all times which I like.

 

In my opinion I found the Anthem to be more of a trail bike and the scott more of racing bike - you must decide which you prefer which means ride both and make a decision otherwise you will always wonder.

 

That's more a function of the shock itself though rather than the suspension design.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Plus - on technical climbs you actually WANT a bit of movement on the rear to give you more traction...

[Johny Bravo]

Plus - on technical climbs you actually WANT a bit of movement on the rear to give you more traction...

Not all of us. I want my rear suspension as hard as possible when climbing, my brain on my Epic is set to hardest. I hate pedal bob. Different strokes hey.