Johny Bravo Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 Thanks JB. Going for a few test rides...but suspect the Camber might be the one.Thanks JB. Going for a few test rides...but suspect the Camber might be the one.Look out for the Specialized test days. They are called "test the best". Usually in Stellenbosch. Really is the best way to determine which bike is the best for you.
Rudi Pollard Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 Look out for the Specialized test days. They are called "test the best". Usually in Stellenbosch. Really is the best way to determine which bike is the best for you. They had one in Feb here at Groenkloof as well, and I must say that I was hugely impressed with the Camber. Yes they let us only ride S-Works models but what a bike!!! I havent ridden the lower specced Camber but comparing the S-Works Epic to the S-Works Camber I must say they were pretty close. In the end I went for the Epic, as I wanted the Brain suspension which the Camber does not offer. If they bring out the Camber with the Brain it will out sell the Epic with a country mile in my opinion
PhilipV Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 Also own the camber expert... Also had to "decide" between the Scalpel, tallboy, Pyga, Epic... Value for many the Camber won hands down.. Carbon wheels, crank, dropper post, full XO, etc. SUPER HAPPY with my bike!! It really climbs better than my Hardtail.. About the weight of the comp carbon..Try lose some weight yourself & then upgrade the wheels etc. when you have some cash. Ps. Buy the Camber! +1 on losing weight yourself first. who would have thought that spez would have the value advantage compared to rivals. some great market positioning they did there. Ali long travel bikes will always be heftier, so carbom will always be worth it if you can stretch your bucks a bit further.
Jakkals77 Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 Also own the camber expert... Also had to "decide" between the Scalpel, tallboy, Pyga, Epic... Value for many the Camber won hands down.. Carbon wheels, crank, dropper post, full XO, etc. SUPER HAPPY with my bike!! It really climbs better than my Hardtail.. About the weight of the comp carbon..Try lose some weight yourself & then upgrade the wheels etc. when you have some cash. Ps. Buy the Camber! I looked at the same bikes and Im glad I chose the Camber Carbon Comp, for its value and the riding is sooo much more fun compared to my previous Scott Spark.The first upgrade and to reduce the weight a bit, is to replace the wheels. The question is with what? Carbon wheels and which ones, or would something like a American Classic or ZTR Arch make any difference? Go with the Camber, i doubt if anyone will have buyers remorse after purchasing one of the carbon models.
Sasquatch Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 We know Lefty, We all know you would rather push a wheelbarrow down single track before riding a Spez. Yes but we all also know that the wheelbarrow will be faster
Johny Bravo Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 Yes but we all also know that the wheelbarrow will be fasterWith his skill level, yes, you are absolutely right. He will be faster pushing the wheelbarrow.
SiriS Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 So help a noob here please. I've been reading up a lot on XC/Racy vs Trail bikes and I get the technical bike variables pertaining to the classification e.g. Travel, slackness of geometry, sketchy, influence on climbing, downhills etc. etc. etc... ...but...still battling to relate that to what I typically ride. My normal riding is (in my area), Meerendal, Hoogekraal, Contermanskloof and Magik Forest i.e. climbing, lots of single track, nothing majorly technical (although there are black routes which I am currently avoiding). Would that constitute XC or Trail? Very aware of the marketing hype and that nothing is clearly defined, I am simply trying to relate bike specs and variables to intended type of riding. Seems to me that a bit more travel and slacker geometry could result in a more enjoyable experience for my normal riding (considering that I'm currently on a racy Scott Scale HT). Tempting do get a Camber and keep the Scott...wife may disagree though.
Johny Bravo Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 So help a noob here please. I've been reading up a lot on XC/Racy vs Trail bikes and I get the technical bike variables pertaining to the classification e.g. Travel, slackness of geometry, sketchy, influence on climbing, downhills etc. etc. etc... ...but...still battling to relate that to what I typically ride. My normal riding is (in my area), Meerendal, Hoogekraal, Contermanskloof and Magik Forest i.e. climbing, lots of single track, nothing majorly technical (although there are black routes which I am currently avoiding). Would that constitute XC or Trail? Very aware of the marketing hype and that nothing is clearly defined, I am simply trying to relate bike specs and variables to intended type of riding. Seems to me that a bit more travel and slacker geometry could result in a more enjoyable experience for my normal riding (considering that I'm currently on a racy Scott Scale HT). Tempting do get a Camber and keep the Scott...wife may disagree though. Age? weight? Bravery? Fitness level? Many choices.
SiriS Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 Age? weight? Bravery? Fitness level? Many choices. Beginner all round, close to 40, 85kg, fairly brave, fitness getting there. But my question is more one of understanding terminology vs trails I'm currently riding - more XC or more Trail of nature?
Johny Bravo Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 I would suggest a Camber at your age. No offense. But the Epic might also suit your needs. They are very close. Both absolutley superb. Biggest difference is the brain.
SiriS Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 I would suggest a Camber at your age. No offense. But the Epic might also suit your needs. They are very close. Both absolutley superb. Biggest difference is the brain. None taken. Epic thread hijack... ...but you can't be half pregnant... ...so...I've done a lot of reading up on the Brain, seems like people love or hate it. For an average, riding for fun MTB'er, not having a Brain is probably less of an issue. I understand maintenance can also become an issue. I prefer simplicity (to a point).
markmad Posted May 23, 2014 Posted May 23, 2014 siris , I do the same riding as you but try and combine atleast two trails or do the same one twice, and do the one day events that I like on a Giant xtc 0 aluminium frame HT with only a wheel upgrade .My age is 42,weight 83 - 86 depending on the eating habits and fitness is, well it depends who you compare it to. Make your primary focus health and fitness and you will notice a big differnce fast.Keep the Scott it can do the job unless you have a sensetive back ofcourse.
Sasquatch Posted May 26, 2014 Posted May 26, 2014 Just don't forget to pick up a pair of these, they go well with any Camber
SiriS Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 So I pretty much decided on going DS and looking at two bikes - Camber Expert (will test ride soon) - http://www.specialized.com/au/en-au/bikes/mountain/camber/camber-expert-carbon-29 Rockey Mountain Element 970 - http://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/element/2014#/models/element-970-rsl Price wise they're comparable. Missing any tricks here, any comments or suggestions? Thanks!
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted June 9, 2014 Posted June 9, 2014 Of the 2, I'd go Spaz, if they are priced similarly. Why? Well - Roval Carbon wheelset vs Stans Crest (alu wheelset) and the travel is just that much more into the trail sector (110mm vs 95 on the RM) Plus I love the SRAM parts kit on the Spaz. So - as much as I love the frame design on the RM, the Spaz would be my pick of the 2.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.