Best Dual Suspension for Adventure Racing

[TrailWarrior]

I am wanting to get a dual suspension mountain bike for adventure racing, variable terrain riding, endurance riding every once in a while. Preferable a 29er. I have ridden 29er hard-tail all this time but would like to add another horse to the stable. Being 6ft2, the 29er has been a pleasure to ride the past 2 years vs the 26er I had been riding back then.

 

Price: Around R26k ball park. I fancied the Giant Trance X, but no large in 2014 model and only making 27.5 in 2015 range? (Not mad about going 27.5....??)

 

What are your guys thoughts? What do you think is a durable full suspension out there?? Would like to hear all the opinions....thanks!

[DJR]

Anthem! It is a 29er, race orientated, light, fast, value for money, fun on single track, good at marathon distances. (I ride a 27.5 Trance myself)

[Hairy]

not sure you can build it for your budget, but a superlight would work well ... single pivot is rough and less to go wrong.

 

I assume that what ever bike it is also has to not be a complicated linkage system that blocks up the main triangle and thereby offer you more clearance in the frame to put it over your shoulder and lug the bike through rough terrain and climb up and over things

[Hairy]

http://fcdn.mtbr.com/attachments/29er-bikes/714486d1343936220-santa-cruz-superlight-29-one-month-review-img_0292.jpg

[Hairy]

I can't believe I am saying this, but what about a SPAZ Camber?

[Shebeen]

The best bike for AR is the one that has the same wheel size, brake system and gears as your team mates. no one likes a cannondale lefty ride with v-brakes!

 

As a group, we are waaaaay behind trends in biking. mainly because we have lots of sports so don't upgrade equipment as quickly as other guys.

 

but what i would say is DON'T go for the race version of bikes. a more relaxed setup is better because

a)you ride for longer, comfort is more important than speed

b)you don't go so fast, so aero is not such an ideal.

 

also. don't be precious with your bike. you will abuse it. 

[karlvand]

Have a look at the new silverback Sido29, decent suspension, combination of slx and xt with stans crest wheelset. I don't think you can go wrong and as far as I know it is going to be in your price range. It doesn't hurt that it looks awesome as well

 

http://www.silverbacklab.com/bike/mountain/silverback-sido-29/

[JCA12]

The silverback does look good but I would recommend changing the crests to a stronger set eg arch as the arch's are more robust for a marginal weight gain

[Odinson]

Definitely a Specialized Camber - for your budget you should be able to get the 2015 in Comp. 

 

It has a wide breadth of riding styles it caters to.

[arendoog]

Anthem! It is a 29er, race orientated, light, fast, value for money, fun on single track, good at marathon distances. (I ride a 27.5 Trance myself)

+1 anthem and superlight

[Johny Bravo]

As much as I love the camber, for that money you are going to get a tank. 

[Odinson]

If you were willing to go 27.5, you could also get a Silverback Slider 1.

 

Great "adventure" type bike, but also capable of doing longer marathon type events.

[TrailWarrior]

The 27.5 (650b).... is it really the best of both worlds? I just found that moving from 26er to 29er and my height, the 29er was a more comfortable ride as far as bike fit is concerned...that just my opinion. Its almost a mindset thing that if I went 27.5, its like going backward....?? There again, I haven't ridden a 27.5.

 

Guess, the best is to find a test ride and ride one.... Still fancy 29er though

 

Some thinking to do...

[Amanzi]

I use my camber for adventure racing. It's got a more relaxed geometry that fits well with map reading while trying to steer. I use a drinking system as I find the bottle holder is difficult to access while using the maps etc. My camber has done Swazi challenge and a number short courses without too much of a hassle. Just took sometime to get used to the more "laid back" geometry after riding a more aggressive epic before that. Best add on is the map holder the guys at kinetic sell. Must have for longer races.

[Thug]

I echo Shebeen 100%.

[Hannes Smit]

Bought a scott spark 950 2015 model price was 26k. Realy happy with the bike available in 27.5 and 29er.