DominicStratford Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 I'm looking at building a fun XC/trail 29er bike that I can take overseas and throw around a whole range of different terrains. I would like to put a little time and effort into building something just for me. It starts with the frame. The choices are: Giant Anthem x29er - great review of BikeradarEllsworth Evolve sst.2 29er - great reviews on bikeradar. Two very different suspension platforms, two very different bikes. The reason the Ellsworth is even in the picture is that there is one on sale here and it looks special. So, what do you reckon? I haven't found an article that puts them up against each other. Any opinions are appreciated.
johanpre44 Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 Is the build starting from a 2nd hand frame? New AnthemX frames are quite expensive (about R10k as far as I know), may be cheaper to buy a low spec and then upgrading the parts to what you want. If going for a second hand frame just watch out for the top tube and seat tube weld cracks (occasional occurance). Personally I like the Trance more because of the improved weld at the seat/top tubes and the fact the the setup is a bit more trail like (think 120mm travel with a bit of a more relaxed head tube angle but still able to climb well). I cannot say much about the Ellsworth, sure that its also a good frame.
DominicStratford Posted October 4, 2014 Author Posted October 4, 2014 I budgeted for an anthem frame and they are between 10 and 12k. The selling of the ellsworth for 11.5k got my attention.
BoerBiker Posted October 4, 2014 Posted October 4, 2014 Hi Dominic I have to be honest I don't know the Ellsworth. I have an Anthem though and all I can tell you is that it really is a special bike. Handles like a 26er and rolls like the best 29er you can think of. It really is a do all mountain bike. I took it to a trail with loads of climbs today and man that thing climbs like a goat...I actually got a KOM on Strava on a 4km climb and decent today. That maestro suspension is a work of art I've never had so much confidence coming down at full speed. https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/143743-weight-weenie/ Happy hunting
DominicStratford Posted October 4, 2014 Author Posted October 4, 2014 Yeah, I have a 26er anthem now and it is excellent. Ridden a couple of 29er anthems and they also seem really nice. The Ellsworth is very tempting though as a super refined, hand built frame. It is similar situation to the arguments I've seen between Santa Cruz and Giant fans.
Bizkit031 Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 The thing is this,you can get parts for the Gaint,the Ellsworth has won many design awards and the ride is awesome but parts is an issue.
Steven Knoetze (sk27) Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 I have the Anthem, awesome bike and you will never regret it.Maybe more commonly seen so the Ellsworth would be more unique but I also don't like the look of the Ellsworths, too industrial looking!!
floatfox Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 Anthem..great bike, and good backup service if something does ever go wrong..
SimpleDom Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 What does your heart say? Which one are you still going to want if you buy the other? I love my Anthem, but still want a Pyga.
evolve Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 Been on a Evolve for 4 years now........it's simply the best ride around. No it's not the lightest and the parts are a availiable no worries. I race different brands but my day to day trainer is the Evolve.....why?. Well it's the most comfortable and enjoyable ride.
TheV Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 Uhm.. You can't really directly compare mass produced to the Ellsworth. I also don't believe you will have any problems getting "parts" if you really needed. I would go look at the Evolve in person, if it's in good condition and you love it, then go for it. It's an odd looking bike, but then an Anthem is just that, an Anthem, nothing special about it.
Brian Fantana Posted October 5, 2014 Posted October 5, 2014 If the Evolve is in good condition, it will be the best frame you can get for that kind of money. I spoke to a bike reviewer earlier this year, and he told me that from the last two years of bike tests and reviews, nothing came close to the Evolve as far as XCM/Stage Race/Light Trail bikes go. It is one of those frames that you will ride for years and years.
Jake Posted October 6, 2014 Posted October 6, 2014 I own an Evolve. It's a great bike. I've never owned a Giant and I've also never owned a BMW.......
DominicStratford Posted October 6, 2014 Author Posted October 6, 2014 Well, after a lot of thinking I decided to go with the evolve. I figure you only live once hey. If it doesn't feel right then by the time I've built it I'll have all the bits to fit on something else. I'll let you all know how the build goes. I personally think the frame looks awesome... Shot for the opinions all
DominicStratford Posted October 6, 2014 Author Posted October 6, 2014 Here's hoping all that hard earned cash in the form of a frame finds its way here via the joys of the South African Postal Service. If anyone has any ideas as to the best way get a frame up to Jozi from CT that isn't with it secure on your lap in a privately chartered plane can you let me know.
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