Giant Anthem X29er?

[Darren van Deventer]

Hi guys I am relatively new to MTB but the past couple months the bug has bitten hard, I am looking at upgrading but I am having a difficult time deciding with all these options available these days. My main focus will be long distance stage events but I love the technical singletrack and will be playing around on that alot of the time. I live close to Giba Gorge and that will be my main training facility and as im sure people that have ridden here are aware that there are fast downhill single track over rocks roots etc, I am looking at a dual suspension bike that can handle being thrown around on this terrain but wont slow me down on the long distance stage races I am a huge fan of the Scott just because it looks sooooo nice but after alot of research I have seen many problems with the frames cracking. I am 100kgs at the moment ( hoping to drop that substantially ), 6ft 2 and I am very hard on my bike, one of the reasons I dont want a carbon frame. I am in the price bracket of R25k, I have looked at the Giant Anthem X 29er looks like a decent choice especially with a lifetime warranty on the frame, I am also looking at brand new dont want someone elses problems, your opinions and experiences will be appreciated Thanks