Darren van Deventer Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 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
Iwan Kemp Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 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 Hi Darren, Welcome to The Hub. The Anthem X 29er is a great bike, but for where you live and ride I would rather go for a Trance 27.5. The Trance 2 is an excellent trail bike and will relish in Giba. The Anthem won't be bad, but the Trance will definitely be better suited and it is by no means a slow bike.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 I have to agree with Iwan. The Trance is a fantastic bike that loses nowhere. It's a trail eating monster, and will serve you very well in terms of longer efforts on the saddle, with hardly any depreciation in out and out speed and performance. In fact, it'll probably be more comfortable for those longer efforts thanks to the more relaxed head angle and slightly ore travel than the Anthem. ITO weight, there's not a lot to separate them either. The trance is just THAT muh more capable when the going gets tough, yet is still able to hold its own in longer distance events. Trance 2 gets my vote.
DoubleJ Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 I love My Anthem. It's just such a capable bike and can handle everything you throw at it. I've ripped up single trails, done long distance centuries and grabbed some major Strava KOM's in my area. I don't have a Trance so unfortunately I cannot comment on that bike, what I can say is that you can't go wrong with any Giant. I test rode a Spez Epic and just couldn't get to grips with its brain shock. I took the Giant, slapped on some lighter wheels and couldn't be happier....climbs like a goat, descends like running salt and more comfortable than psychiatrists sofa. I have the aluminium frame and my bike weighs 11.2kg. Happy hunting.
Darren van Deventer Posted January 19, 2015 Author Posted January 19, 2015 Thanks for the responses, I was looking at the Trance as I felt it would handle the rough stuff better but then the wheel size argument started which my lbs (and I have a couple) told me 29er for my height and the terrain so I eliminated the 650b which i think made sense as you getting the best of both worlds. I currently have a 29er HT and compared to my 26er it just keeps on rolling which really helps especially after the Giba Gorge Blue route first hill, it gives you that time to catch your breath while progressing further the only thing is the rims seem weak. I have yet to ride a 27.5 on the trails maybe that should be my next focus, i eventually want to try compete as far up at the top as possible but this will take a couple years as i need to condition myself for this sport, luckily i have lots of enduro riding experience ( motorcycles ) which has helped alot and feel I am more then capable in the skills department. I will more then likely upgrade in a couple years time when I am conditioned correctly to a true racer eg: Spez epic but i need something to get me there and i dont want to wonder off into something off topic just becauseits more fun for example, I WANT TO COMPETE if you are determined that your choice of the Trance is still correct please let me know and i will look further into it. Thanks again i do appreciate all the input
s14phoenix Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 Trance.... definitely a Trance... new 2015. the Anthem SX is also a great bike...By the time you want to compete you will want another bike anyway. No matter what you buy now...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 Trance. The ONLY place a 29er will be "better" is on flat sections and potentially the hills. Again, your training will be able to overcome this, or if you fit high volume tires to your bike and you'll be able to keep up with ease. Enduro moto is very different to MTB. Yes, you have to work the moto but then you have the loud pedal, which makes getting over obstacles that much easier. I'd still say Trance, as you're new to MTB. You can still compete VERY easily on the trance, due to the suspension platform in conjunction with the shock having the lockout features (climb, trail, descend) and the fork being far better than they were just a year ago. You'll have more fun, and as a result perform better.
Darren van Deventer Posted January 19, 2015 Author Posted January 19, 2015 Perfect thank you for your time and input i will look into the trance have a good day
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 Oh - and the thing about 29ers being better for taller riders? BS. It's all about the geometry of the bike itself. Top tube length, reach, head angle etc etc.
DoubleJ Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 If I had a bit more money I would've probably gone for a Pyga Oneten29 over the Anthem.....just look into the maintenance costs of the brain before you pull the trigger on a Spez.
Darren van Deventer Posted January 19, 2015 Author Posted January 19, 2015 If I had a bit more money I would've probably gone for a Pyga Oneten29 over the Anthem.....just look into the maintenance costs of the brain before you pull the trigger on a Spez.I was just giving a example of a true racing mtb i wont necessarily purchase a epic, and regarding service costs i have come from motorcycles which ate my bank balance MTB is alot cheaper but I do understand where you are coming from and these bike companies today pull the piss you shouldnt have to finance a bicycle
DoubleJ Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 No worries man....coming from MotoX you'll know....it's not about the bike, but all about the engine.
Musketeer Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 I love My Anthem. It's just such a capable bike and can handle everything you throw at it. I've ripped up single trails, done long distance centuries and grabbed some major Strava KOM's in my area. I don't have a Trance so unfortunately I cannot comment on that bike, what I can say is that you can't go wrong with any Giant. I test rode a Spez Epic and just couldn't get to grips with its brain shock. I took the Giant, slapped on some lighter wheels and couldn't be happier....climbs like a goat, descends like running salt and more comfortable than psychiatrists sofa. I have the aluminium frame and my bike weighs 11.2kg. Happy hunting. Does this include the pedals etc? Reason why I'm asking is I'm also in the market for my first duel and very bias towards Giant as I rode their XTC 1 until a student on whatsapp slammed into me in peak traffic.... with the bike on the back. I'm not to much of a weight weenie, but don't want to feel as if I'm dragging a block of concrete up a hill.
DoubleJ Posted January 19, 2015 Posted January 19, 2015 Does this include the pedals etc? Reason why I'm asking is I'm also in the market for my first duel and very bias towards Giant as I rode their XTC 1 until a student on whatsapp slammed into me in peak traffic.... with the bike on the back. I'm not to much of a weight weenie, but don't want to feel as if I'm dragging a block of concrete up a hill.That was without the pedals....climbs like a goat.
rudi-h Posted January 20, 2015 Posted January 20, 2015 From what you described you DEFINITELY want a ~140mm trail bike. I also do a lot of distance and these longer travel bikes are not nearly as slow as guys would want you to believe. It's not just the extra 40mm of travel, it's the whole combination of slack geometry, travel etc. It makes a Huge difference to your riding and confidence.
bullet77 Posted January 20, 2015 Posted January 20, 2015 That was without the pedals....climbs like a goat.Light for an alu bike. Very nice. My L Anthem X29er weighs 12,7kg with pedals and 2 bottle cages but I still have standard Giant seatpost and bars. Going in today for service and setting fork to 120mm travel.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.