VT-2 Posted January 19, 2015 Share Hi Guys, I currently have a Giant Anthem X1 which I had for about 5 years (with a frame replacement in between) which I am generally still happy with, although the confidence going downhill is worse compared to my old Giant VT-2.What a bike - but got stolen. It is perfect for the Nissan Trailseeker series and most of the trails in and around Pta. I am playing with the idea of a trail/all-mountain/enduro bike for stage racing and when I go to Cape Town and trails with more technical downhill. I think the trail bike will be better and less punishing over 3 days in the saddle. Travel around 140mm, dropper seat and slr/xt (sram equivalents) is about the specs needed - nothing too fancy. It looks like my options if the budget is <30K is basically limited to the Giant Trance 2. (I will be very happy with another Giant and the bike gets good reviews). Any other options in the price range? (I prefer a 27.5 over the 29" which I don't like in terms of looks) Also it looks like a lot of the importers don't bring in the 27.5 trail bikes? I don't see them on websites. (GT Force, Trek Remedy, Scott Genius, Specialized Stumpy FSR etc...) Edited January 20, 2015 by VT-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iwan Kemp Posted January 19, 2015 Share For under R30k you will have to look long and hard to find a bike that can rival the Trance 27.5. Both on spec and performance. But yes, it's a pity that we don't see more bikes in that category and at that price point on our trails. Hairy, VT-2 and GoLefty!! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VT-2 Posted January 19, 2015 Share For under R30k you will have to look long and hard to find a bike that can rival the Trance 27.5. Both on spec and performance. But yes, it's a pity that we don't see more bikes in that category and at that price point on our trails. How does this compare with the Merida One Forty that you reviewed? Any idea if you get a similar spec'd Merida One Forty in RSA? I also assume the Reign would be a bit overkill if up in Gauteng and for stage racing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roshambo Posted January 19, 2015 Share Also check out the Lapierre Zesty 327, awesome awesome bike for the money. My mate just bought one from Jason at The Trailhead for around R25k Robodog 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 19, 2015 Share Also consider the Silverback Slider & Giant Stance (the Trance's baby brother) I really love the Trance for its value, but agreed that there's shockingly little choice in this segment. Hairy and GoLefty!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PieterJvR Posted January 19, 2015 Share You can also have a look at the Silverback Slider, not 100% sure about the price - but the component level is very good for what you paying for, i.e. the higher spec of the 2 models come standard with Stans Arch EX wheelsEdit: El Capitan beat me to it Edited January 19, 2015 by Frost48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrantRH Posted January 19, 2015 Share you may be able to find 2014 stock of the Specialised Camber for that price. IMHO, one of the most versatile bikes on the market. but that is of course a 29er... so not really an option if you are looking for a 27.5. Enter the spez-haters... Edited January 19, 2015 by GrantRH nonky 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brett Posted January 19, 2015 Share The stance is single pivot though... So no maestro pedal efficiency there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Mulebar Posted January 19, 2015 Share Trek Fuel EX PoiZoNouZ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 19, 2015 Share The stance is single pivot though... So no maestro pedal efficiency there!yeah, I know. Still a good option - same sort of suspension design as the Slider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VT-2 Posted January 19, 2015 Share Keep the suggestions coming Hmm, don't know Lapierre that well, but the Zesty look really nice and a good option as well. Although compared to the Giant I am not sure if the 327 or 427 would be better value for money. So hard to find any pricing comparisons on bikes in SA. Better start emailing a few guys. I also checked out the Slider - that is also an option, but again not sure about price. I have always wanted a Specialized bike, will go have a peak at one of their stores, but yes it is a 29er. Any recommendation on the Forks for these140mm AM/trail bikes? A lot of the reviews of the Fox Float suggest that when really pushing the bike on the rough stuff the fork is the weak spot. Everyone loves the Pike but that is not an option in my price class, not sure if the other Rockshox options like the Revelation / Sektor are much better? Roshambo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 19, 2015 Share Keep the suggestions coming Hmm, don't know Lapierre that well, but the Zesty look really nice and a good option as well. Although compared to the Giant I am not sure if the 327 or 427 would be better value for money. So hard to find any pricing comparisons on bikes in SA. Better start emailing a few guys. I also checked out the Slider - that is also an option, but again not sure about price. I have always wanted a Specialized bike, will go have a peak at one of their stores, but yes it is a 29er. Any recommendation on the Forks for these140mm AM/trail bikes? A lot of the reviews of the Fox Float suggest that when really pushing the bike on the rough stuff the fork is the weak spot. Everyone loves the Pike but that is not an option in my price class, not sure if the other Rockshox options like the Revelation / Sektor are much better?Revelation is a GREAT option, Sektor is just a heavier revelation. The 2015 fox stuff is apparently far far far better than the 2013 / 2014 stuff, and can now (finally) be trusted again. I'd still prefer a RS fork though, tbh. Zesty is reportedly a fantastic bike, and they have a very loyal following in Europe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcBurger Posted January 19, 2015 Share Lapierres 327s seem great. speak to Trailhead or g2g. 427's are quite a price ans spec jump as far as I understand. Also hard to get I think. (Research, not 1st hand experience) Else if you're a Med size: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/118883-pyga-onetwenty-650b/Not sure why it's still on. Seems a good deal considering the frame alone is usually R20k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mawbs Posted January 19, 2015 Share Hi Guys, I currently have a Giant Anthem X1 which I had for about 5 years (with a frame replacement in between) which I am generally still happy with, although the confidence going downhill is worse compared to my old Giant VT-2.What a bike - but got stolen. It is perfect for the Nissan Trailseeker series and most of the trails in and around Pta. I am playing with the idea of a trail/all-mountain/enduro bike for stage racing and when I go to Cape Town and trails with more technical downhill. I think the trail bike will be better and less punishing over 3 days in the saddle. Travel around 140mm, dropper seat and slr/xt (sram equivalents) is about the specs needed - nothing too fancy. It looks like my options if the budget is <30K is basically limited to the Giant Trance Advanced 2. (I will be very happy with another Giant and the bike gets good reviews). Any other options in the price range? (I prefer a 27.5 over the 29" which I don't like in terms of looks) Also it looks like a lot of the importers don't bring in the 27.5 trail bikes? I don't see them on websites. (GT Force, Trek Remedy, Scott Genius, Specialized Stumpy FSR etc...) i also had an Anthem X1 and swopped over to the Trance late last year...best thing i ever did, having more fun riding now than i ever did and still keep up with my mates on their XC bikes....but they dont keep up when we point it Downhill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellies_gaz Posted January 19, 2015 Share Are you a medium? https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/118883-pyga-onetwenty-650b/ Killer deal right there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iwan Kemp Posted January 19, 2015 Share How does this compare with the Merida One Forty that you reviewed? Any idea if you get a similar spec'd Merida One Forty in RSA? I also assume the Reign would be a bit overkill if up in Gauteng and for stage racing?As capable as it is I wouldn't stage race a Reign. Between the Merida and the Giant I'd go for the Giant.1. Merida is not available locally (yet).2. Trance is a better all-round bike I'd say. Suspension needed less TLC to get dialed and it's happier through the tight stuff. Also check out the Lapierre Zesty 327, awesome awesome bike for the money. My mate just bought one from Jason at The Trailhead for around R25k Also a good option Also consider the Silverback Slider & Giant Stance (the Trance's baby brother) I really love the Trance for its value, but agreed that there's shockingly little choice in this segment. If all goes well we should have one on test soon enough. Trek Fuel EXLet us have a go at one. Edited January 19, 2015 by Iwan Kemp Captain Fastbastard Mayhem 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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