r0adrunner Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 So i'm looking to buy myself a full suspension XC bike, after riding Hardtail for 3 years now. My current two options are the Specialized Epic Comp Carbon ( http://www.specialized.com/za/en/bikes/mountain/epic/epic-comp-carbon-29 ) And the Cannondale Scalpel 29 Carbon 3 ( http://www.cannondale.com/nam_en/2015/bikes/mountain/xc-full-suspension/scalpel-29/scalpel-29-carbon-3 ) I think they are in a similar price range, might be a bit off with the models. I am looking for a bike to race marathons on, I really enjoy climbing so I want something nice and reactive/stiff but that will also be comfortable on the descents. Tell me which you would go for, and why - focussing on the frame, suspension set up and geometries.
MrJacques Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 Both nice bikes. I'd prob take the Spez. Dunno if it has changed, but a lefty fork, nice as it is might be more upkeep. Then again the brain fork on the Spez might be expensive to service as well. If you would consider other options, how about a carbon Giant Anthem 29er?
bobby Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 The Spez can take 2 bottle cages and that makes a big diffrence....well to me.bothe nice bikes i have the same Spez Good luck
r0adrunner Posted February 13, 2015 Author Posted February 13, 2015 Jacquers I am willing to consider other bikes, for some reason I have the perception that the vertical back suspension equals in a more sluggish ride. I am sure this is a very naive thought though? I can also look at Cube, or maybe swift. Bobby, the 2 bottle cage is important to me, as I do 3-5 hour rides most weekends. As I said, I would like to avoid the bobbing/sluggishness often associated with full suspension bikes, but of course I would like to enjoy the perks of having a FS (bumpy roads I can actually pedal and not bounce around like a mad man on my HT, and go downhill fast )
MrJacques Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 Jacquers I am willing to consider other bikes, for some reason I have the perception that the vertical back suspension equals in a more sluggish ride. I am sure this is a very naive thought though? I can also look at Cube, or maybe swift. Bobby, the 2 bottle cage is important to me, as I do 3-5 hour rides most weekends. As I said, I would like to avoid the bobbing/sluggishness often associated with full suspension bikes, but of course I would like to enjoy the perks of having a FS (bumpy roads I can actually pedal and not bounce around like a mad man on my HT, and go downhill fast ) The Anthem's Maestro (essentially VPP) suspension platform is very nice, it won't have too much bob if set up correctly. Try and get a demo bike from a bike shop to see if it will work for you. The Anthem is also going to cost a lot less than the Spez. The brain that Spez uses might be better for someone used to a hard tail, but servicing it could become expensive. There's also the Scott Spark, but there have been issues of cracked chain stays if the pivots aren't serviced, so maybe not a good idea for longer races. Oh, and of course our local offering, the Momsen Vipa is also a very nice bike.
worriesnot Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 Jacquers I am willing to consider other bikes, for some reason I have the perception that the vertical back suspension equals in a more sluggish ride. I am sure this is a very naive thought though? I can also look at Cube, or maybe swift. Bobby, the 2 bottle cage is important to me, as I do 3-5 hour rides most weekends. As I said, I would like to avoid the bobbing/sluggishness often associated with full suspension bikes, but of course I would like to enjoy the perks of having a FS (bumpy roads I can actually pedal and not bounce around like a mad man on my HT, and go downhill fast ) Have a look at this: Probably a bit biased since it's Giants vid, but a good overview nonetheless.
Eugene Oppelt Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 I'll be following this thread closely, roadrunner...Also raising my interest in getting a DS. Good luck with your decision!
nickc Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 I'll be following this thread closely, roadrunner...Also raising my interest in getting a DS. Good luck with your decision! image.jpgDale you know your mind is already made up. I like the look of your future Scalpel.
Prince Albert Cycles Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 I am on my second Lefty and the suggestion that a lefty fork requires more maintenance is a rumour .Go and ride both and then decide
dirtypot Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 I borrowed a buddies Anthem at a race recently and was very very impressed. The back end felt so smooth compared to my HT and seemed to always be in contact with the ground in places where I know that my bike is on one wheel. Also didn't feel any pedal bob at all.I was impressed.
dee_biker Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 Giant and Santa Cruz has the best suspension design out there (my opinion ) NEVER lock out my shocks on climbs or tar, because I don't have to. If I had R40k odd for a bike, I would buy the Anthem again. Of your choices, I would probably go for the Cannondale, just because it is not a Spez (shoot me!... personal preference)
Cylon Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 I borrowed a buddies Anthem at a race recently and was very very impressed. The back end felt so smooth compared to my HT and seemed to always be in contact with the ground in places where I know that my bike is on one wheel. Also didn't feel any pedal bob at all.I was impressed. Yes, the Anthem is that good.
dee_biker Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 Yes, the Anthem is that good. And just because there are no pro's paid to ride this bike (at least not in RSA), doesn't make it a less racy bike. You'll find it hard to find better value for money.
nickc Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 Had a Giant - Good solid bike, now on a Dale - love the Lefty and an unbelivable ride. No problems with maintenance and if fact the new Lefties requre less maintenance than the older Lefties.
r0adrunner Posted February 14, 2015 Author Posted February 14, 2015 Have a look at this: Probably a bit biased since it's Giants vid, but a good overview nonetheless.This video has gotten me thinking! I will see if I can possibly get a demo from the Concept store in Durbanville. There is a specialized demo day near me in 2 weeks so gonna go try the epic there too. Edit: I've put my bike on the classifieds so that is my first step of commitment!
AuctionLamb Posted February 14, 2015 Posted February 14, 2015 Giants are HEAVY, they make good road bikes and do not put that much money into MTBing development. If their MTB's were lighter, better spec and not so ugly( ) we might see them on the world cup circuit one day.
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