New HT 29er

[Mark Beckwith]

Hi guys/girls,

 

I'm looking at upgrading to a 29er (finally). I currently ride a 26 inch 2012 Scott with decent components. I average around 2 rides a week (3,5 hours), but will be looking at doing around 3 rides a week. I'm an older rider (47) and ride XC, no serious DH, no jumps, no hectic stuff anymore. I cannot decide between the 4 following bikes (all 2015 models), all priced within what I'm willing to fork out. I've ridden a few of these around the parking lot and have no favourites either. Any input would be most appreciated. Many thanks!

 

Bergamont Revox 8.3

Fork: Rockshox Reba RL

Rear Derailleur: Sram X9

Front Derailleur: Sram X7

Shifters: Sram X9

Cransket: Sram S1000 (2x10)

Brakes: Shimano BR-M506

Rims: Sun Ringle Helix TR25

 

Specialized Crave Comp

Fork: Rockshox Recon Gold TK 29

Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX

Front Derailleur: Sram X5

Shifters: Shimano Deore

Cransket: Sram Custom S-1255 (2x10)

Brakes: Shimano BR-M445

Rims: Specialized Stout XC SL

 

Silverback Sola 1

Fork: Rockshox Reba RL

Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow

Front Derailleur: Shimano SLX

Shifters: Shimano SLX

Cransket: Shimano SLX (2x10)

Brakes: Shimano Deore

Rims: Stan's Crest

 

Momsen 429

Fork: Rockshox Recon Gold TK 29

Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT

Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore

Shifters: Shimano Deore

Cransket: Shimano SLX (2x10)

Brakes: Shimano M396

Rims: Stan's ZTR Rapid 

[Odinson]

The Bergamont is nice, but doesn't have the type of after-sales support of the Silverback or Specialized. 

 

If it were my money, I'd go for the Crave - excellent value-for-money alu racers. The Silverback is also a great bike. I'd avoid the Momsen by a country mile.

 

Either way, you can't go wrong with the first three options, particularly with the riding you are planning. 

 

Test the bikes also before buying. 

[rock]

out of that lot I'd expect the Spez to be the most overpriced but if its in the budget thats the one I'd actually go for, you'll still enjoy riding it in 6 months time.

[arendoog]

The Silverback has the best components and wheelset .You are used to decent components . The Momsen and Silverback have similar coponents ,and Crest wheelset is the best of the lot

[t_hond]

I own a 2014 Crave Comp, its very similar to the 2015 model. Its an amazing ride and I've never had any problems. Would definitely go with it. 

[WrightJnr]

Have a 2014 Crave in my household. Fantastic bike!! It's the one up from the Comp.

[Heenan]

I would say silver back is definitely the best option with the components listed. XT derailleurs crest rims.  Much better than the crave.

[Mopkop]

Sola 1 for the win. Excellent value for money. You can upgrade the frame at a later stage!

[Mark Beckwith]

Thanks for the input guys, very much appreciated. The Silverback is also 2K cheaper than the Spez.

[PoiZoNouZ]

Silverback or Spez. But the Silverback will have a better component spec and support 2nd to none.

[the nerd]

The silverback, better wheels, better components and most of all a REBA! 

[Robhobbers]

Definitely the Silverback sola if you are looking for value for money components.

[cpelser]

Agree on the Silverback, just a note - ZTR Crest has a weight limit of 86kgs, if you're heavier than that, ask the dealer to sell you a Sola 1 with ZTR Arch Ex rims.

[Mark Beckwith]

Thanks for the input guys.

Yes Mongrel, I have heard about the weight limit on the Crests. I am 93 kg. However, I was informed by a salesman that because of the hubs, spokes and wheel build, the Crests will easily take my weight. I don't know how true this is.

[Eugene]

, I was informed by a salesman that because of the hubs, spokes and wheel build, the Crests will easily take my weight. I don't know how true this is.

Until you have a warranty claim...................then see if they cough up.

 

If you are more than the weight limit, rather get something else or get the Silverback and see if you can get the wheels swapped out for something stronger.

[Mark Beckwith]

Thanks Eugene and everyone else!