Giant Anthem X29 vs Trek SuperFly FS8

[SWAGG]

Morning all

 

Looking for some advice, I am in the market for a Dual 29er around 30K and have narrowed down my choice to the following 2 bikes

 

1. Giant Anthem x29

2. Trek Superfly FS8

 

I am an experienced rider and am entered into Wine to Whales so am looking for a good bike for multi-stage races.

 

Both bikes seem to be very similar so I would appreciate any "insider information" as to which bike is better and why?

 

Or is there another bike out there I am seriously missing out on?

 

Thanks all

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I can't really comment on the Trek but I have an Anthem.

I have got a 120mm fork on it but otherwise it is standard.

It climbs really well, with the rear in trail mode there is little to no peddle bob with the Maestro system. Going down it is super stable(might be that my headangle is about a degree slacker than standard though). Being a more XC biased bike it is pretty nippy but then again the 29er wheels mean really picking your line and it does tend to understeer, running wide quite often.

Overall I am really happy with my bike, the 120mm fork really lets you have fun and is quite forgiving. My shorter stem, 70mm, and wide bars, 740mm, has sorted most of the understeer issue out but I am quite aggressive and really throw the bike into corners. I do suffer from tyres folding but more a rim issue as thet are quite narrow at 18mm internal width.

If you can try and ride both, otherwise the Giant's lifetime frame warranty is always a plus.

 

I'm sure there will be 20 guys telling you to get a Spex/Scott/Merida, etc, etc........

[Lexx]

I have a FS8, and its absolutely amazing. Much better than the anthem.

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I have a FS8, and its absolutely amazing. Much better than the anthem.

 

Owned and ridden an Anthem?? Just curious about the bolded section of your comment

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Bikeradar links below, Anthem 5/5 and won trail bike of the year. I couldn't find the FS8 but found the carbon, high specced FS9.8 which gets 4/5. I would imagine a alloy framed FS8 would not get that much. On reviews alone the Anthem would win but I believ you would be happy with both.

Compare spec and price and then decide I would say.

DISCLAIMER: I am slightly biased towards the Anthem as I own one.

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/review-trek-superfly-fs-9-8-sl-15-49063/

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/review-giant-anthem-x-29er-1-13-47170/

[mtbride]

Comes down to suspension efficiency and frame warranty, both of which the Anthem will be hard to beat.

 

Ride both and then decide.

[AdrianDJ]

I have a FS8, and its absolutely amazing. Much better than the anthem.

This is such a trolling comment - it makes it awesome 

[KarlvN]

I am also planning on going FS soon, and would like to know what the general consensus on the Giant X29 is, since it is at the top of the list.

 

So far my short list is thus;

 

1. Giant Anthem X29

2. Scott Spark 950

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I am also planning on going FS soon, and would like to know what the general consensus on the Giant X29 is, since it is at the top of the list.

 

So far my short list is thus;

 

1. Giant Anthem X29

2. Scott Spark 950

That is a short list...........

[Lexx]

Well its just my personal Preference     

 

Never been a Giant Fan, except their road bikes.

But Scott on the other hand is a good choice.

[Pieterlab1]

Get the Anthem! Much nicer and better bike than the Trek.

[MTBeer]

Well its just my personal Preference     

 

Never been a Giant Fan, except their road bikes.

But Scott on the other hand is a good choice.

so this comment is irrelevant then?

 

"Much better than the anthem"

 

#justsaying

[Odinson]

There a lot of bikes that aren't on your radar. The Specialized Epic and Camber come to mind. Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt also. 

 

If I were you, I'd hold on till Specialized reveal the 2016 Camber. I have a feeling that they will be overhauling the bike, in the same vein as they did with the Stumpy FSR. If so, it will be a class leader in the marathon/light trail category. 

[cpelser]

Trek looks way better...

I prefer the orientation of the shock to the upright position of the Giant.

 

Agree on the comment to ride both then decide.

 

Consider the Cube bikes too:

This one comes with a Reverb sropper post!!

http://www.evobikes.co.za/bikes/cube-stereo-120-hpc-pro-29er-2015-black-grey-green-2390.html

 

A cheaper option:

http://www.evobikes.co.za/bikes/cube-ams-100-super-hpc-race-29-2393.html

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

So much choice in that R30k bracket.

That money can get you a Momsen VIPA AC too. Good bike.

I think it will ultimately come down to looks and your heart, they're all very similarly specced, fairly similar geometry. Rear suspension platform differ vastly but only riding each bike will tell you more about which will suit you.

Good luck, tough choice

[KarlvN]

That is a short list...........

 

 

Ja, but I'm a big boy (109~kg), and need something that would handle some serious punishment, in the R30k bracket..