johnathanreed Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 Hi, I have been riding for about a year now and want to move from a 26" Silverback to a 29" Full sus. I have 3 bikes in mind but cannot seem to choose a bike. They all cost the same so the price issue isnt a factor. The three bikes I have looked at is the Scott Spark 940, Giant Anthem X (Upgraded to Crest Wheels) and Silverback Sprada 1. With me staying in the Garden Route I ride alot of offroad with a few single tracks here and there. Please help!!! -Johnathan
dirtypot Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 My vote goes to the Giant, especially with the wheel upgrade. You can't go wrong.And if you're getting it new then you get the lifetime frame warranty and don't need to worry about anything.Do it!
johnathanreed Posted July 7, 2015 Author Posted July 7, 2015 Which year models are they all?Giant - 2015Silverback - 2014Scott - 2015
johnathanreed Posted July 7, 2015 Author Posted July 7, 2015 My vote goes to the Giant, especially with the wheel upgrade. You can't go wrong.And if you're getting it new then you get the lifetime frame warranty and don't need to worry about anything.Do it!Yeah all 3 are new... tough one! The Sprada has ARCH EX wheels and Stan Hubs standard
nonky Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 Giant - 5* on bikeradar http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/review-giant-anthem-x-29er-1-13-47170/
nonky Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 From bicycling.co.za The RideOn the first climb, we were reminded how much we like the aluminium version. Supple and planted, it’s not surprising it’s on the shopping list of any stage racer looking for a reliable, top-quality machine. In the saddle on rocky climbs, it offers superb small-bump compliance under pedalling load. Even with the shock’s pedalling platform switched off and the pressure reduced, it was a joy to feel the linkage working. So many full-sus systems only work really well on climbs when pumped rock-hard.Within the first 50 metres it feels like you’re on a seriously high-end machine. The carbon front triangle notably reduces trail chatter, and it’s more lively in the long fast turns, but without sacrificing the characteristically solid feel of the Anthem. It only takes a few loops to familiarise yourself with the bike’s behaviour, and it’s fun to throw around – don’t let anyone tell you it’s a boring bike. Sure, it’s still a high-quality tool designed for a purpose, and it’s no Tallboy or Element in terms of pure rideability, but it’s more entertaining than the German bikes.
GaryP Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 Hi. I have a 2014 Giant Anthem 29er. I have been riding bikes since forever and have not yet ridden a bike that feels so good. There are most likely other bikes out there that other people who ride them would say exactly the same thing but based on my experience I would not hesitate to recommend you get the Giant Anthem. Ciao.
Sixes & Sevens Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 I have ridden / tested both - I prefered the Scott! The Twinlock feature won me over at the end of the day! Comfort wise, they were similar even though I felt the riding position of the Scott was a little more aggressive (Not as Upright as the Giant)! Seems to be a lot of Scott bashing on this site - so much so, that I almost didn't bother testing the Scott! Glad I did though!! In the end you have to ride both and see which one you prefer. IMO they are both quality products and you won't go wrong with either of them!
GaryP Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 I have ridden / tested both - I prefered the Scott! The Twinlock feature won me over at the end of the day! Comfort wise, they were similar even though I felt the riding position of the Scott was a little more aggressive (Not as Upright as the Giant)! Seems to be a lot of Scott bashing on this site - so much so, that I almost didn't bother testing the Scott! Glad I did though!! In the end you have to ride both and see which one you prefer. IMO they are both quality products and you won't go wrong with either of them!Hi Confused. Glad you posted too because we can only relate our own personal preferences based on what we have experienced. It is good, IMO, that the Scott and the Giant seem to be closely matched. Ciao.
johnathanreed Posted July 7, 2015 Author Posted July 7, 2015 Thanks for all your opinions. I must say, the Twinlock on the Scott is definately a plus point. I will keep an eye on the thread and have to decide soon.
dirtypot Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 The Twinlock is an awesome feature, and on the 920 Spark that I had it was great - on the middle setting it climbed like a goat.But on the Anthem you don't need to lock it out. It doesn't bob horribly and bounce over small roots, rocks and bumps like the Scott does on the fully open setting. You find yourself constantly using the Twin lock lever to get the best out of the suspension, which is not the end of the world, just annoying when your route goes up and down a lot. The Anthem is more of a 'ride and forget' sort of bike.I also found the Scott incredibly skittish in the loose stuff, especially in sand. Although overall it's a fantastic bike. So is the Anthem. You'll be very happy with either. *I've not ridden the Silverback, so can't comment on it.
worriesnot Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 Thanks for all your opinions. I must say, the Twinlock on the Scott is definately a plus point. I will keep an eye on the thread and have to decide soon. I'm not so sure it is a plus point... rather pointing to design inadequacy. You need the lockout on the Scott because, well, you need it. The Giant platform is well proven and if your set-up is right there is no need for lockouts on the run. Scott designers went like: hey, this bike is bobbing like crazy when you climb. I know! let's put a lock out on it! One better boys; let's go for a twinloc!Giant designers went: hey, this bike is bobbing like crazy when you climb. maybe we should re-look this geometry until we get it right. back to the drawing board...that is my take on it and I am sure we can debate this forever and a day... the Sprada is incredible value for money. Also have a closer look and see it is a longer travel bike compared to others. It is a bit more trail orientated than the other two.Scott is most aggressive of the three. I haven't compared directly but suspect the Spark has close geometry to its hardtail brother the Scale. That makes, IMO, the Spark more XC orientated set-up. The Anthem is also somewhat of an inbetweener. The Anthem however is a little more laid back than the Scott i.e. not as aggressive and that's why it compares very well with pure laid out Trail bikes (and getting a top 3 Trail bike position in 2013). For all round general purpose you cannot go wrong with an Anthem. There is a reason they are called the Hilux of dual suspension bikes - affordable, capable and makes the driver/rider feel like they can do anything.After all that: make sure you go with what your heart tells you!Happy shopping!
Baracuda Posted July 7, 2015 Posted July 7, 2015 Out of those, I would vote for the Giant. I had a Giant and it received better reviews compared to the Scott at the timeThen last week I bought a Pyga, and ... well.... life will never be the same.The bike is completely nuts and insane on compared to others, still can't get the smile off my face from Saturday. It is just so, so much fun and ridiculously fast.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.