Which Dual Sus Carbon? Scott or Giant?

[Nic H]

Hi, I'm still riding a 5 year old Spez Epic Comp Carbon and now looking for something new. The 2016 models coming out now are above my budget, so after doing quite a bit of research, I've narrowed my search down to two bikes that's still available in 2015 models at quite good prices: The Scott Spark 930 or Giant Anthem Advanced Carbon (650b or 29).

Would love to hear some opinions here. Does anyone have experience of both? I do mostly trail riding with the occasional longer distances and races like W2W, Houw Hoek, K2C, etc.

I tried a friend's Scott 930 recently and loved it. Will also be taking out a demo of the Athem 650b this weekend to see how it compares.

[gummibear]

Giant Anthem 

[Johny Bravo]

Mmmmm, trail riding. Scott have a reputation of frame failures. Giant Anthem is great. My money, 2015 Spez Camber comp carbon, R38,000, on sale at Bridge cycles. That is a great xc/trail bike.

[CAAD4]

Giant. End van prent.

[Nic H]

Mmmmm, trail riding. Scott have a reputation of frame failures. Giant Anthem is great. My money, 2015 Spez Camber comp carbon, R38,000, on sale at Bridge cycles. That is a great xc/trail bike.

Yes I had a look at the Camber and Stumpjumper as well. I need a large and the one at Bridge cycles is a medium. I did find one last large elsewhere but the problem is that I won't be allowed to take it out for a test, and if I'm going to be parting with that amount of cash, I want to be pretty damn sure the bike is a perfect fit. I made that mistake once and I wont again.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Giant anthem or anthem sx. Scott is an all out race bike. Giants are just so.much more than that

[meloncholy01]

I have a carbon Anthem650b, it does XCXCMXAMXEVERYTHINGIASK

[Cat2forLife]

Giant all the way. SX or normal Anthem. 2016 SX is out. Looks amazing! Go demo them at Giant Durbanville.

[Runbikeswim]

Can't vest giant on price and quality and specs

[Nic H]

Ok, I spent half of yesterday on a demo Anthem Carbon 650b and over the last few weeks also tried a friend's Scott Spark 930 on several occasions. From all my research and comments, the Giant was the bike to get, but, and I will probably get crucified for saying this, I prefer the Scott. In my experience it rolls better, climbs a lot easier, handles better and it's faster. On trails and XC. The climbing especially was very noticable.

For almost the same price, the Giant has slightly better components and it's a great bike. I just enjoyed the Scott a lot more, and that's what mountain biking is all about for me.

Thanks for all the comments.

[Alouette3]

Ok, I spent half of yesterday on a demo Anthem Carbon 650b and over the last few weeks also tried a friend's Scott Spark 930 on several occasions. From all my research and comments, the Giant was the bike to get, but, and I will probably get crucified for saying this, I prefer the Scott. In my experience it rolls better, climbs a lot easier, handles better and it's faster. On trails and XC. The climbing especially was very noticable.

For almost the same price, the Giant has slightly better components and it's a great bike. I just enjoyed the Scott a lot more, and that's what mountain biking is all about for me.

Thanks for all the comments.

Ultimately this is what matters most... what do YOU ENJOY most!

[MyproDoll]

Congrats on the purchase. It's a very decent bike which you'll enjoy. Happy riding!!!

[26er]

I ride a Scott,I have ridden a 2013 Epic comp for about a week once and would rather ride that before I go for a new Scott..

Only problem is where I live, nobody can service the Specialized and those concept stores in JHB charge a arm and a leg..that's the only reason I ride a Scott

[pista]

Trek Fuel EX is also a great bike.

[nox1111]

Giant all the way - the company is a great company, focused on building the best value for money, strong, light - machines and they're good with warranties.

Well specc'd complete bikes and damn they're fun to ride.  I myself am on my first Giant now, and will stick to the brand as long as they keep doing what they're doing now.

[lerouc]

Just check the forums for warranty claims, heard so many bad experiences with scott guys (currently a thread running on the top right with recent posts) and i myself have had a Giant frame replaced over the December holidays where i dropped bike off on a Monday and was riding my new bike on the friday!