Looking for New Bike Advice

[aldoblue]

Currently have a Momsen 651 and looking to upgrade.

Prefer to buy new, looking to spend around R30k max.

Really want it for riding the Spruit and Northern Farms.

Looking to increase my mileage and try some longer distances and also more technical rides.

I have looked at the Giant Anthem and going tomorrow to look at a Merida.

Any other suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

[Edge540]

Currently have a Momsen 651 and looking to upgrade.

Prefer to buy new, looking to spend around R30k max.

Really want it for riding the Spruit and Northern Farms.

Looking to increase my mileage and try some longer distances and also more technical rides.

I have looked at the Giant Anthem and going tomorrow to look at a Merida.

Any other suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

A lot of peeps here will tell you look no further than the Anthem. Must say I'm over the moon with mine but don't really have anything to compare it to as it's my first after a beat up old Silverback with stuffed fork and v brakes.

[aldoblue]

A lot of peeps here will tell you look no further than the Anthem. Must say I'm over the moon with mine but don't really have anything to compare it to as it's my first after a beat up old Silverback with stuffed fork and v brakes.

[aldoblue]

Thanks, what model is yours the 2015 and have you carried out any changes to the bike?

It seems the more I research the more I come back to the Giant Anthem.

[Long Wheel Base]

You mentioned the anthem, then I stopped reading your post. No point in going any further. You have hit the nail on the head. Just get the anthem, you know you want to.

[Sarge]

Ditto. Can't go wrong

Sarge

[madbradd]

I got an anthem in 2013. Really awesome bike. Tubeless (obvs), and upgraded crank and shifters to XT off the bat, then changed the brakes from Avid to XT, changed the bar to a carbon bar (Truvative Noir 700mm flat), and finally wheels to some chinese carbon ones.

 

If I was buying again now.... Upgrade shifters to XT from the start (because its a cheap upgrade) + tubeless.  Leave the brakes as SLX (since the new ones come with SLX) Leave the crank as SLX, get a dropper post instead. Upgrade wheels ASAP (I'd go chinese carbon again). Change the bar to a carbon flat bar - maybe a little wider, 720 or 740mm.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Anthem SX if you're looking at putting a bit more technicality into your rides. It's essentially a normal anthem with a 120mm fork on the front. 

[aldoblue]

Thanks one last question offered a good price on the Scott Aspect 940 it's a 2015 model.

Would you still stick with the Giant?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Thanks one last question offered a good price on the Scott Aspect 940 it's a 2015 model.

Would you still stick with the Giant?

yes

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Coming from an anthem, running a 120mm fork, why not also look at testing a Trance. More travel but also more fun. IMO

[Long Wheel Base]

Thanks one last question offered a good price on the Scott Aspect 940 it's a 2015 model.

Would you still stick with the Giant?

There's a good reason why you where offered that Scott for a good price.......

[Rocket-Boy]

Thanks, what model is yours the 2015 and have you carried out any changes to the bike?

It seems the more I research the more I come back to the Giant Anthem.

There is a reason for that, its the one to get.

[Rocket-Boy]

There's a good reason why you where offered that Scott for a good price.......

I wonder if it comes with a few spare rear triangles?

[outoftowner]

Dare I say it, but here is more to mtb than a Giant Anthem. Reliable yes, but not everyone wants to drive Toyota bakkie. There is a big variety of brands out there(would prefer a few more), some with a geometry that may suit you better. Enough of this already please

[Pierre Jevon]

Giant seems the way

Is there much difference from the 2013 models to the latest being 2016?