Speeltyd Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Ever since I read a review of the Camber, I wanted that bike to be my next - planned for early next year, or now thinking of maybe doing it now! I liked the idea of a bit more relaxed head angle, longer suspensionand generally a more comfortable ride on the trails. During the year, I did more research and started liking the Stumpjumper more - to the point that I decided that that will be the next one. And then I saw the Pyga Stage Max at the Berg&Bush - and now I am confused!I am oldish, but still do my best - current seeding is 40 - so, not a race snake, but then not a doodler either. I weigh 67 kg, and on the IDT my FTP is 3. Favourite tracks are Avianto and Wolwespruit - so, like technical stuff but also thoroughly enjoy Red Barn, Buffels and Rosemary. I started doing multi stages this year and plan Knysna200, Sani2C, Trans Baviaans and B&B for next year.Currently ride an old(ish) S-Works Epic - which I enjoy, but find a hard ride.Comments, tips and curses please!
Rock Guy Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Both excellent bikes IMO. I would suggest you test ride both and make a call based on your own experience. For the amount of money you are going to spend test riding is the only sure way to not end up wondering "what if". I can tell you now that this thread is simply going to turn into a Spez vs Pyga thread and you probably won't walk away with a clear answer.
V12man Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Ride both - then decide.... they are both great, and you will have to ride a fair bit to make up your mind.... Jason at The Trailhead will help you sort out a Pyga demo to ride, and most of the Spez concept stores have demos you can borrow for a day. The only issue that might affect you depending on how tall you are (based on your weight) is the Stage is not available in a small yet - The Spez medium is considerably smaller then the pyga in the sizing. I would have bought a Stage earlier this year in preference to the Epic, except for the sizing issue - I need a Stage in size small (yet the Epic I bought was a medium, although I can ride a spez small, I felt more comfortable on the medium) Enjoy the testing....
nonky Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 I'm assuming that you're looking at a 2016 Stumpy or Camber.Similarities: Both have the same front triangle and run 1x11 gearing (SRAM GX or better) and wide (30mm) rims, as well as having dropper posts. You can also choose between 27.5 (650b) and 29er in both (only 29er camber in SA). Only the Stumpy comes in a 6fattie (fattish tyre - a LOT of fun). The 2016 29er Cambers are all "EVO", which means that they have the relaxed head tube angle (68.5) and 120mm of suspension.The 2014 and 2015 Camber EVO models were widely rated as ***** for trail riding by the overseas bike mags.The 2016 Cambers (Elite and above) come with the new Spez Brain, which make them great for stage races. The 2016 Stumpy is like the above but MORE of everything: more upright riding position; more relaxed head tube angle; more suspension travel... Unless you're like the hectic trail stuff, the Camber will handle everything a Gauteng trail throws at it (well, my 2014 camber does and the 2016 should be even better) Depending on budget, I would go for the Camber Comp Carbon (no brain) or the Camber Elite (with Brain). I would upgrade the brakes on both to XT, if it were my bike, but leave the rest standard. Go test the 2016 models, as they should both be avail for testing. I did a test day last month at Modders with Complete Bedfordview and rode the 2016 Stumpy and 6fattie.
Rock Guy Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 I stand corrected. Already some useful comments coming in.
Popit Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 I have a 2014 Stumpy Carbon Comp ... Used it at Berg and Bush and absolutely LOVED the bike . Mine is a hard tail .
Johny Bravo Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 I have not ridden the stage, I am sure its a good or even great bike. But the Stumpy is a legend, its fantastic. Abroad the Stumpy is Specialized flagship bike. I own many bikes, ask everyone who knows me, but the Stumpy is my favourite by faaaar. But go ride both, like evryone said.
Odinson Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Your budget is a big factor. What build are you looking at with the Pyga and what model in the Stumpy range. My take... The Stumpy offers you a lot more options, when considering your budget. There are entry-level alu models all the way to the eye-wateringly expensive S-Works model. You don't have that variety with the Pyga, unless you opt for a custom build (if that's possible - I'm sure the Pyga fanboys will know). The Stumpy also offers you the option of going for 650B, which would be my preference. Also, the SWAT door on the carbon Stumpy's downtube deserve a mention, as that concept is cool as **** and has been widely praised by almost all testers. Perfect hidey-hole for longer rides. Geometry wise, there isn't much between the bikes. As other said, you're in the fortunate position to be able to test ride both, which you should do. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either. From an aesthetic point of view, I prefer the Stumpy, as its sharp lines give it a more aggressive presence, where the Stage MAX is too reminiscent of a Niner. But like Nonky, I'm going to throw a spanner in the works and suggest the 2016 Camber - it has the exact same front triangle as the Stumpy (Spez's so-called "Trail Chassis") and can handle anything Gauteng trails can throw at it. Also, considering that you want to do stage races, I can guarantee you that the 2016 Camber will leave both the Stumpy and Stage for dead over the course of a typical SA marathon route, as it is more XC than trail. Edit: spelling.
NukeproofPeanut Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 I agree with riding both before making the decision. Having said that, I rode a Stage Max at the Cycle fair, and man; that thing pedals great! Admittedly I've never ridden the spetz, but I'd be very happy with that Stage Max if I could afford it
craig82 Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 They are both going to be amazing bikes to ride. I have ridden a bunch of Pyga bikes and owned a pascoe but finally found mecca in the form of a Stumpjumper Fsr because I prefer the way the initial stroke feels. So I echo the sentiments above... ride them both on your favourite trails then make your decision.
Baracuda Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 The Stumpie is a legend bike - I owned one - but I always assumed the Camber was better for longer stage racing. I now have the Pyga Oneten29 and love it.
Grey Hubs Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 I chattered to the Pyga guys at Berg&Bush and took the Stage Mini Max for a ride at the Bike Fair..Yes there is a 110mm rear travel Stage Mini max. Same frame as the stage, but with 110mm on the rear. That appeals to me! Not all XC, with a better capability for trail and faster descents! But hopefully still a good climber...To try understand the suspension design differences and then try feel the difference is way to complicated for me! Often I think there is more hype than fact. The small test ride I had on the Pyga at the Bike Fair felt ok. I didn't "feel" the suspension, so I guess this is a good thing. Some how I was expecting Little Pyga fairies to buzz around my head with revelation that I "Found The One"...Nope that didn't happen.I'll need to take one for a longer ride before I bite the bullet and try swallow the price tag on these machines...but I really like the bike. No complicated brain to worry about with special maintenance cost here!
L.T.G Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Echoing the "go ride them" advice...but, if possible,both on a trail you know and are used to.not sure if PYGA have test bikes you can use for longer periods but being able to have and ride a couple Specializeds over a few weekends when I was in a similar situation helped lots.
Speeltyd Posted October 29, 2015 Author Posted October 29, 2015 Thanks everyone for your possitive comments. Will do that - test ride them. Seems I'll have to wait a while though because the local Pyga dealers will only get stock in December - when I'm away - but will make a plan. Perhaps a good thing because I tend to act and think afterwards....Must say the Pyga " looks" nice...
V12man Posted October 29, 2015 Posted October 29, 2015 Thanks everyone for your possitive comments. Will do that - test ride them. Seems I'll have to wait a while though because the local Pyga dealers will only get stock in December - when I'm away - but will make a plan. Perhaps a good thing because I tend to act and think afterwards....Must say the Pyga " looks" nice...Call the Trailhead.... they had a StageMax medium 2 days ago...
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