Anthem or Trance

[_freak_]

Thanks for all the replies, really appreciated.

 

The Anthem SX isn't a consideration as I'm going for unsold 2014 stock.

 

On that note, is there a reason for the leftover 2014 models? If I go for a later model year the fork/shock improves but the rest stays the same. Also, the colour becomes less of what I like. A 2016 Advanced is out of my budget for a first "welcome back" bike.

 

As for the races, I have yet to start. I also don't see myself travelling outside of Gauteng so local races only; also, no stage races. Based on what I've observed so far there are no real mountain/forest trails up here so the logical choice seems to be an Anthem though I do have a bias towards the Trance.

 

I have a 2014, and there is nothing wrong with it, did 1000's of km an only list the rear rim due to a high speed puncture

[justanotherbiker]

Newer groupset components? Isn't XT ... XT? (Barring the new 8000 series)

[rouxtjie]

Thanks for all the replies, really appreciated.

 

The Anthem SX isn't a consideration as I'm going for unsold 2014 stock.

 

On that note, is there a reason for the leftover 2014 models? If I go for a later model year the fork/shock improves but the rest stays the same. Also, the colour becomes less of what I like. A 2016 Advanced is out of my budget for a first "welcome back" bike.

 

As for the races, I have yet to start. I also don't see myself travelling outside of Gauteng so local races only; also, no stage races. Based on what I've observed so far there are no real mountain/forest trails up here so the logical choice seems to be an Anthem though I do have a bias towards the Trance. I don't see people commenting on it but that "dip" on the Trance frame would be great for standing over the bike and all.

 

For the record I'm not tall and I'd be tied to a medium size bike.

Hold on

 

There are plenty of "mountain trails" in and around gauteng so don't discount the trance yet. Hakahana...VG...Thaba..to mention a few are made for a trance. Again it depends on what you like doing the most. If its marathon type riding then go anthem, if its more trail / enduro type...trance. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Newer groupset components? Isn't XT ... XT? (Barring the new 8000 series)

minor changes in models. As in microscopic. 

[justanotherbiker]

Cool. I just took a look at the Anthem SX and there's only one model with a combination of SLX/XT. So it's only the 120mm fork that's the main advantage.

 

I suspect I'd have to take 2016 and then the colour is ***.

[justanotherbiker]

Hold on

 

There are plenty of "mountain trails" in and around gauteng so don't discount the trance yet. Hakahana...VG...Thaba..to mention a few are made for a trance. Again it depends on what you like doing the most. If its marathon type riding then go anthem, if its more trail / enduro type...trance.

I've actually never done marathon riding so I don't know if I'd love it or hate it. I've only ever done downhill-type and singletrack riding. But I do want to be social and don't know any trail riders, only marathon.

 

As mentioned, I'd take the bike to KZN for the occasional ride but realistically, it would only be twice a year. I will be back in KZN permanently by 2019 though....

[Dubbin]

Hi

 

I am the proud owner of a Anthem and enjoying every minute of it. My perseption of how you make the choice between the two is the following:

 

If you like going fast and plan on keeping your wheels on the ground (mostly) = Anthem.

If you like the funny stuff and plan on gettng airborne on a regular basis = Trance.

 

Perhaps the answer lies in your profile pic.

Neither would be a mistake. Enjoy.

[CAAD4]

Any of those for Cowteng. By 2019 you'll either be a Spruit rat or a knee pad wearing Spruit rat, either way on a Pyga headed back to Kzn with your eyes wide open...

[s14phoenix]

This is beginning to sound

 

I've actually never done marathon riding so I don't know if I'd love it or hate it. I've only ever done downhill-type and singletrack riding. But I do want to be social and don't know any trail riders, only marathon.

As mentioned, I'd take the bike to KZN for the occasional ride but realistically, it would only be twice a year. I will be back in KZN permanently by 2019 though....

 

This is beginning to sound more and more like a "I should have bought a Trance" follow up post...

 

Yes the Anthem is capable but after the first month when you start running out of Suspension travel (looking at your history) you are going wish you have a Trance.

 

If however you are not phased about having to buy another bike (apply N+1 where N is the number of bikes you own) buy the Anthem and buy a Reign Advanced later

 

Bit of both --->>> buy a Trance...

 

They XC very well ( it does look funny when you come past some hardtail carbon 29er riders on the XC races ) the rider makes more difference than the diff between an Anthem and a Trance.

 

I am not hating on the Anthem either as my Wife has an anthem 1 and its great... for her

[Baracuda]

I have ridden both when hiring them at Rotorua in New Zealand and I owned an Anthem 29er.

 

I would go for the Anthem and put a 120mm fork on it when you have the cash - just keep an eye on the classifieds and CRC end of year sales.

 

Or get the 29er Anthem - there are many decent alu ones second hand where guys have upgraded the wheels - and put a 120mm fork on it, which gives more travel and slackens the head angle by a degree or two, and there you have a Meneer bike that will cover Gauteng farm tracks very efficiently (with the Rocket Rons) and can cane Karkloof (with 2.3 Hans Damphs).

 

I was in a similar predicament to you a year ago, studying all the charts, riding all the bikes I get my leg over, and then bought a good second hand Pyga 110 and haven't got the smile off my face since.

[justanotherbiker]

Thanks a mil for all the replies guys, really.

 

In my mind I think I'm back at my original choice. Let's wait and see, shall we?

 

I do admire a Pyga but again, it'll be easiest for me to go Giant due to proximity of the bike shop (Santa Cruz will have to be earned once I have more stripes). The bracketed statement isn't there to start a war so let's leave it as a "thought bubble".

[Baracuda]

Sounds good. Aside from my Pyga punt, as one of the other contributors mentioned, don't discount the Anthem 29er.

 

It is surprisingly good as a trail bike: see

 

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

[Gregc]

I have a 2012 Anthem with a Fox 32 Talas CTD with 120mm travel which has handled everything I have thrown at it. Have upgraded the wheelset and changed to 2x10.

 

[Tatt]

My two cents..

 

First look at how often you're going to ride marathons and then look at how often you are just getting out there for the fun of it... Also, if you are like me and not particularly talented, look at which one of the two will be more forgiving and put the biggest smile on your face..

 

And yes, you can ride marathons on trail bikes, my Pyga did everything from The Argus to The Epic..

 

Tom

[Jonesy]

In its price range, how do other bikes like Vipa, Rush , etc compare to the Athem ?

[justanotherbiker]

Any suggestions for wheel and tyre upgrades while in the shop?