Full sus XC bike

[Jonesy]

Hi all. Looking to sell one of my hardtails and go full sus. Leaning heavily toward the Anthem after reading all the reviews it gets from its owners. It's clearly a highly recommended bike, especially with the lifetime guarantee.

 

However I also like the quality of the likes of Scott, Trek and Canondale.The Swift Evil Twin looks like an awesome bike and would consider it if I could stretch my budget that far. I want to buy the right bike so I don't want to preclude these brands.

 

My requirements of a bike is comfort (I'm 110kgs), lightness and speed, good after - sales backup. As there's not much to choose in terms of weight between Anthem and Anthem Advanced, is there much difference in the feel of the two? And does it warrant the price difference?

 

The competencies of these bikes will far exceed my own, but that doesn't bother me....just want an awesome machine.

 

Will also look at second hand bikes on the Hub but prefer new.

 

Appreciate all input. Thank you.

 

Cheers

[madbradd]

The difference on the new ones (I think) is slx vs XT, Fox performance vs fox factory kashima, and a wheel set upgrade. So there is a fair amount different, not just the front triangle.

[Jonesy]

Oh yes. Thanks,I forgot about the other upgrades.

[madbradd]

I have an Alu one with full XT, Chinese carbon wheels, and a carbon bar. Mine also has the float range from Fox.

 

If I was doing it again now... I'd buy the Alu one again and only change the bar, the wheels, and the shifters. Don't think I'd upgrade the crank again, and I put XT brakes on because I had the Avid Elixirs not the SLX.

 

Edit: Spelling

[Louis105]

Test drive a Specialized Camber Comp before you buy!

[raptor-22]

I did and went anthem.

[madbradd]

Just looking at the 2016 specs on the Giant Durbanville site and it looks like there is a SRAM X1 with Rockshox SidXX and Monarch RT3, or an XT 2x11 with Fox Factory Kashima.

 

Not sure on pricing, but I think I'd still go with the Alu and carbon upgrades. Unless it is possible to change that Sid to 120mm.... then I'd consider it. 

[brumby]

Just looking at the 2016 specs on the Giant Durbanville site and it looks like there is a SRAM X1 with Rockshox SidXX and Monarch RT3, or an XT 2x11 with Fox Factory Kashima.

 

Not sure on pricing, but I think I'd still go with the Alu and carbon upgrades. Unless it is possible to change that Sid to 120mm.... then I'd consider it. 

Theres about R17k difference between the ally one and the carbon sram spec bike. If you're gonna start changing wheels and shifters you might as well just buy the carbon one.