What FS MTB for R20k??

[racman]

Decided to try and increase my budget to R20k for a new MTB. I have looked at the following options:

 

1) Giant Anthem 1

2) Felt Virtue 2

3) Specialized FSR XC

4) BMC Fourstroke 03 frame and build

5) Trek Fuel ?

 

I will use for XC and a bit of racing so am not really looking for AM bikes etc. Previous experience with a FS was not great due to excessive pedal bob but I believe that this was as a result of design, shock or setup problems.

 

Any comments, ideas or alternatives would be appreciated (as would sticking to the topic and resisting the temptation to hijack !!!)

racman2008-05-11 05:15:11

[Baaisikilist]

I know you sed u not keen on an AM bike, BUT just take a look at the Mongoose teocali super. They say it's an AM/XC bike, and i'll tell you right now you won't get a better spec'd bike for under 20k. FULL XT group set (even hubs), Fox rp23 shock. Just take a look... Similar type geometry to the felt and the giant anyway...

[amoryns]

have you looked at the commencal?

[racman]

have you looked at the commencal?

 

Was quite keen on the Commencal but the spec seems quite a bit lower than on similar priced in the market.

[WorcesterWheelers]

Mongoose Canaan Elite

 

Merida Mission 3000

[racman]

didn't they have a few problems with the Canaan frame ?- heard there was a recall a while ago but I may be mistaken.

[splat]

There is a good looking Merida Mission 3000-D here: https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=25572&KW=Merida+Mission+3000

 

R16 000.00 + warrantee & upgrades

 

You may struggle to find an Anthem 1 for R20 000.00 if you can find any stock in Cape Town...

splat2008-05-11 23:59:12

[Tumbleweed]

i would recommend the anthem 1. good spec - xt throughout. and i rate the maestro suspension system.

[Ox_Wagon]

As far as I know Mongoose fixed the frame problem.  I have seen one of the new frames at the LBS.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 

The Felt got some bad reviews in one of the <?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />UKon> bike mags (MBR, Currently on the self).

 

The Carbon Anthem won the Marathon Shoot out against the Epic, Scalpel and GT etc in another UK Mag. The Scalpel would have won if the frame did not break during the test, This problem should have been sorted by now so have a look the Scalpel too.

 

There are rumors that the Epic will be replaced with a totally new design in the near future. (Cyclingnews.com)

 

And no post is complete with a reference to the Santa Cruz Superlight.

 

There is also The Opus (Epic Cycles) and Kona (Fritz Pinaar).

 

 

[WorcesterWheelers]

There is a good looking Merida Mission 3000-D here: https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=25572&KW=Merida+Mission+3000

 

R16 000.00 + warrantee & upgrades

 

You may struggle to find an Anthem 1 for R20 000.00 if you can find any stock in Cape Town...

 

Sorry, that Mission is SOLD.

 

 

[AndreZA]

And no post is complete with a reference to the Santa Cruz Superlight.

 

I would have but you will not get a new one below 20k or even 25k.

 

 

 

 

[WorcesterWheelers]

As far as I know Mongoose fixed the frame problem.  I have seen one of the new frames at the LBS.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

 

The Felt got some bad reviews in one of the <?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />UKon> bike mags (MBR' date=' Currently on the self).

 

The Carbon Anthem won the Marathon Shoot out against the Epic, Scalpel and GT etc in another UK Mag. The Scalpel would have won if the frame did not break during the test, This problem should have been sorted by now so have a look the Scalpel too.

 

There are rumors that the Epic will be replaced with a totally new design in the near future. (Cyclingnews.com)

 

And no post is complete with a reference to the Santa Cruz Superlight.

 

There is also The Opus (Epic Cycles) and Kona (Fritz Pinaar).

 

 

[/quote']

 

Yes, the '07 Mongoose frames are being replaced under warrantee. (It seemed they had a problem in the seat tube area, but that has been fixed.

 

The OPUS STAKH1 would be a very good option.

[Tumbleweed]

There is a good looking Merida Mission 3000-D here: https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=25572&KW=Merida+Mission+3000

 

R16 000.00 + warrantee & upgrades

 

You may struggle to find an Anthem 1 for R20 000.00 if you can find any stock in Cape Town...

 

rrp is R21700. we have at the shop in benoni. what size you looking for?

[PPWTF]

Value for money, including product support, you can't do better in SA than the Merida.

If you're put off by the branding / image, just remember you are effectivley riding a Specialized - they come outta the same factory. Yes you get 'brain shock' on the Specialized but when you add up the price difference, and do a comparison ride, it's really hard to see where the extra several thousand goes.

Great bikes, great back up, great price. try saying that about any other cycle manufacturer offered product currently available in SA

 

(Yes I do ride a Merida - team carbon hardtail - and NO, I don't sell / work in a bike shop / for merida)

[mon-goose]

I was in WE the week before last and they had the anthem 1 for R20500. Geco had it for about the same price

[WorcesterWheelers]

Value for money' date=' including product support, you can't do better in SA than the Merida.

If you're put off by the branding / image, just remember you are effectivley riding a Specialized - they come outta the same factory. Yes you get 'brain shock' on the Specialized but when you add up the price difference, and do a comparison ride, it's really hard to see where the extra several thousand goes.

Great bikes, great back up, great price. try saying that about any other cycle manufacturer offered product currently available in SA

 

(Yes I do ride a Merida - team carbon hardtail - and NO, I don't sell / work in a bike shop / for merida)

[/quote']

 

 Thanks PPWTF.....

 

Nice review.

 

Ok, so I do own a bike shop, but I can certainly vouch for the guys from Merida, their backup is brilliant, and their bikes are exceptional value for money.

 

Only one problem..... they are TOO popular, we often battle to get stock.

(So hurry and let me know if you want a Mission 3000D - they do have stock in all sizes, but not many)....