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2017 Specialized Camber


partydave

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Hi guys,

Any owners or peeps with an opinion on the 2017 Spez Camber 29 (Entry level version)

 

I had a look at one at an LBS and it looks like a great upgrade from my Scott Scale 940 hardtail.

 

It's very poorly specced, but parts from my HT will migrate to it; ZTR Crest wheels, SRAM X9 drive train and so on.

 

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated 

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Also looking at this, my upgrade would be from a Scott spark carbon.

 

Took a 29" demo bike out for a spin at Harkerville Red. Components weren't great, but a really capable xc/trail combo.

 

check that it's boost ready...only drawback at the moment with the current bike trends..

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Only the ladies Camber 650B is boost. Non on the 29er modles are boost.

If you judge a bike based on spec, rather look at other brands.

But as far as ride goes, nothing compairs

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If you are going tobe upgrading parts then I would say go for it. The Camber has an amazing ride, and is a great all rounder! Only thing that I would say is a draw-back on the bikes below "Comp" level is the poor brakes and suspension - I am assuming you will not be migrating that?

 

In that case it may be worth it to spend a bit more on a Comp model (I believe there is an alu version that is not too badly priced).

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Thanks for the feedback guys. I may be keeping my HT frame to build a SS rigid, so this leaves me with the following components to swing over the the Camber. 

 

Wheels: ZTR Crest on Shimano hubs. How are the Camber wheels/hubs? I'm torn between keeping my current WS, the stock WS or going for American Classics. I will need to convert to through axle if keeping the ZTRs though

 

Drive train: Currently SRAM X9  1 x 10 with Kalbo 34T that has served me well. The cassette and chain will need replacing soon, but I see no reason to not use it

 

Crank: Seriously abused XT crank currently, will keep the Camber crank

 

Brakes: Avid Elixir 5 currently. Will look at upgrading as I have only had trouble with these

 

Bars: I ride a 720 Rapide bar, will swap over to the Camber

 

Saddle: Spez Power, will keep this

 

Fork: Scott 940 has a straight steerer. I have the option of a Rockshox or Fox fork from the LBS, but still need to establish models available

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If I was you I would REALLY REALLY REALLY try go one up to the Alu Camber Comp for the following reasons:

 

1. FORK is a big upgrade: Revelation vs Recon Silver

2. RIMS: 29mm internal Roval Traverse vs 24mm internals - That makes a huge difference in trail shredding and ride quality on 2.3 tyres at 1.6 bar pressures. I would keep the Crests for your SS. Not really a Camber type wheel - but it also depends on your riding style.

3. Race Face Crank - You say your crank is done, so that's a nice upgrade.

4. SRAM 2 x 11 GX - What more do you need? Great Grouppo

5. Shimano M506 Brakes - You said you need new brakes - These are not bling like XT but absolutely bulletproof and just work all the time.

 

In short: Buy The Camber Comp Alu, Don't mess with swopping out parts - Build a cool SS and sell the rest on the hub. It WILL be worth it.

 

Its a no brainer for me.

 

PS: Just the cost of a new fork, through axle conversions and new brakes justifies the step up to the comp model.

 

Did I mention that you should buy up to the Alu Comp model??

Edited by MuddyMike
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Luckily it's "only" a 10 grand difference

 

Too much to drop on a bike at once unfortunately. 

 

Pity, man, you get way more than R10k worth of bike.

 

Good luck either way.

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At least I'm confident that I won't be anywhere near the limit of the Comp 29 with my skill level 

You will be surprised, these bikes make most people look good, I have the skills of a log, but its taken me to places and routes I have never dreamed of. Enjoy the ride.

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Hi guys,

Any owners or peeps with an opinion on the 2017 Spez Camber 29 (Entry level version)

 

I had a look at one at an LBS and it looks like a great upgrade from my Scott Scale 940 hardtail.

 

It's very poorly specced, but parts from my HT will migrate to it; ZTR Crest wheels, SRAM X9 drive train and so on.

 

Your opinions would be greatly appreciated 

Wasn't there something along the lines of a Niner frame  on it's way? 

Edited by IH8MUD
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Wasn't there something along the lines of a Niner frame  on it's way? 

Correct and has found a new home in a CT garage due to some unforeseen financial obligations 

Edited by partydave
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