Fitman Posted January 11, 2017 Share I’m new to mountain biking and reasonably fit from gym and running, but not (yet) a strong or skilled rider (male, age 48, 1.67 m and 65 kg). I’ve been using a very old GT hardtail and looking at upgrading to something better. To complicate my decision, I see that several bike magazines are now recommending bikes with more relaxed geometry and more travel for the average SA rider, for example the Camber, in preference to the more traditional XC/marathon bikes like the Epic. The likes of the Scalpel Si Carbon 4, Anthem X Advanced, BMC Fourstroke 02 XT and Epic FSR Comp Carbon versus the new Spark 920, BMC Speedfox 02 XT and Camber Comp Carbon, amongst others, have all crossed my mind and have relatively similar pricing. This is an expensive decision and I would appreciate any advice/comments regarding the selection of the right bike particularly in terms of the trade-off between efficiency and lighter weight against more comfortable confidence inspiring geometry. Finally, with its new geometry, could the new Scalpel Si be considered a reasonable compromise between the two schools of thought? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowardSteele Posted January 11, 2017 Share Always a difficult decision and yes an expensive one.I personally put ride comfort before weight issue but I ride for the enjoyment of the trails not to race.My ridding buddy rides a Camber comp and i must say i'm pretty impressed by its all round Qualities trail,cross country and single track.Carrying my 14 kg ali frame up the new portage in the Newlands trails i am envious on his light Spez.They usually have those try before you days at this time of the year maybe someone can post the dates and venues.All the best Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonky Posted January 11, 2017 Share I see you're in Gauteng. Follow Complete Cyclist on facebook, as they regularly have demo days at Modderfontein (and elsewhere) where they allow you to take a range of Spez bikes out for an hour. A back-to-back comparison is probably the best way to figure out your personal preferences regarding a more relaxed geometry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oufy MTB (Roadie) Posted January 11, 2017 Share I see you're in Gauteng. Follow Complete Cyclist on facebook, as they regularly have demo days at Modderfontein (and elsewhere) where they allow you to take a range of Spez bikes out for an hour. A back-to-back comparison is probably the best way to figure out your personal preferences regarding a more relaxed geometry.agree with Nonky Apart from the age we have similar metrics and a ride a medium XC dual sus bike, I love XC marathons.so this bike suits me well. So it boils down to what riding you plan to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitman Posted January 12, 2017 Share Always a difficult decision and yes an expensive one.I personally put ride comfort before weight issue but I ride for the enjoyment of the trails not to race.My ridding buddy rides a Camber comp and i must say i'm pretty impressed by its all round Qualities trail,cross country and single track.Carrying my 14 kg ali frame up the new portage in the Newlands trails i am envious on his light Spez.They usually have those try before you days at this time of the year maybe someone can post the dates and venues.All the best Thanks for the tips. I know the feeling, my old bike weighs in at around 15kgs with pedals, etc! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitman Posted January 12, 2017 Share I see you're in Gauteng. Follow Complete Cyclist on facebook, as they regularly have demo days at Modderfontein (and elsewhere) where they allow you to take a range of Spez bikes out for an hour. A back-to-back comparison is probably the best way to figure out your personal preferences regarding a more relaxed geometry. Thanks, I'll look out for that. Modderfontein is closest to me and realistically probably where most of my Jhb riding will be done because it is so practical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitman Posted January 12, 2017 Share agree with Nonky Apart from the age we have similar metrics and a ride a medium XC dual sus bike, I love XC marathons.so this bike suits me well. So it boils down to what riding you plan to do. Thanks. The new breed of XC bikes seem to be blurring the lines between XC and trail bikes. For example the new Scalpel Si has head tube angle of 69.5 deg and the new Scott RC is 68.5 deg. The Camber is also 68.5 deg. Even the Scalpel's wheelbase is much the same as the Camber. The Scalpel Si 4 just seems better specced than the Camber Comp Carbon at a similar price, so maybe the best of both worlds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpelser Posted January 12, 2017 Share I just bought a second hand bike to start off with and then tried as many bikes as I could find. In hindsight the decision to buy second hand was the best one I ever made as there's no way I want to be riding an aggressive XC hardtail now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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