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Best Marathon mountain bike


Kyle Badger

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Posted

I would lead slightly to cannondale because of the 2 bottle cages.I know it does not sound like much but when you ride a bike that can take 2 bottles it makes a big difference in marathons.

This behind the seat bottle is crap and doesn't work.

You just have to know how to handle the bottle in and out the cage while riding...  :ph34r:

Posted

Tongue in cheek....Friday topics generally tend to bring out the handbags etc. All good fun and we get to let of steam.

 

Rocket Boy summed it up nicely... :thumbup:

Unless you post a lot of selfies on Instagram :ph34r:

Posted

Hey guys,

 

I'm looking at buying a new Marathon racing mountain bike. Please help me decide what bike to go for as I am not clued up enough to make a informed decision on this.

 

My options are:

KTM Scarp Master

Scott Spark RC900

Canondale Scalpel 4

Merida Ninty Six 7000

 

I never thought this decision would be so tough...

 

In my opinion...

 

KTM - Stay away, not  bad bike, but parts a proprietary and very hard to find. You will wait for a long time if you mech hanger bends, etc.

 

Scott Spark - Awesome bike, especially the new Geo, good value for money, would be my choice amongst your listed bikes. I would however go for the non RC version just because I would prefer the slightly more trail oriented version with dropper and 34mm stanction forks. Personally I think the RC should be reserved for those competing for the podium spots in races, not for a good all round bike - besides, the normal version will be alot more fun in marathon races.

 

Cannondale - Very good bike. Too twitchy in my opinion, would be my second choice in your list. I think you are paying alot more for brand than value when compared to Scott.

 

Merida - Nothing wrong with it, but in comparison to Scott and Cannondale it just does not have the same appeal to me. Other than that I cannot comment as I have not ridden it.

 

And then my addition would be the Spez Camber - great all round bike, can be compared to the Scott Spark (non RC version), and my current pick of the litter if I were in the market for an XC or marathon bike.

 

And just for interest sake - the Spez Epic 2018 will be an awesome bike, longer and slacker geo than the current one. Maybe a good idea to wait if you want a full-on XC whip with good geo (but then you could also get the Scott).

 

So, long story short - if you are set on your list, go for the Scott, if you are willing to look at other brands, then the Spez Camber is an awesome bike too.

Posted

I'm biased because I have the Scalpel 3 but its been superb so far. Done approx. 3000km. Not nearly as twitchy as previous Scalpel. When I was shopping the Scott was R10k more with alu rear triangle and SLX components. Scalpel came with XTR r/d and XT brakes and shifters. 

Posted

Scott Spark (2017) - nino and jenny

 

Spez Camber - great all-rounder

 

Spez Epic / Epic WC - the default choice but everyone will think you're a plonker / race-snake (delete as applicable)

 

 

However................apparently, there's a new Spez Epic frame just around the corner.

Posted

Scott Spark (2017) - nino and jenny

 

Spez Camber - great all-rounder

 

Spez Epic / Epic WC - the default choice but everyone will think you're a plonker / race-snake (delete as applicable)

 

 

However................apparently, there's a new Spez Epic frame just around the corner.

 

I am gonna do a marathon project with it next year. Cannot wait to build a beauty with that new frame!

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