Best Marathon mountain bike

[Hairy]

I am mainly a roadie who also mountain bikes (prefer non-technical rides like KtC and Seweweekspoort), but also do the occasional “technical” ride.

 

My current mtb is a Spez Epic which I find quite twitchy on technical (for me) stuff so I am contemplating to buy a bike with a more “relaxed” geometry. I tested the Camber and a Pyga Stage Plus over a 5km not too technical course (Tygerberg MTB club Corridor) and found my Epic to be consistently 5% faster over that course (under same conditions and same effort).

 

Although such a test is not very scientific it made me decide to rather wait for the new Epic which will hopefully be a bit less twitchy but still "faster" then the other 2 bikes.

same tyres used on all test bikes and your own personal ride?

[dsw]

same tyres used on all test bikes and your own personal ride?

 

My own bike and the Pyga had the same rims and tyres (American Classic Wide Lightning rims with Maxxis Ardent and Crossmarks) but the Spez Camber had the original rims and tyres of the Comp Carbon model. Not sure how much difference it would have made but I take your point.

[nonky]

same tyres used on all test bikes and your own personal ride?

 

that is actually a flipping good point to raise.

[Headshot]

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.

 

This the best advice so far on this thread. 

[Headshot]

I am mainly a roadie who also mountain bikes (prefer non-technical rides like KtC and Seweweekspoort), but also do the occasional “technical” ride.

 

My current mtb is a Spez Epic which I find quite twitchy on technical (for me) stuff so I am contemplating to buy a bike with a more “relaxed” geometry. I tested the Camber and a Pyga Stage Plus over a 5km not too technical course (Tygerberg MTB club Corridor) and found my Epic to be consistently 5% faster over that course (under same conditions and same effort).

 

Although such a test is not very scientific it made me decide to rather wait for the new Epic which will hopefully be a bit less twitchy but still "faster" then the other 2 bikes.

 

 

Most riders don't spend their lives on a race so a twitchy race bike is the last thing they should buy for everyday riding, even if they do a few races a year. If your'e not Nino all you become is one of the logs jamming the fun single track because the bike is threatening to send you OTB. If you have the skills to handle everything on an Epic, then by all means carry on. 

 

I bet that if your test loop had included a descent of the Hoogies Cobra the other two bikes would have been quicker. This is why something like the Spark non RC version is such a good option for an all rounder.

[BaGearA]

Hilux, Canon and tits definitely [emoji41] [emoji106]

 

Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

Amarok , Fugi and TITS 

[Kyle Badger]

Most riders don't spend their lives on a race so a twitchy race bike is the last thing they should buy for everyday riding, even if they do a few races a year. If your'e not Nino all you become is one of the logs jamming the fun single track because the bike is threatening to send you OTB. If you have the skills to handle everything on an Epic, then by all means carry on. 

 

I bet that if your test loop had included a descent of the Hoogies Cobra the other two bikes would have been quicker. This is why something like the Spark non RC version is such a good option for an all rounder.

Hi all,

Ive made my decision. Im getting the Scott spark 910 tomorrow morning. Cycle Lab has been really helpful and accommodating thus far. They are also making the bike a 1x11 for me with a full XT group. This is the non RC model... (not sure if there is even a RC model available in the 910) This discussion has also really helped me to make this decision. Thanks for all the input.

[BaGearA]

Oi admin  ad A poll to this thread and include at least 20 bikes ranging from 90mm-120mm travel.

 

Oi admin  ad A poll to this thread and include at least 20 bikes ranging from 90mm-120mm travel.

 

Oi admin  ad A poll to this thread and include at least 20 bikes ranging from 90mm-120mm travel.

 

Oi admin  ad A poll to this thread and include at least 20 bikes ranging from 90mm-120mm travel.

[Kyle Badger]

Hi all,

Ive made my decision. Im getting the Scott spark 910 tomorrow morning. Cycle Lab has been really helpful and accommodating thus far. They are also making the bike a 1x11 for me with a full XT group. This is the non RC model... (not sure if there is even a RC model available in the 910) This discussion has also really helped me to make this decision. Thanks for all the input.

[Headshot]

That is an excellent choice - now you can race enduros too. 

[Wet Ears]

Enjoy

[nonky]

I am mainly a roadie who also mountain bikes (prefer non-technical rides like KtC and Seweweekspoort), but also do the occasional “technical” ride.

 

My current mtb is a Spez Epic which I find quite twitchy on technical (for me) stuff so I am contemplating to buy a bike with a more “relaxed” geometry. I tested the Camber and a Pyga Stage Plus over a 5km not too technical course (Tygerberg MTB club Corridor) and found my Epic to be consistently 5% faster over that course (under same conditions and same effort).

 

Although such a test is not very scientific it made me decide to rather wait for the new Epic which will hopefully be a bit less twitchy but still "faster" then the other 2 bikes.

 

I think the point is that the Epic should be faster when you're fresh.

 

However, the Camber and Pyga should come into their own on days 2 and 3 of a stage race when you're tired / redlining it, as they provide a larger margin for error.

[NelAndre]

Will copy my post from your other thread.

 

I'd go for the spark over the spark RC unless you're racing for position on the podium. The cannondale is one of those XC bikes that has the capacity to be a lightweight trail bike as well.

 

But. Unless you're racing for position, I'd always suggest something with a bit more travel and a bit slacker head angle.

 

Bikes like:

 

Spark (not the RC)

Cannondale Habit

Spaz Camber

New Anthem

Silverback Synergy / Sprada

YT Jeffsy

Spaz Stumpy

Transition Smuggler

Banshee Spitfire (my personal favourite - WHAT A BIKE!!!!!)

Banshee Prime

Pyga 110

Pyga stage / stage max

 

 

And so on.

 

120-140mm travel and 67-68 deg head angle is he sweet spot for Joe average. The slacker head angle inspires confidence in the rough stuff and the extra travel gives a safety net for when things go wrong. They're also VERY good pedalers and climbers. The limitation will be YOU, not the bike. And when you point them down..... Oooooooh boy. Mega fun.

 

Lastly - go for something that doesn't have proprietary parts. The spaz is the one exception to this as the only proprietary thing on there is the shock (rear suspension) mounting point and there are loads of shock options for it.

 

The KTM is cheap because they're trying to get rid of it. There are no spares for it locally. And it's not like Spaz / Giant / Transition "clearance sales" as theyre just clearing current year stock for next year's models.

 

In short. What do you ride (terrain / race / event) and do you do it for enjoyment or position. If position (and this means top 10 in your division) - then Scott RC or cannondale scalpel SI will be perfect. If for enjoyment of the trails - one of the others suggested above and pretty much ANY current year bike in the 120-140mm bracket will be bloody awesome for you.

Edited by Myles Mayhew, Today, 20:23.

Never heard of a Banshee Spitfire before so I went and had a look. Now this is one sexy machine!

[droo]

Never heard of a Banshee Spitfire before so I went and had a look. Now this is one sexy machine!

 

Great bike. Not a damn would I ride one on a  stage race though. Not with all the carbon accessories in the world.

[Hairy]

Never heard of a Banshee Spitfire before so I went and had a look. Now this is one sexy machine!

Damned Right!

 

Great bike. Not a damn would I ride one on a  stage race though. Not with all the carbon accessories in the world.

WOES!

[Headshot]

Great bike. Not a damn would I ride one on a  stage race though. Not with all the carbon accessories in the world.

I've ridden my 160mm enduro on a 3 day event, so why not?