Advice re new bike for a runner

[arrtgrrl]

Hi everyone,

I am after a bit of advice.. I am a trail ultra runner, and used to ride a lot years ago.. keen to get back into it now i can afford a  bike but not sure what to go with. I mainly want to use it for endurance on long trail rides, mostly single track with some hilly firetrails thrown in, similar to my running.. Most of my running is hard core technical which i love esp downhill stuff..

For a bike I guess it needs to be an all rounder, i want dual shocks as i have some muscle issues and back issues that would appreciate the suspension

 

So local bike shops have advised a Scott spark 700 contessa or a specialised camber.. anyone got any feedback or help at all? I dont know a hell of a lot about bikes.. Like i said im a runner.. but i love adrenalin love going fast.. and i dont want to get a bike im going to outgrow.. I am looking at around the $5000 Australian mark..

TIA guys

 

[Cippo]

www.bikebug.com. Scott FTW.

[RiverInTheRoad]

Your bikeshop recommendations are good. Also look at the Giant Anthem.

[Patensie]

And santa cruz 5010 or tallboy/ juliana equivalent of each

[arrtgrrl]

www.bikebug.com. Scott FTW.

Thanks so much for that I am leaning towards the Scott, As i like the lock out system with the shocs so i can pick up the pace on fire trails or uphills..  Though I prefer the look of the Specialised ha ha.. got to be practical though.. and quite frankly I guess who cares what it looks like when you are riding out on the trails having fun

[arrtgrrl]

Your bikeshop recommendations are good. Also look at the Giant Anthem.

Awesome, thankyou I will check out that bike as well and see If I can find some here

[arrtgrrl]

And santa cruz 5010 or tallboy/ juliana equivalent of each

Wonderful, thanks for the advice, I will check out those bikes as well, Like I said I am pretty fit but know nothing about bike components etc.. so I appreciate advice from people who do..

[Grease_Monkey]

Your bike shop's reccomedations are pretty spot on to be honest. I don't think there is a clear better bike between the Specialized and Scott, it will come down to which brand will offer you the better model/components spec for your money, and I have a feeling that will be the Scott - so based on that I would lean that way.

 

But you will not go wrong with either - both great all round bikes that can climb like mountain goats and help you descend with confidence.

 

Patensie's reccomendation of the Santa is also a good one, but you will be paying alot for brand rather than component spec - so for someone new to the sport without any brand bias yet I would say go for the best value for money bike and that will be the Scott.