R40K to spend on a trail bike - What options?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

how many ZAR's ?

Just under 40k, iirc

[Caerus]

Just got back from Spez shop looking at the Stumpjumper, on Sale at R 40 500. So I guess its take the Spez, Banshee and Trance for a test ride :-)

 

Next question, to go fattie tyres of 2.8". Not ridden the fattie tyrs at all. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Just got back from Spez shop looking at the Stumpjumper, on Sale at R 40 500. So I guess its take the Spez, Banshee and Trance for a test ride :-)

 

Next question, to go fattie tyres of 2.8". Not ridden the fattie tyrs at all. 

Honestly - niner. Better selection of quality tyres, lighter overall, better suited to long days in the saddle. 

 

Fatty would be if you just like hooning it. Better grip, more traction on the steeps. But the tyre selection isn't there, and good tyres (with appropriate sidewall protection) are heavy. 

[MarcBurger]

Truth is, you can get pretty much any bike you desire with a reasonable spec for the magic number of R40k.

I'm insured for exactly this amount so have spent some time while riding through the dodgy areas in JHB. My list off the top of my head is:

1. Pyga 140 from BikeMarket for 35k, then throw in a dropper and some bits.
2. Times are tough so people are flogging some power bikes on the hub at the moment. Santa Cruz's with Enve wheels, Transition smugglers, Carbon Lapierre bikes etc. 
3. YT Jeffsy AL Comp1

Again R40k is a magic amount when it comes to bikes, so my suggestion would be to go and thrash around some demo bikes and see what feels right.

[T-Bob]

Yes. Honestly, if I were in the market, and that were my size (it is) I'd buy it in a heartbeat. SUCH an awesome bike, that. Pedals very well, descends even better. It's playful, razor sharp and yet just lets you get on with things. Inspires such confidence. It's a bit heavier than the direct competition, but you don't notice it on the trail. Mate of mine has done Sani on his and it's absolutely fine. 

Winner!

 

[Caerus]

Truth is, you can get pretty much any bike you desire with a reasonable spec for the magic number of R40k.

I'm insured for exactly this amount so have spent some time while riding through the dodgy areas in JHB. My list off the top of my head is:

1. Pyga 140 from BikeMarket for 35k, then throw in a dropper and some bits.
2. Times are tough so people are flogging some power bikes on the hub at the moment. Santa Cruz's with Enve wheels, Transition smugglers, Carbon Lapierre bikes etc. 
3. YT Jeffsy AL Comp1

Again R40k is a magic amount when it comes to bikes, so my suggestion would be to go and thrash around some demo bikes and see what feels right.

That PYGA looks the business, and a great price. Its a 2017 model.  A spanner in the works it seems now

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

That PYGA looks the business, and a great price. Its a 2017 model.  A spanner in the works it seems now

Honestly It'd be between the tranny and the banshee. The PYGA is nice, sure, but it's just slightly older ito geo than the other two, and has a lower spec. Yes, it comes with a warranty, but in all honesty it's... I dunno. The other two just call out to me more. 

[Caerus]

Honestly It'd be between the tranny and the banshee. The PYGA is nice, sure, but it's just slightly older ito geo than the other two, and has a lower spec. Yes, it comes with a warranty, but in all honesty it's... I dunno. The other two just call out to me more. 

I'm not sure I want to ride a cross dresser    You are talking about the Trance I assume.

 

Thoughts on the Spez option?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I'm not sure I want to ride a cross dresser    You are talking about the Trance I assume.

 

Thoughts on the Spez option?

Nah, the transition. 

 

Trance is a solid option. Much more accomplished now with the geo upgrades and different length shock, which increases its pedalling prowess. 

 

Spaz is also a great option. At this price point, you truly are spoilt for choice and honestly it'll come down to how each bike makes you feel. Which is why it's important to test test and test again. 

[Mawbs]

I'm not sure I want to ride a cross dresser    You are talking about the Trance I assume.

 

Thoughts on the Spez option?

 

i had a trance and swopped to a 2016 Carbon Stumpjumper with Pike upfront and dropper post....best thing i ever did and it was under 40k  (secondhand but like new )

[Caerus]

Are you talking the Transition Scout?

Nah, the transition. 

 

Trance is a solid option. Much more accomplished now with the geo upgrades and different length shock, which increases its pedalling prowess. 

 

Spaz is also a great option. At this price point, you truly are spoilt for choice and honestly it'll come down to how each bike makes you feel. Which is why it's important to test test and test again. 

[T-Bob]

I'm not sure I want to ride a cross dresser    You are talking about the Trance I assume.

 

Thoughts on the Spez option?

 

Just a thought, what size are you? You can alway grab a ride on my medium Tranny (smuggler) if you wanted to check it out and then I'm sure you can get a demo on the YT, the Stumpy and the evil twins probably have a banshee you can borrow for a lap or two. 

 

Thunk Myles meant this one: 

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/263425-2017-transition-smuggler/

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

i had a trance and swopped to a 2016 Carbon Stumpjumper with Pike upfront and dropper post....best thing i ever did and it was under 40k (secondhand but like new )

New trance is a different beast entirely, by all accounts. That shock and linkage change was very good.

[Rigardt@Scott]

Just got back from Spez shop looking at the Stumpjumper, on Sale at R 40 500. So I guess its take the Spez, Banshee and Trance for a test ride :-)

 

Next question, to go fattie tyres of 2.8". Not ridden the fattie tyrs at all.

Only go fattie (27.5+) if you can afford a second 29er wheelset. It's a very cool thing to have, but only every now and then. Doesn't pedal amazingly, and tbh, if you have a stiff and wide 29er wheelset with the right tyres you will find yourself switching over to the 27.5 very rarely.

 

My stumpy (originally 27.5) now has a set of 29ers on it permenantly.

 

But.... that Banshee, wow! And the options from YT and Pyga at the moment. If I was in the market for a new bike I would be very confused - we are spoilt for choice in your price range!

 

One thing I can say is that I was on a Trance (2016) before the Stumpy, and although it is a good bike, it just does not have the same wow factor as the Banshee, YT, or Spaz. I always found myself wanting more from the Giant - be it looks, performance, playfulness etc. I couldn't fault it, but I also couldn't fall in love with it...

[L.T.G]

Just got back from Spez shop looking at the Stumpjumper, on Sale at R 40 500. So I guess its take the Spez, Banshee and Trance for a test ride :-)

 

Next question, to go fattie tyres of 2.8". Not ridden the fattie tyrs at all. 

I went from 29'ers to my fattie on the advice of my lbs but  having never ridden one ... I trust my lbs and they know my riding style.. and it's THE.BEST.EVER!!!

The bike climbs climbs brilliantly, descends brilliantly, grips like crazy...  

[L.T.G]

Only go fattie (27.5+) if you can afford a second 29er wheelset. It's a very cool thing to have, but only every now and then.  

each to their own I guess, but I love mine.. 7 months down the line I have no need to 29ers. 

Perhaps If I had to do a Marathon stage event I'd feel otherwise, but for now,I'm good..really good.