Which bike

[Christofison]

Giant Trance. I didn't enjoy the ride. I wasn't comfortable at all. To be fair though the handlebars were like 730mm the stem was quite long (100mm if I remember correctly). Also 650b, I don't like the small wheels. So the whole setup was an issue. This is strictly personal opinion though

 

To be honest, I like both the bikes. Each has their advantage. Price is coming into play though.

 

I would look at an Evil the Following as well just don't know where to find a demo, the whole build will make for an expensive purchase and I like the backup of the Treks and Specialized companies.

Is there any reason you would not consider a 2018 Stumpy Expert or Comp Carbon? Geometry is bang up to date and they're both well spec'd at good prices. The Comp is an such a good looking colour if you're happy with 1x11. The black is actually unidirectional carbon under a gloss coat.

[Fox3]

Is there any reason you would not consider a 2018 Stumpy Expert or Comp Carbon? Geometry is bang up to date and they're both well spec'd at good prices. The Comp is an such a good looking colour if you're happy with 1x11. The black is actually unidirectional carbon under a gloss coat.

Looked at the Expert, don't like the colour, it is a nice bike but such a crap colour. That would be the spec to compare to the Fuel 9.8. The Comp Carbon is nice. Spec is good. I think the Trek spec might be better...but you are right, and I did consider them, just thought that those two were enough to compare in an effort to simplify the process. That's the exact geometry I tested.

 

Visited the Trek today again. The guys in the store are really nice, and it is a good looking bike. Got an invite to a group ride as well. It's the little things that count hey...

[Fox3]

In fact I actually put together this list, which doesn't include the SWorks Stumpy which I mentioned that's the 2016:

[anybody seen george?]

Any opinions on climbing proficiency of each?

I can only speak for the trek as I have the ex 8 and have not ridden the spez up a serious hill.

 

I am only about 40 seconds off my fastest pace up the climbs at Contermans kloof if I believe strava and I think it has got more to do with me not really riding in September and October due to injury.

 

My fastest pace was set with my hardtail xtc and can tell you I have not encountered a climb I could not ride up yet.

 

So I'd say don't worry to much about the climbs.

[ALLMTB]

Sounds like you need a Transition Smuggler  

[keithbe]

Thanks Iwan, solid advice. Would it be best if I give links for both bikes? I am really trying to throw out brand related bias.

 

Here are some angles but I think it may be a giveaway as to which brands they are:

 

Sorry that didn't work...pic attached

 

Need more specs? Shock, fork, brakes, drivetrain etc are all good on both...I can provide that though. I don't see much of a difference between head angle...both made me smile like a little kid. The rest of the measurements are gibberish to me, I am learning though...

The BB height can't be overlooked. Currently have 33.8mm and pedal strikes, terrain dependant, are annoying.

 

As for all the other geometry I say - if there was 1 perfect bike ALL the pros would be riding it. Not the case though. Some guys can make a Makro bike run like something from RedBull Rampage. The bike compliments the riders skills and not the otherway around.

[Fox3]

The BB height can't be overlooked. Currently have 33.8mm and pedal strikes, terrain dependant, are annoying.

 

As for all the other geometry I say - if there was 1 perfect bike ALL the pros would be riding it. Not the case though. Some guys can make a Makro bike run like something from RedBull Rampage. The bike compliments the riders skills and not the otherway around.

 Thanks Keithbe. I must say I had pedal strikes on both bikes!

[Fox3]

The BB height can't be overlooked. Currently have 33.8mm and pedal strikes, terrain dependant, are annoying.

 

As for all the other geometry I say - if there was 1 perfect bike ALL the pros would be riding it. Not the case though. Some guys can make a Makro bike run like something from RedBull Rampage. The bike compliments the riders skills and not the otherway around.

Thought it had to do with the shocks not being set up for me specifically

[Pikey]

Thought it had to do with the shocks not being set up for me specifically

All the new low slung type trail bikes have lowish bb’s . It could easily have been a combination of correct suspension set up and the lowish bb height.

 

If my mate rides my bike he tends to pedal strike more than me as the suspension is not set up for him. And constant pedal strikes are sooo f’ing annoying it can spoil your ride.

 

170mm crank arms are the way to go and run the fork in the max allowed travel.

This will help eliminate most of the pedal strikes.

[Christofison]

Sounds like you need a Transition Smuggler

They don't make a carbon one yet.

[Christofison]

In fact I actually put together this list, which doesn't include the SWorks Stumpy which I mentioned that's the 2016:

Stumpy Comp Carbon gets my vote. You'll have money to spare if you feel that you need a wider range cassette with a bigger chainring or buy a GX Eagle groupo before the bike leaves the shop and sell the GX11 speed in the classifieds. That new Revelation now has 35mm stanchions (baby Pike), and that trap door is freaking cool.

[Pikey]

That new Revelation now has 35mm stanchions (baby Pike), and that trap door is freaking cool.

whats the trap door ?

[the nerd]

whats the trap door ?

 

SWAT box in the stumpy... you had one... briefly! 

[Pikey]

SWAT box in the stumpy... you had one... briefly!

 

oh thought he was referring to the fork ???? my bad !

[Christofison]

oh thought he was referring to the fork [emoji85] my bad !

Sorry, I can see how it sounded that way.

[Fox3]

The Swat box is quite cool