Spaz Camber 2018, or ?

[Goodbadugly]

I know two guys with Cambers.

Both with wheel trouble.

Don't buy a Camber with less than 32 spokes per wheel.

[Showtime]

I think R7 500k can get you all the wheel you need if you need to upgrade at all since the rims are already nice and wide.

 

Then the new Reba should really be good for 120mm travel and even then you can get a 34/35mm fork later for ~10k.

 

So I would definitely save the 30k and get the comp.

 

My only reservation would be that Camber is now in year 3 of its life cycle so don't be surprised to see an all-new 2019 model with Boost etc in a few months time.

[The Ghost]

I know two guys with Cambers.

Both with wheel trouble.

Don't buy a Camber with less than 32 spokes per wheel.

 

What do these guys weigh, and what trouble did they have?

[splat]

I know two guys with Cambers.

Both with wheel trouble.

Don't buy a Camber with less than 32 spokes per wheel.

 

After 7500km, my rear rim is starting to crack.

Good excuse for new wheels (who wants to be sensible buy just a new rim?)

 

I think R7 500k can get you all the wheel you need if you need to upgrade at all since the rims are already nice and wide.

 

Then the new Reba should really be good for 120mm travel and even then you can get a 34/35mm fork later for ~10k.

 

So I would definitely save the 30k and get the comp.

 

My only reservation would be that Camber is now in year 3 of its life cycle so don't be surprised to see an all-new 2019 model with Boost etc in a few months time.

 

If I were to buy a new bike today, I wouldn't get the current Camber.

The new Trek Fuel EX range is very nice looking and for R60k I would look at the 9.7

 

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-9-7-29/p/2144600-2018/

 

[The Ghost]

I think R7 500k can get you all the wheel you need if you need to upgrade at all since the rims are already nice and wide.

 

Then the new Reba should really be good for 120mm travel and even then you can get a 34/35mm fork later for ~10k.

 

So I would definitely save the 30k and get the comp.

 

My only reservation would be that Camber is now in year 3 of its life cycle so don't be surprised to see an all-new 2019 model with Boost etc in a few months time.

 

Thanks, Yeah, I think I'll wait until I break them (if I do) before replacing them. 

 

I hear you on the new model thing, I asked at the shop and the guy said that they do suspect a new model is on for next year, but I don't want to wait a year to get a bike so its a bit of a shite situation there, but I recon as long as I enjoy the ride it doesn't matter what year model it is.

[The Ghost]

After 7500km, my rear rim is starting to crack.

Good excuse for new wheels (who wants to be sensible buy just a new rim?)

 

 

If I were to buy a new bike today, I wouldn't get the current Camber.

The new Trek Fuel EX range is very nice looking and for R60k I would look at the 9.7

 

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-9-7-29/p/2144600-2018/

 

 

Why would you choose this, it appears to have lower spec parts.

 

Are there any dealers in CPT that have loan or Test Trek bikes?

[splat]

Well, I can't afford the 9.8 (honestly, I can't afford any new bike right now, but I am spending your R55k  )

The Trek geometry suits me better than the camber, but that's a 'me, not you' thing.

 

But mostly because its up to date with Boost spacing and all that kind of stuff, which the current Camber isn't (like Showtime says).

 

I really like my Camber. Keen to see what the new ones will be like.

Who knows, when I am in the market for a new bike, it might just be the updated version after all!

[The Ghost]

Fair enough.

Hey I'm happy for you folks to "spend" my R59k, I appreciate the input. Its a lot of money for me and I dont want to cock this up.

 

Interestingly of the bikes I have ridden over the years the current Camber has the geometry I have enjoyed the most, so sure thats personal preference.

 

Is the Boost standard really that big a deal for an average bloke like me? I cant see it. As it is the Camber has pretty wide rubber on anyways.

[Desi]

I've been following this thread closely, as I'm looking for a very similar bike, and have almost come down to the same last three on the 'final list' - Spez Camber, Trek Fuel and Scott Spark. Then I came across this - is there a reason nobody has mentioned Merida? - https://www.cwcycles.co.za/bikes/merida-one-twenty-9-6000-2018

[The Ghost]

I've been following this thread closely, as I'm looking for a very similar bike, and have almost come down to the same last three on the 'final list' - Spez Camber, Trek Fuel and Scott Spark. Then I came across this - is there a reason nobody has mentioned Merida? - https://www.cwcycles.co.za/bikes/merida-one-twenty-9-6000-2018

 

To be honest I think your top 3 are spot on. They were my top 3 as well, so they must be 

[Headshot]

Fair enough.

Hey I'm happy for you folks to "spend" my R59k, I appreciate the input. Its a lot of money for me and I dont want to cock this up.

 

Interestingly of the bikes I have ridden over the years the current Camber has the geometry I have enjoyed the most, so sure thats personal preference.

 

Is the Boost standard really that big a deal for an average bloke like me? I cant see it. As it is the Camber has pretty wide rubber on anyways.

I think boost is worth having from an ease of upgrade perspective when shopping for new wheels, if you do.

 

There may also be stiffness gains for 29er wheels, which they then undo by using 24/28 spoke count rims and hubs. I have the latest enduro 650b which has exactly this set up and it has left me wondering whether I should look to a wheel upgrade at some point....

 

I have lost track of what your options are but I think worth considering a at least a 34mm fork if that's possible. This is definitely an area where a few extra mm makes a hug difference in steering precision and braking. 

[Goodbadugly]

What do these guys weigh, and what trouble did they have?

I "spoke'' the word.

[Goodbadugly]

The Camber is sold as a "trail bike"

With 24/28 spoke wheels on a 29er. 

Expect to break spokes.

[The Ghost]

The Camber is sold as a "trail bike"

With 24/28 spoke wheels on a 29er. 

Expect to break spokes.

 

Noted

[GrahamS2]

Fair enough.

Hey I'm happy for you folks to "spend" my R59k, I appreciate the input. Its a lot of money for me and I dont want to cock this up.

 

Interestingly of the bikes I have ridden over the years the current Camber has the geometry I have enjoyed the most, so sure thats personal preference.

 

Is the Boost standard really that big a deal for an average bloke like me? I cant see it. As it is the Camber has pretty wide rubber on anyways.

Boost results in a significant increase in wheel stiffness (23% IIRC). Well worth it IMO.

Also, when they launch the new Boost spec model the 2018 will take a hit in used value. Well, a bigger hit than  it would take anyway at least.

[Robbie Stewart]

The Camber is sold as a "trail bike"

With 24/28 spoke wheels on a 29er. 

Expect to break spokes.

 

I have a 2017 Camber Comp 29. I push the scale at 116kg and am not afraid of the big jumps at the Hoogekraal skills park. I also have taken the black route down Conties and Hoogekraal on the odd occassion. I have not lost a spoke yet, in around 9 months of hard riding. The 29mm inner width Roval rims are legend, and that bike has seen some proper abuse. I tend to play hard with my toys. The wheels are still running true, and straight. I even managed to take two rather biggish falls, and no damage.

 

That bike is as solid as the manufacturers claim, and I can testify to that fact. 

 

My advice? Get one. It plays nice...and when you want it to, it can also play "dirty"...