Andrew Steer Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 Not sure the carbon rims is a positive for the Giant... Both brands really well backed in SA Head tube angle negligible in my books as they are both around where you would want a dual sus to be. Would wager the Merida is probably a fair bit lighter.Really can't see either bike letting you down, would also probably go on what get's your pulse racing more
Andrew Steer Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 Other thing to consider, the terrain you will be riding... average Gauteng riders needs versus a Cape based rider can be very, very different
Venga Posted January 22, 2018 Author Posted January 22, 2018 Not sure the carbon rims is a positive for the Giant... Both brands really well backed in SA Head tube angle negligible in my books as they are both around where you would want a dual sus to be. Would wager the Merida is probably a fair bit lighter. Really can't see either bike letting you down, would also probably go on what get's your pulse racing more Thanks Andrew! Also have the dilemma of a bike shop with awesome service and pedigree (For the Merida) vs one with not so good service, but good deals to be had (for the Giant)
Venga Posted January 22, 2018 Author Posted January 22, 2018 There are other clues as well that should influence your decision. Eg, the Anthem comes with a 780mm handlebar compared to the 720mm on the Merida. Combined with the slacker head angle on the Giant this will be a more “Allrounder” bike with a fair trail pedigree.I tested and reviewed the Anthem 2 a while ago. I was impressed.https://gluvsmtb.blogspot.co.za/2017/08/demo-derby-i-had-misfortune-to-have.html?m=1 I opted for a Trek Topfuel 9.8 as that was the bike that made my heart beat faster and I got a fantastic deal on a 2017 floor model. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Great review on the Anthem 2. That Top Fuel 9.8 is a machine. A bit over my budget though. Enjoy! Thanks great tips
GLuvsMtb Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 Great review on the Anthem 2. That Top Fuel 9.8 is a machine. A bit over my budget though. Enjoy! Thanks great tipsI am extremely happy with the Topfuel. I’ll buy it again if I have to chose right now. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Grease_Monkey Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 Between the two I'd go with Giant. Their carbon rims are actually really nice. And 1x12 as oposed to 1x11 is a big positive in my books. I also really like the Maestro suspension with the trunion mounted shock. I've had very positive experiences with Giant in the past. That being said I don't have anything negative to say about Merida.
Reghardt van Rensburg Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 I would definitely go for the Giant. It's subjectively a much more appealing bike aesthetically.Also the wheel-set is like tier 2, that's some serious carbon rims. Plus a GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain.The Giant is R5k more for a reason, it's a top race bike, doesn't quite compare with the Merida.I don't claim to own this statement, but it's been proven that Giant Anthem is the Toyota of the XC world. in SA at least. They work/sell well here and in Australia.That's my opinion, and some of my friends' that are some avid MTB riders from George.They've had plenty of Giants, broken many of them (frames) and still to this day have an Anthem hanging in the garage.I respect the brand, I've been an owner of one myself, and have had to go through a warranty replacement also. It's been a pleasurable experience thus far.My next upgrade is getting one myself.
Pikey Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 What about Scott have read some good reviews . And 120 travel makes it a little more forgiving and comfortable. Don’t know prices,but would think it’s on par with merida & giant ?
Venga Posted January 22, 2018 Author Posted January 22, 2018 What about Scott have read some good reviews . And 120 travel makes it a little more forgiving and comfortable. Don’t know prices,but would think it’s on par with merida & giant ?Thanks Bro, Which Scott would you recommend?
Venga Posted January 22, 2018 Author Posted January 22, 2018 I would definitely go for the Giant. It's subjectively a much more appealing bike aesthetically.Also the wheel-set is like tier 2, that's some serious carbon rims. Plus a GX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain. The Giant is R5k more for a reason, it's a top race bike, doesn't quite compare with the Merida. I don't claim to own this statement, but it's been proven that Giant Anthem is the Toyota of the XC world. in SA at least. They work/sell well here and in Australia. That's my opinion, and some of my friends' that are some avid MTB riders from George.They've had plenty of Giants, broken many of them (frames) and still to this day have an Anthem hanging in the garage. I respect the brand, I've been an owner of one myself, and have had to go through a warranty replacement also. It's been a pleasurable experience thus far. My next upgrade is getting one myself. Thanks so much,Similar theme coming up regarding awesome service and warranty Giant it is!
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 The head angle determines the "twitchiness" of the bike and can also effect the handling. The slacker the head angle, the better the bike will descend and the more stable it will be, the steeper the better it will pedal however less stable the bike becomes. correct, and incorrect. Head angle does nothing for pedalling efficiency. That's all in the seat angle (relationship between hips and crank) and suspension design. A more relaxed head tube angle is actually better for pedalling efficiency, if you want to get really technical, as it allows the wheels to roll better over obstacles (better angle of attack relative to the rider) and therefore less effort to overcome obstacles Head angle *may* affect how a bike handles technical ascents, due to its knock on effect on wheelbase, but it primarily affects handling (twitchiness vs stability) Nutshell, obvs, but general brushstrokes.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 Thanks Bro, Which Scott would you recommend?one of the Spark range. Not the RC. That's an out and out race bike and should only be bought by those fighting for podium position, IMO. Oh - also consider the Camber. Bloody good bikes, those.
Pikey Posted January 22, 2018 Posted January 22, 2018 one of the Spark range. Not the RC. That's an out and out race bike and should only be bought by those fighting for podium position, IMO. ^^^^ this completely . Not sure on budget vs bike. But would get Carbon and as much as budget allows . The 920/940 is usually good value .
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