partydave Posted October 18, 2018 Share So it's finally time to retire my trusty hardtail and get a shiny need steed.I do 95% long distance, good condition, gravel roads with very little elevation. Every now and then I get the opportunity to do some trails and would like my bike to somewhat handle these. Many of the roads I explore have lots of corrugation that gives me numbsack on the hardtail, so a dual suss bike is what I'm after. It should also climb easy as I do a few events with steep hills. The following bikes came up in my local search, would appreciate your input on these. My budget is 30k Specialized Stumpjumper 29 ST R30 00011 Speed SRAM drivetrainGorgeous bikeApparently a tad on the heavy sideNorco Fluid 3 29 FS R22 000Appears to be great value for money and I admit I like the price10 Speed drive-train but can upgrade to 1x11 or 1x12 with money savedReally great priceNorco Optic 29 R28 000This bike speaks to me, a lotSeems to be more trail orientatedSeems to good value for moneyGiant Anthem 3 29 R28 000Does not make me tingly in the right spots, but was told to seriously consider it anywayAlso 1x10 onlyShould be reliableSilverback Sido 3 R24 000Price fits my pocketAgain, doesn't speak to me muchResale will be kukAt the moment I'm not really looking at anything else as I'm limited to what local bike shops carry. Any advice would be greatly appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted October 18, 2018 Share Of those, I'd honestly go for the Stumpy ST. Bang up to date ito geo and a very capable bike, by all accounts. Plus, it's a looker in the flesh and will be an excellent platform for any future upgrades. Weight I think will be similar across all those options, to be honest. Eddy Gordo, Odinson, Wayne pudding Mol and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escapee.. Posted October 18, 2018 Share Lekker problem to have I also like the look of the Norco bikes Eddy Gordo and partydave 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Stewart Posted October 18, 2018 Share Stumpy would be my choice. I have the Camber, and they share the same front triangle. My Camber does well on long rides and handles the odd trail with aplomb. The Stumpy is more trail orientated than the Camber (longer suspension travel), but you would do well to go that route. Still a good ride, and will likely be my replacement as well in a few years time. partydave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted October 18, 2018 Share Stumpy would be my choice. I have the Camber, and they share the same front triangle. My Camber does well on long rides and handles the odd trail with aplomb. The Stumpy is more trail orientated than the Camber (longer suspension travel), but you would do well to go that route. Still a good ride, and will likely be my replacement as well in a few years time.He's talking about the new Stumpy ST, which replaced the Camber. The Stumpy LT is the new "old" Stumpjumper, aka the Stumpjumper you're referring to. Either way, Stumpy Short Travel gets my vote partydave and Robbie Stewart 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
partydave Posted October 18, 2018 Share What about the new longer travel Epic? Over budget unfortunately Thanks guys, as I expected, Stumpy is in the lead. The Norco bikes are still calling at me though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piotter Posted October 18, 2018 Share I'm actually in a similar boat as you.Looking at the Stumpy ST, the new Epic EVO and the Trek Fuel EX. Going to try the Epic EVO out this weekend. My biggest problem with the Stumpy ST is that locally they currently only offer the entry level alloy one you're looking at or the expert level carbon which is quite a bit out of my price range. Ryan and partydave 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJR Posted October 18, 2018 Share Following this with interest because I'm thinking of "downgrading" from a Giant Trance to something a little less trail and all mountain orientated. I find myself riding less gnarly stuff and skipping the bigger jumps and and rock gardens. I supposed my sense of self preservation is finally catching up with my sense of adventure? So, thinking of something lighter, more in line with flowing single track, berms, switchbacks and gravel roads to link the nicer bits. partydave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJR Posted October 18, 2018 Share Over budget unfortunately Thanks guys, as I expected, Stumpy is in the lead. The Norco bikes are still calling at me thoughWhere would you get the Norco from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KABOUS Posted October 18, 2018 Share I reckon with a bit of shopping around you could get n top of the line second hand carbon monster. It is a buyers market- make some offers and let us know. Plenty of bikes standing around in garages gathering dust and Christmas is around the corner!! partydave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piotter Posted October 18, 2018 Share Specialized Stumpjumper 29 ST R30 00011 Speed SRAM drivetrainGorgeous bikeApparently a tad on the heavy side Just a heads up, the Stumpy ST you're referring to doesn't have an SRAM drivetrain, it has an SRAM crankset, KMC chain, Sunrace cassette and Shimano SLX derailleur and shifters partydave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Stewart Posted October 18, 2018 Share Where would you get the Norco from? I am wondering the same... According to the Norco website the Fluid FS 3 is not available in SA, and the Optic is priced at R79 999 for the complete bike, and R56999 for the frame kit. Prices indicated by OP must be used imports? Still, good looking bikes, and I would not mind having one of those Optics myself. DJR and partydave 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted October 18, 2018 Share Just a heads up, the Stumpy ST you're referring to doesn't have an SRAM drivetrain, it has an SRAM crankset, KMC chain, Sunrace cassette and Shimano SLX derailleur and shiftersPerfect mix. partydave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertWhitehead Posted October 18, 2018 Share Where would you get the Norco from? Main supplier in SA is Hotspot cycles in Pretoria. The Norco is a Canadian bike with quite a decent look. DJR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertWhitehead Posted October 18, 2018 Share I'm not a Spez fan so I'll lead with that right off the bat . If it was between the options mentioned above I would consider the Norco or Giant. If I could take the budget and apply it to another brand: Trek, Rocky Mountain would get my vote. But also don't disregard Momsen and Pyga either. Pyga would be more for the trails with more travel. For R30k you will be able to build yourself a very decent machine without having to do any upgrades. Chain Reaction Cycles currently has lots of specials going. My suggestion would be: Get a sweet frame and build you a decent bike with all the kit that you want / need. Edited October 18, 2018 by RobertWhitehead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesV Posted October 18, 2018 Share I recently bought the Stumpy ST, and it is an excellent bike, but it is a trail bike and quite heavy. You mentioned that you do 95% long distance on good gravel roads with little elevation. For those conditions I still prefer my Trek Procaliber 9.6 for the same price. partydave and DJR 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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