Silverback Spectra Sport (2019) vs Giant Liv Tempt 2 (2020)

[KP]

Hi all,

 

I am a recreational cross country rider, my last MTB being a Giant Boulder, so I can be considered an entry level rider. Endless research has finally settled on 2 bikes which fit my requirements and budget, but now I am torn between the 2: Silverback Spectra Sport (2019) vs Giant Liv Tempt 2 (2020)

 

I am 100% happy with the Silverback specs, as far as I can see it has all the important bits which make for a good quality MTB. Reviews also give it a huge thumbs up for build/spec quality and performance.

 

A few things concern me with the Giant Liv though. Firstly, the fact that it is a gender-specific MTB. I am definitely not a girly kind of girl and a gender-specific MTB bugs me because it certainly sounds like a clever marketing ploy. My research does however show that this MTB scores 10/10 in all the reviews so in spite of it being gender-specific, it delivers on its promises in terms of quality and performance. If I do ever enter an event, will I look like a newbie dufus for rocking up with a "girly bike"? 

 

Forkwise, the Liv has Fork RockShox XC30, coil spring, preload adjust, TurnKey hydraulic lockout, whereas the Silverback has SR Suntour XCR Air, 100mm, Hydraulic Lockout and Rebound Adjust, QR. I have been advised that when it comes to suspension, air is preferable to coil spring. Is that correct?

 

The Liv wheel size is 27.5 whereas the Silverback is 29. I wonder if 27.5 will eventually be phased out, like what is happening to the 26?

 

Both are just over R10 000 so no difference there. I won't be upgrading for a long time after this purchase so whatever I choose will have to serve me for the next few years. I am leaning towards the Silverback but must confess that I have always loved the Giant brand (research surprised me by revealing that Giant manufactures for Trek and Scott!)

 

Your advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Edited September 6, 2020 by KP

[ChrisF]

Hi KP, WELCOME to the Hub.

 

Both brands have strong followers, and for good reason. Both will serve you well.

 

One those will move your soul more than the other ... sometimes it is the colour, somwtimes it is the lines of frame. Go for the one that puts a smile on your face ...

 

 

Disclaimer ... at the moment there are 5 different brands in my garage, 3 of which is mine. The GIANT is the one that makes me SMILE ... even though my brain knows technically they are all sound and reliable

 

 

ENJOY

[DR ◣◢]

I think all bikes are gender fluid.

[TheoG]

Hi KP, imho, 27.5 is here to stay, as far as I know it was introduced after the 29ers to be a compromise between the handling of a 26 and the lower rolling resistance of a 29.

 

I personally prefer 29" though, the handling is good enough for the stuff I do and the easier rolling is great.

 

I agree with ChrisF, both are solid choices, go for what you personally like, you opinion is the only one that really matter in this instance.

[KP]

  On 9/6/2020 at 10:33 AM, Mr Dampf said:

I think all bikes are gender fluid.

In general, yes, but the Liv is designed by women for women. I doubt any guy would be buying one, especially since it only comes in a very feminine purple!

[ChrisF]

27.5 certainly is an ongoing debate.

 

Various 2021 model bikes are still made for 27.5.

 

Then there are the pro downhill racers no using 27,5 on the rear and 29 in the front.

 

 

At worst, we might not have access to the full range of 27,5 tires.

 

Even in 26" there are still enough tires available for most riders in SA.

 

 

Sadly too many shorter riders are pressured into riding 29" ....

[dasilvarsa]

29 er