Marathon bike

[skips192]

Greetings Hubbers.

 

Been on here for a while lurking in the background.

 

I'm in the market for an upgrade to my 2012 Scott Spark 960.

 

I have entered TB and looking at perhaps doing Ubejane in December. Maybe even Sani2C in 2022. Weekend riding is a mix of long XC and a bit of light enduro (karkloof, Giba)

 

I have narrowed done my shortlist to the following bikes and I'm hoping to get some guidance from those in the know:

 

1. Pyga Stage Max,

 

Impressive suspension travel. Not sure how suitable it would be for the long races.

 

2. 2021 Spez Epic Evo Comp

 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/epic-evo-comp/p/175240?color=281553-175240&searchText=94820-5002

 

Much like the Pyga. I like the SLX spec. Seems more biased towards long XC stage races.

 

3. 2020 Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 1

 

Less sus travel. Nice components. Probably the best all rounder?

 

4. Titen Cypher RS comp

 

Nice price. Seems more speed orientated.

 

 

I am by no means a racing snake and just want to get out and have fun.

 

 

[Mountain Goat]

Greetings Hubbers.

 

Been on here for a while lurking in the background.

 

I'm in the market for an upgrade to my 2012 Scott Spark 960.

 

I have entered TB and looking at perhaps doing Ubejane in December. Maybe even Sani2C in 2022. Weekend riding is a mix of long XC and a bit of light enduro (karkloof, Giba)

 

I have narrowed done my shortlist to the following bikes and I'm hoping to get some guidance from those in the know:

 

1. Pyga Stage Max,

 

Impressive suspension travel. Not sure how suitable it would be for the long races.

 

2. 2021 Spez Epic Evo Comp

 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/epic-evo-comp/p/175240?color=281553-175240&searchText=94820-5002

 

Much like the Pyga. I like the SLX spec. Seems more biased towards long XC stage races.

 

3. 2020 Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 1

 

Less sus travel. Nice components. Probably the best all rounder?

 

4. Titen Cypher RS comp

 

Nice price. Seems more speed orientated.

 

 

I am by no means a racing snake and just want to get out and have fun.

 

If you are looking at getting a bike to do longer rides consider how much water you can carry. In my opinion only being able to carry one bottle is a deal breaker. 

 

I am not sure what your budget is but it I would have a look at the https://www.titanracingbikes.com/product/cypher-pro-carbon/ it will set you back around R68-R70k but it is a nicely specced bike for the price. It comes with remote lock out for the longer stretches but it also has 120mm travel and a dropper for the more gnarly stuff. Oh and you can carry two big bottles.

 

Oh with the Titans the RS models are the more race orientated versions with 100mm travel 

Edited January 29, 2021 by Mountain Goat

[DNC]

Look no further than the Pyga Stage / Stage Max.

Extremely comfortable ride (I changed from an Epic) with no unneccessary proprietary tech/parts (that can only be serviced by the manufacturer).

 

And the crew at Pyga are always available for advice or a chat whenever required.

[Jewbacca]

Epic evo or Titan iMHO

 

The Pyga is old. 

 

2 full sized bottle in frame for the Epic Evo and Titan as well as more modern geo.

 

I ride the Titan with 120mm front and rear.... It is amazing. 

 

The guy I ride with the most went from a Pyga Stage to the Epic Evo and he says it is chalk and cheese.

 

He is also no mug as he tests bikes really often for reviews and rides fast... really fast.

 

I had a Jeffsy and a 120mm/100mm down country bike, which I rolled into 1. The Titan climbs as well as my old XC bike and despite being 20mm shorter in the travel, the geo, balance and suspension platform make it feel more capable than the Jeffsy.

 

I can't 'fault' the Pyga, but it hasn't been updated in a long time and while it was cutting edge a few years ago, it has been surpassed by slightly more 'modern' versions of what has become 'down country'

 

All IMHO of course

[skips192]

Epic evo or Titan iMHO

 

The Pyga is old. 

 

2 full sized bottle in frame for the Epic Evo and Titan as well as more modern geo.

 

I ride the Titan with 120mm front and rear.... It is amazing. 

 

The guy I ride with the most went from a Pyga Stage to the Epic Evo and he says it is chalk and cheese.

 

He is also no mug as he tests bikes really often for reviews and rides fast... really fast.

 

I had a Jeffsy and a 120mm/100mm down country bike, which I rolled into 1. The Titan climbs as well as my old XC bike and despite being 20mm shorter in the travel, the geo, balance and suspension platform make it feel more capable than the Jeffsy.

 

I can't 'fault' the Pyga, but it hasn't been updated in a long time and while it was cutting edge a few years ago, it has been surpassed by slightly more 'modern' versions of what has become 'down country'

 

All IMHO of course

 

Thanks for the insight.

 

Problem is the bikes change every year so its hard to compare bikes from say 3 years ago to today. And salesmen will always be biased towards their brand. Feedback from your friend that tests a lot of bikes often, who is un-biased, is golden.

[Gregc]

Look no further than the Pyga Stage / Stage Max.

Extremely comfortable ride (I changed from an Epic) with no unneccessary proprietary tech/parts (that can only be serviced by the manufacturer).

 

And the crew at Pyga are always available for advice or a chat whenever required.

 

I have a Stage Max with a 140mm Ohlins on the front 

 

Came off riding a KTM Scarp Prestige which is an out and out marathon racing machine.

 

Stage Max climbs just as quickly as the KTM did with very little bob. On the downhill its chalk and cheese. The Pyga just rolls over everything and you feel safe all the time where the KTM rattled your teeth and was very skittish as the trails got rougher and you tried to go quicker. You feel as if you are slower until you look at the segments.....

 

Haven't had the opportunity to do any stage races yet but done a few long rides and its very comfortable, even after 3-4 hrs in the saddle

 

Always had issues getting parts for the KTM where as the Pyga is local

 

And as mentioned in the previous posts the people at Pyga are super helpful and friendly

[Jewbacca]

Thanks for the insight.

 

Problem is the bikes change every year so its hard to compare bikes from say 3 years ago to today. And salesmen will always be biased towards their brand. Feedback from your friend that tests a lot of bikes often, who is un-biased, is golden.

https://community.bikehub.co.za/features/_/tech/pyga-stage-long-term-review-r6654

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/features/_/tech/review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-evo-r8142

 

2 reviews of the 2 bikes.... see the dates? 4 years apart. 

 

I think Titan went with bikenetwork to review their bike so it's not apples and apples unfortunately

 

The reviewer rides the Epic Comp, which he purchased after doing the review he liked the bike so much. Sold the Pyga.

 

Again, not hating on the Pyga, but it is 'old tech'

Edited January 29, 2021 by Jewbacca

[DieselnDust]

Jewwie let's be fair, the Pyga ain't old by any stretch. It was quite progressive at the time and the geometry remains current.

It's leverage rate is set up to be more trail and marathon focussd than the Epic evo that is essentially a detuned XCO bike.

The choice will depend on the feel you're after. I'd still opt for the Pyga Stage (not the max) with a Rockshox SidLuxe and Sid Ultimate 120mm fork.

I'm basing this off what Skips decided he wants to do with the bike.

 

For a more racy feeling that

rewards at high speed the Epic Evo is a great option.

 

The Titan also great bike but doesn't have the trail cred that Pyga has. For the purpose recommended I'd put it in 2nd.

 

The Evo needs a custom tuned shock to keep it's active rear end in check. The Pyga Stage works with std tune SidLuxe or Fox Float DPS rear shocks

Edited January 29, 2021 by DieselnDust

[Knersboy]

Tough choice, all nice bikes.

 

I have the evo, and my selection came down to the little things. Two bottles, threaded bb and I hate lockout cables. Really considered the Pyga too, but pressfit BB and the non boost spacing put me off.

 

I bet I would be happy as a pig in poo if I had one though (until the bb started creaking or I wanted new wheels).

[Jewbacca]

Jewwie let's be fair, the Pyga ain't old by any stretch. It was quite progressive at the time and the geometry remains current.

It's leverage rate is set up to be more trail and marathon focussd than the Epic evo that is essentially a detuned XCO bike.

The choice will depend on the feel you're after. I'd still opt for the Pyga Stage (not the max) with a Rockshox SidLuxe and Sid Ultimate 120mm fork.

I'm basing this off what Skips decided he wants to do with the bike.

 

For a more racy feeling that

rewards at high speed the Epic Evo is a great option.

 

The Titan also great bike but doesn't have the trail cred that Pyga has. For the purpose recommended I'd put it in 2nd.

 

The Evo needs a custom tuned shock to keep it's active rear end in check. The Pyga Stage works with std tune SidLuxe or Fox Float DPS rear shocks

I disagree

 

The stage has a 68.5' HA while the Epic EVO sits at 66.5'

 

The Titan sits at 67'

 

So in fairness, the Stage is the 'least' trail oriented bike out of the 3.

 

It also has non boost spacing, the shortest wheelbase and press fit BB.

 

Unfortunately, the Pyga Stage IS old tech. Cutting edge 5 years ago, but not any more. Titan is also an SA based company, so support there is fantastic. Spez have a massive foothold in the market so the custom tune shock won't be a problem unless they suddenly disappear over night.

 

I am 100% sure all 3 bikes are fantastic, but the newer bikes are undoubtedly 'better'.

 

Also, if you then wanted the new 35mm stanchion SID, you would need a Boost front wheel and non boost rear wheel, which sucks if you ever want to upgrade or sell on, or you have to buy an old fork so you have non boost wheels but miss out on the new SID or 34 Stepcast.

 

But anyway, OP, any of the 3 bikes are awesome and probably better than most other bikes out there for what you want it for

[DieselnDust]

Pyga will be introducing a newer boost rear triangle soon I'm told.

 

And come on head angles are slack enough. or would a 64.5 headangle now be considered the best bike?

 

Not following on how a boost fork and non boost rear is an issue. yo sell the bike as built

Wheelset now allow you to specify whether you need boost front hub or rear or both or neither (quite rare admittedly)

 

we can construct any obstacles we want. 

 

Everytime i try out a new bike i'm blown away by how much better it is till i've had it for the full week of testing. By then the newbikealitis has worn off and i'm scratching my head at how small the differences are. 

were the slacker headtubes help is with a wider bar in the 780 to 760 range, short stem <50mm and a dropper post. just helps with the feeling that the front wheel is further ahead. Strava says its not faster just different.

 

The other thing I love about the Stage is that the Stage Max is exactly the same frame as the Stage just with a longer stroke rear shock and longer fork.

[RocknRolla]

There are some very knowledgeable tech-orientated responses in this thread.

 

I personally would opt for the more trail oriented bike, given your location. Little bit more travel is great for Giba and Karkloof.

 

sani2c is like those trails, with lots of dirt roads thrown in between.

[Thermophage]

But why has nobody mentioned the Spur? 

Edited January 31, 2021 by Thermophage

[DJuice]

Nut why has nobody mentioned the Spur? 

If you have a Spur, please post a few picks.

[Thermophage]

If you have a Spur, please post a few picks.

I would love to say I have one, but alas I can have/justify 1 bike only and the Spur, while versatile, is not THAT versatile for me. Tranny RSA should be getting stock shortly I hear

[Baracuda]

https://community.bikehub.co.za/features/_/tech/pyga-stage-long-term-review-r6654

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/features/_/tech/review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-evo-r8142

 

2 reviews of the 2 bikes.... see the dates? 4 years apart. 

 

I think Titan went with bikenetwork to review their bike so it's not apples and apples unfortunately

 

The reviewer rides the Epic Comp, which he purchased after doing the review he liked the bike so much. Sold the Pyga.

 

Again, not hating on the Pyga, but it is 'old tech'

I have a Pyga 110 and love it (with a 140 Pike on it), but one thing I do find frustrating when evaluating an upgrade to a newer Pyga is the lack of reviews and especially comparative reviews.

 

I have been looking at the Stage Max or Hyrax and there is a the lack of published reviews or tests, especially international comparative tests e.g. https://enduro-mtb.com/en/the-best-trail-bike-mtb-review/

 

All one can work on is hearsay which is all over the place. Half the comments on Bikehub and elsewhere are 100% for them "bought a new Canondale, made the mistake of trying my buddy's Pyga on our first ride out, sold the 'dale immediately" or visa versa. 

Edited January 31, 2021 by Baracuda