Scott vs. Giant vs. Spez vs. Yeti vs....

[intern]

Yang - every time I cruise in to Northcliff Cycles i have a look at the Focus MTBs. Really clean design, looks clever and like it would work well. Would love to test one of those.

Until then though, my Spaz Epic rocks the party. Have had it for just over a year, done the Epic, the Sabie X and plenty Mazda series races. Bit heavy, but what an awesome ride. Have tried Merida 96, Merida hard tail, Scott Spark - all are 'nice' but I will come back to my Spaz with a big old grin on my face.

Rear shock was replaced once, but with a great warranty policy, I ain't complaining...

 

[Christie]

http://www.focusbikesuk.com/about_us.php

 

 

 

Fugly!! (I've got nothing against Focus)

 

So you saying you should have gone ugly early for a certain score

[taygan]

I would still go for the Yeti!!

[Santa C]

Giant Anthem 1-I herd the 2009 model is very good and lighter then the 2008 model

[Borriz]

I suppose the question you are asking yourself is:"why oh why didn't I take the blue pill"

[downhilldemon]

the problem with this question is that people will often rate the brand of bike that they own even if another is better. its unconscious bias.

 

bikes are expensive and you'll be living with it for a while. you really need to get on the different bikes if possible. even then it will not help fully as it takes a while to get used to the geometry of a bike, so you'll feel most comfortable on something similar to what you came from, even if its not the best bike.

 

on that note, i ride a scott. best bike you can get. go for it, no question - you dont even need to test ride it

[danlate]

Giant anthem x gets my vote. best bike ive ridden in ages.

 

 

 

As far as specialized's reliability goes, its crap. friend of mine bought a new, redesigned epic marathon. had it for 2 weeks and the frame cracked all round the bb shell. they replaced the frame, after a long argument saying it was his fault. then a week later the shock goes. not good.

 

 

 

another friend have a older epic. he is on his 13th brain. again not good.

 

 

 

Specialized have made great bikes and good designs in the past, i give them that. i have had some of their older bikes. but the last few years the quality have gone down the drain. i wonder if its maybe some thing to do with the fact that merida have a big share in them now.

[Sighnide]

Thanks for the great feedback, I have some other options to explore now

 

Who's the agent for Yeti in SA or a Gauteng shop that has them?

 

[Iwan Kemp]

Morningside Cycles does Yeti

[jagwil]

If cost is not a problem what about a MARIN MOUNT VISION PRO

[Iwan Kemp]

Now there's a REAL bike. Unfortunately Marin is not available in SA yet. Also, you have to remember that the Marin is not quite in the same class / league as the others mentioned.

It is a propper hardcore trail bike. Not the lightest, but can punch above it's travel.

[Sighnide]

 

If cost is not a problem what about a MARIN MOUNT VISION PRO

Great bike just a bit heavy.

 

[Yang]

http://www.focusbikesuk.com/about_us.php

 

 

 

Fugly!! (I've got nothing against Focus)

 

So you saying you should have gone ugly early for a certain score

 

- nope- I'm a great believer in delayed gratification.  Had already ordered my GT Marathon1 which was waiting for me after the Argus. The rep at the expo offerd me the Focus XT gruppo for the same price. The same bike is now about R30K. This beholder's eye says its a beauty- different and elegant. 

[Sighnide]

 

Morningside Cycles does Yeti

Thx

 

[jagwil]

Eben at West Rand Cycles will stil get one for anyone who wants one. Weight is not high. Mine weighs under 12 kg which is not not bad for full a full suspensio. 

[jagwil]

Under 12kg for a full suspension bike is not really heavy !!!!