best full susser under 20K

[cheveley]

looking to buy a full susser under 20k and the candidates so far are:

 

trek fuel 6

giant anthem 1

merida am 3000

specialised epic fsr

 

i would appreciate any comments / suggestions / feedback.

 

thanks

[AndreZA]

I think all except the Merida are XC machines. The Merida is All Mountain. Longer travel and obviously heavier. They do make a Epic style XC machine.

 

 

Mampara2007-03-27 06:58:09

[dirtrider]

I can not recommend one of the bikes on your list , sorry

[Giant]

Anthem 1 is a great bike.

You will not regret buying one.

For 20k, you should get your lbs to throw in a tubeless conversion and some ust tyres, you will then have a phenomenal bike.

I've owned and ridden a couple of D/S bikes and the Anthem 1 is the best.

Did Sani2C on it and loved it.

[rock]

can't go wrong with the anthem.....

 

fuel looks good too (why is trek site in spanish for me ??)

 

go with then anthem.........dt hubs, Fox fork, xt shifters.......juicy 5's.

[TitusTi]

can't go wrong with the anthem.....

 

fuel looks good too (why is trek site in spanish for me ??)

 

go with then anthem.........dt hubs' date=' Fox fork, xt shifters.......juicy 5's.

[/quote']

 

 

Gonna second rock on this one, go with the Anthem from that line up, maybe the specialized.

[cheveley]

i like the spaz a helluva lot, but the components are not as good as the giants, including no disc brakes......

[TitusTi]

In that case, Giant takes it hands down, no contest.

[buckshot]

 

i recently bought the anthem 1 and have been very happy.

 

i fitted o/s riser bar & stem on, lock-on grips and changed tyres (hutch pirahna tyres wear out quickly and don't corner in loose conditions imo)

 

there are other areas to upgrade but for those on a budget or who aren't fussed, it's a very good platform

 

[cheveley]

why did you fit the o/s riser bar and stem?

[buckshot]

it gives me more control & comfort. i switched to oversized cause the easton was flexing a little too much for me with the extra leverage i got out of the riser bar.

 

[cheveley]

interesting review on the Anthem - i am one of those nervous downhill riders unfortunately.

Part 1: 2006 Giant Anthem

Giant throws their Maestro multi-link suspension technology at the short-travel cross-country set for 2006.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2005/tech/shows/interbike05/interbike051/craig_prototype_anthemtnl.jpg

Last year saw the introduction of Maestro, Giant's take on virtual-pivot rear suspension technology. They applied the new system to the trailbike/enduro crowd last year but have finally replaced their ubiquitous NRS rear suspension system with Maestro technology - the introduction of their Anthem line of short-travel cross-country specific mountain bikes is the result. Cyclingnews' James Huang took a look at what Giant's done for dualies in '06.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2005/tech/shows/interbike05/interbike051/anthem_front_endtn.jpg

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2005/tech/shows/interbike05/interbike051/anthem_lower_linktn.jpg

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2005/tech/shows/interbike05/interbike051/prototype_rearlinkagetn.jpg

Like other Maestro platforms, Anthem uses a pair of short links to connect the rear subframe to the main frame in an effort to create a lightweight, efficient, and fully active rear suspension design that still pedals and brakes well. Rear wheel travel is limited to just 85mm and production bikes are fitted with XC-specific 80mm travel forks. Manitou suspension with SPV stable platform technology is featured heavily on the Anthem line at both front and rear ends for a balanced feel. Giant officials, however, are quick to report that the rear suspension design is allegedly good enough on its own that little to no platform pressure is required out back for good pedaling performance.

Pro racers Adam Craig and Rune Hoydahl were instrumental in Anthem's development as a "short, steep, fast race bike." Frame geometry is XC racing all the way. Super short chainstays maximise climbing traction while a long top tube stretches the cockpit out for better breathing and power transfer. A steep head tube angle offsets the stabilising effects of the long top tube somewhat to speed up the handling. If this all sounds a little XC-nervous to you, then you're right on the money. If you're seeking a bike that's a little more stable and forgiving on nasty descents, Giant isn't afraid of telling you to look elsewhere. Anthem was designed as a race bike, pure and simple.

In addition to being short, steep, and fast, Giant also sought ultralight weight using radically hydroformed aluminum tubes, carefully engineered links and fittings, and a smattering of titanium and aluminum hardware. Anthem frame weights are reported to be comparable to last year's NRS Composite frames with complete Anthem bikes weighing well under 25lbs complete with dual hydraulic disc brakes.

A hearty test ride on a few select trails out at Bootleg Canyon (with Adam Craig serving as our guide) largely backed up Giant's claims. Climbing was remarkably efficient with little to no perceptible energy loss and no noticeable bobbing. Rear suspension performance was admirable in the rocky terrain, particularly given the relatively small amount of wheel travel. The steep and fast geometry, coupled with the low centre of gravity, made for an agile bike but also a somewhat expectedly nervous-handling bike. Half-asleep racers need not apply here but alert ones will clearly be rewarded with razor-sharp, point-and-shoot handling characteristics.

All in all, it seems that Giant satisfied its design goals with the Anthem. A long-travel trail bike it ain't, but it'll likely be one heck of a cross-country race rig. Watch for a more in-depth review in the coming months here on Cyclingnews.

cheveley2007-03-28 04:36:04

[WorcesterWheelers]

I would go for the Merida Mission 3000-D

WorcesterWheelers2007-03-28 05:27:16

[mountain_lion]

 

I have just bought an Anthem 2 (budget and riding profile did not justify the Anthem 1  )

Frame is the same, but components are slightly lower spec.

 

This is my 1st full sus bike; Still getting used to it, but so far I am very satisfied.

It is very responsive on twisty trails and climbs well.

Downhills are a breeze and the Juicy disc brakes provide good control.

 

Can't comment much about the other bikes on the shortlist - they were not on mine.

 

Anthem 2 was supplied with Kenda Blue Groove front and rear tyres.

I will try them for a bit longer - not sure if I like them, especially not in front.

Any other suggestions for all purpose XC use? Perhaps Maxxis Crossmark?

 

mountain_lion2007-04-03 15:22:30

[Brakkies Sport Fotos]

Anthem1 .. No question.. I know what I'm talking about, I did the Epic on it.

 

 

 

Its like a shortwheelbase landdrover climbing over those mother of mountains.

 

 

 

No question, buy the Anthem 1

[rad006]

I got anthem 1 nothing else can compete for price or quality. The merida you cant even buy the rear shock if it breaks as its been discontinued