CAAD4 Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 SLX is the new XT. When my XT parts are due for replacement, I will replace it all with SLX. Definitely go for Dual Suspension. Your lower back and butt will thank you for it, especially if you are not a weight weenie, racing snake of 60kg.
Bike Mob Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Have you looked at a specialized? their women specific geometry may suit you better than an off the shelf guys bike?
Rapunzel Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 if you're looking at the X2 2010 then the price is a bit heavy (about R23000) but the 2009 has lower specced components and you should be able to pick it up for about R16500.
T-girl Posted December 2, 2009 Author Posted December 2, 2009 The X3 has a Fox float R shock and x2 has a Fox float RP2. I'm not a 'racing snake' (1 day, maybe...) but I do weigh a bit under 60kgs, that's why I was originally considering a hard tail.
Myra Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 SLX is the new XT. When my XT parts are due for replacement' date=' I will replace it all with SLX. Definitely go for Dual Suspension. Your lower back and butt will thank you for it, especially if you are not a weight weenie, racing snake of 60kg.[/quote'] Do you reckon smaller people should stick to hard tails? I'm 54kg (female and admittedly not very strong) so think I should go for lighter (easier up the hills) rather than for a softer ride?
Rapunzel Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 I'm in the same boat and was also concerned about the weight of the bike vs my power. I've found that the climbing is still comfortable (takes a bit of getting used to climbing out of the saddle) but there are technical sections which I'm able to pedal through which I couldn't on the hardtail.
Iwan Kemp Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Buy a Anthem X2. Great value for money. Better all-rounder than the 96 and the 120 will be too much travel for you. Probably. The Anthem has one of the best suspension designs and pedaling platforms out there and is as reliable as they come. For the money nothing comes close. My LBS has them on special...
Iwan Kemp Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 mtbmom: A hardtail only climbs faster and easier on even gravel roads. On rocky or anything technical climbs the dual excels. PLUS they are a lot faster and more fun through sgl track and descents.
CAAD4 Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 What I meant about the 60kg racing snakes is that a lot of them are young and strong and just want the lightest, fastest bike they can get, and do not necessarily care about the comfort of the ride as they want to get to the finish ASAP. Some of us enjoy the comfort and slightly more upright, position as we are not riding to win races, but also want to enjoy ourselves in the process. So it's not about your size, but the type of riding you ultimately want to do.
Kiwi Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Another option is going 29er, it's like getting about 1" rear suspension to soften the bumps but you still get all the benefits of a HT. I have Scandal 29ers with a full SRAM X9 groupsets and Rock Shox Reba Team forks for R17,637 available in 16", 18", 19.5" I also have the 26er version available in 18" and 20" starting at R16,347 with a full SRAM X9 groupset Cheaper options available as well! More details here:http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.za/category.aspx?categoryID=231
mountain_lion Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Thanks for the comments! I have since decided that the anthem x2 is just too far above my budget...any comments on the anthem x3? I know its slx and not xt but the frames are the same and both shocks are still fox! either that or I get a hard tail with xt-grade components... Nothing wrong with SLX; actually I think it is better value for money than XT. There is a noticeable difference in performance between the Fox float R and Fox RP2 rear shock though. I have used both.Fox float R is not bad, but you have to compromise between having it stiff enough for the climbs and soft enough for the descents.The RP2 (and RP23) allows you to set the pressure you want for the climbs and when you get to the top, you just flick the lever to open it up.(mrs mountain lion was happy with the Float R on her 2007 Anthem 2, but recently a RP23 became available for her. She says it feels like a new bike!) With that said, if you are constrained by budget rather go for the X3 and use the extra cash to convert the tyres to tubeless. Else look at the 2009 Anthem X1 or X2, there should be good deals available now that the 2010 models are in the shops.
Flea Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 If you stay in KZN, you are going to want to do Sani2C, Berg&Bush etc - all are better with a soft-tail..... the HT might be a bit lighter, but not as comfortable, and does not climb or descend as well as a ST
splat Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 Get the Giant Anthem X1 W.Sell something or eat bread and water for a while. I couldnt really afford my X1 (and still cant), but every time I ride it, I realise how awesome it is and it was worth the financial stretch (and stress!)
T-girl Posted December 2, 2009 Author Posted December 2, 2009 Haha! if price was not an issue I'd get that anthem x0 or Scott Genius 40! Unfortunatley I do need some $$ left over so I can afford to buy some essential bike-gear (and Gloria Jeans coffee)! I'm thinking that x3 will suit me well. Pity about the white frame tho! Any idea if I'd be able to swap it for an x2 frame? Or maybe a custom paint job (if not too expense) is in order
Kansas Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 T-girl - depending on where you are based you can take my Merida 96 1000d for a ride if you want. No pun intendedKansas2009-12-02 02:46:51
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