Zaskar Team or Giant Anthem X2

[PaulTCR]

I have a 2006 Raleigh RM4.0 but want to upgrade.

 

My local bike shops have a 2007 GT Zaskar Team and a 2009 Giant Anthem X2 both for R13000.

 

The Zaskar has better group set and is light but the Anthem gets very good write ups and is newer.

 

Which should I haggle for or is there other bikes I should considder?

 

Thanks

 

Paul

 

[splat]

Campy vs Shimano

Lance vs Alberto

Sram vs Shimano

Motorist vs Cyclist

26'er vs 29'er

light wheels vs normal wheels

Hardtail vs full suspension

 

My vote is for the Anthem.

 

[PaulTCR]

Interesting. I was leaning towards lightness myself.

 

Anyone know how much an Anthem X2 weighs?

 

[Elvis]

Am i missing something here? Are you not comparing a hardtail vs fulle susser?

[PaulTCR]

Yes I am.

 

Both bikes are in different local bike shops at the same price.

 

I want to get people's opinion on whether:

older (2007) but lighter and with better components (mainly XTR)

is better than:

newer (2009) but heavier, with average components but more comfortable

would be the way to go.

 

You have R13000 to buy one - which one would you get?

 

[philip.maree]

It depends on the riding you do.

 

You will get a more versatile bike in the Anthem.

 

Components can always be replaced with time though and then you can go lighter.

[timdm]

Lusting after a dually myself, I would definitely say anthem unless you want to do road/short races

[MoreTrails]

Zaskar, purely because it isn't a Giant!!! Well kind of - better parts, lighter bike, more of a racing machine for XC. And it isn't a giant.

 

Giant for more comfort, newer frame model.....but it will always be a giant.

 

Zaskar's have unprecedented history and heritage. But then again I'm biased. Otherwise always foot the bill and buy local - Morewood baby, all the way!!!

 

[wanttobuy]

I am stuck with the same scenario!

 

It really gets down to the type of riding you do and what you looking for in a bike. Wanna be XC competitive, Zaskar...Wana enjoy trails and marathon riding (50km+) the Anthem will do the trick. Two more NB factors are, if you not at figting weight (have at least a 4 pack) then look to dropping weight rather than looking to loose weight on your bike. Second point, you need more cash to run a dual as there are more moving parts.

[Borriz]

How old are you? Any plans for stage racing?

 

If you are over 30 and planning stage racing - Anthem

 

For pure marathon racing and your weight is on the low side and planning to race then Zaskar definitely - its got the heritage and pedigree

[Frosty]

Don't forget to factor in the cost to replace XTR vs XT or SLX components.

 

[TYGA]

You're going to have way more fun on the Anthem.