Scott Spark 30 vs Giant Anthemx1

[flames]

Hi Guys

 

Looking at getting into the MTB game. Willing to spend approx R25-R27K.

 

Been looking at the Scott Spark 30 or the Giant Anthem X1. Giant slightly more expensive.

 

Looking for a litte impartial advice as to what the better value for money bike is. Alternatively other suggestions welcome.

 

Thanks

[Skirminkel]

Volcan FS Pro with SRAM XO for R33k, Buycycle. Know its a bit more expensive but just throwing it in there. I have a Spark 30 and its really a good bike. I do think though that before to long you will want to buy new rims, tyres etc. so might be worth while looking at something like the Volcan for that price.

[flames]

Thanks. I did see that and am toying with the idea. You would still need pedals so pricing gap gets a little bigger....decisions decisions.

[Stevief]

Go with the Anthem its tried and tested and good at everything. Alteranativly look at a Specialized s works or maybe if u lucky i think some, chap was selling an Ibis which is the bees knees

[bikemonster]

Ride both and buy the one that speaks to you.

[cosborne]

Just from my experience on the hub I've seen a couple cracked Scotts over the past 3 years. Maybe check it out before buying? Either way you go choose the one that you know you'll run your fingers along everytime you walk past it at home I do it with my road bike all the time.

[Oli G]

Go 29. The anthem is a Giant money making scheme and its rear shock lasts ten minutes due to them using the shock itself as the bearing....

[rouxtjie]

The monster is right, phone around and demo a couple, you might change your mind completely after test riding the two bikes and come home with something totally different. What type of riding do you do / enjoy?

[flames]

Thanks guys, have been phoning around and that is how I came up with the two. As you are all aware it is very subjective. Mate and I deciding to get off the road. Dont have too much experince with MTB but ride ave 4-5 days a week on the road. Dont want to make mistakes that were made when first purchasing the road bikes some years ago so tying to skill up

[Brighter-Lights]

Go 29. The anthem is a Giant money making scheme and its rear shock lasts ten minutes due to them using the shock itself as the bearing....

 

HUH? BULL!

 

I've ridden 437km on a Anthem1 in 22hours... it lasted me much longer than that...

 

I'm now on a Anthem X0 and it's the best all round susp. I've ridden. It's a much nicer ride than the previous model Anthem and IMO the best performer for the price. In fact, it didn't win over 130 awards for nothing...

 

To the OP, consider building up a Anthem with parts off the internet. Mine weighs 10.4kg and cost me less than R30 000, eBay, CRC and some local bits.

 

eBay: Anthem X0 frame (2280g actual, size XS), Sid Race fork, EC70 bar, Formula RX brakes

CRC: XT crank, XT cassette, XTR chain, SLX fron der, X0 rear der, x9 twisters, Ergon GR2 carbon grips, SLR 135 saddle, Shimano 540 pedals (heavy, reliable, cheap)

Local: American Classic Tubeless wheels, KCNC seatpost, cheap stem, tyres

 

I'll put my money on a Anthem X any day. The stock bikes are nowhere near light, but so are the Scotts, they all come with heavy wheels, seatpost, bars etc.

[Weight Weenie]

Also consider the new kid on the block in SA - Ghost.

The RT Lector or something like that 2010 bike with full xt and carbon frame is around R24k I think ?

 

The 2011 Merida 96 3000 carbon also looks good and should also be under 30k

[CaptainDura]

Go 29. The anthem is a Giant money making scheme and its rear shock lasts ten minutes due to them using the shock itself as the bearing....

 

What nonsense, I did the 2009 epic including all the training before, and most of the mtb rides since then up to today and i have had zero problems with the anthem x1. It is now officially 2 years old and still in pristine condition. The suspension is still working 100%.

 

I had my fork serviced after the epic and that was it. ill service my fork and shock again end of this year , and im doing the epic 2011 with the same bike again.

 

its that good.

[swartpiet]

I bought a Scott spark 30 3 months ago(second hand). The bike has already done the Epic and Cape Pioneer with the previous owner. I have also put it through its paces and its delivering with every rock in the way.

 

Awesome bike in my opinion with lots of potential to go very light. If I'm not mistaken, the frame with rear shock weighs something like 1.95kg which is very light.

 

I also agree, ride the bikes and take the one on which you feel the most comfy.

[Underachiever]

Merida 96 is also to be considered. BTW I have a 2008 Anthem. Done two Epics. Great bike.

[KevinG]

Not sure where you are based, but Cycle Factory in Montague Gardens is selling the Ghost and Merida for about R22k each. Carbon, full XT and weight under 12kg's. Good value for money. Check their website for details.

[flames]

Thanks Kevin...that does look attractive...