MTB Dilemma!!

[pedal menace]

Hi All,

 

I have an itch to buy myself a new MTB frame. My existing MTB has SRAM X-0 so I think a frame only is enough. Question is what to buy? In my view I narrowed it down to:

 

Specialized Stumpjumper

Specialized Epic

Scott Spark 10

Any other really good frames?

 

Now my dilemma is which is the best? The websites seems to categorise MTB's by XC, Trail etc..Now what exactly does that mean? Example: Which Specialized is the best to do the Sabie Experience with? Is it XC or Trail? Remember I am a social rider and have no intensions to win :-) I guess comfort comes first..but weight also very important.

 

Next dilemma is where to buy? So many bike shops have closed down..So many rumours of ones about to follow. Eish!! I also have no idea what shops specialize (excuse the pun)in what brands?

 

Anyfeedback will be appreciated.

[Top Fuel]

I have an Epic and Stumpjumper. I like them both. I would personaly get an Epic. They are good enough for everything. Check the Specialized website for agents. Stock is a big issue for them so good luck. Just my 2c.

[pedal menace]

Thx. I have seen you ad but you are selling the entire bike. I am just interested in frame (and maybe cranks).

[pedal menace]

Top Fuel...from what perspective would you recommend the Epic? Burry Stander would also recommend and Epic but he hardly spends more that 3-4hrs on a bike. Me on the other hand look more towards 4-6 hours. Is the Epic not more for your hardcore I want to win comfort not that important but weight is kinda bike? I have to ask...only way I will get proper feedback.

[Seandmerida96]

The spark is more of a race frame than the stumpjumper in my opinion. I rode a stumpjumper and felt like I could ride through anything but it was not the most responsive. What about a Merida 96? I have one (surprisingly) and love it!

[Thermophage]

Specialized Enduro

[AndreZA]

Why limit to Spez frames? What about a Morewood Zula?

[MoreTrails]

Simple - Morewood Zula! Support local cause its lekker! Its dubbed a XC bike, but can handle a DH course in the right hands.

 

Difference between trail and XC - XC is 80/100mm sometimes 120mm travel, agressive geometry ie, ass up head down, and weight is always an issue...

Trail bike is 120mm to 150mm, can tackle an XC course but will generally look for the line less ridden and something to jump off/over at some point. Geometry is more relaxed and weight is not generally to much of an issue, unless you want the puppy light!

 

And trail bikes are just so much fun! And weight is easy to solve - how deep is your pocket???

[Top Fuel]

It seems a few people are. I need to sell the whole lot as I am getting rid of all my bikes eventually. Good luck with your purchase.

Edited November 1, 2010 by Top Fuel

[rouxtjie]

Test ride a couple and be sure when you drop the cash on a new frame eventually.

[Underachiever]

Don't forget the Giant Anthem!

[Top Fuel]

Top Fuel...from what perspective would you recommend the Epic? Burry Stander would also recommend and Epic but he hardly spends more that 3-4hrs on a bike. Me on the other hand look more towards 4-6 hours. Is the Epic not more for your hardcore I want to win comfort not that important but weight is kinda bike? I have to ask...only way I will get proper feedback.

 

Sure the Stumpjumper is a trail bike and has more suspension. But I feel that on a proper setup on an Epic the ride position can be adjusted to suit your time on the bike. It is more of a race setup but also does me just as good on a long ride. I can't describe it more than that. It is just a personal choice. I have become a little more competitive so I suppose that may have something to do with my decision. Both are great machines but after only 4 months on the Epic I find myself riding it almost all of the time now. I only use the Stumpjumper if the Epic is in the shop.

[Caerus]

Don't forget the Giant Anthem!

 

Giant - Trance / Specialised - Stumpjumper or Epic / Santa Cruz - Blur

Edited November 1, 2010 by Caerus

[Delgado]

I sorted out my MTB problems by buying a Honda!

[Squier]

Saw the SantaCruz tallboy frame at my lbs this weekend. Now that is pure bike porn! I don't know how it rides but I would endure 6 hours of pain to be seen on it!

[pedal menace]

I want a dual suspension MTB with a rear shock that pretty much has complete lockout...my existing MTB uses a Fox RP23 rear shock and it bounces around all of the time, regardles of the setting. Perhaps some people are happy with this, I am not. I am looking for a full Carbon MTB. I honestly do not know a lot of brands so I have no idea about SantaCruz or Morewood. Is it full Carbon? Price more or less? It seems a good frame will be in the region of R20K?