2011 Trek ex 7 or 8

[Rick]

Hi

 

I am new to MTB riding, been on the road up till now. I'm looking to get a good bike. I've had a look at various brands and bikes and I've roughly settled on the trek ex 7 or 8. There's quite a price difference between the two and the main difference is the 7 is using SRAM x.7 and the ex8 is using Shimano SLX.

Any advice on these two? Someone told me I must go for XT, but those only come on the ex9 which is out of my range. I'm looking at spending 20-30.

 

Thanks

 

Here is the comparison: http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/compare/#/fuelex7,fuelex8e,empty

Reviews of both bike seem to be rave.

[splat]

I have my eyes on the EX9, but it's very expensive.

Trek isn't usually the best value for money.

 

Have you looked at the 2011 Scott Spark Range? 120mm travel and a carbon frame - very good value.

 

Giant is also VERY good value for money.

 

As far as groupsets go, SLX is about the best value for money in the Shimano range. I dont know much about Sram.

 

Happy shopping!

[MTB_Roadie]

Giant Anthem X2....full XT groupset, awesome shocks and suspension, only around R22k

[Rick]

So just to complicate matter, I've now been told I should go for the Giant Anthem X 29er. Any thoughts on the 29 vs 26 debate, and that bike specifically? Looks like a great bike, good componenets etc. I am 189cm and 100kg odd.

[covie]

Welcome Prisma, yeah that is a complicated question 29'ers seem to be all the rage, and go better over obstacles apparently, but not as nippy in the tight stuff like a 26 so i guess it will depend on where you ride. For the time being I am sticking to my Anthem 26" One day when someone will lend me his 29'er for a proper test drive ill decide if its worth the hype. But I am not paying 30k to find out

 

Where in CPT are you?

Edited November 15, 2010 by covie

[nolipoli]

Hi Prisma.

 

Are you looking for an XC machine or a trail bike? The Treks you have mentioned are more Trail bike, having 120mm/5" of travel.

 

While the Anthem is a great machine, it is not a direct comparison. You should rather look at a Trance X. They are nearly as light as the Anthems, but have an extra inch of travel and a slightly slacker head tube, for a slightly more forgiving ride. As a new mountain biker, you want a bike that will help you a little more in the technical stuff.

[MTB_Roadie]

In my honest opinion for XC you dont need that much travel, I do drops with my normal schock,lol.

 

The anthem is light I agree! I am very surprised of its performance, tested it...love it....now still want to buy one eventually