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New Bike Options
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Firstly would like to say hello to everyone here being a new member.
The title is pretty self explanatory, I'm in the process of looking for a new bike.
I have been out of the bike scene for a couple of years so not sure whats a good buy these days.
The budget is set at about $2300 for the bike leaving another $200 for some new gear / accessories.
Looking for a DS rig for some trail / endure style riding.
Currently have my eyes on a 2013 Giant Trance 29er X1 as i can pick one of these up for just under $2300.
If anyone have some advise or knows of a better value for money buy it would be great as any help would be appreciated.
-TJ.
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Go the Giant. They are always great value for money. If I had a budget of $3k or less I'd buy Giant. You'll find they have better parts spec than most at any price point.
As for whether to go 29 or 26 ... That's something you'll get passionate opinions about. If you like the 29er then go for it!
Have talked to a few guys riding them and they are very impressed.
I've got a Trance Carbon 26" (which is for sale here, but a little out of your price range), and can say its a pretty awesome bike.
Not sure why Giant aren't selling 26" Trance's in AUS. A bit confusing for me. Trance is more of an All Mountain bike, something that benefits from smaller, stronger, more agile wheels. By all means, get a 29 HT or 4" Anthem if you want a trail bike. Stick to 26 for railing corners and bombing jumps.
Anyway, speaking for the 26 carbon, its a pretty awesome bike, they are usually well equipped too. Only selling mine as I have the opportunity to build my dream bike
Mez what is your dream bike?
I have a 2010 anthem (26") which i have used for racing for the past 3 years, and apart from the odd upgrade and service requirement, it has been fault free and i still love it.
its heading down for its second cape to cape, where after woulds it will probably have the complete pivot assy (bearings/bushes) replaced as its pretty squeaky right now.
have fun shopping.
pete
Ibis Mojo HD.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/dyn_docs/27589...
Pity the frame alone costs as much as I'm selling my XT equipped carbon Trance :s
Certainly says something about Giant's value for money.
always loved the Ibis mojo , wish they come in a 29er version or they do ? Have fun building it up take pics when it is finished ..
Thanks.
Started ordering stuffs already. Be putting a deposit on the frame (today?) when Kalamunda Cycles confirms stock.
Probably get them to build/tune the annoying stuff too since they don't charge that much.
I like to throw as much business to LBS, but sometimes online prices are just too good to ignore.
Please not with the 29er rubbish
In my very humble opinion, tougher, more responsive 26" wheels are perfect for a long travel AM bike like this. Especially for black, and double black diamonds.
Ibis do have a 29 dually on the way...
http://www.ibiscycles.com/images/uploads/zoomIma...
Looks pretty good, reminds me of a Santa Cruz, which is also a sexy beast.
The mojo is certified for 650b so if you're building from scratch it could be a nice option. You'll pay a little extra for some of the components but I'd argue you make up for it in resale value
I haven't even got the bike and I'm selling it already?
I think 650B (more so than 29) is a bit of a fad that won't go the distance. IMHO.
Also, as you said, gear can be hard to find, or find cheaply. I know the rims I ordered yesterday don't come in 650, nor do the tyres.
For what and how i ride, anything bigger than 26 is just sending me down a bad path. Im not interested in making my riding easier or faster today, I'm looking to make it harder, so my skills and fitness improve and benefit me for the rest of my life. I think a 29/650 will just dull my skills.
Ride a 29 your whole life, then jump on a 26 and it may be too twitchy for your liking. You know any BMX'ers that ride MTB now? Get used to 20" wheels with razor sharp unforgiving handling, and you'll probably feel like riding in slow motion on a 26. In fact, after my credit card recovers from this, im getting a BMX.
Another advantage (i.e. disadvantage) of a 29 is less rolling resistance, especially over rock gardens etc. Its easier today, but once you get used to it, it will be harder going back.
Anyway, for what and how you ride, 29/650 may make perfect sense, but not for me.
Disagree about the 650B Mr_Mez. Think it may replace the 26r in the long term as the 'main bike'. But do agree with the rest of your comment. I've ridden a 29r for awhile (3 yrs approx?) after switching from a 26r. Got lent a 26 Giant Anthem while my 29r was being fixed after the Dwelli. Rode on a trail close to where I live, and gave up. Couldn't ride the darn thing. It was too twitchy, wouldn't go over the rocks and ruts i normally ride, I lacked confidence in the handling and hated every minute of it. That isn't because the bike was crap, Anthems are good from all reports, it was me that couldn't adapt quickly to a 26r after riding 29rs.
However, maybe it's the style of riding required that is different, and if you used to a 26r then a 29r may feel awkward. Not sure about the "dulling" of skills bit. But your last point is one we should all embrace - 26/650B/29 may be better for you and your style and your normal terrain.
So for MrMez 26r, for me 29r, for you - who knows, I don't, your choice
I'm back to being comfortable with my 26er Rize after riding the Ellsworth Evolve for 2 months, but it took awhile. Much easier to adapt to a bigger wheel size than go the other way, it seems.