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What bike to get???


Brian's picture

By Brian - Posted on 02 January 2008

I currently ride a Norco Six 3 and am looking at getting something a little lighter. I started riding in 2000 on a Giant XTC NRS (it is just collecting dust) and I do like the ride of the Norco but it is just over 17kg. The below bikes range from 12-13kg and I think will suit what trails I ride most often . I have narrowed it down three bikes at this stage. I am only looking at bikes with 5 inches of travel as I think they start getting too heavy with my budget being $3500 max.

The order I have them in is;

1. Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b...

2. Giant Trance X1
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/mounta...

3. Scott Genius MC-30
http://www.scottusa.com/us_en/product/60/654/gen...

I am after feedback on these makes and models and if there are any other bikes I should be looking at.

Rich de Pom's picture

I haave just bought a Stumpy 08 Elite and got it for $3600 and is the bees knees. My friend is also in the same boat as you and looking at all you mentioned and still looked like the best deal was still between the Stumpy and Giant. Just ask if they do test rides.
But I do love mine so much Eye-wink

GAZZA's picture

this question always gets the keyboards red hot mate, lots of sound advice amongst lots of ripping each others favorite bike companys apart!
i'm a specialized man all the way mate and the stumpy's have a pretty good write up for 2008 but i cant vouch for the cheaper 'non brain' version. the 'brain' does exactly what its meant to do and cuts out pedal bob until you get off road or on the rougher stuff, id highly recomend you save a little longer and go for the base brain model. otherwise, i hate to say it but ive always said that giant offer the best range of conponents for your money but i dont think theyre as sexy as specialized. as for scott, a pretty reliable bike at a good weight, also good value for money but again, not as sexy......
check cycology in tuggerah, theyre in my good books at the moment as ive just had an unbeleivable deal on an enduro and know they have some good deals on some 2008 stumpy's.
at the end of the day, take the advice but go with your heart. your the one who's gonna be riding it and if you can poke youre head round the garage door to sneak one more look at your bike before you lock it up then you know youve bought the right one(i know i do but people who know me think im weird anyway!)
good luck and enjoy the glorious experience of buying a new bike!,
gazza

Brian's picture

I hear what you are saying about saving for the brain but the misses was shocked when I said $3500 was entry level in this range. It's like buying a computer, you start at $800 and by the time you add everything that $800 bargin PC becomes thousands. I am organising a test ride on the expert so I can see how it performs and checking the fit of the medium as I have always bought small sizes but I like the feel of the medium in the shop. Anyway, what's this about having one last look after locking it up in the garage. I couldn't sleep with them in the garage and all mine take pride of place next to my bedroom.

ar_junkie's picture
GAZZA's picture

i used to keep mine locked to the bottom of my bed in the uk. not for security reasons. just so i could fall asleep looking at the things!!!!!

Carlgroover's picture

What a romantic guy, you're a real catch.

christine's picture

through and through hey!!
I have a Specialized Epic and ADORE IT... however, i am also very aware most of the Cannondale latte crew are away so be prepared for them to put their comments on!!
The others all say nice things about the Giant - go the Specialized!!

MEE Smiling

kiwiboy's picture

the latte crew indeed. I forbore from commenting on Cannondales awaiting others to comment but there you go, they are all out riding, and since I am still sitting around festering with cast on arm I shall take up the gauntlent.

Well, what to be said - all the Cannondale Rush riders are very happy with their rides (Caro being the latest) and I have to say having owned and ridden several others I find it hard to fault. The lefty fork is so direct and positive, the single pivot rear design so robust I find it hard to go back to others - my other main ride is a Scott Genius MC 30 with a fair few upgrades - poor thing must be feeling v lonely as it doesn't often get a look in ahead of the Rush, despite the remote lockout and Rebus forks. And I have busted it several times, while the Rush just keeps taking it.

At the end of the day just take a few for a test ride and see what feels best - most good stores mentioned on this site will accommodate. $3500 will get a nice Rush 3 or 4 depending on the availability of last years models - and they take some pretty good hits as well as performing well on hills with the Fox RP 23 shock. This years Rush 3 is a carbon frame and can be had for around $3900 with some shopping about- but I think there may have been some scrimping on other specs to achieve this.

And christine - I hate lattes.

Give me a chai tea any day Laughing out loud

Mark

--------------
experience is something you usually get right after you need it

ar_junkie's picture

Unlike with most other bikes, Cannondales choose their rider... Cool

kiwiboy's picture

too funny, made me laugh out loud.

Actually some degree of truth - I had one as a loaner when I busted the Scott while they got parts, and was so impressed with it I bought one.

Course the one they lent me was a team carbon in mufti - my budget didn't quite run that high sadly....
:-/

----------------------------------------------
if at first you don't succeed, try not to look astonished.

christine's picture

i believe the man who declares 'Cannondales choose their riders' managed to break his wife bike not once but twice recently... Cannondale I believe...

ar_junkie's picture

Rumour has it, a component on the bike failed, the bike itself is in tip top working order... Eye-wink

Paul's picture

I believe Pikey summed up the Cannondale most eloquently when he wrote:

Cannon = a weapon used in former times, now used only ceremonially, consisting of a simple iron tube mounted on wheels.
Dale= a broad lowland valley, especially in northern England, like in "walked over hill and dale".

Enjoy taking your heavy metal tubed ceremonial wheel mounted (Cannondale)into a valley and walking it out.

Carlgroover's picture

You may be surprised that I have the bikes in the same order that you have Brian, if you love the Stumpy take it for a spin, and if it feels right buy it.
John.

GAZZA's picture

i'm actually from the 'dales' in the north of england and a very long time ago(1990) decided to by a cannondale frame and had to drive all the way down south to the big smoke to get it. you know, that place where all the men are fairies and they all where suits to work and they all drink that posh hot european drink they call coffee and that cold weak fizzy european lager stuff! get yersel's sum proper jobs and proper bikes! i now work 25 hours a day downt pit and get up for work before i go to bed, eat coal for brekky dinner, and me supper. i, im a proper man who rides a proper mans bike, a bloody specialized!!!
p.s. since ive been in sydney ive becone quite fond of the odd skimmed capuccino or two!

Nick R's picture

I just got a second hand 07 Stumpy Pro with Brain shock for less than $3500 and it is an awesome bike. My mate has a Giant Trance and he wishes he had my bike! I would see if you can get a used or 07 model Stumpjumper - you wont regret it.

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