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How much suspension do you need at the Dam?
My bike is now in the shop for a warranty claim for a cracked frame. I had a QUICK look around for alternatives if things go bad with my claim and came across the Giant Anthem but it has only a 100mm of suspension against my current bikes 140mm. If I was to replace my bike I would like to go lighter but don't want to spend a bomb. Toying with the idea to buy the base model Anthem 3 and then add all my XTR goodies & wheels to take prob a kilo out of the bike and get it to 11.7kgs from my current 12.7 kgs of my Norco and the 12.6 kgs for the Anthem 3.
Over the last few years i ride exclusively in Terry Hills and Manly Dam and enjoy pushing it along rather than mucking about - My question - Is 100mm enough suspension travel for the dam?
Anyone have an Anthem or 100mm bike?
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For me, 100mm is more than enough for the Dam. I've ridden 4" bikes for the last 4 years, and have never had an issue there (or, anywhere else really). I've gone from a Giant Trance (pre Trance-X days), and am now on a Mach 4. Sure, doing the 19th hole drop is a bit harsh on a 4" bike (did it once when I was feeling a little crazy), but for every where else at the Dam you'll be fine.
You'll even appreciate the lighter weight & tighter geo when it comes to climbing the firetrail out, and also for the single-track next to wakehurst parkway & on the last run towards the end. And if you're going a lot of firetrail stuff around Terrey Hills, the XC oriented Anthem will be much faster to ride.
You'll lose a bit of comfort going from the Norco to the Anthem, but I reckon the gains will outweigh any losses once you get used to it.
Generally, if there's something is too big for me to ride on my Mach 4, I should be on my DH bike anyway!
Once addition to consider is a 120mm fork on the Anthem. I change the travel on my Reba for different riding, depending on whether I want pin-point, knife like handling (100mm), or slightly more relaxed weeks where I'm not out for shaving seconds off loops (120mm).
Hope that helps!
The dam has been ridden on everything from a unicycle to a downhill bike. 100mm will be fine. 140mm would be more fun through the chunky bits though.
I've done it on a 100mm HT 29er and the roughest bits on the arms were the fast firetrail sections. 100mm dually will be fine although my preference would be around 120mm.
Also read Australian Mountain Bike , current issue , for a test .
If your thinking Anthem you need to ride the 29er. Much more comfortable than the 26 version and very good value.
I ride an Anthem and a 575 - the Anthem is actually a nicer ride around the dam, it goes like a rocket. The Yeti is almost too plush, hard to believe.
I was in there on Saturday, and they have an anthem medium 29er on special.
XT 10 speed, Fox RLC taperer fork, DT swiss hubs, top level avid brakes.
11.9kg with all the giant finishing kit (rims, bars, stem and post)
Just been reduced to around $3,400 RRP, and is now discounted 20% to something like $2,700
Could easily come down to 11.5 kg.
If I'd not just bought a Yeti Big Top 29er myself, I'd have snapped it up on the spot.
100mm suspension on a 29er is probably equivalent to 120 or more on a 26" bike.
W.