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Giant vs BMC?
Guys, I’d like to pose a quick question to the many knowledgeable riders who visit this forum, about choosing a first hardtail…
I’m keen to get back into mountain biking and am looking to pick up a bike within a couple of weeks. I spent my childhood ripping up the dirt in the acres of harsh bushland behind my house, but my last 7 years have been spent on the road (2004 Orbea Gavia) so I've got a bit to re-learn.
After researching I've narrowed it down to two (but am open to suggestions): Giant’s 2012 XTC 1 or BMC’s 2011 TeamElite TE04. I can get the Giant for $1500 and the BMC for $1300, so entry-level… but can raise the budget if need be.
I guess I’m looking for a smooth, responsive ride on something durable… Quality of suspension would be important, and silky gear shifting too if this level allows for that. I’m planning on hitting the C2C, Munda Biddi (which looks so well made I could probably do it on my roadie), and moderate downhill trails.
If anyone’s had any experience with either model, or brand in general, I’d appreciate the advice.
Cheers
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.. up the budget a little?
I would try to get a Reba or an entry level Fox fork and not go below SLX or X9, maybe X7.
bikeexchange.com.au is really good to compare bikes. Most of them are from shops too.
Like this one:
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles/scott/mo...
But to answer your question, even though I'm not really a giant fan, they seem to have the best spec for your money theses days. So between the two bikes i'd probably go for the giant.
prices you have quoted here are low - you sure this is correct ? I would doubt you could get the frame for those two bikes for that price.
these bikes are certainly not entry level.
Sorry - I just realized that these are the alloy versions - I was thinking f the composite models.
Sit on them both and buy the one that feels right. I just got a BMC FS02 frame from kaoscustombikes.com.au in Melbourne for a steal.
Get a duallie.
I have an XTC 2011 model, but vey similar spec to the 2012 you're looking at. I've been very happy with it. The components are nothing flashy, but relaible and hard working. I have upgraded a few things, but thats more because I'm a compulsive upgrader than I needed to! $1,499 is list price, but if you shop around you'll get a bit better deal - for example TBE are selling it for $1,350.
Can't compare it to the BMC as I've never ridden one.
I would echo Zoom's comment about getting a dually. After just six months on the XTC, last weekend I bought a Trance. Depends on the riding you're gonna do, level of fitness, and budget, but after the C2C this year I swore I wouldn't put my body thru that again on a hardtail...
About 18 months ago I decided I wanted to do more trail riding. I thought I would never need a dualshock bike and would build my skills on a hard tail. After battling it out for a while and loving the trails I got the urge to try a dual shock. A few months ago I made the big step and bought the dual shock. I will never look back.
If I had my time again I wouldn't bother with the hard tail. If you need to save a bot longer and go straight for the dual shock it is worth it. You can pick up a decent dually for about $2500 so why bother buying a bike that you are going to want to upgrade so soon.
Anyway, As long as you enjoy the ride, it's all good.
The BMC looks very nice but the XTC is better specced - more like the next one up in the BMC range.
If you go for the XTC make sure you haggle, you can usually get a much better deal than RRP on Giants, and that might put you on a better bike than you imagine you can get.
I'm not so sure you need a dually, there's a lot of fun to be had on a hardtail.
Thanks for the advice guys… I think I'll be patient and wait til the '12 models hit the stores. There seems to be a lot of support for duallies, which I've also considered. My riding will be more recreational than competitive so will probably just rely on test rides to choose between hardtail or dually. Is a dually better for performance or comfort? Or both?
After following Cadel and the guys around the Tour I've kind of got BMC on the brain, and love the look of their bikes. I'll up the budget and get something that will last a while - definitely a good idea.
Cheers!
The dually will be more forgiving, and allow you to ride for longer (takes away all the extra bounce you get from the back end). You do loose out a bit on the performace if you look at it on a competetive side, but for someone just going out to have some fun, it makes up for on comfort.
To get into the dually market with something that will last, you need to be spending around the $2500 mark, but there are some good deals to be found on bike exchange.
Hardtails are a great place to lean the skills (like picking the best/smoothest lines through the trail) I remember heading back to the car after 3 hr trail rides on my hardtail, and every bump by that stage was killing me. On the dually, I am still stuffed, but dont feel beaten up.
Best of luck, and start enjoying the dirt (and pea gravel) again.
Wish I knew about this forum before I got a bike as I could have bought a really great second hand bike. Or put up a wanted advert.