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Looking for bike advice and suggestions

By Johnson - Posted on 05 November 2012

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

Hey guys

New to the forums so first off Hello!

Basically I need some bike advice from more knowledgeable folk. I've caught
the biking bug a while back and mainly rode for fitness (mtb on-road) but I want
to get into off road mountain biking and maybe a bit of trail riding but
still riding for fitness also.

So I kinda need a bit of an all around bike. My budget (stretched) is about $2800
and bare in mind I'm located in Perth so I'm limited to what brands are available
in store.

So far I've looked at the 2013 Specialized Camber Comp

http://www.specialized.com/au/gb/bikes/mountain/...

2013 Giant Anthem

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/...

2012 Trek Superfly AL 100 Pro

http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Tr...

I've also tried a 2011 Cannondale Flash 2 (26er) 2012 Giant xtc composite 0 and a few
variations of Specialized Camber.

To sum things up I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking at or what to look for but the Trek has easily been the most simply fun bike I've tried.

Just wondering what other peoples opinions are of the Trek and or other suggestions.

I appreciate any feedback

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MTB Gear

Fitness

Submitted by whiskers on Tue, 06/11/2012 - 00:06.

If your riding for fitness then get a hard tail there faster than dually superfly would do for most fire trails..

Bike

Submitted by Cotic Tony on Tue, 06/11/2012 - 00:14.

Phew... Where to start, from the list you sound totally unsure of what you're after.

In a nutshell you have great all-rounders like the Camber then more race orientated bikes like the Trek & Anthem then the more Freeride orientated ones like the Trance, Enduro etc. In 29" 100mm of travel feels more so the Trek & Anthem can easily handle some pretty rough stuff that would ruffle a 26" race duallie with 100mm of travel.
You've also looked at some race hard tails.

What do you envisage doing on your new bike? If it doesn't include drops over say 1/2m go for the lighter options that you've been looking at.

For me, bikes like the Flash are too single purpose so as something that can do a bit of everything the Trek, Anthem & Camber would get my vote. The Giant composite is also a high performance bike for not too much money.

Alternatively go mad & lay down the cash for something a bit more unique or drool-worthy like the Pivot 429 or Santa Cruz Tallboy or an eccentric but sorted Titanium or carbon 29er hardtail....

Thanks for the responses

Submitted by Johnson on Tue, 06/11/2012 - 02:09.

Thanks for the responses

Tony has kinda stumped me a bit.

I guess my plan for riding was to just get into mountain biking with a few friends
or even a club. Camel farm and similar trails I definitely want to tackle. So I'm
not sure if that gives any better perspective.

As for the vast array of bikes.. I had originally planned on getting a decent
hardtail but just had trouble finding bikes that I actually liked or enjoyed riding. So I thought I'd stretch for a 2013 Camber as I've already owned one previously and know they are a decent and solid bike.

But before settling on that I wanted to try a few more options so recently I tried out the Anthem and Superfly I was also looking at trying a Scott.

Eventually the plan would be to get something much more awesome in the future but right now the wallet and plans to study don't tie in well.

I also hadn't mentioned that the majority of the bikes I rode are 29ers. As for now I'm leaning towards the Superfly Al 100 pro the more I rode it the more confident I felt.. and despite it pissing down raining on Saturday I had an awesome time just riding it.

"I also hadn't mentioned that

Submitted by pharmaboy on Tue, 06/11/2012 - 06:06.

"I also hadn't mentioned that the majority of the bikes I rode are 29ers. As for now I'm leaning towards the Superfly Al 100 pro the more I rode it the more confident I felt.. and despite it pissing down raining on Saturday I had an awesome time just riding it. "

You just gave the answer of what bike to get - it doesnt matter a frig what someone else thinks is good, but a bike you see as fun is the one you want.

Its not supposed to be fast but tortuous you know! ;D

I've been on my Superfly 100

Submitted by scottm8 on Tue, 06/11/2012 - 09:27.

I've been on my Superfly 100 for about a year now. Its done XC races, weekend trail rides and it handled everything I threw at in Canada doing the week long BC bike race. Its a great bike to ride.
Im sure all of those bike you tried are great bikes, but if you choose the Trek im sure you wont be disappointed

I am yet to ride one but my

Submitted by ido09s on Tue, 06/11/2012 - 10:30.

I am yet to ride one but my choice would be the 2013 Giant Trance 29er. You would get one in your budget and Giant are known for their bang for buck bikes.

I had a Trance 26er years ago and enjoyed riding it. I did find myself wanting something with more travel so moved it on for a Trek Remedy but am now looking to grab a test ride of the 29er version

Its a do it all bike and would most certainly fit in with almost all styles of riding.