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Help for purchasing a new race MTB!
Hi guys,
At the realization that my three killer years of growth, development and learning on my Giant Anthem X3, have put the machine on its last wheels, it's time to return to the bike shops.
At the advice of many, and seeing the models of the winning cyclists at Convict recently (etc,) I think it's time to go for the 29er model.
Essentially, I tend to be into Marathon XC MTB (along with plenty of recreational riding), and I'm keen to do WELL (for those who have seen my current race times, you'll know what I mean 
) and am looking for a bike that's going to serve this purpose to an optimum level.
Here's my parameter:
The budget (though I can go a bit over if necessary) is $3,000. Whilst this is low, I'm very thankful that I've got a full time job for 6 months that allows me to afford a bike at all... most 19 year olds don't!
Specifically, I've been toying between the Giant Anthem 29er 1 (I believe now priced in the mid $2,000s) and the Merida Big Ninety Nine, at around the high $2,000s (which both appear to have similar specks and features).
Other suggestions from my bike shop (which now no longer deals Giant) included Laperre XR 529 and BMC Fourstroke, I believe slightly higher priced but I'd consider if I knew more about them. I also know someone with a dual 29er Trek Superfly.
I'm also under the impression that bike shops often have clearance sales around mid year, can anyone verify that this is common at the end of the financial year, as I can wait several weeks if that's likely.
Does anyone have any idea of a verdict between the Anthem and Big 99 (or any of the others)
Cheers,
Tristan
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Hey Tristan, I'm a big fan of Giant - it's very hard to go past them for value, and the Anthem 29er is a great bike. Have a look at the XTC hard tail too. It's definitely harder work on longer rides, but light, fast and an absolute blast to ride. I have a 2012 XTC Advanced with TWE wheels - all up I paid $3200, and its just over 10kg. Fantastic on steep climbs and fast fire roads, and surprisingly nimble on tight singletrack. Just a bit slower than a dually on technical descents... I'd be happy to meet you at Quarry Trail or OMV if you want to test ride my bike, although its a bit small for you (medium frame).
I know Giant stocks are pretty low right now as they're running out the 2013s and bringing in the 2014s. But you might be able to pick up a 2013 model bargain. Anthony at Cyclesport Thornleigh is a good bloke and still sells Giant. Happy bike hunting!
I also do the longer XC type racing and have recently upgraded to a Orbea Occam. I got the carbon version, but the alloy versions are a fair bit more reasonably priced and perform just as well. Here's a link to the bike I got.
http://nobmob.com/node/41962#new
Here's a model that would suit your budget, get an awesome frame, then slowly upgrade the components as they wear/break. The frames also have a life time warranty both carbon and alloy versions.
http://www.orbea.com/au-en/bicycles/occam-29-h30/
A $3000 dually will probably be over 12kg, and at the pointy end of the field (where you are riding!) many of the riders will be on very light bikes. The XTC is one way of getting a pretty light bike on your budget. Just a thought. I think a lot of the Elites ride 29er Hardtails at XCM races.
Would you consider a second hand bike? Your budget would get a bike a year or two old that was twice the price when new. Ant occasionally has top end bikes at great prices, it may be worth seeing if he knows of anything for sale. Alternatively, keep and eye on gumtree or ebay.
Stump jumpers and epics. Two great XC bikes. One in the hard tail the other in the dual suspension. I own a epic expert. Mate of mine runs a stump jumper.
Personally I love the specialized stuff. Pretty well priced with a great reputation for good parts. Heaps of different models to suit your budget and style.
I asked the same question of the Flow MTB guys at the Mont. They know their stuff and aren't trying to sell you something so i thought their opinion would be more honest.
For the kind of riding you and i prefer they were liking the Cannondale Scalpel (out of your price bracket in carbon - and you need to go carbon to get the weight advantage) and the Trek Superfly.
The Occam 29r has a very similar pivot design to the Superfly. Worth a look.
The Giant Anthem they thought was a bit long in the chainstay. That is important for bike handling, getting the front up over more techy stuff. I haven't spent long enough on one to form a firm opinion except that i was pleasantly surprised by tje steering response.
Best thing is to ride a few and see what you think.
Given the budget, the giant might be the only game in town. The only game that is, that's actually been on podiums in aluminium guise. Obviously those riders were sponsored, but confidence in the equipment is important.
The only scalpels worth looking at are $5k IMO , Given your age, a hardtail is a potential option, depending on how you ride, and what you want from your bike.
Specialized are pretty heavy around your price range, the trek superfly is a well regarded design. Lots of bikes can do the job, you make bigger differences in setup than the actual bike, eg choice of tyres, wheels, bar position, suspension setup, not to mention the motor. .
For my five cents, if you want a new bike for $3k that can be competitive at the pointy end of the field then the XTC has to be the stand-out. IIRC you could pick them up for $2,300 at one point which allows for a nice wheel upgrade.
If you need a dually the Epic seems like it's the best suited to fast racing but you may want to look at fresh second hand to get the right spec for your money
It's a couple of months away from when the 2014 models get released and the shops start discounting the 2013 models but good savings can be had then
Having seen your riding style, and the success you have had, I would probably not go for a hardtail.
I just dont think you will be as comfortable, and you would have to teach yourself to ride again (slight exaggeration) to really benefit from the speed.
The Giants are excellent value for money, and Kyle is really loving his Anthem. If you waited till the end of the year, you would probably be able to buy his off him for something close to your budget.
I wouldnt get too put off by weight - lets not forget that your current bike is certainly no featherweight! I'd look for a good fit, with a proper racing geometry, and a suspension design that isnt too comfy / trail. (I think the Orbea is lovely, but its not a 'sub 4.15' bike for Convict like an Epic, Anthem, S-fly, Scalpel).
Its an old bit of advice, but frame, then wheels, the rest doesnt matter.
Be sure you need a 'L' too - you might squeeze on a 'M' from some manufacturers.
Its best to just test some out. Get to a few shops, and ask how they can help. I would certainly recommend you pop into CBD in the city, and ask about Cannondale test models. Hardtails and Duallys. I think Cyclery Northside in Chatswood might be able to help you with a Spec too.
I'll send you a pm with some other thoughts...
I know a guy who works in a bike store - no names mentioned.
He's not impressed with BMC. They have to come back to the store quite often for manufacturing faults / poor assembly. Just one mans opinion.
On a second note, my last bike was full of XTR. Wonderful stuff, except for when parts need replacing. Very $$$. I would definitely go the XTR shifters again, otherwise my currently build is lower spec for upkeep $$ reasons.
The BMC Fourstroke is one of the lightest and best made bikes around. I've certainly never had any problems with mine. They usually comes as a frame set so any problems with assembly would originate from the bike shop that assembled it.
I agree, even though I am a specialized groupie I do love the BMC fourstroke. Apart from looking the business it's light and well equipped. Like a few people have said however you may want to find a good second hand bike. I know of plenty of guys who have spent big money on bikes only to have then stacked in the shed next to their hopes, dreams and best intentions.
When looking for anything new the key is to wait it out. Every time I have spent any decent amount on anything new within a week something better and cheaper falls in my lap. It's a curse I swear it.
To jp...
Your XTC weighs 10kg!?
Thats pretty heavy. My built-tough 160mm all-mountain dually is 12.0kg.
Had an XTC 26 carbon as my 1st mtb ~3 years back, (never bothered weighing it, but it FELT ~8kg). Good bike overall, but I did start to 'out ride' it fairly soon, getting pinch flats on the munda biddy (which was all I could handle at the time). A 29er would be better in this regard, but id still be inclined to go dual suspension, something around 120mm.
Bike companies seem to be releasing next years model earlier and earlier, trying to get a jump on the competition (Fox' 2014 products are on the web already). Probably good to wait and see what the next few months brings. From Giant at least, I'm not aware of any major updates, so I wouldn't be expecting massive discounts.
Imo, for $3k I would be looking at the carbon hard tails
Don't forget new models not only bring deals on last year models you can get more people selling after upgrading.
...till July/August, and you can haggle quite aggressively - I have bought my Giant Anthem 2011 29er dually in July 2011 for $2500 brand new in Hornsby, and the price of the bike a few weeks before was $3300. The potential problem is that bike shops might not have the model you are interested in, but if you phone around you may get lucky.
Zoltan
I bought a BMC FS01 with all top of the line gear on it second hand from America on eBay. Was about three grand all up including freight.
I really appreciate all the generous feedback, now the challenge is filtering it out!
I've written down all the models listed and am now spending the day at 5 different bike shops filtering through info.
Tristan
Hi Tris,
Glad to see you are still right into the MTB. Don't forget that as the AUD$ drops then many prices of the new models will rise!
Come on out to WSMTB for a race some time.
Ray
XC VP WSMTB
I got a bargain in a 29er dually last year & my brother just got a better deal the other night $400.00dollars more than mine & he got carbon on the same brand 2 models better in a 29er a Scott spark 930 for well under $3000 with change in his pocket...
Did you end up buying something Tristan?