Time to add a dual suspension MTB - too many choices

[Geared]

Hi all,

 

so I will get the nitty gritty out the way. 

 

- total newbie

- age - midlife crisis 

- own and practicing on a Scott scale 980 2020 hardtail 

- Live and ride 90% in Guateng 

 

I have no idea what the future holds regarding riding, but I want a fun and capable all rounder, from my "google research" this seems to be a trail bike. something I can crash nicely on the local trails, and pretend to jump 100ft across the Grand Canyon. 

 

being a newbie, my skillset probably will not stretch the limits of most bikes, but I would like to know the bike is capable when I eventually am. 

 

wow there is a lot of choice, I have spun past many shops, spoken to many salesman, who have all been very helpful, I have scoured the web looking for reviews and comparisons. only to be left even more confused than when I started. 

 

the budget is 35k to 60k max , obviously I want to spend closer to 35k but I realize the reality of the sport. that said, if the cheaper bike does the job, offers a suitable "upgrade" to my hardtail then I am all for saving the $. 

 

the shortlist from trying to read "best of 2019/2020" threads, and matching what I am seeing internationally with what I can find in SA. 

 

Shortlist :

 

Scott Spark 930/940/950/960 - whatever good deals are going on 2019/2020 

Norco Fluid 1 

Trek Fuel 8 2020 

Trek EX-8 2020 

Giant Trance 2020 1/2/3 - 3 fits the budget best 

Giant Anthem 29er - same as trance 

Specialized Stump jumper - 35k and the 60k version 

 

I do realize in Gauteng larger travel is not really needed, and one can get away with a more XC type machine. I do not have many friends in the sport to annoy with these questions. 

 

I am sure there is many bikes I am missing or have not come across yet. 

 

[BaGearA]

Have A look at the Norco optic, short travel and they feel very quick when riding around the parking lot.

 

Has 115mm of travel if I'm not mistaken and it feels like it'll comfortably pedal all day long

[Grease_Monkey]

From your options my choice would be the new Giant Trance. The Anthem is not a trail bike, it's an XC bike - so scratch that off your list. The new Anthem is by all accounts a brilliant all-rounder, and as with all Giants you get a superb warranty with great value for money. I'd splash and buy the 2 rather than the 3. The 3 has too many parts I'd want to upgrade very quickly whereas everything on the 2 is solid and will get the job done well.

 

As for the rest of your list:

 

- Scott Spark - good, but the current model is a bit long in the teeth and due for an upgrade. The geometry is a bit conventional compared to what you would get.

- Trek Fuel - good bike by all accounts, does nothing for me personally.

- Giant Anthem - XC, doesn't really fit the requirements you listed.

- Specialized Stumpjumper - If you go for this option, go for the short travel version. I had the previous Stumpy (135/140mm travel), and it was one of the best bikes I have ever owned, but too much travel for what most of Gauteng has to offer - the Camber (now Stumpy Short Travel) would have been ideal. I would however not choose this because you have to spend a ton of cash to get good components on a Spez - I splashed on an Expert model and still replaced every single part on the bike except the cranks. And then had a very bad warranty experience (cracked frame blamed on a crash even though I didn't crash), so personally while I like Specialized's product, I won't be buying another Spez bike any time soon.

 

But, if you are not too phased about sticking to the list I would also go and test ride a Norco Optic as BaGearA mentioned. It is getting very good reviews!

 

Edit: Spacing - don't know what's up the with the mobile editor lately - everything just gets thrown into one paragraph when I post.

Edited December 12, 2019 by Grease_Monkey

[Schnoodle]

size?

 

Hi all,

 

so I will get the nitty gritty out the way. 

 

- total newbie

- age - midlife crisis 

- own and practicing on a Scott scale 980 2020 hardtail 

- Live and ride 90% in Guateng 

 

I have no idea what the future holds regarding riding, but I want a fun and capable all rounder, from my "google research" this seems to be a trail bike. something I can crash nicely on the local trails, and pretend to jump 100ft across the Grand Canyon. 

 

being a newbie, my skillset probably will not stretch the limits of most bikes, but I would like to know the bike is capable when I eventually am. 

 

wow there is a lot of choice, I have spun past many shops, spoken to many salesman, who have all been very helpful, I have scoured the web looking for reviews and comparisons. only to be left even more confused than when I started. 

 

the budget is 35k to 60k max , obviously I want to spend closer to 35k but I realize the reality of the sport. that said, if the cheaper bike does the job, offers a suitable "upgrade" to my hardtail then I am all for saving the $. 

 

the shortlist from trying to read "best of 2019/2020" threads, and matching what I am seeing internationally with what I can find in SA. 

 

Shortlist :

 

Scott Spark 930/940/950/960 - whatever good deals are going on 2019/2020 

Norco Fluid 1 

Trek Fuel 8 2020 

Trek EX-8 2020 

Giant Trance 2020 1/2/3 - 3 fits the budget best 

Giant Anthem 29er - same as trance 

Specialized Stump jumper - 35k and the 60k version 

 

I do realize in Gauteng larger travel is not really needed, and one can get away with a more XC type machine. I do not have many friends in the sport to annoy with these questions. 

 

I am sure there is many bikes I am missing or have not come across yet. 

[Koos Likkewaan]

In my humble opinion I do not believe there is a big difference between the top brands when you ride at our level (midlife imagining we are Greg Minnaar).

 

Unless your long term plan it to get to the front end in races, don't over think it.

 

I like the Giant brand. Moved to DS and got a Anthem. Loved it. Sold it and got a Trek. Loving it. 

 

You seem to like Scott. Get the Spark (can get a good spec for the money you want to spend.). lots of guys in our riding group has different spec Sparks, and all very good bikes.

 

For me, 120mm travel in the front is perfect for most trails around Gauteng (maybe not Thaba Trails)

 

Enjoy the ride !

[Grease_Monkey]

In my humble opinion I do not believe there is a big difference between the top brands when you ride at our level (midlife imagining we are Greg Minnaar).

 

Unless your long term plan it to get to the front end in races, don't over think it.

 

I like the Giant brand. Moved to DS and got a Anthem. Loved it. Sold it and got a Trek. Loving it. 

 

You seem to like Scott. Get the Spark (can get a good spec for the money you want to spend.). lots of guys in our riding group has different spec Sparks, and all very good bikes.

 

For me, 120mm travel in the front is perfect for most trails around Gauteng (maybe not Thaba Trails)

 

Enjoy the ride !

 

I agree on this - there is not a massive difference in terms of quality and what can be achieved between most brands.

 

But, I disagree that there is no difference - each brand has their way of doing things, and their own flavour in terms of geometry, how the bikes feel, how they ride. And at a "lower" level of riding these geometry differences actually make more of a difference than with pros - or so I believe. Reason I say this is that Greg or Nino can handle any bike well over any terain - put me on Nino's race bike and I'll probably fall going off a sidewalk because it's set up so aggressively. Another factor to consider is parts - a weekend warrior like myself weighing in at a hefty (I'd rather not say KG) is going to flex a Fox 32 more than a pro XC rider.

 

Anyway, I don't completely disagree with you - but what I am trying to say is that after having been through quite a few bikes over the last years I can say a degree head angle here, and 2 degrees seat angle there plus a few mm of reach makes a bike feel very different to the other brand's bike in the same category. 

[hansolo]

2020 Norco Optic looks like a very nice bike for my type of riding, wonder if we will be getting them here.

 

 

From your options my choice would be the new Giant Trance. The Anthem is not a trail bike, it's an XC bike - so scratch that off your list. The new Anthem is by all accounts a brilliant all-rounder, and as with all Giants you get a superb warranty with great value for money. I'd splash and buy the 2 rather than the 3. The 3 has too many parts I'd want to upgrade very quickly whereas everything on the 2 is solid and will get the job done well.

 

As for the rest of your list:

 

- Scott Spark - good, but the current model is a bit long in the teeth and due for an upgrade. The geometry is a bit conventional compared to what you would get.

- Trek Fuel - good bike by all accounts, does nothing for me personally.

- Giant Anthem - XC, doesn't really fit the requirements you listed.

- Specialized Stumpjumper - If you go for this option, go for the short travel version. I had the previous Stumpy (135/140mm travel), and it was one of the best bikes I have ever owned, but too much travel for what most of Gauteng has to offer - the Camber (now Stumpy Short Travel) would have been ideal. I would however not choose this because you have to spend a ton of cash to get good components on a Spez - I splashed on an Expert model and still replaced every single part on the bike except the cranks. And then had a very bad warranty experience (cracked frame blamed on a crash even though I didn't crash), so personally while I like Specialized's product, I won't be buying another Spez bike any time soon.

 

But, if you are not too phased about sticking to the list I would also go and test ride a Norco Optic as BaGearA mentioned. It is getting very good reviews!

 

Edit: Spacing - don't know what's up the with the mobile editor lately - everything just gets thrown into one paragraph when I post.

[Geared]

shew much appreciated everyone, that does help me narrow it down some 

 

I think where a lot of the overwhelming part comes in the components as well, especially when you have zero clue what it means to you as a person riding, when it has xyzzy on means nothing to me at the moment, when I go shopping and the salesman tries their best to put up with my arb questions. 

 

size wise I am a large I suspect on most brands I am 1.8m tall and weigh in 91kg currently, having come from a strength sport background (powerlifting/bodybuilding) I have managed to trim down from  127kg to 91kg and aiming to bottom out round 85kg, so never going to be a jockey super athlete, and I am certainly under no illusion I am gunning for any podiums lol 

 

the Norco Optic did actually feature, I forgot to add it to the list, I spotted them for the first time at a spot in Broadacares and they have been very helpful. 

 

so giant trance still in with a shout, added the Norco Optic to go and look at again, Scott speak hanging in there like a trooper. Stumpjumper too, but now lower down the list due to potential component upgrades.  

[Geared]

Have A look at the Norco optic, short travel and they feel very quick when riding around the parking lot.

 

Has 115mm of travel if I'm not mistaken and it feels like it'll comfortably pedal all day long

 

 

looking at the prices, would this be any one 2019 or 2020 

 

I see in my upper price range we looking at the C2 2019 and A1 2019 or C3 2018 

[RobertWhitehead]

I always have sooooo many questions when I try to answer the newbie looking for a new bike thread. But I will try to limit my questions to like two, maybe three  .

1. Would you only be looking at new and or shops? 
2. Have you considered building or is that not something that appeals to you?
3. Have you considered buying just the frame and carrying the parts of your current Scott over onto the new bike?

Ok one more:

1. Is there any reason other like a bad back or so that leads you to want a dual sus?

 

 

Snip

Edited December 12, 2019 by RobertWhitehead

[Geared]

 

I always have sooooo many questions when I try to answer the newbie looking for a new bike thread. But I will try to limit my questions to like two, maybe three  .

1. Would you only be looking at new and or shops? 
2. Have you considered building or is that not something that appeals to you?
3. Have you considered buying just the frame and carrying the parts of your exciting Scott over onto the new bike?

Ok one more:

1. Is there any reason other like a bad back or so that leads you to want a dual sus?

 

 

ahh and there I thought I got all the good questions on my first try 

 

1. Just from a comfort standpoint, I wouldn't know what to look for second hand to be honest.

2. most certainly would, but I suspect my questions on what to buy and fit will escalate dramatically.

3. I didn't even know what was possible to carry over, was led to believe it is right of passage to own both eventually, take your knocks on the hardtail, learn your basics and earn your stripes. 

 

bonus round 

 

1. none whatsoever, other than being the wrong side of 42, I , thankfully, have no issues with my back, knees, hips etc .......for now   and if I can be convinced the hardtail won't hold me back I will gladly save the bucks for indoor trainer and some other goodies on my wishlist. 

[RobertWhitehead]

Personally, and again, I do not know everything, I definitely know a lot less than some of the big hitters on here but: I would keep my moola for now and go with the other items on the wishlist. You could always at a later stage when you've earned your stripes retire the HT and put that on the trainer on a permanent basis and then look at getting a dual. By then you'll also have more knowledge about the various parts and what you like and dislike in a bike. 

 

Currently you are going on what a salesperson is telling you that you'll like, now there is nothing wrong with that, all I'm saying is that once you have a few miles in your legs and you start to enjoy the sport you will soon see what you prefer, this alone may end up being something completely different than what it currently is 

 

 

Snip

Edited December 12, 2019 by RobertWhitehead

[MTBeer]

Anthem with a dropper can handle just about anything. Trance is more fun, but not necessary.

[Jewbacca]

Anthem with a dropper can handle just about anything. Trance is more fun, but not necessary.

I disagree..... A Trance will handle anything AND be fun, an Anthem 'can' handle just about anything but won't be as fun.

 

The OP says he rides bikes for fun. 

 

OP, don't get a race bike. Get something with some grunt. 

[Geared]

Personally, and again, I do not know everything, I definitely know a lot less than some of the big hitters on here but: I would keep my moola for now and go with the other items on the wishlist. You could always at a later stage when you've earned your stripes retire the HT and put that on the trainer on a permanent basis and then look at getting a dual. By then you'll also have more knowledge about the various parts and what you like and dislike in a bike. 

 

Currently you are going on what a salesperson is telling you that you'll like, now there is nothing wrong with that, all I'm saying is that once you have a few miles in your legs and you start to enjoy the sport you will soon see what you prefer, this alone may end up being something completely different than what it currently is 

my one and only friend who rides suggested the same, I just tried not to listen to his sensible advice. The thought of buying a new bike was way more exciting a prospect. 

 

it is entirely the most sensible thing to do right now, going to keep looking and learning/riding as much as possible and if the right bike/deal/advice drops in my lap, snap it up. 

 

but the short list is narrowing down, I am learning a lot from the replies, and opening up new areas to look, and I am going to keep investigating and researching these models suggested and take the advice to heart. its a whack load of cash and I want to make sure its spent wisely, and has me sorted for a good few years. 

[RobertWhitehead]

And by all means, if you need more riding partners and you're ever in PTA feel free to look me up. O and I don't mind giving advice as long as you're willing to take some 

 

my one and only friend who rides suggested the same, I just tried not to listen to his sensible advice. The thought of buying a new bike was way more exciting a prospect. 

 

it is entirely the most sensible thing to do right now, going to keep looking and learning/riding as much as possible and if the right bike/deal/advice drops in my lap, snap it up. 

 

but the short list is narrowing down, I am learning a lot from the replies, and opening up new areas to look, and I am going to keep investigating and researching these models suggested and take the advice to heart. its a whack load of cash and I want to make sure its spent wisely, and has me sorted for a good few years.