£2k - XC full sus

[Henry Hawthorne]

Hi,

Got 2k to spend on a brand new bike, want it be an XC full susser. ATM I'm struggling to decide what to get...

I'm thinking Giant Anthem X1 09, Commencal Meta 5.5.1 09 (may have problems getting these two in my size), or my current favourite Specialized Epic FSR Comp 2010. Any more suggestions/opinions?

Thanks

[Master Mischief]

I had a Specialized Epic Marathon for a few years (think it was a 2003) and sold it over the summer. I bought it because I wanted to try FS without sacrificing the hard tail speed of my GT Zaskar and did not think that any other FS design would match the auto lockout mechanism. I liked the epic but technology has moved so far that a lockout is no longer necessary as it is now possible for a FS to climb actively with very minimal inefficiency.

I considered many brands from Titus / Lapierre type boutique offerings to another specialized. I settled on A Giant Trance X.0 (with various part changes - i.e. flat bars) because (in my opinion) the Maestro FS system is the best available, largely because Giant spend a HUGE amount of cash of R&D. Several mates also have Giants (Anthems) mainly and love them.

Having ridden several trail centres (England & Wales), wilderness rides (High Peaks, Snowdonia, Long Mynd etc) and local bimbles I am hugely impressed. It climbs way better than the Epic, handles WAY better, and descends WAY WAY better. It is pretty light and really well built. Also it is really plain and does not draw attention unless you look closely at the components, which I consider a huge benefit as so many bikes seem to get stolen at the moment. It is a large so is pretty long meaning that a smaller size would handle even better.

I do not dispute that some boutique designs are very fun to ride but I came to the conclusion that they could be a bit hit or miss. Giants do not seem to be as fashionable with some magazines as say Lapierre and have been marked down for some really odd stuff. I read one review that basically said that the Giant Trance is too capable across the board and is therefore a bit dull as it lacks character. They seemed to count flaws as character. Really odd review.

In summary: I thoroughly recommend a Giant and would try both the Anthem X and the Trance X before buying as they have significant application crossover.

Finally: Be very cautious of magazine reviews as some brands are far more generous than others.

[anonymous-user]

Henry Hawthorne said:

Hi,

Got 2k to spend on a brand new bike, want it be an XC full susser. ATM I'm struggling to decide what to get...

I'm thinking Giant Anthem X1 09, Commencal Meta 5.5.1 09 (may have problems getting these two in my size), or my current favourite Specialized Epic FSR Comp 2010. Any more suggestions/opinions?

Thanks

go for the anthem, it won so many magazine awards last year including what mtb's bike of the year. giant couldnt cope with demand, its an awesome ride and if i could have afforded one, i would have bought one without question. as it was i got a good deal on a commencal super 4.2 so bought that on offer, the super range is better for xc than the meta, the super 4.1 would be a dream on singletrack. try pedalon for the giant, try hargroves for a 09 epic as you are getting more for your money on 09 bikes due to component prices going through the roof over the last 12 months.

[dubbs]

Ibis Mojo

[colin1976]

The Specialized, Giant and Commencal are all excellent performers.

Also worth considering:
- Orange 5
- Cannondale Rush or RZ
- Lapierre Zesty

Try to get a test ride on each before deciding. I would rate how comfortable you feel on the bike as an important factor when deciding. You'll be delighted with any of the above for all-round XC thrashing.

[a13x]

Lapierre Zesty....but then im a little biased

[PhilLL]

dubbs said:

Ibis Mojo

For 2k??!!

I've got a 2010 Stumpjumper FSR Expert; bit overbudget but the Elite model might be worth a look. Not far off Epic weights and with the Talas fork you can set it to 100mm for XC or out to 140mm for the rough stuff.

[militantmandy]

Henry Hawthorne said:

Hi,

Got 2k to spend on a brand new bike, want it be an XC full susser. ATM I'm struggling to decide what to get...

I'm thinking Giant Anthem X1 09, Commencal Meta 5.5.1 09 (may have problems getting these two in my size), or my current favourite Specialized Epic FSR Comp 2010. Any more suggestions/opinions?

Thanks

I got an 09 Enduro FSR Expert for 2k. New one is 3 and the differences are minimal. I'd say try and find an 09!

[ratbane]

colin1976 said:

The Specialized, Giant and Commencal are all excellent performers.

Also worth considering:
- Orange 5
- Cannondale Rush or RZ
- Lapierre Zesty

Try to get a test ride on each before deciding. I would rate how comfortable you feel on the bike as an important factor when deciding. You'll be delighted with any of the above for all-round XC thrashing.

I tested all these (and more) and the Cannondale Rize/RZ was my personal favorite. Closer to XC than the (overated) O5 and Zesty.

Pure XC - gotta be the Anthem.

[Henry Hawthorne]

Does annyone know the difference between the Zesty 314 and Zesty 314L? All I can see is that there's a little hole in the frame where the seat tube and top tube meet on the 314, and no hole on the 314L.

[Master Mischief]

Henry Hawthorne said:

Does annyone know the difference between the Zesty 314 and Zesty 314L? All I can see is that there's a little hole in the frame where the seat tube and top tube meet on the 314, and no hole on the 314L.

The difference lies in a little (hopefully) hole in the rider.

[Henry Hawthorne]

Master Mischief said:

Henry Hawthorne said:

Does annyone know the difference between the Zesty 314 and Zesty 314L? All I can see is that there's a little hole in the frame where the seat tube and top tube meet on the 314, and no hole on the 314L.

The difference lies in a little (hopefully) hole in the rider.

Ah.

[Henry Hawthorne]

After a bit more research, I've taken the plunge and ordered a 2010 Lapierre Zesty 314! So excited... Won't be here until February though

[Master Mischief]

Henry Hawthorne said:

After a bit more research, I've taken the plunge and ordered a 2010 Lapierre Zesty 314! So excited... Won't be here until February though

Firstly congratulations on your purchase. Nice bike.

Can I ask what made you go for this? Have you test ridden many alternatives? Have you test ridden this exact model?

It is of course your choice and I am not for one minute slating it but I am guessing that you did not get any discount off the £2,149 asking price and are having to wait 2 months. That just seems a bold move in such a fast changing industry.

What specifically made you make such a commitment?

Please don't take this the wrong way, I am just interested in what makes you sure that the above is THAT much better than the alternatives.

[Master Mischief]

Have a picture:

[Henry Hawthorne]

Master Mischief said:

Henry Hawthorne said:

After a bit more research, I've taken the plunge and ordered a 2010 Lapierre Zesty 314! So excited... Won't be here until February though

Firstly congratulations on your purchase. Nice bike.

Can I ask what made you go for this? Have you test ridden many alternatives? Have you test ridden this exact model?

It is of course your choice and I am not for one minute slating it but I am guessing that you did not get any discount off the £2,149 asking price and are having to wait 2 months. That just seems a bold move in such a fast changing industry.

What specifically made you make such a commitment?

Please don't take this the wrong way, I am just interested in what makes you sure that the above is THAT much better than the alternatives.

Hi,

I actually haven't test ridden any of the bikes . I basically read around reviews on the Internet, looked at videos, looked at prices and then measurements to compare with previous bikes I've had... The Lapierre seemed to have everything I wanted because on my old XC bike I felt a bit "constricted" with it being an ultra light short travel hardtail, I wanted something that could take a few more big hits and I realised a race-ready XC bike wasn't really my thing any longer...

The situation with the two month wait is that the bike is actually an insurance payout - about a month ago some little st broke into my garage at home (I'm at uni now - they broke in a couple of weeks after I left, how convenient) and stole my Klein Attitude XV. It was such a beautiful bike as well but the police seem to think it's gone forever. And before I anyone says ground anchors for the new bike etc etc I know!!

They originally offered me a Lapierre Pro Race 400 (in fact they delivered it), but I rejected it saying I wanted it different bike. In all honesty I just wanted to get the decision out of the way because they kept ringing me and then my mum every couple of days asking for my decision, and even though I shouldn't have felt pressured I did because then my mum started phoning me and telling me to decide so they stopped ringing her as well!

I probably could have got a bike quicker (the Pro Race being an example) but I don't mind waiting because being at uni I don't have anywhere to keep the bike secure and I'm not sure where to ride around here anyway... When I move into rented accommodation next year this may well change.

And don't worry, I don't it as criticism... Any more Qs feel free to ask.

[Master Mischief]

Well that all seems to make sense. Lucky you had insurance!

The Lapierres are well liked by a few of the people on here so you should enjoy it.

Maybe see it at one of the (very infrequent) PH Pedal Powered trips to Cwm Carn.

[RickIV]

Good choice Henry,

I went for a zesty after testing all of the alternatives as it was clearly the best all rounder in my budget. The decision came down to a 514 or yeti 575 which climbed marginally better but to build to a decent spec would have been close to £3k.

Ive done a couple of hundred off road miles since and confirmed i made the right choice

[anonymous-user]

very jealous, its a lovely bike, saw one in a shop the other week...enjoy!

[Ed450]

Good choice! I've just collected my 2010 Zesty 314, it's awesome. Managed to get 10% off too, taking advantage of Evans' Cycles Reading store opening offer. Was a bit of a mission to convince them to send it so far up north though!