Specialized Epic or Giant Anthem 2

kurupet
kurupet Posts: 2
edited October 2007 in MTB buying advice
I trying to buy my first full suspension bike. So far I have two choices.

One is a Specialized Epic FSR 2006, upgraded with SRAM X-0 front and rear mechs, SRAM X-0 shifters and Juicy 5 Discs. I have been told that this is a very good bike but both fox suspensions are hard and the bike is not comfortable on hard terain. The price is £1200.

The other choice is a Giant Anthem 2 2007 (European, factory configuration) The price is £1100.

I am just someone who uses a mountain bike just for fun and I am not very experienced. I usually like riding in hard terain (usually trails) and I want a bike that can do both climbing and decent downhill (not extreme things). Which one is the right choice for me? I would appreciate some tips.

Comments

  • Spud Son
    Spud Son Posts: 48
    ARe you sure about these bikes ! They are low travel race bikes and whilst they are good value, are they really what you want ?

    Saying that, the 06 brain is notoriously on-off giving the harsh ride that you describe. The Maestro suspension on the anthem is more open, and on that basis I would steer you that way. If you get bit by the bug, then you can take a very highly praised frameset and slowly upgrade to a very light / fast machine.
  • Andy
    Andy Posts: 8,207
    Both are race bikes so you would be better off trying them. You may find them too stretched out for the way you ride out.
  • gary_fisher3
    gary_fisher3 Posts: 3,466
    As above, these are not your 'normal' duel suspension bikes. They're light cross country race machines. They really aren't very well suited for harsh terrain / downhill.
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    I bought an Anthem myself a few months ago, its a nice bike (and still seems fine despite a few crashes and the 15st lump that rides it). With hindsight though I probably would have gone for something a bit beefier and with 4-5" of travel as it would just be more fun I think on the trails I usually ride. If you do want a light (but strong) XC full sus though the Anthem should be fine (I think you can get the Anthem 1 for £1350 in the sales now to).

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