Cube AMS Comp or Giant Anthem X3?

kitenski

Hi all,

I have been testing an X1, which I loved, but it is out of my league price wise.

So I can get an X3, or the Cube get's good reviews, but could cost me a little bit more.

Any views?

X3 spec, geometry etc here - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/EN-GB/bik ... 433/32475/

Cube AMS spec here - http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/AMS ... 31062_.htm


regards,

Greg

scotto

cube wins on looks that's for sure, so that would be my choice !

llamafarmer

Better frame on the Anthem, better spec on the Cube. I'd take the Giant personally, unless you can test the Cube and like it better.

kitenski

llamafarmer what makes the Anthem frame better??

Cheers,

Greg

BlackSpur

Lighter and the suspension platform is excellent. Have you seen this review?
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/anthem-x3-09-32593

llamafarmer

kitenski wrote:

llamafarmer what makes the Anthem frame better??

Cheers,

Greg

Stupidly light, great geometry and some lovely details - those little twisting y braces on the rear triangle are a work of art! The maestro system is superb too.

kitenski

cheers, but if check the specs, the Cube says it's weight is as follows

Frame weight: ca. 2300g
Bike weight ca. 12,4kg

Anthem X3 weight is

WEIGHT KG / LB 13.28 / 29.05

Frame weight ANTHEM X 5.09 / 2310.00g

So the frame weight is basically the same, isn't it??

BlackSpur

It would seem so - they may be for different frame sizes. The rear shock on the Cube is basic.
All reviews love the Anthem - it uses the same frame as the X1 - WMBs BOTY! If you can't test the Cube then I would go for the Giant - you know you get on with it.

For the record, I would pick the Giant.

kitenski

BlackSpur wrote:

All reviews love the Anthem - it uses the same frame as the X1 - WMBs BOTY! If you can't test the Cube then I would go for the Giant - you know you get on with it.

I should be able to test the Cube I think, reckon I really need to do that! One thing I was thinking is that there could be lots of Anthems around now it's won BOTY....

BlackSpur

Possibly, but are you going to be bothered about that? There won't be any more because of it being BOTY - Giant will stil make the same number. Some models/sizes are sold out already.

fletch8928

Evening all, I am also considering the cube along with Cannondale Rush 6 and scott Spark 60 although i have seen a sale spark 35 for the same price. i did notice that the Cube is weighed as a small frame size so you can add a few grammes to quoted unless you are buying the samll. Sizing issues i noted that i would require a medium Cube, large rush and medium spark (mad). I am 6' 1 but have short (30in) legs . on another slightly worring note i also heard off the Cube Dealer that they may be going up in price come august!!
Finally where have you read the reviews on Cube as ihave been looking and only found a few and they were mixed.

kitenski

There is a Cube AMS Pro review here http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -pro-10805

kitenski

and other reviews here

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Revi ... elID=30509

fletch8928

kitenski

yeah seen that but it is the comp review that is like rocking horse poop. I know the reviews of spec can be found but imo its nice to know what/how the componants are like put together on the finished product. saying that i am leaning heavily towards the Cube and i have not considered the Giant that your looking at. My only bike at the mo is an 08 Scale 50 and i did like the way the Spark felt although its probably due to kinda feeling like my bike but a bit less harsh, i want a bit of variety and i may have to add a bike or two the the list of ever decreasing prospective buys.

when did buying a new bike become such a painstakingly frustratig joy?

llamafarmer

kitenski wrote:

cheers, but if check the specs, the Cube says it's weight is as follows

Frame weight: ca. 2300g
Bike weight ca. 12,4kg

Anthem X3 weight is

WEIGHT KG / LB 13.28 / 29.05

Frame weight ANTHEM X 5.09 / 2310.00g

So the frame weight is basically the same, isn't it??

The Cube site says the frame weight is for the smallest frame size without rear shock, Giant's frame weight figures are for medium frames, including headset, seat clamp and shock. A bit of creative accounting from Cube I think.

kitenski

llamafarmer wrote:

The Cube site says the frame weight is for the smallest frame size without rear shock, Giant's frame weight figures are for medium frames, including headset, seat clamp and shock. A bit of creative accounting from Cube I think.

Well spotted, cheers.

BlackSpur

Reading that review of the Pro, it says

"Cube's AMS '4-Link System' is a well established suspension design that benefits greatly from Fox's ProPedaltuned shock internals."

"The ProPedal-tuned Fox rear shock really helps here. "

The model you are looking at does not benefit from the Fox shock - in fact i don't think the Radium has and platform damping.

nferrar

Anthem everytime for me. It's popular for a reason...

Eranu

I'd go for the Anthem too, on paper, give them both a ride though and see which suits you best.

allthegearnoidea

have just recently helped a good mate build up an anthem X3 and have to say, it built up lovely and light! (reba's, easton bars, use stem, post etc. hope xc on 717's) i'd say 23-24lb ish on a medium too (both of us 6ft'ers), and on a quick mooch around the garden it felt spot on! very quick of the mark, very plush and just right! not too big, not too small and cramped, just spot on!

but! i havent ridden the cube so cant compare directly, just drooled over it every time i go in my lbs! (cube and Lapierre stockest!)

both would make great bikes though!

kitenski

allthegearnoidea wrote:

have just recently helped a good mate build up an anthem X3 !

If you don't mind me asking why did you change/upgrade various parts, and what was the additional budget above the bike itself?

regards,

Greg

allthegearnoidea

greg, i have no idea on the budget, but the parts that went on all came off his old f/s tomac, so effectively the budget wasnt increased form the purchase of the bike it self, he has also now fitted his pushed rp23 too (again of the tomac) and is waiting to sort out a either xtr or kcnc style rear cassette to replace the deore set that came on it,

the reason for why, i cant answer really as its not my bike! but suffice to say everything that has gone on has been of a higher spec(slx-xtr for example), so effectivley to make the bike have a higher quality of parts and ride that bit better. - from what i gather!

kitenski

Just seen on another thread that the 2009 Commencal Meta 5.5.3 can be got for £1100, how does that stack up against the Anthem???

BlackSpur

kitenski wrote:

Just seen on another thread that the 2009 Commencal Meta 5.5.3 can be got for £1100, how does that stack up against the Anthem???

Very different bike. Heavier, slacker, longer travel. Would be left for dead on the ups but would beat the Anthem on the downs.

kitenski

cheers all, went out again on the X1 and loved it, so X3 ordered, hopefully getting it next week

adun1408

You won't be dissapointed i've had my X2 since last year, it brings a smile to my face every time i go out on it FLYING MACHINE.

Dazzza

kitenski wrote:

allthegearnoidea wrote:

have just recently helped a good mate build up an anthem X3 !

If you don't mind me asking why did you change/upgrade various parts, and what was the additional budget above the bike itself?

regards,

Greg

As tim says it's from my old tomac, everything on that bike is top end, i wanted just the frameset but none were available so i went for the x3 instead, throwing on those bits has made the bike a hell of a lot lighter, i still have some deore bits on but they hardly affect weight or performance so will be replaced as and when.

And again the bike is a corker, the review even says the x3 is really all about upgrade potential like me most people buy it with the intention of upgrading it, the frame bar the colour and the rear shock is identical throughout the range, it's stiff and very light and just wants to accelerate all the time, riding fast on it is a lot of fun. 8)

I would advise a riser bar and a shorter stem as it is a bit stretched out, but it's down to personal preference anyway.

kitenski

Dazzza wrote:

I would advise a riser bar and a shorter stem as it is a bit stretched out, but it's down to personal preference anyway.

I thought all Anthem models come with a riser bar nowadays?? It was the earlier batch that had the flat bar??

Cheers,

Greg

Dazzza

Not sure tbh i'll have a look at my x3 bars in a bit, sure they were flat though.

Make sure you get the shock pump as well, cheeky lbs never gave me the shock pump that came with the bike, i might nip down and pick it up out of principle. :evil:

Yup they're a riser albeit a smaller rise to what im running now.

kitenski

Cheers, what's the biggest weight difference between the X1 and the X3? Is it the wheels?

regards,

Greg

Spec's don't seem to cut n paste to well!


X1 X3
FORK Roch Shox SID Team 100mm travel, Motion Control lock out Rock Shox Tora 302 AIR 100mm travel, Turnkey lock out
SHOCK Fox Float RP2 Fox Float R
HANDLEBAR RaceFace Evolve XC RaceFace Ride XC
STEM RaceFace Evolve XC  RaceFace Ride XC
SEAT POST RaceFace Evolve XC Giant A3 aluminium
SADDLE WTB Silverado Race FR, CroMo rails WTB Silverado Race
PEDALS N/A N/A
SHIFTERS Shimano XT 27 speed RapidFire Plus  Shimano Deore 27 speed RapidFire Plus
FRONT MECH Shimano XT Shimano Deore
REAR MECH Shimano XTR Shadow Shimano SLX Shadow
BRAKES Shimano XT disc, 160mm rotors Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors
BRAKE LEVER Shimano XT Avid Juicy 3 
CASSETTE Shimano SLX 11-34  Shimano HG50 11-34
CHAIN Shimano HG73 Shimano HG73
CRANKS Shimano XT Hollowtech II 44/32/22 Shimano M442 44/32/22
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano XT Hollowtech II Shimano Octalink
RIMS Mavic XC717 26" Alex DP-17 26"
HUBS DT 370 Disc Formula Disc
SPOKES Sapim Race Stainless steel
TYRES Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evo 26x 2.1" Kenda Small Block Eight 26x2.1'' DTC
*WEIGHT KG / LB 11.26 / 24.13 13.28 / 29.05

ads4

Pretty certain that since this spring all X3s came with risers.