Which XC Race Bike Would You Buy?

njee20

So I'm in the relatively fortunate position of being sponsored by a local shop and getting bikes at a rather hefty discount! This means I can flog my bike at the end of each season and cover the cost of the new one, it's been self perpetuating for about 5 years now!

For 2011 I just can't really decide what I fancy, not hugely inspired by any of the options, so which would you buy? I'm sure I'll ignore everyone's opinion, but nice to see what you'd choose! I could custom build on any of the 3 frames, although my 'back of an envelope' maths suggests it'd cost a reasonable amount more.

It will be my only MTB, I'm only 66kg and firmly in the 'XC racer' camp, although the bike will do stuff such as Afan, Cwmcarn etc and plenty of riding on the Surrey Hills!

As it's through a shop I can't get anything else than those mentioned. I could just keep what I've got (2010 Top Fuel 9.9), but it's worth that bit less after 2 years that I'd lose a lot more money. A nice dilemma to have I know!

jairaj

If its for racing then personally I'd stick to what I know so would go for a new Top Fuel, in the hope that they haven't changed to much from year to year and you can just start off from where you left.

Unless you know for sure that one of the others has a feature that you'd like to move to?

Mynameisdann

Well i think i remember he had a epic prior to that so i assume hell be familiar

My personal fav is the top fuel although i havent seen either of those 3's 2011 models

ride_whenever

2011 spark, saw one in the flesh on monday, utterly stunning and a great system.

Dick Scruttock

2011 Giant Anthem X Advanced SL.

andy46

i'd be happy with any, i'd go with the spark though. 8)

njee20

I did indeed have 3 Epics prior to the Fuel, so they'll be familiar!

I'm hearing a lot of good things about the Sparks though, and it's £500 cheaper at retail, which is a departure from the norm for Scott!

supersonic

I'd test them all!

neninja

Rick Draper wrote:

2011 Giant Anthem X Advanced SL.

2nd that

There's one in a local bike shop and it's absolutely stunning.

My aluminium Anthem X is great, it's light (24lbs) and fast but my dream XC bike would be the Advanced SL.

njee20

Not a Giant dealer sadly, I did look at one, but I'm not paying an extra £3000 for one!

neninja

OK sorry - Top Fuel would get my vote then

Can't put my finger on why but I just don't like Scott bikes

Dick Scruttock

neninja wrote:

OK sorry - Top Fuel would get my vote then

Can't put my finger on why but I just don't like Scott bikes

See i would go Spark as i dont like Trek bikes.

njee20

It's strange isn't it, I agree with you on Scott! I really want to like them, I love lightweight kit after all, but they've just never excited me!

streako

I thought you would be on a hardtail, Nick.

njee20

Nah, I need some skills compensation! Always been a FS rider, just seems to suit me more.

MountainMonster

My vote goes to the Epic, such a lovely bike to ride, and absolutely stunning looking.

Torres

Which do you prefer out of the epic and the fuel? (you said you've had both)
And if you can have a spin on the scott, try it. You might find it starts to excite you once you've swung a leg over... oooh err....

Mark_K

Hmm no 29er on the list ? If you fancy somthing a bit different...worth a try ?

SpiderNdc

did you consider Merida Bikes
http://www.merida.com.au/en_au/bike/11/ ... bon+Team-D
this is super light racing fool sus. :twisted:

njee20

Can't get merida, so they're out. Never really seen the appeal in a 29er, I'm only 5'10" on a good day, so don't think I'd benefit as much as a taller rider.

I prefer the Fuel to any of the Epics, but as they're making the Fuel heavier and the Epic lighter for next year it's hard to call. Not keen on the 142mm dropouts on the Epic, I can see the point, but it's just not being widely adopted enough for my liking at the moment, yet more near proprietary components, the reliability of which on my 09 Epic was dire!

stubs

Never ridden any of the bikes in the poll and never likely too either.
Top Fuel got hit with the ugly stick.
Epic is just too Ford Mondeo good but dull.
Spark looks like it is going at 100mph just standing still a race proper bike.

njee20

Agree on the Fuel, this years one is no beauty, and all the cables make the 2011 look horrible, I never even use lockouts anyway.

Seems the spark is the top option then, should get a proper demo on one I guess!