Cube vs Lapierre vs Ghost vs JCVD

Sodfoster

I have been mulling this purchase over for around 4 months now...should I shouldn't I......how much to spend etc........ From what started out as simply upgrading to a FS for around £1300 has now turned in to a 2k + decision (sorry Im not trying to come across as sumg).

So my dilemma.............what to buy?

It has always been one bike really a Zesty. It started out with a 214 and now im lucky enough to be able to afford the 314. I love this bike and it feels great when I have sat on it however after a recent visit to a bike dealer in Preston I happened upon the 2011 Cube Stereo Team (http://www.cube.eu/en/fullsuspension/hp ... ereo-team/) and instantly fell in love all over again (fickle I know!).

So heres my dilemma...... both bikes are well spec'd with quality components although on paper the cube looks slightly better than the Lapierre apart from the fork. Is the Fox 32 FLR a better option than the Rockshox Revelation RLT? The Cube is slightly heavier and I believe the BB is a little low (any one own a stereo?) but I doubt I would notice.

Finally yesterday I happened to come face to face with a Ghost AMR 7500 again an absolute stunning machine! Looks really good value but would I regret not getting a 140 mm bike if I bought this???

The Orange 5 and Meta 5.5 have also been in my thoughts (these are my Jean Claudes).

Before you all ask they are all around the same price, I live in Scotland and like trail centres and wild stuff (especially the black stuff). If im spending this much I want something that is going to last 2-3yrs before I change again.

So after all this yap I guess my question is what are your opinions on these bikes?? Any one own one ? Rode one?



Cheers People

pilsburypie

I assume you are talking about the stereo team - the all grey one? It looks bloody fantastic eegh? What I don't get is it says rear shock 190mm? Thats DH stuff..... Was tempted by this bike too but I have pretty much settled for the Zesty now after much deliberation, mainly down to reading reviews, peoples opinions and a slick looking bike.

Although Orange 5's are rated, I can't stand the look of em. sad to say it will be a no go for me.

Much as you, I was settled on the 314 and now look poised to spunk another £500 on a 514. I'll sleep on it tonight and impulse tomorrow! But it will be a zesty for me. promise!

Sodfoster

Hey, I was reading your post! Same dilemma although at least you have whittled it down!

Yes it is the Grey Stereo Beautiful bike! It does say that about the Shock but I have done some research and its a 130-150mm rear shock.

I must admit I do and have for awhile really had my heart set on the Zesty although It was always a case of going for the 214 (budget forced) and wishing I could afford the 314. Now I can I have seen something else.


I also agree with the orange I tried one last week felt great but I saw another 5 people on the same bike at GT, its like every 2nd person has one!

popstar

Zesty is more practical than Stereo shock positioning wise. Lower BB by no means a bad thing in fact some rad doodes say its even better for handling sake. But given rockier / rootier terrain of Scotland = more pedal strikes on them.

Ghost is rare, but it is damn sexy and good. Why are people so fixed on 120-140 travel? If I had to change my Zesty most probably would go for Wolfridge or Mondraker providing I would get a deal. Otherwise it would be a Zesty again. They are that good.

Dan Dare

I voted Zesty, but I am slightly biased I didn't test ride any other bikes so I've nothing to compare it to, but I'm loving the Zesty so far!

allthegearnoidea

dont forget the ams 150! better shock position for on the go fiddling than the stereo!!

The Northern Monkey

Which ever fits best.....

Sodfoster

The Northern Monkey wrote:

Which ever fits best.....

I knew this was coming...I have sat on most of them but not been lucky enough to test them all, hence why im asking you guys...the peeps that ride these machines for your thoughts.

pilsburypie

The Northern Monkey wrote:

Which ever fits best.....

Before buying my first bike some time ago, reading these forums, I'd have thought you go to your local bike shop, pick up one of your choices then go to you trail and test. Bring that back then take your other choice out.

Christ, who can do that? I live in the second city with 5 million population, 10+ bike shops and not one even had the bikes in to look at let alone take out for a meaningful ride.

I have had to buy all my bikes off recommendations then wait 2 weeks minimum for delivery.

ride_whenever

Mondraker foxy... far nicer and brilliant ride as well.

Thewaylander

Ok i Ride a Mondraker Dune R.

Ridden a Spicy lappy.

My veiw was in comparison to my machine, a bit longer more like a long travel XC machine where my Dune is more of a play thing but ballsy.

Matter of tasted for all day riding the lappy would be a good tool, but it's a bit tool XC feeling for me hence why i got the Dune R. i know alot of guys swear by the ghost for reliabilty and rear end stiffness, but not ridden them yet.

At this price though you have transition, Mondraker and all sorts coming in, and I'd dump the less interesting cube out at this price.

starkee

ride_whenever wrote:

Mondraker foxy... far nicer and brilliant ride as well.

Picked mine up today, chose this over the Zesty 514/ Ghost AMS 7500. Purely down to the reviews it has received recently. Yet to 'ride it in anger' but it is stunning on the eye

Sodfoster

pilsburypie wrote:

The Northern Monkey wrote:

Which ever fits best.....

Before buying my first bike some time ago, reading these forums, I'd have thought you go to your local bike shop, pick up one of your choices then go to you trail and test. Bring that back then take your other choice out.

Christ, who can do that? I live in the second city with 5 million population, 10+ bike shops and not one even had the bikes in to look at let alone take out for a meaningful ride.

I have had to buy all my bikes off recommendations then wait 2 weeks minimum for delivery.

Man I here you there! If you dont mind paying between 50-100 quid per test yo have a chance if you can find the dealer! With the Ghost and Cube that is easier said than done!

You ordred your 514 yet?

welsh_wonder

pilsburypie wrote:

What I don't get is it says rear shock 190mm? Thats DH stuff.....

190mm is the length of the shock not the travel which should be about 150mm to match the front.

pilsburypie

Sodfoster wrote:

You ordred your 514 yet?

today! 2 week wait

ride_whenever

The ghosts are very very very very plush, amazing small bump sensitivity but the specs are rubbish for uk riding.

I'd certainly get one frame only/buy new and swap stuff over, but they all need new cockpits and longer front forks IMHO.

bennett_346

I seem to remember in a recent MBR they decided the Stereo had quite a high BB and may not be suitable for all riders depending on their usual riding conditions.

Other than that the thing about 190mm being the shock length is correct.

Sodfoster

Are you sure about the shock? I thought it was 150mm

bennett_346

Sodfoster wrote:

Are you sure about the shock? I thought it was 150mm

That's the travel. The 190mm is the length of the actual shock, not the suspension travel. Eyelet to eyelet.

Vally7

I have a Zesty 214 and I love it -awesome bike

Sodfoster

bennett_346 wrote:

Sodfoster wrote:

Are you sure about the shock? I thought it was 150mm

That's the travel. The 190mm is the length of the actual shock, not the suspension travel. Eyelet to eyelet.

I was referring to the travel (crossed wires and all!).

Mccraque

I went for a Zesty.

I do like the Cubes though....although often wonder about the position of the rear shock....looks like it will get caked in shyte!

Sodfoster

That is actually a fair comment, I have be looking at the Ghost AMR Plus seems to be the same bike with longer travel.

scottybull

Have you considered a 2010 cube? I have just bought a 2010 stereo r1 from crc, ended up giving £2060 using the extra 10% voucher the other week.
I think you will stuggle to find anything to match the spec for that money,and it looks as sexy as hell. :twisted:

EnglishChris

scottybull wrote:

Have you considered a 2010 cube? I have just bought a 2010 stereo r1 from crc, ended up giving £2060 using the extra 10% voucher the other week.
I think you will stuggle to find anything to match the spec for that money,and it looks as sexy as hell. :twisted:

How does it ride?

scottybull

Really pleased with it so far, still messing around with the set up as this is my first FS bike. My pal bought one at the same time he has a lot more experience with suspension bikes and he is very impressed with his.
Had a really good look round before i bought it and must say the build quality and components used really are very good. Can't understand why there arn't more revues of cube bikes.

EnglishChris

scottybull wrote:

Really pleased with it so far, still messing around with the set up as this is my first FS bike. My pal bought one at the same time he has a lot more experience with suspension bikes and he is very impressed with his.
Had a really good look round before i bought it and must say the build quality and components used really are very good. Can't understand why there arn't more revues of cube bikes.

I think they've just not had much of a presence over here until the last year or so. There are lots of reviews in Europe but you need good German to understand...!

I'm a little worried that the Stereo would be a bit too like my Meta, which I find a bit too short (lengthwise), though I do have long arms. I also find that because of the seat tube angle, when you extend the seat you end up way over the back wheel, and I just don't quite feel its all properly balanced. Am torn between the Stereo ad the 2010 AMS 125 but struggling to find many places to try one out.

What size did you get, and how tall are you??