First Full Sus

MrSpoon

Hi all,

I know this question has come up a few times, so apologies before I start!

I'm starting to think about getting myself my first full-sus and (in my mind) have narrowed it down to two bikes ish:

Canyon Nerve XC 7.0 or 8.0
Giant Anthem X4 or X3

I would be using the bike for single track and trails mainly.

They are all in a similar price bracket £1600 - £2100 but currently I am having a head vs heart internal struggle. I would love an X4 or the 8.0 but what sort of benefit would they actually provide over the lower models? Also I live in Bristol with easy access to the giant store. Would the cost premium of the giant, over the Canyon, be worth it just for the service? Also I think the components on the Canyon are slightly better.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Torres

If you can have a sit on them both then that may help your decision. Liekwise a proper thrash on both will pretty much give you the answer. A bike is worth more than the sum of its parts and you may find you get on better with the geo, the size or the suspension gubbins on one better than the other.

s_blanche@hotmial.co.uk

Trek fuel ex 8 or 7... I believe the 7 is in your price bracket, 120mm travel... they handle so nicely, easy to control... though I would say that honestly awesome bikes check specialized out aswell dude, heard nothing but praise for them.

ollie_lucas1985

I've got the Trek Fuel EX8 on loan on saturday, this will be my first real try on a full sus - I too am looking around at my options..

Trying costs money tho so a really really short list is ideal!

bartimaeus

The X4 was the 2010 entry level Anthem... the 2011 X5 is a down-specced version to hit the same price point, but it still looks like a nice bike. You get Recon/Monarch suspension on the new X5 instead of the Fox F100/FloatR on the X4, and Alivio instead of Deore, but it's the same basic bike and you can always upgrade later... the key question is whether the bike is right for you. So try one for size (any model Anthem X).

If you do like the Anthem you should see if you can get a 2010 model as the X4 is £1,275 instead of £1,650 and the only differences seem to be a tapered head tube and the newer saddle. If I had £2k I'd get a 2010 X2.

The Canyons look great, and have a fantastic spec, but unless you have a mate who has one it will be hard to test ride one.

fungus_the_muffin_man

You could even look at Bionicon at that price range. I test rode one and it was awesome It's the full suss I really wanted but couldn't afford. The changing geometrical suspension via the button is a truely innovative bit of kit.

rockmonkeysc

Have a look at the Giant Trance X3 or X4. Excellent bikes, possibly better than the Anthem for single track & trail fun.

andyrm

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

You could even look at Bionicon at that price range. I test rode one and it was awesome It's the full suss I really wanted but couldn't afford. The changing geometrical suspension via the button is a truely innovative bit of kit.

This. If you're in Bristol, you can check them out at Zero G in Bedminster, there are several display models going super cheap too. If you want to try one out, come and join us at the golf hut at the top of Ashton Court on Sunday - several of us have them across a few different models and sizes.

MrSpoon

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the tips. Especially Andy, sadly I am away this weekend with work but thanks for the offer! I might have to take a trip down to Bedminster one day this soon and check out ZeroG.

Also I'm heading up to Rutland in the next few weeks and have noticed that you can rent bikes from the Giant shop there (I know the routes a bit lame, but I can still play!). You never know, I might fall in love with the Anthem. Decisions!!

(As you can probably can guess I am still no closer to finding the perfect bike, but I'll keep you in the loop if I find a billy bargain!)

smegurmum

if your looking at the Trek Ex, try and get hold of one of the Ghost AMR bikes, personally I think they ride better than the Trek

MrSpoon

Oh and Bartimaeus, thats a good call!

I just had a quick look at the 2010 x4 and x3. They are billy bargains!!!!! I may be taking a trip down to the Giant store to get an idea of size... £1250 for an x4 online and x3 for £1600. Thats £500 off!!!!!

A plan may be being hatched.....