Spec Camber Elite or other?

scarbs85

Sorry for yet another "which bike" thread. I guess I am just looking for a bit of confirmation that I am looking at the right machine. It will be my first "proper" bike and its a big bit of money.

Anyway, I was eyeing up the Specialized Camber Elite. I like the uprated forks and brakes compared to the base model (which dragged the rating down in the MBR review). I also feel pretty keen to take advantage of the 10% bike value in free accessories.

However a good bike is obviously first and foremost. After the MBR review I am wondering if (less of) my money wouldn't be better spent on a Trance X4. I know the base Camber got a cracking review too, and the Expert model got a 10/10, but thats out my price range.

I have had a look in at my LBS and sat on the Camber. Feels lovely although not had a proper test ride. A Trance X4 is coming in soon, so will drop in to check that out too.

I want it to ride trails, Sherwood Pines being closest but trips to Dalby, Cannock, Peak district and occasionally the Lakes will be on the cards. I want a trail bike, but enjoy the climbs and technical bits more than the big downhill, so probably a trail bike the swings more to the light XC side of the track rather than AM/DH bikes.

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

moster

I have recently tested the Trance x4 the Trek Fuel EX5 and the Camber (Comp not Elite) and all 3 bikes felt like good bikes but the Camber just fits me better. I'm 5'8 but with short legs so getting a bit of standover and a good reach fit was an issue.

I tried small & medium in the Giant & Trek which either gave no standover or felt a bit small so I was worrying about suffering on the climbs. The Camber in medium gave me enough standover and plenty of room to move about so will be what I go for.

In terms of spec the Comp is enough for me as I plan to move some bits from my existing bike - Reba RLs with 20mm maxle, Elixir R's and Sram x7/x9 so should end up with a decent steed.

It sounds like I do pretty much the same kind of stuff as you - Glentress, Inners and the Pentlands and all of these bikes will handle this...good luck.

CharlieH

My advice is test ride as many as possible. I tried about 7 different brands before settling on my 08 stuntjumper fsr. I ended up going for the base model, deciding I'd upgrade bits as they wore out. My main point is every bike felt different and reviews are only part of the decision. For example, I loved the ride of the Trek ex8 (08 again) but found it a little stretched for me and I found it much harder to get the front end up compared to the spesh. The spesh just felt very balanced and neutral. In the end, I went for the one that "just felt right" and I've loved it ever since

ilovedirt

boardman is another brand to look at as well, very good VFM there.

Andy B

Cube AMS 110 Pro

or

Cube Ams 130 Pro

130 (Race) review here: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -11-40400/

More reviews here: http://www.singletrackworld.com/2010/08 ... ams-range/

Both have a much higher spec than the Spesh for not much more cash (£100-£150), well worth a look, both are very capable bikes for the riding you'll be doing

JC Cooks in Grimsby are your nearest Cube dealer, we're one of only 10 Cube Life Premier dealers in the UK.

rockrider1234

I have just bought a Camber Elite from a short list of Trance X4, Boardman FS Team & Canyon Nerve XC 5.0. After discounting all mountain Specialized Pitch Comp and Canyon Nerve AM, thinking my riding style is trails and I would like to ride up as well as down.
I dropped the Canyon since this is my first full suss and I like the idea of having the expertise at hand to help sort out any problems with suspension or other parts as well as face to face advice. Expertise from my experience was lacking from Halfords so I dropped the Boardman.

I was left with the Trance X4 and Camber Elite which had good reviews in magazines. The Trance has Tora coil forks and the Camber Elite Recon Air. I preferred the air forks thinking I can adjust the ride to suit the terrain easier and also I preferred the look of the Camber. Saying all that, possibly the deciding factor was obtaining close to 15% of the retail price from a concept store, instead of equipment as I already have the kit. I did use a 0% credit card to pay as I don’t think they will do this on finance.

I’ve ridden it for 3 days now and have only been round my local parks but think it’s a big confidence boost, light, fast up hill and down. I’m still figuring out the suspension settings as psi, sag and rebound are all new to me. I’ll take it round the red route in Llandegla on Thursday and then back to the black runs the following week.