Specialized Camber 29er 2012

wideboy
wideboy Posts: 206
edited March 2012 in MTB buying advice
Hi, ive read the reviews online, spoke to the local specialized dealers in the lbs shop, I would love to hear from anyone who bought this bike or those who have tested it. Please post good and bad points!

I really think this is the bike for me.

Thanks :D

Comments

  • wideboy
    wideboy Posts: 206
    http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBC ... e=Mountain
  • bennett_346
    bennett_346 Posts: 5,029
    seems a poor rear shock.
  • jam1e
    jam1e Posts: 1,068
    I've ridden the expert carbon version quite a bit, fantastic bike. You sit in it rather than on it and it's brilliant for trail centre type stuff, very fast and smooth. The base model might not have the spec but the ride should be pretty similar.

    I've tried quite a few 29er FS's and I'd happily have the Camber.
  • RevellRider
    RevellRider Posts: 1,794
    I'd disagree with that review of the Camber. I found it a rather boring and bland ride. Yes it was quick and smooth as the poster above me said, but so was the Trek Superfly I tried. And the Scott Spark. Both of those were also a more exciting ride.

    And it's massively overpriced for the kit level compared to what you'd get on a similar priced 26" wheel full suspension bike. Compare it to something like a Trek Fuel EX7 where you get Fox shock and forks, 10 speed drivetrain, ABP convert suspension design meaning you can upgrade to a 142x12mm hub later on. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... 2#features

    Or the Whyte T120 which comes with a SRAM X7/X9 drivetrain, Reba's and Monarch shock, plus a carbon swingarm.
    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/why ... 1#features

    To give you an idea of the spec level, the Specialized comes with an Acera cassette fitted. You can find these on the Hardrock Sport, a £450 bike!
    Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon.
  • spongtastic
    spongtastic Posts: 2,651
    The camber is overpriced. You could build a full one yourself for £2k

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/YBCL139825/ ... ue_medium_
    Visit Clacton during the School holidays - it's like a never ending freak show.

    Who are you calling inbred?
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    The camber's expensive (or if you prefer low-specced) but it consistently tests out well compared to the competition despite that. 29ers are coming along but until they sell as many 29ers as 26ers, they're going to be more expensive.

    Haven't ridden one yet, trying to find a demo.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • chez_m356
    chez_m356 Posts: 1,893
    if you want a camber, get one of these http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... tain-bikes and save yourself a 100 notes
    Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 10- CANYON Nerve AM 6 2011
  • andy_welch
    andy_welch Posts: 1,101
    Just going by the numbers it's hard to see what the Camber offers over the Giant Anthem X29er 2. The Giant is cheaper and a good few lbs lighter, despite having cheaper components (which can be upgraded when they wear out). But I've not ridden either so would be interested to hear from those who have.

    Cheers,

    Andy
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Camber has more travel and is designed for slightly harder use- some stronger components and I think a bit slacker too. But it feels like a good comparison, I bet most Camber owners end up using them for much the same stuff.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • andy_welch
    andy_welch Posts: 1,101
    Northwind wrote:
    Camber has more travel and is designed for slightly harder use- some stronger components and I think a bit slacker too. But it feels like a good comparison, I bet most Camber owners end up using them for much the same stuff.

    Ah, right, thanks. I thought the Camber had 100mm travel (same as the Giant) and it was the Camber Comp 29 model that has a bit more, but either way I need to stop thinking that weight is always a bad thing.

    Cheers,

    Andy

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