Canyon 29er or Cube 29er or ????

pablo-zesty

Dear All,

I am about to take the plunge and buy a 29er hardtail.
I already ride a Lapierre Zesty for trail and generally having fun. However, I took part in Mountain Mayhew and the bug well and truly bit, so I decided I need a 29er for marathon races, such as the Bright Big Dog, MM, 24twelve, etc. I plan to do 4 per year and do some general long distance riding.

I have done research and narrowed it down to two bikes, I want to spend Max £1400 without making any major or expensive upgrades. I have narrowed down to Canyon and Cube as they both have good kit, good forks and are reasonably good weights.

Canyon Grand Al 29 7.9 or 8.9:

http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2750

http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2545

Or

http://www.cube.eu/en/29er/reaction-29-gtc-pro/

Has anyone any experience of the above?
Or can some one suggest an alternative bike that would suit me?

Thank you for the help.

Long_Time_Lurker

My experience is only with Cubes - and that experience told me that all of their 29ers are sold out!
I was looking about 6 months ago. The vast majority had been sold before they had left the factory.
I would try to find the bike first. (My quick search found one 17", but everywhere else they are gone.)

pablo-zesty

Yeah, when I have searched for Cube there have been none.
I presume the 2013 bikes will be announced soon, hopefully would be similar value.

amdowney

Ghost HTX Actinum 9000 perhaps http://www.justmountainbikes.co.uk/prod/ghost_htx29_actinum9000.html

The 7000 got a cracking review on here! http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-ghost-htx-29-actinum-7000-12-45954