XC racer - Stumpjumper HT or Kula Deluxe?

dj eck
dj eck Posts: 190
edited January 2013 in MTB buying advice
Hi, planning on buying a bike to do some xc racing on next year. Never had a full sus bike before and don't plan on getting one so sticking to ht. Been looking at two 26er 2011 bikes - a Kona Kula Deluxe (scandium frame) and a stumjumper carbon expert. Both got good groupsets and fork. Stumpjumper is a bit more expensive but both affordable. I've spent my life on specialized ht bikes but always alu. I'm not going to be at the front end of the field but do wan't to be competitive. I like climbs and am confident on technical descents. Anybody got any thoughts or opinions? I'm 70kg, 5'7" and looking at 16/17" frames.

Comments

  • bigcoose
    bigcoose Posts: 41
    Hi there, im a bit biased towards specialized as I ride an sworks stumpy ht but the alloy one and its a fantastic bike that handles and behaves very well.if you are getting a new bike also consider that specialized have a lifetime warranty on their frames I think, cos if you damage a carbon frame its generally game over.i know it maybe goes against the grain but have you considered an epic.i ride an sworks carbon epic ant it is one hell of a bike that is extremely fast all round.anyway, good luck with whatever you choose and happy racing.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    I'd get a 29er.
  • lostboysaint
    lostboysaint Posts: 4,250
    njee20 wrote:
    I'd get a 29er.

    He's the racer.
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  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    edited January 2013
    Both of these bikes have a proven heritage and nice frames but compared to some alternatives you may find that you pay a premium for the brand and the spec might be limited for what you pay.

    I'd also look at the On One Whippet, Canyon bikes, Cube Reaction or Ltd,etc before you buy. Also check out deals at Paul cycles on 2011 and 2012 bikes.

    If I was racing I'd also be looking at a 29er.

    I've recently been looking at the Grand Canyon 29er 9.9.

    I haven't seen anything from the big brands which gets close on spec.
    2006 Giant XTC
    2010 Giant Defy Advanced
    2016 Boardman Pro 29er
    2016 Pinnacle Lithium 4
    2017 Canondale Supersix Evo
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,697
    The Spiderman wrote:
    If I was racing I'd also be looking at a 29er.

    I've recently been looking at the Grand Canyon 29er 9.9.

    Plus 1 - It's either a skiing trip or the Canyon (not the 9.9 one though)
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  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    edited January 2013
    Amongst the Grand Canyons the 7.9 is still pretty well speeced.The entry level Yellowstone 29er is also pretty respectable and that`s sub £1k, with Reba forks and Crossrides.
    2006 Giant XTC
    2010 Giant Defy Advanced
    2016 Boardman Pro 29er
    2016 Pinnacle Lithium 4
    2017 Canondale Supersix Evo
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I wouldn't be looking at a 29er, but that's me. But I'd certaonly be looking at OnOne.
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  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    supersonic wrote:
    I wouldn't be looking at a 29er, but that's me. But I'd certaonly be looking at OnOne.

    ......then you`d buy another Zaskar. :lol:
    2006 Giant XTC
    2010 Giant Defy Advanced
    2016 Boardman Pro 29er
    2016 Pinnacle Lithium 4
    2017 Canondale Supersix Evo
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Lol, most of those are 29ers nowadays, the heathens!
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • dj eck
    dj eck Posts: 190
    Thanks for the replies guys. I've gone with the stumpjumper. Took both for a spin and was more at home on the spesh. Didn't want a 29er as I want to use the bike for some trail riding at places like glentress as well as a bit of xc racing. I'm not the tallest bloke either and just didn't feel comfortable on a friend's 29er.
    Cheers, Mike
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Was it the right size for you? If not surely the wheels were an irrelevance... A 29er will be fine at Glentress, I personally wouldn't buy 26" wheels for XC racing any more. In fact the number of options are fast dwindling anyway!
  • dj eck
    dj eck Posts: 190
    Absolutely the right size - 17.5". More importantly I'm comfortable and feel at home on it. On the 29er I felt perched on top of the bike on technical descents and it was too cumbersome in tighter spots. Each to their own I guess. Don't mind 700 wheels on my road bike but they're not for me on the trail.

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