Suggestions on a Full sus 29 or 27.5 sub £1800

stuartglover82

Hi all,

I'm after a new bike. I've had my 26" Speccy Rockhopper for 4 years now and I'm a regular at Cannock as well as XC a little closer to home. I'm after a full sus bike to add to my trail ride experience. I've trie both 29er and 27.5 at demo days and I'm not too fussed which way to go.
What I can't decide on is which bike to get and if I'm missing some gems out there.

I'm really interested in the Cube AMS Pro 29 - http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/1431 ... -bike-2014
But I've heard rumours of frame problems.

I also had a go on a Specialised Camber but the top spec bike is out of my price range so I'd have to settle for this one: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/1361 ... -bike-2014

I've had the Giant Trance 3 recommended but it is just over my budget - http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Trance-27 ... _66529.htm

I also like the look of the cube sting but haven't tried one - http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Sting-140- ... _66755.htm

So, I'm after opinions or feedback from those that own or have ridden any of these?

Still a newbie so please be gentle.

Cheers

Clank

Have a look here:
Pauls Cycles

You'll find your money may go slightly further than you think, especially if it's a 29er you'd be happy with. They have 26ers too, if you're feeling that way inclined.

I'll profess a fondness for Giants - I really like the way they pedal, and having ridden one of Specialized's top-range offerings, I'd say my old Anthem 29er was a much better ride. And less than half the price.....

rockmonkeysc

2013 Giant Anthem 29. Great bike and some excellent discounts if you shop around.
I would avoid the 2014 Trance. Terrible fork and a weird size head tube means you're stuck with it.

stuartglover82

Thanks for your opinions guys, certainly food for thought. I will admit I'm airing to the Trance at the moment.

RockmonkeySC wrote:

2013 Giant Anthem 29. I would avoid the 2014 Trance. Terrible fork and a weird size head tube means you're stuck with it.

Why do you say the Fox 32 Float CTD Evolution are so bad? I thought Fox shocks were solid?

Cheers

bigmitch41

Simular story to you Stuart, I got back into cycling in 2012 with a 1yr old Rockhopper ht 26", loving it so far but want to go full suss next, thinking about the Camber or Epic in 29 flavour next too, thought this looked like a bargain..

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/ ... -bike.html

RandG

I have a 2013 Trance 29er I got from Pauls Cycles. Bike is great, but I'm not convinced by these Fox ctd forks at all.

The Rookie

stuartglover82 wrote:

Why do you say the Fox 32 Float CTD Evolution are so bad? I thought Fox shocks were solid?

CTD has it's detractors, but for those who don't/can't setup a complicated suspension it can be a better option. Fox are no better than Rockshox (some good, some not so), but need more maintenance (a lot more).

stuartglover82

BigMitch41 wrote:

Simular story to you Stuart, I got back into cycling in 2012 with a 1yr old Rockhopper ht 26", loving it so far but want to go full suss next, thinking about the Camber or Epic in 29 flavour next too, thought this looked like a bargain..

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/ ... -bike.html

I tired out a Camber Carbon at Cannock the other week and I didn't like the feel of it, it was bobbing far too much uphill for my liking even with the CTD set to climb. This may have been down to the rushed set up though as it was the last ride of the day.

The Rookie wrote:

CTD has it's detractors, but for those who don't/can't setup a complicated suspension it can be a better option. Fox are no better than Rockshox (some good, some not so), but need more maintenance (a lot more).

I certainly won't be an expert as it's my first full sus and first air shock. What maintenance are we talking about?

Thanks all!

stuartglover82

Well I went for the Cube Sting in the end. So far no complaints but I did add a dropper post.
I will post a review on here soon.