New Bike - Choice of 2 - Vote Now

ritchienic

Hi everybody

Will be purchasing a new bike from the guys over at Canyon bikes this week. I've done all the research possible and still can't decide between these 2. Any advice appreciated to help me choose, otherwise just vote, and I'll pick the one with the most votes. It's really came down to that.

For the 2016 strive Al 6.0 race, (shapeshifter or no shapeshifter, I've based my comparisons on it not even existing), I just love the look of the bike. And it gets good reviews until they talk about that. I mean if you take it out completely and just have it on DH mode it's still a top Enduro bike.

Question is. If you take out the shapeshifter, would I infact just be better off buying the Spectral AL 7.0 EX. I mean is the spec on this bike better? The head tube angles are pretty much the same, especially when you factor in the strives 1.5degree tolerance, and there's a 10mm difference in the forks, which doesn't bother me.

Take away the shapeshifter, I just want to know what's the better spec bike.

The 2016 strive AL 6.0 Race 2016 £2049
http://www.canyon.com/en-gb/factory-out ... s&id=20248

Or the 2017 Spectral AL 7.0 EX £2949
http://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/spectra ... -0-ex.html

Cast you votes now, I'll be purchasing one of them on Saturday!

rockmonkeysc

I wouldn't touch anything with shapeshifter. It's fragile and unreliable. I know of people who are on their third or fourth frame.
It's also worth noting that Canyon's customer service has really gone down hill. There are lots of unhappy customers saying they'd not buy from them again.
Personally, I'd rather buy the Rose Uncle Jimbo. Better frame, equally good value, good UK representative and you can configure the bike how you want it.

hsiaolc

I will vote for the Spectrual but I will go with the YT Jeffsy if I had to buy another bike now.

ritchienic

Update

After more research and hunting on forums I've decided to ditch the idea of getting a canyon, disappointing really because I love how they look, especially the strive race, but oh well. Would rather have a reliable bike with good customer service for warranty reasons.

Had a look at your recommendation Rockmonkey, I take it on board and looks a good spec at a good value, but I don't like the look. Got my head set on an all black bike. Read some of your other posts and noticed you talk highly of the transition scout. Also a few mentions of the commencal meta am v4. Had a look and love the look of the new meta am v4.2, also the transition Scout. In fact that's what I'm between now.

Of course I have a budget. So if I go for the Commencal, it would be the Meta am v4.2 race black model. For the transition scout, I think I'd have to get the entry model (kit 4). I could maybe increase my budget to afford the next model up (kit 3), but only if it was absolutely worth it.

Any thoughts appreciated.

http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCCa ... D=19923172

http://www.noahsark.co.uk/bike-shop-c1/ ... 017-p37088

http://www.noahsark.co.uk/bike-shop-c1/ ... 017-p37087

rockmonkeysc

The Scout is the best bike I've ever ridden. It's not great value though and it's not light but if you want a bike which jumps like a slopestyle bike and rides like an enduro bike but slightly better climbing then I don't think there's any better bike.
Personally, I wouldn't let looks get in the way of buying a good bike. Are you planning on hanging it on the wall or riding it? Some of the best bikes I've ridden have been real ugly.

The Rookie

As above, looks should only come into it once the bikes in question are otherwise a dead heat on what affects the riding.

robertpb

This may be of interest if you are willing to wait until March, plenty of options on build and prices are good.But at this moment it's untested.

https://www.bird.bike/new-aeris-145-pre-order/

drewie8

I nearly bought a Canyon Spectral CF 9.0 EX, but decided not to after reviews about their customer service. I'm now trying to choose between Specialized camber or Giant Trance Advanced, at least these two will be from local bike dealer. Good luck in choosing your new bike

Angus Young

RockmonkeySC wrote:

The Scout is the best bike I've ever ridden. It's not great value though

How can it not be good value if it's the best bike you've ever ridden?

JGTR

Purchasing this week....receiving in 6 months

Spangle12

What did you go for in the end???? I'm in a similar predicament. Torn between between Jeffsy 27 CF One, Spectral AL 7.0, Whyte G160 and the Bird Aeris.

The only one i've ridden is the G160 and I loved it but it is the most expensive and arguably down on spec compared to the factory direct bikes.

cooldad

He hasn't logged in since his last post, so probably lost interest.