XC race bike advice

othello
othello Posts: 578
edited February 2018 in MTB buying advice
I'm looking to buy a new XC race bike for my son, and I'm after some advice. I have the opportunity of a discount from a bike shop, so I'm focused on Trek and Scott, as that is what they stock.

I've narrowed it down to these 4:

Scott Scale 930 £1900
https://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/product/scott-scale-930-bike?article=265211007

Scott Scale 925 £2300
https://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/product/scott-scale-925-bike?article=265207008

Trek Procaliber 9.6 £1700
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/procaliber/procaliber-9-6/p/2076600-2018/?colorCode=black

Trek Procaliber 9.7 £2350
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/procaliber/procaliber-9-7/p/2077690-2018/?colorCode=grey

My son's preference is the Scale 930, as he prefers the colour scheme (its like Nino's apparently...). But the 925 looks the better spec (GX Eagle), and its the lightest of the 4. The Procaliber's are very nice, and the 9.7 is mostly XT, though a bit heavier than the 925 for similar money.

Any thoughts on these?

One option would be to go for the 930 and use the saving to get a nice set of race wheels, keeping the stock ones as spares.
Blogging about junior road bikes http://junior-road-bikes.tumblr.com

Comments

  • trek_dan
    trek_dan Posts: 1,366
    Go for the 930 and upgrade with a ZTR Crest wheelset or similar. If its for XC racing have on set of wheels with summer tyres and one with knobblies. I'd rather have an extra wheelset than an extra gear :D
  • othello
    othello Posts: 578
    trek_dan wrote:
    Go for the 930 and upgrade with a ZTR Crest wheelset or similar. If its for XC racing have on set of wheels with summer tyres and one with knobblies. I'd rather have an extra wheelset than an extra gear :D

    Yes, a good point! :D
    Blogging about junior road bikes http://junior-road-bikes.tumblr.com
  • 02gf74
    02gf74 Posts: 1,168
    At £400 more the 925 should be better spec.

    Not looked at the links but the £2k mark I doubt any of them will be a disappointment.

    Just be sure you get the right size, if still growing then may be good for slightly larger Frame.