29er to be or not to be?

[silentbutdeadly]

XTC 26 is definitely $400 better than the Talon. XTC 29er is not.

Upgrade to the Icetech brakes on either is only sensible if you get trade-in money for the existing brakes...

Trek 6000 is well priced for the equipment level...

[bardynt]

lol so i guess that is being sarcastic so you don't think it worth spending extra 400 on the xtc

yes i would sell the other brakes that came with the bike

they have offer of buying shimano xt ice brakes for 300 they reckon they normally cost 600 but not sure if that is true

i did find the trek 6000 felt more like xtc

i did find the xtc 26 was a small bike even with large frame that would have to seat moved backwards cause i have long upper body

then found 29er fitted me better but only problem to get the same components on 29er you have spend a lot more money

[silentbutdeadly]

It's worth spending the extra $400 if you have it but not necessarily on the XTC 29er. There are other 29ers out there at similar pricepoint to XTC 29 that would be worth consideration.

The Shimano Ice-tech brakes are on a factory special deal at the moment - check out the Shimano AU website

[bardynt]

yer i know about that special


was trying to figure out what is best for the money

i have looked at merida 29er but wasn't sure if it was better than giant 29

[Mugglechops]

I upgraded my new 29er to the xt ice techs. Its too good a deal to not buy them.

[bardynt]

well that was i thinking getting the 1100 dollar bike

then getting the upgraded the xt brakes but not sure yet

[OrangeJuiceMan]

Yair, c'mon, hurry up, pics or it didn't happen

Well took it up to the trails yesterday and was fantastic, the mtbing skills just need to be worked on now



Of course got to include a pic of it a lil' dirty

[Max]

That's a nice-looking bike! I love the flashes of bright blue all over it congrats on the new steed!

Max

[Mulger bill]

GT always build a nice looking frame and their 29ers prove no exception Have a ball getting dirty OJM

Shaun

[bardynt]

well how much was that gt

i was wondering cause i rode one it was ok but was on cheap end like 800 and felt like it too is that the next model up from it ?

[silentbutdeadly]

well how much was that gt

i was wondering cause i rode one it was ok but was on cheap end like 800 and felt like it too is that the next model up from it ?

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=46029#p709485

Well done on the GT, OJM. They do look good on the first impressions.....and a great deal of potential there for both bike and rider.

[bardynt]

thks a lot lol didn't realize the same guy

yer 1200 i have to check it out more have a look at the gt again

[sblack]

Thought I'd check this thread out as another considering adding a 29er to my stable. Another couple of options I thought I'd add to the thread and hopefully get some feedback on are the Cell X-29 and the Apollo Xpert 290.

As $899 the Cell is obviously not going to be at the level of other bikes mentioned in the thread but for the price the component level seams quite reasonable with the big question mark being about the frame itself. I can't find much info on it other than it's a Chinese made 4130 Cr-Mo frame. While the idea of a steel frame 29er has some appeal to me my concern is over whether this one is actually up to the task or not. Speaking to Cell they said the bike weighs around 12kg, which lines up with the Chinese exporter's listed weight of 12.5kg. Considering similarly specced Aluminium bikes weigh more I can't help but think that's a sign that it's not as strong but really I have no idea on just what abuse it could take. Searching the web for reviews, comments etc on the bike hasn't been very helpful. Have not found one comment from someone that's actually ridden one.

The Apollo is at one of my LBS with a ticket price of $1199 meaning it's still quite cheap for this thread but with 3x10 SRAM X5/X7 components it appears quite well specced for the price and I haven't talking them down at all yet either. Again I've had no luck finding any reviews or comments on it.

[Mugglechops]

Shane

That Cell 29er looks to be a lot better than the previous one they sold. A lot of guys on rotorburn are talking about the chinese 29er frames but I have not seen any mention of a steel one.

The Apollo looks to be pretty good for the price seems to be about the same spec as the Merida 29er at that price point. If it was me I would get the Apollo and see what they can do on price for you.

[silentbutdeadly]

One of the local MTB mags did a review of the Apollo earlier this year (from memory). They were impressed by the component/price combination but less thrilled about the frame - much of that seemed to rotate around the visuals and the relatively unsophisticated construction compared to the GiantMeridaSpecialized kind of frame rather than the actual performance of the frame.

As for the steel Cell frame...I would imagine that it'd be up for quite a bit. After all, the cheaper Voodoo 29er frames are also steel (as are of course Salsa, Surly, Singular et al) although quite what grade of tube we are talking about is open to question.

[sblack]

The Apollo looks to be pretty good for the price seems to be about the same spec as the Merida 29er at that price point. If it was me I would get the Apollo and see what they can do on price for you.

Was very tempted to do just that while I was in the shop but really don't need to rush so I'd like to at least check out the Cell first. I'm also contemplating paying the ticket price and getting it on interest free, which may also mean I could consider the Xpert 291 which steps up to the Recon fork and a tapered head tube. Not sure how the SLX dynasys compares to X5/X7 drivetrain and whether I can justify the extra $500.

One of the local MTB mags did a review of the Apollo earlier this year (from memory). They were impressed by the component/price combination but less thrilled about the frame - much of that seemed to rotate around the visuals and the relatively unsophisticated construction compared to the GiantMeridaSpecialized kind of frame rather than the actual performance of the frame.

Not too concerned about visuals and if the unless the construction difference makes a noticable difference to ride or durabilty then I'm not really concerned about that either. Really, if I can get a few years out of this frame by which time I'll no longer be towing my son around and I'll know if a 29er is really my thing, then I'll be happy and likely to be ready to upgrade anyway.

As for the steel Cell frame...I would imagine that it'd be up for quite a bit. After all, the cheaper Voodoo 29er frames are also steel (as are of course Salsa, Surly, Singular et al) although quite what grade of tube we are talking about is open to question.

Yeah, I'm confident that a 4130 steel frame is capable of taking a fair amount of punishment. My concern was that if the weight is correct at 12.5kg then this would appear the frame is lighter than the other brands you've mentioned as people building up those frames go single speed to get down to that kind of weight. This makes me wonder if the tubing is thinner and as such may not be up to the same kind of abuse. I'm still keen to give it a ride if I can get to Stanmore and see how it feels. As I said before I'm really only after this bike lasting a few years so my concerns may be a non issue in that kind of time. Of course it may not be durability that is the issue with the lower weight, it may be stiffness that suffers but that I'll be able to work out with a bit of a test ride, I may even like it having a little more flex.

[silentbutdeadly]

While the Xpert290 is not $300 better than the Cell X-29 based simply on the gear attached to the frame....I'd still pay the extra for the 10spd driveline, much better BB, crankset, headset, wheels and cockpit components. If you can shave some dollars off the Apollo it'll be in your favour. SLX and a tapered headtube don't add much that you'll be able to account for in the ride unless your trail skills run high - not for the extra $500 spend.

[sblack]

While the Xpert290 is not $300 better than the Cell X-29 based simply on the gear attached to the frame....I'd still pay the extra for the 10spd driveline, much better BB, crankset, headset, wheels and cockpit components. If you can shave some dollars off the Apollo it'll be in your favour. SLX and a tapered headtube don't add much that you'll be able to account for in the ride unless your trail skills run high - not for the extra $500 spend.

I have to say I am thinking the same way. All the less obvious upgrades like you mention, and add better tyres to that list, are making the Apollo appear as the better value bike. Another one to add is it looks like the Cell doesn't have a replaceable derailleur hanger which has the potential for a very different repair cost should something cause damage in that area.

The other big plus is the Apollo is from an LBS with two stores within a half hour drive or 1 hour ride from home and service that I've always been happy with. That in itself makes it very hard for any other bike to compete (and is the reason a Giant or Merida hasn't been on my consideration list). The only reason I would chose to go elsewhere is for a serious saving or for something they don't have. The second bit is where the Cell comes in because there doesn't appear to be another steel 29er option with this sort of value and the one thing that gives the Cell some appeal against the Apollo is my curiosity as to how a steel frame would ride, having not ridden one since I was a teenager.

[Mugglechops]

Have you looked at the Kona Unit? They are supposed to be pretty good. Around $1100 dollars I think.



I was talking to my LBS guy today and he said he has about 6 different makes he can get in 29ers for about $1100.

[bardynt]

hey

i have narrowed down the list to this can people let me know who own these bike or have exp with them what would be worth buying

im looking at xtc29er 2 for $1500

the xtc $1500 26 wheel

the talon 1 $800 26

talon 0 $1099 26

merida 500d 2011 $899 on special 26

nine nine merida tfs 500d $1,400 29

Rockhopper expert 29 $1499

Matt tfs 300d 2011 $949 26

[sblack]

Have you looked at the Kona Unit? They are supposed to be pretty good. Around $1100 dollars I think.

I looked at Kona but their steel 29ers come as a singlespeed and a 1x9 only and I really want a wider range of gearing, especially since this bike will be full filling several duties, as the towing bike for pulling my son around, the cruising bike for riding along with my daughter, a commuter with the option of taking more varied and interesting routes home and to be able to have some fun on some trails and the local bmx track. So that would mean going to the Aluminium framed Kahuna range and spending more to get comparable components to the Apollo.

[trailgumby]

Yair, c'mon, hurry up, pics or it didn't happen

Well took it up to the trails yesterday and was fantastic, the mtbing skills just need to be worked on now

Nice! You'll have a lot of fun

[Cinder]

Shame your not in Melbourne, I've got a 2010 Karakoram I'm looking to move along! Doesn't look as cool as your though.

At any rate, they're a great bike, I'm sure you'll love it, I love mine, it's just not suitable for what I'm doing right now (and don't have space for multiple bikes sadly).

[OrangeJuiceMan]

Well mines gone on about 4 rides now and is still running beautifully! Haven't had any problems. Highly recommend going for a 29er, i've noticed a big difference compared to my old 26 mtb (all positive of course ). Thanks for the comments on the bike as well.

[sblack]

Well I never ended up checking out the Cell, deciding even at ticket price the Apollo was better value. So on tuesday I headed to the LBS and took it for a spin around the car park, played with the fitting a little, tried the large frame, then back to the medium. Struggling to decide which fit better, and reasoning I could get both to the same position with saddle and stem adjustments I went for the medium for the added standover clearance. Asked about price and they did it for $1100 then spent about half an hour after closing time checking it all over, setting up the brakes etc, swapped out the seatpost clamp for a quick release one (it was the only 29er there that didn't have a quick release as standard) and I was all good to go. They also chucked it on the scales for me out of curiousity and it came to 13.18 kg, pretty similar to the other 29ers in the price range.

Took for a short ride that afternoon with my daughter. First impression.. it's certainly a lot harder work than the roadie but to be expected with the extra weight and big offroad tyres and fine cruising along at her speed. The brakes are much better than when I tried some mechanical discs in their early days and have good modulation instead of just being on or off like they where back then. They really pull the wheel to the side though. Don't know if it's in the fork, wheel or combination of the two and I don't notice it in the ride but it's visable and with much wider tyres or under really hard braking I think the tyre would come into contact with the fork.

Once on the dirt the bike rolls along nicely and is well beyond my novice skills and lack of confidence. Perhaps with some experience I'll be able to see a difference in different frames but for my initial requirements this appears to suit as well as I can expect any bike to. One thing I did notice was that the standard pedals really aren't very good, I can't understand how people ride off road without SPDs or similar as the lack of sure footing really destroys the confidence and I ensured the SPDs where on it for the next ride. Now I just need to get some experience up and build my confidence so I can make use of more of it's capabilities. It's been fun commuting on it and taking some alternate routes home. Oh, I'll get a pic of it to put up as soon as I can.