Apollo xpert 292 2012

[Kontek]

Hi all, need your opinion.

Since I'm new to the sport I don't want to spend a lot of money on a dud. I'm thinking of purchasing the appolo xpert 292
I took it for a ride yesterday and it was unbelievable. Felt nice and was very smooth.
I'm defenetly making the jump to a 29er just wondering your thoughts on the Apollo.

Here's the link
http://www.apollobikes.com/bikes12/29er?id=42

Thanks in advance

[rkelsen]

Nothing wrong with Apollo bikes.

If you enjoyed the test ride, buy it.

[Mugglechops]

Looks pretty good. sblack on here has one and its pretty good.

[Kontek]

That's great so far so good, if all goes well with this thread I should have it in 2 weeks

[sblack]

As mugglechops mentioned I have one, well I have the 290 so a couple of steps down. I bought it based on it being the best value 29er in my price range and I've been happy with it. It is serving multiple roles of being my towing bike to tow my son along, some commuting and as my reintroduction to dirt after not having done much since my teen years.

While the dirt bit was lowest on my list of needs when I bought the bike it has spent more time in that role than any other and it's been able to handle anything I've thrown at it and I'd happily recommend it to anyone looking for a good value 29er. It's been on a good mix of terrain from singletrack to firetrail to riverbeds and has never let me down.

The only things to mention are that on heavy braking on the road I can visably see the front wheel pull towards the left fork. It hasn't caused any issues and I don't feel it happening but there is definately some flex in the system there. Don't know if the upgraded forks, wheels and tapered headset on the 292 reduce or eliminate this or how much it occurs on other 29ers or how good your skills have to be before it makes any difference but I just thought it could be worth mentioning. The other thing to mention is if you're comparing the geometry to other bikes I'm pretty sure their table on the website has the head tube and seat tube angle figures listed the wrong way around.

[Kontek]

Cheers sblack I'm sold, good to hear a review from someone that owns one. just have to wait for pay day now

[Gordo]

does it have a 15mm thru axle on the front or is it just QR (quick release stuff). it doesnt say i dont think???? from what ive read every says go 15mm thru axle on the front hub

[bosvit]

I've got the xpert 291 so between the one you are looking at and sblacks.

I don't get the front wheel moving issue under brakes, and I have specifically looked for this as sblack as mentioned it on other posts. Also the Easton XC rims on mine actually have a higher spoke count than listed on the Apollo web site (thankfully).

Great bike, surprisingly light and rolls really well. But I have no other decent level MTB to compare it to.

@sblack does the 290 have a tapered steerer?

[bosvit]

The 292 also has BB30 so should be stiffer than the 291 etc. Mines pretty stiff though so you should have no problems with this frame.

Apollo currently make the best value for money 29er XC bikes atm imo (not that my opinion is necessarily worth that much LOL)

[Kontek]

Great news, thanks for all the advise, I've put a nice little deposit on the bike and I pick it up on the 20th.

[Kontek]

Just got offered the Giant xtc composite 29 2012 for the same amount

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 717/50969/

Your thoughts please ?

[Mugglechops]

I would go for the Giant. A mate has one and its awesome.

[Kontek]

I'm thinking that too, so light

[sblack]

I've got the xpert 291 so between the one you are looking at and sblacks.

I don't get the front wheel moving issue under brakes, and I have specifically looked for this as sblack as mentioned it on other posts. Also the Easton XC rims on mine actually have a higher spoke count than listed on the Apollo web site (thankfully).

Great bike, surprisingly light and rolls really well. But I have no other decent level MTB to compare it to.

@sblack does the 290 have a tapered steerer?

No, the tapered steerer is only in the 291 and 292. Nice to know the 291 solves the brake issue, now I'm interested to know how much difference that actually makes to the performance and feel of the braking. Like I said, I don't actually feel it happen but I wonder if I'd feel the difference on a bike where it doesn't happen.

Just got offered the Giant xtc composite 29 2012 for the same amount

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 717/50969/

Your thoughts please ?

Either you're paying too much for the Apollo or you're getting a great deal on the Giant. Only reasons I could see not to go for the Giant are if it's a special deal that's not available in the right size for you or if you wanted the 3x10 instead of 2x10 gearing (that's a personal thing with a recent thread on it here).

edited to fix typo

[Kontek]

I think it's a little of both ( too much $$ and great deal )
My mate has a 2 x 10 setup, doesn't really bother me. I'm happy to make the jump

[bosvit]

Go the Giant

No contest!

[Kontek]

Just thought I'd let you know I've been riding the giant for a week now and absolutely love it. I really can't say anything bad about it. Thanks for the advise lads

[jemima]

Kontek,

Now that you've had the Giant for a couple of weeks, do you feel that there is a marked difference between the carbon frame and the Al. one on the Apollo?
i.e. on the tracks?
I'm asking as the area around the bike shop which I am considering purchasing a composite 29er has only smooth paths/roads etc to test it on.

The main reason I am considering purchasing my first carbon frame mtb is for the rides I do in the bush.
I'm wondering if I'd feel a little less beat up at the end of a day.

[Kontek]

Hi jemima
sorry for the late reply,

i was alittle bit worried about buying a carbon frame, but after many posts and heaps of research i bit the bullet and purchased. The Giant may not be the lightest carbon frame on the market but i can honestly say i 100% LOVE IT. i feel much more confident on the trail and definatly feel more agile (not sure if thats the right word).

the only thing i had to get used to was those dam big wheels

i ve attached a link that might ease your concerns about carbon frames. it worked for me.
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/santa-cruz ... t-lab.html


to be honest i will never go back to an alloy bike again