Looking for a replacement.... MTB 29er carbon fully

[rodebaron51]

Hi guys,

I own a Merdia fully carbon 26... Shimano XT (3000D) 3 years old. I ride single tracks, am 1.93M and 88KG... ALso like to ride on my racebike (Colnago C59).
Its a good bike but I like to get a 29er as I heads lots of good things about it...

Worth the cost of a switch?

Needs to be fully carbon as well
Min Shimano XT
Fully -> I love the goods it does to my back and behind

Suggestions?

Trek? Scott, or a Merida or??? Trek Fuel Ex looks quite nice...
Unfortunatly Colnago does not make fullies...

[rodebaron51]

Hmmmm/// summertime seems not to be the right timing for a response...

My shortlist...

Trek Fuel ex 9.9 or 9.8
Specialized Epic Marathon carbon 29
S works Epic carbon XTR
Merida big 99


Comments still appriciated

[Colin]

Are you looking for a mountain bike to race, or ride all day? The Fuel EX and the Epic are quite different bikes.

[socratease]

Check out the Anthem X: great price, pedals well, super stiff, descends confidently. For my riding (aggressive, technical XC), its the pick of the litter, with the exception of the Niner Jet 9 Carbon RDO. However, that bike is much more expensive and has internal routing which is a big minus for me.

The Epic is exceptional. It is the best pedaling full suspension bike on the market. It is, however, expensive to maintain. If you're looking for a hardtail feel, there really aren't other bikes that can match it. Its also very twitchy and can get overwhelmed easily (like a hardtail).

The Fuel EX rides well. I'm psyched that trek is finally making that bike in a 29": we will sell a lot of them. Its a little pricey for the spec, and isn't the most agile bike out there. Much different than the other bikes on the list, as noted. It's much more a trail bike: meant to be ridden with the weight far back on the rear wheel. Takes flow lines well.

[tonytourist]

If you're after a race bike I would consider the Epic and a Scalpel.
The Niner Jet 9 RDO and Santa Cruz Tallboy are also good alternatives.

[ratherbeintobago]

Turner Czar?

[rodebaron51]

Thanks so far!

It is more a d2d bike to have fun.... yes I know a bit overspeced for that, but I like the bling

Scott Spark 900 RC2013 seems also an option....

What do you guys mean with the epic? The Specialized or S works... S works version is a bit out of league.... $$$$ wise.


Pascal

[rodebaron51]

As many problems also this one solved itself....

We (my family and I) will move to Shanghai as expats for 2-3 years as of Oct... so no need for a new bike... I am going to sell the old one anyway.

[rodebaron51]

Almost a year ahead... just ordered a Merida big 99 CF team fully
Cant wait... my first 29er.
Hopefully will feel big difference to my Merida 96 3000D.

Will be here mid next week... pics will follow!

Andehhhh why buy a mtb in summer?.... get 30% discount as it is a 2014 model.....

[jimborello]

I recently picked up a Turner and those bikes are really really fun!! BUt as long as it is a full sus it will be a fun bike ja

[Dozer]

Are you still in Shanghai? If yes, you should do a riding vacation down here in Guangxi. All these mountains down here are covered in farming and logging trails...amazing place to live and ride.

[rodebaron51]

Hi Dozer,

Unexpected, but after 10 month back to the Netherlands.... got an offer I could not refuse
Thats why I bought myself a present... thu I can pick the baby up.... looking forward to the 29er fully vs my current 26er fully....

Shanghai was not really the place to go for a ride... only fitness and swimming.... now back in fresh air!!!

[Getter]

Thats awesome moving to another country like that.

Have you looked into Pivot? They have the 429 which is pretty cool. Maybe a Cannondale Scalpel...love me the Lefty!

[rodebaron51]

First ride....

Comfortable
Fast
Tracktion

Feels great... a real upgrade!

[rodebaron51]

Unbelievable... smashing all my mtg records with 10% or more.. and not even pushing it... this thing is FAST