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Looking at getting a 29r and as i love my Anthem X3 and giant frames in general, so been looking at the XTC which looks good and by all accounts is.
However there are a few 2011 models available and not sure if the new 2012 model spec really adds anything or whether getting last years 2011 is a much better buy - being approx £200 cheaper on sale?
Ao looking for "professional" user opinions to guide my cash:
[url= http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/xtc.29.er.1/9342/49895/ ]2012[/url]
or
[url= http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/xtc.29er/7876/45527/ ]2011[/url]
Which would you choose?
MeLikie the 11 version cos' it's blacker.
Not a lot in it is there?
I'd personally go for the 2011 version as I would prefer a Shimano Drivetrain and Fox forks.
[b]amplebrew[/b]: that was my initial feelings, but not sure whether thats my "fox brand is better/pimpier" marketing brain wash preference - but which is better in reality
[b]Bikebuoy: [/b]yeah very little even the geometry is within a gnats chuff of each other as far as i can see - though the standover height stays low on the 2012, but as i'm a lanky giant (no pun intended) it doesn't really bother me.
I've got Avids on my anthem but Shimano on my SS ( i have an understanding girlfriend;) so easy on which brakes really.
I think i may go for the 2011 as im tight 🙂
Jon Hood - Member
amplebrew: that was my initial feelings, but not sure whether thats my "fox brand is better/pimpier" marketing brain wash preference - but which is better in reality
I think it's very much down to personal preference on the forks. Neither would be bad forks, I've just had a better ownership experience with Fox and I reckon the black forks look a bit nicer with the black frame.
The main thing for me would be the Shimano gears.
Unless there was a huge price saving i'd go for the 2012 version because i prefer Sram and Rock Shox tend to be cheaper to service.
I had the same quandry as you, I went for the 2011 at £1150 and better kit in my opinion it was an easy choice, I also prefer the look of the frame as the 2012 has got far too much going on. My Anthem X hasn't been ridden since i bought it, I love it.
I bought the 2011 (at reduced price) however the 2012 wasn't out then.
However the main thing that sold me was the Shimano brakes as all the other equivalent 29ers in price had Avids and i HATE Avids.
Sounds like the 2011 is a goer 🙂
Funso: Are all the reviews true then? I have a suspicion i will like 29'ers being a SS fan (flow and constant speed etc..) and being a big guy getting up to speed isn't a problem.
I've got the 2010 version and I LOVE it.
Put me off ever buying a 26er again.
I rode my £3.5k 26er bouncer last week for a change and bitched about it all the way round.
Think the 2011 looks the better buy of the two.
I'd buy the SRAM version out of preference, but £200 is £200 - neither are going to be dogs are they?
I think we're back to the paint job 😀
John, i'm between 10-15% quicker on all my XC timed rides over my 26" bike.
id go 2011 if it was me and use the extra £200 id save towards a wheel upgrade and then save up for some xt m775 brakes but that's me i like shimano it works and does it well plus the 2011 looks a lot better than the 2012 finish the 2012 just looks cheap IMHO
at the end of it its your squids your spending 😉
Jon, as i couldn't find a demo I read every review I could find and they were pretty much spot on, of the 6 or 7 29ers I've ridden it feels more akin handling wise to a 26" wheeler whilst retaining all the atributes of a bigger wheeled bike, it's very fast and capable and if it is slower to get up to speed I havent noticed it, it climbs and decends superbly, carries speed very well and it loves the singletrack which is what its all about, the Maxxis Aspens struggle in the mud but anywhere else including in the rain they've been great, I waited a long time before buying a 29er and I'm glad i got this one, I agree with Weeksy I'm definatly quicker on mine too.
Anyone know of any deals on 2011 Composite 1s, I need the 20" model ?
Cheers for the opinions - a mate has a one for test this weekend and think i will go for the 2011 if i like it , which by the sounds of it i will
anyone know the correct mech hanger lads?
Update post demo bike run.
Although it was a medium (too small) and the top of the range Carbon 0 version, even taking all that into consideration sweet baby Jesus the bike is amazing!!!!!! I HAVE TO HAVE ONE!
The grip poise and handling were amazing, spin up wasn't noticeable as you never slow down enough, especially if you are smooth
Thinking of selling the kids see imminent post in classifieds forum
You could advertise "child hood" for sale.It will sell in an instant to some of us oldies on here having forgotten about it decades ago ;O)