I know this question has been asked many times, but my head is spinning and time is running out!
I've got a 2004 Kona Kula, its a XC hardtail and it's lasted well. I ride mainly on the Trails in Afan, but the Kona has taken me up and back down Mt Snowdon. I don't (can't) do jumps, despite the majority of riding been on trails, I would say I'm more XC orientated - but I will give the tougher terrain a try.
I know I'm never going to be a uphill whippet, and I'm not a suicidal downhiller. But my Kona does climb well, and I dont want to loose to much of that climbing ability.
I'm heading to Glentress in a few weeks, and I'd like to get a full sus for that trip.
But I'm stumped. 26", 29" 650b - just makes the choice more difficult.
Giant dont publish bike weights, so does anyone know how heavy the
Trance/Anthems (medium frame) are?
My max budget is 2k, I've narrowed my choice down to Giant - the Trance or Anthem. But as for wheel size and spec???
I see that 29ers are described as not been ideal for twisty trails, anyone got experience of a 29er in afan?
(The Intence tracer 275 is a thing of beauty!)
Late last year I bought an Anthem 29 X2 to replace my Rockhopper Pro hardtail. I was in the same boat as you and ride with my wheels on the ground pretty much all of the time.
I have ridden Afan on the Rockhopper but not the Anthem yet but think the Anthem 29 would be more than happy on the Afan trails.
Things I have noticed
When riding the Anthem twisty trails are just as much fun if not more.
I find the Anthem feels much faster than my Rockhooper, its a lot of fun.
I find it harder to get the front wheel off the ground on the Anthem 29er, longer wheelbase I guess.
On tight switchbacks, usually up hill ones the Anthem feels long and cumbersome but at the same time have confidence in it and your choice of line around the switchback does not need to be so precise as it will roll over stuff better.
The 29 inch wheels give it tractor like qualities, albeit a rocket powered tractor, keep turning the pedals and its amazing what it will go over/through.
Have ridden the Anthem 29 at Ashton Court, Leigh Woods, Quantocks, Forest of Dean, Mendips and Abernethy Forest in Scotland and it lapped it up.
Since getting the Anthem none of my riding friends can stay with me on the climbs singletrack or forest road.
I am very happy with it and think its a great bike for those who like riding the up as well as the down.
Here's a link which may help you http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s1p0/Mountain-Bikes/Full-Suspension