Hi folks,
First world quandary. I'm interested in the Specialized Camber Expert Evo; has anyone managed to get a ride on the bike? The reviews I have seen are pretty good. I am switching between convincing myself to buy the bike and not buy it.
1) I already have a similar travel 26" Yeti ASR5C which is a fantastic bike (although the gf is starting to use the this bike).
2 ) Being based in NI I haven't had a chance to demo it (can get a test bike over in about 6 weeks).
3) At 5'7" and a quiff I'm not confident what size I would take (although a few people who have ridden the bike suggested medium).
4) The bike isn't great value (although there is 15% off this weekend).
Alternatively I could wait to later in the year and try to demo a few bikes. I should be able to get 10% off my local Specialized dealer. What do you think? Worth waiting?
Let the flaming commence......
At 5'7" a medium should be bob on though. Surely your local Spesh dealer would be willing to loan you a bike for the weekend or get one for you?
My Camber is a 2011 26" version and I've never ridden a Yeti ASR so my opinion is probably irrelevant.
Cheers PM. Local dealer can get me a bike (for a cost) in 6 weeks or so. Was toying with the idea of pulling the trigger this weekend to get 15% discount. It's a lot of money though without having demoed the bike.
All the reviews I've seen have been really positive . I have the 2013 Camber with 110mm F&R travel so 10mm down on the Evo although I put a 120mm fork on the front and have to say it rides brilliantly and does everything I want . The Evo gets a shorter stem and wider bars which seems to be the way bikes are going these days , a M should fit you well .
Cheers Neil
I've got a 2013 camber but built it up as an evo - 120mm fork, wide bars, short stem, dropper post etc.
Have tinkered with the shock (removed the spacer that limited it to 110mm travel so now has 51mm stroke instead of original 48mm) giving 120mm at the back too. No issues with tyre contact etc.
Coupled with an offset bush at the front of the shock (can't do back end due to the clevis) it's as close to an evo version in build and geometry as possible without changing the shock yoke to the evo version (if you could buy it separately) and I love it! Really happy with it.
Have an epic 29er frame incoming this week to build up instead of the HT so may end up swapping out to a stumpy or enduro to cover bigger stuff though.
I'm 5' 9" and on a Medium frame.
Bump for the Sunday crowd
I'd go with a medium and 30/40mm stem.
I have one on order.
Just buy it while it's cheap. You will regret it if you don't.