In the market for a 4ish inch 29er dually

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robbo

Squid
Looking around $5k, carbon and can climb like a HT but be comfortable and fast going down. Something fast and light for sprint laps at Mont, Scott etc but comfortable for the 100k/7hr enduros

Spec Epic
Spec Camber
Pivot 429
Lapierre
Scott 920 and so on

Upgrading from a 26inch Trance.

Help!
 
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mtb101

mtb101

Likes Bikes and Dirt
for a budget of 5 grand I'd be getting a light weight carbon HT and a FS so you really need 2 bikes here.
 
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monc

Likes Dirt
I'm looking for the same sort of thing. I'm currently riding a 140mm FS 26" bike, and want to move to a more racey, less bouncy full suspension bike. I'm too much of a gumby to go for a hardtail.

I'm looking at a Rocky Mountain Element, Cannondale Scalpel, Trek Superfly in addition to the ones you mentioned. I haven't been a huge fan of the brain on the specialised when I tried them a couple of years ago - gave the bike a really clunky, dull feel, but I'm going to try the new model to see if it's improved.

Any other suggestions?
 
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tprmc78

Likes Dirt
Epic ..................no

I have a 2014 Epic and while the suspension is a lot better than earlier models in 3 months it has been back at the shop twice due to brain failing and spewing oil. Currently waiting 2 + weeks to see if Sepccy will warranty it. Bloody annoying, I was tossing up with a Superfly and should have gone that way, stay away from custom shocks.......
 
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Liberty555

Likes Bikes
I was after the same thing a while back.

Bought a Giant Anthem X1 29er for $2300. Put a reverb on it and some decent light weight tubeless wheels. For $3000 I've got a 12kg bike with XT and Fox bits. Pocket the rest or go carbon and still have $1000 left!

Not a glamorous bling bike but punches above it's weight.

Done a few 100's on it and can't complain. Pedals really well, stable as.
 
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Patio

Likes Bikes
I went a Trek Superfly 9.8SL earlier this year. Been pretty happy with it, no problems, noticeably better ride for XC style riding and getting some good improvement in times over my 26" ride.

Took the opportunity to get a free suspension tweak from Fox at a race and the guy said the Evolution fork, Float rear shock was a good combo, when working to a budget better to spend more on the fork than the rear shock.
 
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creaky

XMAS Plumper
If you were happy with 1x10 and alloy rims you could possible squeak a Turner Czar in at your budget.
 
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robbo

Squid
The Lapierres have caught my eye, only wish I could find one to demo.

Has anyone had any experience with Lapierre?
 
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monc

Likes Dirt
Where are you located?

DM Cycles in Warrandyte (Vic) carry Lapierre, but I'm not sure if they do demos
 
cleeshoy

cleeshoy

Eats Squid
robbo said:
Looking around $5k, carbon and can climb like a HT but be comfortable and fast going down. Something fast and light for sprint laps at Mont, Scott etc but comfortable for the 100k/7hr enduros

Spec Epic
Spec Camber
Pivot 429
Lapierre
Scott 920 and so on

Upgrading from a 26inch Trance.

Help!
Click to expand...
U def want a race bike feel. 100mm of travel or less.

Specialized have those "test the best" demo days. Very good way of seeing what works for you. I can't recommend the specialized Epics enough. I've ridden the 11,12,13,14 and now 15 models and love them. I know the brain had issues around 09 and 10, but I've experienced none on the models I've ridden and owned.

I reckon the brain rocks. When you're tired and just need to sit, the brain and rear suspension just soak it all up.
 
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wacko_jacko

Likes Dirt
Lapierre XR is the bomb. Feels like a hardtail when locked out and super capable on the descents.

Go the E:i too, adds ~400g but makes it even more of a weapon. The epic brain and other platforms only react when the bump hits the rear wheel. The E:i sensors on the fork let the rear know what's coming and the shock opens to the right degree to absorb the bump. I won't say life changing, but it's pretty damn cool! I run the shock a little softer than I would otherwise as it lets me get more out of the rear whilst the E:i keeps things efficient.
 
Big JD

Big JD

Wheel size expert
I would go the best value for money bike you can find with the best running gear. Even look secondhand mate- seriously everyone does 4 inch 29er race bikes- haggle and get the best you can.

You are looking for the one bike for all types of racing and endurance events

There are some good deals on 2014 bikes- making why for 2015.
 
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NullaTroy

Likes Bikes
Another vote for the superfly. Good mate and I both have the carbon 9.8 and have done all the races you have mentioned and more. I changed to it from an epic and like the way I can go from full plush to lockout with the remote. Unless your are at the absolute pointy end of every race you ride you don't need a HT.....not saying you can't or that some people don't prefer them...but you don't need one to be fast.

That said the epics are superb as well and there are plenty of strong and fast riders belting those around the courses.

Of course the key is to get a bike that fits any problems you have or strengths maybe -- eg.

My wife is 60kg, but has elbow and knee issues so rides a camber for the extra sponge. At 5'4 on a 29er she gets loads of effective travel but still pedalled it up Buller past people earlier this year.

Troy
 
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robbo

Squid
Those Turner Czar's look the business! Unfortunately I need a bike in the next couple of weeks!

Am going to demo an epic this week - the basic alloy one is the only one my LBS will demo.
 
caad9

caad9

Likes Bikes and Dirt
If you're in Melbourne, I'm sure Advance Traders can get you on a demo Lapierre XR through one of their dealers.
 
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