Pros and Cons....Airbourne or Giant???

J_Bone · Mar 28, 2015

Ok, Im looking into a new bike and trying to decide which one....
I want the Specialized Camber, but it's out of price range. So I have decided on these two.
Airbourne HobGolin which is 29er or the Giant Stance 1 which is a 27".. Both are fairly compairable but I do like the SRAM and Reba fork on the Airbourne and I've been rid 29". But the Giant is just as good and has the Recon fork with Shimano Deore and XT. But the Giant seems to have a better wheels. I say seems. Plus the LBS has the giant and I can ride it and they are super cool to deal with.
I have searched for both and they seem to have limited reviews.

Does anyone have experience with either one and can list the Pros vs. the cons??
Or any others that are comparable in the same price range.
Thanks

jasonmax · Mar 28, 2015

I've owned both and can say without any hesitation the Giant is a much more fun riding bike.

jasonmax · Mar 28, 2015

In my opinion having owned 3 Airbornes the customer service has fallen off drastically. Now they offer good not great deals when you really look at the whole picture and the fact that they only do business on-line one would think the service would be exceptional. True story after 3 bikes from airborne i considered a 4th so after countless phone calls with no answer or return calls i finally got someone on the phone and explained how i wanted to place an order for my 4th bike from them and could i somehow get a sale-price that was offered yet sale over not 5 days prior to my call. Airbornes answer.....not a chance in hell of me getting the sale price. My response .....not a chance in hell I'll ever buy one of your huffy's again, do yourself a favor and buy that Stance with the great geometry, killer paint , and great reputation from that cool sounding bike shop!

nauc · Mar 28, 2015

id get the Giant

J_Bone · Mar 28, 2015

Thanks for the info Jason.

oxoman1965 · Mar 28, 2015

Giant Stance is a good bike but the Anthem is better if you can stretch the budget. Either way the Stance is a nice ride.

unaware · Mar 28, 2015

Stance is good but lacks Maestro suspension. I'd probably still pick it over the Airborne though.

J_Bone · Mar 28, 2015

Yeah, I would get the Specialized Camber if I could afford the $2800 range.
I have to buy a car for my son first so the
$1800 range is where I'm at. And at that range, those two seemed to offer the most. But I do prefer the Giant since I can ride it and it felt a lot better than the hardtail I'm currently on.

sml-2727 · Mar 29, 2015

Ever think of a used Camber?

J_Bone · Mar 29, 2015

I did, but every used bike I've seen isn't worth it. Don't want to drop $1500 for a used one and put another $1000 into new wheels and drive train.

sml-2727 · Mar 29, 2015

I run the only thing I have switched up on mine is make it 1x10, cost very little to do that.
Not sure what size you need but this one on pinkbike looks solid. I was actually thinking of buying but now I own a TransAm.

2013 specialized camber evo For Sale

J_Bone · Mar 29, 2015

That one does look to be in good shape if it's truely been ridden 10 times. Plus it's a large, which is my size.

jasonmax · Mar 29, 2015

Spending 1500 on a used bike is the most ridiculous thing possible, used is good for "extra" bikes or a bike for secondary purposes but not your primary ride no way! Get the Stance, its a killer bike at a killer price!

Dirt n Dust · Mar 29, 2015

You should be able to find a Trance 3 with the Maestro suspension for about $2000. Its more of an AM bike and you can upgrade components over time. The Stance is similar but has a more basic suspension.

Unless you're looking for a more XC type bike, then the Anthem or HobGoblin are the way to go. Anthem is available in 650b or 29. Its light and very agile in the 650b option.

sml-2727 · Mar 29, 2015

jasonmax said:
Spending 1500 on a used bike is the most ridiculous thing possible,

I disagree, you can find some really nice bikes out there for over half off there asking price and most will have many upgrades. The camber evo is a great do it all bike.

tim_from_PA · Mar 30, 2015

jasonmax said:
Spending 1500 on a used bike is the most ridiculous thing possible, used is good for "extra" bikes or a bike for secondary purposes but not your primary ride no way! Get the Stance, its a killer bike at a killer price!

I also disagree. I bought my DH bike used ($1800). New would have been ~3X more expensive. Has been a great bike so far.

OP, if you can live without a warranty and are comfortable wrenching your own bike, then buying used should at least be considered.

Corm · Apr 1, 2015

My old LBS had closeout pricing on last years Trance 3 for $1700, so if you're able to find the same deal, I'd jump all over that.

As stated above, if warranty isn't an issue, you should be able to find a used Camber in your price range.

J_Bone · Apr 1, 2015

Well, I might be working a deal for a Specialized epic and a Specialized allez road bike for two quads and trailer. I never ride the quads, so my fingers are crossed.

Pros and Cons....Airbourne or Giant???

J_Bone

jasonmax

jasonmax

nauc

J_Bone

oxoman1965

unaware

J_Bone

sml-2727

J_Bone

sml-2727

J_Bone

jasonmax

Dirt n Dust

sml-2727

tim_from_PA

Corm

J_Bone

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