[CRUTCH]

whats a better bike for the buck?

 

[darkest_fugue]

SJ no contest, more comfortable more versatile and the talas on the 09 is the icing on the cake, and its 200 dollars cheaper if the website is anything to go by

 

[CRUTCH]

right on. you sealed the deal im gonna go pick up the elite this morning. i will post pics soon.

 

[Azndude51]

I think instead of trying to decide based on "bike for the buck" you should've ridden both before deciding since they both ride very differently. The Epic is more of a XC race bike where the SJ has more travel and can take bigger hits.

Components wise, the SJ Elite is a better deal but the Epic has a brand new frame design which is probably lighter. It also has a rear shock with Brain which some people would think makes the Epic Comp a better choice.

 

[CRUTCH]

i fully agree Azndude. i did ride both bikes before purchasing the SJ elite today. although i could of got the epic comp cheaper than the sj elite, both 09s? i dont plan on racing xc anytime soon and instead look for fun hits and more techy lines. so it is what it is.