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Anthem X1 or X2

1236 Views 14 Replies 10 Participants Last post by 743power, Jan 12, 2009

jasond2

Discussion Starter · Dec 17, 2008

I'm all set to get an anthem X, but not sure on which model. I'm trying to decide between the X1 or X2. The biggest differences being the fork and the brakes. Any thoughts on whAt is a better value and experiences with the brakes and fork? Thanks

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JTeezy

· #2 · Dec 17, 2008

I bought the X2...seriously considered the X1...

1. At 200 lbs, I felt the SID would NOT be a good match for me...

2. I had a carbon bar, Thomson stem/post, better wheelset that I already had and swapped...

3. I love Shimano XT brakes.

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rasmusj

· #3 · Dec 17, 2008

The new SID is not a noodle by any account, I doubt you could tell a difference in stiffness between a Fox F100 and the SID. I haven't ridden the Fox F100RL, so I can't really help you much, except saying that the SID Team is very, very awesome. Whether it's worth the money, I'm not sure, that would depend. No matter what, it is an extremely good bike and no matter what I would plan on upgrading the wheelset.

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DanielM3

· #4 · Dec 18, 2008

I went through the same decision and went with the X1. I rode both and loved the SID. I am 155lbs, but I would imagine that you would also find it great. The brakes were a concern for me at first, but after the pads worn in a bit I love them and find them to be extremely strong and adjustable. The rear XTR derailer of the X1 felt nicer as well. While I will probably build a race only wheelset next season, the stock wheels on the X1 feel nice.

Overall I am happy with the X1 and the upgrades and lighter weight than the X2. Like always I suppose it is just best to ride both and see what feels good to you (if possible!)

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jasond2

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 18, 2008

I demoed the X2, and it was great, won't be able to try the sid. I think I am starting to lean towards the X1. Will the sid be easier to service than the fox?

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formulaone33

· #6 · Dec 18, 2008

The X2 wheels are great. The WTB hubs are AM Classic clones and the Mavic 317 are the same as the latest 717 disc rims. It would be tough to build a significantly lighter wheelset.

I dont know about the latest SID since I have refused to buy any R.Shox since my last Judy SL piece of crap. I am Fox a guy all the way.

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JTeezy

· #7 · Dec 18, 2008

i don't do service, but the owner of the shop said that his mechanics have to put a lot of maintenance into the SID to keep it going and his shop has a pretty good size racing team...

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Anthem1

· #8 · Dec 19, 2008

I only have one ride on my spec build X which includes a Sid World Cup. This is a completely redesigned fork, think Reba only stiffer and lighter. I just came off a 1st gen Anthem with the Fox and I can tell you thisd SID is something special! Oh if it helps I go about 180 and ride it like I stole it.

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TomBouch

· #9 · Jan 10, 2009

I am going through the same agonizing dilema. I envy you guys who are not so anal about your bike and just go out and ride. I am sure that I would be faster if I spent as much time riding as I do deciding which bike to buy. Any more opinions on Fox vs. SID and XT brakes vs. Elixir's?

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formulaone33

· #10 · Jan 10, 2009

I was a bike mech in college and a shop manager for years afterwards. I ran Rock Shox then because they were the best but I hated all the mantenance and failures. The Marzocchi released the Bombers and it was game over. The inside of a Bomber looked like the inside of a motorcross fork. Rock Shox looked like a plastic toy. Fox came on a little later and took the mechanical quailty of Marzocchi and added great marketing and better distribution. Fox is the king of the hill as far as MTB forks go now-a-days.

Rock Shox has caught up a lot but ask yourself this. Have you ever seen a Rock Shox damper on a SCORE race truck, Moto GP bike or a Motorcross bike? You will certainly see Fox and Marzocchi products on those vehicles...right there with Koni, Bilstein and Ohlins. What would you rather run?

As far as the other parts the X1 gives you a lighter handle bar, Avid brakes (which are maybe a little lighter but not quite as good feeling as XT discs}, An XTR rear der (its lighter by a few grams than an XT but they both shift the same), Nicer rims (in reality 717 and 317 rims are identical) . Other than the forks everything else is identical.

I say get the X2 and save $600. Take the money get a Thompson Stem and Seat Post (you can even afford a Masterpiece) an Easton Carbon bar and if you really want to an XTR rear der and you will end up with a lighter better bike than an X1.

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Haggis

· #11 · Jan 10, 2009

formulaone33 said:
Fox is the king of the hill as far as MTB forks go now-a-days.

Rock Shox has caught up a lot but ask yourself this. Have you ever seen a Rock Shox damper on a SCORE race truck, Moto GP bike or a Motorcross bike? You will certainly see Fox and Marzocchi products on those vehicles...right there with Koni, Bilstein and Ohlins. What would you rather run?

317 used to be the 717, but not anymore. (317 is 25g heavier, cheaper non-Maxtel material and has a pinned rather than welded join).

Rockshox seals are way better than Fox, they are stoopid-easy to service and their reliability is very good.

Can't go wrong with either....

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TomBouch

· #12 · Jan 10, 2009

I am leaning toward the X2. I already have an FSA carbon handlebar, thomson stem, thomson seatpost, phenom saddle, and Crossmax SLR wheels that I will use with either bike I get. So the only difference will be the fork and brakes. The bike shop I am dealing with wants $450 more for the X1. I personally think the X2 looks better, especially with those black SLR's I will be putting on them.

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erol/frost

· #13 · Jan 10, 2009

I will be going for the X2. The money saved with this decision is to great to be neglected.

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Anthem1

· #14 · Jan 12, 2009

The new SID is incredible, but don't care for that orange on the X1. I like the X2 spec except for the fact they did'nt upgrade the fork to a RLC versus the same RL fork avaiable on the X3. In the end I had a lot of goodies from a 1st gen Anthem and went with a frame build using the SID and the new Hayes Gram brakes. I had a great ride this weekend at the 50 mile tour De Felasco, the X climbs like a goat, decends brilliantly and with the SL wheelset accelerates like a jack rabbit.

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743power

· #15 · Jan 12, 2009

a lot comes down to preference. I much prefer the sid team to the f100 rl. Both brakes are incredible. Supple modulation and powerful, but the elixir has a firmer lever feel. The xtr rd makes a marked difference in shifting, as crazy as it sounds. We have both at the shop and I rode them back to back extensively to decide. Everything else is similar or identical.

I ended up going with the x1, although it only uses the original headset, crank, and fork. Couldn't resist that amazing orange .

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