[Mr_Melin]

Well, I bought a hardtail last summer, and really have enjoyed riding it very much, but now I have decided to sell it and buy a fully instead. There are a few reasons for this: I ride primarily to have fun (cardio training being a nice added benefit), I tend to get a little sore/achy in my lower back when riding (vibrations and small bumps in the rear probably has something to do with this), there are trails in my area where dual suspension would be an advantage, I want a bike that I can take to the Alps and the like.

BUT, I would also like to be able to enter a few races (xc) during the season, and also dont want a bike that doesn't climb well.

So I have narrowed it down to four bikes that are within my price range of max. ~1600 € (depending on what I can get for my hardtail). They all have ~120 mm of travel which I assume will be just enough and not too much for my needs. So, the main differences lie in the geometry, head tube angles of 69.5, 69, and 68.5 deg's, and the specs. The two german brands have better components as they are sold only online, but this eliminates the possibility of test riding them. They do seem to receive great reviews though.

Radon Skeen 6.0
http://www.radon-bikes.de/xist4c/web/Skeen-6-0-2010_id_9422_.htm#ausstattung

Canyon Nerve XC 5.0
http://www.canyon.com/_dk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2072

Specialized Camber Comp
http://www.specialized.com/dk/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52769&scid=1000&scname=Mountain

Trek Fuel Ex 5
http://www.trekbikes.com/dk/da/bikes/mountain_full_suspension/fuel_ex/fuelex5

Any constructive input is appreciated. I f you suggest other bikes, keep in mind that I live in scandinavia and prices for American brands are higher here than in the US (if they are even available).

 

[mtnbiker72]

I can only speak for the Specialized and Trek, which have two of the best suspension designs on the market (FSR and ABP). Both companies make a solid product and have a very good reputation. I am not familiar at all with the Radon or Canyon, looks like they both use a Horst Link pivot like the Specialized (their patent not applicable outside of the USA). That doesn't guarantee it will work well and without a test ride it would be a gamble. But the tests and reviews seem good so who knows...

 

[Mr_Melin]

Yeah, thats about what I've been thinking myself. I tried the Camber last week and really liked it, but at was a little sluggish in the front. This is probably because I am used to a 70 deg HTA. I will be able to try the Trek as soon as the snow melts (should be anytime now). The thing is, I can get much better components for less money with the germans, so it is tempting, but as you say a gamble. Maybe I should try asking around on some EU forums.

 

[jpeters]

The canyon is a great bike with much better parts and the radon is a good bike as well with much better parts. I would go with one of these two or spend more on the trek or specialized and get better parts

 

[jpeters]

The radon looks good I would go with that
PS. I live in Germany and these are great race bikes as is the canyon and so much more for the money

 

[mullen119]

I agree with jpeters, The canyon and radon are speced quite a bit better then the trek and specialized. If I had to choose between those bikes, I would go with the canyon first, then the radon, then the trek, specialized would be last. That being based on the parts list which IMO, matters more then the name on the frame.

 

[kwrides]

Isn't Canyon a mail order company?

I have no opinion on their bikes, but something to take into consideration if they are.

 

[Dr. Freeman]

Im trying to compare Trek and Specialized too.
Does anybody know how much it weights?
I think that Fuel EX5 11" weights about 14kg and it's very heavy
May be It will be better to spend more money for EX6 or Camber Elite?