[BigVaz]

After lurking on here for months while gaining knowledge Im about to finally pull the trigger...

A little about me, im 6'3, 330lbs. This will be my first real mtb ever. I rode bmx in my youth (im 29), had a Diamond back response comp mtb last summer for a few months & sold it. I'll probably end up about 70% road & path, 20% off road, 10% harder downhill type riding.

These are the bikes im debating between... Most of the LBS's in the area are Trek dealers & im weary of purchasing a trek because i've heard I will be limited with the fork upgrades in the future because of the 51mm offset...

Anyway, in no particular order...

1) Giant XTC 29er 2 - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/xtc.29er.2/7366/44092/

2) Specialized Rockhopper Expert 29er - http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52811&scid=1000&scname=Mountain (I might spring for the "PRO" model...)

3) Trek GF Collection Cobia - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/gary_fisher_collection/29er_hardtails/cobia/

4) Scott Scale 29 Team - OFF THE TABLE

Now im still a noob, so Im asking for some experience here. Keep in mind my height & weight, & please give me reasons why I should choose one over the other. Hopefully this will make the decision process go a little quicker! lol:thumbsup:

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[TwoNin9r]

With trek you wont necessarily be "limited" to upgrading the fork. It's just that the G2 stuff isn't available aftermarket yet. You can still upgrade to s non G2 fork. Some people actually argue against the G2 stuff but personally I like it. By the time you need to upgrade the fork I'd imagine the G2 stuff will be available. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in on this fact. Whick fork comes on the cobia? If its that lower end suntour stay away, I've heard bad things. Otherwise don't completely count out the Fisher. I absolutely love mine (rumblefish 1, full sus but you get the idea)

 

[BigVaz]

Front shock on the Cobia = RockShox Recon 29 w/Solo Air, TurnKey lockout, custom G2 Geometry, 51mm offset crown, 100mm travel

 

[TwoNin9r]

the recon is a decent midlevel shock, that's actually what's most likely going on my access build. of course i'm going to be biased because i have a GF but i think the cobia is a gorgeous bike with good components for the price. plus they offer that red shield warranty thing.


EDIT:
now that i'm doing a but more research on these and following your links, i'm thinking this is actually quite a tough decision.

 

[max5480]

I purchased a Stumpjumper aluminum HT 29er last spring and rode it all summer, but never got into it mostly because of its rigidity. I just sold it and am now building up a steel Jabberwocky. I've made mistakes of buying aluminum or carbon fiber 3 times in the last 3 years and always end up going back to steel. IMO, the only reason corporate bike companies make aluminum bikes is the perceived "lighter, faster" perception of the general public.

 

[TwoNin9r]

I really think that has everything to do with the type of tiding one does

 

[boomn]

With trek you wont necessarily be "limited" to upgrading the fork. It's just that the G2 stuff isn't available aftermarket yet. You can still upgrade to s non G2 fork. Some people actually argue against the G2 stuff but personally I like it. By the time you need to upgrade the fork I'd imagine the G2 stuff will be available. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in on this fact. Whick fork comes on the cobia? If its that lower end suntour stay away, I've heard bad things. Otherwise don't completely count out the Fisher. I absolutely love mine (rumblefish 1, full sus but you get the idea)

Aftermarket G2 Rebas became available starting with this model year, plus there are usually a lot of G2 Foxes and Rebas on ebay

 

[DFYFZX]

I vote, again, Giant XTC2. Reasons: tapered steerer and 15mm thru axle fork. MUCH stiffer/stronger and since you're a big guy, you should definitely take strength into consideration.

Any off the shelf bike for you is going to need a rim upgrade after a while. You're simply above the weight threshold of cheaper, stock rims. When the time comes, upgrade to some Salsa Semis or Stans Flows and you should have a sturdy ride with the XTC2

 

[BigVaz]

I think I might just forget about the SCOTT, because I really don't have any close dealers. Although I really do like the look of the frame. I just picture replacement parts being a hassle...

 

[packfill]

I vote, again, Giant XTC2. Reasons: tapered steerer and 15mm thru axle fork. MUCH stiffer/stronger and since you're a big guy, you should definitely take strength into consideration.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

This is huge. Being a big dude, you'll definitely notice the difference. Everything's going tapered steerer and 15mm thru axle. I wouldn't buy a bike without them. If you did, it'll be obsolete in a year or two.

 

[BigVaz]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

This is huge. Being a big dude, you'll definitely notice the difference. Everything's going tapered steerer and 15mm thru axle. I wouldn't buy a bike without them. If you did, it'll be obsolete in a year or two.

Too be honest, I didn't want to say anything before I got some opinions... But i was leaning towards the GIANT, Im just not wild about the color... The Rockhopper seems like a pretty nice ride too though.

 

[Jbart52]

I bought the 2011 Rockhopper Pro 29 in the second half of last year. I am 6' 3" and weigh in around 330. The bike held up great, rode great. I found that my riding style is more of a sit and spin, so I will be buying a new FS 29er before spring. I would highty recommend the Rockhopper, and would say to get the Pro, as the upgrades are worth it as a big guy.

 

[DFYFZX]

A simple photographic illustration of straight head tube versus tapered. I think you can guess which is stronger?

This is why you should buy the Giant Besides the larger lower headset bearing and steerer diameter, there's more surface area to weld the top and bottom tubes too which makes the entire front end stronger and stiffer. Pretty much a no brainer. Who cares what components are bolted to your frame if the thing is two pieces, right?