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stinkyrider

I'm in the market for a new All-mountain bike. My Gary Fisher Fat Possum has treated me well but I am ready to move on to something lighter that ISN'T a single pivot. The Possum was a the first real bike I have ever bought and now that I'm a little wiser to what I actually want/like in a bike, I've decided I want to upgrade.

I'm in the market for a bike with a similar niche as the Fat Possum. Something that can climb like a mountain goat without sacrificing DH capabilities.

My budget is around $3,000 to $3,500.
Two bike have caught my eye. The 2008 Giant Reign 0 and the 2008 Specialized Pitch pro. I'm completely torn between the two and need some help deciding.

First, the Reign 0.
6" travel and 28 lbs. (claimed)
Head angle = 69 degrees
MSRP = $3,100
I don't really have any complaints about the stock components other than the QR fork. This bike definitely needs 20 mm thru-axle. It would be a MUST to upgrade to a Rock Shox Pike. Another downside is that The Path doesn't carry Giant.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...in/1285/29376/


Secondly
2008 Specialized Pitch Pro
MSRP = $2,700
6" travel. 30+/- lbs.
Head angle = 67 degrees

I really like the slack geometry of this bike but I fear that I could be sacrificing climbing prowess for descending capability. The frame appears a bit more sturdy than the Reign, like the pitch has more huck/bomb ability. The downside I see is that I would have to upgrade quite a few components like: Shifters, Crank set, brakes and I'm not quite sure about the wheel set. I would probably also want to swap out the coil Pike for an Air to cut a little weight and be able to dial in the front suspension without having to mess with swapping out springs.





http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...sp?sid=08Pitch

If anyone out there owns or has ridden either of these two bikes, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Weaknesses?
Strengths?
Recommended component upgrades?

Also, how does the 2008 Reign compare with previous years? It looks like they have really lightened up the frame.

Acadian

I've owned an Enduro SL and currently have a Stumpjumper FSR. From my experience with FSR's, unless you plan on using the lockout on the shock it won't climb like a mountain goat. All the Specialized bike I've ridden (even more apparent on the longer travel Enduro) tend to squat quite a bit when climbing. not really the most efficient climbing bikes I've ever owned. Specialized geo is spot on tho - the bikes work super well when pointing downhill.

I haven't tried the Maestro suspension YET (I'm in the process of acquiring a Trance X to try) but I'm fairly convinced that the Giant will out climb the Specialized.

Both are great bikes but you should try to find a shop that carries them and pedal each bike around to judge for yourself. make sure the rear shock is set properly for your weight so you can get a real good feel for the suspension.

mtnbikerfred

I just happen to know of one such shop. They are hosting a Specialized Demo this next Thursday at the Fullerton loop where you can ride the pitch on the dirt.

Acadian made a good point about the Pitch. It will bob a little (like any good active 4 bar design) unless you use a platform valved shock or a lockout. The Maestro is Giants version of the variable wheel path where the suspension is isolated from the drive train at normal sag a la "VPP", "ICT","I-drive", etc. Both will climb fine when set up properly.

katonk

Those are both great bikes Stinky. You can't go wrong with either one. I would learn towards the Giant, but I drank the Maestro kool-aid a long time ago.

Have considered the Reign X0 or X1? The extra travel may be useful at say, Snow Summit.

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SheDevil

Pitch....but I'm biased.

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stinkyrider

A good suggestion but the Reign X has more travel and more weight than I am looking for.
Besides, I already have the Stinky as my gravity sled.

I'm looking for a more all-around, "Do Everything" bike. Basically, the lightest, best climbing, all-mountain bike within my budget range.

Hanzo

PM ODB. He has a pitch and loves it.

I think Das Brink has the new Reign that you are thinking about, so you may want to PM him as well.

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stinkyrider

Thanks for the reminder.

I was hoping to ride the medium but it looks like that will be a no-show.
At least the Large will give me enough of an idea of how the bike rides. I probably won't be able to get out there until about 6:00, so hopefully there will be a Pitch left for me to ride.

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't this shop also a Giant dealer as well?

sdyeti

What about the Yeti 575? Why not a single pivot bike?

I was totally against single pivot until I rode a Yeti and have never looked back. It climbs really well (proof? I just did VQ on mine) and descends like a dream (Porcupine Rim anyone?).

On the other hand, if you're totally set on choosing between the Giant or the Speshy, I say go with the Giant. I think Specialized FSR bikes climb poorly (I've test ridden a Stumpy Carbon and a women's specific Stumpy...didn't like them).

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SnookDawg

I was going to mention Yeti as well. Also, Commencal Meta 5.5, I hear they are just becoming available in the states and the Meta 5.5 is available with a Shimano build (edit, I think this may be single-pivot but reviews I have read in UK mags say it climbs very well). My final thought is Rocky Mtn is having their demo tour around SoCal the next couple weekends so you could try some of their bikes on the trail.

If you are dead-set on the Reign or Pitch, my vote would be for the Reign, I think it'll be more of the all-rounder you are looking for.

Dino Brown

I would go with the REIGN! Too many reason to post.

I also "know" of a local shop that sells BOTH!!!
PM me when it's time to go shopping!

P.S.- Long story short.... Helped DASBRINK purchase a Reign. FIRST EVER ride on his new bike, we took him to STRAWBERRY PEAK. Correction- Strawberry Peak to JPL!!!! Lots of climbing.... Lotta' descending..... Lotta' places to get tired... Lotta' exposure.... Lotta' places to learn about the bike! What (I) learned is he knew right then and there he made the PERFECT choice! Climbs like a goat!

P.S.- MSRP??? What's that?

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stinkyrider

The 575 is a baddass bike but I feel it might be a bit out of my budget range.

Pugz

I know that I've seen builds in your price range on the 575 at Adrenaline.

b5driver

You might be surprised. I would talk to the guys at Adrenaline to see what they can work up for you. Granted, mine was the stock enduro kit with a Fox Float fork (and an '07), but it was cheaper than either of the two bikes you're looking at there, by far.

sdyeti

Here are the build kit options from the Yeti website.

If you are in the $3k range, I'm sure you can get what you're looking for. As mentioned, go to Adrenaline!

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speckledtrout

I gotta second Stephanie and the others on the Yeti. I just sold my 2007 Stumpjumper Expert frame last month to get a 575. I had the Stumpy less than a year and it never inspired me. Luckily it came with great components with a lot of wear left so I just had Adrenaline switch them over to the Yeti frame. With a few upgrades along the way, of course .

But I luuuuuuv the 575. No, seriously. I am gonna marry it. And I don't care what society says.

sdyeti

Heyyyyyyyy...I thought you were going to marry the SIR9?

Seriously, though, if speckledtrout and I can handle the Yeti (we're both somewhat height challenged) then anyone can.

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DownHillPhil

Looking for a bike that can do it all, you say?






(PS I'm not seriously an Iron Horse fanboi )

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speckledtrout

I never said I was a one bike woman

What I should have said is I'm gonna move to Utah and marry both the Sir9 and the Yeti. And when they don't make me feel as good about myself anymore, I might add yet another bike to the fold and marry a younger, prettier bike with shinier components because I have enough love to go around. ...Hey, this polygamy thing doesn't seem so creepy after all! Ewwww.

sdyeti

That is seriously one of the funniest things I've read in a long time...you rule Quinn!

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