
Hello, I’m looking for a new bike and I don’t know which option to choose.
My first MTB was Scott Aspect 960. I was quite happy with this bike apart from the poor fork and 3x draivetrain (basically, I rode gravel, forest paths, singletracks, sometimes participated in gravel races and definitely used it for commuting). So I gave the bike to a friend.
So I’m looking for a bike for the same purposes as before plus bikepacking and trails. My knowledge is minimal, but I have decided that I want an aluminum frame, 29″ wheels, thru axle, 100-120 mm air fork, 1x draivetrain and dropper post (or at least the ability to install later). Budget up to 1600 euros. Since I can’t find what I want on the used bike market, I choose to buy a brand new one. I know I’m looking for a very versatile bike and that they don’t exist, but I like to dream and sometimes dreams do come true.
I currently have left with 4 options:
Canyon Grand Canyon 7 [https://www.canyon.com/en-lt/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/grand-canyon/grand-canyon/grand-canyon-7/3271.html?dwvar\_3271\_pv\_rahmenfarbe=RD](https://www.canyon.com/en-lt/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/grand-canyon/grand-canyon/grand-canyon-7/3271.html?dwvar_3271_pv_rahmenfarbe=RD)
Specialized Chisel [https://www.specialized.com/us/en/chisel/p/199640?color=319921-199640](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/chisel/p/199640?color=319921-199640)
Cannondale Trail SE 2 [https://www.cannondale.com/en-eu/bikes/mountain/trail-bikes/trail/trail-se-2](https://www.cannondale.com/en-eu/bikes/mountain/trail-bikes/trail/trail-se-2)
Cannondale Trail SL 2 [https://www.cannondale.com/en-eu/bikes/mountain/trail-bikes/trail/trail-sl-2](https://www.cannondale.com/en-eu/bikes/mountain/trail-bikes/trail/trail-sl-2)
I would probably buy the Canyon, but the lower weight limit worries me. I weigh 95-100 kg, the bike limit (including the weight of the bike?) is 120 kg. I also found some reviews about the not so nice welding seams.
Chisle looks very good, but its price is the highest (1600 eur) and it does not have a dropper post (if I choose this option, I would buy a dropper post next year). Also, the fork travel is only 100mm, which is fine, but I’d rather try 120mm.
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Both Cannondales are like the equivalent of the first two bikes. Everything is fine with them, but the “StraightShot” internal cable routing looks strange, and again it’s a question of quality and reliability.
So what to choose? Are there other, better options? I live in north-eastern Europe, so the choice is not the biggest (for example, there are no bikes from Vitus, Voodoo, Marin, Nukeproof and similar manufacturers).
by saule_77
2 Comments
Look at Ghost bikes. Sometimes they have really good deals on XC ones.
While I don’t have a suggestion regarding the bike to choose I would say that a 2x drivetrain might be better suited to your intended riding. When on gravel, or road you will find a 32 or 34 front ring will max out top speed easily.