monsterman said:
I posted a little while ago about buying my first MTB. I've narrowed it down to a choice between an Avanti Hammer and a Giant XTC2 LE. Both are '05 models. They seem to be broadly similar in terms of spec and there are no noticeable differences in test rides. Here are some links to the specs of each bike:
http://www.avantibikes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=54 (specs are right at bottom of page)
http://bikeshed.com.au/pages/products/bikes/giant/giant_2005/05_xtc_2_le.html
Can I get some educated views from the experienced MTBers in a.b land as to which one is better and why? Essentially, I'm lost when it comes to comparing different wheels, bars, gruppo elements, shifting systems (although I liked the one on the Giant better) - I'm a little overwhelmed actually - road bikes are much more my thing !!
Oh - price is identical, so that is not an issue in the equation.
Thanks heaps,
MM
To give you an idea, this is coming from a MTBer who has raced an 05 XTC 2 for about 6 months. Similar bike to the LE, but with a SRAM drivetrain and Hayes brakes. A few of my friends race XTC2s too, and they've needed to upgrade the same things I have =P.
First let's go through the components:
Frame: I've no idea about the Hammer frame, but the XTC2 gets the very nice (and reasonably light) XTC frame.
Fork: The skareb is a well built reasonably lightweight XC fork that performs well. The Splice is heavier and aimed at a more aggresive crowd. Unfortunatly it's much heavier than the Skareb and unreliable. XTC 2 is the definate winner here.
Drivetrain: Nearly identical. I prefer SRAM, but there is nothing wrong with the LX/XT combo. The XTC2 gains a couple of points for it's 11-34 cassette, which can make getting up those really steep hills that little bit easier.
Brakes: Both use LX, the Hammer cable pull and the XTC2 hydros. Hydro brakes are more powerful and give more control. The downside is that if they start leaking fluid getting them fixed is expensive. I'd still go for hyrdos over cable.
Wheels: I'm not sure what rims the Avanti uses, I'm guessing they are similar to the (reasonable quality) X221s on the Giant. The Hammer's LX hubs beat the Alivo hubs on the XTC hands down though. Simply put the M495 hubs are ****. I got them rebuilt twice before I gave up and upgraded the wheelset. The hammer definatly wins this one.
Crankset & BB: The Hammer uses low end Shimano stuff of questionable durability. The Race Face kit on the XTC2 isn't hugely better (the SRX BB needed replacing after 6 months), but it is a bit of a step up.
Finishing kit (stem, seatpost, bars). The XTC has better quality EA50 all over. The Hammer has EA50, EA30, and generic (post).
Saddle: Both saddles are good quality (although the XTC's is less than durable). It's personal preference really.
Tires: The XTC's Pythons are better.
OK so I could have just said the XTC2 LE was better, but meh. Now you know why
. The only real problem with it is the wheels, and they should last you a while if you don't treat them as harshly as I treat mine (lots of dirt mud and water). The final caveat would be that I don't know what you plan on using the bike for. I wouldn't recommend either bike if you intend on doing a lot of agressive MTBing.