Help me decide. Giant, Scott or Cannondale 29er HT

[gks333]

I am currently in the market for a 29er HT. I currently ride, love and will keep in addition to the 29er a 2009 Pivot mach 4 XT/XO group. I have upgraded the seat to a bontrager inform RL, both tires to Panaracer fire XC pro 2.1 and upgraded the top water bottle cage to CF since the picture was taken. I will be going tubeless this week. I also have a 2004 Raliegh M60 (HT). After being exposed to higher quality (2008 XC specialized FSR expert and the Pivot mach 4) I just can not waste the time riding the M60 anymore.

3 bikes are in the running:
Giant XTC composite 29er1

Connondale F29 carbon 3

Scott scale 930 or and older Pro.

I would like some personal reviews or any experiences one has had with any of these bikes.
I know the best thing will be to ride these and I intend to at some local demo events this year. Still, looking for some personal comments on these or other comparable bikes.

I live in WA state (Pacific NW).

Most of the trails I ride have long climbs, lots of roots and rocks, muddy all but 5mos/year and are not really smooth or flowy at all..

Purpose of the 29er HT purchase is to ride the same trails but experience them in a different light than with the full sussy Mach 4.


I am an intermediate at best rider and will participate in my first race this year (may 2013) which is a 30mile endero. XC with a little bit of all mountain is my game.

So what say you?

[fahza29er]

I have the Ali Giant XTC 29er, although its not the carbon one I think the geo is the same and I love the bike, its nimble and steady, climbs very well and rolls over everything with ease.

[Canyon93108]

I would vote for the Giant, because overall, it is a great value. Especially if you can get one now, at closeout.

[Dirty $anchez]

Start with natural fit.

[ecoomer]

My short review of current Scott Scale:

Sex Machine! | Off the Couch Adventure

[gks333]

Thanks for the link and review. That bike of yours is out of my price range. You have one helleva component group on that bike. Looks like a $5K+ package.
ATT I am leaning towards the giant composite 29er 1 (2013) or 29er 0 (2012) which will still weigh 4lbs than your but I can pick up a 20er 0 for $2300 used.
I have had good lucj getting used bikes let alone one that is only a year old. I bought my Pivot mach 4 XT/XO group for only $1800 delivered w/carbon upgrades and cobalt wheels. Thats $5500 worth of bike and I LOVE it!!!
Thanks again for your reply.

[ecoomer]

If bought all brand new at retail, yeah, it's probably a 6K bike, but I reused parts, bought some new etc and had it built up.

The geometry is the same between the 900 and 930 frames- though the 900 uses the Scott HMX carbon lay-up where the 930 uses the HMF lay-up. HMX is stiffer- not sure on the compliance side of the house. But I wouldn't think the frames ride all *that* different except mainly for weight reduction, and some increased stiffness. It's a great hard-tail with nice geometry that fits me well. Ultimately, I still need a bigger engine for the bike...

[djk69]

Can't beat Giant for value!

[Anthem1]

Love the slack headtube and short chainstays on the Scale, been riding my RC for close to 2 years it's a keeper.