New xc dual

[HarrisEyre]

Hi guys/gals,
I was wanting some advice on a new dual suspension all-round xc bike.
I am looking at spending about $3 000 on like a dual suspension with xt type componentry, but I'm abit confused with all the brands out there, like felt, jamis, giant etc. I've looked at Felt Virtue, Giant Anthem, Jamis Dakar etc.

What are the best bikes to get for this type and price range?

Your help is appreciated,
Cheers

[Cruz]

Ride as many of them as you can in your size and setup for you and then buy the one that feels right to you and handles the way you want it too. For that kind of money you will have a choice of a lot of good bikes with slightly differing spec levels. You have to take into account what kind of races you want to do. the type of terrain you will ride on the most, servicing and spare parts back up and finally resale value.

You will get a lot of people recommending you the bike they own but that foesn't that it is best for you, or even that it is best for them.

I have probably confused you more with this rambling now anyway, so don't listen to this either.

ALSO

look at this thread as well.
http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=133771

[Allmountain]

Go the Giant because they seem to have the best specs and the best quality for there prices. Also have a look at a Giant trance/trance x, they look like a nice bike too.

[spiderdance]

Sound advice from Cruz and I have to agree with Allmountain. Before you make a decision I strongly recommend you give a Giant Trance X a go. For the extra travel and minimal weight (100-200gms) to the regular Trance and for the same price, you will find it will suit your style of riding for XC and all mountain. You will pick up a new Trance X1 for around $2500-2900 and the extra dollars you save can be spent on touching up to suit your personal preferences, such as saddle, tyres, pedals etc. It will already come with XT shadow rear mech and XT shifters. You will find it hard to beat the quality of the specs for the price.

As you probably guessed I'm guilty of owning a Trance X1 and as Cruz said above, my bike wont necessarily suit you. But I have riden it in 100 km marathons, 12 hr enduros and it is much better & faster than my XC hardtail It eats up rougher, more technical rides and doesn't pay the price on the climbs as you would a true all mountain bike such as a Reign.

Jump onto forums such as www.mtbr.com/reviews/ and grab some mags to read as much as you can on the rides that take your interest to help narrow the choice. Then try to get hold of some spec or demo bikes from local bike shops and take them for a ride.

Happy hunting. :D

[allkind]

Ive got a trance X1 aswell.
Only had it for 2 weeks but very happay with it so far.
Paid $2400 for it so well under your budget.

[tom_burford_orr]

Did you think of maybe searching? There is an almost identical thread already started and currently active.
SEARCH!