Time for me to get a bike I can pedal. I've narrowed it down to the Giant Reign 0 and the Specialized Enduro SL Expert (aluminum frame, not carbon), both with pretty much custom specs.
On the Reign, I'd be swapping the fork for a 36 Talas, which will give it about a 68 degree head angle (as opposed to 69 degrees with the stock fork).
I would buy the Specialized as a frame/fork and then build it up from there.
The Reign will initially cost me about $800 more than the Enduro SL out of pocket, but hopefully I'd be able to sell all of the parts that I swap out, which would then make it about $400 less than the Enduro SL.
The Enduro SL would be simpler because I wouldn't have to swap a ton of parts, but I'm still not 100% confident in the Specialized forks and shocks (although they come with a 5-year warranty now).
From what I've found online and in some magazines, the Reign has gotten some pretty stellar reviews, where the Enduro SL has not been as widely praised.
I have no clue which bike would be lighter, but I'm looking to get something around 30lbs.
Please share any thoughts, suggestions, and experiences with either bike. Thanks.
On the Reign, I'd be swapping the fork for a 36 Talas, which will give it about a 68 degree head angle (as opposed to 69 degrees with the stock fork).
I would buy the Specialized as a frame/fork and then build it up from there.
The Reign will initially cost me about $800 more than the Enduro SL out of pocket, but hopefully I'd be able to sell all of the parts that I swap out, which would then make it about $400 less than the Enduro SL.
The Enduro SL would be simpler because I wouldn't have to swap a ton of parts, but I'm still not 100% confident in the Specialized forks and shocks (although they come with a 5-year warranty now).
From what I've found online and in some magazines, the Reign has gotten some pretty stellar reviews, where the Enduro SL has not been as widely praised.
I have no clue which bike would be lighter, but I'm looking to get something around 30lbs.
Please share any thoughts, suggestions, and experiences with either bike. Thanks.