Newbie - Which Bike??

[PJ27]

Hi Everyone, I am a newbie from Central Coast, NSW, Australia currently looking to purchase my first EMTB. I am a tall rider at 6'4 (193cm). As a newbie looking for a bike that I can have fun on now and also will still use as my skills get better. Mostly be riding a mix of downhill single track, fire trails, riding tracks, state forest. Welcome feedback and thoughts on the bikes I have shortlisted (or add any I should consider further) another key aspect is value for money, but if it means spending a little more to get a bike that I will enjoy more and last longer then open to it. Shortlist;
2020 Focus Jam2 6.7 Nine - $6,499 (Dealer close to me)
2020 Trek Rail 7 $7,999 (availability in XL is an issue from Trek - might not be able to get one until later in year)
2020 Specialized Turbo Levo $7,400 (Dealer Close to me)
2019 Specialized Turbo Levo Carbon $8,200 (Dealer bought up last stock & close to me)

Cheers

 

[MinusPrevious]

Hello & Welcome

Only because i ride Giant, i suggest you look at the Giant Reign / Trance line

Keep us posted on what ya get

Joe

 

[PJ27]

Hello & Welcome

Only because i ride Giant, i suggest you look at the Giant Reign / Trance line

Keep us posted on what ya get

Joe

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the reply. I looked at the Giant Trance E+ Pro - good running gear, integrated battery & suspension (would prefer 150mm+ in rear) a few concerns for me were battery in 2020 only 500WH, the weight, length of chainstay, and my preference would be 29" wheels. Also the reach and stack being 6'4.

Is there anything in the works for Giant to bring out a bigger battery that could be sloted into the Trance?

 

[MinusPrevious]

Theres some word that a 625wh battery is on the way. I would probably upgrade mine to the 625wh if it was retrofitable

For me, the 470mm chainstay & the 55lb bike all work well together on the trail. Its a downhill beast (super stable). The Yamaha motor is built well & robust

The LEVO motor would make me think twice before buying into that

 

[PJ27]

Theres some word that a 625wh battery is on the way. I would probably upgrade mine to the 625wh if it was retrofitable

For me, the 470mm chainstay & the 55lb bike all work well together on the trail. Its a downhill beast (super stable). The Yamaha motor is built well & robust

The LEVO motor would make me think twice before buying into that

Thank you and definitely food for thought