This was my first 29er but I've ridden a Scale 910 29er and a Spark full suspension 710 27.5 to compare against the 960. The components and the frame are the main reason I bought this bike. Sure there are slightly better bikes with XT hydraulic brakes VS Deore hydraulic brakes but are you really going to notice? The brakes are very good for XC and moderate downhill style riding. The RockShox XC 30 fork is a decent entry level air fork. It gives great feel and doesn't sag and bounce when climbing. You can lock it out when climbing if you remember but I don't think it's necessary. The only downside is the fork is heavy. The frame is the same on all Scales until you hit the carbon range, nice solid feel and no creaking. The Syncros wheelset is pretty good for stock. I've ridden them pretty hard and they are still as true as the day I bought the bike. Overall it's a fairly light bike given the fork is a little heavy under 28 pounds. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a 29er and doesn't want to spend over $1300.
Pros Affordable, good components, decent fork, semi-light weight
Cons Shimano brakes need to be bled after first few rides
This was my first 29er but I've ridden a Scale 910 29er and a Spark full suspension 710 27.5 to compare against the 960. The components and the frame are the main reason I bought this bike. Sure there are slightly better bikes with XT hydraulic brakes VS Deore hydraulic brakes but are you really going to notice? The brakes are very good for XC and moderate downhill style riding. The RockShox XC 30 fork is a decent entry level air fork. It gives great feel and doesn't sag and bounce when climbing. You can lock it out when climbing if you remember but I don't think it's necessary. The only downside is the fork is heavy. The frame is the same on all Scales until you hit the carbon range, nice solid feel and no creaking. The Syncros wheelset is pretty good for stock. I've ridden them pretty hard and they are still as true as the day I bought the bike. Overall it's a fairly light bike given the fork is a little heavy under 28 pounds. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a 29er and doesn't want to spend over $1300.
Pros
Affordable, good components, decent fork, semi-light weight
Cons
| ThankShimano brakes need to be bled after first few rides