Giant XTC 3 vs Niner EMD 9

[PMC]

I’m looking to step up from my Rockhopper into a 1×10 29ers and have a couple unique buying options. Which would you choose?

$1800 – brand new
’13 Giant XTC Composite 29er 3

-or-

$1400 – brand new
2013 Niner (incomplete, needs crankset and rear derallier)

-NEW ROCK SHOX REBA XX WITH REMOTE HYDRALIC LOCK OUT
-CUSTOM WHEELS BUILT WITH HOPE PRO 2 HUBS RED HUB REAR BLACK FRONT
-THE RIMS ARE SUN RINGLE INFERNO 23 WELDED WITH BLACK SPOKES AND RED NIPPLES
-SHIMANO DEORE XT HYDRALIC BRAKES
-THOMPSON ELITE SEAT POST AND WTBVIGO RACE SEAT
-AZONIC BARETTA STEM AND BLACK MARKET BARS
-RITCHEY TAPPERED HEADSET
-SHIMANO SAINT 10 SPEED SHIFTER AND 10 SPEED REAR SHIMANO CASSETTE
-MRP 1X10 CHAIN GUIDE NEW

[JT Orlando]

Looks like the Niner has a better component package than what comes on the Giant…and it’s cheaper. I vote Niner.

[PMC]

"jtorlando25" wrote

Looks like the Niner has a better component package than what comes on the Giant…and it’s cheaper. I vote Niner.

I’d still have to throw a crankset and derallier at the Niner so I’m sure they will be close in price, but still seems like a great buy.

I didn’t know if the composite frames really ride that much nicer than the aluminum frames

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

I didn’t know if the composite frames really ride that much nicer than the aluminum frames

Is the Niner an aluminum frame?

Personally, I REALLY the ride quality of a carbon frame over an aluminum, especially as a hardtail. You can check out a couple reviews I’ve done of carbon hardtails here:

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … tain-bike/
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … er-29er-2/
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … daxe-29er/

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

Isn’t the Niner EMD steel?

The carbon xTC is a super fun ride.

[PMC]

the Niner EMD is aluminum. It’s a great value considering the component package.

That Giant XTC seems like a great buy as well and the least expensive carbon frame I’ve seen.

I think both are good options – this is why I’m stuck!

Is all carbon created equal? I’m almost skeptical of the quality on the Giant frame considering the price point.

[PMC]

"mtbgreg1" wrote

I didn’t know if the composite frames really ride that much nicer than the aluminum frames

Is the Niner an aluminum frame?

Personally, I REALLY the ride quality of a carbon frame over an aluminum, especially as a hardtail. You can check out a couple reviews I’ve done of carbon hardtails here:

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … tain-bike/
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … er-29er-2/
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … daxe-29er/

That Ibex Maroc looks very appealing!

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

"PJM" wrote

Is all carbon created equal? I’m almost skeptical of the quality on the Giant frame considering the price point.

Guess who makes most of the carbon frames in the world …

[PMC]

"maddslacker" wrote

[quote="PJM":3jun059s]Is all carbon created equal? I’m almost skeptical of the quality on the Giant frame considering the price point.

Guess who makes most of the carbon frames in the world …[/quote:3jun059s]

Well I’m guessing you’re going to tell me Giant?
That doesn’t necessarily mean quality though. I know Giant makes some great stuff, but at $1800 for a complete carbon bike is unheard of (to me at least). It’s such an aggressive price point that I wonder if they cut corners or have a "budget" carbon frame. I’m hoping someone tells me otherwise and this bike is a no-brainer!

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

I’m friends with the (now former) owner of Giant Cycling World here in Denver and they haven’t seen any major issues. The shop by my house is a Niner dealer and they speak equally highly of that brand.

The geometry is pretty different between the Giant and the Niner, so it would be a good idea to grab a test ride on each.

[PMC]

"maddslacker" wrote

I’m friends with the (now former) owner of Giant Cycling World here in Denver and they haven’t seen any major issues. The shop by my house is a Niner dealer and they speak equally highly of that brand.

The geometry is pretty different between the Giant and the Niner, so it would be a good idea to grab a test ride on each.

Thanks maddslacker

I wish we had more dealers around. It would be virtually impossible to ride both from the same shop.

The Niner is aluminum, has better components and is a few hundred cheaper.
The Giant is Carbon with a pretty nice set of components for the $$

coming from a 26" Rockhopper – they all feel different to me!! This is a tough one.

[Author]

Posts