another "only bike in VC" Question

Moving to VC in a couple of weeks and currently have a Scott Spark 29er for XC and had a Nukeproof AM for AM/DH. Sold the AM bike as moved to country that didnt have Am/DH and have just been rocking the XC.

Id like to sell the Spark (before I move) and then pick up a rig in VC. Im looking at the Canyon Strive vs the Spectral - am tending towards the strive as am a sucker for gimmicks (shapeshifter) but the spectral also reads really well. Budget is tight - $2k and these 2 seem to be the bets at that price point.

I have a beater for poping to the shop...

I want to be able to handle "most" trails  - not too keen to hug big drops  but want to be able to have a bike (rider ability aside, which is a big aside i know) what would you all suggest?

What is VC?

Those guys in black jammies?

I assume those are both 27.5,cant see where it specifies wheel size on the strive. In 27.5 I don't recommend going less than 150 rear travel. I think the spectral might be a little little.

As for the shock gimmick, meh. I have 150mm rear travel and prefer it left fully on when climbing. Good suspension is good up and down Imo. That being said there is a lot of spring on that bike and if the Geo will definitely ride like a big bike and it probably pedals uphill like poo. I wouldn't buy either. I prefer something I just sit on and pedal and don't have to worry what "mode" it is in. I think the Sc Bronson and the evil insurgent nail the Geo for a do everything VC (Vancouver?) bike. Perfect balance of pedaling and descending in a 27.5 imo. It figures that I have the insurgent and my wife has a Bronson - so I am biased. 

This all being said if they hit your price point and nothing else does, I'm sure both are decent.

Vancouver. But did hit an awesome trail in Cape Town called “Ho chi minh” once if that counts?

Posted by: craw

What is VC?

I was wondering too

Your DH rig will be fine for shuttles and Whistler bike park. Any modern slack geo AM bike with 140+mm of travel will be totally fine here.

Why buy a mail order bike 2wks before moving to Vancouver? You're moving to the Mecca, buy something from a local shop when you get there. 

Or used. There are a trillion good used mtb's available in the VC.

Posted by: craw

Any modern slack geo AM bike with 140+mm of travel will be totally fine here.

This. Both the Strive and the Spectral will be fine. The Strive is maybe a bit more stable, the Spectral a bit more nimble. I've only ridden last year's Spectral but that's a really really fun bike and surprisingly capable. Also see Uncle Dave's review.

However, I don't think Canyon ships to Canada? You may want to look at YT or Commencal with your budget, or the local used market as Hepcat already suggested.

Cheers. Definitely checking out what YT and com have and will also look at the used market.

so keen!