My first Full Suspension Bike
 

I currently ride a HT Giant Revel 29er 0. I like the bike a lot, however I really want a full squish bike.

I enjoy riding trails, downhill, climbs, and technical stuff like small obstacles, jumps, and drops.

At my LBS they have a 2012 Camber for $1650 and a 2013 Camber for $1450. It looks like the 2012 has slightly better components, but I was interested in hearing an opinion from someone who is more knowledgeable with this. Thought it was weird that the newer version is cheaper.

Do either of these bikes sound like they are what I'm looking for? Are they priced affordably? Is there another bike they may suit me better. I'm looking to stay under $2000. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Below are the specs of each bike.
2012 Specialized Camber 29er $1650
2013 Specialized Camber 29er $1450
2013 Cannondale Scalpel 4 29er $1699

I'm not even going to consider the 2014, for it $1850 and a major downgrade in components from what I've read.

Yeah, the '12 model has significantly better parts pick; the '13 is set up just a step higher then the $500 bike I gave my 15-y-o daughter.

I'd spend the extra.

Thought so. I actually just called my LBS back this morning and they have a 2013 Scalpel 4 that he said he'd sell to me for $1699. How do these two bikes differ for what I'm looking for? The Cannondale seems like a better deal.

2013 Cannondale Scalpel 4 29er $1699

Are these bikes going to be okay over small jumps and drops?

The scalpel is a racing machine fast and unforgiving the lefty is awesome

I don't think this one is a lefty. However, I want to be sure that these would all be okay for taking on heavy rock gardens and landing hard on flats from small jumps.

A good front fork is fairly important. IMO, rear suspensions are less important as you come equipped from the factory with your own. They're called knees.

To be fair, we come with wrists, elbows, and shoulders too. But I do like suspension quite a bit, regardless.

Knees and hips are designed to suspend us and they do it fairly well, assuming they are in working order. Wrists, elbows and shoulders are not really made for the abuse of fast downhill rough surfaces with a rigid front end. Also is the fact that arms have to steer.

The 2012 Camber 29er is the only one of those I'd even consider. Everything else is too low end to bother with full suspension and even the 2012 had a lot of mid to low level parts.

http://www.airbornebicycles.com
Their hobgoblin for $1750 is a step above all those listed if you can live with mail order.

I didn't compare geometry but as mentioned, the C-dale might be twitchier with a steeper head angle--check it out for yourself. A buddy has a Scapel and finds it a bit twitchy/lively for him. Ride both bikes, take them off and up a curb in the shop's lot, they should allow that. Also, I saw that the C-dale is only an 80mm fork whereas the Specialized '12 has a 110mm--80mm seems pretty limited to me based on what you said above. How heavy are you? If you're a bigger guy and plan on launching, you might want more shock and fork travel--120mm or 130mm. I have bikes with 120mm and 100mm forks and they are fine for rock gardens, small drops, etc. I don't launch big on these bikes (mostly due to lack of skill and also fear, lol). So, between what you posted, I'm leaning towards the Spec '12 (the '13 is weak component-wise as mentioned by another).

Pretty good stuff on the Scalpel but it's the same level of fork as the 2012 Camber.

You need to ride both bikes and pick one. On paper, yes, the Scalpel is a great deal, but it's not a great deal if you don't like how the bike rides.

Stumpjumper FSR all the way :thumb: