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2012 Scott Aspect 40 Contessa vs 2012 Transition Bandit 2

The Scott Aspect 40 Contessa is a Cross Country bike, while the Transition Bandit 2 is a Trail bike. Both bikes have Aluminium / Alloy frames. The Scott Aspect 40 Contessa has 26" wheels, while the Transition Bandit 2 has wheels. The forks on the Scott Aspect 40 Contessa are SR Suntour, while the Transition Bandit 2 has Fox forks. The Transition Bandit 2 retails for $3,149 USD. The Scott Aspect 40 Contessa comes in XS, S, M, L.

  • Frameset
  • Frame Material
  • Frame
  • Fork
  • Shock
  • Motor
  • Battery
  • Wheels
  • Hubs
  • Wheels
  • Wheel Size
  • Spokes
  • Tires
  • Drivetrain
  • Chain
  • Crank
  • Bottom Bracket
  • Front Derailleur
  • Rear Derailleur
  • Shifters
  • Cassette
  • Pedals
  • Components
  • Brakeset
  • Brakeset Brand
  • Handlebar
  • Saddle
  • Seatpost
  • Stem
  • Grips
  • Headset
  • Contessa Sport, 6061 Alloy, Solution geometry,
  • Suntour XCM-H, with Lockout , 100mm travel,,
  • Scott FM-21-FQR , Shimano FH-RM30-8
  • Araya TX-633, D-Wall, black
  • 26"
  • 14 G, stainless, black
  • Schwalbe Black Jack, 26 x 2.1, 50TPI
  • 16.9, , 42x34x24 T, KMC Z-72
  • Shimano FC-M171, black, w/CG
  • , Shimano BB-UN 26, Cartridge Type
  • Shimano FD-M190, 31.8mm
  • Shimano Acera, RD-M390, 24 Speed
  • Shimano ST-EF 51 L, 8R, EZ-fire plus
  • Scott Comp, V-Brake, Scott Comp
  • Scott Contessa OS, 620mm, black, 31,8mm,
  • Contessa SCT-2012-1
  • Scott, 31.6mm, , ,
  • Scott TDS-D345A-8, OS 31.8mm
  • Ritchey Logic OE integrated
  • 6061 Custom Hydroformed Heat Treated Aluminum
  • Fox 32 Float 140 RLC Tapered w/Kashima QR15,
  • Fox RP23 BV Kashima
  • TBC Revolution 25
  • TBC Revolution 25
  • Kenda Small Block Eight 2.1 Folding
  • , 38/24, KMC X10.93
  • SRAM S1400 GXP 10S 175
  • , 73mm shell x 51mm chainline
  • SRAM X7
  • SRAM X7
  • SRAM X7
  • Avid Elixr 5, Avid Elixr 5
  • Kore Torsion Trail 740x35mm
  • TBC Park N Ride Diamond Stitch
  • Truvativ Stylo, 31.6mm, 34.9mm Clamp, 31.6mm, 34.9mm Clamp
  • Truvativ AKA 60mm
  • ODI Cross Trainer X Lock-on
  • FSA Gravity 1/DX Pro

Why it pays to compare

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines.

They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in all shapes and sizes (and colours) and are all suited for different purposes. Choosing the right new (or used) Mountain Bike is a complicated, confusing and highly emotional (think buying a new car- the shiny red one is the best choice right?).

Comparing mountain bikes helps bring a bit of logic and reason into the decision process. Not only will comparing mountain bikes save you money, but you'll also find the bike most suitable to you, your riding style and your budget. Plus, when you do hit the Buy Now button, you'll have the confidence you're choosing the perfect bike for you.

It's easy to get carried away by the most rad looking frame, with the coolest paint job and the most aggressive new geometry, but the components are one of the most important things to consider.

A wise Mountain biker

What to compare

Components

It's essential to know which components make up a bike. From there you can compare the differences, such as build quality, performance, features, weight and price. This takes some of the guesswork out of buying a mountain bike.

Here are the components that have the biggest impact on your ride. You should be paying particular attention to these:

  • Fork
  • Shock
  • Drivetrain (Derailleur, shifter, cranks, chain etc.)
  • Brakeset
  • Wheels
Price

Ultimately, for most of us, price is the deciding factor and you want to get the most bang for your buck. Comparing the price of mountain bikes, along with which components you're getting, helps you determine what you're actually paying for. Are you spending your hard-earned dollars on a quality bike frame, with quality components and a solid warranty? Or are you simply paying for a brand name?

Reviews

Nothing is more helpful than what real people think about a bike. It's the next best thing to riding one yourself. Reviews give you a real insight into how a bike actually rides, instead of just what the numbers seem to say about it.

Warranties

Different bike companies have different warranties. It's important to compare the length of these warranties, what they'll cover and who's covered.

How to compare

  1. Search for mountain bikes that you'd like to compare.
  2. Tap Compare. You're done. No really, you are.
  3. A huge comparison table comes up, allowing you to compare components and specs for each bike.
  4. Want to delve into a bike a bit more? Click on the bike's name to view in-depth info, reviews, prices, specifications, images and more.