Giant XTC SLR 1 vs. Cube Reaction C:62 One — which one should I go for?
Sorry in advance for my poor English!
Riding style: Mixed (XC + trail), strictly for fun / no racing
Terrain: Hills of Valparaíso (Chile) — steep climbs and technical descents
Budget: $1,800 – $2,200 USD
Current setup: Oxford Pollux 7 (1x7, 34T / 11-44T) — looking for more gear range, better suspension, and stronger brakes
Rider level: Intermediate, no plans to race
Giant XTC SLR 1 — ~$1,800 USD
ALUXX SLR Alloy frame | Shimano SLX 1x12 | Giant Crest 34 RRL fork with remote lockout | MT500 brakes | Dropper post included | 10-51T cassette
Cube Reaction C:62 One — ~$2,100 USD
C:62 Carbon frame | Shimano XT 1x12 | RockShox Recon Silver fork | MT410 brakes | No dropper post | Deore 10-51T cassette | 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs)
The Cube costs about $300 more for the carbon frame and XT derailleur, but it downgrades the fork, brakes, and doesn't come with a dropper post. Is the extra cash worth it, or is the Giant a better all-around package for technical trails?
Side-by-side comparison on 99spokes: https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=giant-xtc-slr-29-1-2026,cube-reaction-c62-one-2026
"Open to other bike recommendations too if you think there's a better option out there!"