What bike would you get/reccommend?

[joelyon]

If you had £1000 to spend on a bike for the trails and XC, what bike would you get and why?

[martinw]

full sus or HT?

[Doug]

Probably an 06 Trance 2 from Paul's then start saving for some Pike's.

[joelyon]

Jul 19, 2008 20:49:50 GMT @martinw said:

full sus or HT?

Either, whichever you would choose.

[sikora]

Personally your looking at a Hardtail for that money, unless you can find a heavily discounted 07 model, as 08 aren't really going to be discounted due to price increases in 09 models.

I'd recommend my Rockhopper Pro, but then Specialized dont have any 08 models left.

How about a GT Zaskar? I nearly bought one of them instead of my Rockhopper.

You could also get a Boardman Pro for that money, but again, its waiting for the 09 model as Halfords dont have any 08 models left.

[joelyon]

Jul 19, 2008 20:50:47 GMT Doug said:

Probably an 06 Trance 2 from Paul's then start saving for some Pike's.

Nice choice, what was your reasoning behind this choice?



www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p500&z=591

[gw8izr]

Jul 19, 2008 21:05:56 GMT sikora said:

You could also get a Boardman Pro for that money, but again, its waiting for the 09 model as Halfords dont have any 08 models left.

A friend of mine picked up a pro on Friday at Halfords in Chorley, store manager went to Coventry to pick it up for him. Today I just bought one of the Hybrids for a road hack, according to Halfords - none available anywhere in the UK, I found two in stock in Bangor.. you just have to be happy to ring round the stores till you find one rather than believe the "helpless line"

[Doug]

It's a really versatile frame. Can be run with 100mm Reba's and lightweight wheels as a enduro race bike but with Pikes, wheels with dt5.1/EN321 strength rims and a shorter 25deg stem it slackens off nicely for proper mountain riding. You do need to keep on top of the rear suspension pivots but you can't really complain when some companies charge this for just a frame.

[joelyon]

Makes sense to me Doug.



One's i've been looking at are these...

www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1260

Nice light carbon hardtail, pretty decent forks (not much travel granted) and decent brakes. Damn good for the money. (would have to get rid of the SPD's though.)



www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p1108

Main reason for this one is I love the look of this bike, I'm a stickler for that. Other than that it's apparantly a damn decent frame (not tried it personally), decent forks and brakes. Again would have to get rid of the SPD's



www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p553

Iv'e had a go of the Kikapu and I loved it. For a full susser it wasn't too bad uphills when you locked out the rear, but it was the rest of the time where it stood out. I found you could throw it around and it just went where you wanted it to go. Fun bike = happy Joe. Plus I would have near £200 spare to spend on tarting it up.

[ben]

Jul 19, 2008 20:50:47 GMT Doug said:

Probably an 06 Trance 2 from Paul's then start saving for some Pike's.

I've just got the trance 3 from paulscycles and am very happy with it (was a bit limited by needing a large frame size).
That Marin looks nice though.

[Oggy]

I agree with Sikora hardtails are the way to go at that price range as you are getting a top quality hardtail with top quality kit

The Rockhopper A1 Pro is a top bike, specialized have been making it for years and know what they are doing, you wont go wrong with one of them

[xybadog]

After doing the MBR at CYB today, my arse is telling me I need a full susser

[martinw]

If I was spending Grand I would go down the HT path I think, and possibly to get more for my money go for one of last years models.

Its a tough choice this one, I will have to have a look around and come up with my answer!

I will be back.

[kay2]

marin rocky ridge, so far its been indestructable and im 16stone so if your a heavier rider it a good piece of kit, comes in at under 30lbs too

[tc]

id go for the giant hardtail m8 you can easy upgrade the parts nice looking frame!!looks a proper speed machine.i ride full suss and hardtail and prefer my ht any day!!!might sell my full suss ta build a nice new racing hardtail.depends on you riding style i suppose if ya an all rounder type rider gor for full suss.slam some easton ec70 bars and seat post youll have a top looking hardtail m8!! ;D
ive got a mount vision marin simular frame and have nothing but trouble with the linkage e.t.c creaking and 3 stick downs on the rear shock ..!!!!no rear suss no hassle...no rear suss more skill required!!! if your good on a hardtail youll fly!!!