Hi

[davewillacy]

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I've been on a bike (just hope I remember how).
I've been thinking about getting a bike for a while now and I just found out last week that my employer will be doing the cycle to work scheme for a short period starting next week so I'm going to make the most of it.

As I said it's been a while and to be honest I don't really know really know what I'm looking for now. Can anyone recommened any bikes for me upto £1000. I'm looking for a hardtail as I've read you get more for your money in the price bracket I'm looking at.

Thanks

Dave
;D

[Arnie]

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum.

There are still good deals to be had on ebay, its worth checking out prices and whats available. A friend of mine got an amazing deal on a Specialized Stumpjumper recently. A grand will get you a lot of hardtail for the money.

I'd check out Cube, who are an up and coming German brand.

www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/english_id_6507_.htm

They're really nice bikes, very well specced for the money and they look the business too. A few of the members on here have them and they'd be able to tell you more. Trek and Specialized also make quality hardtails too, but you're paying more for the name.

Happy shopping. See you on the trails soon

[Craigy Boy]

hey mate welcome to the forum, ye a 1k hardtail will be a top bike or you could go for a stumpy comp same frame as the next one up just diffrent parts make sure you try before you buy!

[davydonn]

Welcome to the forum Dave ;D

The kind of bike you choose should be based on the type of riding you expect to do. Phone up or visit a few shops and ask them what sort of bike you need. I'm sure there's plenty forum members who can give you their opinion too!
As for the £1000 is this the discounted price or the retail price? The discount is about 45% by the time the VAT, Income Tax and NI are taken off, so if the grand is after discount you could well get a good full suspension bike for your money! Evans cycles website does an estimator for the savings on the cycle to work scheme so is worth a visit. Hope you get something sorted out soon and we see you out on the trails

[thistle]

Dave,

There was a review in MBR recently on £500 hardtails (which were all £500-£600 ).

I scanned it in for someone at work. I can't remember what came out on top - I think it was a make I'd never heard of before.

If you want a copy of it send me a PM with your email address.

A hardtail is probably the way to go if you're out of practice and get a full suss when your skills and fitness have improved and the bike is transferred over to you (so you can sell it to pay for another one through work ). Hardtails also have a few less moving parts to look after, and to go wrong.

If you're after full-suspension, MBR and Mountain Biking UK did a review of £1000 bikes a few months ago. In the MBUK review, the GT I-Drive came out top (exclusive to Halfords - check they will accept your c2w voucher).
Specialized FSR XC Comp / Giant Trance X5 (my bike) came second with the Trek Fuel EX5.5 4th.

Keep an eye out for a ride advertised on the forum to come along to. There's some all day epics and some shorter more sociable rides every now and then.

[Scrumpie]

Hi Dave
Welcome to the Forum M8, If you want a good all rounder then a hardtail would be the best option something like a Giant XTC 2, just under a grand, there is a cheaper model.


Happy shoping, take care.

Dave.

[davewillacy]

Thanks for you replies guys.
I've had a look at a few bikes but I'm really liking the Specialized Rockhopper Expert, I can get it for £750 to.
I went to my local Giant dealer today to try and test the XTC2 and the Trance X5 but they didnt have them in and the guy said that Giant have a really low stock level and tried to push a
Claud Butler Olympus XT onto me.
I also took alook at the Scott Aspect 10 and the Scale 60, but the Rockhopper just seems to feel right ;D.
Might take a trip to leisure lakes in preston over the weekend to take a look at the Marin Nail Trail and the Orange P7S.
Hopefully come Monday I'll have chosen my ride and then it's just the waiting game.
Hope to see some of you on the trails soon

[Scrumpie]

Hope you get what you want M8, just had a look at the bikes, they all look cool.