MTB reccomendation

[benb]

Hi all

I want to get more into mountain biking this year, and I think that means a new bike.

I've got agreement in principle from my (really, very understanding) wife, but I'm clueless about what to look for.

For example, do I really want a full sus, or is hardtail sufficient? Should I look at a 29er?

My budget is around £600-800, so if anyone can give me a few pointers that would be great.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[Crackle]

This is still a work in progress but see Lukesdad's collaborative post and potential sticky here. I guess the first question you need to answer is what do you want to do with it.

 

[Dave7]

I was in a very similar situation but with up to £1K to spend. Obvioulsy hard tail or full will depend on what sort of cycling you will be doing.....I decided hard tail will suffice for everything I would be doing.
I looked at lot of good bikes but eventually decided the Decathlon RockRider 8.1 @ only £499 had a spec (RockShox Silver forks & Sram nid range gears) and frame as good as most up to £800 and plenty good enough for me.
They have full sus' bikes also but I didn't look at them.

 

[benb]

Cheers. I'm leaning towards a hardtail, but not sure.

 

[Mike!]

You really need to buy mine

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/saracen-zen-3-hardtail-20-large.96054/

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Expand on "more into" a bit... to me this reads as you've already got an entry level mtb, you've done a bit and want to do more....

Though regardless of how you respond my answer would probably be that your next bike probably needs the words 'Specialized' and 'Rockhopper' on the frame as, imo, that is as near to a benchmark in that price range as you will get. As often with Spesh, last year's model is better spec-ed than this years.

 

[benb]

Expand on "more into" a bit... to me this reads as you've already got an entry level mtb, you've done a bit and want to do more....

Though regardless of how you respond my answer would probably be that your next bike probably needs the words 'Specialized' and 'Rockhopper' on the frame as, imo, that is as near to a benchmark in that price range as you will get. As often with Spesh, last year's model is better spec-ed than this years.

Yeah, I've got an old Spesh Hardrock (must be 7 or 8 years old) and it's just not really up to it any more - I especially found the rim brakes a pain last time I went for a ride as it was very muddy and the mud accumulated in the brakes and made it very hard going.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Yeah, I've got an old Spesh Hardrock (must be 7 or 8 years old) and it's just not really up to it any more - I especially found the rim brakes a pain last time I went for a ride as it was very muddy and the mud accumulated in the brakes and made it very hard going.

Ok. Sell the hardrock, you'll get a reasonable price even if you dispose via fleabay.

Buy a rockhopper. You know it makes sense. Budget for a pair of tyres and a Charge Spoon saddle fairly soon after getting it.

 

[dan_bo]

This Looks like a lorra lorra bike for the money- i'd have one.

 

[benb]

This Looks like a lorra lorra bike for the money- i'd have one.

Ooh, shiny.

 

[benb]

OK, here's my first stab at a shortlist, comments welcome.
Geneis Latitude 00 2011 £764.99 (I like the idea of steel, as I have a Genesis Croix de Fer as my roadie, and like the springiness)
Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2011 £749.99 (Nice bike for the money)
Ghost SE 4000 2012 £699.99 (Looks great!)

Any others I should consider?

 

[Crackle]

Ghost has got Suntour forks, for that money I'd aim for Rockshox. Also look at Cube and Kona both are well equipped at the price point you're looking at. The Genesis will most likely be a bit heavier than a similar aluminium, not excessively so but it will be, I'd still buy one though. Orange G2/3 will be in your price range too but sadly the P7 won't.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Building up an On-One or a Cotic....? If building up is your thing.

Charge Duster Mid 2011 from Widdle? 35% off (dunno about stock levels)

I'd take a look at the Boardman's in your bracket, I love my HT Pro as much as any bike I've ever owned.

 

[Crackle]

On the same building vein, I started a thread about Maxlight's the other day. You could build one of them and let me know what you think That'd be really useful

And the latest Boardman's seem to have gone 2x10 which I've read mixed things about.

 

[benb]

I don't think I'm ready to do my own build yet, sorry!