N+1 = MTB?

[vickster]

I need to stop looking but I can potentially get this for £499 from a shop in London http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/25827/Marin_B17_Bike_2010 - how does the spec compare to the Kona?

 

[Peteaud]

Nice bike - and good brakes, buy it.

 

[vickster]

Better than the Kona? I may head to the retailer later...

 

[Peteaud]

Better than the Kona? I may head to the retailer later...

Depends on your point of view.

If you can get to ride one, and you like it, go for it.

 

[vickster]

My point of view is very limited when it comes to MTBs! I do like the security of buying from a retailer, gets set up, trouble shooting, usually free 1st service etc

 

[Peteaud]

My point of view is very limited when it comes to MTBs! I do like the security of buying from a retailer, gets set up, trouble shooting, usually free 1st service etc

Me to, at least you can see the bike in front of you and sit on it etc.

 

[vickster]

The new CC didn't arrive so no bike buying today it seems!

 

[vickster]

Saw the Marin at OYB, too big and an ugly grey paint job (well I am female ) Look at some other options including a Trek (19.5" far too big), had a good chat about 29er, don't think that's the way to go if looking for an MTB. The guy there said go for the bargain Kona online...

Then went to Evans at Waterloo, the only thing they really had was a Pinnacle, nice enough I guess, spec ok but didn't thrill me and had a nasty saddle, grips and pedals (sat on a medium, around 17.5", felt good for size). Brand isn't key but Pinnacle feels a bit like no name cheapie for £500 (I am also a snob )

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/jarrah-four-mountain-bike-ec027473

Then I headed to Oxford Street, unfortunately Cycle Surgery had closed 15 minutes earlier, so went round the corner to the big Evans on Mortimer Street and had a good chat there. Sat on a Spesh , felt good on a 17" but my Lord the thing was HEAVY!! http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hardrock-sport-disc-2012-mountain-bike-ec030674

We had a look at the website, none of the good deals are available in a 17-18" frame.

The girl there said go for the bargain Kona online, CRC being a big retailer and reputable...we had a chat about how bikes are shipped, I'll likely need to pay my LBS to set it up for me

The CC still hasn't shown up, but I am getting an itchy 'pay' finger for the Kona which definitely seems the way to go!

 

[Cyclist33]

Hmmm 29ers are costly, the cheapest one I can find is around £500

I have always liked Marin for some reason, what are their MTBs like?

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/marin-shoreline-trail-item167297.html (no lockout fork but presumably these can be changed / upgraded)

I love my Marin hardtail, 2010 Bobcat Trail. They have a good frame reputation. Don't care - aesthetically - for the 2011/12 models but still. The Shoreline Trail is the model down from the bobcat but I would happily ride it and there's not much difference in the basic spec.

Don't expect the world's lightest bike in its class but my bobcat certainly shifts when I put the pedals down.

Oh btw I'm 5'11" and the 19 inch bike is *just* small enough for me, so you might want to look into the 17 inch..

Stu

Stu

 

[Cyclist33]

Will do, I am trying not to be my usual impetuous self!

Just found this on fleabay - CRCs price certainly looks very good!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kona-Lisa-HT-2009-/320507552229?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item4a9fbd21e5

RRP £849!

I wouldn't RRP the 2011 Lisa at 849! What's it going for on CRC - £425? Sounds about right for last year's frame, basic Shimano kit at Alivio standard or below, Dart2 forks (which have a crap reputation)...

Stu

 

[vickster]

That's not the same bike then...this is the one, the 2009, I am told with a super spec for £450 (well £436.50 after quidco) with Deore and XT shadow on the back (the eBay bike is the same but with no real info)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75098
Kona Kula Lisa Womens Cross Country Bike 2009 Specifications:

• Frame tubing: Kona Race Light 7005 Aluminum Butted
• Fork: RockShox Tora SL 100mm
• Headset: TH
• Crankarms: FSA Moto
• Chainrings: 44/32/22
• B/B: FSA MegaExo
• Pedals: Shimano M505 Clipless
• Chain: Shimano Deore
• Freewheel: Shimano Deore (11-32, 9spd)
• F/D: Shimano Deore
• R/D: Shimano XT Shadow
• Shifters: Shimano Deore
• Handlebar: Kona XC/BC Riser
• Stem: Kona XC/BC
• Grips: Kona Lisa
• Brakes: Shimano M575 Hydraulic Disc
• Brake Levers: Shimano M575 Hydraulic
• Front hub: Formula Disc
• Rear hub: Shimano M475 Disc
• Spokes: Sandvik Stainless 15g fr/14g rr
• Tires: Maxxis Ignitor 26x2.1
• Rims: Sun Black Eye
• Saddle: Velo VL-4126 Womens
• Seatpost: Kona XC/BC
• Seat clamp: Kona QR

 

[goody]

I don't live very near to any forests or mountains however!

But you're near Banstead common which has a few trails to keep you occupied for an hour or two, and not too far away from Dorking, Newlands Corner, Leith Hill for a fuller day out.

 

[vickster]

Thanks Goody - good to have some local feedback - also got Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park and Epsom Downs nearish

 

[vickster]

I gave up waiting for the CC and the deed is done on the Kona (with help from a £10 voucher code) - just need to get some different pedals as I don't fancy only clipless

Are these ok for double sided SPD / platform at £25 or are there better ones for similar cash?

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...ano+Pedals/Shimano+M424+SPD+Pedals_PDM424.htm

My preferred LBS will sort the bike for £40 (if I cannot manage it easily with my spanner and multi-tool )

Thanks for all the advice, peeps

 

[Peteaud]

You know the rules, as soon as post the pics.