Which mountain bike for me??

[davyboy84]

I want to get a hardtail mountain bike. Currently ride a 28 mile round trip commute. Currently ride a Scott Expert road bike and a hybrid (I alternate). I'm 6ft tall - weight around 16st (big stocky guy). I love the Rockhopper. Budget around £650.
My commute is 14 miles each way over lumps and bumps and curbs in London. I'm not looking for speed (already have that with my lovely Scott Expert) I just want a good mountain bike. Unless someone tells me otherwise, I would go for the current bottom of the range Rockhopper - but I've heard it's a bit overpriced and there are better bikes out there. I want something light, strong (I'm heavy) and potentially upgradeable. I am not really brand loyal - although I do like the Scott Aspect. Help!

 

[vickster]

Look at paulscycles end of line models, could get an £800-900+ bike for your budget.

16stone isn't that heavy, especially for an MTB

 

[davyboy84]

Look at paulscycles end of line models, could get an £800-900+ bike for your budget.

16stone isn't that heavy, especially for an MTB

Thanks vickster - I've had a look and there certainly is a lot to choose from. Would you mind scanning your eyes over this one (as it is in stock at my local store) and let me know if there is anything that stands out as being a bit bad?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/aspect-620-2013-mountain-bike-ec042354

Many thanks.

 

[davyboy84]

I've just spotted something I'm pretty sure you'll point out - it has 26 inch wheels! Do'h!

Actually - is that really a bad thing? Would choosing 26 inch wheels be 'going against the grain'?

Ta

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

if you love the rockhopper why not buy one, they can be had for £650

http://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/bikes...r-mountain-bike-satin-black-gloss-black-p3034

 

[davyboy84]

if you love the rockhopper why not buy one, they can be had for £650

http://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/bikes...r-mountain-bike-satin-black-gloss-black-p3034

I'm close to getting one. Just wanted to check on a forum whether people in the know thought I could get more bang for my buck. I understand there is a lot to choose from out there - so if there was anyone else in a comparable situation to my own - what did they / would they do?

Thanks

 

[SteCenturion]

I think davyboy84 that as another 6 footer (but 2 stone lighter) I would be going for either a 29er or the 27.5 wheel size option.

I wouldn't rule out 26" wheel size but think that the manufacturers will try to bury them before long.

Not really a MTB type any more (used to do a bit) so pinch of salt required with any MTB advice from me at least.

 

[Cubist]

If you don't intend to ride it offroad, then get a rigid forked bike with bigger tyres. I wouldn't commute on an MTB unless it was the only bike I owned, and my primary purpose was proper trail riding. For a start, base model MTBs don't do anything very well. 6 foot and sixteen stone is not particularly big, most bikes are well capable of carrying you. If you intend to ride trails regularly, then fair enough, but why lumber yourself with a heavy bike with slow tyres and junk forks when your money could get you a decent commuter style hybrid, well capable of doing what you describe?

 

[davyboy84]

Thanks for your reply cubist. I currently already commute on a half decent road bike and a hybrid (I alternate between the two) so I know I'll be sacrificing speed and weight. I just liked the idea of riding something a little fun - with front sus so I can bounce around a bit and take it off road and get muddy. I haven't ridden a mountain bike since I was a kid, so anything half decent would be good. Do you think the rockhopper is that bad? Are the forks that rubbish too? This is the kind of information I need - I'd rather spend a tad more and get something better if need be. I've also heard the new rockhopper frames are heavier now than they used to be - using a1 aluminium instead of m4 - so same as the hardrock now...

 

[davyboy84]

Thanks for the advice - I think 29ers are the way to go - especially with the new geometry styles - mileage is better for one. I was in my LBS last week and mentioned that I wouldn't be against getting a bike with 26' wheels and he looked at me as if I'd just threw up on his floor. Sometimes, rather than explain, they like to ridicule...

 

[vickster]

Go to another lbs if that's the attitude. Should be about what the customer wants, not salesman snobbery!