£1000-1500 on an AM bike
Discussion
After picking up a cheap'ish hardtail Giant XTC 2.5 a couple of months ago, while trying to get fit for a sponsored ride, I find myself hooked by the biking bug.
After realising I work only 15 mins from Cannock Chase, I've been heading up there once or twice a week and am therefore eyeing up my next bike purchase a lot earlier than I thought I would.
I want a full suspension bike, and believe my budget should get me something decent, however I'm not entirely sure what I need. I'm 40 years old with a wife and young son, and therefore don't see me wrapping myself around trees doing mad downhill stuff but would like to tackle some decent trails. I'd also like something that can go uphill as well as down.
So I think I'm looking at the likes of Lapierre Zesty, Stumpjumper, Pitchjumper, Trek Fuel, Giant Trance, amongst others. I've also assumed that trying to pick up a little used 2nd hand bike will get me better value for money, or even a more well used but well maintained bike with decent component upgrades would be a good bet?
Is it possible to try and hire some of the bikes in my budget at trail centres, so at least I get a proper feel rather than just a quick ride round the block or car park ?
What bikes should be on my list of possibles, and what components or specific models of components are the must haves in this budget? I've seen bikes with 'brain' shocks and 'propedal', are these essentials or gimmicks?
After realising I work only 15 mins from Cannock Chase, I've been heading up there once or twice a week and am therefore eyeing up my next bike purchase a lot earlier than I thought I would.
I want a full suspension bike, and believe my budget should get me something decent, however I'm not entirely sure what I need. I'm 40 years old with a wife and young son, and therefore don't see me wrapping myself around trees doing mad downhill stuff but would like to tackle some decent trails. I'd also like something that can go uphill as well as down.
So I think I'm looking at the likes of Lapierre Zesty, Stumpjumper, Pitchjumper, Trek Fuel, Giant Trance, amongst others. I've also assumed that trying to pick up a little used 2nd hand bike will get me better value for money, or even a more well used but well maintained bike with decent component upgrades would be a good bet?
Is it possible to try and hire some of the bikes in my budget at trail centres, so at least I get a proper feel rather than just a quick ride round the block or car park ?
What bikes should be on my list of possibles, and what components or specific models of components are the must haves in this budget? I've seen bikes with 'brain' shocks and 'propedal', are these essentials or gimmicks?
For that sort of money I think you'd be hard pushed to beat a Canyon Nerve AM. £1370 at todays exchange rate.
http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?...
http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?...
I've got a Canyon Nerve AM and can't recommend it highly enough.
The Fox rear shock has propedal which is great. Really helps you climb hills as it eliminates any 'bob' in the shock.
Can't comment on the brain shocks as I've never ridden a bike with one, but someone I ride with has it on the rear shock and he says it's a great idea. Basically let's you run stiffer suspension but if you hit a huge rock/bump it will suddenly soften up to absorb it (I think that's the idea anyway).
The Fox rear shock has propedal which is great. Really helps you climb hills as it eliminates any 'bob' in the shock.
Can't comment on the brain shocks as I've never ridden a bike with one, but someone I ride with has it on the rear shock and he says it's a great idea. Basically let's you run stiffer suspension but if you hit a huge rock/bump it will suddenly soften up to absorb it (I think that's the idea anyway).
You can hire bikes at the bike shop at the start of the Follow-The-Dog Trail at Cannock Chase. You need to book them in advance. IIRC they have a fleet of Orange 5s.
One more thing, I really enjoy riding the F-T-D trail, but the soil has such a fine particle size, that if it's wet, the sand penetrates into every part of your bike, and literally needs a strip down to remove, or will rapidly wear out the parts. Possibly one of the single pivot Orange bikes makes sense in that case.
You don't need Pro-Pedal. The suspension geometry of a modern bike should limit pedal bob without it, and you would really only think about using it on sustained climbs or long flat trails. I rarely lock out my forks or activate pro-pedal.
One more thing, I really enjoy riding the F-T-D trail, but the soil has such a fine particle size, that if it's wet, the sand penetrates into every part of your bike, and literally needs a strip down to remove, or will rapidly wear out the parts. Possibly one of the single pivot Orange bikes makes sense in that case.
You don't need Pro-Pedal. The suspension geometry of a modern bike should limit pedal bob without it, and you would really only think about using it on sustained climbs or long flat trails. I rarely lock out my forks or activate pro-pedal.
I find propedal quite useful, even on my Zesty, which has little pedal bob. Basically, i set the rear shock up pretty soft, probably using something like 45% of it's travel in sag, and dial in a fairly low set of bump & rebound, that way i have a really comfortable (and mega traction) setting, but flicking on the propedal see's the increased compression damping firming up the rear. This makes it really repsonsive in the tight twisty stuff. That way i often find i spend half my time in propedal, and half out of it, rather than say only 5% using propedal !
Pablo16v said:
For that sort of money I think you'd be hard pushed to beat a Canyon Nerve AM. £1370 at todays exchange rate.
http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?...
Agree, those are the bargain of the moment right now. http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?...
Thanks for the advice so far chaps, much appreciated 
I have very little (read no) knowledge on bike geometry and therefore which bikes are most suitable for my needs.
For instance, having done a bit of reading it would appear a Spesh Stumpjumper would be far more suitable for my riding than a Pitchjumper, as this sounds as if it leans more towards the Enduro and therefore downhill riding.
If looking at Lapierre, I'm assuming the same applies to the Zesty and Spicy, the latter having geometry more dh influenced?
Btw, all of the above could well be me talking out of my backside, so please feel free to correct me where I'm wrong.
I'm new to trail riding but plan to improve and therefore take on more challenging routes as I do, and head further afield to find them. However as I said I'm not planning to throw myself headlong down any steep hills. So are there any other bikes in my budget that I should be considering?
Also one of my best mates is a keen cyclist and has recently bought a Trek Fuel 9 and plans to come with me to Cannock. We intend that as we get better at trail riding we'll go further afield for lads weekends
It would be nice if I can buy something of similar ability without buying exactly the same bike.
I'm thinking that if I buy 2nd hand, then should I be looking to change or upgrade again in a year or so's time, then it won't have depreciated too much if I've taken care of it.
In answer to some of the suggestions...the Orange bikes don't do anything for me aesthetically, they look a bit agricultural to my eyes. I'm sure all the positive reviews can't be wrong but I don't like how they look.
The Canyons look great value, but I feel a bit funny about buying the entry level version, and will see me wanting one of the higher spec ones even if the budget doesn't stretch. Stupid I know
So apart from the very popular Canyons (which I will be keeping an eye out for) what else should I be considering, apart from the Zesty, Stumpjumper and Trance already mentioned?
I have very little (read no) knowledge on bike geometry and therefore which bikes are most suitable for my needs.
For instance, having done a bit of reading it would appear a Spesh Stumpjumper would be far more suitable for my riding than a Pitchjumper, as this sounds as if it leans more towards the Enduro and therefore downhill riding.
If looking at Lapierre, I'm assuming the same applies to the Zesty and Spicy, the latter having geometry more dh influenced?
Btw, all of the above could well be me talking out of my backside, so please feel free to correct me where I'm wrong.
I'm new to trail riding but plan to improve and therefore take on more challenging routes as I do, and head further afield to find them. However as I said I'm not planning to throw myself headlong down any steep hills. So are there any other bikes in my budget that I should be considering?
Also one of my best mates is a keen cyclist and has recently bought a Trek Fuel 9 and plans to come with me to Cannock. We intend that as we get better at trail riding we'll go further afield for lads weekends
It would be nice if I can buy something of similar ability without buying exactly the same bike. I'm thinking that if I buy 2nd hand, then should I be looking to change or upgrade again in a year or so's time, then it won't have depreciated too much if I've taken care of it.
In answer to some of the suggestions...the Orange bikes don't do anything for me aesthetically, they look a bit agricultural to my eyes. I'm sure all the positive reviews can't be wrong but I don't like how they look.
The Canyons look great value, but I feel a bit funny about buying the entry level version, and will see me wanting one of the higher spec ones even if the budget doesn't stretch. Stupid I know
So apart from the very popular Canyons (which I will be keeping an eye out for) what else should I be considering, apart from the Zesty, Stumpjumper and Trance already mentioned?
Edited by antspants on Tuesday 5th June 21:21
antspants said:
The Canyons look great value, but I feel a bit funny about buying the entry level version, and will see me wanting one of the higher spec ones even if the budget doesn't stretch. Stupid I know
The other thing to consider is that, due to being the entry level model, it actually benefits from having the same frame as the model which costs twice as much. This also gives you a good base on which to upgrade components when required/desired.
OP I only got into MTB in Nov 11, first time was Eastridge Woods in Shrewsbury on a bike which had normal V Brakes and heavy old lump I knew no different, then I went online bought a 2007 Stumpjumper HT Comp for 600quid entered a 24 hour race in Jan 12 it done the job faultless, Cannock was my nearest training ground for this and my Stumpy done the job. Got quite a bit of advice off here prior to my purchase.
I bought a Giant Anthem purely as it was so cheap and good reviews plus I thought it was the next best thing, actually I went round Cannock tonight in the heavy rain on my second hand Stumpy just as quick as my Anthem, what I'm saying is don't over complicate it otherwise it'll start to do your head in, don't waste loads of money you've still got to pedal the damn thing. The Anthem does save my back hurting on a long ride.
I bought a Giant Anthem purely as it was so cheap and good reviews plus I thought it was the next best thing, actually I went round Cannock tonight in the heavy rain on my second hand Stumpy just as quick as my Anthem, what I'm saying is don't over complicate it otherwise it'll start to do your head in, don't waste loads of money you've still got to pedal the damn thing. The Anthem does save my back hurting on a long ride.
996 sps said:
what I'm saying is don't over complicate it otherwise it'll start to do your head in, don't waste loads of money you've still got to pedal the damn thing
Unfortunately I am the type of person who feels the need to over complicate things by reading every review available and wanting to make sure I've chosen what I think is the best bike for the money - the internet has a lot to answer for My wife just says I'm anal when it comes to buying most things! You make a good point though, as I have no doubt that within a few months I'll be looking again.
I think I've kind of narrowed it down to the few makes and models I've mentioned, so may just keep an eye out over the next few weeks to see what comes up for sale. I've pretty much decided to buy 2nd hand, mainly because if I don't like it I can just resell and not lose anything.
Ha ha I know that's what I was like really started to do my head in, then found Anthem X4 on e-bay for 850 put a bid in didn't get the purchase, then found new X3 for 1295 that was me caught hook line and sinker.
Just make sure your second hand bike is well maintained have forked out on a few services.
Just make sure your second hand bike is well maintained have forked out on a few services.
996 sps said:
I brought a Giant Anthem X3 2011 model for £1295 new it does everything including regular trips of Cannock, worth a look.
i wouldn't go down the anthem route for any AM duties... the trance would be much much better.a canyon would be good (as already discussed), but a trek fuel or specialised camber would also work quite well
antspants said:
Unfortunately I am the type of person who feels the need to over complicate things by reading every review available and wanting to make sure I've chosen what I think is the best bike for the money - the internet has a lot to answer for My wife just says I'm anal when it comes to buying most things!
My wife just says I'm anal when it comes to buying most things! 
I'm pretty much exactly the same, or so my wife tells me! I'm currently going through the research process but for a replacement car...
996 sps said:
village idiot said:
i wouldn't go down the anthem route for any AM duties... the trance would be much much better.
a canyon would be good (as already discussed), but a trek fuel or specialised camber would also work quite well
Is Cannock an All Mountain type of trail?a canyon would be good (as already discussed), but a trek fuel or specialised camber would also work quite well
or you just pick better lines?
personally I dont think people spend enough time dialling in their suspension to suit their weight or the terrain. They just get a bike with loads of travel and assume they are on a magic carpet and attack a section of technical descent quickly and then panic when 100mm of travel compresses and either rebounds too quickly or too slowly. It pays to experiment and find a sweet spot.
You see guys on 140+mm bikes wallowing all over the singletrack when a well set up 100mm bike will fly past them and only very rarely will a good rider on a short travel bike be left wanting more on the steep technical stuff either.
personally I dont think people spend enough time dialling in their suspension to suit their weight or the terrain. They just get a bike with loads of travel and assume they are on a magic carpet and attack a section of technical descent quickly and then panic when 100mm of travel compresses and either rebounds too quickly or too slowly. It pays to experiment and find a sweet spot.
You see guys on 140+mm bikes wallowing all over the singletrack when a well set up 100mm bike will fly past them and only very rarely will a good rider on a short travel bike be left wanting more on the steep technical stuff either.
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