Full Suspension - what do I need to spend?
Discussion
I've had a Spesh Hardrock Comp for about 7 or so years and its done me well, looking for something a bit more fun for the downhill 'through the woods' trails. What do I need to spend to make full sus worthwhile? I don't want to go crazy, but also want something that will last me well - like the spesh (I'm 6'3 and not exactly a 'lightweight'!)
what should I be looking at in the £1-2k range?
what should I be looking at in the £1-2k range?
Best bet is to identify a few now that are around £1500 and wait for the sales. If you try looking for a specific bike, you may miss out on other, better bikes by being too restricted on choice.
i'd start with the Giant Anthem and see how that fits your requirements and ignore what people say, 120mm travel front and rear is plenty enough for the UK.
i'd start with the Giant Anthem and see how that fits your requirements and ignore what people say, 120mm travel front and rear is plenty enough for the UK.
The Giant trance x4 does look like a good spec for the money. Should I be looking for a rear shock that I can 'lock out' for climbing - does this make a difference? Having only ever rode a hardtail I'm not too sure.
Maybe thinking of heading to Hurt wood Peaslake and hiring a full sus for a test ride.
Maybe thinking of heading to Hurt wood Peaslake and hiring a full sus for a test ride.
Canyon Nerve XC. They range from about £1200 to £2200 and some are currently on sale. Universally rated as very very good bikes, and not just because of their fantastic spec. Lots of R&D into frame design too. Only downside is you can't try before you buy (but they have an excellent size tool online, and let's be honest how useful is a 2 minute spin around a bike shop car park) and that serious repairs would have to go back to Germany. I think component issues are sorted by your LBS though, who just invoice Canyon for the work. Had a problem with a knackered seal on my rear shock and it was all sorted with minimal fuss (had to go to Mojo).
LotusMartin said:
Should I be looking for a rear shock that I can 'lock out' for climbing
Yes if you're climbing a fire road or actually on the road. No if you're doing a techy singletrack climb like the ascent at Cwm Carn.My Hustler is pretty active / bobby but I hardly ever use the lock out
If it were me, I'd be really tempted with either of the Giants.
I'm the same as you. I had a 7 year old rockhopper and wanted to upgrade to a full sus.
I ended going for a Trek Ex 8 after looking at £1k bikes. Thought if I was going to get a full sus then it might as well be a good one. Paid £1800 for a 2012 model and you can still get them at that price.
Great bike for the money.
I ended going for a Trek Ex 8 after looking at £1k bikes. Thought if I was going to get a full sus then it might as well be a good one. Paid £1800 for a 2012 model and you can still get them at that price.
Great bike for the money.
Personally i wouldn't buy any Zesty below the 514, as the lower models has a pretty crummy component spec in order to get the price down. Something like the Canyon, et-al, are much better spec'd in that price range. However, that having been said, if you want a fantastic frame, which will accept better components as you wear out the originals, then a 314 might not be such a bad idea. But, if you're just getting into MTB and want a good entry level bike i think their is better value for money else were imo.
I'd say go used and get more bang for your buck.
With a bike like this one I found on ebay, this is the kind of thing you should be looking out for. Someone has already spent a considerable amount on it...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230838745775?ssPageName=...
With a bike like this one I found on ebay, this is the kind of thing you should be looking out for. Someone has already spent a considerable amount on it...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230838745775?ssPageName=...
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