MTB hardtails

[Mr E]

Advice request.

I’m a bit of a dinosaur. Currently smoking about on a steel kenisis hard tail that I’m rather fond of.

Forks want a rebuild, if not replacement. It’ll want a new drivetrain soon and I fancy a dropper. So, potentially 300-600 quid invested in a 26” platform that’s going extinct.

I have access to a CTW scheme that would be ‘efficient’.
I don’t race, I don’t have the balls for big jumps or downhill. Cocking about in the woods is about my level.

So, potentially a decent hardtail is what I’m looking at. Somewhere between a grand or two. Closer to the grand makes it easier, but I’m aware budget creep is a thing.


Orange clockwork comp?
Ragley MmmBop?
Whyte 905?
Other?

[Tall_Paul]

Vitus Sentier

[Simes205]

905.
Santa Cruz chameleon.

[fathomfive]

Bird Zero 29.

[anonymous-user]

If your budget creeps to £2200 - Stanton

[anonymous-user]

I doubt that anything you list will be available via cyclescheme
Even rubbish bikes are sold out everywhere!

[Mr E]

I do love a bit of budget creep.
I’d very much like a Bird or a P1.

I looked at a Stanton TI last night. I had to wipe the drool off the screen afterwards.

[Mr E]

Jimboka said:

I doubt that anything you list will be available via cyclescheme
Even rubbish bikes are sold out everywhere!

Oh I expect to wait. I’ll have a go at rebuilding my forks, it’s not urgent.

Usually I’d wait until sept/Oct and buy this years model at 30% off....
....as you say, not happening.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

I'm a slightly (very) bias Pace RC200 F6 owner so if your budget is creeping, maybe let it creep towards an RC529 or RC627:

https://pacecycles.com/pages/rc529

https://pacecycles.com/pages/rc627

[Mr E]

Cards out.
When I were a wee lad on my £400 muirwoods, I’d frequent two shops.
One had an orange P1, the other had a Pace RC200.
I could afford neither, but always wanted both.

That being said;

CharlieAlphaMike said:

I'm a slightly (very) bias Pace RC200 F6 owner so if your budget is creeping, maybe let it creep towards an RC529 or RC627:

https://pacecycles.com/pages/rc529

https://pacecycles.com/pages/rc627

That’s not budget creep. That’s budget stampede.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Mr E said:

Cards out.
When I were a wee lad on my £400 muirwoods, I’d frequent two shops.
One had an orange P1, the other had a Pace RC200.
I could afford neither, but always wanted both.

That being said;

CharlieAlphaMike said:

I'm a slightly (very) bias Pace RC200 F6 owner so if your budget is creeping, maybe let it creep towards an RC529 or RC627:

https://pacecycles.com/pages/rc529

https://pacecycles.com/pages/rc627

That’s not budget creep. That’s budget stampede.

It will require some 'man maths', probably

As an alternative, why not find yourself an RC200? Errr...mine's not for sale BTW

[dai1983]

Mr E said:

Oh I expect to wait. I’ll have a go at rebuilding my forks, it’s not urgent.

Usually I’d wait until sept/Oct and buy this years model at 30% off....
....as you say, not happening.

Waiting for the "50% off rrp lightly used as a clothes dryer and getting grief off the Mrs sale"