New MTB Advice / recommendations

[Stax1970]

Hi

I have a Specialized Hard Rock MTB probably from about 2004-2005.

I have started to ride a lot more again recently and I am thinking of getting a new bike so I am looking for recommendations.

Obviously a lot of time has passed since 2004-05 so I am looking for the next step up from what I have now and obviously a brand new version.
I'm guessing this could take me up into the £800-£1000 price range?

Would like to know your thoughts on whether it is worth me doing the upgrade, am I in the right price range for an upgrade and what bikes you would recommend.
Thanks

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

Wrong time to buy.

If you can wait until winter, there will be a glut of barely used bargains on pink bike (mtb website with a very healthy buy and sell selection).

[Justin S]

Everyone and their dogs wants bikes currently. I have been searching for decent road bikes and mtbs for people and finding stock is very tricky. I did get an email from Pauls Cycles saying they do have 2021 Cube bikes coming into stock. Decent bikes but you may have to be quick in pre-ordering or buying at the moment to get one.

[Fas1975]

Where are you based and what size are you after?

I was in the same position and ended up with a Rocky Mountain Growler 40 which was £1200. If you're anywhere near Reading, AW Cycles have a couple of Rocky Mountains in Medium and Large sizes as well as a range from Whyte. Was there on Saturday and they seemed to have a half-decent stock. They have an online presence but their online store is not updated, if you're local, better to walk in and discuss.

https://www.awcycles.co.uk/

[Stax1970]

I am in no major rush. Just looking to see if it's worth an upgrade.

I know I have an old bike so even to get a 2020 version of what I have now could be around the £600 - £700 price?

Hence going to that next level up.

Current bike is a 19 inch frame and yes not too far from Reading. I am in Maidenhead.

[Bill]

It very much depends what you want to do on it.

In 2005 there were pretty much mountain bikes.

Now there are trail bikes, enduro bikes, downhill bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids etc etc all of which cover elements of what you'd do with a mountain bike from 2005.

[Stax1970]

Usually ride for pleasure, mainly off road, woodland trails, some very small jumps etc

[Bill]

Sounds like where I'm at. I moved from a 2004ish Scott to a Whyte 901 trail hard tail a few years ago and the difference is night and day.

[Fas1975]

Stax1970 said:

I am in no major rush. Just looking to see if it's worth an upgrade.

I know I have an old bike so even to get a 2020 version of what I have now could be around the £600 - £700 price?

Hence going to that next level up.

Current bike is a 19 inch frame and yes not too far from Reading. I am in Maidenhead.

I’m next door in Burnham. You’re welcome to have a look and go on my Rocky Mountain.

[Stax1970]

My friend is trying to talk me into a full sus bike saying it would be much better but they seem to be three times more expensive.
Not sure I can get a decent full sus for £1500.

[Fas1975]

Stax1970 said:

My friend is trying to talk me into a full sus bike saying it would be much better but they seem to be three times more expensive.
Not sure I can get a decent full sus for £1500.

You won't get a full suspension bike for that which doesn't weigh a ton and will have cheap components throughout to get to that price point.

[n_const]

Fas1975 said:

Stax1970 said:

My friend is trying to talk me into a full sus bike saying it would be much better but they seem to be three times more expensive.
Not sure I can get a decent full sus for £1500.

You won't get a full suspension bike for that which doesn't weigh a ton and will have cheap components throughout to get to that price point.

I disagree , have a look at this :

https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/norco/fluid-fs-3...

Had mine for 3/4 months , absolutely love it.

[mikey P 500]

If you start getting into proper off-road trails (rather than fire roads) then you will end up wanting full suspension bike at some point.
The widely accepted full suspension entry bike is the calibre bossnut, around £1000 new or less secondhand) this is what I would buy in your situation.

[Gazzab]

At £1500 a hardtail will have good components.
At £1500 a full suss will have less good components.
At £1500 I’d expect most bikes to be good quality and nice enough to ride.
Personally I’d go hardtail at that price point.

[alolympic]

Lightweight 2nd hand hardtail would be my choice too.
29” wheels.
Something like a Scott Scale 910

[CharlieAlphaMike]

What's wrong with your Specialized Hard Rock? Retro is best

[Stax1970]

I am going to do this now on the cycle to work scheme so budget could now increase to around £3000 - £3300
So really hope to get a decent full sus for that?

[P-Jay]

Stax1970 said:

I am going to do this now on the cycle to work scheme so budget could now increase to around £3000 - £3300
So really hope to get a decent full sus for that?

Yes, you'll get a really nice bike for that.

Personally I'd avoid the posh brands and their expensive marketing budgets.


www.Bird.Bike have some amazing bikes at that price point, it's a British brand, assembly is here, manufacture in the far east.

Something like a Aether 7 would be perfect for you, there's their new Carbon 29er version called the Aether 9C, but it's just out of budget for you, and not actually available yet.

They use VERY modern geometry so compared to your current bike it will feel like you're riding a XXXXXL frame, but once you get used to it (doesn't take long) it will change your perception of what you can do on a bike. It'll do the pottle around the woods with the small jumps with ease, and take you down an Alpine descent if you want it to. You can even choose your exact spec from a drop down menu, it's like a super car configurator for bikes.

Other than that, there's the YT Izzo and Whyte S-120, Full-Suspension Stumpjumper and Nukeproof Reactor.

They're all 'Trail Bikes' which is what they call 'Mountain Bikes' these days. They'll do everything from Commuting to Downhill but they're at their best ripping around Trails, there's enough suspension to give it a lot of 'treatment' but no so much you need to be going mad to feel exciting or a slog to pedal.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Stax1970 said:

I am going to do this now on the cycle to work scheme so budget could now increase to around £3000 - £3300
So really hope to get a decent full sus for that?

In all seriousness, with the type of riding you mentioned, I'd stick with a hardtail and with £3000+ to spend, you'll get something nice for that.