Trek or Kona?

[Daimeydum]

ok here's the thing, my current bike (a 14" Azonic DS1) is not really suitable for the riding i now do so I’m taking advantage of this cycle scheme thing to get a MTB for XC and road. I’m thinking a bike that is a year old will give me more for my money so I found these two. I’m swaying towards the trek at the moment. Does anyone have any experience with these or advice?

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60581

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60195

My first instinct was this but they only have it in 13”
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=5334


I’m working on a budget of £500

I’m planning on keeping the DS1 of hacking through the woods/free ride and dirt.

cheers.

[mk1fan]

The Trek will be more race orientated and the Kona will be more Trail orientated. I doubt you'd be disappointed with either as the 2007 versions of both bikes have gotten good reviews recently.

The Trek has better gear components but as a consequence has V brakes not disc's - not the end of the world. The Kona has got Hayes discs but mainly Deore componets - not a bad thing at all.

Your best bet is to arrange for a ride on both. It doesn't really matter what advice is imparted to you because only you will know if you feel 'right' on any bike.

Whilst you're in store, and after your test ride, ask whether they would be prepared to swap out the stems for a different one. The right bike can be discounted because the stem was the wrong shape for the rider.

[Rico]

I adore my Commencal hardtail and they've got a good one for £499

http://activesportskit.co.uk/product_info.php?prod...

Got great reviews in recent tests.

[Daimeydum]

I do like the look of that commercial.

I’m more interested to be honest on getting a really good frame out of the bike. That means I can upgrade components on an as necessary basis. For that I’m thinking the trek would be the better option. It would see a lot more road use than off road but when I do go off road it’ll see some punishment that’s why I’d like to have the discs ideally.

[yorkshire]

I've got the trek 6500 2006 model, good on and off road, only problem I have had just under 12 months is the bottom bracket needed replacing and one puncture due to a bit of glass.

[ADD vantage]

Kona because of the brakes. The componentry is just fine, too.