Hard hardtails

[DangerousMike]

Marin seem to do a nice range of beefed up hardtails for riding down a little bit more than up (but importantly capable of both).

the B17

http://www.marin.co.uk/2009/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3...

and Northside trail both look good.

http://www.marin.co.uk/2009/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3...

are there alternatives I should be considering?

[Steve UK]

Hi,

Marin do some great bikes and if they are in your budget then you won't go too wrong with them, my first proper MTB was a Marin Eldridge Grade 1995

Merlin do some great bikes too, I considered this one http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...

But I have in the end bought a second hand Cotic Soul which I am building up from bits off various websites which should finally total about £1000.

Down to your budget really, but if your going hardtail then a steel frame will be slightly more comfortable.

Steve

[gbbird]

Those Marin's are good, decent bikes. Although also very good bikes, the Merlin's are more XC orientated than all out freeride rigs.

Other alternatives would be to build up a Cove Stiffee

g

[Jimbo.]

are there alternatives I should be considering?

Lots: it all depends upon budget, and whether you want to buy a complete bike or would be happy to build your own. The former is easier/quicker/cheaper, the latter more choice/easier to build to your exact requirements.

[pastrana72]

A Cove Stiffee can be built in to a great package to do what you are looking for, mine is fantastic,

A Cove handjob in steel is also great, but not as stable as the stiffee on the rough stuff downhill, but great climber.

Both very different. ( I have both )

[mk1fan]

Worth considering?

Cove Stiffee - Ali
Dialled Bikes Alpine - Steel
Santa Cruz Chamelleon - Ali
Mythic (Banshee in the rest of the world) Scirroco. - Ali
DMR Trailmaster - Steel

All are sold as frame only - but worth looking on e-Bay for complete bikes.

Kona Hoss is a strong Trail bike but not really a DH/FR strong.

[JPJ]

OnOne 456 or 456 Summer Season. Cheap as well.....

[DangerousMike]

building a bike up might be problematic - I want to purchase through the cyclescheme thingy, so I need to find somewhere that will sell a complete bike. Thanks for the help guys

[mk1fan]

Given what the OP said I don't think the 456's are suitable.

[JPJ]

I agree that if it's full on hardtail downhill you're going for then a bike like the Stiffee is probably ideal. However the B17 isn't that beefy a bike hence my 456 option. It's not as burly as some, but the slack head-angle (particularly on the summer season) should get you down most things, and it's still pretty easy to ride back up.

[snotrag]

Santa cruz are actually available with a full 'factory' build.

RE the Marins - if you can push to the Rocky Ridge at ~ £1100, then its well worth it. Really, really good bike IMO.

Marin have really got some great bikes out in the past few years, doing well to change their 'dowdy' image.

Theres also the Specilialized P-all mountain, and Kona traditionally do a range of 'OB' (Out of bounds) Hardtails. I had a Chute years back which was excellent.

Heres my gnarcore hardtail -

Edited by snotrag on Sunday 8th February 20:43

[anonymous-user]

santa cruz chameleon, i havent ridden another hardtail that felt so solid, predictable and so good for encourageing confidence. i know they have been around for donkeys years but they are still the business.

[DangerousMike]

one other limit I forgot to mention: The cyclescheme max limit here is £750, so it has to come in under that price! I would love a chameleon... but the frame alone seems to be ~ £600!

[TimmyArt]

I've got a Marin Nail Trail 08.
I managed to get it about 4 months ago for £550 with free basic servicing 4 times per year as long as I own the bike.
Very pleased with it, pretty cool as a mixed up and down bike. I found the B17 potentially too down focussed.

[Mr_C]

Commencal do a nice hardtail frame now.

I've still got my old DMR sidekick built up for jumps and street stuff, it's ace