What XC, hardtail, MTB bike £800
Discussion
Apologies for yet another thread regarding which bike to buy, but I'm a little lost as to all the different options - I'm trying to keep this brief though 
I'm currently riding a GT Avalanche Peak 3.0 V-braked bike, which whilst fine for the last year or so isn't really suited to the XC stuff I've started to really enjoy of late. I'm not that good at the XC stuff yet, but notice the brakes, derailer, gears etc aren't really that great.
Essentially, I'm just after a good bike suited to red XC routes (e.g. 10 Under Ben, Whinlatter, Dalby forrest etc). I also need a fairly tough, large bike (I'm 6ft, 16stone with long arms / legs).
I've been looking at bikes in the 400/500 range like the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2010, but to be honest it's not that different to mine in terms of componentry apart from the disc brakes. Seems a bit pointless as an upgrade path, hence I've upped my budget to ~ 800 or so... I'm not overly fussed on "this years bike" but have only really looked at Evans since their shop is fairly close...
Help!
I'm not about tomorrow so apologies if I don't reply until Sat
I'm currently riding a GT Avalanche Peak 3.0 V-braked bike, which whilst fine for the last year or so isn't really suited to the XC stuff I've started to really enjoy of late. I'm not that good at the XC stuff yet, but notice the brakes, derailer, gears etc aren't really that great.
Essentially, I'm just after a good bike suited to red XC routes (e.g. 10 Under Ben, Whinlatter, Dalby forrest etc). I also need a fairly tough, large bike (I'm 6ft, 16stone with long arms / legs).
I've been looking at bikes in the 400/500 range like the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2010, but to be honest it's not that different to mine in terms of componentry apart from the disc brakes. Seems a bit pointless as an upgrade path, hence I've upped my budget to ~ 800 or so... I'm not overly fussed on "this years bike" but have only really looked at Evans since their shop is fairly close...
Help!
I'm not about tomorrow so apologies if I don't reply until Sat
I started out with a Specialized Rockhopper SL for £650 last autumn and after a few upgrades, have been riding it in enduros and cross country races this summer. Would recommend this bike as the frame is used on more expensively kitted out bikes, the Rockshox Dart 3 supplied with it forks are coil sprung which are dependable and for someone your size might be a good option (I upgraded to rockshox SIDs, but I'm a ten stone weakling)
A Giant XTC is another good option if you can stretch a bit further. Try Paul's Cycles to see what offers they have on
A Giant XTC is another good option if you can stretch a bit further. Try Paul's Cycles to see what offers they have on
Genesis Core 30 2010 Mountain Bike
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/core-3...
You will not find a better bike for the price.
£799 - in stock now but they go bloody fast!
Caveat - I do work for Evans, but i challenge anyone to find a better deal!
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/core-3...
You will not find a better bike for the price.
£799 - in stock now but they go bloody fast!
Caveat - I do work for Evans, but i challenge anyone to find a better deal!
shalmaneser said:
i challenge anyone to find a better deal!
Absolutely smashed it mate...
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?...
Revolution Triad 1.0, £749, Better spec, Better brakes, Mavic Rims, MUCH better fork, frame by Merida.
My Caveat being I used to work for those guys! To be fair - I used to sell the Genesis range too and i'm a big fan, but for Value that Revolution is cracking.
Edited by snotrag on Friday 25th June 08:41
For what you're saying your intended use is, I'd have said the steel-framed Genesis Altitude is a better bet than the aluminium-framed Core IMO.
How about a 2009-yr model with £200 off: http://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/bikes/bike/genesis-a... In 19" size too, would be ideal for you - I'm 6ft and ride a 17.5" with ease.
Got to admit my bias in this as I own one! Mine was purchased a sa bargain ex-hire from Glentress, but they don't appear to have any ex-hire bikes for sale on their website at the moment.
How about a 2009-yr model with £200 off: http://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/bikes/bike/genesis-a... In 19" size too, would be ideal for you - I'm 6ft and ride a 17.5" with ease.
Got to admit my bias in this as I own one! Mine was purchased a sa bargain ex-hire from Glentress, but they don't appear to have any ex-hire bikes for sale on their website at the moment.
Is it worth keeping an eye out for 2010 model bikes being reduced in the Autumn as the 2011 bikes arrive? My local Kona dealer is already offering nearly 25% off bikes in stock. Fortunately for my bank balance they didn't have a Kula in the frame size I wanted! I would've been very tempted.
I sympathise with you having to choose, i had a ridiculously small budget when getting my starter bike so they were all pretty much a similar soec give or take but when you look around at your budget then there are tons around. Definitely have a look on pauls cycles, lots of great deals on there.
Agree with the spec on the revolution, very good indeed.
I like these Giant XTC:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...
I am strongly considering another and will be looking around that price guide, i love mountain biking and have really got into it so it just isnt cost effective upgrading when you have these bikes with this spec at such good prices.
Good luck with the search, it really boils down to personal preference, what you like the look and feel of etc.
Agree with the spec on the revolution, very good indeed.
I like these Giant XTC:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...
I am strongly considering another and will be looking around that price guide, i love mountain biking and have really got into it so it just isnt cost effective upgrading when you have these bikes with this spec at such good prices.
Good luck with the search, it really boils down to personal preference, what you like the look and feel of etc.
Ooo, thanks for the replies!
That Revolution bike looks very nice indeed - there is an Edinburgh Coop not that far from either!
Thanks for the pointers though I've got a bit of a direction now as to what makes a good bike - most of the advice I've been given thus far is "choose a bike you like the look of as they are all the same".
That Revolution bike looks very nice indeed - there is an Edinburgh Coop not that far from either!
Thanks for the pointers though
I've got a bit of a direction now as to what makes a good bike - most of the advice I've been given thus far is "choose a bike you like the look of as they are all the same".I've been looking at his Specialized Hardrock on Evans Cyles and on Dales Cycles in Glasgow, I've chekced out the spec on both and as far as I can see its exactly the same, but there's a £200 price difference?
http://www.dalescycles.com/2010_Specialized_Hardro...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
Woops just noticed I must have been looking at the wrong prices somewhere. Excuse me for my mistake!
http://www.dalescycles.com/2010_Specialized_Hardro...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
Woops just noticed I must have been looking at the wrong prices somewhere. Excuse me for my mistake!
Edited by Allanmac on Sunday 27th June 17:16
Daveyraveygravey said:
Read a mag recently where the steel Genesis Altitude beat the other (ally) Genesis in a 6 way test...
I'm utterly biased, but the steel-framed Altitude is one of the better hardtails I've owned - better than the Cotic Soul I previously owned although that was partly down to the sizing I think (the Cotic in 19" was a bit big for me).I should've said earlier the reason I suggested an Altitude over the Genesis Core is that the Core's a very different sort of bike: it's less XC-orientated and that seemed to fit with the OP's original spec.
I was at Glentress again on Saturday: not many ex-hire bikes for sale at the moment and no Altitude hardtails. They do have a couple of Gensis Altitide Titanium bikes on their demo fleet at the moment (RRP £1k frame, ouch), I might just have to keep an eye for them being sold off...
I went and had a play on the Revolution Triad 1.0 (although I was riding a 2.0) and it's amazing the difference between it and my bike - I know my bike is a year old now, but it felt miles better! Just a shame that I'm having to go for a smaller frame than normal (I'd normally ride a 19", but they only come in 18/20" and the 20 is way too big).
Now, just to finance the purchase!
Thanks for the advice chaps and pointing me in the direction of the Revolution!
Now, just to finance the purchase!
Thanks for the advice chaps and pointing me in the direction of the Revolution!
My Mate (who freely says he knows nothing about bikes) just bought a Charge Duster 8 for about that money from Wiggle - talk about lucking into a 'cool' bike!
it's not arrived yet, but I'm dying to try it.
Not sure 8 gears are enough, anyone know if you can run a front derailer / granny with a Alfine?
it's not arrived yet, but I'm dying to try it.
Not sure 8 gears are enough, anyone know if you can run a front derailer / granny with a Alfine?
I ended up plumbing for the Traid 1.0 from Edinburgh Cycles and having had the bike now for 10 weeks and ridden it a fair bit I thought I'd jot down some notes on it and especially my thoughts when comparing it to my old GT (V-Brakes, Suntour coil spring suspension etc).
First of all, I wasn't too impressed with the buying experience. The first guy I spoke to was great and couldn't offer enough help advice on choosing the bike, ultimately it was he who made me go for a shops own brand rather than aiming for a more recognised manufacturer. I ordered the bike over the phone and going back to pick it up and after sales support was a different story to initial impressions - it's not that they guys don't know what they're talking about or aren't helpful, just that they didn't appear to be geared up for an amateur rider like myself.
The bike was £750 and represents a significant step into the unknown in terms of bike performance for me - it's my first bike with disc brakes, decent suspension etc. When buying the bike, I asked several times about set up, maintenance etc and was offered some basic advice on chain lubrication and then "shooed" out the door. I rode the bike as-is because I was told it's setup fine - it was only recently I discovered that the suspension pressure was set way too low and that there was a rebound screw. Now, I appreciate that it's partially my own fault and it's my in-experience that can be blamed, but I can't help but feel the shop should have taken a little time to make sure the bike was set up for me. I will stress at this stage that the shop did nothing "wrong" in terms of selling the bike, just for me the experience wasn't as great as it should/could have been and as such it's marred the experience of owning a new bike considerably.
Anyway, onto the bike itself. Initial impressions were great - it's much lighter than my previous bike, gear changes were slicker, brakes were awesome and the suspension seemed better. The only thing I changed was the pedals as my feet / shoes were too big to get into the supplied captive pedals (a normal pedal with a rubber bit over the top). The first few rides were fun (barring punctures) and the local trail centre was more fun as my confidence was higher (this after all was a better bike than my original regardless of setup). The riding position took a little getting used to as the bars are wider and the bike smaller, but I think I now prefer it to the original bike.
After a short while the cables stretched as expected but nothing too major. The head started to have a hideous cracking noise to it. The rear de-railer pulley's snapped. The rear gears wouldn't stay in gear with hard pedalling. Part of the front suspension fell off. The rear tyre caught on the frame quite badly when cornering. A chain link came apart. The brakes are binding... It was a fairly extensive list of things that broke within the first 10 weeks. It's not due to lack of maintenance either - I did it exactly as directed by the shop - lube the chain and suspension, clean it with damp cloths and don't worry about anything else.
I took it for its first (free) service last week, and giving the shop credit, it was repaired under warranty with no cost to myself. They also pumped the suspension up to the necessary pressure (I asked about it) and set the rebound. After service, it still had many of the issues it went in with and had to be wheeled straight back for more repairs to the headset. I shouldn't have had to do that, especially when I'd highlighted that it was an issue (apparently they'd inspected it, but it looked fine so did do any further testing). After this weekends rides, it's having to go back again as it still won't stay in gear under hard pedalling and many of the other issues / questions I raised haven't been resolved or answered.
Now that the suspension pressure is set right, it's a different bike to ride and significantly more enjoyable. I took it to Whinlatter yesterday and my confidence has had another boost as it feels so much better to ride. Things that were a significant challenge before are a doddle now and I'm able to concentrate on handling the bike over obstacles smoothly rather than fighting not to fall off as the bike crashes over them. For me, it was a lot more fun riding yesterday that previously - it's relatively easy to climb on, handles nicely through technical sections and my growing confidence / experience is letting me try many more challenges.
Overall, it's a reasonable bike and the title components are very impressive when set up correctly, but the whole experience is a significant let down. Maybe I was expecting too much, but either way I wouldn't recommend that an amateur / inexperienced rider such as myself look at the Triad 1.0. Given that the purchase of the bike demands significant setup / tinkering by the owner I wish I'd picked up a big-name brand as advice on the Internet forums is much more widespread. As it is, I have to look for advice on individual components rather than the bike as a whole which makes things a lot more tricky.
Hopefully this post helps other people when searching Pistonheads on what bike to buy
First of all, I wasn't too impressed with the buying experience. The first guy I spoke to was great and couldn't offer enough help advice on choosing the bike, ultimately it was he who made me go for a shops own brand rather than aiming for a more recognised manufacturer. I ordered the bike over the phone and going back to pick it up and after sales support was a different story to initial impressions - it's not that they guys don't know what they're talking about or aren't helpful, just that they didn't appear to be geared up for an amateur rider like myself.
The bike was £750 and represents a significant step into the unknown in terms of bike performance for me - it's my first bike with disc brakes, decent suspension etc. When buying the bike, I asked several times about set up, maintenance etc and was offered some basic advice on chain lubrication and then "shooed" out the door. I rode the bike as-is because I was told it's setup fine - it was only recently I discovered that the suspension pressure was set way too low and that there was a rebound screw. Now, I appreciate that it's partially my own fault and it's my in-experience that can be blamed, but I can't help but feel the shop should have taken a little time to make sure the bike was set up for me. I will stress at this stage that the shop did nothing "wrong" in terms of selling the bike, just for me the experience wasn't as great as it should/could have been and as such it's marred the experience of owning a new bike considerably.
Anyway, onto the bike itself. Initial impressions were great - it's much lighter than my previous bike, gear changes were slicker, brakes were awesome and the suspension seemed better. The only thing I changed was the pedals as my feet / shoes were too big to get into the supplied captive pedals (a normal pedal with a rubber bit over the top). The first few rides were fun (barring punctures) and the local trail centre was more fun as my confidence was higher (this after all was a better bike than my original regardless of setup). The riding position took a little getting used to as the bars are wider and the bike smaller, but I think I now prefer it to the original bike.
After a short while the cables stretched as expected but nothing too major. The head started to have a hideous cracking noise to it. The rear de-railer pulley's snapped. The rear gears wouldn't stay in gear with hard pedalling. Part of the front suspension fell off. The rear tyre caught on the frame quite badly when cornering. A chain link came apart. The brakes are binding... It was a fairly extensive list of things that broke within the first 10 weeks. It's not due to lack of maintenance either - I did it exactly as directed by the shop - lube the chain and suspension, clean it with damp cloths and don't worry about anything else.
I took it for its first (free) service last week, and giving the shop credit, it was repaired under warranty with no cost to myself. They also pumped the suspension up to the necessary pressure (I asked about it) and set the rebound. After service, it still had many of the issues it went in with and had to be wheeled straight back for more repairs to the headset. I shouldn't have had to do that, especially when I'd highlighted that it was an issue (apparently they'd inspected it, but it looked fine so did do any further testing). After this weekends rides, it's having to go back again as it still won't stay in gear under hard pedalling and many of the other issues / questions I raised haven't been resolved or answered.
Now that the suspension pressure is set right, it's a different bike to ride and significantly more enjoyable. I took it to Whinlatter yesterday and my confidence has had another boost as it feels so much better to ride. Things that were a significant challenge before are a doddle now and I'm able to concentrate on handling the bike over obstacles smoothly rather than fighting not to fall off as the bike crashes over them. For me, it was a lot more fun riding yesterday that previously - it's relatively easy to climb on, handles nicely through technical sections and my growing confidence / experience is letting me try many more challenges.
Overall, it's a reasonable bike and the title components are very impressive when set up correctly, but the whole experience is a significant let down. Maybe I was expecting too much, but either way I wouldn't recommend that an amateur / inexperienced rider such as myself look at the Triad 1.0. Given that the purchase of the bike demands significant setup / tinkering by the owner I wish I'd picked up a big-name brand as advice on the Internet forums is much more widespread. As it is, I have to look for advice on individual components rather than the bike as a whole which makes things a lot more tricky.
Hopefully this post helps other people when searching Pistonheads on what bike to buy
Wow, that is terrible.
Apart from some cable stretch, none of those problems should have happened in the first year, let alone the first 10 weeks. Tyres rubbing on the frame/forks??? That sounds like failed hubs.
You should have had a manual for your front shock, which would have had a settings chart based on rider weight. These are only a guide but you should check your shock pressure before every ride, especially if going to trail centres. The shock can be damaged if the pressure is too low. I assume you now have a shock pump and know what to set it at.
I hope it goes better from here on in.
Apart from some cable stretch, none of those problems should have happened in the first year, let alone the first 10 weeks. Tyres rubbing on the frame/forks??? That sounds like failed hubs.
You should have had a manual for your front shock, which would have had a settings chart based on rider weight. These are only a guide but you should check your shock pressure before every ride, especially if going to trail centres. The shock can be damaged if the pressure is too low. I assume you now have a shock pump and know what to set it at.
I hope it goes better from here on in.
Ok.. Looking at the spec of the bike, I am thinking that had you chosen a mainstream brand, you would have had a similiar experience. All bikes, including cheap tat all the way to the higher echelons will and do require tinkering. I think the flaw in this case was going into ownership of a bike expecting it to be like a modern car (no service or oil changes for 100,000miles, get in and drive and never give a feck etc..)
So I am sorry to hear that you dont feel happy and yes, there are difference between shops and this one should have given you better guidance. BUT, maybe we should start fitting disclaimers to bikes, explaining they do need a tinker every so often and therefore require owners to learn new skills.
So I am sorry to hear that you dont feel happy and yes, there are difference between shops and this one should have given you better guidance. BUT, maybe we should start fitting disclaimers to bikes, explaining they do need a tinker every so often and therefore require owners to learn new skills.
I certainly do have a manual but I hadn't thought to check it to be honest. The shop gave the impression everything was fine and dandy and not to worry. This was reinforced by my old bike - the old coil spring suspension didn't need tinkering with.
I agree with you entirely that I started riding it the opinion of a modern car (keep it clean, serviced / oiled and everything will be fine apart from wear-and-tear). Thats not to say I'm not happy to tinker - I used to own kit-cars so am adept with a spanner, although bikes are completely new to me so it's all a bit alien!
Don't get me wrong, I don't think the shop did anything wrong at all - I just feel that people such as myself climbing the ladder of the sport/hobby could be treat slightly differently to the people who know what they're doing. I would have loved for a 10minute explanation of the bike and what I need to do, or even a warning saying that the bike needs tinkering and thats it delivered in order for me to set it up.
Still, it's not put me off biking Just I now know I've a lot more to learn about looking after the bike than previously understood. The purpose of the update was just in case anyone searching PH spotted this - it's hopefully a quiet warning that purchasing a bike isn't as easy as it first appears.
I agree with you entirely that I started riding it the opinion of a modern car (keep it clean, serviced / oiled and everything will be fine apart from wear-and-tear). Thats not to say I'm not happy to tinker - I used to own kit-cars so am adept with a spanner, although bikes are completely new to me so it's all a bit alien!
Don't get me wrong, I don't think the shop did anything wrong at all - I just feel that people such as myself climbing the ladder of the sport/hobby could be treat slightly differently to the people who know what they're doing. I would have loved for a 10minute explanation of the bike and what I need to do, or even a warning saying that the bike needs tinkering and thats it delivered in order for me to set it up.
Still, it's not put me off biking
Just I now know I've a lot more to learn about looking after the bike than previously understood. The purpose of the update was just in case anyone searching PH spotted this - it's hopefully a quiet warning that purchasing a bike isn't as easy as it first appears.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff