Right, new bike time

[Mr E]

And I'm using this as an excuse to exercise the mighty power of the PH deal finders (besides, everyone likes looking at bikes).

The Kona is approaching end of life. I need a new MTB, and I'm pretty open to options.

I either want a long travel (140mm) hardtail (open to Alu or CroMo), or a longish travel full susser (again 140mm ish).

Prefer shimano drivetrain to SRAM, but it's not a deal breaker.

Bike to be used as a "dick about in the woods with some mates" bike, with the odd trip to wales and general other use.

I don't race, so peak efficiency is less important that a bike that will flatter my limited skills. I'm too old and terrified to need a downhill/big hit machine.

Budget is "flexible" with the understanding that I'm trying to keep it under 1300 quid (and preferably under a grand). Second hand is fine by me, as I'll get more bike.

I'm 5 11, so probably a medium/large or around an 18" frame depending on bike.


I suspect a used trek fuel or giant remedy would be perfect, but they're out of budget I think.

Anyone got any thoughts? Anyone seen anything used for sale that might be worth a look? Anyone got seen any mega deals on 2011 kit that people are desperate to clear?

Cheers in advance.



Edited to add; I'm also aware that £700 of specialised is all the bike I really need. I'm also aware that a ford focus is all the car I really need, and I ignored that thought too....

[shalmaneser]

Genesis Latitude 20



These are lovely. 853 too, although it is £1600....however it's last season's bike and you may be able to pick up a good deal if you're quick. Alternatively a Latitude 10 is only £1100.

[Jimbo.]

You'll get a lot more 140mm HT for your money than you would FS. The above suggestion or anything of the same ilk (Price Albert, 456 etc) will be perfect, running with Revs, Pikes if you can find them, 'zocchi 44s.

(Appropriately designed) steel frame + big, fat tyre on the back to take the sting out of things = perfect.

[HowMuchLonger]

Do you require a new bike, or can most of the components be transferred from your old bike?

[Mr E]

The latitude is a lovely thing, although I think a 20 is out of budget. A 10 is possible.
If I was going steel hardtail, something pre-loved like this would tickle my fancy;

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/873749/


I think I'm looking for an entirely new bike, the kona has been well used and while the rear cassette, middle ring, chain and rear mech are recent, the stem, bars wheels etc etc are pretty tired. I'd be looking to punt it on for a couple of hundred quid as a whole bike I think.

[Gooby]

Mr E said:

Edited to add; I'm also aware that £700 of specialised is all the bike I really need. I'm also aware that a ford focus is all the car I really need, and I ignored that thought too....

I like you!
Someone put up a link to Canyon and they had some nice 120mm travel bikes at a snip.

[Mr E]

Gooby said:

I like you!
Someone put up a link to Canyon and they had some nice 120mm travel bikes at a snip.

Looking at a nerve XC 6.0, but for an extra few squid there is a nerve AM 6.0. Mmmm, Fox FiT....

[anonymous-user]

second hand lapierre zesty, you should find a 314 or even a 514 in budget. the 2009 models were ace, 2010 were slightly lower spec.

i appreciate you might want something new and shiny, but for dicking about in the woods, you wont get anything better for a grand. new bikes are poor value for money at the moment, groupsets and wheelsets being fitted to £1k+ bikes are shocking

[Mr E]

pablo said:

second hand lapierre zesty, you should find a 314 or even a 514 in budget. the 2009 models were ace, 2010 were slightly lower spec.

i appreciate you might want something new and shiny, but for dicking about in the woods, you wont get anything better for a grand. new bikes are poor value for money at the moment, groupsets and wheelsets being fitted to £1k+ bikes are shocking

2nd hand Zesty would be lovely, and I have my eyes open.
Edit to add, I have no urge for shiny. It'll be crashed and covered in crap within 5 days of owning it.

[Gooby]

Just been offered a full carbon (inc wheels) santa cruz in race spec. 4 months old (£6700 new) for £3300. Well over budget, far too good for cocking about on but OMG what a bike. SOOOOO fast and beautiful.

No use to you but news like that you have to tell someone and I have been banned by Mrs Gooby.....

It is that time of year when the new demo bikes are out and the old demo bikes are sold off. Keep an eye on your LBS for a deal. Orange website has an ex-demo, ex magazine review bike area and there are usually some cracking deals.

[custardkid]

Mr E

for a moment i thought you had my old V6 156, nuvelero blue / tan leather - but was on a W plate

Sunset usually have some good deals, nothing much at the mo, just this:
http://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_...

no idea if its any good

i'd probably go nice HT rather than cheap full sus.

Custard

[Mr E]

Looks good value for a racing snake hardtail. Not quite what I'm after I think;
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/865972/

custardkid said:

Mr E

for a moment i thought you had my old V6 156, nuvelero blue / tan leather - but was on a W plate

Close, this one's an X, has cream leather and has just passed 130K and still going. May have a wheel bearing on the way out..

[anonymous-user]

rockhopper looks nice, if its local go for a look. not overpriced by any stretch though.

[Mr Gear]

I just bought this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/iroko...

It's lovely and a good price right now.

[Mr E]

Mr Gear said:

I just bought this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/iroko...

It's lovely and a good price right now.

Very nice indeed.

[Mr E]

Anyone got an opinion on a Hustler?

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/916053/

[Jimbo.]

Nice (though given the rampant bike theft in Bristol, why can't I help but be suspicious of ANY bike for sale in that area?), but as a "Dick about in the woods" bike? Meh...

[Mr E]

Jimbo. said:

Nice (though given the rampant bike theft in Bristol, why can't I help but be suspicious of ANY bike for sale in that area?), but as a "Dick about in the woods" bike? Meh...

I'd want to see a receipt. And it's an all mountain/playbike. Perfect for having expensive accidents in the trees (as discussed, I know I need a hardtail. I just like the flattery a fs gives me.)

[Jimbo.]

It's not so much "You don't need...", more "It'd be more fun if...": that Cove will flatten most things out to to point where it'll be no work whatsoever. All a bit too easy. A bit...boring, non?

That said, it's your money, your bike: as long as you're (a) happy and (b) riding

Edited by Jimbo. on Friday 26th August 20:47

[Mr E]

Jimbo. said:

It's not so much "You don't need...", more "It'd be more fun if...": that Cove will flatten most things out to to point where it'll be no work whatsoever. All a bit too easy. A bit...boring, non?

That said, it's your money, your bike: as long as you're (a) happy and (b) riding

A valid point that I can't argue with. Hence the liking of the Blue Pig further up. I am concerned that riding a susser has made me lazy (I do tend to just straight line stuff).

I need both, don't I.