Beone Hardtail MTBs, any owners ?

[b2hbm]

Hi folks,

Time to get another MTB and I've been looking at the BeOne Karma hardtails on sale at the moment. Now I'm mainly a roadie and the last time I ventured into the MTB market was last century ( yes, really, 1996 to be precise) so as you'd expect I don't recognise many of the names out there. I'm not a hard-core off roader, I only use MTB's for riding during winter when the roads are too muddy or icy for a road bike. A hybrid or cyclo-x would fit that bill but I'd like some gentle off-road ability because we do go to Scotland every year, plus every now and then I do fancy a change from tarmac.

So as anyone got one of these and if so, what are they like ? Anything else in the £700-ish bracket that's a good deal at the moment ? As you'd expect I'm a cheapskate on mtbs and if I'm honest I just want to buy a complete bike & not assemble a frame and parts; I'd do that with a road bike but I don't have the knowledge or interest to do it with the off-road stuff.

So - anyone got one ?

Brian

[anonymous-user]

I have no knowledge, but a quick google search on 'beone karma review' brings up a fair few results. The 'chainreactioncycles' gives a lot of reviews from actual owners...

[Gren]

Aren't they an own brand or single retailer bike from CRC? Looked at them myself as they are really good value for money. Have not heard too much about them but what I have heard has been good. Reasonable review on BikeRadar here : http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mount... May not be the right model but may help. Also some very vaguely helpful threads : http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=17...http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=17...

Ended up going for a Cube LTD Race myself, 2011 model. There are still some good deals to be had on the 2011 LTDs if you look around. Alternatively Canyon bikes offer very good value for money or look at PaulsBikes for previous season deals on big brands.

[itsnotarace]

Gren said:

Aren't they an own brand or single retailer bike from CRC?

They are quite well known on the continent, Dutch brand but have been going since 1997. The bikes are made in the far east, not that that's a bad thing. I think CRC is the sole importer into the UK

[b2hbm]

Thanks for the replies folks, as you guessed it's the CRC sale that's made me look at this particular bike. And if they are the sole importer I guess that's why I haven't seen the make anywhere else, it starts to makes sense.

I'd looked at a Cube LTD on the CRC site as well, same sort of price band and perfectly capable of what I need, the only thing against it is that it's dark grey like the old Marin it's replacing and I fancied something sparkly for a change....

Thanks for the info about the company though, it's nice to know they've been around a while.

[Gren]

Cubes normally come in 2 colour schemes per model. One shiny and one black. Think the shiny one in the 2012 range is grey/blue though. Have a look at Winstanleys (where I got mine from) they still have last years Team at under £700 if you're medium or large. £300 off retail and higher specced than the BoOnes although a touch heavier. It's also white/blue/silver paint scheme so could suit.

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/35462/Cu...

Edited by Gren on Wednesday 11th January 15:58

[Red 4]

Gren said:

Have a look at Winstanleys (where I got mine from) they still have last years Team at under £700 if you're medium or large.

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/35462/Cu...

Edited by Gren on Wednesday 11th January 15:58

Winstanleys is Chain Reaction Cycles. Same place, CRC is the internet based sales division.

[Crafty_]

Cube Ltd Pro is a bit cheaper and they have more sizes

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/35461/Cu...

[duff]

Red 4 said:

Winstanleys is Chain Reaction Cycles. Same place, CRC is the internet based sales division.

Really? CRC is in Belfast and has both Web and shop. Winstanleys is in Wigan or somewhere and I've never heard of a connection between them unless CRC own Winstanleys?

[Gren]

duff said:

Red 4 said:

Winstanleys is Chain Reaction Cycles. Same place, CRC is the internet based sales division.

Really? CRC is in Belfast and has both Web and shop. Winstanleys is in Wigan or somewhere and I've never heard of a connection between them unless CRC own Winstanleys?

I wasn't aware of any connections either. Both sell complete bikes and parts although the emphasis of both different. Would be surprised if they were owned by the same company.

[Red 4]

Gren said:

duff said:

Red 4 said:

Winstanleys is Chain Reaction Cycles. Same place, CRC is the internet based sales division.

Really? CRC is in Belfast and has both Web and shop. Winstanleys is in Wigan or somewhere and I've never heard of a connection between them unless CRC own Winstanleys?

I wasn't aware of any connections either. Both sell complete bikes and parts although the emphasis of both different. Would be surprised if they were owned by the same company.

Yes, it would appear I was talking ste. (not for the first time )

Winstanleys are in Wigan. CRC are in Belfast.

I'm easily confused.

ps. gren; good choice of the cube. good bikes.

Edited by Red 4 on Thursday 12th January 16:19