What bike? Trail Centre/XC Up to 1500ish
Discussion
So I haven't really ridden properly for about 15years but recently had a trip out to Llandegla on a borrowed machine and its sparked my interest again. Plus I really could do with getting into shape.
Id like a bike that is ideal for trail centre riding and some occasional XC stuff. Ive got around 1500 to spend but id push it a bit for the right bike. Im a bit out of the loop with the 29er/650B debate so not sure where I stand on it without riding them.
So initially ive been looking at Trek Fuel EX 6, 2014 Boardman FS Team & 2013 Commencial Meta SL 4.
Any other suggestions or advice would be great. Thanks.
Id like a bike that is ideal for trail centre riding and some occasional XC stuff. Ive got around 1500 to spend but id push it a bit for the right bike. Im a bit out of the loop with the 29er/650B debate so not sure where I stand on it without riding them.
So initially ive been looking at Trek Fuel EX 6, 2014 Boardman FS Team & 2013 Commencial Meta SL 4.
Any other suggestions or advice would be great. Thanks.
Its all personal really but I love riding a hardtail having had a full suspension bike before, its just engaging and it feels like you get rewarded for picking good lines whilst alsogetting punished for getting it wrong!.
A big wheel hardtail would make a lot of sense for xc/trail centres as you get the benefits of bigger wheels and still have the engagement a hardtail offers. Have a look at the Merida Big Seven (650b) or the Big Nine (29")
Personally, with that budget I'd be looking at continental manufacturers like Merida, Canyon and Cube, they are popular with the xc racers. The 2014 Grand Canyon is the best of the bunch having a nice plush Fox fork.
The Giant Anthem used to be the best choice for xc and trail centres and won loads of awards, 4" travel being more than enough for almost anywhere in the UK and the Maestro suspension system being renowned for keeping traction at the back. It looks like they are going to 650b for 2014 which would be interesting. THe Cube AMS is also worth a look being a shorter travel xc bias bike.
Loads of trail centres have bikes for hire if you want to see how a 29er feels.
A big wheel hardtail would make a lot of sense for xc/trail centres as you get the benefits of bigger wheels and still have the engagement a hardtail offers. Have a look at the Merida Big Seven (650b) or the Big Nine (29")
Personally, with that budget I'd be looking at continental manufacturers like Merida, Canyon and Cube, they are popular with the xc racers. The 2014 Grand Canyon is the best of the bunch having a nice plush Fox fork.
The Giant Anthem used to be the best choice for xc and trail centres and won loads of awards, 4" travel being more than enough for almost anywhere in the UK and the Maestro suspension system being renowned for keeping traction at the back. It looks like they are going to 650b for 2014 which would be interesting. THe Cube AMS is also worth a look being a shorter travel xc bias bike.
Loads of trail centres have bikes for hire if you want to see how a 29er feels.
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