Anyone got a P7 or Evo8??

[matc]

I've been deciding what bike to get and pretty much made my mind up that a P7-S was what I wanted; popped down to the LBD and the guy in there pretty much told me the evo8 would be a much better bike even though he owned a P7-1. His main reason for this was the weight of the P7-S and the quality of the forks.

I left a bit gutted and started to look around again; I really fancy an Orange and don't like this years Evo8 in champagne so I'm looking at an 07 model (I know colour shouldn't be a deciding factor but it has to look Ok), does anyone have an Evo, or can reccomend the P7??

Thanks

[Gooby]

I would be inclined to agree with the sales bloke. The P7 is a steel bike and a little heavier than the Evo8. Though there is a big undercurrent for "retro" steel frames and the "feel" they give, over a long climb you will wish for the Evo. BUT it is a personal choice.

I have a G2 and a 5 se. I have just had the G2 set up with XT mechs and shifters and a set of decent forks and pedals put on. It has transformed the bike and has turned a good bike into a superb bike. The colours are similiar and it is a very good looking bike.

If you do go for the Evo8, get the fork upgrade, the standard ones are not as good as they could be.

Mrs Gooby on the Gee ...


Orange bikes ride superbly, so much character and ability.

[deckster]

Have you tried them both out? They're both great bikes and at the end of the day you are much better off getting the one that fits you better and gives you a better feeling. Whilst the advice of LBS staff can be invaluable at the the end of the day it's you that's going to be riding the bike - and don't forget that the frame is the important bit; components can be upgraded, so don't get hung up over LX vs XT or fancy forks.

('04 P7 owner and loving it)

[thehappyotter]

I'll second the advice to try both before you buy. It's a lot of money to spend and it's well worth making sure you get a bike which suits you down to the ground.

That said, I love my '07 P7 loads. it is heavier but rides like a bike which weighs far less.

It's the most confidence building bike i've ever ridden and will quite happily take a right pasting without complaint.

Here's my baby:



I'm biased but i'd seriously consider the P7. Do test both (and maybe some others, don't just buy on brand) first though.

[atom111]

I would ride both as the frames are of differing materials and will give very different rides, one maybe more to your liking that the other.

If it were me I'd go steel and have the P7 as it will be more compliant and the frameset is IMHO a better pedigree than the Evo. Also the forks will be fine and when they expire replace them with a better model.

[cone]

I know my comment may only cofuse the matter , but i was considering those bikes a while since + a genesis altitude/ Handjob too . Eventually went for the Cove , after riding a Scott alu frame for 2 years all I can say is that the Cove steel frame is a stunner ok a touch heavier than Alu but way way comfier and still has the acceleration etc . hope that helps and not confuses.

[matc]

Thanks all for the reply's. My LBD only has a 17" P7 in stock so a bit difficult getting a good feel although his P7-1 was a 19" which felt very comfortable, I'm 6'3 so liked the more upright riding position compared to most other bikes.

Are they really 'that' much heavier than similar prices alu framed bikes? I'm just a bit concerned about having something that's hard to climb on. How come no-one publishes weight anymore?

Just one more question (sorry), can I expect to get a discount on an Orange? It seems as though even 07 models are only about 5-10% off.

[deckster]

I really, really wouldn't worry about the weight difference. Depending on the hill I reckon climbing is 30% rider skill, 60% fitness and 10% (max) the bike. Eat fewer pies and get out more, it'll do far more for your riding than shaving a few pounds off your frame

It's the wrong time of year to be getting discounts really although you should always be able to blag a few freebies no matter what. To get the big discounts you need to be looking around November-January when the dealers are trying to shift old stock to make way for the new models. Also it helps to be flexible with your spec (and even the model) if you want the biggest discounts. I got 35% off my P7 by turning up and saying I've got £500 for a hardtail I can take away today but obviously only had the choice of what they had there and then. Get it to your spec or get it cheap - you'll be very lucky to do both