New Bike. Scott Sportster 50 2011 or Kona Dew SE FRR 2011

[Tongey]

Hi All,

I am new to these forums, so firstly, a big to everyone!

I am buying a new bike this week for 6 a mile commute each way, and am torn between 2 bikes. I have been using a £70 Appollo bought from (dare I say it) Halfords which I bought years ago, and have not used until now. After 6 week of use it is next to useless!!

Anyway, to the bikes..

First is a Scott Sportster 50 2011 for £399 (£459 with mudguards and pannier rack)
Scott Sportster 50

Second is a Kona Dew SE FRR 2011 for £269 (Includes mudguards and rack)
Kona Dew SR FRR

They vary greatly in price but the specs seem similar to me, although I am a new cyclist, and to be honest do not know anything about bikes - Regarding the price however, I can buy the Scott using the CycleScheme so by the time tax etc.. is taken off the prices for both bikes will work out about the same.

Any opinions you guys can offer would be much appreciated.

Thanks all

 

[waggoner]

I'm fairly new to riding so can't say too much,, apart from i bought a Scott sportster 55.. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-55-2011-hybrid-bike-ec025468 about 6 weeks ago. I think apart from the 55 having disc brakes it the same bike. I'm very pleased with mine,,riding it all the time. I just done a 22 mile ride on it earlier tonight and no problems..
Hopefully someone with a bit more experiance will give you a bit more help soon on the pro's and cons between the different bikes..

 

[Tongey]

Thanks waggoner. I think the scott is definately the better looking out of the 2 bikes, and the plus side is, it is my local (ish) bike shop which is about 15 minutes ride away.

 

[Tongey]

OK, my choices have been extended slightly now, so am looking at the following 3 bikes (All scotts)

This is the comparison page from Evans Cycles website.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products-comparison?products=ec025470|ec025466|ec025449

Would appreciate any comments as I am a newbie with bikes

 

[Schneil]

OK, my choices have been extended slightly now, so am looking at the following 3 bikes (All scotts)

This is the comparison page from Evans Cycles website.

http://www.evanscycl...025466|ec025449

Would appreciate any comments as I am a newbie with bikes

Hi there. I have a 2010 Scott Sportster P5 (older model of 50) and I did have a 2009 P6 (older model of 60) before it was stolen.

My P5



The sportsters are mountain bike style hybrid. I had mudguards and a pannier rack put on mine for commuting duty. The upgrades I've done are bigger brake blocks and Continental travel contact tyres.

Over the P6, the P5 has metal pedals (so can fit toeclips) a suspension fork and 8 speed gearing (P6 has 7 speed). The P5 is a bit heavier though and you have to get a P4 or above to get a fork with a lockout.

The suspension fork on the P5 is great for trails. The P6's rigid fork can be a bit unforgiving on rough surfaces. I would upgrade to the P4 if I was getting the bike again - better gears and lockout. I've been on some fairly rough trails on my P5 and its not complained one bit. My bike is mainly used for commuting and since I got it one year ago I've done 1800 miles. The only components that have had to be replaced were 2 cables and 2 chains.

The sub's more of an urban bike AFAIK, so its a bit lighter and faster but not as tough.

Hope that helps!

 

[Tongey]

Thanks Schneil, that is very helpful.

It removes the sub option as I do need a tough bike due to the bumpy trails I will be riding along.

I think I will go for the 40, with the better gears and lockout front fork. Will post up a pic once I get it!

 

[lesley_x]

When I bought my first bike I bought one with front sus thinking it would be comfier. What it meant when I was trying to climb I exerted way more energy than I had to as it all went into the suspension rather than the wheels.

It became quite frustrating and eventually I rode that bike locked out 100% of the time.

It does depend what riding you're doing though!

 

[Tongey]

Thanks lesley x.

That helps a lot and I think I am sold on the Scott 40 now with the lock-out fork.

My route is well suited for it, as it is flat for 5 miles, then half mile uphill at the end, so it will be easy to lock out the forks just before I start my climb

 

[Tongey]

ahhh, still waiting for my Cycle Scheme voucher, and have been talking to more people about bikes.

I have now been recommended a different bike. It is the Merida Crossway 40-D.

So, my question is how does this bike compare with Scott Sportster 40?

They are quite similar on specs, but the Merida has got Hydraulic disk brakes which I have been told are much better.

Any help/suggestions would be great. Thanks