New hardtail - which one?

[daisyj]

I'm planning to buy a hardtail for light trails and the rough roads in my area. I have narrowed my search to the three bikes below. In terms of components I can see pros and cons for each one and am struggling to form a view of overall, which is the best bike for the money. That may be because there really isn't much in it but I'd be really grateful for any opinions. I'll be riding the bike regularly - several times a week.

I'm slightly favouring the trek but am unsure about the Tektro hydro disc brake quality vs Shimano on the Cannondales. Thanks

https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-trail-tango-3-2019-mountain-bike-EV338266
https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale-trail-tango-4-2019-mountain-bike-EV338267
https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-marlin-7-2019-women-s-mountain-bike-EV340600

 

[vickster]

Does it have to come from Evans?

Decathlon and Go Outdoors have good rep for HT MTBs
Paul’s cycles often have deals on older models too if you’re happy to buy online

 

[OldShep]

Personally I’d favour the Trek too because it’s got a triple chainring and I like triples

 

[daisyj]

Does it have to come from Evans?

Decathlon and Go Outdoors have good rep for HT MTBs
Paul’s cycles often have deals on older models too if you’re happy to buy online

Thanks, vickster. I had a look at the Decathlon bikes and they didn't grab me, though they do look like really good value. Evans is relatively local to be and I've happily bought there before so it'll probably be from them.

 

[vickster]

Paul’s do sell Cannondale and other MTB brands like Whyte (British company)

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/bikes/mountain-bikes/female/adult

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Me too on the Trek for the same reasons. Similar prices are the offerings from Cube which have higher spec too. Depending on your height, you can also consider mens’ bikes.

 

[daisyj]

Me too on the Trek for the same reasons. Similar prices are the offerings from Cube which have higher spec too. Depending on your height, you can also consider mens’ bikes.

I'm quite little so women's geometry works for me. For most women's bikes, I need a xs frame!

 

[tom73]

Trek get's my vote Mrs 73 loves her's.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

I'm quite little so women's geometry works for me. For most women's bikes, I need a xs frame!

Great. Sometimes too much choice is overwhelming. I am 5’5” so I can get the best of both worlds.

(Nice avatar photo. Lots of inverts on the wing the last few days.)

 

[Justinslow]

Bought my wife a Cube from Paul’s back in February, old stock 2017 model with a hefty discount, 15 inch frame, it’s tiny but fits her well, just put a women’s specific saddle on and bobs your aunty one of these, Attention SL

 

[daisyj]

Bought my wife a Cube from Paul’s back in February, old stock 2017 model with a hefty discount, 15 inch frame, it’s tiny but fits her well, just put a women’s specific saddle on and bobs your aunty one of these, Attention SL

View attachment 462057

That looks like a great bike, thanks for the tip.

 

[Justinslow]

That looks like a great bike, thanks for the tip.

She was never fussed about a women’s specific bike but when I was up at Paul’s I asked what were the differences, obviously the frames are more errrrr “lady like”, but then modern mountain bikes hardly have high top tubes anyway, subtle geometry tweaks and the saddle, that’s about it. I bought it “blind” just hoping it would fit her and luckily it does. You can find some proper bargains with decent components on older stock bikes but often they won’t be just down the road unfortunately.

 

[Justinslow]

One other thing to mention, the smaller frame cubes are a fair bit different to the bigger ones,
Here’s a poor picture of my wife’s actual bike, but if you compare the two you can see what I mean particularly with the straighter line of the top tube into the seat stays.
Doesn’t really make much difference to us but the pictures of bikes you see advertised are often the bigger frame sizes. This one to me is more “women’s” than “men’s” if you catch my drift?

 

[daisyj]

One other thing to mention, the smaller frame cubes are a fair bit different to the bigger ones,
Here’s a poor picture of my wife’s actual bike, but if you compare the two you can see what I mean particularly with the straighter line of the top tube into the seat stays.
Doesn’t really make much difference to us but the pictures of bikes you see advertised are often the bigger frame sizes. This one to me is more “women’s” than “men’s” if you catch my drift?
View attachment 462081

That very much mirrors the set up I end up with regarding the relation of handlebars to saddle.

 

[daisyj]

Thanks everyone for your help. The Trek triple and frame have swung it for me. Trek on order and I'm hoping to be able to pick it up in time for the Easter Bank Holiday. Will post pics!