Norco Charger 650b or Boardman Pro Team 29er ? Born again Mtb needs help.

[Motozulu]

This is good advice.

 

[Jeffro5]

Whyte 901 ain't to shabby. If your anywhere near swinley forest, there new hire fleet are whytes. They have the 2016 model to try. Slightly longer top tube with shorter stem.
Hire cost £15 for 2hours

 

[Motozulu]

Don't get too excited about "rave reviews." Most of these are from people who've bought them - half couldn't tell a bad bike from an air conditioner, and the other half were riding an Apollo as their previous bike so itd be pretty difficult to be worse than that which they were riding previously.

Whilst I agree in general, the 'rave reviews' I am referring to are from professional bike testers. So, hardly in the 'arse from elbow' category

 

[Motozulu]

Are you 100% on it being a 29er? whatever, if you are going to spend a grand on a HT - there are much better out there than the Boardman or the Norco. They ain't bad, the pair, not bad bikes at all - but there are better, imho.

 

[SteCenturion]

Are you 100% on it being a 29er? whatever, if you are going to spend a grand on a HT - there are much better out there than the Boardman or the Norco. They ain't bad, the pair, not bad bikes at all - but there are better, imho.

Hi @Motozulu

The two bikes I listed initially are both hardtails, the Norco Charge is 650b & the Boardman a 29er.
I 'think' bit don't yet know I'll prefer 650b over 29, at least aesthetically I do.

Yesterday I spotted a thread that tipped me off onto a sale at Treads which finishes tonight/tomorrow & have seen a Kona Kahuna 29er that could be had for £725 & on interest free, but I would have to make my mind up like now, which I can't see happening.

In another development, all or any purchases might be 'Off' as I battle with my conscience, Miss SC Senior wants out of this house & to move next year, we will see how my conscience stands the test.

 

[Motozulu]

Good luck, I must have looked at a 100 bikes and took weeks before plumping for the Bird. It ain't easy - too much choice!