Potential exciting MTB upgrade and going off road proper for first time

[Fletch456]

Hi Guys and Gals,

Exciting cos I get excited by a new bike and didn't think I'd be able to afford one for a while yet. I briefly looked at these bikes (below) yesterday and wondered if you have any insights. I bought a Specialised XC rigid 3 years ago and wore it out using it every day (taking me from the train to my office with some road tyres) and as the name suggests it has no suspension. So am looking forward to getting some suspension as am looking forward to off road stuff and have been for absolutely ages.

Would have taken these bikes out but it was pouring down here, yesterday. I like a bike to look good if possible and both the Gary Fisher's are much better looking than all of the others except for maybe the Scott Scale 60. Initially I'm looking at spending no more than about £700 but may push the boat out to around £800 - £900 - is it worth doing that? I don't know how much I'm going to use the bike, though I know I will love it and as of December use a road bike every week (so love riding - with a club; not commuting).

- The componentry is all similar at the lower price range.
- The forks vary and the Gary Fisher has the best in the lower price range.
- SRAM is on the GF bikes and so thumb not finger gear changing - though I might be ok with this as current bike has it.
- The Treks may suit my build better - I'm 6'4" with an extra inch or two in the back as opposed to legs. Though the 6000 is a bit ugly the fit is more important.
- Is it worth pushing the boat out to the more expensive do you think?

Thanks,

Craig


Trek 6000 - http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/6_series/6000/

Gary Fisher Piranha - http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/piranha

Scott Aspect 20 - http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/scott_aspect_20.html

Giant Talon 1 - http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant_talon_1.html

Pushing the boat out further
Trek 6300 - http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/6_series/6300e/

Gary Fisher Hoo Koo e Koo - http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/hoo-koo-e-koo

Scott Scale 60 - http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/scott_mountain_bikes.html

Giant Talon 0 - http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant_talon_0.html

 

[GilesM]

All the bikes you are looking at would be good and be a lot of fun to start getting into good off road stuff, I would spend as much as you can on these types of bikes, to me it is definately worth it as you will get better front forks.

Whatever you go for, let us all know and have fun.

 

[mr Mag00]

i second GilesM

 

[Fletch456]

Thanks guys. I will let you know. I've just been pointed in the direction of a Boardman Comp because it has an air fork, whilst the GF Hoo Koo E Koo has the coil version of the same fork. I know I will have to deal with Halfords but worth taking a look at as CB's bikes are getting themselves a name for value or money.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I raise what GilesM said by the power of 2 and add....

don't buy a bike you think is ugly, or is a colour you hate, you want it to make you want you want to ride it after all

 

[02GF74]

Thanks guys. I will let you know. I've just been pointed in the direction of a Boardman Comp because it has an air fork, whilst the GF Hoo Koo E Koo has the coil version of the same fork. .

I have a number of mountain bikes, with air suspension, 3 of which need some looking at (2 forks and 1 rear shock)

Spring is heavier but IMO more robust and reliable.

Also ultra light air forks feel relaly jittery to me.

 

[Fletch456]

I have a number of mountain bikes, with air suspension, 3 of which need some looking at (2 forks and 1 rear shock)

Spring is heavier but IMO more robust and reliable.

Also ultra light air forks feel relaly jittery to me.

Thanks for the help guys.

02GF74 - Understand what you're saying but what does IMO stand for?

 

[Fletch456]

02GF74 - Ah..think I'd guess right with In My Opinion.

 

[Fletch456]

Hi Guys,

As requested am dropping by to tell you what I bought. After trying 4 bikes on two occasions cos it felt confusing (different handle bars, very different geometry in one, getting used to a bike to test then actually test riding on a very plain road) and I tend to be overly picky and worry am going to do do wrong thing so make a meal of it. Anyway am very happy to say on this fine sunny day I picked up a Giant XTC2.

Chose it because:
- you guys (and others) said go over budget if you can
- prefer the more stretched and less upright geometry
- quite light
- little things like remote shock lock on the bars, Fizik Tundra seat which feels good
- very good reviews

Am also going to unashamedly plug my LBS, Pedal On in Tadley because I got so much stuff for free. A bike purchase entitles you to podium points and the more you spend, the more points you have to use to obtain a very wide range of things from the shop. I've not come across this before and as got almost £200 worth of kit that I wanted (ie not unnecessary use of these points) it makes the bike in effect cost around £800 instead of £995.

Tomorrow am off for my first proper ride with it and really looking forward to it.

 

[GilesM]

Good choice, get out and have some fun.B)

 

[02GF74]

I bought a Specialised XC rigid 3 years ago and wore it out using it every day (taking me from the train to my office with some road tyres) and as the name suggests it has no suspension.

ooh, this has come back and I just notice the above.

hw can you waer it out?

I am still using my Saracen Kilicomp, steel frame, no rust, as my daily commuters, at least twice as week, 6 mile each way, through mud and rain and have been doing so for the past 14 years and have not worn it out.

yes, it has had a new rear hub, 2 sets of rims and brake pads, countless tyres and inner tubes, countless chains, 2 seatposts, 2 saddles, 2 headsets, smae chainset but rings replaced but still going string.

 

[MickL]

ooh, this has come back and I just notice the above.

hw can you waer it out?

I am still using my Saracen Kilicomp, steel frame, no rust, as my daily commuters, at least twice as week, 6 mile each way, through mud and rain and have been doing so for the past 14 years and have not worn it out.

yes, it has had a new rear hub, 2 sets of rims and brake pads, countless tyres and inner tubes, countless chains, 2 seatposts, 2 saddles, 2 headsets, smae chainset but rings replaced but still going string.

reminds me of this

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk24RdfXWcg