Which £500 MTB?

[livpoksoc]

My ongoing quest for a new MTB/Hybrid has led me down the path of MTB, and now trying to work out if there is much of a difference between the shortlist. I have tried bikeradar reviews of previous years models, but not sure what to make of these. If anyone has any input I'd appreciate it. Brief is £500~ budget, hardtail MTB mainly for countryside riding rather than trails. I've established that the hybrids may be a bit too compromised as I'd like the option in case it gets a bit muddy.

Scott Aspect 740
https://www.evanscycles.com/scott-aspect-740-2017-mountain-bike-EV286165

Cube Aim Race
https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-aim-race-29-2017-mountain-bike-EV287412

Spec Pitch Sport
https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-pitch-sport-650b-2017-mountain-bike-EV279812

 

[Drago]

On paper the Scott and Spesh have better frames.

The Scott has better gears.

So, based upon specs alone my attention would be drawn to the Scott, but I'd want to ride it first. However, all three have truly unpleasant forks. Unavoidable really at that price range, but if you're a heavy feller you'll swamp them. Suntour fit heavier springs on forks for larger frame sizes, but they're still as effective as a victoria sponge cake. If younare a big lad I'd avoid anything with them on.

 

[Joffey]

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/new-hardtail-around-£500.218296/#post-4799873

Similar thread here - have a look

 

[vickster]

Have you looked at what Paul's cycles have in the way of older models reduced? Although they do tend to be the small or big sizes

Decathlon do good MTBs. They have a store in Reading

Eg http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockride...8364715.html?gclid=CILilraz8dMCFQa77QodAO8G0Q

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Countryside riding.... if that means country lanes and bridleways... Get a rigid hybrid, or a Decathlon mtb.

 

[Chess]

Out of your budget ATM. But in August/September, the Voodoo Bizango will be down to £500.
It's won awards in it's price range for having the best spec for your money - big (29er) wheels, good suntour forks- (Raidon) Disc brakes and Deore group set which is way better than your usual lower 3 specs of Tourney, Acera Altus ect. Has mounting points for rack, mudguards.
I cut down the bars slightly, put Land Cruiser tyres on, and it makes a good all round commuter on mixed surfaces. If you can wait til the price drops again you won't be disappointed. Check out the reviews.

 

[livpoksoc]

On paper the Scott and Spesh have better frames.

The Scott has better gears.

So, based upon specs alone my attention would be drawn to the Scott, but I'd want to ride it first. However, all three have truly unpleasant forks. Unavoidable really at that price range, but if you're a heavy feller you'll swamp them. Suntour fit heavier springs on forks for larger frame sizes, but they're still as effective as a victoria sponge cake. If younare a big lad I'd avoid anything with them on.

Ay that I am, so how do I get around that? Are there any Suntour forks worth going for, or a different brand of forks to look at? I can be stretched on the budget as long as its between us and you don't tell the Missus.

Out of your budget ATM. But in August/September, the Voodoo Bizango will be down to £500.
It's won awards in it's price range for having the best spec for your money - big (29er) wheels, good suntour forks- (Raidon) Disc brakes and Deore group set which is way better than your usual lower 3 specs of Tourney, Acera Altus ect. Has mounting points for rack, mudguards.
I cut down the bars slightly, put Land Cruiser tyres on, and it makes a good all round commuter on mixed surfaces. If you can wait til the price drops again you won't be disappointed. Check out the reviews.

Would that be this one? https://www.cyclerepublic.com/voodo...ke-2016.html?gclid=CJ6_lI2-8tMCFa-37Qod-CMKow

At £625 it is a stretch but could do it if it is better than the 3 above - though I will want to give them all a try.

Have you looked at what Paul's cycles have in the way of older models reduced? Although they do tend to be the small or big sizes

Decathlon do good MTBs. They have a store in Reading

Eg http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockride...8364715.html?gclid=CILilraz8dMCFQa77QodAO8G0Q

Am I being a bit of a snob when I assume Decathlon frames will be a bit pants? I go to the Surrey Quays one for lunch to get spares and some of my lycras, but otherwise I assumed their Btwin range was budget for a reason?

 

[vickster]

Ay that I am, so how do I get around that? Are there any Suntour forks worth going for, or a different brand of forks to look at? I can be stretched on the budget as long as its between us and you don't tell the Missus.



Would that be this one? https://www.cyclerepublic.com/voodo...ke-2016.html?gclid=CJ6_lI2-8tMCFa-37Qod-CMKow

At £625 it is a stretch but could do it if it is better than the 3 above - though I will want to give them all a try.



Am I being a bit of a snob when I assume Decathlon frames will be a bit pants? I go to the Surrey Quays one for lunch to get spares and some of my lycras, but otherwise I assumed their Btwin range was budget for a reason?

Not nessarily, they just dont spend millions a year on marketing as the likes of Specialized
You are buying a budget bike, so get the best parts for your budget, not the most expensive branding

Decathlon use a better fork brand

 

[Drago]

@livpoksoc Suntour XCMs and XCRs are hideous. Its no exaggeration to say a decent rigid frame would be nicer. Its an ancient design that has barely changed in 15 years, except to make the sliders from cheap alloy instead of the earlier Magnesium, and the stanchions 2mm slimmer to try and compensate for the weight gain.

This is strange, seeing as the (also quite elderly) Suntour Raidon is quite a reasonable budget performer, so they do know how to make decent suspension forks if they want to.

Don't be put off by Decathlon. Some of their bikes are average, but many punch well above their weight in performance/price terms. The frames are made by Merida, who also make frames for mother highly respected brands such as Felt.

 

[livpoksoc]

@livpoksoc Suntour XCMs and XCRs are hideous. Its no exaggeration to say a decent rigid frame would be nicer. Its an ancient design that has barely changed in 15 years, except to make the sliders from cheap alloy instead of the earlier Magnesium, and the stanchions 2mm slimmer to try and compensate for the weight gain.

This is strange, seeing as the (also quite elderly) Suntour Raidon is quite a reasonable budget performer, so they do know how to make decent suspension forks if they want to.

Don't be put off by Decathlon. Some of their bikes are average, but many punch well above their weight in performance/price terms. The frames are made by Merida, who also make frames for mother highly respected brands such as Felt.

Thanks, would stepping up to something like a RockShox (a brand I had my kids MTB in the 90s) be any better?

 

[livpoksoc]

@livpoksoc Suntour XCMs and XCRs are hideous. Its no exaggeration to say a decent rigid frame would be nicer. Its an ancient design that has barely changed in 15 years, except to make the sliders from cheap alloy instead of the earlier Magnesium, and the stanchions 2mm slimmer to try and compensate for the weight gain.

This is strange, seeing as the (also quite elderly) Suntour Raidon is quite a reasonable budget performer, so they do know how to make decent suspension forks if they want to.

Don't be put off by Decathlon. Some of their bikes are average, but many punch well above their weight in performance/price terms. The frames are made by Merida, who also make frames for mother highly respected brands such as Felt.

Would something like this be better then, as it has RockShox?

https://www.evanscycles.com/trek-x-caliber-7-2016-mountain-bike-EV242017

 

[vickster]

Isn't the Sram stuff on the decathlon bike with Rockshox better?

 

[livpoksoc]

Isn't the Sram stuff on the decathlon bike with Rockshox better?

Starting to think you work for Decath :P

I honestly don't know - I have the Rockrider 560 on my shortlist. The sort of riding I'll be doing, will I really notice the difference in parts?

It won't be too strenuous, but just want an off road alternative to the roady for a comfy weekend ride with the Mrs.

 

[vickster]

Starting to think you work for Decath :P

I honestly don't know - I have the Rockrider 560 on my shortlist. The sort of riding I'll be doing, will I really notice the difference in parts?

It won't be too strenuous, but just want an off road alternative to the roady for a comfy weekend ride with the Mrs.

Not at all, just like bang for buck...and compared to their IMO dull looking roadbikes, the MTBs look ok

I did once get stopped by a Btwin marketing dude in London (outside Rapha) who asked to take a picture of my Genesis as he was so taken by her beauty!

Unless going proper off road, I'd go for a hybrid with suspension my self or a 29er, find the smaller wheeled bikes with bouncy front much too much hardwork on tarmac or paths!

 

[livpoksoc]

Not at all, just like bang for buck...and compared to their IMO dull looking roadbikes, the MTBs look ok

I did once get stopped by a Btwin marketing dude in London (outside Rapha) who asked to take a picture of my Genesis as he was so taken by her beauty!

Unless going proper off road, I'd go for a hybrid with suspension my self or a 29er, find the smaller wheeled bikes with bouncy front much too much hardwork on tarmac or paths!

Thanks for the nod. I am thinking the same - I assume the comparison over forks is still the same though? Or again being canal paths etc. it won't matter?!