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Your next bike should be a mountain bike

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  • July 4, 2016 at 5:11 pm #25982
    multimodal

    So I got sucked into it by the article and am getting a new hard tail. With a budget of £500 and a planned London – Brighton off road in September, I’ve narrowed the pack down to these two (both currently heavily discounted)

    Trak X-Caiber 7 (£520) or Specialized Rockhopper 29 Comp (£525). 

    Both quite similar. Marginally better gears on the Specialized, marginally better fork and brakes on the Trek. Wanted air shocks but not possible in budget. Tempted to spend more but then it wouldn’t be a budget, it’d be a nudget (or so I’ve been lectured).

    I’m trying out both this week. Anyone got strong opinions one way or the other?

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  • July 11, 2016 at 4:31 pm #874505
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    multimodal

    Thanks everyone. Went with

    Thanks everyone. Went with the Trek in the end. Got a decent fit in the shop, but having played around with it over the weekend moving around brake levers, shifters, the saddle, etc. I’ve got it pretty much bang on.

    I know many of you think it’s not a great purchase but it’s put a smile on my face. I did a 30 mile stint over the weekend on some pretty basic trails and it was great. 

    Don’t think I’ll ever be a hardcore MTB’er but it’s definitely a good bike for a bit of exploring with a few thrills thrown in for good measure.

    July 6, 2016 at 10:16 pm #874503
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    Carton

    If the fit is anywhere close,

    If the fit is anywhere close, I’d take the Trek for any actual mountain-biking. Fork + Brakes >> Gears, off-road.

    To be fair, the Tetkro hydros on the Spec aren’t that bad, and triples are really old-school. On the flip side doubles on dirt are also old-school and I’ve never gotten on with SRAM FDs (but that’s a personal thing).

    July 6, 2016 at 9:01 pm #874501
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    CXR94Di2

    I have a Kona Honzo 29“ steel
    I have a Kona Honzo 29“ steel hardtail and a newly self built Scott LT700 tuned 650b full suspension carbon. Both are very capable, the Honzo is faster due to 29“ wheels and slightly narrower tyres. The Scott is much more comfortable over rougher surface due to superior suspension front and rear. 1k will buy you a decent mtb. 500 will get you a budget bike with low quality suspension.

    If you’re going to make mtb your main cycle fun pay a little more and get a better spec bike. Look at Boardman and the Scott range

    July 5, 2016 at 2:27 pm #874499
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    Anonymous

    ‘Your next bike should be a
    ‘Your next bike should be a mountain bike’
    …..but Ive already got two!

    July 5, 2016 at 2:25 pm #874497
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    multimodal

    The boss let the £20 slide!

    The boss let the £20 slide!

    July 5, 2016 at 2:17 pm #874495
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    alansmurphy

    I hate to be the bearer of

    I hate to be the bearer of bad news but these 2 are out of budget!

    July 5, 2016 at 2:09 pm #874493
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    multimodal

    I know it’s not a popular

    I know it’s not a popular view but I like Specialized. I know they don’t throw in the best components but they look good and I find they fit really well. 

    Tried both today. The Trek is lighter and faster. The Specialized is sexier. Going for the Trek. 

    I did look at other brands, but these two came in at the best value because of the discounts.

    re: xc, you’re right, they are. I’m not a hardcore mtb’er. And on 29s, I’ll admit it, have wanted a 29er for ages. 

    Thanks for your honest views on it though. Appreciate it.

     

    July 5, 2016 at 1:20 am #874491
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    Bob Wheeler CX

    trek got the better fork, but

    trek got the better fork, but both frankly horrible american brands

    are you sure you want massive 29er tyres and not 650b? those are more xc race bikes, and heavy ones at that

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