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Your next bike should be a mountain bike

by multimodal
Mon, Jul 04, 2016 18:11
8

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?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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8 comments

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multimodal | 8 years ago
0 likes

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.

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Carton | 8 years ago
0 likes

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).

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CXR94Di2 | 8 years ago
0 likes

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

Avatar
bechdan | 8 years ago
1 like

'Your next bike should be a mountain bike'
.....but Ive already got two!

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multimodal | 8 years ago
0 likes

The boss let the £20 slide!

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alansmurphy | 8 years ago
0 likes

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

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multimodal | 8 years ago
0 likes

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.

 

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Bob Wheeler CX | 8 years ago
0 likes

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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