Full susser >£700?

FourXXXXCross

Hi, you probably get loads of questions like this but I can't be asked to read through the back catalog. I ride mainly non-competitive xc, but want a bike that can handle some fairly rough downhill (freeride-whatever) and some light hearted jumps. Many would say you don't need full suspension, but I can beat all my friends uphill, and don't really feel in control sometimes going downhill.
I want mainly good frame and forks as I can swap parts with my current bike which has good brakes and an ok crankset and gears, but a rubbish fork etc. Decent full sussers seem to be few and far between in this price bracket, particularly from big brands. I've looked at the Kona Kikapu, what do you guys recommend?

FourXXXXCross

Oh Yeah, can I fit hydraulics to the Kikapu?

Littlelegs

I have have been bothered to search the forum (on this and other sites) and can't find the right answeres towards this bike. I have recently sold my Hardrock pro as I actually bought a bike that was too big for me!!! and I felt it was holding back my development and confidence. I am now looking at buying either the kona Kikapu 2006 - not the delux http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/index.ht ... 7&brandID=
or the Cube Acid Disc 2007- http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=20572

I am looking for a good all round trail bike that will help me develop my riding and one that will stillbe relevant as my ability and experience grows.
Any views most welcome

sorry to hi-jack your thread FOURXXXXCROSS but I too am very interested to hears peoples thoughts on this bike.

Scubar

You would be better off getting the Trek Fuel EX 6 as its a far nicer bike and can be found on the web for around £650

Littlelegs

Thanks Scubar,
I'm really stretching my budget just to make the £600 for the Cube. I suppose the real question is "is it worth getting an entry level full sus bike over a good spec hardtail?" I've ridden a couple of full sus bikes and they felt great but they had better spec than the kikapu, however, I have found that bike at £500.

Scubar

Maybe not an entry level full sus ,Tthe reason i said EX 6 is because its a £1100 bike normally and has very good spec and reviews and ive seen them very cheap lately so you should certainly consider a test ride on one.

supersonic

Littlelegs, you need to at least test what you are going to buy, or you are buying blind. Cube looks par for the course specwise, maybe expect a little better fork. Kikapu has a good frame, but horrendous fork and lowly components.

Littlelegs

thanks guys, I've ridden the cube and was very happy with it, the steering felt quick and it just had a positive all round feel. I guess i just need to be realistic with what I can achieve with my budget and buy the bike I know i like / suits me.