£800 hardtail

lofty102

I no what you mean, there are so many good bikes around the £800 mark. I've got it down to 3....... or 4 bikes which is basically where i started, but the 3 or 4 have changed!!
Cube Team Ltd - Really like it, but not sure bout some components eg hollowtech cranks, any good??
Trek 6700 - good bike & good spec & £100 cheaper than my limit
Scott Scale - good bike and good spec
Saracen Zen 3 - great fork, decent spec & £100 over my limit (but is the fork worth the extra??)

This topic has been a great help but its also caused a lot of head scratching cause so many good bikes have been mentioned eg Decathlon 8.2, Marin & Kona Calderra!!

I will Decided .......Eventually..........One day!!!!!

stanny

Lofty, yeah I've got a few Saracens - at cheap end a Mantra 1 and at other end Kili Flyer 3, but I've ridden a Zen 3 and it was a great ride

Panhandling Prince

Yeah, its hard.

I am looking for something I can do serious XC racing on but also something I can have fun on.

I have it down to two, the Merlin Malt 4 and the Scott Scale 50. Thats it. The Trek is ok, the Cube i know nothing about and I dont rate Saracens.

I think the Scott will win out.

lofty102

I would say for racing you won't go far wrong with the scott prince, i'm glad some one can make there mind up!!!

Panhandling Prince

I think so to.

As soon as the funds clear it will be on order from Drake's.

http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products. ... d=m1b0s2p0

Let me know what you choose. When do you have to buy or are you taking your time?

I have 2 XC races in October so wanna have a couple of months training time on it.

lofty102

I'll let you know. I don't have buy it for any races or anything but as soon as i get off the ship i work on i'l be going shopping and having a couple of demo's, then making the purchase, so this time next week i should have my new steed!! Do you do a lot of racing prince?

Panhandling Prince

I used to do lots of XC racing a few years ago when I was at uni and for a couple of years after, then hockey and work got in the way. So after 4 years aways from the sport I want to have another go at the age of 28.

Started training on my old suped up Carerra for the last 6 weeks or so and have entered the Gorrick Autumn classic XC races in October, hence a new bike.

Dont was to go mad as I know £800 will get me something decent for the job, but it has been hard to decide.

I should have the steed next week also.

lofty102

Nice 1!! Well let me know how you get on with the Scott as it is still a major contender for me. And Good luck with your races!!

lofty102

I just would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped (i think!!) me in this topic, when i get home i'll be having a go on the Scott scale 50, trek 6700 and the saracen zen 3. thanks again,
El Loft!

Red Panda

passout wrote:

They used to have Magura forks, avoid these., but Magura brakes are great.

My Magura forks are Great, can't think of a bad word to say about them.

tubsolard

I bought a Cannondale F700 for £899 (down from £1,299), a bit over budget but a very nice bike.
I have spent allot of money converting it to all mountain though, rather than just XC, it was fine as it is for this, but I preferred to get longer travel forks and a few other bits and bobs.

Panhandling Prince

Money down, I did it.

Scott Scale 50 from Drakes Cycles for £746. Will be with me Monday.

So glad I have done it.

Ill let you know how I get on.

PP

The Spiderman

Lovely looking bike.Let us know how you find it.

Panhandling Prince

We it came yesterday and its awesome.

Had ride down the road this morning and it was ace. Light and sexy.

Cant wait to take it out tomo XC.

I will update you.

"Scott Scale 50, try it, you might like it"