Kona v Spesh

nonnac85

Im looking to spend around £400 on a new bike. i mainly ride xc trails and a few small jumps/drops. have been looking at spesh hardrock sport (hydraulic discs) and kona cinder cone (06 model).

i like both as in how they look and when test-ridden so not much to make a decision one way or another there. any one know which is better in terms of spec e.g. brakes, forks and overall weight etc?

thanks in advance

supersonic

Kona is a good 3 or 4lbs lighter than the spesh, and has the better frame. Unfortunately these too are quite poorly specced compared to other bikes of this price - the spesh will hold up better for jumps and drops though.

nonnac85

you say these two are poor spec for price - what alternatives would you recommend?

thanks

supersonic

have you read the What Bike stickied thread?

nonnac85

yes i did but i wondered what ppl's opinions are on other options not suggested in that thread

supersonic

For this money you really should be getting a hydaulic damped fork unless you plan to upgrade pretty quickly.

theherod

I have ridden both of those bikes that you have suggested. I personally, i did not like them.

A friend that rides with me has a carrera bike which is quite nice for the money have a look http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... ryId=82394

nonnac85

just found a norco125 and spesh hardrock pro (08) for same money. are these good deals or not?

thanks for the halfords link.

WillGTJumper

I ride a Norco 125 frame, what riding are you looking to be doing?

nonnac85

mainly xc e.g. red trail at chicksands and sometimes a few small jumps / drops

konablaster

not sure if the paint jobs are the same in the hardrocks, but i got a 2006 rockhopper disc and the paint just flakes off. I would defintaly go for the cinder cone. Better geom compared to the hardrock!