Buying advice for a novice please :-)

porkloins

hi all, i've already taken a peek at the buyers guide at the top of the page, but i'd like some more input from u lot if possible.

i'm what u might call a mtb noob but i recently dicovered that there are quite a few offroad tracks to go on nearby where i live. i'm enjoying it to the point of realising that i need a more capable ride. i've currently got a Diamondback vectra sport, which i've owned for about 5 years and it's hardly seen the light of day until about 2 weeks ago! The trouble is that the frame is too way too small for me (16in) and i'm 5'11" so ideally i think i need a 19in frame.

my budget is around £450, but i also need to get some basic gear too, helmet, gloves, clothing etc.

The bike that takes my fancy is the Specialized Hardrock Sport Hydraulic Disc 2007 that i've seen at Evans Cycles for £369.99, i've thrown some basic accessories in my wishlist and it totals at £446

I would like hydraulic discs, but i most probably wouldn't need them yet, perhaps someone could advise me?

So is this bike good value or what others could people recommend, once again, i'm on a fairly tight budget and don't want to go overspending as i'm only just starting out!

also, i'm not in a massive rush to buy one just yet.....will better deals come along at different times of the year?

thanks in advance

supersonic

Also worth searching the forum for comments on this bike. Did you read the what bike thread too?

You ned to test the bike of you can, IMHO the Hardrock sport hyd disc is a poor bike - fork is undamped, discs are the most basic hydros on the market, and it weighs a ton.

porkloins

i've just done a search on the forum, there seems to be a bit of a split of opinions with this bike. most agree that it's heavy and equipment is of a lower standard than others, but on the other hand some people changed their mind once they'd ridden it. i do have to admit that i'm mainly drawn to this bike due to it's looks and i know this is wrong!

if i were to really stretch my budget, would a Rockhopper 2007 @ £449 be worth a look?

supersonic

Yes, much better bike - 5 lbs lighter for a start, and superior frame and fork. No discs - but easily upgraded.

porkloins

I've just read the review on the rockhopper, all seems well until it metioned about limited clearance from the pedals. this is a problem that i already have with my current bike. also the mention of various unbranded equipment is slightly off putting.

I'm now falling into the trap that i would expect most people fall into with the 'just another 50 quid and i could have.....' dillema

Reading about the Claud Butler Cape Wrath D-27 2007, this bike sounds pretty capable with pretty good equipment fitted, including some quite highly rated hydraulic disc brakes. would this really be worth the extra cash @ £499.99?

thanks for the comments so far, this is a great site that's really helping me get my head round what i need to buy

mooney13

I did that...my start budget was £400 and a year on i'm the proud owner of a Stumpy fsr comp 08 lol. About the bike the rockhoppers a miles better bike and looks tons better in my opinion.

Also take a look at these:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70183

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70224

porkloins

well, i've just ordered a rockhopper from dalescycles for the princely sum of £399.99

i went to evans today to test ride both the rockhopper and cape wrath. upon closer inspection you can tell that the rockhopper is a far better bike.

i wasn't overly impressed with evans refusal to budge on price, ultimately it's lost them a sale...no skin off my nose tho

thanks again for you comments, now i need to find a helmet.....where do i start???!!!!!

mooney13

Sounds good...07? Erm how much are you lucking to spend?

lost-time

You'll get used to that low BB! A few foot smashes and you'll soon learn to keep flat on certain sections. Good choice. I've owned one (amongst others) for over two years now...

Hope you've increased your overall budget for the helmet, shorts etc etc

porkloins

yes it's the '07 model mooney13

well i ended up with a giro indicator helmet that was reduced from £29.99 to £19.99 from halfords, plus a 10% discount (thanks kelloggs!)

I also just ordered some Shimano MT40 shoes from Merlin cycles for £29.95 inc delivery which seem a fairly good deal (my m8 has given me some new shimano pedals to suit).
I've still got plenty more i could do with buying, but for now that should be enough to keep me going!

As for the bike, i love it! the first time i took it out i felt much more confident, my only gripe was that my feet were slipping on the pedals, but once i've got the shoes that'll no longer be a problem i hope. I'd certainly recommend the rockhopper to anyone on a similar budget to mine, less is most certainly more in the case of this bike imo

whitetux

ive not actually tested the hardrock with hydraulics, but i fitted some myself, try to go for a bike with better forks because rst's are useless