Rock Lobster Tig Team , SL or 853?

Douche

Can anyone outline in any detail the main differences between the SL and the 853? Ive been shortening my list of potential candidates for a sub £1000 hardtail for a while now (with much help and input from yourselves) and im now almost at a decision as to the bike I intend to purchase, my final hurdle is to establish differences between the SL and 853, when i buy the bike I will be travelling to Merlin so i'll be able to have a look and test each one but I just want to preen as much knowledge from you lot first

Thanks

papasmurf.

try and get a ride on both at merlin and decide on feel, the SL will be lighter I presume but the 853 will have that steel zing and as a steel hartail owner I'd go for that.

nice bit of kit either way though

The Spiderman

The 853 version or the frame at least feaures in this month`s WMB and gets a 9/10.

Mr_Orange

I'd go for the steel frame every time.

supersonic

The 853 is one of the best steels available for bike frames, and in this guise the frame weighs 4.25lbs. The SL is easton Elite aluminium, and comes in at 3.25lbs. They will feel different though.

artillerydave

I have a Rock Lobster B52 aluminium frame easton RAD tubng and it is a great bike, not available anymore however. I think if you are going up to the shop you will be able to try out both and have a good chat with the staff about the differences between the steel and Alu frames I personally would go for an Alu one, either way they are two of the best hardtails you will ever own.

pdid

Bought the Alu one last october with the Reba fork and its a fantastic machine. But try both out and see which you like best. You may also like to try the malt 4, which is a kenisis frame, and also excellent value for money. It looks much better in the flesh than in the pictures.

And try not to look at the new Rock Lobster Carbon when you go in, its a seriously tasty piece of kit, but slightly over your £1000 budget.

Give them all a ride, speak to the staff and make your decision. Whichever you go for you won`t regret it.

P

Douche

thanks bods ... I know it'll be a matter of trying and seeing what fits, i just werent sure if there were any immediate rave points of faults with either of them. Though it'll be by feel on the day my heart is tending to go with the 853, ive spent the last four years on an Ally and cant even remember what a steely feels like in comparison ... so yeah, thanks and thanks again