Which £1000 full susser?

Iain C

Hi

I'm new on here...early 30s and coming back to mountain biking after a very long break. I've got a budget of £1000, and I'm looking for a full susser, I think the plan is to buy a new "last year's" model bike to get max bang for buck.

I've narrowed it down to a few, but I'd really appreciate people's advice...perhaps there's one I've missed.

Here's what I was thinking of...and things that put me off each model are in brackets, but bear in mind as a bit of a newbie am I really going to notice the difference?

2007 Trek Fuel EX 7 http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70806
(Slightly wobbly back end, GT making a real thing that the 2008 model is 35% stiffer?)

2007 Canondale Prophet 3 SL http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70929
(Good frame/fork but apparently the component spec is a bit lacking?)

2006 GT I Drive 4 2.0 http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 4-20-10600
(2006 not 2007 model, cheapo fork lets it down?)

2007 Pinnacle Tent Peak 1.0 http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70732
(Not "cool" apparently! Build quality/attention to detail not that great?)



Your opinions are really welcome! Thanks in advance!

bluefoam

I have the GT I Drive 4 1.0 frame (same as above) & its great. I've fitted a 120mm fork (that drops down for climbing) I love this bike, it climbs well & takes descents really well too...

Here is the 2007 version for less than £849 & it has a RockShox Recon fork.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=17825

fireheed

The current model (08) Gian Trance 3 is a good buy for £999.

BlackSpur

There is a £1000 FS trail bike test in this month's WMB - Giant Trance 3 came out tops, with Spesh FSR XC Expert and Norco Faze 3 closely behind.

Prowlus

i have a prophet4 and its a fine bike with great expansion potential. My one is now 70% modified from its original spec and still going strong . Only drawback is its headset whichis a b**** to find

daniel_b

This seems like a good deal:

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/index.html?pageTitle=Marin_Rift_Zone_Bike_2006&pageDesc=Designed_in_the_UK_for_year_round_performance_and_reliability_the_Rift_Zone_is_an_brilliant_XCRace_b&action=detail&maincatID=0&catID=&prodID=7485&brandID=

As does this:
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/index.html?pageTitle=Marin_Rock_Springs_Bike_2007&pageDesc=Developed_in_the_UK_for_All_Year_Round_Trail_Riding_the_Rock_Springs_has_loads_of_Performance_and_lo&action=detail&maincatID=0&catID=&prodID=10488&brandID=

Anonymous

http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p186

Saracen Ariel 2 is a good one. was 1000 but discounted. XT Rear mech, avid hydraulics, good frame.

fly4fun

Ewww

That saracen is a piece of...poo...!

Seriously dont get it.

Hmmm the giant does look good though

Iain C

Thanks for the advice all and sorry I did not reply earlier. As it was I ended up going for the Trek Fuel Ex7 and I am really happy with it and enjoying my riding...that is apart from the never ending mud and punctures!