Mongoose Tyax elite\super or Gary Fisher Wahoo, cant decide!

JimmyDUFC

Hello all!!

doesn't seem right asking for advice when I've just signed up so ,ill put a couple of dynamite links which will defo be use full (for at least a few of u) at bottom of page! Cool

I want to spend least possible but at same time get a quality bike for my money, with my budget being £300-£400 (or £500 at an absolute push).After extensive research I've narrowed it down to 4 being:-

Mongoose Tyax Elite 2007 @ £229.99 ( what a price) http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70320 - I read a proper review of this in nov 2007 issue of "What Mountain Bike" , excellent scores all round. This review is very similar to that which i read - http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... lite-11009

Mongoose Tyax Elite 2008 @ £299.99 http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86632 - Having great trouble finding any reviews for the 2008 specific model...I prefer the finish of the 2007 effort but i noticed the '08 has hydraulic discs

because the Elites are so cheap from this site I've noticed the Tyax "Super" model listed there, 2007 & 2008 mods costing £329.99 and £399.99 respectively and as far as looks are concerned, again I prefer the 2007 model but would take performance over looks any day.

I thought i had it sussed and was set on a mongoose until i clocked a review for the Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc coming in at £379.99 http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86348 I like the look of this bike, from what I've read Gary Fisher Bikes are renowned for quality and this review done it for me - http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/categ ... 0162?img=3 (note its the v-brake version in the review)
There are lots of user reviews around the web for this one...its strange cos most people are rating it as brilliant but there is what seems a consistent odd review saying its of low quality and will fall to bits before long.

Im just over 6' tall and weigh a ball hair under 14 stone (195lb approx). It will be for general use at first but fully intend on taking it on some extreme trails\downhill etc

Right from the start the tyax elite 2007 has been front runner purely because of the magazine review, i know i wont be disappointed from what i read about the general functionality.

Really sorry about this long post, im terrible for keeping things short and sweet on forums im just determined to make the right choice....so my main concerns are:-

is the 2008 tyax elite better than the 2007 model, and not for whats on paper but real life usage?

Would the Tyax Super be worth an extra hundred quid?

How much better (If atall) is the Gary Fisher Wahoo disc against the tyax elite and how does it compare to the '07 and '08 tyax super models?

Thanks a million for reading this

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cheers

dhutch

Also interested in your comments on the mongoose. Daniel.

supersonic

The Tyax Elite 2007 is a great bike, amazing value at 230, better than the 2008 model, but not as good as either Tyax Super - and it is worth spending the extra for the hydro brakes and better fork.

The Wahoo has a lovely frame and some nice parts, but a crap fork - only worth considering if plan to upgrade it, because as a complete package it is wanting.

For sizing, its best to try them out.

silly lily

I have the Tyax Elite 2007 and IT IS a great bike. But I've changed the most important stuff on it already: brakes to hydraulic, rear mech, upgraded for 9-speed cassette. Stem also. It's very solid, great frame and, although now I have a full-sus bike with mainly A-list componentry, I feel like I still should keep my Tyax, which has been everywhere from Grizadale to various sites in Wales and Cannock Chase. GET IT!!!!!
What am I saying... get is FAST!!

mr mangos

I have the tyax elite 2007 and it's a great package. Considering your weight though you'll want to dump the brakes and probably the cranks further down the line. Can't be beat for the price though.

Cyberhythm

I'm currently considering the Gary Fisher myself. That Genesis geometry sounds interesting, anyone wanna comment on whether it's just a sales gimmick? Also the listed weight is just over 13kg so maybe a bit lighter than most others in this price range.

Tempted but would I regret not saving a bit more and getting a GT Avalanche 1.D?

BlackSpur

highlight feature has to be the RockShox Dart 1 fork, which is far and away the best performer in this test. Lighter riders may find it a bit over-sprung, but it's smooth and progressive and, crucially, doesn't have even a trace of top-out clunk.

From the Wahoo review on this site.

It amazes me that they praise an undamped fork on a £370 bike - it really isn't very good.

pdrolo

Tyax elite has separate brakes shifters (combined unit on the 07) - make the upgrade to hydros easier. - The 08 has lockout - where as 07 doesn't.

But the 07 looks better - the black on 08 is ok - dunno why they couldn't do it plain black - that bit of green really lowers the tone !

I had the 07 - loved it - but someone nicked - now got the 08 - ride seems pretty similar - not as much travel in the forks - but this could be a wearing in process.

The scot aspect 55 - is much the same as the tyax elite - but IMO is a nicer looking bike.

bullcross

carrera kraken £360 looks good too in black

BlackSpur

bullcross wrote:

carrera kraken £360 looks good too in black

Great VFM too - damped fork, hydro brakes, double butted frame, 27 speed drivetrain.