narrowed down to 2

jaybo1973

Hi guys

This isnt one of those what bike should I get posts, I have done the homework, I would just like to hear peoples views/knowledge on my shortlist

Been reaserching into buying a new hardtail. It would be used for commuting (on the road) and also some off road activity but nothing to serious.

I have a budget of £500 and have narrowed it down to 2 bikes. The rockhopper disc 2007 and the kona cindercone 2007. Both look very simular specced bikes and reviews for both are good

Can anyone give me advice on which would be the most suitable.

Thanks very much

jeffers696

i have a rockhopper and the frame, is sweet as you like. top class bike for the money.

supersonic

Spec wise the hopper totally pi$$es on that kona

jaybo1973

From a commuting point of view, is the rockhopper a good road bike, friends have advised a hybrid. I would sooner have a decent mountain bike so i can have fun too

supersonic

A hybrid would be better on the road, a raod bike better still, but none can beat an MTB off road - and an MTB with slicks on is passable for commuting on raod. I'd get the MTB!

jaybo1973

Think ill go with the rockhopper then. My journey to work can hardly be classed as commuting anyway, its only about 3 miles. 2.5 on the hopper as I can take the short cut off road. I want the bike mainly for pleasure.

Hopefully, I have selected the right bike for my budget and needs?

supersonic

Youve selected one to go and try out yes! Next step is to make sure you like the riding position and get the right size.

jaybo1973

Before coming on here, I have done a fair bit of reaserch. I have been and tried the kona cindercone and the 20" fits perfect. Unfortunatly, from all the bike shops in the area, I could only find a store with a 19" 2008 rockhopper (I want the 2007 but I guess the frame is still the same size) The 19" felt to small, almost like a BMX. I would definatly need the 21" This is 1" larger than the cindercone but the 19" just felt to small.

My current bike (a prehistoric diamond back topanga) is 21" and fits perfect. From this, I think I would be pretty safe ordering the 21" rockopper online. I am 6'1" with an inside leg of 33"

supersonic

Its great that youve tried a few, but measurements vary vastly from mnaufacturer to manufacturer, not just the seat tube size, but the arguably more important top tube length. Saying that, Specializeds are a little smaller than average, so it looks like it may be the one. need to make sure you have enough crotch clearance!

jaybo1973

Yeah, I found the 19" rockhopper very short in comparison to the kona, the kona was perfect to be honest. Its hard to be 100% sure when buying online, but if I want the rockhopper, then the 21" is the only size I can go for. Because it is going to be used for light off roading use, I dont need the smaller size to throw around.

Its a thow up between perfect size and unsure size but better spec

supersonic

The spec is a world apart, and great frame too.

jaybo1973

I guess its settled then, the only question now is blue or black lol (providing I can still get hold of one after the time it has taken be to decide)