New Bike Time

Torres
Torres Posts: 1,266
edited April 2008 in MTB buying advice
Ok ladies and gents, the time has come for a new bike.
Normally ride cross country and trails, so looking for 100- 140(maybe)mm of travel.
Generaly ride a 16/17" frame.
Budget is between £500-600(ish) could stretch a bit more if it's a good deal.
What can everyone reccomend?

Had a look at Marin, and was taken by the "Northside Trail"but the fork didn't look up to much, i could be wrong though.
Also been looking at Iron Horse, the Sachem caught my eye at £550, marked down from £800, but i don't know much about the brand, anyone have any experience with the lower end 'horses?

Anything else i could look at?
Cheers in advance folks![/url]
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Comments

  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    The spec on the Iron Horse is a joke! Alivio & cable discs on a (£800RRP) £600 bike, they're having a laugh. Plus it will be heavy!

    Have a look at the Carrera Fury, it has possibly the best spec level for the money.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 3,983
    Seeing as so many people keep recommending the Fury I decided to have a look at the spec and it really isn't bad for the price, proper forks and reasonable shifting kit, pricing those items up alone on CRC (with discounts) comes to near on £250. Got to be worth a look even if it does come from Halfords.

    I'd agree with Andy_B, why settle for Suntour forks, 8 spd drivetrains or cable discs when you can have better. For £ 500 you should be able to get hydraulic discs, 9 spd drivetrain and non Suntour forks.
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result
  • BlackSpur
    BlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    Also take a look at the Saracen Zen.
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • Torres
    Torres Posts: 1,266
    What about the Marin B-17.
    Anyone got any opinions on this, yay or nay?
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    looks good but a shame its only 24 speed.
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    I`ll do the obligatary Merlin mention. Malt 1 suit your needs:

    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=39

    Phil
    Commie Meta 5
    Rock Lobster
  • Torres
    Torres Posts: 1,266
    sheepsteeth wrote:
    looks good but a shame its only 24 speed.
    But does one really need 27 gears?
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  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Its not just the extra gears - its the extra quality from the higher groupset. Personally I have no probs with 8spd being fitted IF the money is put back into the spec elsewhere - and with the Marins is simply hasnt. The Northside is better than last years, but still, compared to what else you can get falls well short in spec.
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  • Torres
    Torres Posts: 1,266
    Ah right, i see.
    In that case what about last years Rocky Ridge? More than £200 off.
    Opinions?
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  • BlackSpur
    BlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    The Rocky Ridge is a great bike, bargain at that price, but have a read of this:
    http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12544631&highlight=whinstanleys
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • Torres
    Torres Posts: 1,266
    Ah, cheers for that mate... Not too sure now though... :(
    What We Achieve In Life, Echoes In Eternity
  • Torres
    Torres Posts: 1,266
    Anyone had any dealings with the focus bikes?
    Mainly the Black Forest.
    Looks good for the money no?
    What We Achieve In Life, Echoes In Eternity

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