a choice of 3 bikes for a newbie

bigtoddy

i have been to the lbs in my area and have narrowed my choice down to the 3 bikes below

i have been told the giant is a better speced bike than the p7 but as a newbie proberly wont know the difference

so not sure which one just looking to get the best value

rideing will be a mixture of road, trails, forest paths

thanks for the help bigtoddy

Orange P7
http://www.bikescene.co.uk/moreinfo.php ... 406&sale=0

specialized rockhopper comp disc
http://www.bikescene.co.uk/moreinfo.php ... 222&sale=0

giant xtc 2.5
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 5-07-12440

supersonic

P7 is a different type of bike, has geometry for a longer travel fork and is basically designed for harder riding, while the other too are more xc/trail oriented. What sort of riding are you doing?

RhysD

orange is also a few pounds heavier than the other two.

bigtoddy

i will be riding on road, cross crounty, single track general every thing but freeride

supersonic

I'd certainly test out the Hopper - great frame, light, and superb value.

john_

I'm in a similar situation... what sort of stuff would require the extra travel on the p7? could a rockhopper stand up to small drops and stuff like that? (I'm about 11.5 stone)

supersonic

Very small drops and stuff - not 3 foot drops to the flat, asking too much.

Rich Hcp

I'd look at the Rockhopper

Although I ordered/reserved an Orange G3!

Just a preference thing!

The Rockhopper is a great bike

john_

what about stuff like steps or stairs?

supersonic

Should be fine! As long as the steps arent 5ft each ;-)

Most mountain bikes are capable of taking far more than the average rider can dish out, but bad landings can cause damage. And there is a reason why we have all this tougher 'hardcore' kit now, as it can cope much better.

clarkson

out of those, id go for the rockhopper. brilliantly fun bike to ride. always puts a huuuge grin on your face!!

bigtoddy

i have been looking around and have picked either a

SPECIALIZED Rockhopper Pro Disc or a

SPECIALIZED FSR XC COMP

both are teh 2008 bikes

they are £900 each just not sure about the fsr would it be any good and i carnt find any details regards the weight of the bikes

when i look at the specs they meen nothing to me so i dont know which one is better going to the lbs in the morning to pick one

cheers

Larok

The FSR will be heavier, (at a guess the weight of a £350 hardtail) and less efficient with your pedalling effort. But will have the rear suspension making all day riding more comfortable and faster riding over rough terrain.

The hardtail will be a faster and more nimble ride but harsher on the back over the rough stuff.

Have a go on both.

supersonic

The FSR XC Comp is 32lbs with pedals.

The Rockhopper Pro disc is 26lbs or so.

bigtoddy

would road testing be ok or would it need some track to find out

just not sure if i would be able to get it off road but prob up and down the road

supersonic

Full test of course is best, but even riding it around the shop car park is better than nowt - will give you a feel for the position and size needed.

bigtoddy

went to the lbs this morning for a test ride i also tried a trek fs as well but went for the specialized fsr xc comp

there wasnt much in it between them and got a few accessories aswell

cheers