Help with another list of bikes!

timgbury

I'm returning to cycling after a few years away, previously having done mainly road riding. I've been using a borrowed hardtail MTB for a few rides this summer and really enjoyed it - particularly getting away from the traffic. (is it me or has the standard of driving dropped in the last 10 years?)

Luckily, work have signed up to Cycle Scheme and i'm going to use this to help fund a new MTB.

The type of riding I do is mainly trails and xc, but as confidence grows i want a bike that will also handle what i'll throw at it! I'm 5'9" and 12 - 12.5 stone.

I'd welcome anyones feedback on the following bikes and particularly what they weigh (as i can't find this anywhere) and how the forks compare as this is new to me.

Stumpjumper FSR comp - £1499 (the absolute max i can afford)

Trek Fuel EX7 - on offer at £1200

Orange Prophet 2 - £1399

Pitch Pro - £1399


I'm testing a Trek tomorrow and hopefully the Stumpy next week



Tim

Ciaran500

timgbury wrote:

Stumpjumper FSR comp - £1499 (the absolute max i can afford)

Trek Fuel EX7 - on offer at £1200

Orange Prophet 2 - £1399

Pitch Pro - £1399

I assume you mean Cannondale Prophet.

The Pitch and Prophet weigh about the same, 31-32 lbs while the other two will be about 28lbs. Not sure of the exact figures.

I'm looking in exactly the same price range as you and I decided on either the EX8 or Giant Trance X2. The Prophet and Pitch were originally on my short list but when I actually thought about it I don't realistically need 5.5 inch of travel as much as I'd like to think I do.

Larok

I got the stumpie expert, it's fab. I'd go for the lighter bikes on your list as they are more versatile for cross country but still 5 inches of travel up for grabs

The commencals also look good.

Unless your planning on a more all mountain ride style though?

timgbury

Ha, yes meant Cannondale. Had just finished reading a thread about Orange!

I've also looked at the EX8, but with the £200 reduction on the EX7 i wasnt sure i could justify the extra £400.

I guess i'll have more of a feel for what i need after testing tomorrow, this will be the first time i've ridden a full suss bike.

Chaka Ping

Is the EX7 a 2008 bike or a 2007 one?

If it's 2007, you should note that there were significant changes to the newer model and that the 2007 frameset was not so well regarded.

Look at the Giant Trance X mentioned above, and also at the Giant Trance (which has 4in of travel as opposed to the 5in of the Trance X). Giant do great value bikes which are lighter than most brands and their suspension system is excellent.

Kiwi Kranker

I am your typical stumpy fan as it got me back into riding and if the new one is anything like the old one it will inspire confidence and will have you thoroughly enjoying your riding. With 120mm of travel you can go wrong either!

I found with mine as I started to get better it was/is a very well planted bike that is predictable so it didnt punish me if I was a bit silly.


The 2008 treks are also very very good by all accounts.

Best thing is to test as many as you can and make a call from there.

Good luck!

timgbury

The Giant looks interesting, i hadn't seen that one. My shortlist doesnt seem to be getting any shorter! I'll have a look round this weekend to try and find a local dealer (Manchester area)

The EX7 is a 2008 model, with the ABP suspension the same as the higher models, the guy in the shop pointed that out as the difference from 2007. Evans have the '08 model at £1200 also. I guess this is a reduction that Trek have put out to all of their dealers, as my impression is that they control the market price of their bikes quite tightly

Chaka Ping

Just had a look at the spec on the Trek. Providing the frame is the same as that used on the EX8, I'd say it was a good buy.

There's a lot of Bontrager finishing kit on there, and the wheels would be an unknown quantity to me - but Bontrager generally have a good reputation for their products and the fork, brakes and drivetrain are about what you'd expect at that price, if not better.

The bike was probably slightly overpriced at £1,400 when comparted to the Trance X and Stumpy at £1,500 - so that could explain the reason for the price drop.

timgbury

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's most appreciated. Have found a shop fairly local that stocks the Giant and wil have a look at the Trance X2 on Sunday.

timgbury

Well i've ordered my bike, just need to wait for the cycle scheme paperwork to go through.

I had a Trek EX9 for the day on Saturday and it was fantastic, though slightly out of my price range. In the end i found the extra bit of money (how many times have you heard that?) and ordered the EX8. Slightly disappointed not to be able to get the green one as apparently they have sold out, but not bothered enough to change bike completely.

It was a hard choice between this and a Trance X2 but just felt the Trek was a more comfortable fit for me personally. The X1 that i had a ride on had a lovely polished finish with the logos in a contrasting burnished finish.

The Prophet was also a great bike, but probably a bit more travel than i realistically as most of what i'll ride is trails.

Thanks again for everyone's comments

Surf-Matt

Nice one - that Trek is an excellent machine.

Larok

very nice, enjoy! Be interested to hear how you find it when you have it for a bit.

OwenCB

I took the EX 8 out on a decent length test ride last night and I really couldn't get along with it, am glad I did though as it was high on my list due to the reviews its had and from the opinions of those on here.
Now got to keep looking, but do like the look of Cube bikes, want to buy locally though and I've not got a massive amount of choice