Don't flame the newb!

stratcat

Hi there

I am going a couple of bike shops tomorrow to look for a potential purchase.
My bike is ten years old and knackered!
I was thinking of something like this

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86115

but then I thought even this
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86052
is probably better than my old trek and half the price.

I appreciate the fork and the disc brakes probably make up the biggest price differential, but is it worth paying more (yes, I know the old adage of pay more than you can afford, but I am pretty skint!) or more importantly would I benefit from LX and deore rather than acera "stuff". The bike will be used on some serious hills. (I live in Cumbria )

Don't want to be fed a load of BS when I go tomorrow so any insights would be appreciated.

I have read a lot of the postings and you guys are very knowledgable.

Cheers

gs3

By "serious hills" I assume that you plan to pedal UP them as well as down - if so, then I would seriously recommend the Rockhopper as my first choice. Excellent XC type hardtail that'll take you just about anywhere. High quality frame which is ripe for upgrading as components wear out

I could suggest any number of alternative brands and models at this price range but I am a little biased towards Specialized (I have 3) and have never had any problems with any of mine.

The best rule-of-thumb is to get to your nearest bike retailer and actually sit on or test ride them if possible because what's right for me won't necessarily be right for you.

Hope this helps a little?

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stratcat

thanks for that.

Yup, I'm checking some out tomorrow. Why would the hard rock not be upto going uphill?
Still aluminium frame can't be that much heavier can it?

Would I be disapointed with it? do you think? I really like my trek but it would cost more to rebuild/upgrade than to buy new.

How much difference do the "higher spec" shifters make are they just lighter so cost more or is there another reason?

jrduquemin

You would be better off buying the Rockhopper. It will have a far better spec and will be still going strong a couple of years down the line.

gs3

stratcat

The Hardrock will still go uphill no problem, it's just that.....I won't say any more about the weight difference - you'll find out when you see them side by side - even with them both being aluminium!

If you are able to test ride the Hardrock (or even a quick spin round the car park etc) you won't be disappointed until you then do the same thing with the Rockhopper !

The "higher spec" shifters are slightly better constructed so should last a good bit longer. You will find a slight difference in the action of the forks in the shop but on the trail there will be a noticeable difference as the Tora's on the Rockhopper are much lighter and more responsive.

There is no contest between v-brakes and hydraulic disc brakes especially if you are planning on using the bike in all conditions - hydraulics win every time.

Even the M4 alloy used to make the frame on the Rockhopper was only found on the top-of-the-range S-works until a couple of years ago!!

Have fun checking them out and let us know how you get on :roll:

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gs3

Forgot to say that if the bike shop(s) you are going to still have these models in stock you should be able to negotiate a decent discount as the 2009 range will be available within the next month or two.

stratcat

Thanks for the input gs3.

I thought the lx / xt/xtr thing was just a bit of bike snobbery, maybe saving like 1/2 a gram or something. Good to know that the extra money actually goes on "something" and not "nothing" if you know what I mean

I hadn't thought about the 2009 models. I was going to haggle anyway, coz if you don't ask you don't get.
Am I better trying to get money off (and what sort of money should you expect me to go for) or should I try and get some ger thrown in?

I am off to the shops in a couple of hours. I will report back my thoughts and findings then.

Thanks again

supersonic

Rockhopper blows the Hardrock in every department! You'd expect it given the price differential though ;-)

xcracer

Go to a shop and just lift the two, you will soon notice the difference. The RH is a superb all round trail bike. I've had hours of fun on mine!