replacing my ageing marin

ben_g

I've decided to get back into MTB and want to replace my aging (17 year old !) Marin Bear Valley.
I'm after an ideally lightweight (don't want to make the uphill bits any harder!) bike to use on local trails mostly around the local forests and mountains. From what I have read I think a hardtail bike with fairly good suspension fork is what I'm after. My budget is around £500-£600.
I was hoping to get a bike on the cycle to work scheme but my employer is dragging it's heels about joining a scheme. This makes buying from a local shop (offering Marin, Specialized, Kona) a bit pricey so i've been looking at online suppliers.
Bikes that I have seen so far include
Mongoose Amasa Super:
:http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b2s2p1493&z=1714
Giant XTC 2.5:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s2p1264
GT avalanche 1.0 disc:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... m1b1s2p677

Of these i quite fancy the looks of the Mongoose. Trying any of these out is a bit of a headache as there are no stockists within easy reach. However whilst looking for these I also came across this:
Giant Trance 3 2007:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s1p1291
I hadn't considered full suspension up to now due to the cost for a decent spec but this one is making me wonder....

Any advice about which would be the best option would be much appreciated, thanks

Chaka Ping

The Trance is much better value than the others you've highlighted, I reckon.

If you can afford it, it'd make a great introduction to the world of modern MTBs.

Then if you emplyer does the scheme later and you're really getting back into it, you can consider buying a well-specced hardtail and swapping the components onto your Trance frame.

thirty1

How about a Brodie Kinetic http://www.progressive-bikes.co.uk/kinetic.html

Was reviewed in MBUK the other month, the review is on Bikeradar somewhere.

The best bit is, my mate just bought one as they have reduced the price down to £699!

I know it's a little over your budget but it is a great bike for the money!

Here is a picure

Larok

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... egoryID=59

ben_g

Chaka Ping wrote:

The Trance is much better value than the others you've highlighted, I reckon.

If you can afford it, it'd make a great introduction to the world of modern MTBs.

Then if you emplyer does the scheme later and you're really getting back into it, you can consider buying a well-specced hardtail and swapping the components onto your Trance frame.

thanks for the reply
The trance does seem a good deal but i do worry it will appear very heavy compared to a hard tail though. Anyone know how much they weigh?

ben_g

thirty1 wrote:

How about a Brodie Kinetic http://www.progressive-bikes.co.uk/kinetic.html

Was reviewed in MBUK the other month, the review is on Bikeradar somewhere.

The best bit is, my mate just bought one as they have reduced the price down to £699!

I know it's a little over your budget but it is a great bike for the money!

Here is a picure

thanks for the reply
unfortunately there is no discount in the larger frame sizes.

supersonic

Trance is about 32lbs IIRC.

Boardman bikes worth a look too.

ben_g

Larok wrote:

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=12236&categoryID=59

Thanks for the reply
I have thought about one of these as I could get one from a local bike shop. The only downside really is paying full rrp and I do love a bargain! I will probably give one a try though.

ben_g

supersonic wrote:

Trance is about 32lbs IIRC.

Boardman bikes worth a look too.

Thanks for that Better than i expected really, is that for the 2007 model though as i understand they are heavier than the new ones. What do you think about it compared to the others?
The boardman bikes do seem pretty good, i will have to pop in to halfords to have a look at one.

thirty1

Ben g, they are discounting the larger models, you just have to drop them a mail or phone call. My friend bought an 18", but i would be pretty quick as they said they didnt have many left.

ben_g

Just ordered a Trance 3 from paulscycles so counting the days now until it arrives.

Chaka Ping

Good work, fantastic bike for the money.

You're not going to regret going full-sus, living where you do so close to all those north Wales trails!!

ben_g

thanks, for the price it was an irresistible deal