New to Forum OPINIONS on XC bikes and where to go next?

Crankmeister

Let me start by saying hello to all on this great site!!.

Well here goes the first post

Ive had XC bikes before of the hardtail variety.im only 5.7 and 11.5 stone(not fat lol) so finding a frame that makes me feel at home is quite a task.
I havent had a mountain bike in 10 years now and really miss the buzz.ive had a road bike but it hasnt captivated me as mountain biking did.
Ive had various XC frames from Merlin(leyland) through to the Sworks.
the merlin frame was 16" which was much better suited to my size and riding style.
I went for the Sworks in 17.5 which was a big mistake as it didnt suit me due to the length of the top tube.
Now after visiting merlin site ive found most frames come in either 15" or 17"
Which is leaving me opting for the smaller of the two.If i do choose a merlin frame again.
I,ve put a price cap on frame of £400 max and the bike in total of a £1000
Brake disks are not a necessity at this point.
I think that is enough money to ensure quality of build to get me started again.
I will be using the bike on smoothish tracks and plenty of climbing.
No jumps etc just fast trail riding.
So i would like to build a lightish hardtail bike with suspension up front.
So could any of you recommend a frame and forks or even a complete build?
Or post up some links to edjucate me in all things Hardtail XC.
Would i be wise to wait until the winter months saving more cash and reap the rewards of buying a last years model.
well i look forward to seeing what you guys can come up with.
kind regards


I

supersonic

Ah frames... all use different ways to measure, so one mans 16 is another mans 20. Top tubes, standover, all varies for a nominal value given by the manufacturer.

Second off, try and test if you can. It is the only way. I have experience with merlin frames and I find them to be a touch short. But that means nowt, just me, so even more a reason to test!

5 foot 7, so you are not a dwarf, so will between most manufacturers 14-18inch. As above.

1k buys a lot of bike, try a read of the what bike thread.

Crankmeister

Thanks supersonic for the reply its a shame you are the only one out of the 100 or so peaple who have viewed it.
could you provide me with a link or two? regarding what bike reviews as mentioned above?
Thanks for your time

Surf-Matt

Crank - I'm a similar height and weight (5'8", 12 stone, also very little fat...) and fit a 17" Spesh Stumpjumper hardtail perfectly.

For your budget I'd look at run out Stumpy HT or a Scott Scale.

320DMsport

Hi there, i've read god reports on the scott scale.

But i'm 5ft 7 and 11.5 stone at 11 percent body fat so not sure if that is bad or not but i feel ok!

I've just aquired a Trek elite 9.8 OCLV carbon hard tail in a 17.5 and it fits perfectly.

Rides real well, climbs like a goat on speed and a solid frame.

It only has 80mm fox forks but once set up properly it rides over things no problem and i've been hammering it in the lakes.

I have a ex9 which is a virtual 17.5 but actual 16.5 but that fits great as the bike is taller so required abit of standover.

The elite is a 08 model so got a good discount! it has full XT and highly recommend it.

It was recommended to me by two very experienced racers that use them.

Goodluck and happy hunting.

tomxc

Crankmeister
thats what i like to hear... a true xc-er.

Crankmeister

Thanks tomxc in fact thanks to all who have replyed

Teir isnt many peaple on the forum willing to to share opinions on this topic is there ???

schmako

Take a test ride before you take the plunge. Don't wanna end up with a wrong sized bike.

yug33

Have just purchased a Cube Ltd Race - fantastic Hardtail, light and great fun to ride.

Can highly recommend a test ride of one of these- bought it to replace my Spesh Rockhopper Pro Disc and find it so much better. price at the moment is great as well at just over £850!

They are alledgedly selling out fast and prices will increase next year!!

paynts

I dont think people dont want to reply its just they are maybe a different size to you or are just going to repeat others.
I am 5.7 and 11 stone and have just bought a specialized rock hopper 17" fits great and rides well. You do need to get out and test a few though as frames do vary.
Also for what you intend to use it for do you need to spend that much ???

Crankmeister

Im going to be using the bike for everyday riding to work and also some nice long rides.

This is how things stand so far with the planned build.

Merlin malt 4 15" frame 1400g
Rockshox SID team 1400g
Crank brothers cobalt c direct set 65g
Ritchey carbon wcs riser bars 165g
Ritchey axis wcs stem 115g
Ritchey carbon wcs seatpost 186g
Selle italia slr saddle 135g
hope seat collar 20g
XTR front mech 125g
XTR shadow rear mech 182g
XTR shifters 215g
XTR crankset 770g
KCNC rear cassette 240
KMC chain
hope pro mini mono disc brakes 590g pair
Crank brother twin ti 218g
stans american classics with ztr olympic rims 1306g
the crow tyres 400g ish
WTB grips 50g ish
have i missed anything ?

Should come in under 20 pounds i think.
any feed back on any of these parts would be greatly appreciated.
cheers.

BlackSpur

Are you planning on using the 09 SID?

Crankmeister

Blackspur

whats the difference between the 08 and 09 sid team? thanks.