Getting new bike first for 10 years which one do you think?

sirichmond

Hello all,

ust about to get my first bike for years, we have a bik to work scheme at work where I can save a few quid off the price of a nw bike. Anyway, as I am getting back in to the scene I dont want anything too flashy man uses daily commute and weekend rides in the forest etc, neither do I want to purchase a dog. I have been looking at and shortlisted a Claud Butler Cape Wrath D27, been to my local bike shop today for a look and also spotted a Claud Butler Olympus XT which looks fantastic and feels a bit lighter than the Cape Wrath. My budget is around the £500 mark though the Olympus XT is £799 but I suppose exceptions can be made. Anyone got any views or experiences of these 2 bikes or can you recommend anything else.

Cheers
Simon

Sikora

My choice would be a Specialized Rockhopper Disc


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/rockhopper-disc-2008-mountain-bike-ec001452

sirichmond

Seen that bike but Evans are not in the cycle to work scheme and cant find a shop in the scheme thats close to York that does Specialized bikes, hence my choice of Claud Butler as both bikes are available to test ride just round the corner at the bike outlet.

Sikora

I'm pretty sure Halfords can get hold of any bike make for the cycle to work scheme, or is that the Ride To Work scheme, not sure on the difference

sirichmond

Will have a look but pretty sure halfords are not in the scheme our company uses either. cyclescheme.co.uk. Whats the asvantage with the Specialized over the claud butler?

Sikora

The forks are better on the Rockhopper compared to the Cape Wrath, but then again the Rockhopper is more expensive anyway. The Rockhopper has a proven frame that wont dissapoint.

I can only find 2007 Olympus XT's - are old bikes allowed on the Cycle To Work scheme?
The Olympus looks like an aggressive hardtail to me though with its 130mm travel forks, which wont be ideal for daily commutes.
If your willing to stretch your budget to £800, this opens up dozens of other options. but for what you want the bike for, your original budget is enough.

Also without sounding snobbish, Claud Butler aren't really one of the top manufactuers.
If it was my money, i'd want a proven, well known frame.

I'd suggest finding what shops in your area support your cycletowork scheme and visit them to see what they have. take a few out on test rides, or even just sit on it in the shop and see what feels the best fit.

Old Git On A Bike

sirichmond wrote:

though the Olympus XT is £799 but I suppose exceptions can be made.

You can get the Olympus XT (2006 model) a fair bit cheaper than that, Pauls Cycles has it on sale for £649.95, looks like they only have it in an 18 inch frame size, though, not sure what size you are after, see here:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... m1b6s2p365

Sikora

Remember he's using the CycleToWork scheme. I don't think sale items are allowed

dunker

could mention that in the shop though and get a discount or more freebies thrown in?

sirichmond

Dunno if I will get any freebies. Have just noticed that its 699 on the internet the Olypus XT from bike outlet see below, 2007 model. Any comments on this bike appreciated.

http://www.bikeoutlet.co.uk/products/Cl ... 41-11.html

canada16

You can use any web site for the cycle to work scheme under these cond.

1. the bike has to be the same or less than the rrp
2. if the bike is say 700.00 on sale from 1000.00 you cannot use a 700.00 voucher.
3. You need to pick the bike up from halfords.
4. you need to phone the halfords cycle to work number I think its a 0800 or 0845 number.
5. give them the website you found the bike and as long as you can pre-order or order and you have the voucher you can tell them to get it for you.

I did all the above and never had a problem

Focus Superbud 2008
1000.00 cycle to work vocuher
phoned the halfords cycle to work number, told them the bike was on Wiggle and the pre-ordered for me.
FOCUS SUPERBUD............................. DONE

sirichmond

After speaking with some friends tonight I think my choice is going to be the Olympus XT for £699 from what they have told me about the spec its all good stuff, just need to take it for a ride to see how it feels.
Cheers all

sirichmond

Before I do make the final decision can anyone tell me where I can find out the weights of the Claud Butler Cape Wrath D27 2008 and the Claud Butler Olympus XT 2007, in the shop the olympus felt quite a bit lighter. Searched the internet high and low and cant find out how much either bike weighs.
Cheers

supersonic

They aren't published, you'd have to weigh them yourself unfortunately.

Looking at 30-31lbs for the D27, 28lbs for the Olympus.

sirichmond

typical, thought that might be the case. Cheers anyway

donnie murdo

If you have upto £800 to spend on a hardtail why waste it on a Claud Butler (yes I am a bit of a snob!)

Get on On-One Inbred

http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/

:P

supersonic

Because they are probably lighter and better specced, and get good reviews?!

http://www.holcroscycles.com/productdet ... s-XT-(2007).html

Not seen an 08 though.

donnie murdo

I think that if I am not mistaken On-One Inbreds have received very good reviews over the years too. You can also choose the spec for yourself and IMO not that it's important the Claud Butlers decals look nasty but that's just my opinion.

sirichmond

Yeah its an 07 model XT I am looking at, decals, who cares about the decals. As long as its shiny for 5 mins when I get it that will do.

juankerr

Oh no. Don't spend £800 on a Claude Butler!!

sirichmond

So Juankerr, what would you buy for ££800? and why would you not consider a Claud Butler? as I'm new into the MTB scene and comments are welcome. By the way its £700 and not 800.

supersonic

If you like the bike, the riding postion and the ride, I wouldn't hesitate for a second. Spec is absolutely superb.

sirichmond

Not ridden it yet, hopefully it will stop raining so I can pop down for a test ride. It feels lovely and light and what little knowledge i have picked up it does appear to be a very decent spec.