Decisions decisions!!!

Mertyn

Hi guys, i'm torn amongst a select few bikes! thought you could help

1. Merlin Malt 1 08 Deore
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=39

2. Sintesti Custom Build
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=100

3.Specialized Rockhopper 08 - no disc brakes so i'd be looking to buy some on top
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec001453

4.Genesis Core 20 - I've found one of these for £450, I thinks its my favourite one at the moment!
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rid ... e-ec001123

As you can see they are all around the £450 mark which is my limit really. I'm looking to do some light XC and commuting so ideally looking for a lightweight bike.

Which do you think is best? and what discs would you put on the Rockhopper?

Thanks for your help

Martin[/url]

supersonic

See if you can try some out - not easy with Merlin, but worthwhile if you can, and Rockhoppers are sold nationwide.

Plus you may not even feel the need for discs on the hopper! This is why I think it is a good buy. You don't lose out buying it as upgrading to discs costs the same or less than the disc version.

mcbazza

I have an 06/07 Stumpy FSR and an 07/08 Rockhopper (started as non-disc).
The Stumpy is my trails bike. The Rockhopper is my 'everything else' bike.

As the Stumpy gets an upgrade, the bits move over to the RH.
Currently, the RH now has:-

Avid Juicy 5's (from Stumpy)
Fox Float forx (from Stumpy)
Hope Stem
Easton Monkey-Lite lo-rise carbon bars
Specialised Lo-Pro Mag II pedals (don't buy them, you can't get replacement pins).

I've currently got the Stumpy shifters in a cupboard, might put them on next.

Crikey is it a capable bike now!! Love it.

I recommend the Juicy 5's. I'm glad I upgraded to 7's on the Stumpy, as I like having the bite-point set up just-so. But, I don't need that on the RH. I like the fit-n-forget of the 5's. They just work. No messing.

Used to think the Stumpy was a fairly light bike. But, it's nothing compared to how the RH is turning out. And when the Stumpy gets new wheels, and the Hope Hoops make it onto the RH it will be amazing.

edit: both bikes run 180/180, so that I can swap wheels/brakes/rotors between them, if needed.

thankyousam

The Core 20 doesn't have lockout on the fork, which may be a consideration if you're commuting on road/flat surfaces. This is the reason the Core 20 was removed from my list.

Completely empathise with your dilemma as there's so much choice at that price point. I ended up spending a touch more on the Commencal Combi Deluxe. It arrived on Wednesday, so just waiting for tomorrow morning to take it out for a proper ride

Mertyn

So the Core 20 not having lockout is a big problem?

I'm stumped! theres loads of choice!

The RH for £399 is a great price, and i've heard the frame is very good for upgrades etc but everyone seems to have one! assuming I wanted to put discs on it, how much are we talking about or appropriate discs?

Any idea if the Core 20 frame is any good? i'm under the inpression that it is - I do like it and its a pretty expensive bike.

I've not got a clue about the two custom bikes but their parts look tip top...

supersonic

Lockout isn't a massive thing - can help on smooth climbs and roads.

Disc sets are available from about 90 quid. So might as well get the non disc version!

Mertyn

Hi Supersonic - your like a walking encyclopedia!

Very useful!

If I had to press you between a RH for £399 or a Core 20 for £450 which would you go for considering the following:

*Upgradability
*Key components i.e forks, frames, wheels
*What i'll be using it for, XC and maybe some commuting

Cheers

supersonic

Given I liked the riding position of both, the Rockhopper without a doubt.

Mertyn

Brilliant!

Can you elaborate on the difference in riding positions and why thats important? :oops:

supersonic

Geometry varies between bikes - even for those listed of the same size. You may notice you are more stretched on some bikes, or more upright: or the steering may feel faster or slower.

This is why I recommend at least seeing the bike, and having a sit on it. Or you have to understand all the geometry numbers very well and compare to what you are used to lol.

Mertyn

ok - so the RH is more upright?

supersonic

Difficult to say without knowing the frame tube lengths. They look quite similar actually.

Both are good bikes, with great savings. But for 400 quid you are getting an unbeatable frame and fork combo, and great parts elsewhere, and would be top of my list.

Mertyn

Ok thats good to know - thanks a lot mate!