Best £700 hardtail multiple choice quiz

Paulie P

Apologies for asking a variation of a very common question, but to cut to the chase I want to know which of my shortlist is the best hardtail for around £700:

a) Orange Evo8 - 2008
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027009/Ora ... O--8-.html

b) Marin Nail Trail - 2009
http://www.cyclesuk.com/1011/110-201142

c) Merlin Malt 2 (not sure I can stretch to the 4) - 2009
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=39

d) Kona Kula - 2009
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kon ... e-ec000796

I will use it mainly for 1-4 hour hilly, sometimes muddy, sometimes rocky XC rides but nothing too hardcore. Inevitebly, I will also spend about a third of rides on (steep) roads that link that tracks where I live. Also, occasional "expeditions" to Lakes, Peak District, Wales etc. for more thrills and spills.

Given the hills where I live (edge of Peak District), I think I want the lightest bike I can get my hands on (hence, Aluminium frames above rather than steel).

Any thoughts, advices etc. gratefully received.
Thanks

Spider987

Sorry to add another bike in but have you thought about the GT expert?

Paulie P

I did have a quick look at GT but the BikeRadar review was pretty average so didn't delve any deeper.

Will reconsider if you think it's better than the other 4?

RockyHopperShow

Or 2008 Boardman Comp for £649.........

But two of your shortlist are quite a bit above £700. Of the other two (Kona and Merlin) I like the Merlin

Spider987

Paulie P wrote:

I did have a quick look at GT but the BikeRadar review was pretty average so didn't delve any deeper.

Will reconsider if you think it's better than the other 4?

Personaly i think its better yer.
The best thing to do i think though is to find out which of your LBS still has the 08 models in and see it for yourself. Ask to have a ride of it around the shop and see what you think. The amount of GT's ive sold at work compared to the other brand is massive again its personal choice.

Aswell it has the triple triangle frame design!

thirty1

Have a look at the Brodie Kinetic and Climbmax. The importers have a few offers on those 2 bikes and i know one of the guys who owns the company actually lives near the Peak district so you could prob pop round to try them out.

Anyway the web site is http://www.progressive-bikes.co.uk

supersonic

They are all pretyy decent bikes in their own right. I test some out.

SMITHY D

All the bikes you mention are about the same, but for £1000 there are some really good hardtails out there!
The evo08 is a pretty good bike, nice and light with good components for the price! Really good for XC riding and training on hill climbs. A lot of people bang on about the P7, but I think the evo08 is a bit overlooked it my opinion!

Smithy

Raymondavalon

Of those listed I'd go with the Kula
Turns on a dime, responsive, climbs like a goat and has decent components and groupset
I have the 2006 model and absolutely love the feeling of it - it's not my first or only HT but by far my favourite
The only thing I don't like is Kona's "You've been Tango'd" colour scheme

bullcross

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-8-2-34963146/

dunker

for only 99 pounds and 20p you could get a Malt 4, go on stretch

out of those i'd prolly go with the Malt 2 because it's a good overall package, handbuilt wheels, good fork and nice groupset. maybe with black rims and spokes, reba race and slx 2009 groupset? still under £700 i think.

like the sonic says, test em if possible.