XC hardtail for £1k-ish (groan)

.blitz
.blitz Posts: 6,197
edited December 2008 in MTB buying advice
I'm going to keep my knackered '01 Nail Trail as a hack and get something else. I can read the spec sheets and reviews as well as the next person but I'd like a bit of 'personal' input if possible. Has anyone got a recent example of the following, and if so what do you think about it ?

Marin Nail Trail
Spesh Rockhopper Pro
Genesis Core 40 or 30
Gary Fisher Big Sur
Trek 8000

Comments

  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    All I can say if that I was to buy a hardtail for around a grand, I'd plump for the Core 40. http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/download/core40.pdf

    Here is this year's kit: http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/series/core
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • Mattbot2
    Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    Some of the Cube HT's look nice.

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=30534
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
  • dunker
    dunker Posts: 1,503
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=39
    MERLIN MALT 4-09
    GROUP UPGRADES: XT 2009 Groupset
    FORK UPGRADES: Reba Race
    RIM UPGRADES: XC717 Black rims & spokes
    £1037

    loving mine :D
    Merlin Malt4,
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/7405500@N0 ... 025278584/
  • Surf-Matt
    Surf-Matt Posts: 5,952
    2008 Stumpjumper.

    Job done!
  • commandolomo
    commandolomo Posts: 8
    I recently had a similar dilema, and was looking at a similar list to yours.

    Happy to report that I took delivery of a 2009 Big Sur on Friday - my oh my she is a beautiful creature! Great spec, light as a feather (<11 kilos) and looks great to boot.

    I have ditched the Candy pedals and stuck some V12's on her which were a great blast around Epping Forest this weekend, though may put on my SPDs as the trails are somewhat muddy this time of year!

    Overall, and albeit based on currently limited experience, I have no hesitation in recommending the Big Sur.

    A mate recently got the 2009 Nail Trail, and that too is a lovely machine. The spec is not as good as the Big Sur and it has different geometry, but the toxic orange is a kick ass colour and Marin are a great make with good pedigree.

    If you can, arrange some test rides - I was not able to with The Big Sur as there are not many in the UK yet ergo a lack of demo bikes, but my blind faith in my LBS' advice paid off!

    Good luck in your quest........

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