XC Hardtail bike for between £500 and £900

KnightofCydonia

It's been years since I had a bike and I'm definitely ready to get back into it. Problem is that the last time I bought, suspension was in its infancy especially travel wise, there was no lockout etc, rockshox range included indy xc, judy & sid were born later on in my riding career. Gary Klein was still putting out awesome bikes and I'd never heard of Commencal, Lapirerre etc.

I don't mind what year the model is from, 2007/8 or a 2009 but I really don't know how to differentiate between the brands these days as to what is hot or not. I used to use a mixture of STX & LX but I hear Deore is reasonable now, LX still around and SLX just come out?

I'd like a hardtail I think, mostly because of the lightweight feel and the fact I can have a lot more for my money spec wise. Have full sus come on so much in the last 8 years that I should be considering one of them?

I've got a minimum of just over 500 and a maximum of about 900 although I might be able to stretch to a grand if I see something I really want. At just under 5'9 i think i need a 17/17.5 inch frame although i'd consider an 18"

I've looked at bikes such as cannondale, trek, specialized, gt, merlin, scott etc but is there anything I'm missing that might offer something good.

cheers

OwenB

My Mrs got a Giant XTC 3 for £650 recently and she's well happy with it, she's 5'9" with 36" inside leg so got the 18 inch medium frame and it fits her perfect, should be my size too but she won't let me out on it

supersonic

Size wise it is best to try some out, or at least sit ona few - brands, models and sizing vary a lot more than they used to, and a lot more to consider than just one tube measurement.

£500 gets a good bike with 27 gears, damped fork, disc brakes. Why spend more? Weight is one factor, plus tend to be a little better built with slicker components. If you have the money, spend it, as will be cheaper than upgrading in the future.

What terrain will you be riding? Paths, woodland tracks, moors, or a bit harder ie crags and rocks?

KnightofCydonia

Thanks Owen, that's one hell of an inside leg though, well comparatively, mines only 29" :shock:

I'll have a look at that one.


Supersonic, i've got a rough idea of the idea of what money buys thanks, more wondering if there's anything i'm missing from brands that have come to the fore recently. Most of my riding will be semi off-road with singletrack, bridal paths, xc type stuff. No real want to go downhill, no jumps unless they're part of a natural trail and necessary etc.

All I know is my brother has a giant rock (about 180 quid) and the mechs on it make so much noise, the bike feels cheap & tacky and i daren't take it out & about onto anything remotely off road for fear of snapping stuff off it