Final choice - MTB Hardtails £700 to £900

KnightofCydonia

After taking on the advice of everyone so far & finding out loads of great answers I'd like to take the specs from the bikes i'm interested in & what i'm looking for is which looks the best on paper. As someone who's been away for a while, I'm not sure in some cases what are good & what aren't, mostly relating to brakes, forks etc and if some components really stick out as being good value for that price range. Appreciate all feedback from everyone


Cannondale F4Z 2009


FRAME: CO2 SL Disc only
FORK: RockShox Tora SL Solo Air 100mm with Turnkey Lock-Out
REAR SHOCK: N/A
RIMS: Mach 1 Sub Zero Disc, 32 hole
HUBS: Formula DC94 / DC58
SPOKES: DT Swiss Champion
TYRES: Hutchinson Toro, 26x2.15"
PEDALS: Wellgo alloy cage with clip and strap
CRANK: Shimano M521, 22/32/44
CHAIN: Shimano HG-53
REAR COGS: SRAM PG-950, 11-32
BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano ES25 Octalink
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore
REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM X-9 long cage
SHIFTERS: SRAM X-5 triggers
HANDLEBAR: Cannondale C3, 20mm rise
STEM: Cannondale, 31.8mm
HEADSET: FSA Orbit DL 1-1/8"
BRAKES: Avid Juicy 3 with 160mm rotors
BRAKE LEVERS: Avid Juicy 3
SADDLE: Fi'zi:k Nisene III Wing Flex with Mg rails
SEATPOST: Cannondale C4, 31.6x400mm
EXTRAS: Cannondale V-Tech grips

Rocky Mountain Vertex 30 2008


• Frame: Rocky Mountain FORM 7005 aluminium
• Forks: Marzocchi MX Pro L/O
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
• Shifters: Shimano Deore Rapidfire
• Chainset: RaceFace Ride X-Type
• Bottom Bracket: RaceFace Ride X-Type
• Chain: Shimano HG53-9
• Freewheel: Shimano Deore
• Headset: FSA
• Stem: Easton EA30 31.8
• Handlebars: Easton EA30 31.8
• Front Brake: Shimano Deore
• Rear Brake: Shimano Deore
• Brake Levers: Shimano Deore
• Rims: Mavic XM317 Disc
• Front Hub: Shimano Deore
• Rear Hub: Shimano Deore
• Spokes: DT Champion
• Tyres: WTB ExiWolf 2.1
• Saddle: WTB Rocket V
• Seatpost: Easton EA30
• Pedals: Shimano PDM520


Marin Nail Trail 2009

* Frame: 6061 Aluminum, Triple Butted Hydro-Edge Top and Down Tubes, Double Butted E4 Anti-Flex Seat and Chain Stays
* Fork: Marzocchi 33 TST2, 100mm, Preload, Compression and Rebound Adjustment, with Lockout
* Rear Shock: N/A
* Headset: TH-888, 1 1/8”, Threadless
* Rear Hub: Shimano Deore, 32 Hole Disc
* Front Hub: Shimano Deore, 32 Hole Disc
* Spokes: WTB 15 Gauge Black Stainless
* Rims: Mavic XM-117, 32 Hole Disc
* Tyre: WTB Prowler MX Folding, 26” x 2.1” (49/52)
* Shift Levers: Shimano Deore, 2 Way Release, 9 Speed
* Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
* Rear Derailleur: Shimano Shadow XT
* Cassette: Shimano, 11-34, 9 Speed
* Chain: Shimano HG53
* Crankset: Shimano HollowTech II Arms, 44/32/22
* Bottom Bracket: Shimano with HollowTech II Arms Big Pipe Billet Integrated with Crankset
* Seatpost: Comp Alloy Micro Adjust, 30.9mm x 400mm
* Seat: WTB Speed V Comp with Love Channel and Comfort Zone
* Bar: Double Butted 6061 Alloy, OS-31.8mm, 25.4mm Rise
* Stem: FSA OS150LX Threadless, with Alloy Face Plate and 31.8mm Bar Clamp
* Grips: Super Diamond
* Brakes: Hayes Stroker Ryde Hydraulic Disc with V6 Rotor
* Brakes Rear: Hayes Stroker Ryde Hydraulic Disc with V6 Rotor
* Brake Levers: Hayes Hydraulic Disc
* Pedals: Alloy Double Sided Mountain


orange evo8 2008

# Tubeset: 6061-T6 Custom Butted Aluminium
# Colour: Champagne
# Fork: Rock Shox Recon Race Air w/Motion Control 100mm
# Rear shock: N/A
# Rear Mech: Shimano XT Shadow
# Front Mech: Shimano LX
# Shifters: Shimano LX R Fire +
# ChainSet: Race Face XC Evolve Triple X Type
# Cassette: SRAM PG950
# Brakes: Avid Juicy 3 160/160
# Hubs: Shimano Deore 475 Disc
# Rims: Mavic XM117
# Spoke: WTB S/S Black
# Tyres: Kenda Nevegal/Blue Groove 2.1
# Headset: Tange TG8
# Stem: Orange Stalk +
# Seat Post: Stick Up
# Saddle: SDG Bel Air
# H Bars: Supercross +
# Pedal: Flat
# Upgrades: F


Specialized Rockhopper Expert 2009

* FRAME: Specialized M4 manipulated alloy frame, fully butted, ORE DT, forged dropouts w/ replaceable 98954020 hanger, disc only
* FORK: RockShox Recon SLite, 100mm, alloy steerer, 32mm alloy stanchions, TurnKey damper, preload and rebound adj. w/ LO, 13-15": standard spring, all others: "stiff" spring, disc only
* HEADSET: Specialized 1-1/8" threadless, loose ball
* STEM: Specialized 3D forged, 4-bolt, 7 degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
* HANDLEBARS: Specialized butted alloy, 31.8mm, XC rise, 640mm wide, 8 degree back sweep, 8 degree up, 2.6mm thick
* GRIPS: Specialized Enduro, dual compound Kraton, no flange, 131mm
* FRONT BRAKE: Avid Juicy 4 RSL, hydraulic disc, alloy backed brake pads, organic compound, tool-less reach adj., 160mm G2 Clean Sweep rotor
* REAR BRAKE: Avid Juicy 4 RSL, hydraulic disc, alloy backed brake pads, organic compound, tool-less reach adj., 160mm G2 Clean Sweep rotor
* BRAKE LEVERS: Avid Juicy 4 RSL
* FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore, 34.9mm clamp, bottom swing, dual pull
* REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore XT Shadow
* SHIFT LEVERS: Shimano Deore SL- M530, 9-speed
* CASSETTE: Shimano HG-50, 9-speed, 11-34t
* CHAIN: KMC X9 w/ reusable Missing Link
* CRANKSET: Shimano FC-M521, Hollowtech arms, Octalink spline w/ replaceable outer rings
* CHAINRINGS: 44A x 32S x 22S
* BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano BB-ES25, Octalink spline, cartridge bearings, 68mm x 118mm
* PEDALS: Shimano 505 SPD clip less, 9/16"
* RIMS: DT-Swiss 445D, 26", double wall disc, pin joint, eyelets, 28/32h
* FRONT HUB: Specialized Hi Lo, forged alloy, double sealed, ground race, 28h
* REAR HUB: Specialized, forged alloy, double sealed, ground race, cassette, QR, 32h
* SPOKES: 1.8mm (15g) stainless
* FRONT TYRE: Specialized Fast Trak LK Control, 26x2.0", 60TPI, aramid bead, 2Bliss ready
* REAR TYRE: Specialized Fast Trak LK Control, 26x2.0", 60TPI, aramid bead, 2Bliss ready
* INNER TUBES: Specialized Schrader valve
* SADDLE: Specialized Indie XC, Body Geometry, 143mm width, front and rear bumpers
* SEATPOST: Specialized butted alloy, two bolt micro adjust head, 30.9mm
* SEAT BINDER: Specialized alloy w/ QR, brass washer
* NOTES: Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual


Genesis Altitude 10 2009

Frame


Reynolds 520 3 main tubes, Butted Cr-Mo rear stays

Forks


Rock Shox Recon 335 U-Turn 85-130 mm, Motion Control

Rear Derailleur


Shimano SLX Shadow short cage

Front Derailleur


Shimano Deore

Shifters


Shimano Deore Rapidfire

Chainset


Shimano Deore 533
44/32/22 tooth chainrings

Stem


Genesis 6061 31.8 mm

Handlebars


Genesis 2014 Lo-rise 31.8 mm

Front Brake


Shimano M575 disc, 180mm rotor

Rear Brake


Shimano M575 disc

Brake Levers


Shimano M575 disc

Rims


Alex DP-17 Disc 32 hole, Black

Front Hub


Shimano M495 Centre-Lock Disc

Rear Hub


Shimano M495 Centre-Lock Disc

Tyres


Continental Mountain King 2.2 inch

Saddle


Genesis MTN2 Cr-Mo rail

Seatpost


6061 T6 Aluminium 27.2 mm, 400 mm

Pedals


Shimano PD-M520


genesis core 30 2009

Frame


Core-Series ALX9 TB Aluminium, disc-only

Forks


Rock Shox Recon 335 U-Turn 85-130 mm, Motion Control

Rear Derailleur


Shimano SLX Shadow

Front Derailleur


Shimano Deore

Shifters


Shimano Deore Rapidfire

Chainset


Shimano Deore 533
44/32/22 tooth chainrings

Stem


Genesis 6061 31.8 mm

Handlebars


Genesis 2014 Lo-rise 31.8 mm

Front Brake


Shimano M575 disc

Rear Brake


Shimano M575 disc

Brake Levers


Shimano M575 disc

Rims


Alex XD-Lite Disc 32 hole, Black

Front Hub


Shimano M495 Centre-Lock Disc

Rear Hub


Shimano M495 Centre-Lock Disc

Tyres


Continental Mountain King 2.2 inch

Saddle


Genesis MTN2 Cr-Mo rail

Seatpost


6061 T6 Aluminium 27.2 mm, Twin-bolt micro-adjust, 400 mm

Pedals


Shimano PD-M520


many thanks for any help

.blitz

Truthfully, at this price point the decision pretty much depends on which one you like the look of.

The bikes you've listed are all competent hardtails with decent components and will be more than capable off-road. If it's any help I had a close look at the Genesis Core just recently and although they have UK-friendly geometry (forward-facing seat post clamp and crimped chain stays - wow) they are otherwise unremarkable. I have a Nail Trail from 2001 and although not much of the original bike remains it's still going strong - I'd buy another one to go with my pipe and slippers.

My choice - the Vertex.

Stoo61

*cough*Boardman Team*Cough*

KnightofCydonia

.blitz
thanks for the advice mate. I'm just a bit unsure on the vertex as it's the one i'd have to travel a lot further to try out or order in & not be able to size up beforehand. The others pretty much give me the chance to have a feel of them at the same time (albeit between 2 bike shops) Looks wise, I like all of them although with the Marin being a bit more expensive, i'd probably not end up going for it unless it felt head & shoulders better.

Stoo61 wrote:

*cough*Boardman Team*Cough*

it looks a very nice bike mate, It just doesn't give me any wow factor personally. Not sure why though.

xtreem

For mainly cross country I would go for the Cube LTD Race 2009.
On paper it has the best spec for exactly 900£.

thirty1

Have a look at the Brodie Kinetic. It was reviewed on Bikeradar, here is the link http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/kinetic-08-30997

The bike retails at £899 but i know the importers have the last few on offer for £599, but they only have 18" left.

Check out the full spec here http://www.progressive-bikes.co.uk/kinetic.html

The Spiderman

Of those you listed I`d take the Rockhopper.It manages to combine a state of the art frame and decent components for the money,and its a nicely thought out spec.

The Canondale,RM and Marin,look nice,but the spec is a bit poor for the money.The Marin does have a lovely frame,though I find them a bit too short in the top tube and a bit too sit up and beg,but my preference is for something racier.

The Orange is nice and a bit different,but pricey,given that its £100 more than the Specialized,either Genesis good if you neeed the extra travel on the fork,or like a steel frame ,at the expense of carrying around a bit of extra weight.

Personally for me ,in this price range it would be tough call between the Boardman Team and the Rockhopper.

The Specialized has pedigree,but I would find the unbeatable spec of the Boardman very tempting.

Depends if you want a bike that has everything you need out of the box or like to tinker and upgrade........

What have you tried so far?

KnightofCydonia

thanks for the advice guys. I've looked at the cube and it is impressive although I'm hoping to spend closer to 750-800 on the bike itself and allow me to get a helmet & a few tools straight off. I'm more inclined to wait & find more money if it's a great 08 bike reduced from £1000-1400!

the brodie kinetic I'm not sure on looks wise but looking through their site there's the Mettle in M at £850 which looks amazing value albeit for an ex-demo bike. I'd not really looked at full sus because the majority of ones I like are from 1400 quid + which I couldn't afford right now but this looks nice - http://www.progressive-bikes.co.uk/imag ... elarge.jpg

Also not too far on the train, only about 30-40 minutes I think from Derby

KnightofCydonia

The Spiderman wrote:

Of those you listed I`d take the Rockhopper.It manages to combine a state of the art frame and decent components for the money,and its a nicely thought out spec.

The Canondale,RM and Marin,look nice,but the spec is a bit poor for the money.The Marin does have a lovely frame,though I find them a bit too short in the top tube and a bit too sit up and beg,but my preference is for something racier.

The Orange is nice and a bit different,but pricey,given that its £100 more than the Specialized,either Genesis good if you neeed the extra travel on the fork,or like a steel frame ,at the expense of carrying around a bit of extra weight.

Personally for me ,in this price range it would be tough call between the Boardman Team and the Rockhopper.

The Specialized has pedigree,but I would find the unbeatable spec of the Boardman very tempting.

Depends if you want a bike that has everything you need out of the box or like to tinker and upgrade........

What have you tried so far?

thanks for the long reply mate. I've not tried any of them yet, I'm waiting on the funding being available firstly although i've had a good look at some bikes in local shops & when I was in scotland too & had some good chats with some LBS guys.

I like the specialized but it's in the 800s and the Orange Evo 08 is on sale for £749 with 200 off which makes it kinda tempting. I appreciate everyones help though, being out of it for too long I'm just not clued up enough!

littleandy0410

How about the Spesh for £706.30? http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=16173

milkywhite

littleandy0410 wrote:

How about the Spesh for £706.30? http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=16173

You spend waaaaaayy too much time on teh internet.

Good deal though.

littleandy0410

http://www.google.co.uk/ is my friend!

turnercraig

I have a genesis Core 40 2008 model, the spec is slightly different on the 09 Core 30 but is essentially the same bike.

It is a great bike, handles brilliantly because of the spot on geometory, I like having the adjustable fork it really makes the bike more versatile.

I would definantly recommend it.

KnightofCydonia

turnercraig wrote:

I have a genesis Core 40 2008 model, the spec is slightly different on the 09 Core 30 but is essentially the same bike.

It is a great bike, handles brilliantly because of the spot on geometory, I like having the adjustable fork it really makes the bike more versatile.

I would definantly recommend it.

cheers mate. I'm drawn to the 30 or the attitude 10 for some reason. I'm going to goto the 2 places over the next few weeks and see how they feel to sit on and look at. The dream of owning something like an orange, specialized or rocky mountain may still sway me though. As much as I like the marin, unless i get a very good price, it's probably more than I wanna pay. I shall see if our halfords have the boardmans in but i never saw them last time i looked. they had the gt for dirt jump type things, a kona and a couple of really beefy full sus bikes

KnightofCydonia

Stoo61 wrote:

*cough*Boardman Team*Cough*

just thought i'd say that i've had a look at the 2 boardman ones today and they just didn't do anything for me. Feature wise they're quite good, but they don't have the magic I'm looking for

After talking to a couple of local bike shop owners (lucky to have about half a dozen within 20 miles) I'm looking seriously into steel hardtails, which would leave the genesis altitude and the charge duster mid versus the orange on offer or a spesh. Hoping to see them all in the next couple of weeks as time allows and to make a decision although knowing me i'll see something else and end up with an even harder choice Thanks to everyone for their help thus far.

darren636

my orange evo 8 - £750 from leisure lakes. pal second ride tomorrow and i cant' wait!

toasty

Another vote for the Rockhopper here, my 2003 M4 frame is still going strong

KnightofCydonia

after a lot of talking with the shops & different people I'm leaning towards a steel bike. I dunno why but something in my gut tells me it's probably what I'm looking for.

3 bikes which fit this that i can get locally are

http://leisurelakesbikes.com/images/Pro ... ge/p7s.jpg

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_imag ... n-bike.jpg

http://www.ukcyclestore.com/user/produc ... tude10.jpg

although I noticed evans now have the lapierre tecnic 700s in at 849 and I'm conflicted once again! :oops: