saracen zen3

socky

hey there,

the joys of the cycle to work scheme means i can go out and buy myself £1000 of top hardtail action.

i've been looking at the saracen zen3 as well as the focus black forest expert but cant decide on what to get....

the specialized rockhopper seems to be popular but have also seen that the 09 expert disc edition is not as well spec'ed as the 08 model. where ever i turn there seems to be more confusion lurking.

i've looked around a few local shops and the only one i can see that nears the my price limit is the zen3, the review on here was 4/5 and look pretty good. has anybody got first hand experience with it or that can suggest a better bike.

cheers

me.

supersonic

What terrain will you be riding? easier XC coures, moors and woodland trails or rackier gnarly stuff?

The Zen is a more upright, relaxed long travel hardtail for the latter type of riding while the hopper will be a lighter, more XC focussed machine.

socky

I def say the "easier XC coures, moors and woodland trails", is rockhopper the one to go for then?

any other options around my price range?

supersonic

Have a look at the WHat Hardtail sticky.

Rockhopper, Boardman, Giant XTC and Trek's XC bikes are all popular good value options. Be ebst if you could try some out.

hulabalooza

I recently got a 2008 saracen zen 2
It rides really well for the kind of all mountain riding I do and I'm sure it could take more
I haven't really used it for longer xc rides but I'm pretty sure it would handle them well.
So the zen 3 can only be better really

socky

Can anybody recommend one of these?


Cannondale F5 HS33
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/can ... e-ec016562

Lapierre Tecnic 700 2009
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lap ... e-ec017823

Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc 2009
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec016016

handsome devil

I have a 2006 Zen 2 and its a great bike. Good, solid spec and really nice frame. I think its suitable for general trail riding. It`s not an out and out XC machine as previously stated but a very good, technical hardtail. It feels robust and ready for anything.

Also very upgradable. I have put some Tora 302`s with U-Turn travel adjustment & a Deore chainset for minmal outlay.

Go for the Zen and help put Saracen back on the map, you won`t regret it!