Potential play-bike shortlist

supertwisted

I've 90% of the way to talking myself into getting a cheap play bike, but as always, I'm working myself into a lather trying to tie myself down to one bike.

I'm aiming for around the £250 mark (I know that's a low budget, but it's only for a bit of fun and nothing serious).

When I say play bike, I mean pretty much that - it'll get used and abused for everything I don't want to subject my Rockhopper to.
Mainly jumping and practicing tricks (bare in mind I'm a beginner so pretty lightweight stuff at the moment.)

The contenders (all are under £285):

Saracen Instinct 2 - tough burly jump bike, good spec for the price, maybe a bit heavy.

Giant STP2 - high end frame, budget-ish build. Good write up on this site for the frame. Looks a good all rounder.

Commencal MaxMax - decent frame (Absolut) built around budget components, questionable wheels and heavy rigid fork. Is a very good ride though apparently. Lot of potential, good article on a long-termer on Pinbike.

Identit P-45 Comp - bit of a wild card this one, but something about it I like. Sounds like a lot of fun, plus proper CrMo frame. Good spec overall. Maybe a bit limited by BMX style spacing and not ideal for more than 80mm forks.

Would anyone care to comment on my shortlist? Anything else I'm missing?
I seem to have broken it down to 2 geared jump bikes and 2 single speed street/park bikes. I'm gonna have a go on a MaxMax this weekend.

BlackSpur

For a play bike I'd look for a singleespeed - simpler and cheaper to run. I would also look for rigid forks unless you are planning on some big jumps - save a good chunk of weight over sus forks (cheap DJ forks are stupidly heavy) and again, less to go wrong.

mongoose rider

good article on a long-termer on Pinbike.

could you give me a link to this please, because i am kinda looking at the max max/absolut bikes

thanks

supertwisted

mongoose rider wrote:

good article on a long-termer on Pinbike.

could you give me a link to this please, because i am kinda looking at the max max/absolut bikes

thanks

Sure...
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/commencal- ... -2008.html
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/commencal- ... -2008.html
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/commencal- ... -2008.html

It's a great insight into long term ownership. On the whole the review is very positive, but highlights the shortfalls of the stock wheels and that eventually you'll want suspension up front. Edit: I believe the wheels on the 09 bikes are tougher though.

Great vid of the bike in action at the end of part 3.

supertwisted

BlackSpur wrote:

For a play bike I'd look for a singleespeed - simpler and cheaper to run. I would also look for rigid forks unless you are planning on some big jumps - save a good chunk of weight over sus forks (cheap DJ forks are stupidly heavy) and again, less to go wrong.

Yes I was thinking that way too, although I've read that the rigid fork on the MaxMax is as heavy as a cheap suspension fork!

What are SS bikes like this capable of when it comes to covering distance? I'm not talking epic rides, but several miles from door to play area?

petegoodyear

i quite like the identit myself,

24" wheels should be better, for tricks, jumps and stuff as its quicker to respond and accelerate.

ss bikes are capable to cover distance once your used to them, either that or take the distance in your stride and have some fun on the way. but you can change the gearing on them should you fnd the ratio not to your liking

Torres

I can't reccomend the Max max enough.
With the seatpost raised it pedals well; perfect base for upgrading aswell. The frame is the same as the one used on the higher models too.

supertwisted

Torres wrote:

I can't reccomend the Max max enough.
With the seatpost raised it pedals well; perfect base for upgrading aswell. The frame is the same as the one used on the higher models too.

Saw your thread, yours looks very nice in the Superteam colours. 8)

Torres

Yea, colours are awesome. Just bear in mind that if you change the back wheel, the rear hub needs a 200mm long axle. I found them fairly hard to get hold of (not that common apparently), i only found one hub [by halo] that's compatable.

supertwisted

Torres wrote:

Just bear in mind that if you change the back wheel, the rear hub needs a 200mm long axle. I found them fairly hard to get hold of (not that common apparently), i only found one hub [by halo] that's compatable.

Really? I thought they had standard MTB spacing on the rear? I must admit hub dimensions can get a bit confusing for me.

The MaxMax is one of my favourites at the moment. It's also the only one I'll get a test ride of at the moment as no one near me stocks the other bikes.

Torres

Oh yea, the spacing is standard 135 mm for the hub, but because of chain tuggs and the disc brake adapter it needs a 200mm long axle.

Yet it depends what you want, if you want just a bike to play on, and want to keep it as it is, then it's perfect. Adding disc is also fairly simple, it's all disc ready from stock. You also get an adapter to put gears on aswell, if that's your thing. You could even add some sus, something like a DJ3 or Society xeno [with QR]. The only reason i changed my wheels was because my forks had a 20mm maxle.

It really is a super upgrade friendly bike.

Check Merlin if you want to get one, they have them for silly money [240 quid is a bargain] and i found them brilliant to deal with!

If you've got any other questions mate, just feel free to ask

supertwisted

Torres wrote:

Oh yea, the spacing is standard 135 mm for the hub, but because of chain tuggs and the disc brake adapter it needs a 200mm long axle.

Check Merlin if you want to get one, they have them for silly money [240 quid is a bargain] and i found them brilliant to deal with!

If you've got any other questions mate, just feel free to ask

Ah I see - that all makes sense now.

Yeah it's crazy the prices Merlin charge for stuff, the same bike is over £300 from most other dealers.

Cheers for the help Torres - may drop you a PM if I get any more stupid questions!

Torres

Feel free mate
Really is a fantastic price at merlin though.
Just a question, but would you be planning to upgrade the parts on it, or just ride it as stock?

supertwisted

Ha - well, no doubt I'll be buying with the intention of keeping it bone stock but I'll probably be keeping an eye out for a bargain fork and some wheels after a while.

Torres

Sounds good mate. If you need anything else just give me a shout.