XC

woodyonthebeach

Silent Types in the cross-country forum. Need to feed off the wealth knowledge that is available within vast swaths that appear to be here.

This is what I asked

woodyonthebeach wrote:

Right I want to start with a bit of XC racing. I do a few road races already but want to take certain things further.

What I need is some help with choosing a weapon for the cause I have whittled it down to 2 bikes and just need a nudge in the right direction as to which one I should go for

1. Epic Expert Carbon
http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBC ... 180&eid=99

2. Focus First Expert
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037547/

Also I need to find a club/private team I can do some training with. I live in Marlow Buckinghamshire but dont drive (spend to much money on bikes) so ideally it would have to be close but I will ride up to 25 miles to meet for rides.

thanks in advanced for any information or advice

woody

prawny

I cant give much advice, but i'd go for the Spec.

I don't facy the shock placement on the focus imagine coming downhill having a groin top tube moment and the the shock compressing :shock:

Rich158

I'd go for the Specialized, the brain shock will be better for pedalling, and the SID for is more XC race orientated than the Reba on the Focus.

Lets face it, if the Specialized is good enough for Sauser its more than good enough for us lesser mortals

Good luck with the racing, I never did XC but had a crack at a few local DH races and they were great fun

cee

posted on the eerily silent xc forum for good measure!

woody..

I would personally prefer the spesh...

Better fork (IMO), better drivetrain IMO (slx with SRAM X0 over slx with xt).

I prefer the suspension design as well...not too keen at all on the focus suspension system (similar to kona).

What is the price difference? I reckon the spesh is about 3-4 hundred quid more.

mmmmm nice bike...in fact... both nice bikes.....must be awful having to make decisions like that!

as for clubs.....lmgtfy..http://tinyurl.com/c8rw4q

gtvlusso

Try:

www.merlincycles.co.uk

Rock Lobster's are wicked light frames and well specced - they will build whatever you want.

Or check out the Boardman Team Hardtail - mate has started racing his, bought on C2W.

www.boardmanbikes.com

soy_sauce

personally i would go for the Specialized. as others already pointed out, better fork and SRAM X-0 is better than XT.

woodyonthebeach

Its a horrible decision to be made. But from what people have said I think I will go for the spesh. Give me luck got to break it to the GF today....

Thanks for all the tips

cee wrote:

posted on the eerily silent xc forum for good measure!

woody..

I would personally prefer the spesh...

Better fork (IMO), better drivetrain IMO (slx with SRAM X0 over slx with xt).

I prefer the suspension design as well...not too keen at all on the focus suspension system (similar to kona).

What is the price difference? I reckon the spesh is about 3-4 hundred quid more.

mmmmm nice bike...in fact... both nice bikes.....must be awful having to make decisions like that!

as for clubs.....lmgtfy..http://tinyurl.com/c8rw4q