XC Hardtail Dilemma - £1000 + a bit more if needed :

KernowCB

Hi all,

I bought a 07 Spesh Hardrock Pro from new a couple of years ago with the idea of doing some light downhilling. Turns out that I only really ride XC and my work is introducing the C2W scheme.

Basically, I was wondering if you guys could suggest some good Hardtails for this pri :roll: ce range for XC riding. I went to my LBC today and they recommended a top spec Spesh Rockhopper which i was quite impressed with spec wise.

Any suggestions welcome p.s. i did look through previous posts before writing this and just wnat some current info so don't shoot me down!

supersonic

The Boardman Pro is hard to beat for the money - top class spec and weight.

jmillen

I've been looking at Hardtails approx. £1k for the last couple of months now. Also drawn between the Specialized and Boardman.

I've not found a hardtail to beat the spec of the Boardman Pro for the price.

Best to get out and try them though obviously, one may suit your style of riding more than the other, in which case spec means nothing.

KernowCB

thanks for the quick replies guys. I have had a look at the boardman and the spec is very impressive for the price - i'm just not attracted to it though! maybe i need to see it in the flesh.

Any otehr suggestions welcome

pdid

Have a look at the Rock Lobster's at Merlin. Granted the spec isn't as good as it once was but it's still a great bike.

ashfanman

+1 for the Rock Lobster.

I was looking at that before I got my Cube. I forget exactly what they offered me, but it was something like £1050 with a Reba Team 09, full SLX and Deus XC finishing kit. Not bad at all.

supersonic

This months WMB has a round up of 1000 quid hardtails.

Captain Turok

ashfanman wrote:

+1 for the Rock Lobster.

+2
Merlin handbuilt wheels were a big plus for me and being able to tweak the spec.

KernowCB

any opinions on the Scott Scale 30 if my budget can stretch to it?

Torres

Check out the focus bikes on Wiggle.
Sale on at the moment i belive and the bikes have a competative spec.

baser

I bought the 08 Boardman Pro Hardtail and its fantastic, fast, light and wants to go faster perfect for XC. Its not that great at downhill, its just to light and gets kicked around by rocks etc.

Buy one, its great fun!!

BorisSpencer

Another for the Lobster - no dilemma here, move along please.

GTi-R23

Well I love my Spesh RH pro, it gets better the more I ride it.

Northwind

I'd be getting a Boardman as well. The spec's nuts for a £1000 bike, I've not ridden the Pro but I rode one of the cheaper models and it's really pretty good. I like a longer fork and a bit of slackness even for general XC but I was impressed.

KernowCB

So you are all saying the Boardman Pro or the Rock Lobster.

AHH! Why is it so hard to decide on a bike! I've been looking at the Scott Scale 30 aswell....does anyone have any experiences with this is relation to the otehr 2 i have just mentioned.