Bikes for £1000

clwydian_rider92

Hi, I'm looking to purchase a new bike around the £1k mark. Ive looked into the Giant XTC 0, Giant XTC C3 and the Focus Black Forest Expert. Firstly eventhough the XTC 0 is cheaper than the XTC C3 the spec looks a lot better. However is the spec worth it over the C3's carbon frame? The Focus looks really good also but what are the Manitou R7 forks like? I do all my riding in North Wales (Clwydian Range) and is purely XC (with the monthly trip to Llandegla) and also I'm relatively light (60kg) so for this price range is there any point making the transition to full sus?
If anyone reccomends any other bikes that I should look I would really welcome your opinion. Thanks!

The Spiderman

Go for the carbon XTC if you intend to upgrade to lighter parts on it later,if not go for the XTC zero.The Focus has a great spec but personally,I`d be put off by the Manitou forks,as spares and servicing are non existent and the 2 pairs I`ve had have been pants.
I`d also look at the Boardman Pro.

clwydian_rider92

I have looked at the Boardman Pro, and it has a really good spec (Reba forks etc). However buying from Halfords is putting me off!!!

thirty1

Have a look at this http://www.progressive-bikes.co.uk/ they have a Brodie Mettle reduced from £1699 down to £999, really nice bike and well kitted out.

there was a review on Bikeradar somewhere too.

The Spiderman

clwydian_rider92 wrote:

I have looked at the Boardman Pro, and it has a really good spec (Reba forks etc). However buying from Halfords is putting me off!!!

The Halfords association is a good one.If it had Specialized written on the side and was sold elsewhere it would be about £300 more.

clwydian_rider92

Ive also looked at the Specialized Rockhopper, however the geometry especially top tube doesn't look as if its for an XC set up?

clwydian_rider92

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'm going to go for the Giant XTC 0 as I don't intend to upgrade the components that much. Thanks again!!!