BEST HARDTAIL sub£1000

mcecmc

Hello fellow radars! Get your votes in...

I know this is a constant topic of debate/conversation through the years and is very much based on personal preference but since I’m relatively new to this mountain biking game AND confused beyond belief now, I need help…. The other forum discussions are too old to base my decision on due to the recent componentry price hikes!

I am upgrading from an entry level TREK mtb so the only way is up but I want to start taking it all a bit more seriously and get some proper gear. I will be using the bike for trails / general offroad fun. I have been through the whole hardtail/full sus debate in my head too and have settle with a hardtail (I think!).

Frames – probably prefer the look of the aluminium frames but not opposed to steel/ti. Compoents – SLX / XT ideally or equivalent SRAM. Forks – I would like a nice fork but as a minimum 100mm+.

Help appreciated

Stoo61

I'll do it first.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbht/

KernowCB

Stoo61 wrote:

I'll do it first.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbht/

i'll do it second - this is the number one contender at this price range.....trust me, i'm a limo driver!

stueyscott

For me it has to be the Genesis Core 40

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/core_40

XT and LX spec with adjustable 85 to 130mm forks :-)

Still awaiting my LOC from halfords from the bike to work scheme, but as soon as I get it i'll be ordering mine.

You can get it for around £899 if you search about.

zerolight

I was in the same boat and narrowed it down to either an 08 Kona Kula Deluxe or a Rock Lobster from Merlin. Some days I'm glad I went for the Kula, other days I wish I'd gone for the Rock Lobster Team Tig SL. Most days I wish I hadn't cancelled the Anthem X2 order, but that was so expensive.

supersonic

mcecmc wrote:

Hello fellow radars! Get your votes in...

I know this is a constant topic of debate/conversation through the years and is very much based on personal preference but since I’m relatively new to this mountain biking game AND confused beyond belief now, I need help…. The other forum discussions are too old to base my decision on due to the recent componentry price hikes!

I am upgrading from an entry level TREK mtb so the only way is up but I want to start taking it all a bit more seriously and get some proper gear. I will be using the bike for trails / general offroad fun. I have been through the whole hardtail/full sus debate in my head too and have settle with a hardtail (I think!).

Frames – probably prefer the look of the aluminium frames but not opposed to steel/ti. Compoents – SLX / XT ideally or equivalent SRAM. Forks – I would like a nice fork but as a minimum 100mm+.

Help appreciated

I wouldn't say all the discussions are too old, the prices have been up for quite some time now and questions similar to this crop up weekly.

Spec and value wise the Boardman Pro is the best on the market at the minute.

The Spiderman

I`d get the Boardman Pro now before Halfords decide they are selling it too cheap.
In a market thats been hit hard by excahnge rates,the Boardman bikes are staggeringly good value,and makes me question the other manufacturers when they say they need to increase their prices.
If a UK brand can put out a price so cheaply why not Specialized,Trek et al?

Look at a Boardman close up and the frame is very nicely finished and detailed too

Bikerbaboon

+1 on the bordman. Had one for 8 months b4 i broke the frame getting silly and doing DH runs on it.
Cracking bike and briliant value. Its solds from a bad shop and does not have the right name for some people. For the price they ( the entire range of road mountain and hybrid) have far better kit than other bikes.

But sit on one and see if you like it, It might not fit you right.

jmillen

Boardman Pro '09 (or '08 if you can find one and don't like the white of the '09)

Clockworkali

Picking up a new 08 pro tomorrow, if you are looking to get one be quick as they only had 4 mediums left in the country. This mbr reviewmbr review helped me decide plus the finishing is better on the 08 than the 09.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/pdf/boardm ... review.pdf

mcecmc

well thanks for all the replies guys - i never even knew there were replies in the pot...

I narrowed it down myself throught lots of research to either the boardman pro OR going for a slightly lesser bike and leaving money for some smart gear.

With this in mind (leaving cash for gear) I narrowed it down to a Genesis Core 30 or a Merlin Malt 1.

I eventually ordered a Malt 1 BUT with SLX groupset and Recon fork upgrades - all in under 800notes delivered!! looking forward to the trials!