Focus Black Forest or Genesis Core 30

ST22

Hi Guys,

Okay, so after lots of research and trawling through the forums, around bike shops, through magazines etc. I've decide on either a Focus Black Forest or Genesis Core 30.

Similar spec overall. I prefer the look of the Core 30, but love the Fox Forks on the Focus 8. (BTW Is the Core 20 worth the extra £150 over the Core 20?)

The Genesis felt good. I haven't tried the Focus but am happy to go with Wiggle's 7 day trial.

I'll be using it mostly on trails and XC.

Many thanks for your opinion (Of course you could be really cruel and throw something else in the mix... :?)

S

keirtristan

If my budget had been higher I would have looked at both the Core 30 and the Focus. It wasn't so I bought a Core 20 (I got for £550 but been bought for as low as £510). Great bike.

I would therefore expect the Core 30 is also a great bike and would suit me. I would however try the Focus, you can't argue with the spec.

When it comes down to it bikes are upgradable but if you're not getting a frame that feels right for you then what's the point.

My vote is going to the Core 20 just because I think everyone else will tell you the extra is worth it. Gotta shout out for the lime green fun machine!!

MIchael Cummings

+1 for the Core 20. Picked mine up last night, went on a good ride and it's an awesome bike. The Core 30 is the same frame with better components

keirtristan

The frame on the Core 30 might be slightly lighter as it is triple butted as opposed to double butted but yes, essentially it is the same.

supermonkey

There's a recent thread with a poll almost exactly the same as this except it involved the Core 40. The focus won.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... highlight=

ST22

...But Percy, It's Green! (sorry old Blackadder gag). Seriously, I can't make my mind up about that colour. I don't know if I love it or hate it? (Any normal daylight pics to share?)

I saw the previous Poll. The Focus certainly has a lot of fans and you can't argue with the spec at that price. (Mind you I'm not mad on the Focus Orange/Copper/Rust paint job either).

So, so far It's the Focus or the Green Goblin! I was drawn to the Core 30 by the lighter frame, better wheels, forks, brakes and the look of the thing. But if the Core 20 at only £550 receives such praise, It has to be a serious contender.

For those that have the Core 20, how do you find the forks and brakes? What sort of riding do you do?

Thanks again.

S

kdog

I also looked at the Focus before deciding on the Core 20. I use it also for xc & trails. Been out a couple of times, feels great. No problems with the fork or brakes.I could'nt justify the extra £170. I managed to get the Core 20 for £510 from Evans Cycles Manchester. Worth ringing around a few stores on a Saturday as it is the end of their sales week. If they have had a poor week you could get a good deal. Just ask!

ST22

Getting interesting in the poll...

Just to make matters worse, my LBS has a 2009 Core 40 (ex-demo) on offer for £825. Really confused now Is it really worth the extra dosh?

Arrrggghhhh!

keirtristan

Get them to knock the £25 off and call it £800 and go for the 40! It's a great colour as well.

LAW4778

I have just sent my Focus Black Forest back, nothing up with the bike but after having a go on it i realised it wasn't for me and i wanted the Specialized Rockhopper Expert that i had tried previous, i also tried the Core the black one, that didn't sit well either i say get the Focus cause it is a good bike you can try it and then your not loosing anything with the 7 day test ride if not you will always be wondering what if, thats what i did and i am glad i tried it, you can send the Focus back and go get the core if you don't like it, pick my Spec at the weekend can't wait

ST22

LAW4778 wrote:

I have just sent my Focus Black Forest back, nothing up with the bike but after having a go on it i realised it wasn't for me and i wanted the Specialized Rockhopper Expert that i had tried previous, i also tried the Core the black one, that didn't sit well either i say get the Focus cause it is a good bike you can try it and then your not loosing anything with the 7 day test ride if not you will always be wondering what if, thats what i did and i am glad i tried it, you can send the Focus back and go get the core if you don't like it, pick my Spec at the weekend can't wait

Nice ride. That was on my list also, but I didn't want a Specilized as my mate's got one. Nice spec though and great looking bike. 8)

S

ST22

Bump.

Will hopefully be deciding/purchasing this weekend. Any final advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

S

MIchael Cummings

I've had my Core 20 for a few rides now. Love it. I've done trails, XC and road. Brilliant.

It just seems to handle so well and inspires confidence.

Only my opinion though

NormalD

Genesis Core 20.

Never mind the spec, look at the colour. 8)

Clockworkali

I really like the Black forest expert but i am put of buying it due to the frame having v brake bosses. I don't understand why the frame has these as it is all disc.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037560/

LAW4778

Clockworkali wrote:

I really like the Black forest expert but i am put of buying it due to the frame having v brake bosses. I don't understand why the frame has these as it is all disc.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037560/

Its probably because its a generic frame that they use on some of the lesser models without disc brakes, probably a way of saving money, that was one little things i didn't like about it, but its still a good bike if your suited to it.

GSDog

LAW4778 wrote:

Its probably because its a generic frame that they use on some of the lesser models without disc brakes, probably a way of saving money, that was one little things i didn't like about it, but its still a good bike if your suited to it.

That's not true, which frames/bikes are you talking about?

The frames on the Black Forest are double butted and much lighter and stronger.

Taken from the MBUK review;

At first glance the Black Forest frame seems like a standard 6061 alu offering, but there are plenty of subtle tweaks here to create an even lighter, stronger structure. The top-tube and down tube morph from round to oval in order to create big weld areas and a laterally stiff centre where they join the seat tube and bottom bracket shell. A ring-reinforced head tube is gusseted into the underside of the down tube and a 1in spacer stack offers good stem height adjustment. The seat and chainstays offers lots of room for big tyres and heel clearance, but the generally tidy lines are not flattered by cantilever brake bosses on a bike that has disc-only rims. It's rounded off by two pairs of bottle cage bosses and a quick realise seat clamp.

I can assure you that the Expert (which was originally £1,049.00) does not use the same frame as their £399.00 budget bike!

The Focus Whistler and Focus Highland Peak (the cheaper bikes without disk brakes) both share the same frames.

Clockworkali

What you say maybe true, but it doesn't get away from the fact the frame has v brake bosses.

GSDog

Clockworkali wrote:

What you say maybe true, but it doesn't get away from the fact the frame has v brake bosses.

I personally don't notice them at all and I can't see why they would be a problem.

deffler

Core20 for me. Got mine for £524 from Evans. Use mine for offroad commute to and from work and trail riding. no probs with brakes so far. need to have a fiddle with sus but sofar no real issues. great bike, mint colour

Eranu

What you say maybe true, but it doesn't get away from the fact the frame has v brake bosses.

My Cube has V brake bosses too. In Europe they have a V Brake version of mine and perhaps the same applies to the black forest.