new bike, tough choice(s)

dimmockg

well after some hard negotiating with SWMBO it seems i'm likely to be allowed a new bike. I ride light trail/single-track as well as general road useage (home/work). I'm looking for a decent, light as possible hard tail (max £800) and have narrowed down to these:

Specialized Rockhopper Expert 2009 @ £750

Cube LTD Team @ £830 (really pushing that one)

Kona Kula @ £800

Genesis Core 30 @ £750

Focus Black Forest Expert £735

Giant XTC 2 @ £807

all nice bikes with all decent spec, decisions, decisions,.....

dimmockg

narrowed my choice down to:

The Hopper Expert - i have a 2008 hopper V-Brake so am familiar with the brand and size etc.

Or

The Black Forest Expert - i think its a complete steal at the money with the componentry that's on the machine. My only concern is that i'd have to go for a 16", having compared the geometry on line there are a few obvious differences.

Has anybody had any experience of riding a 17" hopper and a 16" focus?

cheers

Flenser

Genesis Core 30 for me.

dimmockg

my local genesis dealer cannot get a core 30 - which is why i've had to discount that idea

gaanrowl

cube, i have the ltd race and its a fantasic bike.

llamafarmer

Try not to buy without trying them first. That will probably trim your shortlist right down, then pick the one you like best.

dimmockg

just nipped out at lunch to try a 16" bike for size, tried a cube ltd pro and i have to say i'm pretty impressed with the cube, i was really trying a 16" size to then compare geometry against the black forest, even though it had the tora fork it was still a lightweight bike and pretty well kitted out for the cash.