Best bike under £1500-ish for the South Downs

Snelly

Hi,

I am thinking of upgrading my MTB to a full-suss. Love my Specialized Rockhopper but feel the need for an upgrade as I am keener on the MTB lark than I thought I would be prior to buying the bike.

I ride about 30-40 miles once a week then 10 miles 2-3 times a week through the South Downs. Most of the riding is single track or chalk and flint bridleways with some good climbs and fast downhills. I also do a longer ride 2-3 times a year - e.g. the coast to coast ride at 45 miles a day for 5 days. I want something fast and comfortable that can cope with the odd big hit.

I am thinking of buying a Giant Anthem X2 - is this a good fit for my needs do you think? Any other suggestions? I am buying at the end of September so maybe could see what the 2010 bikes are like by then?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.



Snelly.

CycloRos

The Anthem X would be a good choice, you can get an 09 X3 for under a grand at the moment :shock: link I don't really need another bike but I'm tempted!

Mccraque

My friend has a Stumpjumper which was around that mark. Is a comfortable all day ride - and climbs pretty well with both propedal and lock out available...and he flies down the hills on it....On the south downs too. He loves it!

How about a 2009 Lapierre Zesty 314 - this is a little bit more (or maybe way over if the 2010 price rise is taken into account)?

The Spiderman

Can`t find any Anthem X2s for love nor money.Get the X3 and upgrade the forks?

HardrockRob

Would recommend the stumpy aswell. Would seem to fit your requirements. The 2009 can be had at a discount if you look. Where abouts are you. Noticed cycleworks have the stumpy elite down to just over £1500 and the comp down to 1250, which is a pretty good price.

pte1643

Evans have got Trek Fuel EX7's for £1300.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec016520

pte1643

Pauls have the '08 Anthem 1, bang on budget (limited sizes though).

http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s1p1751

Or the '08 Anthem 2, for less than a 1'er, but only in Small.

http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s1p1750

RealMan

Another recommendation for the stumpjumper fsr as well. Such a good bike.

Snelly

Having recently read about the improvements that Specialized have made to their 2010 range, I have decided to wait and test a Stumpjumper Elite when they are launched for 2010.

Thanks for the opinions. Really useful.

HardrockRob

No problem. Yes they have made changes for the 2010 model year. Report back when you get to see one. Just remember though, the prices have also gone up. good luck.

anjs

Might be worth considering a Trance X over a Anthem as its more of an all rounder rather than a race bike.

Snelly

HardrockRob wrote:

No problem. Yes they have made changes for the 2010 model year. Report back when you get to see one. Just remember though, the prices have also gone up. good luck.

I know - £2200 for the Elite this year! Maybe not.


Thanks for the tip about the Giant Trance too.



Snelly.

llamafarmer

anjs wrote:

Might be worth considering a Trance X over a Anthem as its more of an all rounder rather than a race bike.

The Anthem X is a great all rounder. It's shorter travel than a 'trail' bike yes, but I've never found it wanting for travel at places like Afan or Cwm Carn. And I find the racey feel makes it an involving ride.

If you can give one a try Snelly I reckon it'll suit what you describe really well. It'll feel very natural stepping onto it from your Rockhopper.

xtreem

Test a Spark if you can and want, masive discount overhere:
Scott Spark 35 2009
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/bikes- ... ke-725.htm

Snelly

Hi,

Anyone got any thoughts on the Spark? I am trying one out for size this evening and may go for one. Does anyone have any experience or comments on them?

Many thanks,


Snelly.

Snelly

All sorted now. I have just picked up a lovely Stumpjumper Elite 09 from my LBS at a great price.

Really appreciate the advice - thanks.

xtreem

Good one, post pictures if you can.