The all new <£400 (urban/xc) bargains thread

N0bodyOfTheGoat
N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,048
edited September 2009 in MTB buying advice
Rigid fork

Saracen Pylon 3 2008(?)... £190
Nexus Inter-3 hub gear 38/16; Tektro IOX Mechanical disc brakes.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/18-SARACEN-PYLON- ... .m14.l1262

Saracen Pylon 4 2008(?)... £250 or make an offer
Sturmey Archer 8 speed hub gear (XK-R8?); Hayes Sole hydraulic disc brakes.
Been sold? No sign at Axis Cycles Ebay store

Specialized Centrum Sport 2008... £250
Single speed 42/16(?); BR-M415 mechanical disc brakes; unique looking frame.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... ke-ec00147

Specialized Globe San Fransisco 1 2009... £326
Single speed 42/16; BB5 mechanical disc; unique looking frame; super-seeded Centrum range.
http://www.primera-bournemouth.co.uk/Te ... rodID=4150

Carrera Gryphon Disc Spec 2008... £330
700C disc wheels; 18 speed (compact chainring); Tektro IO mechanical disc brakes; some X5 components.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165534

Revolution Courier Classic Disc 2009... £350
Alivio 8 speed; Tektro IOX mechanical disc brakes.
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 155c002910



Hardtails (suspension fork)

"Seems to be a lot of confusion on what is what, with silly model names and crossover between models. Here is a rough hierarchy of forks on XC/trail bikes that can be found for less than 500 quid, best to worse.

RS Tora 318 - motion control, rebound adjust lockout. Air or Uturn. 32mm.
RS Tora 302 - turnkey lockout, rebound adjust coil or coil uturn. 32mm.
Suntour X100 - coil, hydraulic damping, lockout. 32mm.
Suntour XCR RA - coil, rebound adjust. 30mm.
Rockshox Dart 3 - coil, turnkey lockout, rebound adjust. 28mm.
Suntour XCR RL/LO - coil, hydraulic damping and lockout.. 30mm.
Suntour XCM DA - coil, rebound adjust. 28mm.
Rockshox Dart 2 - coil, rebound adjust. 28mm.
Suntour XCM HLO/RL - coil, hydraulic damping and lockout. 28mm.
Suntour XCR - coil. 30mm.
Suntour XCM MLO - coil. Mechanical lockout. 28mm.
Rockshox Dart 1 - coil. 28mm.
Suntour XCM V2 - coil. 28mm.
Suntour XCT - coil. 28mm."
(copy/paste of previous post by Supersonic) Would like to expand this hierachy to more brands

Commencal Normal 2009... £225... currently OUT OF STOCK
XCR fork; Commencal V-brake; RM65 hubs (allows easy upgrade to disc brakes).


Carrera Vulcan V Spec... £230
XCM with preload forks; Tektro Alloy V brakes; 24 speed (Suntour chainset); some X4 components.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65499#dtab

Carrera Vulcan Disc... £250
XCM damping and preload adjust fork; Tektro IO mechanical disc brakes; 24 speed; some X4 components.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65499#dtab

Rockrider 5.3... £300
XCR fork; 27 speed (triple 22/32/42 chainrings); Tektro IO cable actuated disc brakes; some X5 components.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-3-69568390/

Mongoose Tyax Elite 2009 ... £300
XCM HLO fork; ProMax mechanical Disc brakes; 24 speed (22/32/42 chainrings); some Alivio components.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mon ... e-ec017394

Commencal Normal Disc 2009... £314... currently OUT OF STOCK
XCR fork; Juicy 3 disc brakes; 27 speed (22/32/44 chainrings); some X5/Deore components.


GT Avalanche 2 Disc 2008... £352
XCR fork; Tektro Auriga comp hydraulic disc brakes; 24 speed (22/32/42 chainring).
http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1426

Mongoose Amasa Comp 2008... £367
X-100 120mmfork; Tektro Auriga Comp hydraulic disc brakes; 27 speed (22/32/44 chainrings); some X5 components.
http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p1491

Mongoose Tyax Comp Disc Mountain Bike 2010... £379
XCM-HLO fork; ProMax Alloy w/ adjuster Tektro Novela mechanical Disc brakes; 24 speed (22/32/42 chainrings); some Suntour/Alivio components.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Mongoose-Tyax-C ... _28084.htm

Carrera Kraken 2008... £380
XCR 120mm fork; Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes; 27 speed; some X5 components.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

Saracen Mantra 3 2009... £396
Tora 289 85-130mm travel U turn suspension fork; Tektro Auriga Comp hydraulic disc brakes; 27 speed (22/32/44 chainrings); some X5 components.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Sarac ... 360042002/

Scott Aspect 45 2009... £399
XCR fork; BR-M486 Hydr. Disc ; 27(?) speed (22/32/42 chainrings); Deore rear derailleur.
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... rtno=33380

BeOne Team Replica 2007... £400
Rockshox Dart 3 80mm ;Tektro Auriga Comp hydraulic brakes; 27(?) speed; some Deore/LX components.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=14966

Specialized Rockhopper Disc 09... £400
RockShox Dart 3 SL; Tektro Auriga Comp hydraulic disc; 27 speed (22/32/44 chainrings); some Deore components.
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... tVersion=1

Find any good deals for new pre-built bikes, or some of these offers are obsolete when phoning the shop in question? If so, please leave a post ;)
================
2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo

Comments

  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    I can't see the on-one inbred frame in that list, so you have clearly failed.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    A whole inbred for less than 400 quid? I'll leave you to provide the link ;-)
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Well its not hard, £125 for the frame, get some cheap rigid forks around £60, some cheap wheels, half decent brakes, and you're pretty much done. Nothing else will cost more then £30, if you pick up some cheap cranks.

    And if you're too lazy to build, there's tons of ebay.

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/On-One-Inbred-lig ... dZViewItem


    This ones even got gears, although I got no idea why you'd want those.. :wink:

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/on-one-inbred-mou ... dZViewItem
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I think he means new ready built bikes... Good list.
  • Yep, qualifying bikes will be new and pre-built.

    Realman, perhaps you could do an advanced thread for budding mechanics, grabbing component bargains from various online sources and then are built in the comfort of the garden shed?
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Nah it would just boil down to an argument about whether or not you should buy a ck headset 2nd hand off ebay and what wheels to go for. :D
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Rubbish, 2nd hand ck is better then 1st hand anything (except 1st hand ck, obviously)






    RealMan wrote:
    Nah it would just boil down to an argument about whether or not you should buy a ck headset 2nd hand off ebay and what wheels to go for. :D

    Told you so.. :D


    then are built in the comfort of the garden shed?

    Does anyone actually build bikes in their garden shed? I use a garage, mostly.. My mate does do his building in a building at the bottom of his garden, but that's the size of a garage, and its got electricity and everything, so don't think it qualifies as a shed.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Just watch those 15g spokes though...
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Yep, and you don't want a 38mm travel rear shock..

    :oops:
  • mugs
    mugs Posts: 46
    HARDTAIL;

    Scott Aspect 45 2009... £399... currently in stock
    XCR fork; Shimano Hydraulic brake; Scott/Deore hubs.
    http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... rtno=33380


    Gotta throw this into the mix as I have one. Heavy and 'only' 24 gears but other than that a solid choice for a starter.
  • Cheers mugs, will add it, one that got away during my browse at Hargroves!
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • Brocon
    Brocon Posts: 20
    supersonic wrote:
    A whole inbred for less than 400 quid? I'll leave you to provide the link ;-)

    Although I don't think that i'm up to building, I would love to see another budget self build... the last one is very intresting.
  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    Well my lizard was a budget self build, just that the budget was £2500. :D
  • Brocon
    Brocon Posts: 20
    Neither the gt2.0 or tyax super are available at active sport in any sizes, I would suggest that good offer are put on their site to hook you as i keep getting offered lesser alternatives for more money...
  • The words "bait" and "switch" come to mind! :lol:

    Will update the links up top regarding stock.
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • Brocon
    Brocon Posts: 20
    hiya, I think that the rockrider 5xc should probs be in there
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-xc-66740056/
    and possibly the carra vulcan disk as well, just for price comparision of branded vs big store..
  • Added the Carrera Vulcan in both v-brake and disc brake form. Going on the forks hierachy; the Vulcan Disc is a damn good buy for 250!

    Was going to add the 5XC too, until I found that the Decathlon site lists two models, with very different quality forks...
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-xc-66740056/ (the good one, XCR)
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider ... -34964379/ (the worse one, XCT)
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • Brocon
    Brocon Posts: 20
    I'm guessing that that is 08 and 09 spec, who knows which is which! Halfords also have 08 and 09 vulcans and krackens, might see what the diffrences are when i get a min..

    I know it is over budget for this thread, but I think that for a cheap custom bike this is good value at £430..
    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/custom-mo ... build.html
  • Brocon
    Brocon Posts: 20
    To anyone that is intrested, it pays to shop around. I just picked up the last mongoose tyax super 2009 from a (relativly) lbs for £279 all in, which I think pretty good value!

    * FRAME: Mongoose 6061 Aluminum w/ Trail Tested Geometry, Zero-Stack Headtube, M-Logo Gusset & Replaceable Derailleur Hanger
    * FORK: SR/Suntour XCR RL w/ Magnesium Legs, Adjustable Rebound & Remote Speed Lockout, 100mm Travel
    * DRIVETRAIN: 24-Speed w/ SRAM SX-5 Rear & Suntour Front Derailleurs, SRAM X-5 Trigger Shifters, FSA Alpha Drive Crankset
    * BRAKES: ProMax Hydraulic Disc, 160mm Rotors

    The only think I would have liked was 27 speed, but at that price I couldn't say no!

    Thanks to everyone for all their help.
  • Thats a great find, Brocon, after your thread on here over the last week! Congrats, post us some pics of your first adventure :)

    Regarding gears, I would not bet my life on it, but I think X5 can do 9 speed cassettes (allowing easy transition to 27 speed). If that's the case, once you get afeeling for the gear range you would normally need for your rides, perhaps invest in a good deal 9 cassette at Merlin or alike (ready for when the original cassette does wear)?

    ... Or spend the the money at the LBS as a thank you for your killer bike deal! :D

    I take it you bought the XL?
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • Brocon
    Brocon Posts: 20
    Hi Nitrous,

    Yep, I went for the extra large, I can easily fit my fist between frame and delicates and it felt good. At least I got to test ride vs a couple of other bikes first and try different frame sizes! I'm pretty sure that the x5 can take a 9 speed cassette, but i'm going to see how I go first.

    I'm planning on heading into the woods at slindon for it's first proper ride this weekend, can't wait, pics to follow. Now I have to catch up on all the work I have been putting off while looking for my new transport...

    So thankyou very everyone on here and camberley cycles: http://www.camberleycycles.com for a good deal.
  • Being a bank holiday weekend, there's bound to be some stores doing promotions. Please keep your eyes peeled and inform us of any sub £400 deals.
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • I agree, the Vulcan is a fantastic bike for the money it costs! mine has been thrown all over the show & is still like new ! (only a few repairs & upgrades in 3 years)


    Kona Coilair 2008 (Marzocchi 66's up front)
  • hairy_boy
    hairy_boy Posts: 345
    Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative sent me a flyer advertising the Specialised Rockhopper Disc 2009 is going on sale tomorrow, Sat 29 August - reduced from £587.19 down to £399.99

    They are listing 13,15,17,19" sizes available.

    Good bike at a great, great price !
  • Thanks, Hairy Boy, added.

    I wonder if EBC are going to get their wrists slapped for breaking the Specialized price fixing scam? (see seperate thread for the conspiracy) :lol:
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • TowerRider
    TowerRider Posts: 430
    Ty Hairy Boy, I went (should have ordered online then cancelled if not needed) into the nearest store and tried Rockhopper for size and discussed bike. Went to purchase and no stock nationwide - 4 in store sold by other branches. They had sold 40 Rockhoppers in less than 2 hrs.
    Think I have got one sourced at £400.
  • Hi All

    New member here.

    Just thought i would post a link to the GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc 2009 Mountain Bike from Evans for £399.95 as they price matched this website below. The size they have at the website below is small only but still i saved myself 140 quid by price matching it and also got it from a reputable bike dealer (Evans) as opposed to hearing bad thing about ActiveSport.

    http://activesport.co.uk/shop/article_1 ... 144.001%26

    Ordered bike from Evans Cycles in Manchester on Saturday and has turned up today.

    Well chuffed!
  • List amended a little...
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo