Entry level full suspension (on a voucher!)
LordM
Posts: 7
I'm sure the experienced out there must get quite tired of the same old questions. I'm guessing that there are quite a few of us 'cycle-to-work' voucher types around at the moment with no clue how to spend it. Add me to the list!
I've decided on the full suspension option - that much I am sure about. I think I'm probably most likely to use it on cross coutry fitness rides, although I'm sure I'll take it out to Sherwood, which isn't far, and it'll come with me to North Wales at least a few times a year. So preferrably something that can handle a bit of everything.
I've got three bikes in my price range that I've looked at - unfortuantely there isn't much opportunity to properly test ride them, but I have sat on them all and riden them round the block a bit. Nothing jumps out as the favourite and they're all available for a grand.
Marin East Peak 2008
Marida TFS 900-D
Scott Spark 60
I know it's all about personal preference, but should I be concerned about the frame or the bits hanging on it? The Marin seems to be favourite on the frame (but the forks and rear shock don't get the best of reviews). Does the Marida have the better forks and shocks (and other bits) and should I be worried about its frame? And what about the Scott? Is it a bit more of a XC bike? Is that likely to be a problem for a complete beginner who isn't going to be throwing himself off anything too mental (not in the first week anyway) - I'm not particularly heavy if that makes any difference (just under 11 stone).
As you can probably tell - I'm not good at making my mind up! Any help much appreciated... :?
I've decided on the full suspension option - that much I am sure about. I think I'm probably most likely to use it on cross coutry fitness rides, although I'm sure I'll take it out to Sherwood, which isn't far, and it'll come with me to North Wales at least a few times a year. So preferrably something that can handle a bit of everything.
I've got three bikes in my price range that I've looked at - unfortuantely there isn't much opportunity to properly test ride them, but I have sat on them all and riden them round the block a bit. Nothing jumps out as the favourite and they're all available for a grand.
Marin East Peak 2008
Marida TFS 900-D
Scott Spark 60
I know it's all about personal preference, but should I be concerned about the frame or the bits hanging on it? The Marin seems to be favourite on the frame (but the forks and rear shock don't get the best of reviews). Does the Marida have the better forks and shocks (and other bits) and should I be worried about its frame? And what about the Scott? Is it a bit more of a XC bike? Is that likely to be a problem for a complete beginner who isn't going to be throwing himself off anything too mental (not in the first week anyway) - I'm not particularly heavy if that makes any difference (just under 11 stone).
As you can probably tell - I'm not good at making my mind up! Any help much appreciated... :?
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Comments
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not to throw a spanner in the works but thought of the giant anthem ?0
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Entry level Full Suss' for less than (or no more than) a Grand (C2W)...
Gotta be the Boardman Comp hasn't it?0 -
Thanks for the alternatives - are Boardman exclusive to Halfords (they're not in my cycletowork scheme). The Giant Anthem hasn't been offered to me by any LBS although the Trance x4 was. I'd love to get the Anthem x2, but the x3 - is that any better than the Marin/Marida/Scott? It seems to have the same rear shock as the Marin..0
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the kit seems better . it comes with hollowtech cranks which are stronger than Square tapers on the scot and marin . look at it tis way for £1300 your getting a frame kit worth £1000 plus a few extra parts that cost bout £700 all in . Great frame the giant very light but strong , 4 inch travel is ample for the Uk trail parks really0
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i know you said you want FS, but you say your not goint to be doing anything huge, i think a HT would be better. also Fs doesnt mean it isnt a hard bike, id do far more harcore stuff on my HT than i would on ,say a spark. maybe a lighter,better speced Ht would be better. and if you suspect your gonna get into some big gnarly trail riding, well a good Long travel HT is as good as most fs's, just differnt. also if its for xc/fitness,like you said........ a ht is starting to look like a better option. for the budget something like a charge blender mid. or if you fancy a more hardcore bike for hitting the trails hard, something like a genesis altitude. or a gt aggressor xcr, or even an gt aggressor elite!
(dribble,dribble)I like bikes and stuff0 -
pte1643 wrote:Entry level Full Suss' for less than (or no more than) a Grand (C2W)...
Gotta be the Boardman Comp hasn't it?You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.0 -
Daz555 wrote:pte1643 wrote:Entry level Full Suss' for less than (or no more than) a Grand (C2W)...
Gotta be the Boardman Comp hasn't it?
Even more so, when you consider the Boardman comes with Recons at around 800 notes.0 -
Thanks for the advice. I get the feeling there's nothing very positive to say about the three bikes in my list!? I appreciate the case for going for a HT not the FS, but I've kind of got myself fixated on the FS comfort (my rear can't take more than half an our in the saddle - it's an age thing!). My fifth decade rapidly approaches and I fancied a new toy, and a slightly dangerous new hobby, all part of my mid-life-crisis ......0
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Sorry your rear will hate the FS.
FS is not there for comfort.
Get an HT and some sus seatpost like a thud buster if you want comfort.
or fit fatter tyres."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
LordM wrote:(my rear can't take more than half an our in the saddle
Get a different saddle. (Spoon!)
+1 Fat tyres.0 -
If its primary use is C2W with a bit of XC/light trail riding i would be looking at a HT without a doubt! You'll get much more for your money and the bike will almost certainly be lighter. You dont have to sacrifice comfort either with the HT (as mentioned) and your riding will be more efficient on a hard tail (no bobbing about on the suspension, unless you can get full lock out at this money, which I'm not sure...)
Why not spend most of the money on a great hard tail, and then the last bit on some safety gear/weather proofs and a good lock?http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12613038Cat With No Tail wrote:Anyway, fk dis, I iz off 4 a ride innit. l8rz peepz0 -
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Go for the Marin East Peak 2008 - check that the rear sus (Fox Float R) either has a lock out option or propedal (anti bob). I'd expect the front to have lockout, but check that also
Full susers are a pain to ride up hill with half your effort being absorbed by the rear sus.
look also at a set of different tyres to support the xc, road etc that you might want to do.
TBH I would look at a high end hard tail like a spesh Rock-hopper pro/expert. don't forget you can throw accessories and clothing in on the voucher scheme.
I ride mainly off-road and find the rear sus beneficial in only 10-15% of conditions. I ride with a mate who has a rockhopper and his bike is just as capable as enduro.0 -
I got the voucher in the post this morning (based on the East Peak), I'm going into Leisure Lakes tomorrow to spend it. I will be checking out their HTs so any advice on stuff that looks good at their place would be welcomed. It's the big 40 on Tuesday and I've got a nice little romp round the local countryside planned (as a small part of the remembrance service to my youth!). So I think I'll be coming home with something tomorrow....
Thanks to all for the help.0 -
For me its between 2:
HT - Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc Bike 2009 £899.99 (850 to vip members?)
FS - Marin East Peak Mountain Bike 2008
the rockhopper is better spec'd and would be my choice for you0 -
I'd say to go for the Giant Anthem 3 from Rutland...
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/10834/Gia ... n=pid10834
For what you want its got a perfect amount of travel (4" front and back), not too much because you probably won't want to be jumping about the place a lot and doing lots of big drops.
The best thing about this bike is that it comes with exactly the same frame as the 2009 X1, comes with titanium bolts etc... So when it comes to upgrade your bike you can do it bit by bit and still know that the frame is top quality. For the price I don't think you'd get a better full suspension for what your looking for.
My friend bought one of these and so far has upgraded:
- Thompson seatpost
- SDG Bel Air Saddle
- RaceFace Dues XC Stem/Bars
- Mavic Crossmax wheels
- Rock Shox SID Race forks
Its a very good bike.0 -
sorry - I thought the OP had to buy it from that specific shop?0
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I already commute to work on a Cannondale hybrid, so the MTB is a play thing really, something to get me out exploring and having a bit of fun. I don't need it for commuting (but don't tell work!). I wrecked the wheels on the cannodale the other week when I tried to take it XC in Dorset so that is part of the prompt (along with the desire to cash in on the cycle scheme before Gordon puts the mockers on it)...0
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diy wrote:I ride mainly off-road and find the rear sus beneficial in only 10-15% of conditions. I ride with a mate who has a rockhopper and his bike is just as capable as enduro.
I disagree. I have both, and my Enduro is infinitely more versatile than my Rockhopper. I can wind the forks down on mine (Pikes) to run them at 95mm with the short travel setting on the shock too. The bike's sweet spot is 120mm up front, although I can DH when the forks are out at 140mm with the longer travel setting at the back.
Full suspension climbs better in some situations, the back wheel doesn't spin out as it's always planted due to the rear shock. It descends infinitely better, it's a case of 'point and shoot'.
Could you perhaps get a reduced Pitch or are you restricted to full price?0 -
diy wrote:I ride mainly off-road and find the rear sus beneficial in only 10-15% of conditions. I ride with a mate who has a rockhopper and his bike is just as capable as enduro.
I disagree. I have both, and my Enduro is infinitely more versatile than my Rockhopper. I can wind the forks down on mine (Pikes) to run them at 95mm with the short travel setting on the shock too. The bike's sweet spot is 120mm up front, although I can DH when the forks are out at 140mm with the longer travel setting at the back.
Full suspension climbs better in some situations, the back wheel doesn't spin out as it's always planted due to the rear shock. It descends infinitely better, it's a case of 'point and shoot'.
Could you perhaps get a reduced Pitch or are you restricted to full price?0 -
But we are comparing a 900 quid bike with a 1500 quid bike.
My enduro isn't a proper enduro its an 02 frame with some 04 parts off my marin hard-tail. I recon the newer enduro FSRs are much more versatile. But the voucher budger is 1K otherwise you pay out of your own money for something which is essentially a lease bike.
so would you go for the 08 east peak or the hopper? (same price)0 -
diy wrote:But we are comparing a 900 quid bike with a 1500 quid bike.
My enduro isn't a proper enduro its an 02 frame with some 04 parts off my marin hard-tail. I recon the newer enduro FSRs are much more versatile. But the voucher budger is 1K otherwise you pay out of your own money for something which is essentially a lease bike.
so would you go for the 08 east peak or the hopper? (same price)
Mine is an 04 too, which has the same frame design as yours as the 05-06 were heavier, then the 07 started the triple clamp phase.
Personally I'd go for neither. I'm looking at getting a GT Aggressor Elite out of Halfords (£1k with Maxle Revs), and if the frame disappoints I'd transplant everything onto a Pipedream Sirius or a 456.
I'd perhaps consider the Orange Crush ride2work special on Leisure Lakes - http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/produc ... orkspecial).aspx?&id=12697
Or the Trek 6500 as it seems pretty versatile and I know someone that hammers one both on the commute and offroad.0 -
Just in case anyone still looking at this thread. I bought the East Peak on Friday (yeh I know!). Took it out for its first spin today (my big Four O) - was out for 5 hours cross country (with a little stop off at the new 4x track at a local country park - where I scared myself silly trying to re-live my BMX days!) - fantastic day - bike was lovely - rear shock and forks worked a treat - took the shock to within 10mm of bottoming out (I should have gone round it!). Aching a bit now though, but already planning the next trip......0
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No offence, but have you pumped the air shocks for you body weight? you may damage your shiny new toy if you run it too soft.0