Which bike, Cube, Cannondale, Scott or Specialized?

Kelvo

Hi, I'm looking for a bit of advise for a new hardtail, it will be used for road and off road use (Not steep downhill but not smooth dirt either).

I have narrowed it down to the following;

Canondale Trail SL 4 - http://leisurelakesbikes.com/product/cannondaletrailsl4mountainbike2010.aspx?&id=11933

Cube Acid - http://leisurelakesbikes.com/product/cubeacidmountainbike2010.aspx?&id=12811

Scott Scale 80 - http://leisurelakesbikes.com/product/scottscale80mountainbike2010.aspx?&id=12400

Specialized Rockhopper SL - http://leisurelakesbikes.com/product/specializedrockhopperslmountainbike2010.aspx?&id=11865

As you can see thay are all about the same price, with similar specs, the biggest differance is the choice of front forks.

So what are your opinons, good, bad or ugly, for the best one?

Thanks,
Kelvo

supersonic

Is this your local shop? Can you sit on them and try them out for size and feel?

There is not much in the specs at all, all very similar. I would take a look at this though as has a better fork:

http://leisurelakesbikes.com/product/ge ... ?&id=13089

Kelvo

Only 10 miles away from me.

Went there today, but they did not have the Scale 80 instore, and dont stock Specialized at all in the Cheltenham branch.

The Cube looked and felt good, had the remote fork lockout lever.

I was pointed to the Cannondale by the blke in the store (Didnt originally have this on the 'list'). I was put off a bit by the RST forks. I have not changed my bike for about 10-15 years(!) and from what I remember RST were not high in the fork stakes, but times change (Or do they?)

Now another option! :?

SpokeNipples

supersonic wrote:

Is this your local shop? Can you sit on them and try them out for size and feel?

There is not much in the specs at all, all very similar. I would take a look at this though as has a better fork:

http://leisurelakesbikes.com/product/ge ... ?&id=13089

That site seems to quote the same weight for every bike in the Core range. Any idea on the real weight?

supersonic

Around 28.5lbs from what I have read.

RST make some great forks, but the Tora here is probably the best.

Kelvo

Been looking on the LL website and they have the Core 30 for £699.99 (VIP price & I'm a member )

Looks like I need to find a store that stocks it to have a feel.

One (stupid?) question the Core 30 comes with Shimano PD-M505 clipless pedals are these suitable for normal shoes, or will I end up with bloody shins?

supersonic

You needs shoes that can take shimano cleats for those pedals.

If you want to use standard flat pedals, ask them to swap them.

complete novis

Specialized rockhopper sl comp 2010 RRP £799 -- go to ebay !! £699 or less.