What XC (flat back) £600 to £700

dec_c

Hi

I am returning to mountain biking after a long absence, as in last MTB was Diamond Back Ascent Ex.

I am looking for a XC bike with a nice flat back riding position and I am finding it difficult. I have searched the forum a bit and read lots of reviews and I am thinking of one of the following:

Felt Q820 (09) or Q720 (10)
Boardman Comp (HT)
Gary Fisher Piranha (can't get delivered)

I can get all the spec info I could possibly need but I do not have the knowledge required to turn the geometry info into riding position.

The Boardman Comp is the only bike available locally me to try and it feels a little short in the cockpit.

Thanks in advance for any assistance/advice.

supersonic

Can you go for a larger size without risking clattering your nads? Then would be a case of simply flipping the stem over.

Rockhoppers have quite long reaches.

peter413

I think most spesh have long reach.

My 17.5 inch 2004 stumpy fsr has a longer reach than som 19 inch bikes I have ridden but I have now sorted that with a short stem. Does't matter for me though since I am nearly 6 foot

dec_c

Thanks for the feedback

18" is the max for me I think, I'm not exactly tall. I will look at the spesh site and compare geometry.

NormalD

One of the reasons I bought my commencal Normal was the long top tube/frame size ratio. Long body short legs.:roll:
The new premier medium is 45cm with a 575mm top tube.

http://www.realcycles.com/smsimg/58/228 ... pro-58.jpg

The Big Cheese

Doesnt the Gary fisher G3 geometry involve a longer, reached out position? I remember my GF Rig having a longer than normal TT

dec_c

Thanks Guys

So I guess my issue is now as Gary Fisher Irish distributor is not importing any GFs, is it worth a plane trip to collect one from Evans do you think?

I will also look at the Commencal stuff.

.blitz

mrs.blitz has a Hoo Koo E Koo which I think is the next bike up from the Piranha. It's a fine machine, nippy and agile without being too nervous and the cockpit is quite roomy even with a short-ish stem. The G2 geometry is noticeable at first but not intrusive. Be careful that the Piranha has the fork you want because the crown is different on G2 forks.

We also looked at a Trek 6500 and a Giant something-or-other for the same price. The Giant had a nice frame but awful components and sub-bog-basic hubs/headset/BB for the money. The Trek was almost identically specced to the HKEK but felt more 'XC' than 'trail'.

Pudseyp

what about a Mongoose Tyax Super...great spec for £599

Mongoose have come on leaps and bounds...I had a Teocali and it was amazing for the money...try Sunset MTB as they stock em and will deliver to your door

dec_c

OK my LBS will have a Felt Q220 This week so I'm taking a look at that to see if I like the riding position if so it is a Q820 (09) as it is the same price as the Q720 2010 model.

If not it is probably a GF Tassajara as I have realized that the Tassajara has the air fork as well as Avid Juicy 3s.

Wasn't thinking of spending the extra just for the gearing/brakes but the lighter fork has tipped the scales.

Thanks for all the advice, it has been very helpful

dec_c

Ok so just seen paulscycles ad in my MBUK and now giant xtcs (09) are on the possible list. 3 didn't like the talon but I think the xtcs have longer top tube.

Anyone have an opinion on the xtc 2 or 3