Buying first full suspension bike, advice please.

paulbox

Hi, I've been running a GT hardtail for many years and after catching the MTB bug again last summer I've decided to treat myself to a new bike. I want to go full suspension as I'm not getting any younger (40 now) and would like to smooth out some of the bumps.

So far I've tried a Stumpjumper and and Epic, I loved the plushness of the stumpy, but it felt far too upright and bouncy for my liking. I absolutley loved the ride of the Epic, it felt very quick and took the edge off the rough stuff.

My riding: XC, woods/trails, not got the bottle for DH anymore.
Me: 6'4" and a little over 18 stone, though that is improving currently... :oops:
Budget: £2k (though I have been toying with upping that a bit to get the Carbon Comp)

Bearing in mind that I loved the Epic and didn't get on with the Stumpy, what other bikes within my budget do you think I should consider?

What are the pros & cons of carbon frames? Obviously they are a bit lighter, but are there any issues? My aluminium hardtail has lasted me years (although the components all changed and upgraded, the frame is as good as when it was new) which is no mean feat when hauling around a big lump like me

Many thanks in advance for any advice, it is much appreciated,

Paul.

llamafarmer

Anthem 8)

benpinnick

Also, on the stump, what shock were you riding and how was it set? If it was a triad then riding any setting other than pro-pedal is pointless :?

evade

Hey Paul,

Check out this month's What Mountain Bike magazine. The main feature is "We test six lightweight full-sussers between £2000 and £2500". All fast, lower travel XC bikes that can handle small drops and the like...

I just bought (Sunday) a Gary Fisher HiFi Pro 2009. RRP £2100, got it for £1500 from Pedalon. Very fast and light (for the money) XC trail bike. Great bike if you can find one in XL. Review http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/hi-fi-pro-09-34470 (I also tested an Anthem X3 and a Scott Spark 40).

Evade

nickfrog

You know what I think me olde mocker.

paulbox

nickfrog wrote:

You know what I think me olde mocker.

You get about don't you!

PS. it's "mucker", bl00dy Frenchie...

nickfrog

PaulBox wrote:

nickfrog wrote:

You know what I think me olde mocker.

You get about don't you!

PS. it's "mucker", bl00dy Frenchie...

OK. Excuse my French you twonk.

Have you considered the Whyte 120. I was looking at the spec compared to your £2K Spesh (and compared to the £2.5 carbon comp) and the Whyte looks good value, when you look at the monocoque frame.

The carbon Spesh may flex a little more than the alu one I guess, which may affect the way the suspension operates. Also, the weight benefit may be very small (200 grams?).

You need to add the TREK Fuel EX 8 to the list Paul.

paulbox

benpinnick wrote:

Also, on the stump, what shock were you riding and how was it set? If it was a triad then riding any setting other than pro-pedal is pointless :?

Not sure what the shock was, but it had the mini-brain which was initially set up by the guy in the shop. I did play with the settings quite a bit to try and find something that I liked.

Pudseyp

Trek EX8 is great, what about a Lapierre Zesty ?? I would also recomend the Marin Mount Vision 5.8...you can pick them up for around £2,200 I have an 08 and it is a great bike and is more that enough for uk riding...so many awards in 2008 and 2009 so must have its good points !!

paulbox

Researching some of your responses I've noticed that a bike shop in St Albans is having a demo day on April 10th for Whyte, Lapierre, Trek and some other manufacturers.

I think I'll try and get along to ride a few of them.

Many thanks for all your responses!

Paul.

The Spiderman

Ah yes Addiktion cycles,good shop.Might have to get along myself.

paulbox

Yes that's them, I've not been a member long so didn't know what the sites rules are around mentioning businesses.

agg25

Well the Ghost AMR7500 got a 10/10 in the 120mm all rounder shootout in the Mountain biking UK mag this month. It beat Cannondales, Treks, etc and is seriously worth a look.

I've got a Cube AMS Pro R1 (another German brand high on spec and value) and am very happy with it, in Cube I might recommend an AMS 125 or a Stereo but finding one to put your ass on and ride will be difficult. I had to buy mine without even having ridden one! Lucky for me the risk paid off.