Buying Advice - Trek, Scott etc.

Chris-H

Hi All,

First time post despite trawling the forums for a while... Looking to buy a new bike at present but fairly new to things in reality so after some advice. I want a bike that's going to be fun to use on weekends at trail centres etc. I like trying my hand at quicker, bumpier stuff although in reality it will be a rarity that I chuck myself down a really craggy downhill track. In the week the bike is also going to get a fair bit of use for commuting so I have speed / efficiency in mind also...

I'd like a full suspension cos I'm a sucker for technology and a bit soft - I know a hardtail would suffice for this type of riding but it won't meet 'my requirements'.

So far I've demoed a Trek EX8 which is right at the top end of my budget. I thought it was a great bike and a good contender... another which has really caught my eye though is the Scott Spark 30 (2009). There seems to be quite a few of these left being sold off pretty cheap. It seems to get pretty good reviews and the idea of a superlight carbon frame really appeals. Only snag is there only seem to be Medium and Large frames left and at 6'3" I'm probably on the limit of the large frame technically... first test on the Scott Scale in Large (as a quick comparison) and it felt OK but would be interested to hear thoughts...

So, how do these compare + what others might you suggest based on the above?

Cheers,

Chris

scale20

I don't have any experience with Scott FS however I know people that have and they rave about them. Same goes for the Trek. I had an EX 9 the next model up from the 8 and that was a cracking bike, rode a treat. I know plenty of people that have got or had an EX 8 and again they rave about them.

You have a dificult choice on your hands, if it was me I would go for the Trek, although do you get a better spec on the '09 Spark 30?

hubba

you culd allways buy just the frame and build up over time the parts you want and you'll have the perfect bike, i've just bought a new frame and used my old parts to put on it and i'm loving it !..

also i have been riding trek for three years and found it to be a great bike !..

and i have my trek frame for sale at mo because changing my type of riding and going more down hill, check out my ad if your interesated, but trek all the way !!!...

njee20

The Scott's are light, but in order to get the most of them you need to use the TracLoc lever a lot. If you're not the sort of person who plays with remote lockouts a lot they don't ride too well, IMO of course!

I'd get the Fuel Ex or a Stumpjumper ahead of the Spark personally. Really you just need to demo as many bikes as possible and buy the one you like most!

Chris-H

Cheers for the thoughts so far guys...

Another I've just noticed is the Giant Trance X3 again 2009. This is much cheaper than the two previous because they seem to be going for less than £1200 now to clear... spec reads well generally... so at the moment I seem to be coming down to:

Giant Trance X3 at c£1200
Scott Spark 30 at c£1800
Trek EX8 at c£2000

There's quite some difference in those prices those! I'm going to try to get to a shop with the Spark and the Trance this evening...

Other than general impressions, anything in particualr I should look out for?

Chris-H

Tried the Scott this evening - very nice bike, incredibly lightweight! Just need to weigh up the sizing issue... Large in the Scott is larger than my current GT (which is definitely too small)... I also tried the Scott Scale in XL to compare and whilst it felt a bit bigger it wasn't a 'night and day' difference, indeed the most noticable difference seemed if anything to be a longer stem length - which in itself would be an easy swap...

So currently the Scott is in pole position but any tips on sizing considerations or a reason why the carbon frame wouldn't be a good idea let me know!

Chris-H

Ordered the Spark last week and most of it arrived last night... minus the seat post and saddle... dough

Totally different size tube to my other bikes so no way to put anything on as a temp... so I'm going to have a big lump of carbon fibre sitting in the kitchen with no where to go for several days... at least it looks good!

Anyone else got a Spark have any tips?

hubba

congrats Chris hope you enjoy it !, i guess by now it's all built up and your out riding it :-)..

Al Randall

I'd go for the Trek 8 and haggle. I've just got one for £1700 and it is a 2010 model.

Al