Its down to 3

rieko

I'm looking for a new bike and after spending the last 3 days visiting my local BS's and reading up on the Internet, I've narrowed my search down to 3. Around the £750 mark, no more than £850.

1. Cannondale Trail SL 3

Ive always loved the Cannondale bikes, so straight away this was on my favorite list. At £750 I think I'm getting a good quality frame which looks awesome, as always with the Dale's. Unfortunately the lower-end SL 3 doesn't come with the headshok Super Fatty forks which i would prefer.

2. Specialized Rockhopper SL

Again, Ive been a fan of Spesh for a while now and the Rockhoppers have always had a decent reputation. After trying it out, (admittedly the SL Expert) i found it suited me quite well also. £50 cheaper than the Cannondale too, unless I go for the SL Comp at £800.


3. Boardman Comp FS

I came across this when i popped into the local Halfords. My first impressions were good and after reading some reviews, the bike grew on me more and more. Obviously not a hardtail though, and that might be its only real setback as its rear shock gets a bit of a bad write up. It also weighs in at a slightly more expensive £850

If you had a choice which would go for? Or would you go for something different but in the same price range? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

supersonic

If looking at the Boardman Comp it seems logical to look at the hardatil Team too. Certinly better specced than the other two hardtails.

Nick1978

what about spending another £100 and getting the cube race ltd. I bought i t recently and its brilliant!

rieko

Thanks for some of replies guys. I didn't get to try the Boardman Team Hard Tail as I don't think they had one in. Although after reading up over night, if i had to choose between the comp FS and the Team for the same price, id go with the Team.

Ive looked at the Cube Race LTD and i admit its a lovely looking bike but its a touch out of my price range. I started at £500, and after saying "if i just spend another £100 I can have that bike" a few times, Ive reluctantly decided to settle at £800 - £850.

Right now id say its between the Cannondale and the Boardman Team. I know the Boardman Team has a better spec, but my love for Cannondale's is strong. I'm just slightly put off by the Rockhppers blandness, so unless i can get a very good deal the Spesh is currently sitting 3rd.

Robowns

Personally think the Cannondale is a ripoff, rubbish components for a £750 hardtail, RST forks, Unbranded Shimano crank, Slx rear mech relatively cheap, personally I would say you would be better off going for the GT Aggressor XCR from halfords

max丨mo

http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s2p2290

Rebas, Juicy 5 brakes, XT/SLX drivetrain.
Can't really go wrong for £850, admittedly I am a big fan of buying year old bikes and saving wads of cash.

Pudseyp

Take a look at the KHS bike range...you buy direct and they are great value and have good spec's.....they came out tops in the latest MBR grouptest of sub £800 bikes with a clear 10 out of 10..they thrashed the likes of Cube, Specialized, Giant and Cannondale....

rieko

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I think i have to agree with you Robowns on the Dale. Its a nice looking bike but the spec for the cash ill be handing over doesn't compete with the others.

I think im going to have another look at the Boardman, and maybe have a try on the Team HT. Although that Giant XTC 2009 posted by MaxImo is a great deal. Ive no problem buying ayear old bike, especially at that discounted price.

I shall continue my research and testing. Im in no rush..