Trek v Specialized?

Don B

Wondering about my next bike purchase. Have just sold my old Trek hardtail, and looking
for something a bit better in terms of spec, and have pretty much shortlisted the Trek 6000
and the Specialized Rockhopper SL.

Both bikes look good for the money, but I'm not sure as to which one to go for.

I'm 6'1" and over 16 stone, so need something that can take my weight. I've been told a
coil spring fork may be a problem, as it'll sag as soon as I sit on it.

I'm pretty sure the 19" in the Specialized, and the 19.5" in the Trek would be the right size
for me. (Being 6'1")

Both bikes have to be ordered from my local bike shop, so I can't really try before I buy,
as they don't usually keep them in stock.

I'm also pretty much decided on the two brands, as my these are the ones my lbs get
most of, and I'm going to buy from them, as I've done in the past.

Is there a general opinion on which bike is better value for money in terms of spec, frame
quality etc?

Thanks!

Pics of the two:

supersonic

Not much in it at all really, hard to pick between them.

Don B

supersonic wrote:

Not much in it at all really, hard to pick between them.

Thanks for the reply.

Considering my weight, I suppose something that's a little heavier duty might be better,
and the Trek *looks* to be that way.

Also, looking around more, the Trek 6300 isn't all that more expensive than the 6000, and
has a Rockshox fork.

supersonic

What else does the shop stock? Anything on the shop floor you can try?

Pudseyp

Agree much of a muchness...Also look at the Cube Acid which has a slightly better spec in my opinion
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2010

Cferg

Goodness sake, £700 for a Rockhopper SL that only comes with Dart 3's? Granted it's a good frame, but the componentry dosen't seem to be up to much at all, compared with a few years ago anyway.

Don B

supersonic wrote:

What else does the shop stock? Anything on the shop floor you can try?

They also stock Giant bikes as far as I'm aware.

Pudseyp

Yep for that money, Suntour, Darts or RST's though in the main the Suntour and RST forks have come a long way.

Just thought, if you can't try one anyway, why not plump foor a Merlin Malt 3 ?

PI$$es on any of the other formentioned bikes and at a lower price !!
Tora forks, full deore groupset, race face finishing kit !
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... 2-BIKE.htm

Bargain at £630 !!! which means you can spec up abit

BlueAdvocate

Probably isn't much in it. My Rockhopper has taken some stick and dealt with it well, so in my (biased) view it can handle rough stuff.
Having said that I've just bought a full suss to give it a rest.... I was really battering it.

That MALT is a good call.

Boy Lard

I bought the Trek 6000 and I really like it. However, I have little to compare it to. The Trek bikes rarely get favourable mentions on here. I think it's because they are a bit pricey for what you get.