Help with which FS bike to buy for around £1000

antc

Hi all,

I am new here and just getting back into mountain biking. I currently have a Kona Blast 2004 version hardtail which has done me proud since i got it.

However I am looking to upgrade now to a full suspension bike. The reason mainly would be better traction over the rough stuff instead of being bounced about so much and also some extra comfort I think.

So I have been looking around myself, its been a long while since I knew what was good/bad in terms of parts and bikes so looking for some advice. I have seen the following which I think would make a good bike..............

Lapierre Zesty 214 2010 Mountain Bike - £1299
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lapierre/zesty-214-2010-mountain-bike-ec020990?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle#answers

Specialized FSR XC Expert 2010 Mountain Bike - £1099
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/fsr-xc-expert-2010-mountain-bike-ec020337?query=specialized%20fsr%20xc%20expert

I would like, if possible to hear your thoughts on those two plus any others you think I should be considering. It would seem the above two bikes have been reduced quite a bit as they are 2010 models.

Thanks!

Anthony

zeroseven

Lot of people getting excited by these .... seem good value for only £1k

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtbfs/fs_team.html

thel33ter

The Zesty is a fantastic bike, although they are overpriced IMHO.

These are a decent deal and get excellent reviews

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s1p2833

antc

@zeroseven - I went into my local halfords to have a look at these today and they only had one kiddy size one in, they had a hardtail in as well but that wasnt what i was looking for. Shame really! I have read good things about them too.

@thel33ter - Good to know your thoughts on the zesty. WHy do you think they are overpriced? Spec wise I think the zesty looks very good and it has a bit of extra travel compared to the Specialized I linked to.

Not really looked at any Giants, will have to see if i can find a review to read.

THanks both for the help so far!

paul.skibum

Giant Trance for that money would be on my list or the Boardman.

You could look at GT I Drives - you might be able to find one in your budget.

Pudseyp

Loads of nice bargains at the mo: have a look at these
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mon ... gn=froogle

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s1p2481

antc

paul.skibum wrote:

Giant Trance for that money would be on my list or the Boardman.

You could look at GT I Drives - you might be able to find one in your budget.

Thanks, I shall look into those suggestiong!

antc

Pudseyp wrote:

Loads of nice bargains at the mo: have a look at these
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mon ... gn=froogle

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s1p2481

Thanks for the suggestions Pudseyp, I can honestly say i have never heard of mondraker. Looks like a good spec though!

Thanks again!

antc

ANy more suggestions anyone? I am hoping to go out to a few places tomorrow and have a look/test ride.

Anonymous

paul.skibum wrote:

You could look at GT I Drives - you might be able to find one in your budget.

Halfords may still have a few knocking about. They had a customised model, the I Drive 5 XCR (basically an I Drive 5 with some tweaks), and filled it with components bringing the price into just under £1k. Good value for money when you consider the component value is not much less than the price they sell it at, and not too bad components (RockShox Recon solo air front shocks, Fox RP2 rear, Deore shifters, Firex GXP crank/BB, Shimano SLX shadow mech, Avid Juicy 3 brakes).

Halfords have lost their deal with GT so they'll disappear, but they did still have it online last time I checked and I expect they may be still in some stores. Possibly even cheaper. £800 I think I saw it once.

Great bike, though not the lightest, and the I Drive is not your typical suspension system you find these days, though it's very tried and tested, and the I Drive (independent drivetrain) system means you get little or no peddle bob and the chain doesn't alter length when the suspension moves.

Though have to admit it's the bike I've got and is my first/only full sus so I'm biased in that way . I do like it though and it fits me well for the time being. Solid enough to chuck around, good on climbs though a lighter bike would make it easier, but I'm not into climbs anyway. Singletrack and a little DH is where I'm at and this bike is great for that for the price.