XC FS bike advice £1100-£1250

G-zeroteam

Looking for a FS XC bike between £1,075-£1,200.

Previous bike was stolen and the way the insurance works it seems I'll have to go for a 2011 model rather than buying in the sales as I had previously planned (I'm still getting a good deal I think as the insurer is passing on their discount).

Basically I want something fairly fast that's isn't going to give me any hassle.

thel33ter

As always around this price, Boardman?

Especially if you can't get sale 2010 models.

theuncharmed

Speaking from experience, the Anthem at £1249 is a fantastic choice.

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant_anthem_x4.html

It's a full on speed demon and can easily take on trail duties as well. I've bought the X3 model and have been very very impressed.

The boardman is also a great option, simply because the spec is great. Either way, get to a bike shop and try them out - neither will be a bad choice if the bike feels good.

welshkev

specialized camber is getting good reviews:

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/speciali ... 61730.html

G-zeroteam

Thanks, I'm somewhat out of touch so hadn't heard of the Boardman range.

Giant is too expensive - the budget is basically based on the RRP and a discount off that (I think I'd be looking at a £850 cash settlement otherwise). I was certainly considering the Specialised.

One final question - what's the trend for 2011 for spec/prices. I remember a couple of years back the specs went down or prices went up due to exchange rates etc, Presumably there's no issue this year and 2011 models will be better value?

thel33ter

Generally 2011 bikes have gone up a few hundred pounds from last yea, but the spec is similar, apart from the boardmans, which are pretty much identical on spec and price IIRC.

G-zeroteam

Reading up on the Specialized - seems the right sort of spec for me but are the brakes any good? (they are Tektro Dracos)

Don't really want to have to change anything

Andy B

Cube XMS £1147

linky

Cube's spec's are better this year, some bikes have gone down in RRP & some have gone up, but mostly by less than £100



Decent forks & shock
Double butted frame
XT/SLX 10spd drivetrain (no Alivio like on the Camber)
M4451 Shimano Hydraulic brakes
Easton bars & stem

It's fast, well made & well specced.

The Rookie

G-0, do you have a particular retailer you have to use? Most such insurance schemes require you to use one (or a limited number) of retailers, so finding other bikes may not help.

For my 1p worth, Boardman.

Simon

MountainMonster

Why are they not just giving you a check and letting you buy the bike yourself? When I crashed my motorcycle I received a check for the price of the bike and did the work myself to get a new one. Find it a bit odd they are saying you can't get a 2010 sale bike.

meesterbond

Probably because the insurance company has a deal with a specific shop / chain and get a big discount. The value is based on RRP, the insurance company pay RRP - discount.
They'll then state that if you want to go elsewhere you can have the money, but only what they would have paid at their tied shop.

Unfortunately most home insurers have forgotten that a 'new for old' policy is supposed to replace you on like-for-like and not on a something-kinda-similar-but conveniently-available-at-a-massive-discount-for like basis...

G-zeroteam

From everyone's advice I'm most convinced by the Cube so far (don't need 30 speed but looks like my sort of bike). I'm feeling the Specialized isn't for me in that it doesn't look all that speed oriented and also not quite a good enough spec.

I do now have one sale bike as an option within budget - a 2010 Commencal Super Pro 4. There's only one review out there and it's not good and I do want something that's going to last (heard about 2009 frames cracking!). However the spec looks very good - any thoughts on it please as I don't know much about the brand.