Genesis Core 50 Ordered :)

Gatchaman

Howdy. After reading loads of info on this and other forums I think I'm going to go for a 2011 Genesis Core ...but which one. I'm using the NHS cycle scheme which unfortunately is not the best otherwise I'd have snapped up the Core 50 2010 from Evans Cycles.

This will be my first 'proper' MTB so it's going to have to do a bit of everything as I've sold my road bike, so commuting, trails, and general cycling is the order of the day. I can get the 40 for £900 and the 50 for £1100 so as a beginner will I notice the benefits of the 50's upgrades. Any advice appreciated and happy for you to through a spanner in the works with a different bike (unfortunately my first choice of a Malt 4 is a no go on the scheme).

Cheers

UPDATE: considering cutting my budget and also will consider second hand bikes. I'm hopefully going to try a few bikes tomorrow so any advice on places within 15-20 mile radius of Atherstone CV9 would be appreciated ...especiallysomewhere that stocks Genesis bikes

Current list:
On One Inbred SLX
Genesis Core 30/40/50
Giant Talon 0 (2010)
Giant XTC Alliance 0
Specialized Rockhopper Pro

Nick78

Hey there, I bought the 2011 genesis core 30 earlier this year and its a great bit of kit. If i was in your posistion i'd go for the core 50. It was voted trail bike of the year 2010 (i think by MBR mag tho it may've been what bike mag) and looks lovely in the unpainted alluminum. Best of luck with your choice


nick
8)

Nick78

ooops, sorry just realised its the 2011 model in unpainted alluminum. I'd still go for it in the purple tho

nick

Gatchaman

Thanks Nick, I'm hearing lots of positives about these bikes and appreciate your comments. It is the 2011 bikes I was looking at though I didn't make that clear in my post so I've updated it. I'm definitely leaning towards the 50 but my budget's already stretched from £750 yesterday to over a grand today so want to make sure I'm not going ott.

Gatchaman

Are there any other bikes I should consider before testing a Genesis?

Gatchaman

I've just been recommended to go for a Cube, something like a LTD Race or a LTD Team. It looks like like you get a lot more bang for your buck but how does the frame compare?

Nick78

On One do some lovely looking bikes with a good spec (XT / SLX). The 456 and 456 summer season along with the carbon whippet all come in around a grand. I was very tempted by the 456 but the price was just out of my range. Take a look at there website, Google 'On One Bikes'. I m not sure if they do test rides though


Nick
8)

Gatchaman

I like On One's and have been to their showroom in Rotherham but thought I couldn't get them on the scheme. I've just looked again and Planet X is on there so that's another option open to me. Not likey to get up there again so missed a trick not to try one then. I need to get out and try a few bikes but I'm not getting the chance at the moment.

In regards to the Cubes, friends are telling me how well specced they are for the money and look good bikes but none of them would buy one themselves. I think the geometry may be a little too race orientated for me and prefer the classic frame styling of the Genesis, On One and Rock Lobster

KitsuneAndy

Gatchaman wrote:

I like On One's and have been to their showroom in Rotherham but thought I couldn't get them on the scheme. I've just looked again and Planet X is on there so that's another option open to me. Not likey to get up there again so missed a trick not to try one then. I need to get out and try a few bikes but I'm not getting the chance at the moment.

In regards to the Cubes, friends are telling me how well specced they are for the money and look good bikes but none of them would buy one themselves. I think the geometry may be a little too race orientated for me and prefer the classic frame styling of the Genesis, On One and Rock Lobster

http://on-one.co.uk/cycle-scheme

On one take cyclescheme vouchers. including the NHS SME HCI scheme

Long_Time_Lurker

Might have trouble getting hold of a Cube at the moment - good reviews have seen demand and sales go through the roof. Can't find one up here, so I am waiting for the 2012 models.

Gatchaman

On One require an additional 12.5 % when using the scheme so may not be as attractive but we'll see.


My local bike shop has a few Cubes in my size at the moment but can't find any Cores to try.

CFS

Got a 2011 Core 30. Fun bike, lively to ride ,looks great.

Evans will get one in for you to try, but you usually need to pay a refundable deposit.

Dunno what tyres are on the Core 50 but the Mountain Kings on my Core 30 aren't the best.

Gatchaman

I think I may consider a Core 30 as a few people have recommended them. I've not been mountain biking for many years so i'm considering cutting my budget for a new bike and consider second hand too. I'm currently using a 1998 Scott Rockwood so it wouldn't take much to improve that ride . I even started looking at £1500 bikes yesterday :shock: .

Anyone know of any bike shops in west mids/warwickshire that stock a variety of bikes inc Genesis?

leaflite

TBH, its worth getting the best bike you can afford as if you want to really get into mtbing you will probably start to want better components etc. Its cheaper to buy a bike with those better components already on than to get a cheaper one without them and end up having to spend lots of money upgrading it.

thegiantbiker

leaflite wrote:

TBH, its worth getting the best bike you can afford as if you want to really get into mtbing you will probably start to want better components etc. Its cheaper to buy a bike with those better components already on than to get a cheaper one without them and end up having to spend lots of money upgrading it.

Clears throat "Apollo project". Not that I don't like the Apollo, I just find it funny that you're giving this advice of all people.


In reply to Gatchaman's question, I'd say a Giant Talon is all the bike you'd need for commuting around and general XC/Trail riding. I've got one from 2010 and it handles great and nothing's majorly broken.

The 2011 Talon 1 (Talon 0=best, Talon 3=worst) is available for around 850 pounds.

leaflite

thegiantbiker wrote:

leaflite wrote:

TBH, its worth getting the best bike you can afford as if you want to really get into mtbing you will probably start to want better components etc. Its cheaper to buy a bike with those better components already on than to get a cheaper one without them and end up having to spend lots of money upgrading it.

Clears throat "Apollo project". Not that I don't like the Apollo, I just find it funny that you're giving this advice of all people.

The apollo isnt my first or only bike-it was just a bit of fun. And tbh, even the apollo shows that it is cheaper to buy a bike with the right spec in the first place as you could probably get a bike with a similar spec to it for less money.

Gatchaman

Cheers for your input guys. I can get a Talon 0 (2010) for £599 so a serious contender there.

I've just found the On One Inbred SLX has been reduced to £850. The plot thickens :?

thegiantbiker

leaflite wrote:

thegiantbiker wrote:

leaflite wrote:

TBH, its worth getting the best bike you can afford as if you want to really get into mtbing you will probably start to want better components etc. Its cheaper to buy a bike with those better components already on than to get a cheaper one without them and end up having to spend lots of money upgrading it.

Clears throat "Apollo project". Not that I don't like the Apollo, I just find it funny that you're giving this advice of all people.

The apollo isnt my first or only bike-it was just a bit of fun. And tbh, even the apollo shows that it is cheaper to buy a bike with the right spec in the first place as you could probably get a bike with a similar spec to it for less money.

I agree with you there, but a bit of bike pimping is always good fun.

Gatchaman

I tried a few bikes today and the Genesis Core was the winner as it just felt 'right', it may not be as well specced as others at the same price point but it was the one I felt most comfortable with so I've ordered one

Thanks for the advice people