what 29er hardtail? was really? a GT 29er hardtail? hmmmmmm

kalioon

hi

Cycle to work scheme will be starting soon at my work.

was looking at 26" £500 speshes or giants. But....


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/ ... e-ec030589

Then this caught my eye. A GT karakorum hardtail 29er. £799. and its very blue and very shiny. and quite lovely

its mainly for a 10 mile commute, but with some trails at the weekends.

Is GT a decent brand? Is the spec OK? I looked at the 3 version, and the forks dont seem up to much. am i right?

whats the benefits to 29er's? ive read they are better for commutes and taller blokes (im 6.2)

just looking for thoughts and comments

cheers

cheers

supersonic

29er is purely personal preference. And depends on the model. To generalise, they tend to roll faster and smoother over obstacles, but can be slower handling, are always heavier and usually costlier.

GT is a good brand, but there aren't any bad brands about really. The bike here is pretty lardy, and not very well specced.

kalioon

Thanks supersonic. glad im asked, rather than going for it just because its pretty! whats wrong with the spec?

Im quite keen to try a 29er, as the benefits seem to be what im looking for. Might nip into a LBS and see if i can have a shot.

would the 3 version be better value?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/ ... query=29er

or shold i try another brand for a 29er?

supersonic

The specs are just too low for the cash. The MG28 fork is very basic, and the rest of thr parts are found on 500 quid bikes. The K3 has no damping in the fork, heavy cable disc brakes and even lowlier parts.

I'd look at 26ers as well as 29ers, such as this if Evans is your preferred place:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... e-ec027476

Some very nice parts there for the cash, especially the fork.

kalioon

evens isnt just prefered, its my only choice. my work has chosen there ride2work scheme to be the one to go for. I was a little disapointed as i was looking at a decathalon or a giant.

thanks for the link, i know this is stupid but i find that bike hideous. even with good spec, i dont think i would like to ride it.

Are 29er's generally low spec'd for the price? Do they cost more than the equivalant 26er

how about this:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jam ... query=29er

good spec for the price?

supersonic

Most do yes: as 26er parts are more common, they are cheaper.

Have a look through these:

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/b ... popularity

kalioon

actually i take it back. that pinnacle is lovely. i looked at it on a works computer that really isnt set up for colour. but on my home lappy its not nearly as bad as i 1st thought.

pinnacle are evans own brand huh?

thanks for the suggestion

supersonic

Yeah, Pinnacle are sole retailers of Evans in the UK.