So much choice...head in knots

bobmouse
bobmouse Posts: 32
edited December 2011 in MTB buying advice
Hi, I have been looking at a new bike for the last couple of months and I have tied my head in knots. I am 6' 4" around 240lbs and falling. Been riding for just over a year on a 20" gt xrc 1 but want something a bit larger and maybe full sus. Now budget is limited to around £1000 I have been looking at the Trance x4 but also at 29er hardtails like the Trek cobia. I ride trails in and around the Surrey hills.

I have looked at every bike manufacturer out there and can't decide what to do, I aspire to do things like go to Afan and ride the trails there explore and progress with my riding.

Fully squish would be lovely but a 29er might fit me better being tall.

Comments

  • Pudseyp
    Pudseyp Posts: 3,514
    Obviously on a 29" HT you will get a tad more kit for your money...to me they are a bit of a fad..I am 6ft 5 and ride a FS and a HT. If I was in your possition chosing one bike it would be a full suss around the 120-140mm travel. They are light and comfortable for long rides, they inspire more confidence as a full suss will be more forgiving, and IMO a FS would be a lot more fun for the likes of afan.

    Something like this would be ideal and available in large and xtra large....
    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... b65s1p3709
    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s1p3423
    http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s1p3504
    Tomac Synper 140 Giant XTC Alliance 1
    If the world was flat, I wouldn't be riding !
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Big wheels doesn't mean big frame.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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    Parktools
  • bobmouse
    bobmouse Posts: 32
    Trance x 4 looks like it could be a winner. 36 months 0% finance on it has swayed it for me. All I have to do now is find the deposit....maybe in the new year.
  • bobmouse
    bobmouse Posts: 32
    To confuse myself even further I am also looking at a Lapierre X control 110
  • xand_xand
    xand_xand Posts: 271
    You need to get out and visit lots of LBS's and 'see' these and other bikes they have to offer..you can trawl t'internet all day long but you need to be out looking and more importantly sitting on these bikes..that way you'l know what you like the look and feel of.....then of course jump online and find the best price you can for the 'chosen one'.
    MY CUBE
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12785430

    Cube ltd race 2011.....enjoying the grt outdoors no matter the weather (except snow I just can't move in the snow)!
  • lostboysaint
    lostboysaint Posts: 4,250
    Trance over the Lapierre any day.

    I'm another 6'4" and I ride an XL Transition Bandit (130mm travel) and an On One Inbred hardtail. Neither are 29er (despite having the option to go to wagon wheels with both styles of frame). Trance fits me well and is a nice ride.
    Trail fun - Transition Bandit
    Road - Wilier Izoard Centaur/Cube Agree C62 Disc
    Allround - Cotic Solaris
  • Stu Coops
    Stu Coops Posts: 426
    Ive got Lapierre 514 and a Trance X1 and personally you should go for the Trance over the Lapierre as the latter has a weight limit of 100Kg "I think" and as you say your 240Lbs
    Zesty 514 Scott Scale 20 GT Expert HalfwayupMTB
  • awebber
    awebber Posts: 8
    Hi, i've got the same dilema and was virtually going down the zesty route, now on your comments i'm all confused again. Why pick the giant over the lapierre, i'm looking at spending upto 2k, weigh 85kg and ride mainly green lanes, towpaths, woodland a few downhills and a few times a year go and hit a trail centre, so looking for an AM that could cope with XC, what would you suggest i look at!!

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