Advice for hardtail for a newbie please

agh100

Hi
Decided to take out the cyclescheme through my company and pick up my first new bike in about 12 years!
I like riding off road, bridelways, tracks etc, with some roughterrain but nothing too extreme. I intend to join up with some local rides that happen each weekend of about 2 hours a time.

I'm been looking a JEJames cycles, as I'm limited as to what I can have through the cyclescheme, narrowed it down to the following all currently on sale..

Cube LTD Comp Mountain Bike Black Anodized 2011
Felt Q820 Mountain Bike 2011
Giant Talon 2 Mountain Bike 2011
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Mountain Bike Black Green White 2012
Specialized Rockhopper Mountain Bike Black White 2011

I was initially swung towards the Felt Q820 as it's reduced from £999 RRP to £580. The 2012 rockhopper comp is a little above budget really, but if it much better than the rest I might push the boat out.

Is there any clear winner or are all the above good bikes really?

Thanks for any help!

phil_pompey

Out of your little list there I would go for the Cube Ltd. Based on best bang for buck!

Cube - Nice ride, Shimano components, decent fork and Easton finishing kit. The bike will do exactly what you want it to do. Its a little heavy but nothing a few choice upgrades wouldn't sort out if you get more into the sport.

Felt Q820 - Looks good but I find them quite small fitting. Sram stuff is good but I think its more suited to the competent users as opposed to novices.

Giant Talon 2 - Nothing bad to say about it really just think the Cubes overall finishing kit is better.

Specialized - Same as Cube and Giant really. They are what they are only thing that I don't like about them is that Every man and his dog has one and I like to stand out.

This is my own personal opinion.

1mancity2

As above, try as many as possible before buying them as they will all feel different.

grenw

I'd say the Felt and the Giant fall way behind the rest. The Cube, as often is the case, seems to be the best specced out. Rockhopper frame is often quoted as being the best at this price point - the 2011 is much better than the new one in this case.

If you can try them I'd suggest you do so, at least the Cube and Spesh 2011

agh100

Thanks for the quick reply guys.
My local shop was recommending the felt, but I have noticed they seem to be less recommended when searching around on the internet.
I must admit I like the look of the CUBE too, shame it is a bit heavier as I will be doing quite a lot of lifting it in and our of my car, but I guess I can live what that.
Is there anything else about the Felt apart from the sizing that doesnt appeal ?

agh100

Can I just ask one more question, I could get the "Cube LTD Pro Mountain Bike White Metal Grey 2011" for an extra £30.
Is it much of an upgrade over the comp? or not really necessary for my level.

cheers

Chunkers1980

agh100 wrote:

shame it is a bit heavier as I will be doing quite a lot of lifting it in and our of my car, but I guess I can live what that.

I like that comment.... :-)

Not many think like that, what about the first hill you find ;-)

agh100

oops, yeah I guess the weight of the bike might affect the ride too!

chrisw333

I think Rockhoppers are great bikes - well built and and ride extremely well. They always get excellent scores when reviewed by the magazines and websites. I don't think the fact that they are common is at all relevant if you are interested mainly in the quality of your ride.

Don't think you can go wrong with one as a starting point.

Do double check you can get the discounted prices in the cycle schem - not all shops will do the sale prices for cycle scheme purchases.

phil_pompey

agh100 wrote:

Thanks for the quick reply guys.
My local shop was recommending the felt, but I have noticed they seem to be less recommended when searching around on the internet.
I must admit I like the look of the CUBE too, shame it is a bit heavier as I will be doing quite a lot of lifting it in and our of my car, but I guess I can live what that.
Is there anything else about the Felt apart from the sizing that doesnt appeal ?

Just the gearing on the FELT - As a Novice you might find the Sram gearing strange. I'm not sayin the Sram is no good but its still in its infancy. I'm still using some Shimano Alivio pods from the mid 90's and they're still going good. In my personal experience I don't think I will be saying that about my Sram stuff.

The bit that makes the Cubes so heavy is the Wheels but then they're built of good solid stuff and will last. If you find your riding improves and you want more then wheels is always one of the first places to start upgrading but these will do you fine until you need better.

supersonic

The Cube is 28lbs, not too bad for a £600 bike. The Easton EA30 kit people rave about, but it ain't light and eats the budget, own brand kit is often better. The Pro is a bit lightyer, and has better fork.

agh100

thanks for all the advice, im going to try out the Cube I think!