What Full Suspension £1500 to £2300

rick.adamski

I am looking at upgrading from my hardtail and have a max budget of £2300 to buy a full suspension. I have short listed a few bikes.

1. Lapierre Zesty 314 2012 - Tested around the block.
2. Trek Fuel Ex 8 2012 - Tested around the block
3. Scott Genius 50 2012

I found both the Lapierre and Trek to be slightly compact compared to my Rockhopper hardtail. I was quite impressed with both bikes and found it hard to pick a winner. I did find the stem and the handlebars on the Trek not great and would like to replace these.

Any advice on any other contenders along these lines or which of these bikes would you recommend? I am looking for a bike for trails where I can thrash it and also for commuting.

cooldad

Full sus are generally a bit rubbish for commuting - how long is it?

booyaka

Spend £2000 or so on a good full susser and £3/400 on a commuting bike would be my advice.

Commuting on a £2k FS bike - you need to consider where your leaving your bike, locks, wear and tear on parts etc.

On my opinion mind you

rick.adamski

Thanks.

I have a Specialized Rockhopper which I have Nimbus Slicks already. I will use this as my main commuter bike as I do a 15 mile round trip 3 to 4 times a week. Depends if the car beckons.

I am just finding hard as I have picked the Trek and Zesty mainly from reviews and specs. There are so many bikes out there and I know everyone had a different opinion. £2300 is alot of money for me and if I make a mistake I will have to live with it for a number of years. I also want to be able to upgrade in yeras to come rather than buy a whole new bike. I have already been bleeding the wifes ears for the last 6 months and she has just caved in.

Cheers, Rick.

Stu Coops

Totally agree with boolaka big mistake using a FS for commuting road wash and general wear and tear your gonna ruin it quickly

Rozza

I'd get a 29er, or an Orange 5. The 29er will roll over pot holes with more grace and efficiency, the Orange has bomb proof long term reliability.

cat_with_no_tail

Rozza wrote:

I'd get a 29er, or an Orange 5. The 29er will roll over pot holes with more grace and efficiency, the Orange has bomb proof long term reliability.

Actual LOL!

2low

A 2011 BMC speedfox SF02 for £1500 (reduced from £2300) in the Evans sale.

tboy823

I can't answer your question directly - but as no-one else has either, i'll chuck my 2p worth in.

I have mates who own the top 2 bikes on your list and they both love 'em, both are great bikes for the off-road stuff you need to do (forget about the commute thing!!), they are both light and the guys seem to fly up and down the places they go (but they are mega fit!!).

So i guess its down to personal choice - especially as you've tried them both.

The Spiderman

I think I`d just buy a Canyon Nerve XC7 and pocket the change!

dirty face

Cube Stereo..............simples!

Rushmore

Ghost AMR 7500

Best spec in the price range by far.... full XT groupset.

I've just ordered one

Stu Coops

+1 for the Ghost awesome bike for the money

Rushmore

Stu Coops wrote:

+1 for the Ghost awesome bike for the money

Yep, German engineering at its best...

I was a bit like to OP..

It was between the AMR, Zesty and a Giant..

The AMR just pipped the zesty as both were really nice.. And wasn't interested in the giant.. Just looked a bit... Dunno, just didn't tickle my fancy... LoL