Avalanche 1.0 vs Rockhopper Comp vs Scale 80

Lei Chat

Hi.
I'd appreciate some advice on choosing between these three 2012 models.

I was trying to follow the advise of opting for a 2011 bike to get higher spec for my money but every time I find something I like it turns out to only be available in a small frame size.

The other problem I'm having is finding anywhere that has two models in stock that I can test ride, so right now my selection is based on budget and colour. :oops:

GT Avalanche 1.0 (just found it discounted to £699 at Damian Harris, so have added it to my options)
Specialized Rockhopper Comp (or should I stretch to the Expert?)
Scott Scale 80

I was considering the Scott Aspect 20 which is a similar price to the Scale 80, but am I right in thinking the Scale has a better/lighter frame but not so high spec components?

Thanks in advance of your kind response.

supersonic

Do you have links to the exact bikes? Specs can vary, so we need to see what we are looking at.

Lei Chat

Apologies, here's the links for the Bikes on Evans website, I couldn't see a way to save the comparison of all four as a link.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/ ... e-ec030571
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sco ... e-ec030815
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec030687
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sco ... e-ec030843

cooldad

They all seem rather expensive for the spec. Have you considered Halfords (Boardman or Carerra) or Decathlon (Rockrider). You'll get more bike for your money.

Lei Chat

Last summer I rode the Boardman round Halfords (as they wouldn't accept ID or deposit for a test ride outside), I guess it might have been the way the display model was put together but it just didn't feel right. I also had a test ride on the 2011 Rockhopper which I did quite like. The main thing I look for, as I don't know anything about the components is great stationary balance. Sorry if that sounds silly. I appreciate that's not something you folk on here can probably give me advice on, so your suggestions in relation to spec, price and components are much appreciated.
I'll check out Decathlon, have had poor experiences with several Halfords branches, another thing that has put me off the Boardman.

Would you still consider the Avalanche expensive at £699? I've Evans for a price match as they're my local retailer.

cooldad

No idea what stationary balance is.

cooldad

Unless you mean a trackstand.

Lei Chat

Thank you, trackstand is exactly what I meant.

As far as components go how would you rank them please?
Will assist me in comparing other options.

Lei Chat

Evans have a 10% off code this weekend on 2012 bikes.

So, Avalanche 1.0 or Rockhopper Expert ?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec030688
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/ ... e-ec030571

http://www.quidco.com/evans-cycles/ - and an extra 5% via Quidco if you're ordering online

felix.london

I'm a big Rockhopper fan and if like it says in your sig you're upgrading from a Hardrock and you've sat on the Rockhopper and it feels good I'd be inclined to go with that but the amount of recommendations the Boardmans get I think in the end I'd go for the Boardman Team. You just get way, way more for your money (my 2p's worth)

Lei Chat

Thanks for the info.
From Evans the Rockhopper Expert (with the voucher codes) would cost £684 (£799 - 10%, - 5% cashback)
Spec wise,am I correct in thinking the RH Expert compares to the Boardman Team, which is £849 ?
Or is the Boardman Comp at £649 still better?