New hardtail advice.

zerofire
zerofire Posts: 5
edited April 2012 in MTB buying advice
Hi, I'm looking to get back into doing some xc, the odd couple of trails etc and some commuting. I want to get a hardtail that has a decent frame worth upgrading the components in future...

Anyone out there able to help me choose between these three bikes? I've been able to try the Cannondale and Whyte at some local bike shops. Both felt like good rides but maybe someone out there knows of a better bike to go for around the same sort of price bracket?


Marin Eldridge Grade Bike (2011)
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2011

Whyte 805 Bike (2011)
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2011

Cannondale Trail SL 1 (2011)
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b0s2p3696

Cheers!!

Comments

  • zerofire
    zerofire Posts: 5
    No one has any advice??? :(
  • snowjho
    snowjho Posts: 108
    have patience its been less than 24 hours since your original post, for the record I don't really know anything about the bikes you mention. Boardman bikes are worth a look. They have good value for money.
  • blister pus
    blister pus Posts: 5,780
    Forget the Whyte 805 at Winstanleys, it's not in stock and it may or may not ever be in stock, knowing them. So that leaves the Marin and Cannondale. Pretty even spec on both and you might prefer the extra gearage on the Marin....something to think about if you're getting back into biking again. But the Cannondale has some solid Shimano kit on it.

    Boardman Team has nicer bits but is 2x10 gearage and might be a problem if you're going up big hills to start with if you're just getting back into it. By the time you've added in P&P on the other two. You could have gone into Halfords, tried it out for size, then gone home and ordered it online to get the web discount, and then picked up in person (price will have then evened out)

    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... 65499#tab2

    Main thing is to try, or at least sit on, before you buy. Which is why you should take a trip to Halfords or LBS and sit on a few as your first move.
  • zerofire
    zerofire Posts: 5
    Thanks for that blister....I won't be buying the bike from Winstanleys, as they have it in my LBS. Just wanted to know if the Whyte frame is much cop for the overall price? I have tried the Cannondale and the Whyte and I probably preferred the ride on the Whyte to be honest!!

    I have tried the Boardman's at Halfords...the one I liked (the Team mountain bike) is £850 and a little over my budget to be honest £750 is a stretch at the moment!

    Cheers.
  • blister pus
    blister pus Posts: 5,780
    All those types of frames come out of the same mass produced poop hole in the far east and rebadged, they're all much of a muchness to the same standard. Alivio shifters and front mech on the Whyte? - major mark down for me. But if you're prepared to upgrade later....then. Can't see the point personally. Although you should go with what feels right. Don't forget Decathlon and the Rockriders too.
  • blister pus
    blister pus Posts: 5,780
    If that web deal is still good , it's 70 quid off. brings you to 780
  • zerofire
    zerofire Posts: 5
    Thanks for the info on the Boardman...I can get the Boardman Team bike for £764 after an additional discount I noticed on the forum...I think I may go for it!

    Cheers.
  • blister pus
    blister pus Posts: 5,780
    If you can bag it for that, I wouldn't hang about, go for it. It's a nice overall package.

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