Sub £1500 XC/Trail Hardtail

Crib

Hi,

Been a lurker on the forum for a while and now want some advice if possible;

I am looking for a hardtail that I can use for my local riding which consists of woodland (with roots, rooks and lots of bumps) but no drops and only very small jumps, bridleways, moorland and singletrack. I'm thinking realistically and staying away from a FS and think a 100-120mm HT should cope with this fine. Also want to enter some enduros and possibly a few xc races but only for fun.

So far my shortlist consists of;
Canyon Grand Canyon AL 9.0 http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2542
Boardman PRO http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtb/ht_pro.html
Cube Reaction Race http://www.cube.eu/en/hard/pro/reaction-

The Boardman has 120mm travel whereas the other 2 are 100mm and I'm pretty undecided!

Another option is going for a carbon bike but there's something about carbon and mountain biking that doesn't sound good for the wallet!!

oodboo

I'd get a 29er, this:
http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2546

or maybe this:
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1275/ ... ml?mfid=52

Crib

oodboo wrote:

I'd get a 29er, this:
http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2546

or maybe this:
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1275/ ... ml?mfid=52

Interesting, I have never heard of the zr race before. Looks like a great spec for the money though.

I see you have a 29er and you're recommending one so I assume you're happy with yours for general riding? I've read alot about them not being great in the twistys or for shorter folk. I'm 5'9 and not sure how I would fare..

oodboo

I'm about 5'10" in the right shoes and find it handles great. I bought the bike mainly for commuting and it's fast on the road and eats the miles on my 30 mile round trip commute which is about 60% road 40% off road. I've taken the bike to Kielder for a good run round a red route up there (Lonesome Pine trail). Again I was very impressed with the bike, handled some tight switchbacks on a steep climb well and descended better than I expected. I haven't hit any drops or really rough stuff it as I have my enduro for that. Between my two bikes if I had to give one up I'd say good bye to the enduro.

Crib

Great, thanks for the info. I will get a test ride on a 29er and see how it feels. I've don't know anyone that has one but everyone who has one seems to prefer it to the 26er equivalent.

Anyone else have any recommendations?

Crib

Bump. Looking for any other suggestions in either 29er or 26er!

The Rookie

You say a budget of £1500, but is that leaving a bit over for tyres (to suite where YOU ride) and other sundries you may want to change (grips/saddle/pedals) or not?

At £1500 I'd probably suggest sticking with a 26er as at that price point most 29er wheel/tyres are quite a lot heavier, but ride a 29er and see what you like, I ride with a 5'6" girl who rides a 29er and a 5'9" who rides a 29er SS, so forget the height thing.

Personally of those listed above I'd get the Boardman, but if it were my cash it would be an on-one carbon Whippet.
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOOWHCAB/o ... _bike_2013 (except I'd custom build from frame)
Or possibly a custom build lurcher if you want 29er.
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROOLUR29/o ... 29er_frame

Keveo

Try the genesis core 26.5 list is £1299, but I just got one through the lbs £1000!

Very well suited to uk riding conditions, great for an all day xc epic and equally as good on most trail centre runs!

I toyed with the 29er route for along time but struggled to find a bike in that price range that wasn't specifically aimed at xc.

Depends on the style of riding you do i suppose

Crib

Ace, thanks for the suggestions. Couple of great ones to look into.

I will have enough left over for a set of spds and tyres etc so the budget is good.

allthegearnoidea

i have to admit seeing the title i thought of the ON-One's straight away, some of the deals on the carbon 456 and whippet frame are Very good!!!

prowbiker

Orange Crush ?

Randomer

prowbiker wrote:

Orange Crush ?

Mine arrived in the shop today to pick up when ever I can get away from work early :roll:

Cant wait! Cycle Surgery have it on offer for £1000 at the min