Which 2nd hand hardtail - choice of 3!

dazz_ni45

Hi everyone,

Up to now I have only had road bikes but as there is an increasing in our cycle club getting into mtbing I don't want to miss out so I was thinking of expanding my horizons especially during the winter months when it is difficult to get out on the road bike.

I can't see myself doing to many difficult downhills or anything too technical so I was looking for a decent spec hardtail for the local trails but also something that can be used on the road as well.

I'd prefer to buy second hand/almost new as my budget is around £500 so I figure I can get a better spec for my money. My knowledge of mtb's is next to none and three guys that I know have offered me their bikes so I would like a bit of advise on which would the better buy or if indeed I'm better looking in a different direction. I'd prefer to buy local rather than via ebay as at least I know what I'm buying.

Each bike is around 3-6 months old and two of them have only been used a few times (on roads) so they are basically like new.

1. 2012 Cube Ltd Pro

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-LTD-Pro-Mo ... _49461.htm

Asking price is £650

2. 2012 Cube Analog

http://www.cyclezoneuk.com/14630/produc ... -2012.aspx

Asking price is £450

3. 2013 Specz Rockhopper 29er

http://www.dalescycles.com/2013-special ... 29er-p4633

Asking price is £480

I should be about to get a bit more of each price, but probably not much so I'm not sure if these prices are fair?

Given the pricing what is the better buy for the spec of each bike? I'm leaning towards to the cubes at the moment.

The other consideration is size, both cubes are 18" and the specz is 19". I'm just under 6ft with an inside leg of 32-33" and I'm concerned the cubes may be a little small. I know I have to try the bikes out, but to be honest not being a mtber, I'm not even sure what I'm looking for size wise or what the main considerations are.

Any advice would be much appreciated for a newbie!

Thanks

dazz_ni45

Can anyone give me their opinion?

It would be appreciated

cooldad

The one with the Rebas.

EH_Rob

Yep, number 1 is the best equipped of those bikes. Its the one I'd go for. You'll also need a shock pump to set the fork up for your weight.

LJ.

Considering the cost of a new Cube LTD Pro I think you could knock the price down a little http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2012_Bike , I think 18" would be good given your dimensions too

dazz_ni45

Thanks Folks, appreciate it. I can't see him moving in price so new may be a better option. My opinion is that the Cube Pro is probably worth around £550 or so second hand.

So what is this shock pump you speak off?!

cooldad

To stick air in the forks. Unless they are coil.

supersonic

None of those are worth the asking price. For about the same price you could get this new:

http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/a58228 ... ml?mfid=52

RandG

supersonic wrote:

None of those are worth the asking price. For about the same price you could get this new:

http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/a58228 ... ml?mfid=52

ffs, you've thrown the cat right in amongst the pigeons now haven't you :evil:


I've been looking at second HT's for weeks now with a budget of around £500, now after posting that link my credit card is now hovering over the buy button.

EDit: scratch that, they only have 20 and 22, disappointed.com

dazz_ni45

Very interested now in the Radon so thanks for posted. As noted there are only 20/22" left in the 2012 model but all size in the 2013. I assume the 2012 is a much better spec for essentially the same money?

Can anyone advise on what size I would require based on my height (6ft) and inside leg of 32/33". My upper body is quite long and I've read the reach on the radons is slightly more relaxed/short so I'm thinking the 20" is more suitably?

Thanks

cooldad

Nope. Use the sizing guide online.

bigmitch41

Were about the same size. I bought a 2011 Specialized Rockhopper 19" that fits me v well.

dazz_ni45

Thanks I've been sized as a 19 on a specialized, the problem is the radon only comes in 18 or 20 and I size as a 19 on the online guide too.

Is it better for a mtb to be slightly to big or slightly too small?

supersonic

Compare the top tube length of the radon to the rockhopper. Listed sizings vary a lot.