Returning to the fold - What MTB? £700 limit.

Seismic22

Could people suggest the best Hardtail MTB's for £700 and under?

I've had a Stumpjumper and Rockhopper in the past but money situation dictated these had to go. Through the help of the Cycle 2 work scheme and having sorted myself out financially I'm now looking to return to MTB'ing without spending too much cash at the moment! Im about 6'1, 90kg and generally ride, XC and trails but can be known to push it a bit and take some jumps I probably shouldnt. Ive read lots of reviews but it seems like the market is flooded at this price range and I cant decide! Not keen on anything with a Suntour Fork, want Hydraulic brakes, the lighter the bike the better really.

Thanks, Rory.

The Rookie

What retailers does your scheme give you access to?

Go to choise is the Rockrider 8.1 at Decathlon (can be had through 'cyclesheme').

Nothing wrong with Suntour, like other brands, some stuff is pants, other stuff quite good!

Seismic22

Thanks

Evans cycles or loads of other shops under the government cyclescheme,

The Rockrider looks incredible for the money but I'm not sure I like the XC style weight over the front fork riding pistion it apparently gives. I'll need to try one.

chrisw333

Can you use Halfords? If so, Boardman Comp would be a good choice.

Seismic22

Doesnt look like I can use Halfords.....

prawny

I really like my Rockrider, if I was in the market for an XC Hardtail the 8.1 would be top of the list. In fact it's probably a better choice overall than the 9.1 as the 9.1 is a bit heavy and no lock out for xc but too xc biased for general trail duties.

Seismic22

Trek Mamba seems to tick all the boxes?

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/categ ... a-13-47090

The Rookie

Worse fork and drivetrain than the RR and a seriously heavy beast. It's also a 29er, do you want a 29er for a reason?

danlightbulb

My rockrider 8.1 does ok on uk trail centres. Fit wider bars makes it bit more trail capable in my view. I fitted 700's it improved stability. You will also need to fit better tyres. Mountain king 2.2 black chilli work well on mine.

Seismic22

Mamba - 1.1 kg more I think, yep the Fork does appear to be worse! From reading around the 29er thing seems to divide opinion, I quite like the thought of a 29er and its supposid performance benefits but I also think it could future proof the bike a bit, I'm going to be keeping the bike for quite a while and it seems the industry is going towards 29ers. (Think they look good too!). I'm open minded still though.

The Rookie

At this price point a 29er will always be quite alot worse specified than a 26er.

29er is different, it's not necesarily the future so you aren't future proofing.

I'd still say the RR 8.1 is the better bet all round.

Seismic22

Kona Cinder Cone? Recon Fork.

Going to try to head down to Decathlon today/tomorrow to take a look at a Rockrider.

Seismic22

Any other thoughts?

I am going to try and head to Decathlon before the weeks out but would also like to consider all other options!

Cheers

The Rookie

Link to full spec, otherwise the answer is a definate maybe!

Seismic22

Seem very similar - not sure on weight.

Specification and Features of the Kona Cinder Cone Hardtail Mountain Bike.
Frame Material Kona Race Light 7005 Aluminum Butted
Sizes 14", 16", 17", 18", 19", 20", 22"
Rear Shock N/A
Fork RockShox Recon TK 100mm
Crankarms Shimano M521
Chainrings 42/34/24 B/B Shimano
Pedals Wellgo LU-A9
Chain Shimano HG53
Freewheel Shimano HG50 11-34 9 spd
F/D Shimano Alivio
R/D Shimano SLX SGS
Shifters Shimano Alivio
Brake Calipers Avid Elixir 1
Front Brake Rotor Avid G2 180mm
Rear Brake Rotor Avid G2 160mm
Brake Levers Avid Elixir 1
Headset TH No. 10
Handlebar Kona XC/BC Riser
Stem Kona XC/Road
Seatpost Kona Double Clamp w/offset
Seat Clamp Kona QR
Grips Kona Race Light
Saddle WTB Valcon Sport SE
Front Hub Formula Disc
Rear Hub Shimano M475 Disc
Spokes Stainless 15g fr / 14g rr
Rims Mavic XM119
Front Tire Maxxis Aspen 26x2.1
Rear Tire Maxxis Aspen 26x2.1
Paint Color Blue/Blue/White

Went to decathlon today but they had sold out of 8.1's!! Must be a good thing, will try and go back when they have stock in. I'm leaning towards the rockrider really as its just so cheap for the spec but I just want to be aware of all options.

The Rookie

Kona looks reasonable, drivetrain/brakes arn't quite as good as the RR, but it's not at all bad.

prawny

Canyon?

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes ... ab-reiter2

cooldad

Think you missed the cycle to work scheme bit.

Seismic22

I'd take a Canyon if I could!

slindborg

Norco charger 9.2 only real downside I've found so far (done about 200km on it) is the oem tyres are utter utter crap for anything other than dry well packed mud/gravel. Oh and slinky rear stays mean a skinny rear tyre will be needed come winter. Other than that, it rides like a dream.

The Rookie

Forks are not the best and drivetrain rather downmarket!