Help for a road cyclist looking to purchase MTB.

bully74uk

Hi there
As mentioned above I am a road cyclist and am looking at utilizing another years cyclescheme by purchasing a MTB.

My plan is to use the bike for some winter training on tow paths, xc and trails but also to enable me to enter a few off road duathlons before next years triathlon season starts. Finally I will use the bike for my 6 mile each way commute during the winter should we have any snow.

As with cyclescheme I have £1000 to spend on the voucher but could probably stretch to £1200 for the right bike as I know a couple of retailers who will allow a top up.

Ive been doing a fair bit of research and am currently considering the 3 bikes below.

Please can you have a look at the spec etc, and based on my usage requirements give your opinions on the choices, which one you would suggest over the others, or indeed if there are any others for me to consider.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

1, CUBE LTD RACE 2013 29er - £969.99
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/9360 ... -2013-sale
or the 2014 model - £1099.99
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/1382 ... -bike-2014

2, GIANT Anthem X3 2013 - £999.00
http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant-anthem-x3.html

3, WHYTE 629 2014 - £999.00
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/whyte%20629 ... duct/52465

Please if there are any others in this price range I should consider as they are better specced or better suited to my needs then please let me know.

Thanks,

Bully.

cooldad

The 2013 Cube if you want a hardtail, the Giant if not.
The Whyte spec is rubbish by comparison with the Cubes.

bully74uk

cooldad wrote:

The 2013 Cube if you want a hardtail, the Giant if not.
The Whyte spec is rubbish by comparison with the Cubes.

Thanks
Do you think I'd be better suited with a hardtail based on my usage requirements ?

cooldad

Yes.

bully74uk

cooldad wrote:

Yes.

Thanks

stubs

Personally I think the Anthem but with 29er wheels as the other 2 you link are 29ers

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant_anthem_x_29er_2.html

coulddobetter

Cube if it's also going to be a winter commuter. The giant is a good bike but certainly not ideal for roads.

bully74uk

coulddobetter wrote:

Cube if it's also going to be a winter commuter. The giant is a good bike but certainly not ideal for roads.

I have a CUBE SL Cross Hybrid that I use for commuting most of the year. I use my road bike in only the best of weather.
The MTB would only be used as a commuting option in the severest weather such as settled snow.

Tow paths, xc trails and the occasional off road Duathlon would be the main use.

coulddobetter

Test ride the 2 .it's the only way . I have never felt the need for full sus but it's down to personal preference. A lot will be down to the terrain you intend riding the duathlon on . ( As a rule you will always get more for your money on a hard tail, it's likely to be lighter too)

bully74uk

coulddobetter wrote:

Test ride the 2 .it's the only way . I have never felt the need for full sus but it's down to personal preference. A lot will be down to the terrain you intend riding the duathlon on . ( As a rule you will always get more for your money on a hard tail, it's likely to be lighter too)

Thanks.
I'll try them however im leaning towards a hardtail as im sure it will cope with everything I could possibly throw at it plus I would have the benefit of it being a bit of a better commuter should my others not be available.

I don't think the duathlons I have in mind are particularly technical or fast on the down hill, I think they are more xc style in which case again maybe the hardtail would be a better option.