New Bike Advice- Upgrading from Hardrock 29er

ggremlin

Hello All,

This is my first post, i have been searching to see if any of this is already covered but have not found anything conclusive. Last year i bought a Hardrock Sport Disc 29er, via LBS on Cycle2work scheme. Unusually for me I didn't do my research and thought £500 at the time would be plenty of money. TBH for my level of riding and getting fit again it has done me well and on the whole have been happy with it, tweaking as I go, having fitted Onza Canis 2.25s front and rear, a shorter stem, wider bars, ditched the big ring for a bash guard and clip less pedals - I didn't want to spend anymore money on upgrades, the next of which would have been that fork which grounds out regularly. So this year I have maxed out my Cycle2work allowance and am looking for something which has more longevity, so good base spec/frame which will be worthy of upgrades when parts wear and my skills improve.

I am limited here through LBS to 3 brands. Specialized, Giant and Boardman from Halfords.

I have narrowed it down to:

Specialized Crave Comp (outside budget but can put money towards the certificate)
http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/mountain/crave/crave-comp-29
Specialized Rockhopper Pro Evo
http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/mountain/rockhopper/rockhopper-pro-evo-29

Boardman Team HT 650
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_992048_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

Boardman Pro Hardtail 29er
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_992040_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

I live on the Salisbury plain, so in reality the majority of my riding is done on fire road, some single track in the woods (collingbourne woods) etc with occasional visits to trail centres in south wales. I am learning and always try and push my limits particularly at the tail centres.

The Boardman bikes for 2014 seem to offer a lot for the money in terms of kit, I was leaning towards the Spec Pro Evo as a good base, the kit on offer is far higher than what exists on my Hardrock, whilst I am also intrigued by the 650B option from Boardman. Reviews for all of these seem to be pretty thin on the ground (apart from the Halfords own ones)- so I am turning to you for some help and advice.

Thank you all in advance!

97th choice

The boardman is by far the better bike in my opinion, and a 29er should continue to suit you best based on your description of your riding.

If you join british cycling you can get an additional 10% off

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership

kajjal

Depending on the size you need there are still a few 2013 Carve Comp bikes in the sales. This is the same bike as the crave before the name change.

I have a Carve Comp and it is a fast XC MTB bike which is good for fire roads, rougher tracks and single track. Mine has been great from new with no problems and I bought it after a test ride. It has a stiff rear end which means you can quickly get the power down. My previous bike was an XC MTB so I was after something similar as I tend to ride in the wilder more remote trails but am happy enough in trail centres as well.

Best advice is to do a few test rides and see which bikes you like the ride and look of. Then you can choose which one is the best deal for you. Most bikes available now are far more capable than the people riding them

midgehulluk

If i was considering a Boardman id get this

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

i like the 650b ht you linked too

cooldad

Or stick with your original plan, put a decent fork on and you'll have a decent bike.