New MTB for around £1000

lewisc

So looking at getting back in to mountain bikes after last having a 2004 Marin East Peak full suss which I didn't use to it's ability. Now I have a cycle scheme budget of £1000 or just over and looking to get the best hard tail I can for trail centres, fire roads and bridleways.

My last road bike was a Giant so am looking at them for the MTB and after popping into the shop yesterday the sales guy recommended the Talon 27.5 0 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.talon.27.5.0/15005/66622/#specifications.

Was also looking at the Whyte 901 http://www.cyclesurgery.com/whyte%20901%202014/hardtail/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/52456.

Any recommendations?

The Rookie

I presume from the way you've typed it your firm use cyclescheme and not another ride to work supplier?

Of the two I'd have the Whyte as I prefer the fork although the Giant has slightly better drivetrain, the Ginat is very XC, the Whyte better suited to 'gnarlier' trail riding.

So...
Which supplier, and what usage do you want the bike for predominantly, also presumably you will be using it to go to work otherwise it's tax evasion!

lewisc

Thanks. It may be another scheme. Will check with work. It will be used to cycle to work in the week, then off road on the weekends.

Don't mind about the supplier. Really just looking for the best I can get for the money. Another one I like is the BMC Teamelite TE03 - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... e-ec054218

The Rookie

Find out which scheme first, nothing worse than deciding which bike you want and then finding you can't get it!

Fork is marginal and drivetrain very low rent on that BMC, poor value.

bailsofhay

Nothing wrong with Deore it's not the best but not bad by any means. I will agree that the BMC isn't very good value though, for that kind of money there so much better out there.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-sentier-275-vr-hardtail-bike-2014/rp-prod107047
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-bikes-rapide-ii-hardtail-bike-2013/rp-prod81007

lewisc

Not seen the Vitus bikes before. Would it be worth stretching to their cheapest full suss?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitu ... prod107038

bailsofhay

Probably not, For what you want it for I think that one may be a bit of a pain with 140mm of travel on the commutes and quite a downgrade component-wise compared to the Rapide. If you wanted a full sus get one of these I love mine
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b4s1p4946/GIANT-ANTHEM-X-3-2013

Only large and xl left though

lewisc

Turns out I'm limited to Cycle Surgery bikes only as I have access to their Tax Free Cycle scheme. The Giant Anthem 27.5 3 is £1499

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/giant-anthe ... sting=true

cooldad

Not exactly £1,000 though - and check, most schemes are limited to that unless your company has a consumer credit licence. Or something.

lewisc

I checked and I am able to pay the difference for anything over £1000. Just want the best value for money at around that price, and now from Cycle Surgery.

grenw

Cube LTD pro is on their website and sneaks under the £1k mark....just. Decent bike for that cash (from that choice anyway) and should fit your riding.

Trendy new wheel size too!

The Rookie

lewisc wrote:

I checked and I am able to pay the difference for anything over £1000. Just want the best value for money at around that price, and now from Cycle Surgery.

Be careful with that, that is absolutely against the rules of the ride to work tax saving scheme as who owns the bike, you with your £500 or the company with the £1000.....

Personally I'd pay cash at Paul's for a the same/similar bike cheaper.....be sure you understand what the final payments system is with cycle surgery at the end of the years lease, they can use up a chunk of the tax/NI savings.

Ferrals

I have a whyte 901 which I use for commuting (just lock out the forks), trail riding at places like afan and even some local DH runs, and recently xc race too. The only bad thing about the bike was the rear tyre which i switched to something a touch grippier (conti x-king). I thoroughly recommend it if you can get it on your scheme, so far i haven't found its limit.

lewisc

The Rookie wrote:

lewisc wrote:

I checked and I am able to pay the difference for anything over £1000. Just want the best value for money at around that price, and now from Cycle Surgery.

Be careful with that, that is absolutely against the rules of the ride to work tax saving scheme as who owns the bike, you with your £500 or the company with the £1000.....

Personally I'd pay cash at Paul's for a the same/similar bike cheaper.....be sure you understand what the final payments system is with cycle surgery at the end of the years lease, they can use up a chunk of the tax/NI savings.

Thanks. Checked with our finance team and Cycle Surgery and you can pay over the £1000.

lewisc

Ferrals wrote:

I have a whyte 901 which I use for commuting (just lock out the forks), trail riding at places like afan and even some local DH runs, and recently xc race too. The only bad thing about the bike was the rear tyre which i switched to something a touch grippier (conti x-king). I thoroughly recommend it if you can get it on your scheme, so far i haven't found its limit.

Thanks for that. Going to look at one this weekend in the store. The other option is a Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29er for £750 but I've never liked Specialized but don't know why - http://www.cyclesurgery.com/specialized ... sting=true