On one 45650b or Parkwood

thommo1455

Hi,
I have recently decided to get back into Mountain biking after a hiatus of 8 years.
My biggest quandary is whether to go for the new on one 456 650b or Parkwood 29er.
I have previously owned a 456, my initial impressions were good, but I bought it at the same time as my daughter was born, so I ended up selling it before I got a good ride on it.
My riding will mostly be biased to descending, however I would like a good all rounder, as it will be out on all day slogs.
I am 6'1" and about 13 stone in weight.
I am reticent about the Parkwood, as I have been told you lose a lot of flickability and fun with a 29er.

Cheers

Ben

33whitey

These are on my radar as a replacement for my Carrera Fury but as they are so new there are pretty much no reviews.

The bulk of my riding is XC/trail with the odd descent so I am leaning towards the 29er. The Titus Fire line is a well regarded trail all rounder and the Parkwood is an aluminium version with all the development issues sorted.

thommo1455

cheers,
I'm leaning towards the parkwood. The only things that worry me is the how compliant the alloy frame will be, I don't want something that going to be too stiff. Also I don't want to lose the fun factor of the smaller wheel.

supersonic

You got a link to the Parkwood? Never heard of it.

toastedone

supersonic wrote:

You got a link to the Parkwood? Never heard of it.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPWDEO/o ... ntain-bike

supersonic

Looks like a cracking bike. Don't know who is doing the speccing for OnOne lately, but needs a pat on the back, that is a great package.

It comes down to the geometry that suits really.

cooldad

Perfect for a cycle to work.
It's a pity other companies don't spec like that - basic Deore (which is good anyway) and spend the saving on the fork.

33whitey

Dropper post as well for £ 999 8)

The Rookie

Indeed, genius, Reverb and revs on a £1k bike at the expense of not being able to put XT or SLX on the spec sheet to wow people, makes for a much better bike for many people.

kevinharley

I've had the 45650b since the end of Feb, and for me, its been great. Its very confidence inspiring pointing down, and decently capable going up.

The Deore kit hasn't missed a beat, and I certainly prefer it to the SRAM X5/X7 and Avid Elixir kit I had on my old Boardman.

Its quite a heavy frame, but I've done some long rides on it with no complaint.

As SS says, comes down to geometry and what your preferences are, and also wheel size. I didn't really consider 29ers at all. I like the 650b wheels (better rollover than 26"), but wouldn't want to go bigger personally ... I've had a couple of low speed / tight corner comedy offs whilst getting used to the larger wheel & tyre combo.

Either bike is a great spec at a cracking price ...

thommo1455

Thanks for the replies. The parkwood is a bargain, just not sure about a 29er. Decisions decisions

thommo1455

Kevin, how is the 456, going up the hills

kevinharley

thommo1455 wrote:

Kevin, how is the 456, going up the hills

I find it fine up hill. The bigger (than 26) wheel/tyre combo rolls over stuff pretty well, and the maxxis ardent tyres grip well enough without being draggy. Although the head angle is quite slack, the seat post is still reasonably steep, so the steering doesn't feel too wanderey or want to lift up. Its a heavier bike than my old Boardman Team (by just over 1kg according to manufacturer quoted figures), so that probably has an impact ... but if you're contemplating a 29er, there's probably not a lot of difference in weight TBH. The gearing will get you up most stuff.

Overall, its great heading down, and still capable heading up.

welshkev

I've been looking at the 45650b and am tempted, but now I like the look of that parkwood!!

I'm not sure 29" would suit my type of riding though :? but that's a lovely looking bike and a bargain