Recommend me a bike please

weebilly

Hi,

I'm looking for a new bike as mine got stolen from my garage . I have claimed off the house insurance, the only thing is I need to pick one from their website so I'm a bit limited by my choice and I don't know that much about bikes so looking for a bit of advice on what to get.

I will probably ride 50% on pavement, 25% on hard-packed gravel trails, and 25% on single track-type trails

This was my previous bike I got stolen
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/saracen/mantra-x-27-2010-mountain-bike-ec026737


The insurance company said I have £500 to get a bike from their website but can pay more if I like a bike that cost more and will get 25% off the extra I pay. The most I would pay would be a bike at the value of £750 maybe a bit more.

This is the website I've got to get one from. I've put the search price at £500-£800.
http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/catalogue.aspx?psize=999&sort=FromPrice%20DESC&catid=2&sPrice=500&ePrice=800&filter1=Mens%20or%20Unisex

So far I like the look of these ones but like I say I don't know much about bikes and would like If someone could look at these or if they see a better choice on the website.

Scott Scale 970 2014 http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p66953/Scott-Scale-970-2014-Mountain-Bike.aspx
GT Karakoram Elite 2014 http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p66176/GT-Karakoram-Elite-2014-Mountain-Bike.aspx
GT Avalanche Elite 2014 http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p66167/GT-Avalanche-Elite-2014-Mountain-Bike.aspx

Thanks

kajjal

If you can try to get a cash payment from your insurance company, there are much better deals for bikes not on that website like a voodoo bizango or bikes being sold at reduced prices.

weebilly

Kajjal wrote:

If you can try to get a cash payment from your insurance company, there are much better deals for bikes not on that website like a voodoo bizango or bikes being sold at reduced prices.

Thanks for looking for me.
I think I would need to accept less money if I take cash payment but will find out.
Did you think any of the bikes on the site are any good?

paul.skibum

Get the Saracen Mantra Pro - good bike and got a second place in MBR's hardtail of the year recently.

Some of the others available in your price range aren't terrible but from the ones I looked at the Saracen gets my vote.

weebilly

paul.skibum wrote:

Get the Saracen Mantra Pro - good bike and got a second place in MBR's hardtail of the year recently.

Some of the others available in your price range aren't terrible but from the ones I looked at the Saracen gets my vote.

You think that's better than theGT Karakoram Elite 2014 http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p66176/GT-Karakoram-Elite-2014-Mountain-Bike.aspx

paul.skibum

weebilly wrote:

paul.skibum wrote:

Get the Saracen Mantra Pro - good bike and got a second place in MBR's hardtail of the year recently.

Some of the others available in your price range aren't terrible but from the ones I looked at the Saracen gets my vote.

You think that's better than theGT Karakoram Elite 2014 http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p66176/GT-Karakoram-Elite-2014-Mountain-Bike.aspx

Apples and Pears.

The Saracen is a 27.5 wheel vs a 29 on the GT. So I would definitely go with the Saracen, but also the fork and brakes are better. Based on what you say you ride I am sure the GT would be fine but if it were me I'd use the extra £100 saved buying the Saracen to get a decent lock to stop someone taking it again!

The Saracen has slacker angles and a more modern, trail oriented design. The GT is an xc oriented, steeper bike, may suit a more mile munching mindset. I'd probably be more minded to go for the Scott Aspect 720 over the GT too.