Newb - which bike?

rvicary

Hi,

Currently knocking around on a Carrera Vengeance ltd but looking at treating myself to a new bike,

The voodoo bizango gets good reviews but through work I can do the bike discount scheme. They offer the specialised rockhoppers - both the Comp and Expert Evo. Are the rockhoppers worth the extra £ ? Or Should I be looking at cannondales orother brands around the same prices - 750ish....?

Advise greatly appreciated.

Cheers

rockmonkeysc

Avoid big brands for under a grand unless heavily discounted.

rvicary

Thanks...planning on heading up to partridge cycles in Exeter tomorrow to have a look see what they have...

Any tips for components? Or at that price range is there not a lot between them?

Thanks

supersonic

Make sure it fits. If it does, the fork is the most important component by far. Adjustable, hydraulic rebound damping if you can, and air sprung for easy weight adjustment.

rvicary

Thanks again...is the voodoo as good as the reviews suggest do you know? Would come out very reasonable on the bike scheme, might even have a couple quid left over to treat the other half to lunch to stay in good books!

Barnymeinhoff

if your in exeter try the bikeshop on topsham road.

supersonic

Is a very good bike,fantastic reviews.

rvicary

Thanks both above....

rvicary

Not really being clued up, bearing in mind this was 1100 and is now reduced, is this better spec than bizango?

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p5 ... -29-2-2014

I should also probably add usage would be mixed between road and trails (Haldon/Exeter)

Thanks

The Rookie

Yes, by a narrow margin it is better.

What ride to work scheme does your company use, or is it a self run scheme, it many limit what you can get and from where, also be sure you understand how the lease scheme works.

rvicary

Thanks... It's the nhs cycle scheme. I believe it's connected benefits ?

The Rookie

The NHS use a number if the main schemes you can pick from as I understand it.

Do you understand how the lease scheme works?

Also some retailers won't do sales bike due to the cut (circa 10%) they have to pay to the scheme operator.

rvicary

Yeah, lease agreement then final payment...

On the Paul's cycles they do specify bike excluded from cycle to work scheme so hoping this model is included.

Thanks for taking time to reply.

The Rookie

They may 'offer' a term at the end of the lease, they are not allowed to promise that in advance, do the maths carefully, a decent discounted bike is often cheaper than using an R2W scheme.

rvicary

Yeah, ours call it a disposal fee and like you say, in the T+Cs they state something along those lines where it will be sold etc.... Will double check the points tho.

Now I'm torn between the sl2, the bizango or the Scott 960! I'm sure if I read another review there'll be another on the list!