New FS Bike on a Budget
Ritchie2
Posts: 6
Evening folks.
Having got into mountain biking this time last year, I have got a lot of use from my budget 26er HT (Voodoo Hoodoo) bought from Halfords. Nothing really wrong with the bike but I just feel I need to move onto the next level.
The type of riding I have been doing is anything from 10k - 100k per week, usually on the flat (roads/cycle paths) on the way to local single track and on top of that I usually visit my local trail centre once a week (I say usually because at the minute I am a bit restricted by the lack of daylight after work).
Having secured authority to purchase from the Mrs, it would seem she is comfortable with a budget of around £1200 - 1300.
From what I gather speaking to other riders and lbs, I am most suited to a 29er XC type bike given I am only really doing long mileage and blue/red routes at trail centres (tried a black recently and didn't enjoy it).
Please bear in mind that due to my location I am a bit restricted on demo's and would prefer to buy online. I am also quite happy to take a 2014 spec bike.
I am 5'11, which puts me in the bracket of M and L for most bikes, my Hoodoo is a Large and I sometimes feel it is a bit too big so probably looking at a Medium this time around.
I have narrowed this down to a shortlist of four:-
Cube Sting 140 HPA
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-sting-140-pro-29-suspension-bike-2014/rp-prod114162
To me this looks like a very well specced bike for the money, its well within budget although I can't seem to find any decent online reviews. I don't think I really need the 140 front shock but I guess it won't do any harm and there seems to be some concerns about the weight. I have seen some issues with Cube's regarding frame faults but nothing on 2013 onwards models. I have almost pulled the trigger on this!
Giant Anthem X1 29er
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s154p5516/GIANT-ANTHEM-X-29ER-1-2014
This is above my budget, but I think I can convince the Mrs... I've read a lot of reviews on this beast and I don't really have any concerns. It won MBR's trail bike of the year in 2013 and the spec looks like it has been increased since then. It seems to me that this bike matches the kind of riding I do.
Giant Trance X1 29er
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/66771/Giant_Trance_1_X_29er_2014_Bike_40135525?gclid=CKy9rvGf8cICFUjlwgodrmwAtg
A mate has this bike, I've tried it but he is a behemoth and rides an XL so it felt massive. I haven't heard good things about Winstanleys but have seen it for the same price elsewhere. Geometry seems to suit trail centres, but my main concern is this would be a bit of a nightmare when clocking up miles.
Canyon Nerve 6.0
https://www.canyon.com/en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3573
The only negatives I can see with this bike is the delivery time, and I have been told the brakes are a bit gash (one of the biggest failings on my Hoodoo) Sizing seems to be a bit of a lottery, I have used their calculator and it seems to change between M and L. Well within budget!
My gut feeling is go for the Cube but any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. LBS have said they will allow me to cycle the 2015 versions of the Giants 'up and down the street' only. which re-inforced my idea to buy online (they also charge a lot more).
Thanks in advance!
Having got into mountain biking this time last year, I have got a lot of use from my budget 26er HT (Voodoo Hoodoo) bought from Halfords. Nothing really wrong with the bike but I just feel I need to move onto the next level.
The type of riding I have been doing is anything from 10k - 100k per week, usually on the flat (roads/cycle paths) on the way to local single track and on top of that I usually visit my local trail centre once a week (I say usually because at the minute I am a bit restricted by the lack of daylight after work).
Having secured authority to purchase from the Mrs, it would seem she is comfortable with a budget of around £1200 - 1300.
From what I gather speaking to other riders and lbs, I am most suited to a 29er XC type bike given I am only really doing long mileage and blue/red routes at trail centres (tried a black recently and didn't enjoy it).
Please bear in mind that due to my location I am a bit restricted on demo's and would prefer to buy online. I am also quite happy to take a 2014 spec bike.
I am 5'11, which puts me in the bracket of M and L for most bikes, my Hoodoo is a Large and I sometimes feel it is a bit too big so probably looking at a Medium this time around.
I have narrowed this down to a shortlist of four:-
Cube Sting 140 HPA
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-sting-140-pro-29-suspension-bike-2014/rp-prod114162
To me this looks like a very well specced bike for the money, its well within budget although I can't seem to find any decent online reviews. I don't think I really need the 140 front shock but I guess it won't do any harm and there seems to be some concerns about the weight. I have seen some issues with Cube's regarding frame faults but nothing on 2013 onwards models. I have almost pulled the trigger on this!
Giant Anthem X1 29er
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s154p5516/GIANT-ANTHEM-X-29ER-1-2014
This is above my budget, but I think I can convince the Mrs... I've read a lot of reviews on this beast and I don't really have any concerns. It won MBR's trail bike of the year in 2013 and the spec looks like it has been increased since then. It seems to me that this bike matches the kind of riding I do.
Giant Trance X1 29er
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/66771/Giant_Trance_1_X_29er_2014_Bike_40135525?gclid=CKy9rvGf8cICFUjlwgodrmwAtg
A mate has this bike, I've tried it but he is a behemoth and rides an XL so it felt massive. I haven't heard good things about Winstanleys but have seen it for the same price elsewhere. Geometry seems to suit trail centres, but my main concern is this would be a bit of a nightmare when clocking up miles.
Canyon Nerve 6.0
https://www.canyon.com/en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3573
The only negatives I can see with this bike is the delivery time, and I have been told the brakes are a bit gash (one of the biggest failings on my Hoodoo) Sizing seems to be a bit of a lottery, I have used their calculator and it seems to change between M and L. Well within budget!
My gut feeling is go for the Cube but any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. LBS have said they will allow me to cycle the 2015 versions of the Giants 'up and down the street' only. which re-inforced my idea to buy online (they also charge a lot more).
Thanks in advance!
0
Comments
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Giant have a fleet of demo bikes they will send to your local shop so you can have a full weekend test ride. I think they charge to cover their costs but you get that back if you buy the bike.
I would take either of the Giants over the others.Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=130702350
