giant stance 27.5/cube sting 120 29er/norco fluid

aradoman

Moving away from the idea of on one due to some poor reviews/feedback

Found three fs circa 1k bikes but wondering people's thoughts /experiences

First is cube sting 120 29er. Great spec on paper but not fond of looks and non tapered forks

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobi ... prod114160

Next is giant stance 27.5. Best looking but read some people wary of new flex point rear suspension

https://m.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetai ... AnUO8P8HAQ

Third is norco fluid 7.3. Think this is probably last on the list due to spec

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/nor ... e-ec073025

The Rookie

Norco and Evans servicing of customers (Problem resolution) is pants, I'd steer clear even if the spec wasn't pants for the price (it is).

Consider also the Boardman and Rockrider 9 series (Decathlon) both are excellent value and well liked FS bikes, although the RR is 26" wheel only.

aradoman

Thanks for the input, I was all but ruling the norco out so think that's helped me exclude it totally!

Problem with decathlon is I've had a rr 6.3 and as good as it was it was a bit like when I was a kid and all my mates had helly Hanson stuff and mine came from the market.... plus they seem to have not made much for 2015, and the 9.1 Is out of stock (sure this is 2013 model as well)

Boardman is an option but I don't want my local halfords simpletons involved, website seems to be down at minute.

With the giant I can get free helmet and bike rack but cost is 999 and the cube comes in at 930 and has 3x10 but not sure about manitou shocks/forks compared with rockshox xc30's/monarchs?

The Rookie

Manitou are good, though I'm not sure where those parts come in the pecking order and how they compare to the RS offerings.

The RR is a good bike, but yes its certainly due to be replaced soon as its on the old 9.x numbering system not the new 9x0 numbering.

You can buy the Boardman online and get the boxed option and get your LBS (or yourself) to finish it off of you don't have decent staff in your Halfords, or you can check local stores and see if you can find one you are happy with.

Canyon Nerve Al 6.0 is worth considering, Reba up front and 650b wheels.
https://www.canyon.com/en/mountainbikes ... tml?b=3573

larkim

Bought the AL 6.0 early in the new year, and its pilot (my son) is delighted with it. And if you are uber-cunning, and have some mates in Germany or France you could buy it in Euros and get it for just a small touch over£1,000 at current exchange rates. (There will of course be other issues which arise in terms of warranty, transport of the bike from Europe etc, but for the right person with the right contacts, it could be worth pursuing).

If you're after something which looks a bit more premium looking in terms of brand etc, then at that price point Canyon looks very good indeed.