Please help me narrow down this list!

AshleeR

Hi all,

I am shopping for a new mountain bike and having a really hard time narrowing down my options. I have about 7 bikes I am looking at right now. Can you offer any opinions on these, or suggest something different?

This is what I am looking for:
- 27.5 (650b) tires
- hardtail
- Small frame (15-16") I am 5'4
- Lightweight
- Short reach
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Decent components that withstand a beating
- Price range of $850 - $1100

These are the bikes I am considering:
- Scott Scale 770 - https://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/products/238224/SCOTT-Scale-770-Bike/
- Scott Aspect 710 - http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/products/238275007/SCOTT-Aspect-710-Bike/
- Kona Blast - http://www.konaworld.com/blast.cfm
- Norco Charger 7.2 - http://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/cross-country/charger/charger-72/
- Fuji Addy 27-5 1.7 Disc - http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/addy-27-5-17-disc
- Fuji Nevada 27.5 1.1 - http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/nevada-27-5-11
- Giant Talon 27.5 2 - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/talon.27.5.2/18769/76224/#overview

Thoughts? Please? Help!

Thanks in advance!
Ashlee

rockmonkeysc

Forget about wheel size. Alone, it doesn't define how a bike rides, geometry has far more effect.
At your budget I would have none of those you listed. Either the Boardman HT or Decathlon Rockrider are both much better for the price.

AshleeR

RockmonkeySC wrote:

Forget about wheel size. Alone, it doesn't define how a bike rides, geometry has far more effect.
At your budget I would have none of those you listed. Either the Boardman HT or Decathlon Rockrider are both much better for the price.

I do prefer a 27.5 tire... I like my 29'ers but they can get a little heavy and cause me to be less agile. Why would you stay away from these options, out of curiosity? Both of the options you suggested look like great bikes. Any idea if they're available in the US?

rockmonkeysc

No idea if they are available in the US. This is a UK website so most advise will relate to the best buys here.
29ers used to feel heavier but they have evolved and many feel more like you would expect of a smaller wheel bike while still being faster. I would test ride bikes and buy what feels beSt, be open minded.