£1000 HT 29er - C2W / 2nd Hand / Spend more?

utherdoul
utherdoul Posts: 24
edited September 2015 in MTB buying advice
Hi,
I fancy a new bike and like the idea of a 29er (Im 6ft 2in so no issues with the big wheels), don't really want to spend >£1500 on a MTB (it only really gets used in winter) and probably won't get a decent FS bike for this price which I am ok with. I want a Shimano Groupset (after having had the SRAM Avid gear shifters fail on my current MTB). I enjoy my biking, but I'm certainly no expert, just looking at something I can progress on.

I am currently riding a Boardman HT 2010 which I bought in the Halfords C2W Voucher scheme which has completed I can take up another option on the scheme if I want too. I mainly ride trails - Cannock / Penmachno / Coed-Y-Brenin...

Current thoughts:
1) £1000 Boardman 29 Pro through C2W:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/boardman-mountain-bike-pro-hardtail-29er
2) ~£600ish Boardman 29 Pro 2nd hand (loads on eBay hardly used, just have to wait for one to come up)
3) Other £1,000 C2W bike (Bird / Trek / Specialised / Planet X) - I'm Brum based but will travel locally
4) Final option. Spend £1500ish on a Canyon (which are my other rides). Is there really anything much more to be gained by spending the extra £500. Obviously better forks / weight (maybe carbon) but don't know if I will really see the benefits...

Lots of options! Just looking at getting some thoughts from the BR team!

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Rider height and wheel size are totally unrelated' you can ride a 29er at 5'3" if you want.

    There is no such thing as a SRAM Avid gear shifter as Avid are brakes only! SRAM is no less reliable than Shimano, just 'different'

    Personally I'd look for a good used 29er, there are many options available but you could get quite a tasty bike for circa £750 A Scott Scale, trek Superfly or Cannondale Flash would all be worth looking at.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • carthorse73
    carthorse73 Posts: 34
    I bought a Cotic Solaris frame direct from Cotic and built it up with a second hand 29er Revelation fork and bits off eBay and from my spares stash.
    I reckon total cost was just over £1000 and it's a blast to ride, once the big wheels are up to speed it almost runs away with me on fast single track, you really need to grab the bike by the scuff of the neck and boss it around.
    http:\\www.thedecliningcyclist.wordpress.com
    One mans battle with mediocrity and his declining physical powers.........
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    What's up with the Boardman? Multi award winner. I'd keep that, or spend a bit on new parts.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • utherdoul
    utherdoul Posts: 24
    Has anyone got any thoughts of the Boardman vs the Specialised Carve:
    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/crave-pro-2015-29er-mountain-bike-ec070592

    http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/boardman-mountain-bike-pro-hardtail-29er

    I am 6ft 2in / 33in inside leg. The boardman only goes upto a 19" frame, where the Specialised can also go up a 21". As I am not the most confident rider, would the larger size of the Specialised be better for me? When I sat on both bikes (in large) I felt further back on the Specialised compared to the Boardman. I suppose this is a better think for keeping weight central rather than risk going over the bars on decents?

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