GT Avalanche, Specialized Pitch, BTwin

forextc

Into road biking in a big way but just need a mountain bike for occasional off road trials with the other half at weekends. I have just sold my old Specialized Hardrock Sport (v brakes) as I felt it was too small.

I've upped the size of my road bike frames this year and have got rid of a load of niggles and feel much more comfortable. I'm fairly long in the body for my just over 6 ft frame, 13 stone. The Specialized had a virtual top tube of 60cm and I felt too upright.

I'm in the market for something keep, cheerful and offering good 'bang per buck'. Budget around £300-£400.

I know Btwin have a number of fans on here and the Rock Rider 520 http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-520-mountain-bike-id_8293188.html looks ideal. I am a little worried though that their XL only manages a 61.5cm top tube. I would have to get delivered as I'm not able to get to a store to try this out.

One of my LBS recomended a Specialized Pitch in 21" (63.2 TT) http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/pitch-sport-2015-650b-mountain-bike-ec070611 which is in the sale for £400. Another has the GT Avalanche Comp (Large TT 63cm) http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/avalanche-comp-2015-mountain-bike-ec070828 discounted down from £450 to £300.

I'm leaning to one of the LBS bikes as fit if the most important thing for me but would be interested in peoples thoughts on the above bikes in terms of frames and specs, particularly given the prices involved i.e. how they match up to the Btwin.

cooldad

Links help.

forextc

Links to specs posted for ref only.

cooldad

The Rockrider has the best bits. Can't comment on the size.

The Rookie

If you look at most geometry charts the Effective top tube length increases by about 20mm per size, so that is nearly a whole size larger than your spesh. The 520 also comes with an inline seatpost, so you can fit a setback post instead (so cost upto £20) which would gain you another 20mm if needed, I think you'll be fine with an XL 520.