Hardtail xc 29er for £880 max

subseastu
subseastu Posts: 4
edited August 2016 in MTB buying advice
Morning all

After a break of many years I'm looking at getting out on a bike again. After reading countless reviews, forum posts etc I am now totally confused by whats out there. I do know I want a hardtail xc 29er though, I'll be doing road and track riding (cycle centre etc) but no real downhill stuff. So for a max of £800 I'm looking for the best choice of value for money and equipment.

for information I'm 6'4", 16 stone, inside leg is 33"

Below are some links to bikes I've found which I think maybe suitable but I'm confused about which offers the best bang for buck.

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/tools/bike ... bike2=3778
This was my original first choice but is the 6.9 really worth £100 more than the 5.9. Also worried about delays in sending.

http://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes ... 45600-2017

http://shop.birdmtb.com/zero-tr/bird-ze ... meset.html
Confused by headset and reverb on this.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p6 ... ID-29-2016

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitu ... gn=generic

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPWX5/on ... ntain-bike

http://www.marinbikes.com/gb/bikes/desc ... -trail-9.6

So there you go. So which one would you good people go for? Or do you have another suggestion? I'm also open to older bikes and 2nd hand. I look forward to your suggestions and advice.

Comments

  • velogee
    velogee Posts: 133
    If you're looking at XC only and not radical trails etc I would go for the Canyon and I believe the upgrade in the fork, wheels and BB are well worth £100. Its a kilo lighter which in my mind is massive as it a lot will probably be down to the wheels.
    Madone 4.9 2014
    Jeffsy 27.5 2018
  • subseastu
    subseastu Posts: 4
    hanks for the reply. Does anyone have any thoughts on the other bikes? My local independent recommended this but there could be problems sourcing one due to new models coming out. This does look like a great spec but the new model is about £1000 which is too rich for my blood

    http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike ... -4333.html
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Because XL size bikes seem to vary quite a lot I'd suggest buying something you can try.
    The On One is too small for me and I'm 3" shorter than you.
    Trek seem to be very popular with my excessively tall friends for some reason.
    The Bird looks like it would be pretty good value and nice geometry.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • BloggingFit
    BloggingFit Posts: 919
    The headset and reverb options on the Bird are purely upgrades so you can stick with a standard headset and seat post without adding to the overall cost. It's a great hardtail that will happily keep up as your skills develop and there wouldn't be too many places in the UK where it would feel out doc its depth. Their sizing is also pretty good with their XL being a true XL. Just bare in mind it's not a 29er.
    Bird Aeris : Trek Remedy 9.9 29er : Trek Procaliber 9.8 SL
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    The Canyon sizing guide works pretty well by all accounts.
    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.
  • subseastu
    subseastu Posts: 4
    Sorry for not replying sooner but I eventually took delivery of a Giant Talon 1 2016. Got a great deal and to me its got a great spec. Been out on it a few times and really enjoying it. The only issue so far really is numb hands, I've bought some gloves but I think I'll need to change them out for something with more padding.

    https://www.giant-bicycles.com/int/talon-29er-1-2016

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