Cube Stereo 120 or Norco Fluid 7.2?

jamski

So my plan has always been to get an entry level full suss later this year or early next. I'm in no real rush but can see myself wanting one as the spring gets closer. Have been looking at the Cube and just seen Evans stock them, which opens up cycle to work as my comapany scheme only allows to buy from Evans. The other option would be a 0% interest place.

Looking at evans, and lets assume I can top up the £1000 work scheme, I'm able to stretch to £1500. What are peoples opinions on the Cube Stereo 120 HPA Pro v's the Norco Fluid 7.2? I get the feeling the Norco is the better spec, but something in me prefers the Cube. I'll of course try both before I decide anything too.

My uses will be to and from work which is a round 24 miles on single track both up and down, pretty knarly in the sirrey hills at times, bridlepath and canal tow path. Regular trips to Swinley Forest, I'm getting quicker each trip and pushing it harder on the red runs, and BPW once or twice a year.

No suggestions of a hartail please. Other full suss options welcome. Links to the bikes.

Thanks in advance.

Cube
https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-stereo ... e-EV287457

Norco
https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-fluid ... e-EV277900

rockmonkeysc

I wouldn't have either to be honest. There's better options for the money, just not from Evans.

jamski

RockmonkeySC wrote:

I wouldn't have either to be honest. There's better options for the money, just not from Evans.

Like? Bossnut? Giant? Feel free to suggest.

Not convinced by the cycle 2 work anyway, so happy to use other places.

mark_fogel

Oooohhh its a tough one between these too, the Norco has 1x11 and a dropper and it's a bit cheaper. I never tried Manitu or X Fusion shocks so don't know which rear suspension is better but the fork should good enough.

I have the 29er Cube Stereo 2015 in higher spec (fox shock and reba fork) and its epic, I highly recommend it. Its good for covering miles and handles really well with tons of grip in turns and I can happily ride reds at BPW/Afan even though its only 120mm travel. In fact being a short travel bike it just makes it more fun because it feels very lively.

I think the Norco is a bit better specced but its not all about that as the Cube might feel better, so try both if you can.

The Rookie

There are lots of decent FS bikes for circa £1K cash.
For a more XC ride the Rockrider is very good value, also the Calibre Bossnut, it's also always worth a look on Pauls Cycles.

Strictly speaking it's tax avoidance to top up on a Ride to work bike, but some places still allow it.

musclebeach

Be extra cautious when buying a bike from Pauls Cycles or anyone mail order, i'm sure i was very very unlucky but i bought a Cannondale Trail SL2 down from £900 to £600 a few years ago which was delivered by mail order, went to have it serviced a year later to be told the frame was twisted from the factory.

As i say, not tarnishing their rep or anything but i wouldn't even think to check a brand new frame on a frame alignment tool for a new bike, but if i had i'd have seen that from the front headtube to rear chainstays the frame was out by about 15mm... they did do a fair bit to try and help out but when i returned it they couldn't find fault and i got bored of the hassle in the end and just carried on riding it without issue.
Bit of a pain but it still rides fine...just a word of warning for anyone mail ordering a bike!

jamski

Marin Hawk Hill is an option at the moment. Going to demo one at Swinley, looks good value to me too. Although there is a Boardman FS pro going for £850, but I'm not quite ready to buy yet and there's something about doing all this research and buying new that appeals! Probably just me I know, but going into a shop and parting with hard earnt cash, for a shiny new bike is sometimes all part of it.