ragley bikes 2019

somtam
somtam Posts: 21
edited March 2019 in MTB buying advice
hello I have been looking for a bike and recently discovered Ragley bikes are back which I havent heard of for a while.
Could anyone please advise on the spec of this bike as I have absolutely no idea regarding spec https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/rag ... prod176525
Thank you so much

Comments

  • jamski
    jamski Posts: 737
    For £1k it's not the best spec imo. Deore groupset, basic Sram brakes, no dropper, Recon fork isn't too bad. Having said that, I can't instantly point you to something better, and it looks nice. :) I'd certainly keep looking to see if you can get more for your money.
    Daddy, Husband, Designer, Biker, Gamer, Geek
    Bird Aeris 120 | Boardman Team 650b | Boardman Pro FS | Calibre Two.two
  • jamski
    jamski Posts: 737
    Ok, might be wrong. This is probably the best spec I've found ina 10 minute search

    https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/ ... ntain-bike

    BUT I love these.

    https://www.alpkit.com/sonder/bikes/son ... r-nx1-1x11

    And this is so worth the extra £300

    https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/rag ... prod176528
    Daddy, Husband, Designer, Biker, Gamer, Geek
    Bird Aeris 120 | Boardman Team 650b | Boardman Pro FS | Calibre Two.two
  • fowler002
    fowler002 Posts: 18
    https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vit ... prod173165

    No idea how that compares but the 2018 model won the MBR Hardtail of the year @£1k
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    The spec if the ragley is fine for what it is for. I think it will be good going down less good going up.

    Comparing specs is a top trump game. The spec has to suit the bike and how the bike is meant to be ridden. Putting a dropper in means less is spent somewhere else.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • jamski
    jamski Posts: 737
    thecycleclinic wrote:
    The spec if the ragley is fine for what it is for. I think it will be good going down less good going up.

    Comparing specs is a top trump game. The spec has to suit the bike and how the bike is meant to be ridden. Putting a dropper in means less is spent somewhere else.

    If it had a stand out spec and no dropper I’d agree. But it doesn’t. And if it’s designed to go downhill, it really should have a dropper.
    Daddy, Husband, Designer, Biker, Gamer, Geek
    Bird Aeris 120 | Boardman Team 650b | Boardman Pro FS | Calibre Two.two
  • jamski
    jamski Posts: 737
    fowler002 wrote:
    https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-sentier-vr-mountain-bike-slx-1x11-2019/rp-prod173165

    No idea how that compares but the 2018 model won the MBR Hardtail of the year @£1k

    Now that’s a decent spec for £1k. SLX, Shimano brakes, decent finishing kit. Stick a Brand X dropper in that and away you go.
    Daddy, Husband, Designer, Biker, Gamer, Geek
    Bird Aeris 120 | Boardman Team 650b | Boardman Pro FS | Calibre Two.two
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    jamski, the frame makeith the bike (and the wheels) not whether it has a dropper or not. People where going down hill faster than me (not hard) long before there where droppers. Got a dropper and I find it hard to see the point in it. A dropper does not make a downhill capable bike, the rider does (and the frame).
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • larkim
    larkim Posts: 2,485
    OK then, so what's better about the Ragley frame vs the Vitus frame that means the lower spec *everything else* is worth the compromise?
    2015 Canyon Nerve AL 6.0 (son #1's)
    2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (son #4s)
    2013 Decathlon Triban 3 (red) (mine)
    2019 Hoy Bonaly 26" Disc (son #2s)
    2018 Voodoo Bizango (mine)
    2018 Voodoo Maji (wife's)
  • swod1
    swod1 Posts: 1,639
    larkim wrote:
    OK then, so what's better about the Ragley frame vs the Vitus frame that means the lower spec *everything else* is worth the compromise?

    yes as it makes the vitus bike the better value for money.

    I think its just the name that people think its worth getting even for a lower spec as they are one of the niche brands that make steel frames like Stanton etc.
  • jamski
    jamski Posts: 737
    thecycleclinic wrote:
    jamski, the frame makeith the bike (and the wheels) not whether it has a dropper or not. People where going down hill faster than me (not hard) long before there where droppers. Got a dropper and I find it hard to see the point in it. A dropper does not make a downhill capable bike, the rider does (and the frame).

    You're right, the frame is probably the most important part of a bike, everything else is replaceable. But the Vitus looks like a good frame, geometry wise (I haven't actually looked at the angles of either, I'm not that bored), AND the spec is better. As for droppers, I don't rave about them as some do, but I certainly wouldn't want to ride without one now. It certainly makes things easier. So if you're saying a bike looks like it would go downhill well, surely a dropper is something you'd want on there?
    Daddy, Husband, Designer, Biker, Gamer, Geek
    Bird Aeris 120 | Boardman Team 650b | Boardman Pro FS | Calibre Two.two
  • somtam
    somtam Posts: 21
    Thank you all for your replies
    Many thanks for spending time ...much appreciated.. have decided on the Vitus...cheers
  • joebristol
    joebristol Posts: 327
    Good choice. I bought a Vitus Sentier VRX+ frame about nov / dec last year and built it up with a random selection of parts (140mm Pike / DT Swiss e1900wjeeks / gx 11 speed 1x / Guides etc). It’s fantastic fun!

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