All Mountain Full Suspension Bike £1000 to £1700

markr
markr Posts: 5
edited August 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hello,
After having had my Specialized Rock Hopper 04 for a couple of years, I've decided it's time to move up to a full suspension steed. I need some advice on which bikes to go research/test ride/ponder over.

I mainly ride single track - the wales stuff I love - Afan, cym carn so I'm really after a do anything type bike.

I was looking at a Kona Coiler 07, until I sat on it and realised no matter how much I like D/H my heart is in all mountain - so I'm back to square 1. Having ridden a specialized bike (and enjoyed it) I'm looking at the specialised bike range with an eye to an Enduro (is it really worth the money???) / stumpjumper - what sort of riding is this geared toward?, FSR range.

Can anyone out there help me steer my decision in the right direction?

Thanks,

Mark

Comments

  • davydesign
    davydesign Posts: 178
    markr wrote:
    Hello,
    After having had my Specialized Rock Hopper 04 for a couple of years, I've decided it's time to move up to a full suspension steed. I need some advice on which bikes to go research/test ride/ponder over.

    I mainly ride single track - the wales stuff I love - Afan, cym carn so I'm really after a do anything type bike.

    I was looking at a Kona Coiler 07, until I sat on it and realised no matter how much I like D/H my heart is in all mountain - so I'm back to square 1. Having ridden a specialized bike (and enjoyed it) I'm looking at the specialised bike range with an eye to an Enduro (is it really worth the money???) / stumpjumper - what sort of riding is this geared toward?, FSR range.

    The stumpjumper is geared for trail riding, but I'm not really sure where the switch is made between trail and all-mountain riding. The Enduro is a nice bike, very popular and gets rave reviews. I tested one before I got my Ransom and it was quite good, but just didn't float my boat. The stumpy will be lighter than the enduro but the enduro will eat up the downhill stuff better than the stumpy. You should take both for a test ride really.

    The bike hire place at Afan has some Coilers for hire, it might be worth riding one there before you completely count it out, cos its not a bad bike. Skyline cycles sometimes have some good deals on bikes as well.
    Can anyone out there help me steer my decision in the right direction?

    Thanks,

    Mark

    Hope that helps a bit
    Ransom
    |
    Pha5e
  • Dunk
    Dunk Posts: 5,291
    Have a look at teh giant reign. Some very cheap ones about now.
    Soon to be updated!!!
  • Father Faff
    Father Faff Posts: 1,176
    If you want all mountain you really should have a look at the Commencal Meta 5.5.2 - if you can find any, they sell like hot cakes.
    Commencal Meta 5.5.1
    Scott CR1
  • mryder
    mryder Posts: 2
    Does anybody have any thoughts on the Coiler versus an Enduro? I've been looking at a couple of Enduros on ebay and wondering how they would measure up against the Coiler. A second hand Enduro is quite comparable in price to an 07 Coiler.

    Thanks for any help.


    Mark
  • kippertrump
    kippertrump Posts: 2
    Go for the specialized enduro, fantastic do it all bike, my comp is down to 27.5lb with out too much extra outlay. Fantastic up and down hill, beats my blur lt!! so good I have ordered the carbon one ( you can have mine when it arrives in a month )
  • Father Faff
    Father Faff Posts: 1,176
    Giant Reign 1 at J D Cycles for £1360.
    Commencal Meta 5.5.1
    Scott CR1
  • mryder
    mryder Posts: 2
    After a month of searching, I've narrowed it down to a 07 stumpjumper comp. Having looked around, I can pick up a nice shiny new bike for £1200. Any last suggestions before I make the jump?

    Thanks
    Mark
  • markr
    markr Posts: 5
    I saw in this months what mtb bike mag that next months issue will be covering best bike buys - does anybody know or have an insight into the results?

    I've also seen a number of people suggesting the Trek Fuel EX 8 as an excellent all round bike - how does it stack up againt the comp?

    Thanks!

    Mark
  • Neily03
    Neily03 Posts: 295
    I'm also looking into the Stumpy FSR Comp, been to my local Specialized Concept Store (Chester) and i'm having their Stumpy FSR test bike for the day next Saturday, can't wait! :twisted: 8)
    Transition Covert.
  • Scubar
    Scubar Posts: 453
    Having tried both the Specialized Stumpy FSR Comp and the Trek Fuel EX 8 i can comfortably say that the Trek is a nicer bike atleast imo. The Spesh felt very heavy and sluggish to ride and it didnt help that im not a fan of SRAM components. IF you are upto a budget of £1700 you should certainly look at the Spesh Enduro and the now reduced in prices Trek Fuel EX 9 or EX 9.0 as they are fantastic bikes to ride in all conditions.
    ___________________________________________________________

    My Marin Hawkhill 2007 - http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1382583/

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