Full Suspension – A bike for all seasons

Private Joker
Private Joker Posts: 4
edited May 2009 in MTB buying advice
I’m currently looking at replacing my 05 Kona Dawg, I have a shortlist of bikes but before I begin to arrange test rides I would like to know what experience people may have with riding these bikes all year.
I only have enough space for one bike so it’s got to plug through the winter with me and survive a few years
It also needs to be a decent all round trail bike, all day rides in the Peaks, Trail centres and the odd Merida 50km/75km.

Bikes that I have short listed are:

08 Kona Dawg Supreme (don’t like the look of the 09 ones)
Orange 5 (not sure whether to test ride a 20” or 18” – 6’ 1” and 33” inseam)
Cannondale Prophet
Trek Fuel EX8
Marin Mount Vision 5.?
Lapierre Zesty 314

And possibly

Commencal Meta 5.5.2 (bit worried the top tube is a little short)

cheers

Simon

Comments

  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    Stumpjumper FSR is worth a look as well.
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • robmanic1
    robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    If I was looking for a year round "do it all" bike, I'd have a serious look a the P5. Rave reviews everywhere and built for the British climate (apparently).
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/34335188@N07/3336802663/
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    Private Joker wrote:
    I would like to know what experience people may have with riding these bikes all year.
    Bikes that I have short listed are:

    ...Cannondale Prophet...
    My Rize suffered quite a bit over Winter. Nothing that a bit of maintenance couldn't fix but all the same I was surprised at the amount of attention it needed. In comparison my '96 Proflex shrugs off the worst rides; three rebuilds in thirteen years - whatabike :D
  • Steve_b77
    Steve_b77 Posts: 1,680
    I'd make sure you ride a Lappierre Zesty, they are really superb bikes,
  • Chaz.Harding
    Chaz.Harding Posts: 3,144
    +1 for the Stumpy.

    Give it a ride, and you'll be converted to the FSR way of life :shock:

    8) :wink:
    Boo-yah mofo
    Sick to the power of rad
    Fix it 'till it's broke
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,651
    The new Marin Attack Trail... pricey as hell but gorgeous!!!!!!

    http://www.marin.co.uk/2009/bikedetail. ... No=3936-1F
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,651
    And I may add that I DO NOT work for marin, or get a % of sales :lol::lol:
  • Noel PT
    Noel PT Posts: 627
    Stumpy is the way forward. Got mine a few weeks ago and it has changed the way I ride! I am more confident and alot more technically sound.

    I got the Elite and Spec is about the best I could find for the money.
    www.ttspersonaltraining.co.uk
  • grantway
    grantway Posts: 1,430
    I was in your shoes once and ended up buying the Orange 5 AM version.
    Take this bike every where just oil the chain and ride

    Best thing is to test all the bikes you can, and also see what bike
    pushes you.

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