Help please

d00m74
d00m74 Posts: 6
edited May 2012 in MTB buying advice
Basically I'm looking at replacing my 2006 merlin malt 2 with a new hard tail. Budget is around £1000.

I mainly ride trails/xc - occasionally go to Cannock as I live reasonably close. I've looked at any number of bikes on the web and been into a couple of shops - like the look of the Grand Canyon AL 6.0 or 7.0 at a push and have seen a couple of places selling 2011 Whyte 901s within my price range. I'm really open to suggestions though as I'm looking to order or buy one this week if possible.

http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2540

http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes ... tml?b=2539

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... ail_Bike_2 011

Anyone got any other suggestions or any experience of the bikes I listed. Particularly interested in views of the 2 canyons if anyone owns one.

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    What's wrong with what you've got?
  • Twelly
    Twelly Posts: 1,437
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    What's wrong with what you've got?

    He's got 'buy something new and shiny' syndrome. I am a long time sufferer also
    Epic Threads
  • d00m74
    d00m74 Posts: 6
    I'm 5'10" and foolishly when I bought the Malt i bought a small. I'm now doing longer rides and after about 20 miles it starts to get a bit cramped. Hence the need for something that fits better. Bit of new and shiny syndrome as well though to be honest.
  • ElliesDad
    ElliesDad Posts: 245
    Have you looked at the Boardman Team HT, list price £950 and currently in Halfords at £850, add the NUS online discount code and you would pick it up for £765. You would probably want to change the stock tyres though and maybe add a shorter stem.
    2012 Boardman FS Team
    2014 Giant Defy 2
  • d00m74
    d00m74 Posts: 6
    To be honest I'd never considered boardman - that is a bargain at £765. The question is - is it a better buy than the whyte for another £35.
  • estampida
    estampida Posts: 1,008
    OR - you could get a frame ( but you need to get the geometry of the malt frame so you can compare the size to new frames

    swap parts over sell the malt frame, and get new forks, its a bit long winded but as its done over time you get more bang for your buck

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=72664

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=75366 - worth a look

    http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... 2012_Frame

    http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... Frame_2011
  • d00m74
    d00m74 Posts: 6
    Like the frame idea but I'm really looking full bike at the moment. The problem is that I'm getting blinded by the spec of the canyon even though the whyte is probably the best option given that its something of a bargain (assuming Winstanleys have stock that is)
  • chez_m356
    chez_m356 Posts: 1,893
    always worth having a look here http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/offers.php?cat=1 a few interesting ones in your price range :wink:
    Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 10- CANYON Nerve AM 6 2011
  • dp1
    dp1 Posts: 89
    I would only ever buy a bike i could try out. The most important thing is that the bike fits and feels right and that could mean trying a few out. A bike could have the best spec in the world or be a bargain price but if it doesnt fit or feel right then you are not going to be wanting to ride it. There must be some Canyon owners out there who have made a mistake by buying blind as well.
    As for the 901 and the Boardman i have tried both and the 901 fitted like a glove and gave me a buzz and the Boardman although a bargain price didnt fit right or do it for me so would have been pointless buying it to save money. That is personal though as the Boardman is right for some and they get a bargain. I dont know if it is the bike for the type of riding you do but i would have the Cube Ltd Pro on my shortlist to try out along with the 901.
  • d00m74
    d00m74 Posts: 6
    Been to my LBS this morning and had a look at the Whyte - got to say I'm actually now moving more towards the 809. Bit cheaper, shimano equipped and slightly different geometry from the 901 probably more suits the type of riding that I do.
  • chez_m356
    chez_m356 Posts: 1,893
    dp1 wrote:
    I would only ever buy a bike i could try out. The most important thing is that the bike fits and feels right and that could mean trying a few out. A bike could have the best spec in the world or be a bargain price but if it doesnt fit or feel right then you are not going to be wanting to ride it. There must be some Canyon owners out there who have made a mistake by buying blind as well.
    sitting on a bike in a shop for five minutes, or taking it around the carpark isn't that useful either
    Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 10- CANYON Nerve AM 6 2011
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    TwellySmat wrote:
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    What's wrong with what you've got?

    He's got 'buy something new and shiny' syndrome. I am a long time sufferer also
    I think he meant "what about your current ride could do with being improved?"
    My photos
  • dp1
    dp1 Posts: 89
    Sitting on a bike or trying it round a car park is still a lot more useful than nothing Mr Chez

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