Whyte 901 2014 vs Cube LTD 29 2014

jabmtb
jabmtb Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in MTB buying advice
Hi guys,

First post :D

I'm looking to buy my first hardtail mtb on the c2w scheme which I will also mostly at Cannock Chase. I have a budget of £1000 on the scheme but can possibly stretch this slightly. I am 23 y/o 5ft 7" so believe I will need an 18" frame.

I have been looking at the Whyte 901 which is above budget but possible:
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/whyte-901-2 ... duct/52456

Cube LTD 29:
http://www.cube.eu/en/bikes/mtb-hardtai ... reen-blue/

Or, since it's my first bike should I just go for the Rock rider 8.1?:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-81 ... 68918.html

OR can you suggest any other bikes that would suit me?

I would welcome your views :)

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The Cube is racier than the Whyte - steeper angles for more XC oriented riding and quicker handling. The Whyte is slacker and more stable, however isn't nearly as well specced.

    The Rockrider is similar to the Cube in what it is aimed at, and is very good value. Won't go far wrong with any of these bikes, but for the size it means trying them ideally.
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  • Cookeh
    Cookeh Posts: 351
    Whyte/Rockrider. Whyte is well suited to the UK with the slacker head angle and is miles better specced than the CUBE. Rockrider is great value and well specced for its price - it will easily eat up Cannock, but you may find that if you start to go further afield and to more challenging locations that it starts to struggle a little.

    Regarding sizing, as SS says, gotta try the frames ideally.

    Basically, what SS said -.-
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The Cube is better specced than the Whyte mind ;-)
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  • jabmtb
    jabmtb Posts: 6
    Thanks for your input. So differing opinions on the spec then?

    I think it's between the Cube and Rockrider at the moment, because if the difference in spec between the Cube/Whyte is marginal I can't really justify spending another £300+ on the Whyte. However that said I will be riding red routes so I need something that is reliable with a decent frame.

    How do the Boardman's stack up against these bikes? From what I can see they are also fairly well spec'd and very good value.

    Finally would you recommend any other bikes within my budget that may be worth a look?

    Many thanks
  • burglarboycie
    burglarboycie Posts: 200
    My money would be spent on the Cube. Spec is good for the money and I can vouch for the build quality and ride on them :D
    I personally think it's by far the nicest looking of the 3
    James
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    If you want a another bike that is slack and stable on the downs, then this is the one:

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO456CDEO ... ntain-bike

    Cracking spec, carbon frame!
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  • jabmtb
    jabmtb Posts: 6
    burglarboycie wrote:
    I personally think it's by far the nicest looking of the 3
    James

    I agree. Will 100mm travel be enough travel for red routes?
    supersonic wrote:
    If you want a another bike that is slack and stable on the downs, then this is the one:

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO456CDEO ... ntain-bike

    Cracking spec, carbon frame!

    That looks fantastic! However I'm slightly worried about crashing (which, admittedly is a possibility!) and writing off the lovely carbon frame. Also, the BR review isn't the best, but I guess it really comes down to preference? :roll:
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    This is a new frame, the Evo version. And carbon is usually a lot less damage prone than aluminium!
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  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Carbon fibre is incredibly strong. And that is built like a tank.
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  • punkatron1
    punkatron1 Posts: 134
    BR review is probably for the previous version. The latest version looks like a cracking bike. On one also do a 650b steel frame just to make things more confusing, which is where my money would go

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO45650BD ... ntain-bike
    Too many bikes, not all fully built.
  • jabmtb
    jabmtb Posts: 6
    punkatron1 wrote:
    BR review is probably for the previous version. The latest version looks like a cracking bike. On one also do a 650b steel frame just to make things more confusing, which is where my money would go

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO45650BD ... ntain-bike

    Aside from the cost why would you go with a steel frame over aluminium or carbon?

    Thanks for the replies everyone, I am seriously considering the 456!
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    No reason at all really, unless the whole bike is cheaper.
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  • punkatron1
    punkatron1 Posts: 134
    jabmtb wrote:
    punkatron1 wrote:
    BR review is probably for the previous version. The latest version looks like a cracking bike. On one also do a 650b steel frame just to make things more confusing, which is where my money would go

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO45650BD ... ntain-bike

    Aside from the cost why would you go with a steel frame over aluminium or carbon?

    Thanks for the replies everyone, I am seriously considering the 456!

    Well everybody knows that steel is real!

    I've got a steel 456 summer season and i love it. Its bomb proof but its comfortable for all day Peak district rides. The 650b version would be an improvement on what I've got I reckon.
    Too many bikes, not all fully built.
  • burglarboycie
    burglarboycie Posts: 200
    jabmtb wrote:
    burglarboycie wrote:
    I personally think it's by far the nicest looking of the 3
    James

    I agree. Will 100mm travel be enough travel for red routes?
    supersonic wrote:
    If you want a another bike that is slack and stable on the downs, then this is the one:

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO456CDEO ... ntain-bike

    Cracking spec, carbon frame!

    That looks fantastic! However I'm slightly worried about crashing (which, admittedly is a possibility!) and writing off the lovely carbon frame. Also, the BR review isn't the best, but I guess it really comes down to preference? :roll:

    Yeah 100mm is enough on a 29er for most routes, that's a nice advantage of wagon wheels :D I'm finding the 100mm of travel on mine to be sufficient so far.
    James
  • jabmtb
    jabmtb Posts: 6
    I have been to the On One store in Sheffield today and have completely fallen in love with the 456 Evo Carbon so I think I have finally made my decision! :D

    Thanks for your advice folks!

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