Tomm Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 I want a new bike to do a bit of XC on. But I don't want a hardcore lightweight snap-after-one-jump XC machine. It's gotta be able to take a bit more abuse because I won't be able to resist trying to jump on it. Anyway, I've got about £400 to spend (absolute max £500), and not sure whether to look second hand or not. The problem is that if I buy something second hand for £300, it'll need new tyres, maybe a new chain etc, and it'll all add up. Plus it won't be so shiny. So I'm open to offers for second-hand stuff, but I think I probably want a new one.I haven't ridden XC since I started trials (about 4 years ago) so I'm a bit out of touch when it comes to what's good. But the time seems right to buy one now - Everyone is getting rid of 2006 stock for the new stuff. Anyway, I was looking at these:GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc - £449 from CRC. This looks nice but I'm not 100% convinced by GT. I always thought they were a bit overpriced. Also does anyone know how good the fork is on this (Rockshox J3)? But it does have LX groupset which is always nice.Kona Blast - £429 @ Evans. Doesn't look like much wrong with this, Hayes disks ought to be good? And Marzocchi MZ-3s? It's only got Acera groupset though.Kona Lava Dome 2005 - £449 from evans. This looks nice but it's 2 years old now, is it worth getting newer stuff?Getting more hardcore there's the Kona Shred which looks like it'll handle abuse a bit better, but it might be a bit heavy, and it's at the very top of my price range.Actually, all the Konas in my price range look pretty tasty - have a look HERE and tell me which you think I should look at (Kona Blast 2005?).Trek 6500 - £450This looks really nice but it's not got discs. I guess discs are worth having?Here's some more:Spec Hardrock Pro - £450Gary Fisher Wahoo - £360I've had enough of posting links, and I'm pretty sure no-one is gonna look at them all. But does anyone have any recommendations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.Wood Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 Kona Blast looks good - Personally I'd prefere decent, maintainance free (pretty much) Hayes disks than a more expensive groupset.From my experience the quality of the groupset is pretty unimportant unless you're worried about a few hundred grams. With a groupset like that you can just upgrade the rear mech/whatever as it breaks and it shouldn't cost too much.I've had good experiences with Marzocchi forks.Overall, I'd be tempted by the bikes with better frames/brakes/forks over those with better running gear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted October 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 Cool, fair point.Do you know if the shimano M465 mechanical disc brakes are any good? I am very tempted by the Kona Blast 2006 - it is £30 more than the 2005 version and you get worse groupset stuff (Deore vs Acera-X ) but you get the Hayes MX-2 disks (still not hydro though) rather than the Shimano mechanicals. Hmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minitrialer Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 entry level hayes brakes are pretty poor to be honest i would prefer some decent shimano or avid vee's. Look at scott, Kona's are decent bikes. The 05 kona looks wicked. Make sure you get the right frame size, remember that the MTB's are designed so that the geometry is right when the seat is up quite high. Level or above handlebar height, watch any xc race and you will notice this.Get a brand new bike, warranties are good and you can take care of it from the start. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si-man Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 (edited) I just got a Carrera Fury from halfords and its f**king mint for £400!!Sram x- 7 components, rock shox tora 120mm travel forks, lockout, decent continental tyres. Only downside is the wheels arent sealed, but other than that its a mint bike!Hydro disksIs quite light.Carrera Fury Edited October 1, 2006 by Si-man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicH_87 Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 I just got a Hardrock Sport 07 (the one with the hayes so1e brakes), and in my opinion it's great (apart from the forks which i've already replaced). However from that list the Kona Lava Dome looks to be in a different class, except for the brakes.Its a tough choice i know, some bikes are all amazing except for one thing that you would idealy want, disc brakes being a major one for me.I wouldn't want to be riding down the hills i do, with v-brakes. Discs just make the riding experience better so i would put priority on Frame/Forks and Disc's like N.Wood said.I bet if you buy a decent bike without discs, you'll end up buying them a month or so down the line anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT! Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 I wouldn't touch a bike XC bike with v's now, more than 2 " of mud and you just can't brake anymore. I've recently bought a specialized rockhopper disc, and i've very happy with it. It has the same forks as the first link you posted, great forks, that GT seems to be your best bet. Mind you though, i don't get on with machanical disc brakes, at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted October 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 You're gonna tell me this is the right bike, aren't you. And it's the most expensive one Kona Cinder Cone 2006 - £499.99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si-man Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 Seriously tomm, have a look at the carrera fury like i said. Just got back from riding about up steep hills, cross country etc and its so bloody comfy its untrue!Back brake still needs bedding in though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narrowbars Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 (edited) Sbc hardrock pro £399.00Scott reflex 30 disk £379.00Either of those is a good start the scott has lock-out forks but cable disks. The specialized is designed to take a bit more of a hammering so is a little heavier and has no lock-out Edited October 1, 2006 by narrowbars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon0 Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 I would recommend a specialized hardrock I’ve had one for years and there amazing!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinJI Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 I'd definatly say that the Specialized Hardrock Pro 2006 looks like the best for that money, all the kit on its great. Marzochis are always reliable, Specialised frames are awesome, hayes sole discs are reliable and hydraulic, some came on my mongoose and they were great, and the sram shifting stuff kicks shimanos ass any day, its a much lighter action, cable stretch has half the effect, and it skips alot less on the rough stuff.You should also note that if you buy a specialized with hayes so1es on it, they have upgraded lever blades on them, which feel a million times better than the standard ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Nichols Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 Personally I don't think discs are that important, I always used to race with vee brakes and they were sound.If it's discs you're after though..£370Well in your budget.BUTIf you can stretch your budget that little bit further this is damn lush..I have a soft spot for treks, I love them. Wouldn't ever race anything else to be honest! [i know you aren't racing but meh!] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted October 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 Thanks for all the replies.I have to say that I'm not convinced by the Treks or Specs here - I think I want something that's more of a play bike (dare I say freeride?) rather than pure XC, which is what the those Treks/Specialized/Carrera look like to me. I don't want anything too hardcore like a DMR or Curtis or anything silly like that, but those Konas look spot-on (in my really, really uninformed way). I saw a Kona Cinder Cone today which reminded me of my old GT - it was several years old and all the bits on it had been lovingly upgraded, but the frame was still going strong. I know it's a bit different, but when buying a trials bike, I wouldn't look for the best finishing kit or fork or anything like that, I'd first look at the frame. And the Kona looks like a damn nice frame.P.S. What is it with XC bikes and small discs? All these 160 discs look a bit weedy and crap (compared to my Juicy).P.P.S Why aren't there any decent bike shops in Manchester? I want to try some bikes out.EDIT: Although it does have to be said that the Spec Hardrock Pro has an awesome spec for the money. It's basically the same kit as the Cinder Cone, but £100 cheaper. Gah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flipkickbs Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 [attachmentid=7310] Look at meeeeee! carrera fury, so damn cheap, and is amazing for all round use. brakes are good, gears are good, forks are amazing, frame is strong. Be hard pressed to find a better bike for the money. Ian (slightly drunk) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT! Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 P.S. What is it with XC bikes and small discs? All these 160 discs look a bit weedy and crap (compared to my Juicy).I've got 160mm juicys on mine and they are pleanty powerful. You don't really need to lock up your wheel when XCing anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrishayton Posted October 1, 2006 Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 tomm, theres evans cycles on deansgate. but theres leisure lakes in bury and its a good shop. lots of bikes there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted October 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2006 Why does everyone want me to get the Carrera so much? It's a good spec but it doesn't really "do it" for me. Although my Carrera road bike has been great so far 1100 miles without me so much as thinking about servicing it.tomm, theres evans cycles on deansgate. but theres leisure lakes in bury and its a good shop. lots of bikes there.Ah cool. I shall go down and have a look tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Nichols Posted October 2, 2006 Report Share Posted October 2, 2006 Ok, I may have a bargain for you.. Have a look, see what you think.These are the best pics at the mo..It's an ex demo from the shop I work at and only ever seen tarmac. It's sort of a mismatch as far as parts go, but if you're looking for a play bike that'll take the hills too you can't go far wrong with this.It's pretty light, has plenty of travel, good groupset and it's FUN!You're roughly looking at £700 for the frame and forks alone!!Manitou minute forks - £300Santa cruz chameleon frame - £400His asking price, £550 for the lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted October 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2006 Mmmm, that looks nice. What is the spec on it? And what size frame is it?Can I see Avid BB7s on there? Does anyone know how good they are for XC use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Nichols Posted October 2, 2006 Report Share Posted October 2, 2006 Umm, I f**ked up.. It's actually a little* more expensive that £550*lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted October 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2006 Umm, I f**ked up.. It's actually a little* more expensive that £550*lotBah. How much is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si-man Posted October 2, 2006 Report Share Posted October 2, 2006 [attachmentid=7310] Look at meeeeee! carrera fury, so damn cheap, and is amazing for all round use. brakes are good, gears are good, forks are amazing, frame is strong. Be hard pressed to find a better bike for the money. Ian (slightly drunk) See, thast 2 votes for it lol.Mines a 16" frame, but it comes in 18 and 20 aswell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinJI Posted October 2, 2006 Report Share Posted October 2, 2006 Seriousy though, the frame on the Spcialized Hardrock is bombproof, it's also conciderable more nicely made than the kona. Many people have been known to use the frames for jumping, and they still hold out. You should go and have a look at one before dismising it. It seems the best value for money bike there, and is exactly what you're looking for. I'd say the frame beats the konas hands down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haydon_peter Posted October 2, 2006 Report Share Posted October 2, 2006 Check out the hardtail range Marin have to offerI have the 2006 Rocky Ridge and love it! I know its out of your price range at £995 (for the '07 version, maybe you could get a real good deal on the '06 model if you shop around?) but the lower priced offerings in that range are impressive for the money aswell... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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