Mountain Bikes - what to buy
13 April 2003, 12:04 PM
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Here's a thread that could run & run.... 
Anyway, I popped into the bike shop to pick up some lube this morning, and was chatting to the guys about the potential to upgrade to disc brakes. Unfortunately, my forks don't have mounting points, so I'd have to upgrade them too - and in the long run it looks like it'll be more sensible just to get a new bike than spend several hundred quid upgrading a couple of key components (£250 for discs + £400 for some decent forks could almost buy me a whole bike!).
Now, I'm not going to upgrade quite yet (lack of funds...so probably Aug/Sep this year) but having not looked at any bike mags, etc., for nearly 6 years, I've no idea what stuff I should think about considering. So, I thought in the interests of research and entertainment, I'd ask you lot.
The requirements: as I ride XC more than anything (I'm not a hardcore DHer by any means) I'll be buying a hardtail (and no, I don't want to hear arguments for full-sus, I'm just not interested
). I'll want discs, front suspension forks, spds, rapid-fire changers, and all the other normal stuff. 
Budget? Probably looking to spend about £1,500 - possibly a bit less. Other requirements? I want the bike to be ultra-light - my current bike's about 25-26lbs, but I'd like to shave a fair bit off that.
Current bike spec: Kona Cinder Cone, RockShox Judys, XTR rear mech, XTR-vees, XTR changers and levers, XT front mech, diore cranks, XTR SPDs, AheadSet headset, Amazon stem, Coda bars and Mavic Sun wheels. Obviously the XTR changers and rear mech (and some other bits) are all fine and could be used on the new bike, saving a bit of cash.
I'd expect to choose a decent frame, and build the bike up (rather than buying a Trek/GT/Marin standard bike and just changing a few components). I like the light, agile geometry of the Kona, and so would be looking for something similar for the next bike.
So, now's where you lot come in. Recommendations please, but more importantly please explain why you're suggesting the stuff you list - rather than just listing a load of stuff with no justification as to why I should choose it over anything else. Remember, I'm not just looking for 'kewl' lists of kit - I'm hoping to learn a bit about the current state of bikes and componentry.
Anyway, I popped into the bike shop to pick up some lube this morning, and was chatting to the guys about the potential to upgrade to disc brakes. Unfortunately, my forks don't have mounting points, so I'd have to upgrade them too - and in the long run it looks like it'll be more sensible just to get a new bike than spend several hundred quid upgrading a couple of key components (£250 for discs + £400 for some decent forks could almost buy me a whole bike!).
Now, I'm not going to upgrade quite yet (lack of funds...so probably Aug/Sep this year) but having not looked at any bike mags, etc., for nearly 6 years, I've no idea what stuff I should think about considering. So, I thought in the interests of research and entertainment, I'd ask you lot.
The requirements: as I ride XC more than anything (I'm not a hardcore DHer by any means) I'll be buying a hardtail (and no, I don't want to hear arguments for full-sus, I'm just not interested
). I'll want discs, front suspension forks, spds, rapid-fire changers, and all the other normal stuff. Budget? Probably looking to spend about £1,500 - possibly a bit less. Other requirements? I want the bike to be ultra-light - my current bike's about 25-26lbs, but I'd like to shave a fair bit off that.
Current bike spec: Kona Cinder Cone, RockShox Judys, XTR rear mech, XTR-vees, XTR changers and levers, XT front mech, diore cranks, XTR SPDs, AheadSet headset, Amazon stem, Coda bars and Mavic Sun wheels. Obviously the XTR changers and rear mech (and some other bits) are all fine and could be used on the new bike, saving a bit of cash.
I'd expect to choose a decent frame, and build the bike up (rather than buying a Trek/GT/Marin standard bike and just changing a few components). I like the light, agile geometry of the Kona, and so would be looking for something similar for the next bike.
So, now's where you lot come in. Recommendations please, but more importantly please explain why you're suggesting the stuff you list - rather than just listing a load of stuff with no justification as to why I should choose it over anything else. Remember, I'm not just looking for 'kewl' lists of kit - I'm hoping to learn a bit about the current state of bikes and componentry.
13 April 2003, 01:16 PM
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Have a look at the SCOTT in the for sale section,Ive never seen a bike with such high spec.
Ill put it to the top for you.
My advise is sell what youve got and beg,steal,or borrow and buy this one.
Ill put it to the top for you.
My advise is sell what youve got and beg,steal,or borrow and buy this one.
13 April 2003, 02:22 PM
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This one?
Yes, it's lovely, but it's no good to me now. Need something similar towards the end of the season.
<thinks>
Wonder how much I'd get if I sold my Kona, and my gran.
</no chance>
Yes, it's lovely, but it's no good to me now. Need something similar towards the end of the season.
<thinks>
Wonder how much I'd get if I sold my Kona, and my gran.
</no chance>
13 April 2003, 08:34 PM
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Without wanting to offend the owner of that Scott, it isn't that good.
Anyhow, have a look at the Giant MCM team frame - it's a beaut
Forks - I've not had any problems with SID's, but some don't rate them. They may not be the ideal choice given your location and local ride
Chainset, I suppose you could just get XTR. I've got Middleburn RS7's (awesome) with RaceFace rings (****e, soon to be changed)
XTR rear mech,changers and levers are all fine. XT is fine for a front mech imo.
Brakes, again I've not had any worries with my Hope XC4's although they aren't the lightest - I'll more than likely check out the Formula 4's next.
Mavic make decent enough wheels, you could easily spend your budget ona set of decent wheels though
As for the other bits, stem, bars, seatpost, bottom bracket etc then I'd look at a combination of Easton and FSA given your budget.
Should be easy enough to get sub 25lbs with your budget and parts.
Anyhow, have a look at the Giant MCM team frame - it's a beaut
Forks - I've not had any problems with SID's, but some don't rate them. They may not be the ideal choice given your location and local ride
Chainset, I suppose you could just get XTR. I've got Middleburn RS7's (awesome) with RaceFace rings (****e, soon to be changed)
XTR rear mech,changers and levers are all fine. XT is fine for a front mech imo.
Brakes, again I've not had any worries with my Hope XC4's although they aren't the lightest - I'll more than likely check out the Formula 4's next.
Mavic make decent enough wheels, you could easily spend your budget ona set of decent wheels though
As for the other bits, stem, bars, seatpost, bottom bracket etc then I'd look at a combination of Easton and FSA given your budget.
Should be easy enough to get sub 25lbs with your budget and parts.
14 April 2003, 08:18 AM
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Si, mine is, erm, how can I put it? 'Well-ridden'.
It's a bit old, and hence has got a few dings, but everything works well and it does exactly what it says on the tin.
It's a bit old, and hence has got a few dings, but everything works well and it does exactly what it says on the tin.
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14 April 2003, 10:08 AM
#8
I still have this for sale if it's any good for you
Scott mountain bike for sale , brand new been used about 5 times on the road , Model FX1 with hydraulic disc brakes and Black adjustable front suspension , twin headlights and pumps for suspension and tyres , offers on £750
Scott mountain bike for sale , brand new been used about 5 times on the road , Model FX1 with hydraulic disc brakes and Black adjustable front suspension , twin headlights and pumps for suspension and tyres , offers on £750
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