Up to £600... which mountain bike?
 

Heya chaps,

Looking at offerings from Marin, Specialized and Scott.

What would you guys go for and why?

A Spesh for that sort of money, as they are good frames, and some great offers at the mo.

Plenty of other brands to look at.
Read some reviews on Mountain Bike Product Reviews - Mtbr.com

Evans Cycles: Product: Specialized Rockhopper Disc 2008 Mountain Bike

Nuff said :D

Funnily enough, its the RH disc 08 that ive been looking at.

My mates ride marin and Scott but from what ive seen the spesh seems to have better equipment for the money. ie Juicy 3s as standard.

Just want the best for the cash.

Only wish they did it in white though :( lol

A mate of mine recently bought a Boardman MTB

Boardman Bikes : Chris Boardman

When my employer pulls their finger out and get into the "Cycle to Work" scheme I may well get one too
Cheers
AC

The Comp sounds nice spec :)

It was the Comp he got, shame Halfords are the sole supplier for them though.
Cheers
AC:)

Had a Marin Bobcat trail for around 6 weeks and pretty impressed with it so far

I dunno I think the RH looks sweet like that !

Marin got my vote after having some test rides. Couldn't believe how different they all were to ride.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...zalot/3844.jpg

Not the highest spec, but it met my budget. It's a good frame and everything else can be upgraded at a later date if required. I've been using it loads, on some pretty hard trails as well and it's holding up well so far. :thumb:

Get out and test ride some :thumb:

Had the same decision not long ago!!...

Went for a Trek :)

The boardman comp looks great... hopefully go ride a few this week :D

The boardmans caught my eye too when I was looking. Good spec for the money. Only available at Halfords.

If you're OK with last years spec, Pauls Cycles often have some good prices meaning you can aim for a much better bike but a slightly older model.

The trouble I found with last seasons models that were in the sale was that they were normally either really small frames or massive ones i.e. the ones that they couldn't sell :lol1:

Exactly what ive found today mate :(

See :smug:

:D

Rockhopper is a decent choice.

I'd consider something from Merlin, like the Malt 2-08 which is discounted to £630 at present. Reba's are very good forks, LX drivetrain which is all good and nice finishing kit.

I'd look into "Kona". Got one myself and its the greatest!

I have a Pro-Flex 950 (ancient thing but nice) wonder whatever happened to Off-Road cycles?
Used to have a GT Karakorum Elite, that was a nice bike to ride.

cheers guys, all good feedback. Keep it coming :)

Out of interest, I ride a Gary Fisher Mullet, unfortunate name, but great budget bike. Took a lot of abuse from me when I was 20 stone. Cant wait to saddle up again soon :)

How much more do you need ... ? you can only tell by riding each one and seeing which one suits you and your style, even then only taking them down your favourite trail in all conditions will give you a real clue.... :confused:

I've stuck with Rockhoppers and Stumpjumpers apart from a misinformed switch to the dark side of Cannondale ;)

Agreed, on paper a bike can seem great, feedback can make a bike great, but if its build does not suit you and your ride style..... its a no go.

A friend recently just bought a bike, asked advice but final decision was made.............. based on colour !!! :wonder: :rolleyes:

Ended up with a 22-32 crankset, but is planning to use the bike to commute... Could be fun if there are any nice hills or flats to get speed up!!
Other than that, he didnt make a "bad" choice.

Trek 6300 :) ...

ATC: 2008 6300 Disc - Trek - Mtb - Bikes

... is right on budget!

Splash out a bit more and get a Rocky Mountain Frayz, handbuilt in Canada, nothing but the best kit. Best bike i've ever owned and i've had a few.

Rocky Mountain : Winstanleys | Bikes | Components | Accessories | Clothing

Mines a Element 70 Btw :D

I would also consider looking at 2007 models as you often get a good discount on them, especially at Evans. The Rockhopper 08 disc looks hard to beat though :)

Been out and ridden a few tonight lads.

Rode a:

Specialized Rockhopper Disc 08'
Specialized Rockhopper Comp 08'
Scott Aspect 20 08'
Scott Scale 50 08'
Marin Bobcat Trail 08'
Marin Nawk Hill SE 08'
Marin Nail Trail 08'

I really thought I wanted a Specialized RH and have to admit i liked it alot. However they were the first that i rode so was strong mindede and went to another shop and rode the rest. I found out that i liked the smaller 17" framed bikes better and i really fell in love with the Scotts.

The guy in the shop was very helpful and not pushy in anyway whatsoever. I really felt at home on the Scott scale 50. So i think im going to order one in the morning.

It was head/shoulders better than anything else i had ridden and really felt right.

I never realised how different they would all feel, after all a bikes a bike right?

How wrong i was.

Thanks for all your comments and help guys but i think the Scott is for me :D

Heres the Scott



http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/scott_scale_50xl.jpg

Specification:

Frame Scott Scale Alloy 7005 DB hydrafrom monocoque tubesV dropout designDelta SST bridge / Integ. HTBOX chainstay bridge
Fork Rock Shox Tora 302 / alloy steerCoil Spring / keyturn lockoutreb. Adj. / 100 mm travel
Headset Ritchey OE 1 1/8"semi integrated 44/50mm
Rear Mech Shimano XT RD-M772 SGSShadow Type / 27 Speed
Front Mech Shimano Deore FC-M530 / 34.9mm
Shifters Shimano Deore SL-M530Rapidfire plus / 2 way releasew/gear indicator
Brakelevers Avid Juicy 3.5
Brakes Avid Juicy 3.5185/F and 160/R mm Rotor
Crankset Shimano FC-M542Integrated BB44Ax32x22 T
BB Shimano Cartridge / 68mm shell
Handlebar Scott X-Rod600 mm / 5° bend
Stem Scott Comp4 bolt1-1/8" / 6° angle
Pedal Shimano PD-M505Clipless pedal
Seatpost Scott Comp / 31.6mm
Seat Scott Racing
Hub front Scott Comp Disc
Hub rear Shimano FH-M475 Disc
Chain Shimano CN-HG53
Cassette Shimano CS-HG50-911-32 T
Spokes DT Swiss Champion Black 1.8mm
Rims Alex TD-24 Disc 32HBlack
Tyres Scott Ozon26 x 2.0 / 60TPI Kevlar Beadsingle compound 70a