Big Bike Thread

booyaka · 5 Feb 2012 at 20:26

I got a Magicshine MJ-872 recently for £80 from ebay - brand new.

Very impressed with it - ran the other night for 2 hours on 25% power and it was still showing more than 75% battery life left - great light impressive spread, and more than enough for me.

Berger · 6 Feb 2012 at 06:45

weescott said:
I signed up for the MacAvalanche.

Looney.

Hope you have life insurance

Draeger · 6 Feb 2012 at 11:42

Contador found guilty of doping. 2 year ban and stripped of his 2010 TdF title :-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/16905217

zootfloot · 6 Feb 2012 at 12:54

Right chaps i need a bit of advice....

I need some new forks (100mm-120mm), nothing too fancy probably maximum budget of around £150 give or take.

They are to fit onto a Merida HT that currently has RST Gila 100mm forks on which are absolutely dire and do nothing whatsoever.

I am only riding cross country type stuff so nothing mental is required...where would you spend your money?

B1C3P · 6 Feb 2012 at 13:36

Bit of a noob when it comes to biking. Aiming on taking up mtb this year. I used to cycle quite a few years back but nothing out of ordinary. Going to pick up a decent freeride bike something for all styles of mtb, not specifically looking at one area as im open.

Got a question though found a nice bike, for my height I realize frame size is pretty important. But came across so many mixed opinions, some say it's completely personal so one man 6ft would be comfy on a 15.5 inch whilst another would not as it's to small, also depends on what your doing.

But generally speaking bike im looking at has 17 inch frame. Im 6ft tall so im thinking this could be pretty suitable?

Jonny ///M · 6 Feb 2012 at 13:51

zootfloot said:
Right chaps i need a bit of advice....

I need some new forks (100mm-120mm), nothing too fancy probably maximum budget of around £150 give or take.

They are to fit onto a Merida HT that currently has RST Gila 100mm forks on which are absolutely dire and do nothing whatsoever.

I am only riding cross country type stuff so nothing mental is required...where would you spend your money?

My money would be going on a rockshox recon fork. Probably second hand older model. I know on one sell them pretty cheap for the newer models awell.

I had older model 351s and they felt really nice even with only 80mm travel. On the new models I'd try and get the recon gold over the silver as the silver are coil rather than air sprung which adds weight.

B1C3P said:
Bit of a noob when it comes to biking. Aiming on taking up mtb this year. I used to cycle quite a few years back but nothing out of ordinary. Going to pick up a decent freeride bike something for all styles of mtb, not specifically looking at one area as im open.

Got a question though found a nice bike, for my height I realize frame size is pretty important. But came across so many mixed opinions, some say it's completely personal so one man 6ft would be comfy on a 15.5 inch whilst another would not as it's to small, also depends on what your doing.

But generally speaking bike im looking at has 17 inch frame. Im 6ft tall so im thinking this could be pretty suitable?

Depends on the model of bike but if you're 6ft I'd try and get a bigger frame size. More like an 19-20" but each brand can fit a bit differently due to lengths of the top tube. A 20" Kona felt too long for me but the 19" would fit me better being 5ft 11.

petriodet · 6 Feb 2012 at 13:56

zootfloot said:
Right chaps i need a bit of advice....

I need some new forks (100mm-120mm), nothing too fancy probably maximum budget of around £150 give or take.

They are to fit onto a Merida HT that currently has RST Gila 100mm forks on which are absolutely dire and do nothing whatsoever.

I am only riding cross country type stuff so nothing mental is required...where would you spend your money?

i'd be looking at the marzocchi fork for that price range, these look ok http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...chi+Marathon+R+-+120mm+Grey_Y91203110C02S.htm
but i couldn't imagine them being anything special.
or these http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...occhi+Marathon+LR+Forks+-+100mm_Y9113901S.htm bikeradar seem to rate them http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/categ...ct/review-marzocchi-marathon-lr-fork-11-44869
or these suntour forks http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suntour-R...ikeparts_SR&hash=item4cf89b5e58#ht_672wt_1344

if i remember correctly the low end marzocchi's are made by suntour anyway.

ichabod crane · 6 Feb 2012 at 14:00

zootfloot said:
Right chaps i need a bit of advice....

I need some new forks (100mm-120mm), nothing too fancy probably maximum budget of around £150 give or take.

They are to fit onto a Merida HT that currently has RST Gila 100mm forks on which are absolutely dire and do nothing whatsoever.

I am only riding cross country type stuff so nothing mental is required...where would you spend your money?

If you can afford it then these.

Scrutinize · 6 Feb 2012 at 14:33

B1C3P said:
Bit of a noob when it comes to biking. Aiming on taking up mtb this year. I used to cycle quite a few years back but nothing out of ordinary. Going to pick up a decent freeride bike something for all styles of mtb, not specifically looking at one area as im open.

Got a question though found a nice bike, for my height I realize frame size is pretty important. But came across so many mixed opinions, some say it's completely personal so one man 6ft would be comfy on a 15.5 inch whilst another would not as it's to small, also depends on what your doing.

But generally speaking bike im looking at has 17 inch frame. Im 6ft tall so im thinking this could be pretty suitable?

How much did you want to spend?

I am just under 6ft and have a medium Marin Rocky Ridge. These are a very good all round type of hardtail bike, much like the Orange Crush. You can currently pick up the 2010 Rocky Ridge for £799 (I paid £700 for my brand new one the other week). Lot of kit and an awesome bike for the money rrp was £1299.

At my height the medium frame is just on the small side for either of these so prolonged xc or uphill is less fun than on a larger frame. However, the Large frames on offer are imo too big at my height.

If you want a full suspension then frame sizes vary again.

You really need to get trying and demo'ing some bikes. Bike fit is very personal and what may fit us on here may not suit you. Worth remembering though you can always tweak the riding position by changing the stem, bars and moving the saddle.

Street · 6 Feb 2012 at 16:35

I managed to get out yesterday to test out my new tubeless wheels. I went for a quick 10 mile blast around the Clwyds, it was a bit of a mudfest but at least the weather was good!

It definitely seemed a lot easier going up hills with my new wheels but that could just be the placebo effect making me think that. I did notice the Hope hubs are useful for letting walkers know I was coming!

And here some pics to keep you happy..

B1C3P said:
But generally speaking bike im looking at has 17 inch frame. Im 6ft tall so im thinking this could be pretty suitable?

I'm 5'10 and my bikes have been 17" frames. I imagine a larger bike might be a bit better for you, but then as you say, its down to the individual!

BaJ · 6 Feb 2012 at 16:53

Afternoon chaps, I'm after a bit of bike advice.

I've been riding for just over 12 months now on a 2011 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc, which has been doing an admirable job getting me round Cannock Chase. After a trip to Wales (Coed Y Brenin, Climachx) late last year though I began to notice the bikes limitations somewhat.

I'm looking at making the step up to a full suspension bike and have been looking at what's out there. A friend I ride with has just purchased a 2009 Orange 5, I had a quick go on it down the Uppercliff at Cannock and it was unbelievably smooth and fast.

I'd like to keep my budget under £1,500. I've looked at the Canyon range, both the XC and AM. They look a great spec for the budget although the prices seem to creep up each week. Then there's the whole mail order only thing.

Just this afternoon however I've noticed a big sale on 2011 Specialized bikes. I've spotted a Stumpjumper FSR Comp for under my budget, which seems a steal when the 2012 model is over a grand more and seems almost identical! I've enjoyed my Hardrock so don't mind at all sticking with Specialized.

What do people think of this compared with the Canyons? I've learnt a bit about bikes over the last year but still don't 100% know my spec levels. Are Elixir R above Elixir 5 in the range?

Any advice appreciated.

Darryl_1983 · 6 Feb 2012 at 16:55

zootfloot said:
Right chaps i need a bit of advice....

I need some new forks (100mm-120mm), nothing too fancy probably maximum budget of around £150 give or take.

They are to fit onto a Merida HT that currently has RST Gila 100mm forks on which are absolutely dire and do nothing whatsoever.

I am only riding cross country type stuff so nothing mental is required...where would you spend your money?

Jonny ///M said:
My money would be going on a rockshox recon fork. Probably second hand older model. I know on one sell them pretty cheap for the newer models awell.

I had one of these middle of last year from on one. It's a pretty good basic fork. If you weigh more than about 70kg you'll need to replace the spring for a firmer one, which on the newer models is £45 from TFtuning. So doesn't make them much cheaper than the more expensive air forks when done.

I've actually got one for sale on pinkbike for £90 with the x-firm spring. which i believe is for 80kg+ (might be 85kg+).

I'd be looking at these though: http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/rockshox-tora-302-solo-air0mm-lockout-id63485.html

edit: just realised these are 130mm and not 120mm travel, might be able to get a spacer fitted to take them down to 120mm

Jonny ///M · 6 Feb 2012 at 17:11

Uh I'm being thick today. The Tora isn't bad but it's heavy due to the steel stantions and lacks the motion control of the Recon.

Gribs · 6 Feb 2012 at 17:13

Went out for a bit of a play this afternoon so thought I'd take a couple of photo's of the bike as I've changed a few bits since I got it.

The most recent additions have been the Giant Contact Switch seat post and the Sunline V1 bars. I replaced the original (& crap) Avid Elixir 3's with a lovely pair of Tech M4's in November. I've also converted the stock wheels to tubeless but I'm tempted by a Pro2/flow combo but will probably wait a while.

Scrutinize · 6 Feb 2012 at 17:21

BaJ said:
Just this afternoon however I've noticed a big sale on 2011 Specialized bikes. I've spotted a Stumpjumper FSR Comp for under my budget, which seems a steal when the 2012 model is over a grand more and seems almost identical! I've enjoyed my Hardrock so don't mind at all sticking with Specialized.

What do people think of this compared with the Canyons? I've learnt a bit about bikes over the last year but still don't 100% know my spec levels. Are Elixir R above Elixir 5 in the range?

Any advice appreciated.

The Canyons seem to get good writeups and have a good following. Lot of kit for the money.

Is the Specialized FSR at a local bikeshop and can you go see it? Is it brand new boxed 2011 stock or shop display? I see a lot of places have these at £1500 and under so I imagine you can track down boxed stock. It is very nicely specced for the money.

I went to look at a Rockhopper 2011 @ £600 instead of £900 last month and the shop one had a small ding in the frame. They did have boxed stock but I decided to get something else. 2011 Bikes will have been out since Sug / Sept 2010 so if it has been shifted around the store and tried out by customers etc it may have a few marks dings.

Very nice bike though. I always have lots of time for FSRs and I tried one recently but still prefer hardtail these days. I had one of these 14 years ago now.

Gribs · 6 Feb 2012 at 17:30

BaJ said:
Just this afternoon however I've noticed a big sale on 2011 Specialized bikes. I've spotted a Stumpjumper FSR Comp for under my budget, which seems a steal when the 2012 model is over a grand more and seems almost identical! I've enjoyed my Hardrock so don't mind at all sticking with Specialized.

What do people think of this compared with the Canyons? I've learnt a bit about bikes over the last year but still don't 100% know my spec levels. Are Elixir R above Elixir 5 in the range?

As a Canyon owner, and someone who had a Specialized Enduro and a FSR xc before that I'd pick the Specialized if the specs are similar. When I bought mine a similar spec Specialized would have cost me about £800 more so just wasn't worth it.

BaJ · 6 Feb 2012 at 17:36

Scrutinize said:
Is the Specialized FSR at a local bikeshop and can you go see it? Is it brand new boxed 2011 stock or shop display? I see a lot of places have these at £1500 and under so I imagine you can track down boxed stock. It is very nicely specced for the money.

I'm assuming that it's as brand new from boxed stock. Evans are doing them at £1,699 but have very limited sizes. I've found a few other online places doing them for sub £1,500 as you say. I'll check out my local bikeshop too.

Love the retro FSR!

Gribs said:
As a Canyon owner, and someone who had a Specialized Enduro and a FSR xc before that I'd pick the Specialized if the specs are similar. When I bought mine a similar spec Specialized would have cost me about £800 more so just wasn't worth it.

Interesting, thanks for that. What's that above, an AM 6.0? It does look nice but I think I slightly prefer the looks of the FSR.

Gribs · 6 Feb 2012 at 17:54

It's a 2011 AM6. If I was buying one this year with the spec changes I'd want an AM7.

Scrutinize · 6 Feb 2012 at 18:01

BaJ said:
I'm assuming that it's as brand new from boxed stock. Evans are doing them at £1,699 but have very limited sizes. I've found a few other online places doing them for sub £1,500 as you say. I'll check out my local bikeshop too.

Love the retro FSR!

Interesting, thanks for that. What's that above, an AM 6.0? It does look nice but I think I slightly prefer the looks of the FSR.

FSR is £1399 here with Medium and Large instock if their website is up to date. http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/12658/specialized-stumpjumper-fsr-comp-medium-2011/

or

£1350 here http://www.leisurewheels.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b3s1p8862&rs=gb&vid=29669 with M&L instock.

Both seem to be real bricks and mortar shops too. Be interesting to know if it is shop/boxed stock or order from the distributor. If the latter, then you local specialized dealer should be able to source them and price match in theory.

weescott · 6 Feb 2012 at 18:06

Berger said:
Looney.
Hope you have life insurance

Street said:
And here some pics to keep you happy..

*snip Green Special Ed pic

Holy long brake hose batman :eek:

Gribs said:
Went out for a bit of a play this afternoon so thought I'd take a couple of photo's of the bike as I've changed a few bits since I got it.

*snip Canyon

Holy banjo angle batman :eek:

Scrutinize said:
I had one of these 14 years ago now.

I had the 98 Exteme Big Hit. Double clamp Marzocccchhhis with 4" travel.