New/2nd Hand MTB for ~£600

[Cookeh]

Hi,

Yes there probably are several threads on this, for which I apologise, but there we are.

I have around £600, potentially a bit more to drop on a new bike.
Fork wise, I dont really want anything less than RS XC28s - not interested in Suntours! In terms of the rest of the spec, Shimano (Alivio/Deore kinda of level)/SRAM (X5+ level) is preferred in terms of drivetrain, with the standard 44/32/22 crankset. Brakes wise obviously I want hydraulic, 160mm rotors ideally. Not bothered about the pedals as I'll be swapping those out for DMR V8s anyway! Bonuses would be a frame that can handle a few upgrades in terms of fork/drivetrains in the future.

Bikes I've been looking at so far include:
- Rockrider 8.1 (Seems to be very well specced for the money, esp with a RS Recon, where are the savings made?)
- Norco Charger 6.2
- GT Avalanche Elite/1.0
- Rose Count Solo Entry (Again seems to be well specced and well reviewed for a price of £475!)

Are there any other bikes I should be looking at?

Cheers all,
Cookeh

 

[gettothechopper]

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOO26INTR/on_one_inbred_26_sram_x5_mountain_bike

this is not barrrrd for £699

this is very fun for £599
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ragley-m74-hardtail-bike-shop-soiled/rp-prod109834
edit : only 16" left though

if you want a 29er this looks nice
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-cooker-29er-2013/

 

[PapaLazaru]

I know you said you did not want Suntours but you will not find a new bike better than a Voodoo Bizango for £600.00.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_907521_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/c.../29er/product/review-voodoo-bizango-13-47282/

 

[Cookeh]

Should probs mention that I'm looking for a 26 than a 29er - never ridden a 29er and have heard the 26s are more chuckable, so to speak

 

[eXist]

selling my immaculate Medium 18" Giant Anthem x1 2012 model ( 223.8 ) miles recorded on my garmin

XT groupset
Avid Elixer 7 brakes
100mm front and rear travel
fox front and rear shocks
mechanic owned

looking for £1k if your willing to stretch

 

[Cookeh]

selling my immaculate Medium 18" Giant Anthem x1 2012 model ( 223.8 ) miles recorded on my garmin

XT groupset
Avid Elixer 7 brakes
100mm front and rear travel
fox front and rear shocks
mechanic owned

looking for £1k if your willing to stretch

That's a bit too far for me to go, sorry man!

 

[booyaka]

rockrider is very good for the money.

Otherwise have a gander on pinkbike/bikeradar/gumtree etc as you can get some great bargains 2nd hand

 

[Cookeh]

What kind of models should I be looking at? I know Specialized, GT and Giant have some great frames around that can take upgrades but Im not sure which models/frames they are!

 

[booyaka]

anything really - there are loads of brands out there that are great. Canyon/Ghost/On-one/boardman etc

No idea what size you are but

Boardman Team FS - £650

Specialized Camber FSR Comp 2011- Large Mountain bike - £670

Specialized stumpjumper large - £750

Just on the 1st page of pinkbike. Worth trying to find some locally to go and see, be prepared to walk away if they can't produce evidence/receipts etc of ownership etc.

 

[Cookeh]

Cheers man, some good pointers there - didn't about pinkbike either, that was a great shout!

Guess I shall do some browsing then!