Big Bike Thread

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Thanks, Raymond. Are there any particular models within the ranges that are suitable for my purposes? It's been a long time since I had a head for bikes and it's all very confusing.

But a full susser on the road is slow compared to a road bike (I know, I have a Giant Trance 3), I'd get a Hardtail personally if you use it everyday to commute.

Look at paul's cycles for some bargains.
 
I've got up to a grand to spend on a full-suss trails/singletrack bike. I'm assuming that it's best to stick with 2006/7 models as good savings can be had, but who are the main players in the market that I should be looking at?

So far I've only really looked at the Trek Fuel EX range - what other brands/models should I be investigating?

I used to ride on a very regular basis (daily to work and every weekend out) but have neglected things for many years. Feel the need to get fit and get out there so want something half-decent.

How about a Trance 4 for £599 with HFX-9s?

Ditch the OEM forks (eBay for £50), get a set of Rockshox Rev U-turns (air £280, coil £270 on CRC). Leaves a bit of cash to either bling up a few bits like bars, stem, rear mech or maybe get a set of lighter wheels from Merlin.

Edit to say... The beauty is the frame on all the original Trance bikes were the same. So the Trance 4 gets the same frame as the Trance 1 which was around £2200 IIRC. Frame is considered by some heavy for the travel but it makes it pretty much bomb proof for most riders.
 
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I've got up to a grand to spend on a full-suss trails/singletrack bike. I'm assuming that it's best to stick with 2006/7 models as good savings can be had, but who are the main players in the market that I should be looking at?
If you want to get a reduced 2007 bike then you need to buy ASAP. All of the decent bikes and sizes are pretty much sold out now.

Some recommendations for around £1k


2007 Kona Dawg - All Mountain Bike; stronger than an XC bike but slightly heavier (30lbs)

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GT i-Drive 5 3.0 – XC bike

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Specialized FSR XC Comp – XC Bike

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Get a test ride...faux bar bikes like kona feel completely different to an FSR specialized.

I hate my bike justnow....jump,land,turn,wipe out.....heading straight towards solid concrete pillar...dived off but my front wheel hit it and punctured(damn thin kendas) and i was embarrassed:o

Its my own fault really as it was wet and raining and im going down a hill so i shoulda knew better.:(
 
My new job has a bike scheme, I get £1500 (plus anything I want to add) I've been looking at:

2007 Giant Reign 1
2008 Specialized Pitch Pro
2008 GT Force 2.0

Can anyone reccommend any other 6" travel bikes?
 
Kona Dawg Deluxe
GT i-Drive 5 2.0
Commencal 5.5.2
Cannondale Prophet 3

Personally I would put the extra £200 to buy a Specialized Enduro SL Comp.
 
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It's personal, everyone will have a different view on the bike you should get. Go out and try each one, I personally don't like specialized, suspensions too active. I'm a single pivot man myself :D

Each one you've mentioned is a good bike, but they are all very very different in feel and it will depend on which one you like most.
 
I plan on doing that, there's a place near me where I'll be able to try most of them. I'll be going there as soon as I can ride a bike again.

EDIT: They have the Idrive, Enduro and Prophet. Better start looking for other places.
 
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Cheers, any reason you'd go for the Enduro?
I've tried the Enduro SL and it rides great; its light (well under 30lbs), strong, and for the cost comes kitted with a decent spec list. I've tried a single pivot Orange Patriot and under braking I felt it didn't have the control of the 4 bar FSR on the Specialized.
 
Hey guys,
I've had quite a good look through this thread and it seems there are some real experts here. I've been thinking of getting a new bike soon, so i thought i would come here for some advice :) I'm looking at getting a mountain bike and have a budget of up to £400. Could anyone recommend any particularly good bikes for that kind of money?

(sorry if i've posted in the wrong thread, i wasn't sure if it was worth making a new one :P)

I've had a quick browse and i've found a few i quite like the look of, would you think these would be any good, or good for the money?

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70223
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=71201
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=71200

Thanks :)
 
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I am slowly upgrading my Kona bit by bit, took off my 760 rear mech and replaced with the new shadow rear mech.
Next up is to replace cassette and chain Deore/HG53 with an XT rear cassette and HG93 chain.
The new drivetrain is nice at the moment, think new chain and cassette should improve things abit more.
Only problem is I am now stuck with the Kula OEM stuff, which is not to bad.
Could sell it but dont know what its worth.
 
I am slowly upgrading my Kona bit by bit, took off my 760 rear mech and replaced with the new shadow rear mech.
Next up is to replace cassette and chain Deore/HG53 with an XT rear cassette and HG93 chain.
The new drivetrain is nice at the moment, think new chain and cassette should improve things abit more.
Only problem is I am now stuck with the Kula OEM stuff, which is not to bad.
Could sell it but dont know what its worth.

Well I have set this up and my findings are, it doesn't seem nowhere near as smooth on the downshift as my 760 was, seems to change gear fine on the stand, but when riding it is quite clunky on downshift to smaller cogs.
Anyone have any tips on setting up this shadow mech for more smoother gearchanges.
 
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