Big Bike Thread

benjo plz. · 21 Jan 2007 at 13:56

You'll get a better bike.

Big Chris · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:01

p4radox said:
So is £500 a much better budget than £300? Will it basically get me a far more hard-wearing bike, or are there other benefits?

Bearing in mind that I'm not an obsessive biker, is it something that I'd actually see the benefit of? I'm not saying I don't trust you, but people who have a particular hobby tend to over-spec things to noobs like me!

For the extra £200 you'll get better components, such as brakes, gears etc. If you're going to ride the bike regularly then you'll notice the difference, and yes it will be more hard wearing.

Check out Leisure Lakes and Evans Cycles.

p4radox · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:17

One of my mates has a Kona - I can't remember which model, but I rode it and it was a really nice ride. Is Kona a decent brand?

How's this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60194

Thanks for all the help so far.

benjo plz. · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:18

Kona's are fine, but don't get that one.

Big Chris · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:19

Kona are very respectable yeah, I'd happily buy one and the one you've found there is a top bike for £400.

Try before you buy though because every bike is different, but you won't find much better than that for the money.

Phnom_Penh said:
Kona's are fine, but don't get that one.

Why not? for what he wants and for £400 it's more than adequate.

benjo plz. · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:23

Big Chris said:
Why not? for what he wants and for £400 it's more than adequate.

Terrible groupset, cable disc brakes and cheap forks. Not worth £399 imo.

p4radox · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:30

Phnom_Penh said:
Terrible groupset, cable disc brakes and cheap forks. Not worth £399 imo.

What's a groupset?

What's the alternative to "cable"? Hydraulic?

What would you recommend for a similar price?

Sorry for all the questions...

benjo plz. · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:38

A groupset's the bits like shifters, gears, sprocket etc. You'd want at least Shimano Deore, if not LX. Acera is low end stuff.

Hydraulic brakes are the alternative, and generally easier to deal with. I know this is more than you wanted, but it's a decent spec for a decent price. It's probably a good idea to have a look through here.

Big Chris · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:50

Phnom_Penh said:
Terrible groupset, cable disc brakes and cheap forks. Not worth £399 imo.

I think you're going a bit OTT here. Acera is low end but by no means terrible, it's heavier than most but does the job and is in some cases more robust.

I'm not a huge fan of cable discs but in view of the fact he's spending £400 and wants the bike for light use and not Elite level racing they'll do the job just fine, same goes for the forks.

alexakasloth · 21 Jan 2007 at 16:29

Big Chris said:
I'm not a huge fan of cable discs

Out of cable discs and a decent set of normal brake pads, which would you choose?

SDK^ · 21 Jan 2007 at 16:45

Phnom_Penh said:
Terrible groupset, cable disc brakes and cheap forks. Not worth £399 imo.

Kona's are generally more expensive but you're not going to a get decent (by our standards) groupset, brakes and fork for £400.

It will be more than enough for p4radox

benjo plz. · 21 Jan 2007 at 16:46

V-Brakes>Cable Discs tbh (Except for Avid Ball Bearings).

Big Chris said:
I think you're going a bit OTT here. Acera is low end but by no means terrible, it's heavier than most but does the job and is in some cases more robust.

I'm not a huge fan of cable discs but in view of the fact he's spending £400 and wants the bike for light use and not Elite level racing they'll do the job

But you'll find Deore on most bikes around £400-450 (atleast you should) and I doubt Acera is more robust than Deore.

They're a pita to maintain and are not a decent substitue to hydraulics. I'd say go V-brakes or hydraulic, not cable disc.

weescott · 21 Jan 2007 at 21:25

Phnom_Penh, stop being such a snob! Acera is fine for occasional use, but I agree that if you are getting into MTB'ing seriously then you NEED at least Deore. I wouldn't go lower than XT (I'm a bit of a snob too).

I have to disagree about Cable Disc brakes. OK they are heavier than V's (and in most cases not any more powerful) but they are better than V's in muddy conditions and your rims will last longer and be stronger.

"andy" · 21 Jan 2007 at 22:19

i agree with above post

the konas ok but look at what specialized have to offer for the same price too , if you can get a decent frame like those 2 companys offer then theres always room to upgrade if you get more serious

SDK^ · 21 Jan 2007 at 22:46

andy8271 said:
the konas ok but look at what specialized have to offer for the same price too.

£430 will get you a Specialized Hardrock Sport Hydraulic Disc

Big Chris · 21 Jan 2007 at 23:06

SDK^ said:

Bargain, well worth a look.

Jonny ///M · 21 Jan 2007 at 23:30

weescott said:
Phnom_Penh, stop being such a snob! Acera is fine for occasional use, but I agree that if you are getting into MTB'ing seriously then you NEED at least Deore. I wouldn't go lower than XT (I'm a bit of a snob too).

I have to disagree about Cable Disc brakes. OK they are heavier than V's (and in most cases not any more powerful) but they are better than V's in muddy conditions and your rims will last longer and be stronger.

Acera = lose.

My mate was bouncing on his bike and bunnyhopped and the stupid ****** mech just snapped in half :confused:

I personally wouldnt go lower than X9 :rolleyes:

6thElement · 22 Jan 2007 at 02:47

Jonny ///M · 22 Jan 2007 at 15:24

6thElement said:
X0

I said wouldnt go lower.....not spend twice as much cause its carbon

If you want to take my brand new X9 and give me an X0 in return i will be pleased.

p4radox · 22 Jan 2007 at 17:05

SDK^ said:
£430 will get you a Specialized Hardrock Sport Hydraulic Disc

I like the look of that.

One question about hydraulics - are they durable? I'm a bit concerned about something splitting and losing a load of oil and then not being able to easily repair it. Are cables easier to maintain?