Cube Aim Pro 2019 / 2020 / Trek Marlin 5 Best for £400 ?

Pulsedriver · 25 Apr 2020 at 21:31

Hey folks, looking for an entry level mountain bike, have narrowed it down to;

Cube Aim Pro 2019
Cube Aim Pro 2020
Trek Marlin 5
Cannondale Trail 8

Budget is £400

I think the Cube's are mainly the same, but would appreciate a more expert input, the Cannondale has bad brakes from what I can see (mechanical) so maybe that can be ruled out from this choice.

Would welcome any input / alternative suggestions

Pulsedriver · 26 Apr 2020 at 10:31

It'll just be used for general use cycling a few miles for exercise, as well as cycling round the park / woods but not doing jumps etc
I saw this one on sale recently for the same price although haven't heard much of the brand

https://formebikes.co.uk/mtb-curbar-2.html

Pulsedriver · 26 Apr 2020 at 14:55

Some good options in here... Although I am a size large frame unfortunately (which always seems the one that is sold out!) I am about 6ft/6ft1

Pulsedriver · 27 Apr 2020 at 01:48

Ok guys so the ones recommended unfortunately are either too small or out of stock for both collection at any places nearby & delivery also

Mattyfez - detailed reply there, it does seem they all have the XCT forks in this lineup.

So so far it's still at

Cube Aim 2019
Cube Aim 2020

Now added

Giant Talon 3 (2019)

Even pushing to £450/475 there doesn't seem a lot at all, as Mattyfez says above, it must be £600 it changes...

Pulsedriver · 27 Apr 2020 at 13:34

Update - I've ordered the Calibre Two Cubed! It's usually out of stock but managed to grab one when it went back in stock! Size large! Managed to get it for £359 delivered as well as have discount card for there

Pulsedriver · 27 Apr 2020 at 23:35

Indeed - thank you everyone for your input / help on this, it has genuinely come in handy

Pulsedriver · 13 May 2020 at 13:54

Emotional times, Go Outdoors basically claimed its 'lost in transit' even though I received a dispatch notice a few days after ordering with a tracking number, the courier just had 'waiting to receive parcel' on it's tracking.
They've refunded me, surprise surprise, it's no longer available... Not cynical at all but have a feeling it was never in stock in the first place, disappointed considering Go Outdoors isn't some random company, it's a well known one, oh well!

Pulsedriver · 14 May 2020 at 10:39

Yeah, its true, even the second hand market has over-inflated prices, had my eye on a Scott Aspect 740 2018, seems to be a good spec, seller wants £450 for it though and i'd have to drive 45 mins to get it, plenty of issues there, including the obvious 'essential journey' style stuff...! I did find a Whyte 603 (2020) not this site, but this gives a good spec;
https://www.wheelbase.co.uk/product/mountain-bikes/hardtail-mountain-bikes/whyte-603-2020/

Wondering whether to just bite the bullet and get that, or risk the Scott.... hmmm

Pulsedriver · 14 May 2020 at 12:46

I've gone with the Cube Aim Race 2020 (black/green) spent a bit more than I should have, but then nothing else around at that price I aimed for anymore... It seems it'll be a good bike to be fair.