Mountain bike recommendation?

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

Soldato
Joined
10 Jun 2010
Posts
5,158
Location
Scotland
Looking to spend around a grand, give or take a little.

I've had specialised before and really don't want to go back to them. I've had a Giant and it was rock solid, quite fancy sticking to Giant. These are the only two brands I've had. I would consider something else like Scott for e.g.

Requirements:
Hardtail
Excellent Hydraulics
lightweight
snazzy colour scheme
non cheapo derailers/shifters

Was thinking of buying a 2012 bike as the discounts seem quite good. Dales cycles have £350 off a 2012 Composite 2

http://www.dalescycles.com/2012-giant-xtc-composite-2-p2611
 
Buchanan0204 said:
Looking to spend around a grand, give or take a little.

I've had specialised before and really don't want to go back to them. I've had a Giant and it was rock solid, quite fancy sticking to Giant. These are the only two brands I've had. I would consider something else like Scott for e.g.

Requirements:
Hardtail
Excellent Hydraulics
lightweight
snazzy colour scheme
non cheapo derailers/shifters

Was thinking of buying a 2012 bike as the discounts seem quite good. Dales cycles have £350 off a 2012 Composite 2

http://www.dalescycles.com/2012-giant-xtc-composite-2-p2611
Click to expand...

Not sure why you are asking for advice, as you've pretty much said exactly what you want - i.e: Giant hardtail for 1 (isk) grand.

Look through their catalogue and select which you can afford?

For what it's worth, the one you linked has mediocre gearing and poor brakes, but should be sufficient for your needs. Most important is the frame and fork combo, the rest are just components you'll likely end up changing over time.
 
Doesn't need to be a giant as I said. I'm open to other ideas. I'm put off by full suspension bikes by the fact they're slower.

Riding is a mix of country cycle tracks combining up and down hills, gravel, paths and main roads.

No downhilling or rough terrain, so full suspension would be wasted on me and slow me down on the road.
 
Buchanan0204 said:
Doesn't need to be a giant as I said. I'm open to other ideas. I'm put off by full suspension bikes by the fact they're slower.

Riding is a mix of country cycle tracks combining up and down hills, gravel, paths and main roads.

No downhilling or rough terrain, so full suspension would be wasted on me and slow me down on the road.
Click to expand...

Something like http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/cube-ltd-race-26-mountain-bike-black-anodized-id73244.html ?

I find Cube bikes to have very, very good specs for their price normally.
 
On One is a Yorkshire based company.
It was started by Brant Richards who has been involved in the mountain bike scene for a long while.
The bike is a thoroughbred design, based on the old Joe Murray Kona's which were frankly near perfect.
It is a modern take on a classic theme, steel frame please - don't let that put you off, it is up there with the best of them, lightweight butted aerospace cromoly tubing, gives a superb compliant ride.
It is also very robust.
Where it differs from the Konas of old is that it is setup for modern hydraulic brakes and forks up to around 4 inches. They also do a long travel version, called the 456 but the Inbred would suit your requirements perfectly.

How do I know all this?

I have been into mountain biking for many years, I currently have a white On One Inbred, which I love.
I built it myself, but you are actually getting a 'custom' bike at off the shelf prices.

In the past I have owned Marins, a Klein Pulse Comp, and a full suspension Cannondale Jekyll with a 130mm lefty fork.

My Inbred is my fav :)

I am sure if you do some reading on On One or Brant you will be pleasantly surprised by the reviews.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Buchanan0204 said:
Never heard of them. I take it they are good though obviously? Looks a great bike.
Click to expand...

Yeah they're good. Only seem to have a tiny following in the UK, but I've ridden several of their bikes, and all have been very good. Tbh, you can't really go wrong with one of these or an On One Inbred, or even a Ragley Piglet.

I've got a Ragley Blue Pig, and that's such a fun bike to use, and that's just the longer travel version of the Piglet. The Blue Pig and the Piglet were also designed by the aforementioned Brant Richards.
 
Last edited:
I just wish I could find a shop and try all these bikes out. It's a bik risk ordering one up when I haven't even sat on it.

I do like the idea and the price of the inbred bike. The names a bit, erm... weird.
 
I absolutely love my Trance X0 and would highly recommend the Trance series. It took a lot to budge me off my 'hard tail only' demand, but their Maestro system locks out the back suspension when you pedal but still activates the rear suspension when you need it.



It's the best bike I've ever had or will ever have. I use it for cross country mountain biking trails, barely bike on the road with it but the little road use has been nice too.
 
Last edited:
Buchanan0204 said:
I do like the idea and the price of the inbred bike. The names a bit, erm... weird.
Click to expand...

I take it you've never seen an On One Gimp then? :D

My original 'first' choice was a Cove Handjob, so the Inbred name actually didn't seem that bad to me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom