Need a new MTB - struggling to make a decision

Minstadave · 8 Jan 2023 at 12:33

I've had my current MTB for about 10 years. It has been decent but the time has come for something new. I mainly do road/forest tracks and would like to start doing some proper trails this year.

Budget is flexible, was thinking upto 1K. Was going to use the Cycle2work scheme if possible as it seems to be a decent saving.

I've got three main choices I'm mulling over at the moment:

Vitus Nucleus VRS - £500 - cheap air spring, Deore x10, looks a bargain but has a QR rear axle which might be a pain in future to upgrade maybe?

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-nucleus-29-vrs-mountain-bike/rp-prod206932?utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digidip.net%2F&utm_term=digidip+UK+and+USA+-+Incentivized&utm_content=Sub+Networks&awc=2698_1673180877_70d1d16339dbc098eeaea575ba5290ef&sv_campaign_id=249371&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax2=375403%7C375405&sv_tax3=digidip+UK+and+USA+-+Incentivized&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=249371

Bizango Pro - £950 (but can get 10% off with BLC) - better spring, Deore x12, better fork, better brakes, thru-axle on the rear

Voodoo Bizango Pro Mountain Bike - S, M, L, XL Frames | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Voodoo Bizango Pro Mountain Bike - S, M, L, XL Frames at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

Vitus Sentier VR - £1000 - better fork than the Bizango Pro, dropper post (not tried one of these before), Deore x11 - pretty similar to the Bizango overall apart from the better fork?

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitus-sentier-29-vr-mountain-bike/rp-prod206963

Given that I only buy a bike every decade or so my though is to just get a decent bike but I have little ability so the Nucleus may be more than enough. Anyone got any ideas or alternatives?

Calpol · 8 Jan 2023 at 17:16

Watching this thread as have similar requirement

Bizango Pro looks awesome value and is well reviewed everywhere. Sentier also looks good but its black and I don't like black bikes!

Minstadave · 9 Jan 2023 at 21:14

Calpol said:
Watching this thread as have similar requirement
Bizango Pro looks awesome value and is well reviewed everywhere. Sentier also looks good but its black and I don't like black bikes!

I'm waiting to see if the Bizango Pro goes on 10% off like it did before Xmas. That was a steal, should have just paid outright and not tried the cycle2work scheme.

dannywaugh1 · 12 Jan 2023 at 14:05

The Vitus have much better components then the Voodoo. The voodoo has generic Shimano drivetrain where as the Vitus has full Shimano Deore. And I think the Vitus has better forks.
I would go for the Vitus anyday over the Voodoo.

Begbie · 12 Jan 2023 at 14:09

I'd go with the Vitus purely for the better forks, not sure how much you'd notice mind. The Deore 12 speed (vodoo) is better than the 11 speed though.

rhysduck · 12 Jan 2023 at 14:27

The Sentier out of the three you've linked. By far better than the other two.

dannywaugh1 · 13 Jan 2023 at 10:02

There is currently a deal on the Vitus Nucleus where you get a dropper seat post and pedals with it!

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/s?q=vitus+nucleus+bundle&f=2247&utm_source=Salesforce&utm_medium=email&sfmc_id=91962011&utm_campaign=1478&utm_content=UK

Minstadave · 13 Jan 2023 at 11:20

dannywaugh1 said:
There is currently a deal on the Vitus Nucleus where you get a dropper seat post and pedals with it!

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/s?q=vitus+nucleus+bundle&f=2247&utm_source=Salesforce&utm_medium=email&sfmc_id=91962011&utm_campaign=1478&utm_content=UK

Had a look at that deal. What's the main difference 29" offers over a smaller wheel?

Minstadave · 13 Jan 2023 at 11:21

rhysduck said:
The Sentier out of the three you've linked. By far better than the other two.

Why is the Sentier better? Mainly the fork?

Minstadave · 13 Jan 2023 at 11:23

dannywaugh1 said:
The Vitus have much better components then the Voodoo. The voodoo has generic Shimano drivetrain where as the Vitus has full Shimano Deore. And I think the Vitus has better forks.
I would go for the Vitus anyday over the Voodoo.

I though the Bizango Pro has Shimano Deore too or am I missing something? The spec says the derailleur and chainset are Deore.

kefkef · 13 Jan 2023 at 12:24

I started out with a Boardman Pro 29'er Hardtail from Halfords 4 years ago. Did all sorts of outings on it, Peak District, Lake District and took it all in it's stride. Can also have a look at:

Boardman MHT 8.8 Mens Mountain Bike - S, M, L, XL | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The Boardman MHT 8.8 Mountain Bike is the performance enabler you need at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

Or you could try a full sus in the same budget.

Boardman MTR 8.6 Mens Mountain Bike - Large | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Boardman MTR 8.6 Mens Mountain Bike - S, M, L, XL Frames at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

Be careful, it get's addictive, i went from having no bike to having 3 in the space of 3 years.... Just don't tell the wife how much they actually cost....

Temujin · 15 Jan 2023 at 11:09

I have a 2021 Sentier VR, is a great bike however I'm now looking at replacing it with something full suspension.

The cycle to work scheme is fairly painless, it's fully paid up now but technically I don't own the bike for another 3 and a half years or something (as that is the cheapest ownership option after it's paid off)

Minstadave · 8 Feb 2023 at 13:33

After endless debating order the Bizango Pro, just picked it up and the fork is damaged:

I know it's probably cosmetic but the fork has been pretty battered.

Temujin · 8 Feb 2023 at 18:45

You never really know how far damage goes really so best to get them to sort it, sucks regardless!

Minstadave · 8 Feb 2023 at 19:05

Temujin said:
You never really know how far damage goes really so best to get them to sort it, sucks regardless!

That was my thinking. Ball ache!

I had a bike delivered from CRC for my daughter this week. Beautifully packaged and loads of extras. Halfords have a way to go!

Temujin · 8 Feb 2023 at 20:18

Minstadave said:
That was my thinking. Ball ache!

I had a bike delivered from CRC for my daughter this week. Beautifully packaged and loads of extras. Halfords have a way to go!

My sister/BIL tried to buy a couple of ebikes through Halfords and after about a month of achy balls they ended up cancelling it all (which was problematic of itself) and then got bikes from elsewhere. Halfords is always going to be Halfords unfortunately

If you end up binning it off and looking for another bike I could be convinced to sell my Vitus now I have a new bike incoming

PapaLazaru · 10 Feb 2023 at 18:27

That is a shame. Can you not go to a store and collect? Their bike building is shoddy, but at least you can inspect it.

Minstadave · 10 Feb 2023 at 18:29

PapaLazaru said:
That is a shame. Can you not go to a store and collect? Their bike building is shoddy, but at least you can inspect it.

That was collected at a store. Didn't notice the damage until I put it in the car. The salesperson mentioned the damaged box and said it should be well protected inside - there wasn't anything at all on the fork.

They've ordered me another one, I'll just build it myself. Should get it Monday.

PapaLazaru · 10 Feb 2023 at 18:36

Ah that's good to hear, at least you don't have to wait too long. Cracking but of kit for under a grand, you made the right decision.

Minstadave · 10 Feb 2023 at 18:48

PapaLazaru said:
Ah that's good to hear, at least you don't have to wait too long. Cracking but of kit for under a grand, you made the right decision.

Got 10% off and ran it through Cycle2work so cost substantially less.