New Mountain Bike Advice

LordSplodge said:
GT Zaskar can be had fro around a grand. Carbon goodness.

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The spec looks great and on first glance it's a good looking bike but I've spotted something I don't like.

Call me picky but I don't like that the brake and gear cables go over the frame. I prefer them underneath. :p
 
ichabod crane said:
What about the new Specialized Rockhopper SL Expert Mountain Bike 2010
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I do quite like that, it's 'minialistic' in looks. I'm not going to dismiss it based on brand because it does look good and will no doubt be reliable, but I see far too many Specialized bikes. There's a quite few people at work that ride them.

One to keep in mind though.

Or a little different the Cannondale Trail SL 1 Mountain Bike 2010
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I do like that, especially the white version.
 
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you dismiss it purely because it is a specialized? Purely because there are too many? Your budget is a bit low to be looking for a rare breed bike.
 
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ichabod crane said:
you dismiss it purely because it is a specialized? Purely because there are too many? Your budget is a bit low to be looking for a rare breed bike.
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Not looking for something rare, just not something I see everyday. As I said, I'm not going to dismiss it, just keep it in mind. I never see Trek, Scott, Cube, GT, Giant bikes etc out and about, it's always Specialized. I know that's probably because they are popular and reliable (probably), I'd just like seomthing a bit different..?
 
R0B75 said:
Not looking for something rare, just not something I see everyday. As I said, I'm not going to dismiss it, just keep it in mind. I never see Trek, Scott, Cube, GT, Giant bikes etc out and about, it's always Specialized. I know that's probably because they are popular and reliable (probably), I'd just like seomthing a bit different..?
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All of those brands you just mentioned are really common all over the trail centers, but if you are thinking of maybe something a little lesser spotted maybe try On-One and Charge who do complete bikes or Pipe Dream and Cove (these are frame only tho)
 
Yeah, I imagine those brands would be common on proper trails but as yet haven't got into and trail riding. Had a look at On-One and that's not for me and I don't really like the look of Charge bikes.
 
R0B75 said:
Yeah, I imagine those brands would be common on proper trails but as yet haven't got into and trail riding. Had a look at On-One and that's not for me and I don't really like the look of Charge bikes.
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Whats not for you? I am just confused how you can just flatly dismiss excellent bikes. You dismissed the GT above because the cables go over and not under, there is a reason for that it means you can carry the bike over your shoulder without the cables digging in during a race.
 
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I just don't like the look of most Charge bikes except one, the Duster Hi 2009, and that's becoming harder to get now. Spec seems ok to me too

Duster Hi


The On-One site just seemed like a spec/build your own bike (though they would build it for you for £100) and the lowest spec I picked was £2k! It confused me :)
 
Some people don't like Specialized not because they are common as muck, but because they buy patents left right and center and sew anyone that encroches even slightly on them. They also buy up small companies that have new ideas and market them as there own. Roval...Gravity dropper...was FSR not someone elses idea?
Then there is the whole comercialisim/globalisation arguement.

Personally I would never buy a Spesh product again. But that's my personal choice.
 
Seems a lot of cyclists have the same opinions. We sell merida who last time I checked owned 49 percent of spesh. Decent enough bikes but they are hard to sell because nobody knows the name! Don't get me wrong i love them,my brothers fsr xc was an amazing machine and I do ride a bighit(second hand though!). I guess the fact they are marketed so well means people have faith in it when they buy. I know I'd be reluctant to purchase a few grands worth of bike from some 'no name' bike make with some funky new suspension system.
 
Weescott - what you described is good business practice. Microsoft, Google, Ebay, Ford, Toyota, NVIDIA, Apple, British Airways, yada, yada all do the same.

So you don't use or own any of those services/products ;)


On the other side of the coin Specialized pump loads of cash back into cycling through sponsorship, investment schemes, global initiatives, charity support etc etc...
 
Oh. You lucky bugger.. Morrisons dont do it..:(

Is your new bike going to ok to do that route I told you about today? I think we should plan it and have a think about doing something like it.
 
I was going to make a new thread about this but figured it might as well go in here.

I've been reading about Cannock Chase recently and seeing as its only 30 miles away I'm going to take my new purchase up there.

I know some of you go up there so was wondering if a hardtail was still ok for riding trails like it? I've seen the videos posted in the big bike thread here, it looks like loads of fun and can't wait to try it.

If a hardtail is good I'll stick to my original idea . I did pose this question on the Chase forums but would like a second opinion :p

Also, how many of you go up there and how often?

I'm going to need to get a bike rack for my car also, recommendations anyone? Preferable one that doesn't damage car or bike and doesn't need a tow bar.
 
Those are my videos :)

If I'm not in Wales or riding somewhere else then I'm at Cannock .
The official trail - Follow the Dog, is an XC trail perfect for a hard tail bike. It’s about 7 miles round one lap and is a good place to start learning to ride, improving fitness etc..

Once you get bored of the official trail there is loads more stuff built by regular riders that is more challenging and also several Down Hill courses to ride. Phase 2 of the Follow the Dog is currently under construction which is looking good - I think they are aiming to get it finished by the end of the year.
 
A hardtail it is then. Those vids were very good and as I said looks like great fun.

I think I'm going to stick to the £1k budget and no higher. If I become more serious about riding later I can always save up and get an even better bike.

I'm still stuck for which Bike to get though but have narrowed it down to 3

Black Forest Pro

Trek 6500 Disc E - Black/White £990 with 10% code

Cube Reaction - Black
 
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