Oh How Original Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 For a change, not a rant thread 😄 Actually looking for some biking advice, I have joined MTBR which is brilliant, but most people on there have £3,000-4,000 and upwards bikes. Just wondering if anyone on here is into cycling and could offer any advice? Realistically, I am looking to spend up to £700 for just the bike. Or if I decide to let the Kraton go (long story) that would become £900-1,000. I am liking the ones below, but wonder if anyone else has any suggestions? I need medium frame, ideally 27.5 or 29, not a fan of little wheels. Most likely a hardtail because on this budget I don't think I'd get a good full sus. https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/pinnacle/kapur-2-2020-mountain-bike-913079#colcode=91307945 https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/gt-avalanche-comp-hardtail-bike-2021/rp-prod200319?mx01=a&mx02=a https://www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/voodoo-hoodoo-mens-mountain-bike---16in-18in-20in-22in-frames-445737.html And my favourite so far, with what I think is the nicest spec but also the highest price point. https://www.giant-kendal.co.uk/gb/talon-1-2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yrkoon Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 you could try asking on https://www.cyclechat.net/ they are down to earth and pretty helpful 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kpowell911 Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 Look into/read up on a Carrera Titan X Halfords had them for £850, its a full suspension, very high component level for the price 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babylon Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 Bikes at the moment are like graphics cards, It's not a case of what you want, It's more a case of what you can get. If you want a Hardtail, Vitus Nucleus, and job done, Best budget hardtail on the market. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh How Original Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 @Yrkoon - joined, will post my recommendation thread there shortly. @Guns - Funnily enough I had the non 'x' version of that in my bookmarks from Halfords, but wasn't sure anything full sus under £1,500 was actually going to be worth buying. @babylon - That was my favourite until I saw some of the reviews, most people complaining the gear mechanism and shifter fails or plain falls to bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BashingBrian Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 Trust me don't buy a full sus for under £1k you'll just get a heavy under specced bike, don't buy from Halfords and Gt have a terrible warranty process.. As @babylon says above the Vitus is your absolute best choice for the money, but to my knowledge out of stock. So you're pretty much left with the Kapur 2, any bike at that price will have a cheap fork and lower spec drive train. Also a lot of brands have currently lowered their specs because of lack of certain parts. I would also suggest you have a look at the Trek Marlin. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
53HRA Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 @toyolien is your bike man PM him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James.S Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 (edited) If you have a budget of £700 you'd be much better off buying something second hand (if that's an option for you?) You can find many, slightly older but really nice, well specced full sus MTB's on Ebay & the likes for well within your price range. I bought a 2008 Yeti 575 a couple years ago for £375, Fox suspension all round, top of the range shimano drivetrain/cranks, Hope Pro 2 hubs etc. Easily a £3000+ bike when new, and it was in lovely condition. Have a little look around at second hand stuff before buying new because you will get ALOT more for your money if you're willing to sacrifice having that 'brand new' bike feeling. EDIT: Here's a few I found after a few mins searching, just to give you an idea of what's out there 👍 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Marin-Attack-6-7-Full-Suspension-Downhill-Enduro-Mountain-Bike-rockshox-17-5/284191942492?hash=item422b28e75c%3Ag%3A~IAAAOSwuzFgKsPG&LH_ItemCondition=4 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-Full-Suspension-Mountain-Bike/284212033430?hash=item422c5b7796%3Ag%3AFyoAAOSwiI9gFTQo&LH_ItemCondition=4 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Boardman-Full-Suspension-16-Mountain-Bike/274711287992?hash=item3ff61198b8%3Ag%3Ahf8AAOSwHtxgRTbn&LH_ItemCondition=4 Edited March 10, 2021 by James RC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfie amey Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 I would recommend having a look at the stuff from decathlon as there is some great value there 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babylon Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 (edited) Says large and medium in stock, Or the VRS version for 750, S and M in stock. Edited March 10, 2021 by babylon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babylon Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 Small and medium, S and M not coming across how I wanted. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh How Original Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 Second hand would be the obvious route, but nobody seems to want to post a bike, at least from my searches... I don't have means for collecting at the moment. I'd love to save £200... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James.S Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, Oh How Original said: Second hand would be the obvious route, but nobody seems to want to post a bike, at least from my searches... I don't have means for collecting at the moment. I'd love to save £200... I've edited my post above with a couple of Ebay links for you. One of those listings is offering delivery for £60 so you will likely find more sellers who will post. Just depends if you're happy to pay it but you will still be spending less than buying a new bike & also getting something much higher spec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh How Original Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 10 minutes ago, James RC said: I've edited my post above with a couple of Ebay links for you. One of those listings is offering delivery for £60 so you will likely find more sellers who will post. Just depends if you're happy to pay it but you will still be spending less than buying a new bike & also getting something much higher spec. Cheers, I can find one or two, but not managed to find the specific bike I want second hand with postage. Plus second hand prices seem to be very high right now and £60 is way too much for a £20 postage cost, but it's a start I suppose and thank you for the links! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugoagogo Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 I've got a Felt Compulsion 2 Limited Edition I'd consider selling, it's a good few years old but used less than a handful of times. It's only got standard 26" wheels but the components are pretty high spec mix of shimano and SRAM and it's in great condition, plus I'm from the North East as well. Give it a Google mate, number 68 of a limited run of 300. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James.S Posted March 10, 2021 Share Posted March 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, Oh How Original said: Cheers, I can find one or two, but not managed to find the specific bike I want second hand with postage. Plus second hand prices seem to be very high right now and £60 is way too much for a £20 postage cost, but it's a start I suppose and thank you for the links! Well hopefully you can find the one you're looking for. It's always worth a little peruse because you never know what'll pop up. Yeah, bicycle prices skyrocketed at the beginning of the lockdown as people tried to cash in on the temporary cycling craze, but prices are gradually coming back down to earth again now. And you're welcome mate, any time 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh How Original Posted March 10, 2021 Author Share Posted March 10, 2021 4 minutes ago, Hugoagogo said: I've got a Felt Compulsion 2 Limited Edition I'd consider selling, it's a good few years old but used less than a handful of times. It's only got standard 26" wheels but the components are pretty high spec mix of shimano and SRAM and it's in great condition, plus I'm from the North East as well. Give it a Google mate, number 68 of a limited run of 300. Inbox me pictures and price you're looking for buddy 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BashingBrian Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 @Oh How Original This is currently TREK's biggest selling bike worldwide, if you want a good cheap bike with a very good warranty you can't go wrong with these. (these are 29"s) https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/trek/marlin-5-2021-mountain-bike-916674#colcode=91667412 https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/trek/marlin-6-2021-mountain-bike-915552#colcode=91555218 https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/trek/marlin-7-2021-mountain-bike-916926#colcode=91692612 Most of the junk on eBay will all be worn out 26" wheeled bikes, yes you can find a bargain now and then but unless you know what you're doing you're most likely gonna get burned..!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAL3D Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 Definitely go Vitus if you can find one in stock. I managed to get one of the last 2020 Nucleus 27 models before they changed the lovely Altus 2x9 gearset to that horrible single Samox thing on the 2021 which I didn't like. You might need to go up a price bracket to get decent gearing though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strugglecuddle7 Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 10 hours ago, Oh How Original said: For a change, not a rant thread 😄 Actually looking for some biking advice, I have joined MTBR which is brilliant, but most people on there have £3,000-4,000 and upwards bikes. Just wondering if anyone on here is into cycling and could offer any advice? Realistically, I am looking to spend up to £700 for just the bike. Or if I decide to let the Kraton go (long story) that would become £900-1,000. I am liking the ones below, but wonder if anyone else has any suggestions? I need medium frame, ideally 27.5 or 29, not a fan of little wheels. Most likely a hardtail because on this budget I don't think I'd get a good full sus. https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/pinnacle/kapur-2-2020-mountain-bike-913079#colcode=91307945 https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/gt-avalanche-comp-hardtail-bike-2021/rp-prod200319?mx01=a&mx02=a https://www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/voodoo-hoodoo-mens-mountain-bike---16in-18in-20in-22in-frames-445737.html And my favourite so far, with what I think is the nicest spec but also the highest price point. https://www.giant-kendal.co.uk/gb/talon-1-2021 I worked for halfords as a bike mechanic for five years until recently, The carrera titan is pants even in the x spec! i wouldnt bother with a full suspension unless you are hitting some knarly terrain like bike park wales etc, the voodoo hoodoo is a great bike for the money ive owned the older model and the one that you linked, the fork is rather low end tho! but the geometry is a hoot to ride as its designed by joe murrey aka mr jump off mountains for kona back in the heyday of mtb'ing. 27.5" or 650b as its known also is king in my opinion as you can fling it around (26 is still superior in my eyes) 29ers unless you are tall feel dull in comparison! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strugglecuddle7 Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 oh and stick with a 1x drivetrain! saves on maintenece costs, simplifies the drivetrain etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strugglecuddle7 Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 10 hours ago, BashingBrian said: Trust me don't buy a full sus for under £1k you'll just get a heavy under specced bike, don't buy from Halfords and Gt have a terrible warranty process.. As @babylon says above the Vitus is your absolute best choice for the money, but to my knowledge out of stock. So you're pretty much left with the Kapur 2, any bike at that price will have a cheap fork and lower spec drive train. Also a lot of brands have currently lowered their specs because of lack of certain parts. I would also suggest you have a look at the Trek Marlin. Parts are a complete nightmare at the minute i managed to snag a brake set off ebay last night for my road bike, ive been looking for a couple of months for them lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninetiesbeard Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 I personally own a bike by Bicycles | Carbon & Aluminium Bikes | CANYON GB and its been great. I fully agree with what people are saying about "cheap" full sus bike. It really isnt worth the hassle, my canyon is a full susser and was "cheap" at nearly 2k. Probably has 3-4k miles on it now so was a good purchase. Also agree with a 1x drivetrain, best decision youll ever make with a mountain bike. Most modern mid range bikes come with the sram 1x12 eagle line of drivetrains. One set of drivetrain has lasted multiple years of thrashing so. Id also say stick with 27.5 but being as i havent ridden a 29er im probably biased. The big wheels look goofy to me. The fork and shock are where the money is going to go, so i would read reviews on those before you commit to anything. There are also bargains to be had second hand, bikes depreciate fast so youll be able to save big bucks there. Corona has made bikes much more expensive though so, watch out for people being cheeky 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertberr Posted March 11, 2021 Share Posted March 11, 2021 (edited) As someone who's worked in the bike trade for some years, I'd echo most of whats been said above. Hardtail (full suss less than 1500-2000 will have a compromised spec, lower end heavy components just where you want lighter stronger ones i.e. fork, wheels). 27.5 wheels are a good compromise, 29ers are OK if you want a magic carpet ride and are on the tall side, but they lose some of the intimacy of a 26er or even 27.5, hence I've stayed with 26 for my steel hardtail. Sold the only 29er Full Suss I had as it just wasn't so much fun, but I guess you need to take a judgement on that based on the style of riding / terrain you'll be using it on most. Buy the frame/fork/wheels...i.e. don't worry too much about drivetrain spec levels, they're mostly consumables anyway - you can always upgrade as parts wear out. My 1991 Kona Cinder Cone that I've had from new, is like Triggers broom, the only original parts left are the frame, fork and crank-set. I'd much rather buy a better quality frame/fork with lower end drivetrain/finishing kit than one with high end transmission and cheap, overly harsh frame & boat anchor fork (check fork stanchion material - some 700 quid bikes will still come with steel stanchions/chrome or nickel plating. Get aluminium/magnesium alloy forks if you can, even if it means spending a bit more. Build your own? I've built a couple of MTBs now from a bare frame, you get to choose your own spec, and have the fun of building it too. Will cost more obviously, but you get added satisfaction when its completed and you can say "I built that". And persevere with the second hand search. You will find something, just gotta be patient, and you'll save yourself a packet, or spend the same and get a MUCH better quality bike. Edited March 11, 2021 by bertberr typo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oh How Original Posted March 11, 2021 Author Share Posted March 11, 2021 Ta for the replies, after some more searching last night and more reviews, full suspension is out, I wasn't 100% convinced, but to begin with, hardtail is the only option. I don't mind between 27.5 or 29er, I guess coming back into it after a long while out, I figured a 29er is going to give me the 'easier' ride of the two, but having never actually ridden one, that's based on other peoples opinions, I'm yet to form my own. Right now, top of the pile is the 2021 Giant Talon 1 at £729, over my original budget but yeah... The spec seems very good, especially when compared to the Talon 2 which is £599, but a lot less spec. I do have to keep in mind I need a helmet and some shoes though, possibly some riding short just for comfort, I don't really have anything suitable at the moment. I am probably going to go full face, not to try and look like the next Aaron Gwin, but coming from riding motorcycles, I am used to full face and if I do take it a bit further later on down the line, I am covered for running in harsher conditions and potentially DH. Second hand market is a bit hit and miss, unless I commit to selling the Kraton and up my budget for new, the Giant seems unmatched in spec and quality for the price point. I did see this, but not sure. https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/kona-lana-l-hardtail-bike-2021/rp-prod200019?mx01=a&mx02=a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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