Mud-club
Chat & Social => The Bar - General Chat => Topic started by: Bush Tucker Man on April 17, 2007, 00:12:40
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With a bit of a nod at my previous thread; Any Cyclists In..? (http://forums.mud-club.com/viewtopic.php?t=41137)
I'm trying to persuade SWMBO that we need a pair (again)
After all, she did ride for a complete season way back
(http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/57/757/0/56/52/2780056520047309372dlKnRy_th.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2780056520047309372dlKnRy)
And now that's she's decided to get fit again, but can't really run (as she's found she seems to have knee problems)
Can anyone recomend a decent Mountain Bike for about £500 - £600?
My thoughts go towards the established brands;
Kona (http://www.konabikes.co.uk/)
Marin (http://www.marin.co.uk/)
Specialised (http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp?a=b&minisite=10028)
Trek (http://www.trekbike.co.uk/home.php)
1. I don't want full-suspension, but may accept front (Rock-Shox, or Manitou?)
2. For ease of maintenance & sheer stopping power, I suppose Discs are the thing to have?
3. Are they still all on these small-chain rings & sprockets nowadays, or are the old style (ie; proper sized!) 46/34/24 chaninrings back in use?
4. I want it fairly light, as it might be used for Cyclo-Cross next winter :roll:
5 Steel or Aluminium at the price mentioned??
I doubt that I can persuade her to let me have another Pace Research, or even look for a Yeti, or Ritchey??
One friend had a Yeti 'FRO', then got an ARC (http://www.yeticycles.com/Bikes/BikesARC.cfm#Specs), an utterly gorgeous bike (the link shows the current model)
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Bleeding heck! We pay half that ammount for all our bikes together!
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Tell Joanne I love the head gear Richard, and sorry to hear she can't do the running :(
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edited
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if your not going for full sus. then a decent saracen with front sus. carrera I have never had a problem with and had 3 of them and all stolen. :(
you have already mentioned kona but not one of my favourites.
also got giant and specialised.
it just depends on what bike takes your fancy when you look at it. :)
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if your not going for full sus. then a decent saracen with front sus. carrera I have never had a problem with and had 3 of them and all stolen. :(
No, certainly not full-suspension!
I want to be able to pedal up hills relatively easily, not struggle
you have already mentioned kona but not one of my favourites.
also got giant and specialised.
it just depends on what bike takes your fancy when you look at it. :)
Brother-in-law had a (carbon) Giant road-bike & it was rather nice.
I might go have another look at Evans Cycling this weekend (in 'Xscape'at Castleford)
I used to fancy a Specialised MMC(?), but stuck with the Pace.
A Yeti ARC would fit the bill nicely (but a frame-set is £650+), as would a Ritchey P22 (if I could find one nowadays)
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hi, i'm new to the forum and the 4x4 thing but not to MTBs s will try to help! :D
1. For £500-£600 your right to stick to a hard tail but might want to think about marzocchi forks as well as the other two as they make very nice hard wearing kit.
2. Discs are really the thing to have your right but a set of XTR v's are still very good breaks but you do go though pads.
3. Small chain rings are still the order of the day ... dont really know why ? :?
5. Alloy or steel? hard question but if you dont mind the harsher ride of alloy then it's prob the best bet as it's more commonly used so you will find it easier to pick up a better deal.
To add something else to the mix this is a nice bike with a carbon frame which you could upgrade in the future.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s2p363&z=429
As for where to buy from i can recomend
www.paulscycles.co.uk ... they have some really good deals
www.chainreactioncycles.com for your biking kit
www.merlincycles.co.uk do some well priced custom builds on their website and their own brand of frames ride very well
hope this has helped
Damo
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£500-600 is a reasonable budget for a decent hardtail (You won't get an MTB without front suspension for that money), but at that price point disc brakes are likely to be cable operated - my advice is to stay away - stick to V's or make sure you get hydraulic discs.
Again, at that price the frame will be aluminium - not a lot of choice here.
Cable discs lack stopping power and reliability, and even if you get them working well, they only move one pad, and rely on the disc bending slightly to contact the inside pad. There is an adjustment on the inside pad for you to move it to allow for pad wear, but this is an allen key job, and more hassle than it's worth.
V brakes are simple, reliable and easy to maintain. Their main downfall for UK XC (Cross country) riders is the reduction in performance in wet and muddy conditions - are you likely to be riding in the depths of winter?
All XC mountain bikes will have a 22-32-44 set of front chainrings, and at that price either 8 or 9 at the rear with either 11-32 or 11-34 range. If you look closely at the crankset, and make sure that it has removeable rings you can change this fairly easily (although any significant increase in size will necessitate a new chain).
There are, realistically, 3 options for purchase:
"LBS" (Local bike shop): This is most likely to get you the best pre and after sales service. However, you are not likely to pay significantly less than RRP
Chainstore (Halfords): Service quality is likely to be a lucky dip - a few shops have good, knowledgeable staff in "The Bike Hut", but most lack this. They do now have some good brands, so don't totally discount them.
Internet: There are some real bargain to be had, particularly from last years models - you're not too bothered about this years colours are you? Although a lot of the online retailers have very good customer service departments it's not as easy as just popping back to your LBS to get a minor problem tweaked.
Evans Cycles (http://www.evanscycles.com) is a good source of low-price quality bikes, and they have a number of stores as well. Customer service can be patchy sometimes - I've had 4 bikes from them, though, and not had any problems.
They have quite a few bikes in your price range (some reduced from £800 or more!).
This (http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60286) in particular caught my eye - a £750 Cannondale for £600, with a range of sizes still in stock.
Damohick's suggestions are all good. Also try Wiggle.co.uk (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/default.aspx?ReferID=eppepics) for kit.
Then book your holiday in Greece :lol:
Have fun!
Alaric.
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I would look at Trek or Specialised. Also for your SOH they do WMS models now.
If you want Steel then take a look at Merlin Cycles (link mentioned earlier) and the Rock Lobster range.
Sus forks no problems make all day rides more comfortable. However if cycle cross on the cards I would look at a ridged fork perhaps or a fork which can be locked out.
Re chain-set I think they all run compact rations unless you go for a custom chain set.
If you are looking at someone like Merlin you might want to consider a Middleburn Duo chain-set 2 rings I have found this better for Cross Country / Cyclo Cross.
I would also take a look at On-One Bikes (http://www.on-one.co.uk/) run by Brant Richards. They do some nice Stell bikes and a good price .
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£500-600 is a reasonable budget for a decent hardtail (You won't get an MTB without front suspension for that money), but at that price point disc brakes are likely to be cable operated - my advice is to stay away - stick to V's or make sure you get hydraulic discs.
I'll bear that in mind. I presume that the hydraulic ones aren't operated by a complete line?
My old Pace had Maguras, with a (small) cylinder in the brake lever.
Again, at that price the frame will be aluminium - not a lot of choice here
It still seems slightly strange that it's gone full circle, as aluminium used to be the 'top end'
V brakes are simple, reliable and easy to maintain. Their main downfall for UK XC (Cross country) riders is the reduction in performance in wet and muddy conditions - are you likely to be riding in the depths of winter?
Mud?, yes, I hope to get fit enough & continue riding, so I'll be riding Cyclo-Cross next winter
All XC mountain bikes will have a 22-32-44 set of front chainrings, and at that price either 8 or 9 at the rear with either 11-32 or 11-34 range. If you look closely at the crankset, and make sure that it has removeable rings you can change this fairly easily (although any significant increase in size will necessitate a new chain)
Not so much of a problem, as the bikes I'll be looking at are Shimano equipped.
Sadly I've still got a stash of the earlier (110mm??) PCD Shimano (& Stronglight) chainrings
"LBS" (Local bike shop): This is most likely to get you the best pre and after sales service. However, you are not likely to pay significantly less than RRP
There's a good one locally (Kendells (http://www.kendellcycles.co.uk/) in Castleford) but it's predominantly a 'roadie' shop.
I used to race as a member of the club (http://www.featherstoneroadclub.org.uk/4614.html) they sponsor
Evans Cycles (http://www.evanscycles.com) is a good source of low-price quality bikes, and they have a number of stores as well. Customer service can be patchy sometimes - I've had 4 bikes from them, though, and not had any problems.
Alaric.
There's an Evans at Castleford 'Xscape', it's about 15minutes drive away
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I would look at Trek or Specialised. Also for your SOH they do WMS models now.
So I see from a recent previous visit to Evans
If you want Steel then take a look at Merlin Cycles (link mentioned earlier) and the Rock Lobster range.
I'd like one of the (USA) Merlins, ie; the titanium frames :(biglove):
Sus forks no problems make all day rides more comfortable. However if cycle cross on the cards I would look at a ridged fork perhaps or a fork which can be locked out.
I'd make sure they had lock-outs, or swap the forks for 'cross.
I would also take a look at On-One Bikes (http://www.on-one.co.uk/) run by Brant Richards. They do some nice Stell bikes and a good price .
Brant Richards!!!
That's a name from the past, I wonder if it's the same one I know who used to work in 'Two Wheels Good' in Leeds with John Stevenson? (ex -Mountain Bike UK editor)
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At that price range, avoid disk brakes as they will come at the cost of lower spec frame or gearing. Also they usually have heavier wheel set up compared to V brakes.
Best is to look for a really good frame, that's the only bit you will never change.
Should be able to get decent entry level front suspension at this price range.
Have you looked at Orange?
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/
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I got this http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/index.html?action=detail&prodID=31352 athough i paid 5% less the top price last year.
I really cant fault it at all, and is as good if not better than the orange gringo that i was looking at next to it, which was another £100ish i think.
Gav.
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I'd give another vote for On One. And yes I believe that's the fella you're thinking of, he was previously a cycling journo.
They do complete bikes as well as just frames. Check out the Inbred, they do it as a complete bike with rigid or suspension fork. Can get cheaper bikes, but they are nice bikes, and the service and support is great. My last bike was an On One 456 steel framed bike, lovely machine. Nice and compliant, yet tough as old boots without too much weight.
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try this link, They have a place in leeds on Harrogate road.
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/comms/srv.a4d?f%5Fpg=info%2Ehtm&f%5FCardinal=10
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:lol: Plenty of choice there then Richard at that price just really down to your choice. Evans does have quite a good choice bought my Gt from there and not bad service either !
My personal choice would be a Kona always liked them :D Got a Kona last year and have no arguments about it great bike !! love it!!
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I always find it more fun to build your own!
I originaly bought a Scott a few years ago and its slowly evolved. I think the only part remaining from the original is the bottom bracket!!
1. For £500-£600 your right to stick to a hard tail but might want to think about marzocchi forks as well as the other two as they make very nice hard wearing kit.
Id second that on the marzocchi forks, simple and very effective.
I had a pair of manitou and after hitting a tree (dont ask) they folded up!
I was not impressed!
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I had pretty much the same requirement, and went for a Marin Hawk Hill. It's just what I was looking for.
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I always find it more fun to build your own!
I originaly bought a Scott a few years ago and its slowly evolved. I think the only part remaining from the original is the bottom bracket!!
1. For £500-£600 your right to stick to a hard tail but might want to think about marzocchi forks as well as the other two as they make very nice hard wearing kit.
Id second that on the marzocchi forks, simple and very effective.
I had a pair of manitou and after hitting a tree (dont ask) they folded up!
I was not impressed!
Yup, that's what I did with my On One. Bought the 456 frame, then built it up with Marzocchi All Mountain forks (good, solid and basic), hydraulic discs etc. Great fun putting it all together, plus you can spec it up exactly how you want it.
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Mine has an identiti frame now with halo rims and the marzocchi forks....totaly Bomb proof... despite the attempts of those pesky trees that jump out in front of you!
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Have you looked at Orange?
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/
No I hadn't
SWMBO had an 'Aluminium O' (see my opening post for image)
It's nice to see they've resurrested the 'Clockwork' model name.
I think Stif in Leeds was their first real dealer, as Paul (who owned the shop) went wind-surfing with Lester Noble, the founder of orange
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Have you looked at Orange?
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/
No I hadn't
SWMBO had an 'Aluminium O' (see my opening post for image)
Prior to the 'Ally O', she had a 15" Marin Bear Valley (a 1989 model?) with a 'U-Brake' under the chainstays
The colour choice has changed somewhat since :lol:, but is now specced as a 'woman specific geometry'
Bear Valley (http://www.marin.co.uk/marin-2007/bikedetail.php?ModNo=3706)
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Going off at another tangent & why not?, I started the thread :wink:
I've just been browsing after having done todays ride, subsequent food & shower
(on annual leave today & tomorrow)
I found this, what a blast from the past :(bigsmile):
Some of the strips were seriously hippy-ish/surreal, but always fun!
Mint Sauce (http://www.thisiswhy.co.uk/)
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richard
in light of your dedication to the fabled brand from solihull
im very surprised you havent followed suit with the 2 wheeled variant
link (http://www.nationalcycles.co.uk/index.php?cPath=1384_1387&SSL3_Customer_SecurityID=5074cb45bbd8b9411ae76509dec3cfbd)
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Land Rover are not the only car manufacturer with branded mountain bikes - Audi, Merc, BMW, Hummer and a few others also have them.
Unfortunately they are all heavily over priced and under-specced!
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yes i know other manufacturers have bikes but since btm is an lr nut i thought it fitting he should carry on with his collection with another lr :)
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richard
in light of your dedication to the fabled brand from solihull
im very surprised you havent followed suit with the 2 wheeled variant
No, not for me Dyfed.
I'm more interested getting a 'real' bike :wink: (ie; Marin, Trek, Kona, etc...)
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You might find this of interest: MBUK digital issue (http://www.zinio.com/express2?issue=206150354)
Check out the "Half grand hardtails" article.
Alaric.
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Brant Richards!!!
That's a name from the past, I wonder if it's the same one I know who used to work in 'Two Wheels Good' in Leeds with John Stevenson? (ex -Mountain Bike UK editor)
Yes thats the one, great guy.
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Some of the strips were seriously hippy-ish/surreal, but always fun!
Mint Sauce (http://www.thisiswhy.co.uk/)
I used to ride with Joe Burt who draws Mint Sauce when I lived in Brighton.
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I meant to go over to Evans at 'Xscape', as I was already in Pontefract early this afternoon.
Which was a big mistake, as the main road from jct 32 of the M62 wsa gridlocked, as there was a meeting at the Race-Course :roll:
Still, I've been browsing around & fancy this (for a start)
Trek 6000 (http://www.trekbike.co.uk/2007/bikes.php?sec=overview&MainCatID=2&SubCatID=7&RangeID=0&ID=363), in Metallic Orange/Black
(I saw this one the other week at Evans & liked it a lot)
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Some of the strips were seriously hippy-ish/surreal, but always fun!
Mint Sauce (http://www.thisiswhy.co.uk/)
I used to ride with Joe Burt who draws Mint Sauce when I lived in Brighton.
Always use to like the Philosophy of mint sauce, went of the mag when it went more to fashion than to trail riding.
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As a bit of a curve ball, there's always Calderdales 2nd largest bike company 'On-One' (http://www.on-one.co.uk/).
I know a few of these bikes, and they do seem to live up to the hype, both geared and single speed.
.....despite the fact that Brant Richards (exMBUK deputy ed) is MD! :lol:
Food for thought
Cheers
8)
Eeyore
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As a bit of a curve ball, there's always Calderdales 2nd largest bike company 'On-One' (http://www.on-one.co.uk/).
That's already been mentioned Nick
.....despite the fact that Brant Richards (exMBUK deputy ed) is MD! :lol:
Now that's a double edged sword, isn't it? :lol:
I used to know Brant quite well during his days of working in 'Two Wheels Good' (the infamous Leeds bike shop that later took the 'FreeWheel' franchise)
Subsequently, I also know his old 'partner in crime' John Stevenson, & their old house-mate Deb Murrell (ex-British national MTB champion)
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Now, quite how the guy has ever calmed down enough to run a business I will never know! :lol: He's making it work, though and putting some darn good bikes together.
He always used to have the attention span of spaniel! But dang, he knew his bikes! 8)
Cheers
8)
Eeyore
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He always used to have the attention span of spaniel! But dang, he knew his bikes! 8)
Cheers
8)
Eeyore
Just a few seconds longer than a Goldfish then?? :lol:
I've been over to Evans & had another look at that Trek again, also asked about the criteria for test-rides.
So, maybe later this week, I'll have another ride over ........
The guy offered me a ride there & then, but I can't ride in jeans, they're just too uncomfortable (so I'll go over in lycra & SPD shoes)
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Coming back up to press, I almost bought an '06 Kona Caldera last month, but couldn't get the correct size.
So this afternoon........... I've ordered a Trek 6000 in orange/black) (http://www.trekbike.co.uk/2007/bikes.php?sec=overview&MainCatID=2&SubCatID=7&RangeID=0&ID=363#)
Sadly it wasn't in the shop, so it's arriving on Tuesday.
With that in mind.......................... I've been checking up on the cyclo-cross calendar for this autumn.
Little question
Are the cleats from the original SPDs compatible with the present range?, or do I have to invest in new shoes & pedals as well??
Mindst you, I quite fancy a fresh pair of Sidis
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No phone call today, but given the weather I think it may be a safe bet that it hasn't arrived?
Just been browsing around & I wish I could have persuaded SWMBO that one of these (http://www.yeticycles.com/Bikes/BikesARC.cfm) was the ideal bike for me* :lol:
A friend had one for a while, back in the mid-90s, as well as a 'FRO'. Great bikes
* UK distributor price is £699 (frame only)
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i like that ,
but i'd want all the bike for $811 not just the frame ....
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i like that ,
but i'd want all the bike for $811 not just the frame ....
I'd be happy with it at the recommended price, set up with a pair of Manitous, with Answer stem & bars (I'm 'old school' :wink: )
Anyway
I got it this morning :D
(quite the apt text colour :lol: )
(http://thumb12.webshots.net/t/52/452/4/90/8/2638490080047309372OInYXw_th.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2638490080047309372OInYXw)
I've already swapped stem & bar, as it had a short stem (90mm??) & a pair of those 'sit up & beg' riser bars.
Now it's got a pair of flat Easton & a 110mm stem
Plus an old friend who I used to ride MTB & 'cross with donated a pair of SPDs to the cause.
Well done Nick
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what size frame is that?
are you a short man cos it looks like a 17 or 19?
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what size frame is that?
are you a short man cos it looks like a 17 or 19?
171/2, but yes, the top tube is fairly sloping
I'm about 5'9"
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I've already swapped stem & bar, as it had a short stem (90mm??) & a pair of those 'sit up & beg' riser bars.
Now it's got a pair of flat Easton & a 110mm stem
After a brief potter about this morning to try and set it up correctly, I've decided that I need another stem :roll:
The 110 isn't long enough as I can't get a decent (ie; stretched out) position.
I reckon a totally flat 130mm ought to suffice?