[Closed] 2.5k to 3k absolute max, second hand, what would you buy?...

A new Canyon or YT...mega bang for your buck. New bikes are always better than second hand bikes and you get warranty back up etc.

That budget would get you a new Aeris, or a really well spec'd second hand one....

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2194673/

If you've got up to £3k to spend, why go second hand? You can get a really great NEW bike for that money from YT, Canyon or even on sale from one of the bigger chains. And of course, you get a warranty if you buy new.

Canyon Spectral: https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/spectral/2017/spectral-al-7-0-ex.html

YT Jeffsy CF 1: https://www.yt-industries.com/uk/detail/index/sArticle/1359/sCategory/508

Evans, for example (Other bike shops are available. I don't work for Evans. Heaven forbid.): https://www.evanscycles.com/bikes/mountain-bikes_c/2016-model_year/2017-model_year/full_suspension-suspension_type?page=0&productsPerPage=48&priceIncMin=2303&priceIncMax=3004&sort=-price_inc_vat

would also get you a new [url= https://www.airdropbikes.com/products/airdrop-edit-trail ]Airdrop Edit[/url]

With that sort of budget the world's your lobster really.

Not tempted by a direct sale new bike? Buy you a lot of Jeffsy that.

I'd personally go for the trail end, a Nomad or Capra would be lovely for the Alps and BPW, but it'll be maybe a bit dull around Cannock.

Bronson, Tracer (last one), Recluse

I'd probably build my own bike for 3k - none of the current bikes I would consider have the spec I would like. I'd consider the airdrop edit frame for my next build.

I'd be wary of dropping that much cash on a second hand bike. The law of diminishing returns would make me spend 3k on a great new bike rather than a second hand bike that was a couple of % better.

A bird would be Ace at BPW Cannock and Scotland I reckon.

Or a 5 Frame built up with nice functional bits without going mental

I raised an eyebrow when that s/h Bird popped up in the classifieds here. Obviously the price wasn't a typo then.

I'd probably be looking at the Jeffsy CF as well, or the Radon Swoop 7 and a wheelset upgrade if you want something longer travel.

Like the rest of the world, I've just ordered a new Bird Aeris - the whole bike with an acceptable build cost less than my last frame!
Hard to find a bad word about them, modern geometry, lifetime transferrable warranty, DIY spec - pretty difficult to look past.

Was in a similar situation recently. Plumped for a Jeffsy cf one. It's an absolutely scorching bike! Handled everything I have thrown at it with ease so far. Was worried I would want more travel, but my worries were put to bed fairly quickly. It's cliched to say it has the benefits of a 29er without many of the pitfalls. But it really does. Super fast, sure footed so balanced. Does not feel clumsy in anyway. You can still tell it's a lanky legged mofo on switchbacks, specifically on the exit of those corners. But I'm adapting my riding to suite this, to be honest it just highlighted that I was not smooth and too heavy on the brakes.

I recently had a similar budget and went for a second hand Transition Scout frame from the classifieds here, having never bought used before.

The frame and dropper cost £700 and I transferred the rest (Fox 32 Factory, Hope / DT wheels, XTM8000) over from another bike. I think the total cost was about £750 by the time some other bits and bobs were done.

I think I was lucky in that - between some polish and the previous owner's care - the condition of the frame is very good (and they'd never used the Monarch shock). Overall, the point is that you can get a great bike for not as much money as you were expecting.

[img] [/img]

Build a bike with combination of new and used components
Id probably go nearly new for Frame and Forks to get something super posh. Also used for Bars, Stem ets (stuff that doesn't wear out). Then go new for Drivetrain, brakes, dropper post, wheels, bearing parts - essentially consumables

Not the hijack the thread but what kind of budget does it become worth it to look at new stuff, mine will be roughly 2k, maybe a few hundred over. So far the new options are YT, Bird etc with average builds or a second hand option with a great build.

I'd be wary of dropping that much cash on a second hand bike. The law of diminishing returns would make me spend 3k on a great new bike rather than a second hand bike that was a couple of % better.

I'd disagree, a second hand Santa cruz or Transition will have far better sell on value from the word go, and will arguably be a better bike than the direct purchase offerings.

The only downside is that it wouldn't be 'new', but buying a second hand bike if you have half an idea of what you're looking at isn't hard, it's not like buying a modern diesel car frinstance.

If you're looking at Canyon then the CF Speectral 8.0 is only just out of budget
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mtb/spectral/spectral-cf-8-0-ex.html (and doesn't have Eagle so lower running costs)

Personally wouldn't even consider dropping that kind of money on a 2nd hand bike with potentially worn out bits & no warranty. I'd be looking at one of the big discounters like Pauls, etc to pick up a new bike with a big discount.

The only downside is that it wouldn't be 'new',

Main downside is no warranty on the frame.

Those Airdrops do look very nice. I went down the second hand route and bought a Bronson. A few months ago I was looking at Bronson that was completely blinded out, ENZe wheels etc and that was going for £3.5 so bargains are out there if you look.

I'd be wary of dropping that much cash on a second hand bike. The law of diminishing returns would make me spend 3k on a great new bike rather than a second hand bike that was a couple of % better.

I'm with prawny. High end second hand enduro frame without a warranty, I'd assume it'd snap tomorrow and not spend any more cash than I could afford to throw away.

Loads of bike available new for that cash that, though less bling, are more than capable.

Giant Reign
https://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/78795/Giant_Reign_275_1_2016_Bike

Kona Process 153 DL
https://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/80274/Kona_Process_153_DL_2016_Bike

Both new.

Also Depends if your looking for something a bit different to the off the peg, direct sales offerings. These do seem incredible value to be fair. But the few times I have bought a complete bike I have taken off loads of bits I wasn't happy with straight away - which adds cost.

I recently gave myself a budget of 2.5K and patiently waited to find the right bits at the right price using a combination of nearly new, discounted parts, and to be fair 1 or 2 bits I already had.

Ended up with a tricked out Geometron which looks to all intents and purposes like a new bike - and more importantly it feels like 'my' bike straight away without having to swap anything.

Radon Swoop would be a beast at BPW.

£2.5k for a new bike with Lyriks, Reverb and Vivid shock 170mm front and rear?
[url= https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-swoop-170-8.0-583118 ]Radon Swoop[/url]
[img] [/img]

Thanks for the replies so far guys. My thinking was for 2.5-3k I would get something special for the money, maybe even close to a the hallow ground of a Yeti SB5?
Which brings me on to my next question, should I stick with ally over carbon?
One more thing, I prefer really bright colours (sorry) like the Yellow 2015 Transition etc!

Ben_H - Member
I recently had a similar budget and went for a second hand Transition Scout frame from the classifieds here, having never bought used before.

The frame and dropper cost £700 and I transferred the rest (Fox 32 Factory, Hope / DT wheels, XTM8000) over from another bike. I think the total cost was about £750 by the time some other bits and bobs were done.

I think I was lucky in that - between some polish and the previous owner's care - the condition of the frame is very good (and they'd never used the Monarch shock). Overall, the point is that you can get a great bike for not as much money as you were expecting.

Any reason you went for a Scout over the Patrol?

Loving the look of that Bird Aeries in Lime green! Is 145mm enough for me needs?

I would be really cautious buying a used Yeti. Especially at that kind of price... Not that I have any personal experience but there seems a fair bit of internet noise with regards to cracked frames... In fact about the only "boutique" brand i would invest significant £££ in second hand would be Santa Cruz. Everything else would seem like too much of a gamble. Hence going for a new bike.

That would get you a base model Cotic Rocket/Flare, or a second-hand high spec. They're awesome!

No way on earth I'd buy a used carbon Yeti.

Main downside is no warranty on the frame.

Seen a few instances recently where SC have replaced cracked frames that have been bought second hand, my lbs has done a few too.

Even YT allowed me to transfer a warranty recently.

I wanted to buy a used top-end 29er Specialized Enduro but the second hand prices were more than a new Capra with the same spec. Makes you wonder how many bikes like that actually change hands. Nobody is going to sell a £6-7k bike 2 years later for £2k, and nobody is going to buy one used without warranty for £3-4k.

nobody is going to buy one used without warranty for £3-4k.

Mate just sold his Nomad for 3.5k, plenty people around will buy at that price used.

Brand new Mega

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Nukeproof-Mega-275-Comp-Mountain-Bike-2017-Full-Suspension-MTB_98730.htm

3k would buy you my medium yeti sb6c that's been ridden 5 times.

I haven't even registered the frame so you could register it and have warranty.

Pm me if interested

Yes Bob, but it's Tredz, not a cat's chance they'll actually have it! 😆

Loving the look of that Bird Aeries in Lime green! Is 145mm enough for me needs?

Well the 120 Aeris is doing well in enduro comps so I'd say the 145 should be good for anything short of full on DH. Especially if you spec'd it with 160 Lyrics.

I use my 140/150 mk1.5 Aeris for BPW and big mountain days, and would happily take it to the Alps. But it also isn't too much bike for enjoying slightly tamer trails and trail centers.

My own choice in your position OP would probably be an Aeris 145, more or less base spec (11spd NX), plus a dropper would take it to about the £2200-2300 mark, and then just save remaining budget for sundries (Kit/trips/suspension tuning/breakages/etc).

From what I've seen of it NX 11 speed is good enough, you'll just overspend, needlessly bumping up the spec on most of the other builds and I don't reckon the 50t sprocket on the GX-12 speed build is worth another £300 just yet... The only thing really worth having from day one is a Dropper, pay a premium for the Reverb from Bird, or shop about to save a little aftermarket, but do budget to have a dropper...

I love a good used bike build, but I reckon once your budget tops ~£1500 and given the last couple of years has been almost constant "Standards" turnover, you'd actually be better buying a new bike today.

That Yeti sounds good with guarantee - tried out against the SC and Transition - they were all good but the Yeti was my Fav.

Still struggling to choose here guys!

I love the look of the Swoop,but concerned it'll be too overbiked for most my Cannock trips?

The Mondraker dune, I love the look of it but it concerns me as I know the second I come off and chip the paint and/or carbon I'll feel like crying lol.

Finally the tranny patrol. If it wasn't for the fact I hate that teal colouring I'd be ordering it tomorrow!

So, is the swoop gonna be a pain peddling it uphill or not as bad as I'm reading from various forums across the net? Any owners care to comment?

The swoop pedals as well as a lot of 160mm bikes, better than some, but if you're mainly riding Cannock it might be a bit overkill.

I played with the bird site after reading this and for £2500 I got a nx spec with dropper and lyric rtc3s. I'd have that and I live at Cannock.

pies - Member
Any reason you went for a Scout over the Patrol?

Simply because it was available!

I was originally considering an Orange Four or Cotic Flare, but saw the Scout in the classifieds here and thought "why not?" for less than half the price.

Lot of people scared of second hand bikes, not sure why.

I would certainly pick something second hand, erring towards the more fun end of the scale by the sort of description of riding you do, buy the right bike for the 95%, not the 5% of the Alps.

Pick your brand wisely. I certainly wouldn't buy a second hand Yeti/Mondraker/Evil/Lapierre/YT etc as would want a bike that doesn't have a reputation for falling apart. I would approach a second hand bike from any brand with unregistered warranty with caution - the warranty is with the shop at the end of the day, how do you think they are going to react when someone else turns up with a broken bike, expecting it to be fixed?

If I wanted something new, i'd be looking at one of the direct brands these days, if I couldn't get a deal through friends.

Seconds hand - go with a decent brand that doesn't have a repuation for a reason...

£3k gets you a lot of bike.

Yep airdrop for me. Gone are the days of overly priced niche or boutique brands. Its simply money down the drain for something to bomb around the woods on.

Easily build an awesome bike yourself or a whole bike from Airdrop or Bird. Most, if not all Capra owners i know in the past 3 years have had their bike returned under warranty.

Could even get a rolling build from Bird, Airdrop or ex-demo kinda thing too.

I'd go new with that budget too. For what you do I'd not go too big travel or too small either.

Transition Patrol is lovely and gets great reviews - it's what I originally wanted but decided was too expensive. Love the bright colour of it too.

Biased here too - I wanted a bike with similar abilities to you - great on l big terrain - but not a lump to drag round smaller stuff. Went for a Bird Aeris 145 and it's awesome. My build is well under your budget - I'd go for at least GX 11 speed to get the 10t smallest cog on the cassette. You've then either got a higher end top speed than with an 11-42 cassette keeping the same size front chainring - or you can got down a size chainring for an easier low gear but still be ok at the top. I went for a 30t chainring with the 11-42 cassette.

I bought an Ascend dropper separately rather than paying out for a reverb - so far so good with it.

In an ideal world I'd have specced Lyrik 160s instead of Yari 160s but they've been great so far. For £3k I'd imagine you could go Lyriks / GX Eagle / Reverb etc within budget. Either that or save money on a cheaper dropper post and Upspec your wheels a bit.

Canyon also have some decent bikes at your budget.

The strive race pedals really well and has good geometry. They also seem to have sorted the shapeshifter out now.

I love my Yeti SB5c, but when I'm next in the market for a new mountain bike, I'm not sure I'd buy carbon fibre again.

(And yes, I know that means I possibly won't be buying a Yeti.)

I've never found an aluminium bike too flexible. And some brands get their aluminium frames down to just about 1lb heavier than the carbon (Canyon, for example). And given that, if something goes wrong, they are MUCH more expensive to repair or replace, then carbon loses a big chunk of its appeal.

And there's no way I'd buy a second hand carbon bike unless I knew its provenance intimately.

I'm surprising myself at how old-fashioned I must sound. But I'll get over it.

Selling my Nicolai Ion 16 in large for £2250 and wwould give you enough spare to go to the Alps for 10 days.. 😉

And given that, if something goes wrong, they are MUCH more expensive to repair or replace

carbon is more easily repairable than alloy, and I'd trust a CF repair far more than a re-welded alloy frame (or titanium for that matter - every repaired Ti frame I've known has subsequently failed at or around the repair). I'm not aware of any frame repairers that re heat treat frames post-weld?

Probably best to get steel if you want to repair it.

There are a few decent options out there now.

carbon is more easily repairable than alloy,

True enough, so I'll qualify my point; a replacement alloy swingarm is much cheaper than a carbon one.

You should buy my Capra with DVO diamonds and other upgrades 🙂

That £1200 Liteville in the classifieds is a bargain- if I didn't have a paid-for bike on order I'd have a good look at that, irrespective of geometry.

Guys, I'm going with lime green Aeries 145. Such a shame it's not got internal cable routing, but I'll never get a bike at this rate being this picky.

Would there be any chance you could help me spec it, what bits (forks especially) for the type of riding I'll be doing you'd change please?

The 120 would make more sense TBH

Pies - call Bird to discuss the spec, they are very helpful. Don't discount the 120, its a very capable bike and probably a better fit if you spend most of your riding time on trails.

Hey People.
Is anyone intrested in a brand new Nukeproof Mega?

Please PM me.

Enjot your evening.

Pies - defo ring Ben at Bird to chat it through.

I didn't test ride a 120 Aeris - always wanted a 145. Test ride one at Swinley which I understand it similar to Cannock and it was brilliant fun. Since ridden it a lot at Ashton court / Leigh Woods in Bristol which is even more tame and it's great fun there. Although done Cwmcarn in Wales down the DH runs and it's epic.

So go 145 over 120 - it climbs well for the amount of travel - I've got 160mm Yaris. If you've got a £3k budget then I'd pop on Sram eagle GX, a Lyrik and a dropper post but maybe keep the standard DT 1900 wheels. You won't be disappointed.

Concerning the Swoop, it's a pretty decent climber for an Enduro bike, and even a good climber considering the 170mm vivid air and long/low/slack geometry.

But, honestly, it feels like a big bike, a "mini-DH" bike. I wouldn't consider it for a trail perspective, not that it's bad at it, but it'll not be as fun or rewarding as other "smaller" bikes I think.

Perfect for me because I'm hitting spots that are usually ridden by downhillers and doing uplift from time to time, but not the perfect trail/enduro bike from my point of view.

Airdrop Edit and Aeris 145 were on my list as well, could be perfect for you !